Scattered like jewels across the deep blue ocean, the Indian Ocean Islands are an idyllic setting for leisurely cruising. With bright white powder sand beaches fringed with gently swaying palm trees, this is the ultimate tropical paradise and a fabulous escape for sun lovers searching for beautiful surroundings. Enjoy the contrast between the beach paradise of Mauritius and the fantastic safari and wildlife in Kenya. Discover the natural thrills of Madagascar, and the Seychelles which are renowned for their stunning beauty and laidback charm. The irresistible combination of exotic islands with the warm, turquoise blue lagoons makes the Indian Ocean the perfect relaxation location.
Top 10 Attractions
1.
Mahe, Seychelles
2.
Mumbai, India
3.
Heenfaru, Maldives
4.
Nosy Be, Madagascar
5.
Mayotte, Comoros
6.
Goa, India
7.
Port Louis, Mauritius
8.
St. Denis, Reunion
9.
Cochin, India
10.
Male, Maldives
Featured Port: Mumbai
Few cities evoke such a wealth of sensations as Bombay. Entering the city under the Gateway of India, which commemorates the visit of King George and Queen Mary in 1911, the sounds and aromas are exotic and the level of activity from the bazaars to the street vendors is non-stop...
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Currency
US Dollar = 100 cents
You are advised to take US Dollars in cash with you. There is a bank in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island) and Puerto Baquerizo (San Cristobal Island) that have ATMs and exchange traveller’s cheques. Credit cards are not widely accepted, other than to withdraw cash.
Tipping
In the cities it is not customary to tip taxi drivers. Tipping at restaurants is 10–15%.
Time Difference
GMT -6
What to See
The main reason for visiting the Galapagos Islands is to see the multitude of animals. Many of them are rare and can only be found on these islands.
The
Galapagos Penguins congregate along the rocky lava shores of Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, and Bartolome, Islands cooled off by both the Cromwell and Humboldt currents.
The
Red-billed Tropic Bird is one of the unforgettable memories of the Galapagos Island wildlife. Look for spectacular and loud air shows at Espanola Island and Genovesa Island.
Blue Footed Boobies are the most famous birds in the Galapagos Islands. Watching this bird diving in the ocean is quite a view. Also look out for
Galapagos Finches, and the
Greater Flamingo, living in Floreana, Isabela, Rabida, Santa Cruz, and Santiago.
Iguanas are one of the most interesting animals in the Galapagos Island wildlife; look out for the
Galapagos Land Iguana and the famous
Marine Iguana of Galapagos. Also look out for the
Galapagos Giant Tortoise,
Galapagos Sea Lions and
Fur Sea Lions.
Visas Health Safety
As the Galapagos Islands lie directly on the equator, you can expect it to be warm for most of the year. The islands have a sub-tropical climate with two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The hottest season is generally from January to May with average temperatures ranging from a low of 22°C to a high of 31°C (70–84°F). This is also the rainy season, and the sea is generally calm this time of the year and the water temperature warmer. From June to December is considered the ‘cool’ (and dry) season with average temperatures ranging from a low of 19°C to a high of 27°C (68–82°F). At this time of year, there are more animals on different islands, and the cold currents bring more animal life to the ocean.
March and April are generally considered the best months for visiting the islands. August and September tend to be considered the ‘worst’ months to visit when there is little sun, it can be quite cold, and the water the roughest.
November is the best month to visit during the dry season as the crowds are at their lowest and the weather is getting progressively better.
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