Galapagos Islands Tours & Cruises

A pristine cluster of islands located about 1,000km west of the Ecuadorian coast, the Galapagos Islands are renowned as one of the prime wildlife-watching destinations on earth. They straddle the Equator Line and are somewhat aligned with the capital city on the mainland, Quito. Fervently protected and encompassed in their namesake national park, the Galapagos boast a remote and perfectly insular location, which is what has spawned the islands’ unique cluster of wildlife. Endemic and distinct, the animals of the Galapagos are found nowhere else (for the most part) and they are most famous for having enticed Charles Darwin to concoct his Theory of Evolution.

Darwin’s findings were surmised after discovering that all the creatures in the Galapagos, great and small, had evolved unique adaptations thanks to their isolation and idyllic conditions. These spectacular islands are connected to the rest of the world via flights to the Ecuadorian mainland, only.

Anytime is a good time to visit the Galapagos Islands. However December through June is when the weather is the warmest, and for divers who wish to spot whale sharks the peak season is from July to November.  

When deciding which Galapagos islands to visit, consider each region's unique attractions and match that with your interests - whether it's wildlife, landscapes, or specific species. Choose the region that best aligns with your preferences for an unforgettable Galapagos Islands travel experience.

• North: Home to Genovesa and Santiago islands, renowned for birdwatching opportunities with species like red-footed boobies and fur seals.
• South: Features Española and Floreana islands, known for their stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, and opportunities for snorkelling with sea lions and colourful fish.
• East: Offers Santa Cruz and San Cristobal islands, with highlights like the Charles Darwin Research Station, marine iguanas, and opportunities for hiking and wildlife encounters.
• West: Includes Isabela and Fernandina islands, where you can witness active volcanoes, unique wildlife like flightless cormorants, and stunning geological formations.

Do note that some cruise boats focus solely on one region of the Galapagos, while others move around all four. Not sure which itinerary or boat would suit you best? Ask our Specialists for personalised advice and we’ll help you narrow the choice and match you up with the best boat, crew, and route.

While visiting Galapagos you can encounter a huge variety of wildlife, both land and marine. The most unique wildlife includes Galapagos tortoises, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, Galapagos finch, Galapagos penguins, Galapagos fur seals, blue-footed boobies, lava lizards and magnificent frigatebirds. 

Below you can see the number of species living on the islands:

• Mammals: 32 species
• Reptiles: 28 species
• Darwin Finches: 13 sub-species
• Sea Birds: 42 species
• Shore Birds: 34 species
• Water Birds: 21 species
• Land birds: 49 species

There are no specific packing essentials when visiting Galapagos Islands, but we recommend bringing sunscreen as the sun hits the equator hard. Also cameras, light clothes, sandals, sneakers and binoculars are essential for your trip. 

The Galapagos can only be reached by flights departing either from Quito or the coastal town of Guayaquil, in Ecuador. No matter where you enter South America, you’ll need to head up to Ecuador first and then fly over. Once you land at the main airport, you’ll have two choices: either board your Galapagos cruise ship or opt for lodge-based adventures. Only a couple of islands are inhabited and offer the latter option, however, so cruising offers the more comprehensive experience, especially if you wish to reach the outer islands.

Cruising the Galapagos Islands is restricted to a select number of vessels, all vetted and authorised to explore this protected land and marine reserve. Live-aboard expeditions usually entail night-time cruising and daytime on-land exploration and water activities, like snorkelling SCUBA diving, kayaking and kayaking. Please note that not all vessels offer all activities, nor do they offer the same itineraries, so choose wisely depending on your wishes.

The best way to enjoy Galapagos Islands is on a cruise, although island-based adventures – whereby you island hop and stay in gorgeous lodges overnight – is also a very rewarding option. Cruises allow for more comprehensive roaming, however, and they are usually the preferred type of experience, out here. Whether you choose to explore this incredible place on a liveaboard ship or lodge-based experience, you can look forward to daily walks on some of the purest and most dramatic volcanic islands of all, each one home to particular wildlife, be it a Giant Tortoise hub or renowned Albatross nesting site. You can swim, snorkel and SCUBA dive, with Galapagos Island Tours revered for offering magnificent underwater experiences. Every month of the year offers something unique, every island, a different landscape and animal world all its own.

Read our tips for choosing the best Galapagos cruise ship on our blog.