The Galápagos Islands are one of the greatest nature destinations on Earth. This remote archipelago, 600 miles off Ecuador's coast, provided seeds for Darwin's theory of evolution.
Galápagos plants and animals differ not only from their continental relatives, but many species vary from one island to another. Most of the reptiles, including the giant Galápagos tortoises, many of the birds, and a third of the shore fish are found here exclusively. The archipelago is considered a living laboratory, and the islands are under constant scientific study.
Recognizing the uniqueness of the Galápagos Islands, the government of Ecuador has set aside most of the land as a national park, and tourism is strictly regulated.
Our expedition is aboard a comfortable motor yacht accommodating 20 passengers. The yacht offers offers participants small group intimacy with privacy. While island hopping, our focus is on observing and photographing wildlife.
The Galápagos offer intimate encounters with wildlife. On our trip you can snorkel with penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, and sea turtles, and walk amid giant tortoises, iguanas, boobies, albatross, and many other species found nowhere else. Our cruise partners have been carefully selected for their sustainability practices and quality of service, and all trips are family-friendly. Each expedition is guided by an experienced, Galápagos-trained guide.
Family and SCUBA programs are also available. Optional Machu Picchu and Amazon extensions available - contact us for details.
The Galápagos Islands offer some of the most reliable, intimate, and unique wildlife encounters of any destination on Earth. After decades of protection, many Galápagos species are largely unafraid of people, allowing travelers to view their natural behaviors up-close. As we travel throughout the islands you will readily see how natural selection has shaped the unique species found in the unique habitats of each island.
Wildlife highlights include endemic species such as Galápagos tortoises, marine and land iguanas, Darwin's famous finches, Flightless Cormorants, Galápagos Hawks, lava lizards, and Galápagos sea lions. Other unique species include Galápagos Penguins, green sea turtles, Great Frigatebirds in courtship, Waved Albatrosses, dolphins, whales, sharks, Blue-footed and Masked Boobies, Greater Flamingos, and many more. All trips yield excellent wildlife sightings, but certain species and behaviors occur seasonally; please inquire if you have a particular wildlife interest.
For more information, see our guide: The Galapagos Islands: What You'll See and When to Go.
This 8-day / 7-night cruise (9 day expedition with travel days) is offered on many dates throughout the year. Please contact us to discuss your preferred departure dates. 2017 trip fees are from $5,100 to $5,995 / person.*
* Price includes in-country flights from Quito or Guayaquil to the Galápagos, but does not include international airfare to/from Ecuador. Click here for our full expedition terms and conditions.
Galápagos Naturalist Guides accompany every trip. Since 1975, all visitors to the Galápagos must be accompanied by a certified naturalist guide. Guides undergo intensive training to assure their deep knowledge of Galápagos history, nature, and conservation, and skills as environmental interpreters and safe trip leaders.
Day 1: Arrive in Quito or Guayaquil
Arrive in Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador, overnight on your own.
Day 2: Quito or Guayaquil - San Cristóbal
Fly to San Cristóbal, Galapagos where you will be met and transferred to the ship for a welcome briefing followed by lunch. In the afternoon we will explore the island of San Cristóbal, which is home to several endemic birds, plants, and giant tortoises. We return to the ship for a welcome cocktail party and dinner.
Days 3 thru 8: Exploring the Galápagos Islands
The next seven days are spent visiting various sites of natural and historic interest throughout the archipelago following one of two itineraries. Ports of call include Española, Floreana, Isabela, Bartolomé, Mosquera, Santa Cruz, and South Plaza Islands, and daily activities include guided hikes and snorkeling, birdwatching, panga rides, and optional scuba diving. Contact us for complete day-by-day details depending on your preferred departure dates.
Day 9: San Cristóbal - Quito or Guayaquil
On our final morning in San Cristóbal, we visit the Interpretation Center operated by the Galápagos National Park before heading to the airport to catch mid-day flights back to Quito or Guayaquil. You can make arrangements to connect to international flights (with late afternoon departure times) or opt to overnight in a hotel and fly out the next day.*
* Machu Picchu and Amazon extensions available. Contact us for information.
Our expedition is aboard an 83 foot (25 meter) private motor yacht that accommodates 18-20 passengers and is custom designed for Galápagos cruising. The ship features ten outside-facing cabins with a window or porthole view and double or twin beds. Each cabin has a private bathroom and individually controlled air-conditioning. There's a dining room, a well-stocked bar, and a conference area with a flat screen TV, library, and panoramic picture windows. Or you can relax in a lounge chair on the sun deck, enjoying sea breezes and a sky full of stars. The ship carries multiple kayaks and SUPs for use at certain locations along our route. Complimentary masks, fins, snorkels, and 3mm full wetsuits are available on-board on a first come, first served basis, or a specific size can be reserved in advance for a fee (paid onboard).
Three meals are served each day on the ship, prepared by culinary school-trained chefs, and after-excursion snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are also provided. House wine and local beer are served during dinner.