Galápagos Islands Highlights

The Galápagos Islands are one of the most sought-after wildlife destinations in the world. In addition to our exclusive Galápagos Wildlife Cruises, we offer further trips, each taking in different parts of this unique archipelago.

The Western Galápagos itinerary takes in some of the bigger islands including Isabela and Fernandina. Three days are scheduled to explore Isabela where you'll discover iconic species that include marine iguanas, bluefooted boobies and giant tortoises.

Another of the bigger islands, Santiago, offers an equally impressive range, including Galápagos sea lions and fur seals plus endemic birds such as the Galápagos hawk and many of Darwin’s finches.

The Eastern Galápagos trip takes you to some of the smaller and more dispersed islands such as Española, Santa Fe and South Plaza. Española specialities include a breeding colony of the world’s most northerly (and only tropical) albatross – the waved albatross – while on Santa Fe, you encounter its endemic land iguana, one of three species unique to the Galápagos.

Both trips can be experienced on a variety of vessels. Whichever you choose, you'll certainly enjoy a fantastic cruise around these islands.

Itinerary - Western Galápagos Highlights

Day 1: Arrive Baltra & board your vessel. Later visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Day 2: Visit Sombrero Chino for wildlife spotting & Rabida Island to see flamingos & pelican nesting sites.

Days 3-5: Three days visiting Isabela, the largest of the archipelago, where highlights include sightings of Galápagos penguins, green turtles, flamingos & rays. Endemic land iguanas & giant tortoises should also be encountered.

Day 6: A still active volcano, Fernandina has good populations of must-see species such as Galápagos sea lions & marine iguanas, plus nesting blue-footed & Nazca boobies.

Day 7: Visit Santiago for a variety of seabirds, marine iguanas & fur seals. Continue to Bartolomé for swimming & snorkelling.

Day 8: Return to Santa Cruz via North Seymour for blue-footed booby colonies, magnificent frigatebirds & endemic Palo Santo trees.

8 days, from £4,545 (voyage only)

Departure dates: Jan-Dec (weekly)

Embark/Disembark: Baltra/Baltra

Vessel: Beluga

Itinerary - Eastern Galápagos Highlights

Day 1: Arrive Baltra & board your vessel. Later visit the Charles Darwin Research Station & enjoy a couple of landing sites.

Day 2: Visit the South Plaza Islands & Santa Fe, home to beautiful white sand & calm turquoise waters. South Plaza island is home to a healthy population of land iguanas.

Day 3: At Cerro Brujo on San Cristóbal, swim with Galápagos sea lions & encounter bluefooted boobies & brown pelicans.

Day 4: Visit Española where highlights include a waved albatross breeding colony & marine iguanas.

Day 5: Snorkelling at Champion Islet on Floreana with fish, rays, sharks & sea lions.

Day 6: Visit Dragon Hill with its hypersaline lagoon, often frequented by flamingos. Nearby James Island offers a wide variety of wildlife.

Day 7: The steep cliffs of Darwin Bay on Genovesa dominate the island, home to thousands of birds, frigatebirds, red-footed boobies & Noddy terns, to name a few.

Day 8: Return to Baltra on Santa Cruz via Black Turtle Cove.

8 days, from £4,545 (voyage only)

Departure dates: Jan-Dec (weekly)

Embark/Disembark: Baltra/Baltra

Vessel: Beluga