For Budget Travelers
COMPANY: Adventure Life Journeys (www.adventure-life.com)
WHY: The Sulidae, a sailboat built in 1901, accommodates up to 12 passengers in six cabins with private bathrooms. For those who want the thrill of sailing and the comfort of a hot shower, there is the Angelique.
HOW MUCH: Sulidae, US$1,550; Angelique, US$1,660 in low season and US$1,820 high season; Darwin, US$1,430 low season and US$1,525 high season; Seaman, US$1,600 low season and US$1,725 high season; Fragata, US$1,865.
For off-the-beaten-trackers
COMPANY: International Expeditions (www.ietravel.com)
WHY: The remote Isabela is the largest island yet one of the least visited. One vessel that makes the pilgrimage is the Evolution, a 1920s vessel that takes 28 guests. Two-person kayaks are available on board.
HOW MUCH: From US$4,198 for the Evolution and US$2,130 for the Samba.
For the pampered set
COMPANY: Celebrity Cruises,(www.celebrity.com)
WHY: Mimosas, daily massages and evening cocktails al fresco are special touches offered on the Celebrity Xpedition. The "sunrise deck" has a hot tub and sauna. The Polaris (Lindblad Expeditions) offers massages atop a glass-
bottomed pontoon boat in a secluded cove.
HOW MUCH: Celebrity prices start at US$4,400; Polaris starts at US$3,650.
For landlubbers and day trippers
COMPANY: Finch Bay Eco-Hotel
(www.finchbayhotel.com) or
(www.royalpalmgalapagos.com)
WHY: If your idea of heaven does not include sleeping on a rocking boat, then a hotel-based day-tour package might be a better option.
HOW MUCH: Eight-day packages at Finch Bay start at US$1,787; there is a 25 percent discount for children under 12 sharing a room with parents (one child limit). Royal Palm prices: US$310 a night for studios, US$550 for villas, and US$800 for the two-bedroom room Imperial Suite.
HOW MUCH: Rates for a seven-night cruise start at US$2,295. No charge for ages six and younger. Age seven for around 30 percent off cruise rate; ages 12 to 14 receive 20 percent off. National park fee is not included.
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