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Galapagos Islands Adventure Cruises

Charles Darwin first marvelled at the extraordinary wildlife of the unique Galapagos Islands in 1835 where, fuelled by the nutrient-rich ocean currents and isolated from human predators, a unique and abundant flora and fauna had developed.

This is now one of the planet’s most rare and fragile ecosystems – declared the world’s first Heritage Site in 1978 and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1984 – and, thanks to a myriad of conservation efforts, the 15 main islands that make up the archipelago are still much as they were when Darwin arrived.

At once a province, a national park and a biological marine reserve (second only to the Great Barrier Reef off the Australian coast), this is a realm of natural splendours, largely untouched by anything modern. Here you can explore and discover a world of science and biology, geology and ecology, research and near-endless fascination.

The fascination comes in a myriad of forms in this near-prehistoric landscape, from marine iguanas to albatross nesting colonies; giant tortoises to hatching baby turtles; playful sea lions to speedy penguins; darting dolphins and basking whales; and a multitude of spectacularly colourful fish among the rocks and reefs for when you go snorkelling.

Many of the islands are still readily identifiable as ancient lava fields, and beaches can be red, black or even green as the basic rocks have broken down over time to leave a bewildering panorama of rugged, outlandish backgrounds, almost like surroundings from an alien planet.

Your journey will also take you via Quito, the Ecuadorian capital, where you then fly on to the Islands themselves, around 600 miles to either Baltra or San Cristobal for the start of your cruise-of-a-lifetime. All cruises operate just within the Galapagos, ensuring a small-scale, personal experience that never fails to impress.

Best time to travel to the Galapagos: Mid-June to early September and December-January.
Weather: Temperatures vary from 19 to 31°C, warmest Dec-May, with more rain and regular drizzle Jan-Apr.
Flight times: Approx. 17 hours from London to Quito via Madrid, 1.5 from Quito to the Galapagos.
Recommended Tour Option: Let us tailor-make your trip by arranging a tour to take in the sights of Machu Picchu, which includes the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Recommend Galapagos specialists:

Haugan Cruises: Operating on two motor-powered Catamarans, Haugan are renowned for their excellent tour guides, comfortable accommodation and bespoke service. Haugan Cruises offer durations between 4 to 15 day sailings, which are guaranteed to suit any preference. More about Haugan Cruises

Lindblad Expeditions: Worldwide rover Lindblad has two quality-conscious vessels in the Galapagos for all12 months of the year. Both the National Geographic Islander and the Endeavour are informal but incredibly stylish and able to take 48 and 96 guests respectively. More about Linblad Expeditions

Ecoventura: Ecoventura is the pioneer of sustainable tourism in the Galapagos; as such they guarantee an environmentally conscious adventure cruise experience coupled with a highly personal level of service. They have a fleet of 3 motor-yachts, with each one undertaking 7 night voyages throughout the year. More about Ecoventura.

If you would like more information on adventure cruises in the Galapagos Islands, please contact one of our Cruise Experts on 0800 008 6677.