Destinations
Galapagos Islands
Nature untouched—wildlife like nowhere else on Earth.
The Galapagos Islands are one of the most extraordinary wildlife destinations on the planet, where blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, and marine iguanas roam freely. This remote Ecuadorian archipelago, made famous by Charles Darwin, offers untouched volcanic landscapes and thriving ecosystems unlike anywhere else. Snorkel alongside playful sea lions and hammerhead sharks, walk among prehistoric-looking land iguanas, and witness waved albatrosses nesting on Española Island.
The islands are fiercely protected, allowing travelers to experience nature in its purest form—whether hiking the Sierra Negra volcano on Isabela, kayaking through mangrove-fringed lagoons, or exploring lava tunnels formed millions of years ago. Each island holds its own secrets, from the red sands of Rábida to the towering cliffs of Genovesa, creating an unparalleled adventure for wildlife lovers and explorers alike.
Best Times to Visit
December to May: Offers warm waters and calmer seas, ideal for snorkeling and beach excursions.
June to November: Brings the Humboldt Current, attracting whales, seabirds, and active marine life.
iconic wildlife
Giant Tortoises
Sea Lions
Penquins
Darwin’s Finches
Blue-footed Booby
How do you like your wild?
Let us create your dream Galapagos Islands adventure
Reflecting On Flamingos
Laguna Chaxa, Chile
23° 19′ 41″ S / 68° 10′ 02″ W
— Dervla Murphy
“Real luxury is not in what we possess, but in how we feel when the sun sets over a place too wild to be tamed.”
Adventures of the Fittest
Isabela Island & Sierra Negra Volcano
The Fiery Majesty of the Island
At the heart of Isabela Island rises one of the world’s largest volcanic craters—alive, immense, and ever-shifting. Sierra Negra offers a window into the elemental forces that shaped the Galápagos, inviting travelers to walk along its rim and witness a raw and beautiful power rarely seen up close.
Española Island & Punta Suarez
Swim with the wildest in crystal waters.
Remote and wildlife-rich, Española is home to endemic species found nowhere else. Visit Punta Suarez for spectacular seabird colonies—including waved albatross (April–December)—as well as blue-footed boobies and dramatic cliffside blowholes. Gardner Bay offers pristine beaches for snorkeling with sea lions and reef fish.
Santa Cruz Island & the Highlands
The Island's Top Spot
The island’s highlands offer lush contrast to the coastal aridity, and are a top spot to see giant tortoises in the wild. Nearby, the Charles Darwin Research Station offers insight into conservation efforts. Don’t miss the lava tunnels and scalesia forests teeming with finches.
Kicker Rock (León Dormido)
An Aquatic Fine Art Gallery
Rising starkly from the sea near San Cristóbal, this iconic rock formation offers some of the best deep-water snorkeling and diving in the archipelago. Swim through the channel between its cliffs and spot Galápagos sharks, eagle rays, sea turtles, and even the occasional hammerhead.
North Seymour Island
A Theater of Birds and Beasts
A short boat ride from Santa Cruz, North Seymour is a hotspot for up-close wildlife encounters. Its low, dry terrain is perfect for blue-footed booby courtship displays, frigatebirds inflating their red throat pouches, and marine iguanas sunning on black lava. Snorkeling nearby often brings sea lions and reef sharks.
A journey isn’t complete without its defining moment.
Walk With Meerkats in the Makgadikgadi Pans
Witness Big Game in the Linyanti or Selinda Reserves
Glide Through the Okavango Delta in a Mokoro
Frequently Asked Questions About Galapagos Islands
How do I get to the Galápagos?
Fly to Baltra or San Cristóbal Airport from Quito or Guayaquil, then take a boat or guided tour.
Do I need a permit to visit the islands?
Yes, all visitors must pay a Galápagos National Park fee and are required to travel with licensed guides.
Can I stay overnight on the islands?
Yes, there are lodges and eco-hotels on Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Isabela, and Floreana, or you can explore via liveaboard cruises.
What is the best way to explore the islands?
Small-group expedition cruises and guided island-hopping tours offer the best access to wildlife and remote sites.
Are the Galápagos good for families?
Yes! The islands offer family-friendly wildlife encounters, from snorkeling with sea lions to visiting tortoise breeding centers.
