If you're new to Backroads active cruise trips, there are a few things you need to know. Although our average group size is larger than a typical Backroads tour, our ship-based trips feel smaller and much more intimate than a typical cruise.

Additionally, even with an itinerary subject to fixed nautical schedules and national park regulations that may occasionally limit our time on shore, we get out and explore far beyond the cruise norm.

Being onboard a ship provides the benefit of being able to take advantage of ship amenities: the fitness room, hot tub and swimming pool. In addition, there is the opportunity to relax in the inviting common spaces or the privacy of your room. Your Trip Leaders will have information on the array of options to choose from.

If having longer routes or more flexibility to explore is important for you, we recommend choosing one of our River Cruise or Hotel trips. If you love meeting new people and having more time to relax aboard the ship, and enjoy the ease of unpacking once, you'll love our approach to active ocean cruising. Nobody does it like we do.

Although the Galápagos Islands are part of Ecuador, they can feel worlds away from the mainland, with challenges including slow or nonexistent internet and ATMs possibly running out of cash. Service onboard our ship and at hotels and restaurants can lack a sense of urgency.

During the trip there’s time for you to enjoy a scuba diving adventure. This activity is often a highlight for those who choose to do it, but due to liability issues and because it may not be to everyone’s liking, it’s not included in the cost of the trip and participation is at your own risk.

This trip includes travel on a commercial flight so that we can explore the best of your destination. Please note that flight schedules can change with little advance warning, which may require us to adjust our activities on a travel day. Your Trip Leaders will provide more details on any changes should this occur.

While most of our Family Trips for Kids & Teens welcome children as young as four years old, this particular trip has a minimum age requirement of seven years old. Due to the more rugged nature of some activities, as well as strict national park regulations in the Galápagos, we have limited flexibility in accommodating younger children.