Go Where the Wild Things Are!
Imagine yourself setting sail as Charles Darwin did nearly 200 years ago to discover an enchanted world unlike any other. And, just like Darwin, you will discover amazing and unusual wildlife as curious about you as you are of them.
This enchanted world is a land born of fire over 4 million years ago, featuring spectacular volcanic landscapes and geological formations. And, although each island maybe similar in geology and climate, each island is home to unique, endemic species – marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and giant tortoises to name a few!
You’ll swim alongside sealions, snorkel with sea turtles, paddle with penguins (yes, penguins on the equator!), sunbathe on beaches with Sally Lightfoot crabs, admire the albatross with an eight-foot wingspan soaring over rocky cliffs, and have a belly-laugh at the comical Blue-footed Booby.
So many marine and wildlife encounters await. You will quickly come to understand why the Galapagos are lovingly referred to as the “Enchanted Isles.”
Our goal is to assure that you have the adventure and experience you want. We do this by offering you a wide variety of options, helping you choose the right yacht or land-based eco-lodge and the right itinerary for your style of travel and budget.
Discover the Galapagos: By Land or By Sea?
The Galapagos Islands are a remarkable destination, where unique wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history come together to create an experience like no other. With two exceptional ways to explore the islands—a cruise-based journey or a land-based eco-lodge adventure—each offers its own set of unforgettable experiences. Whichever you choose, your time in the Galapagos promises close encounters with nature, inspiring views, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Choosing the Best Option for You – Each type of tour has its own advantages:
- Cruise-Based Tours are perfect for travelers wanting to maximize wildlife encounters, reach remote islands, and enjoy a structured, all-inclusive experience. If your goal is to see as much of the Galapagos as possible within a limited time, a cruise is an excellent choice.
- Land-Based Tours provide flexibility, opportunities for cultural immersion, and a stable base for families or groups. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, interact with local communities, or want the option to enjoy days on the water and others on land, a land-based option may suit you best.
By Sea
Galapagos Yachts (each yacht should have its own page with information about the boat, prices, itineraries, photo gallery and videos)
Origin/Theory/Evolve
Aqua
Endemic
Elite
Ocean Spray
Petrel
Exploring the Galapagos by Sea: Cruise-Based Tours
For travelers seeking an immersive journey through the Galapagos, a cruise offers a unique opportunity to reach remote, uninhabited islands only accessible by sea. Each day of your voyage uncovers a new facet of the islands, from the vibrant bird colonies of Genovesa to the pristine volcanic landscapes of Fernandina. Available in 4-, 7-, or 15-day itineraries, a Galapagos cruise allows you to explore the breadth of this remarkable archipelago with guided landings, snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking excursions that reveal its astonishing biodiversity.
The structure of Galapagos cruises is carefully regulated by the Galapagos National Park, which has set a 15-day cycle for all yachts. Each yacht’s itinerary is designed to visit specific sites only once during this cycle, a measure that has been instrumental in conserving the islands and ensuring sustainable tourism. This means that every cruise-based itinerary is thoughtfully crafted to maximize the experience while minimizing environmental impact, providing a thorough, yet responsible exploration of the archipelago.
With an all-inclusive setup, a cruise-based tour is ideal for those eager to make the most of their time in the Galapagos. Everything from meals to daily excursions is seamlessly managed, so you can focus on enjoying the experience. Certified naturalist guides lead each activity, sharing their deep knowledge of Galapagos ecology, wildlife, and conservation efforts. Onboard, the small group sizes (typically 16 – 20 guests) create an intimate, personalized atmosphere, making each landing feel like a unique discovery and fostering a genuine connection to the natural world around you.
Galapagos Yachts (link to yachts)
Aqua Mare
Endemic
Elite
Origin/Theory/Evolve
Ocean Spray
Petrel
By Land
Galapagos Lodges (each lodge should have its own page with information about the lodge, prices, itineraries, photo gallery and videos)
Galapagos Safari Camp
Pikaia Lodge
Experiencing the Galapagos by Land: Eco-Lodge Adventures
Land-based tours offer a more flexible approach to discovering the Galapagos, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture while enjoying daily excursions to nearby islands and coastal sites. Staying in eco-lodges on one or more of the main islands—like Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, or Isabela—means you have the comfort of returning to a hotel each night, which can be ideal for families or travelers who prefer more stability and flexibility.
These tours provide ample opportunities for cultural immersion, as you’ll be staying within local communities where you can interact with residents, sample Ecuadorian cuisine, and experience the unique lifestyle of island towns like Puerto Ayora. For those interested in underwater exploration, land-based tours also offer easy access to renowned dive sites, along with options for snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding, all at a pace that suits you.
In addition to day trips to nearby uninhabited islands, you’ll enjoy activities like hiking in the highlands, exploring volcanic craters, and learning about local conservation efforts at sites like the Charles Darwin Research Station. A land-based tour offers the flexibility to tailor your activities each day, making it a great choice if you’re seeking a more relaxed, customizable experience.
Galapagos Lodges (Link to lodges)
Galapagos Safari Camp
Pikaia Lodge
