If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a wildlife paradise, a place that feels like it’s been lifted straight from a nature documentary, the Galapagos Islands belong at the very top of your list. These remote islands are home to creatures found nowhere else on Earth, dramatic volcanic landscapes and experiences that bring you closer to nature than ever before. Keep reading to discover why the Galapagos isn’t just a destination - it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that deserves a spot on every bucket list.

The Galapagos Islands are a wildlife lover’s paradise and unlike any other place on Earth. Here, animals show almost no fear of humans, offering a rare chance to observe them in their natural habitat up close. You won’t need binoculars to spot the Galapagos penguins, the Galapagos giant tortoise or even the blue-footed booby. On the islands, you might even find yourself stepping carefully around marine iguanas basking in the sun or swimming alongside playful sea lions in crystal waters. The best part? Many of the incredible species you will see exist nowhere else on the planet, making each encounter a truly one-of-a-kind experience that can't be replicated anywhere else.

There are two different ways to travel around the Galapagos Islands; by staying on a boat or on-land, in locally run hotels on bigger islands. The choice is yours, but here are some reasons for each:

Cruise

Our Galapagos ships are far from a floating tower block, they are small expedition vessels, designed to access remote anchorages while keeping their environment impact to a minimum – perfect for exploring the island responsibly and up close. This isn’t a traditional cruise experience, the focus is primarily on the exploration, daily landings, snorkelling and of course, wildlife. It’s a personal adventure which produces moments that can’t be formed on ordinary large ship cruises; like having an expert naturalist guide on board to offer a deep insight into the landscapes, wildlife and unique ecosystems. Plus, staying on a boat allows you to reach the most remote corners of the archipelago, including the Northern and Western Islands (highly recommended for bird watchers!).

Land-based

On our Galapagos Islands Adventure, our land-based adventure offers a deeper, more immersive way to experience the islands. You will have the chance to experience beaches and wildlife in the quieter early mornings and evenings, once the boats have departed and enjoy a more relaxed rhythm of island life. You will stay in locally run hotels and social enterprise guesthouses that support conservation and empower island residents, as well as eat at local restaurants.

Our land-based adventure still includes plenty of snorkelling, balanced with unforgettable on-shore highlights such as walking to the vast volcanic crater of Sierra Negra, enjoying an easy downhill bike ride, exploring lava tunnels and panoramic viewpoints on Santa Cruz and more. With more time spent on land and no long stretches at sea, this option is ideal for those prone to seasickness.

The Galapagos Islands are a true year-round destination, meaning there’s no “wrong” time to visit, only different experiences to enjoy. Thanks to the islands’ non-migratory wildlife, incredible animal encounters are possible every month of the year, with each season offering its own highlights. In February, marine iguanas begin nesting near Santa Cruz, April brings the famous courtship dances of blue-footed boobies alongside newly hatched giant tortoises and by May, sea turtle hatchlings emerge on the pristine beaches. Even months not mentioned here deliver something special. The warm, wet season from December to June offers lush landscapes, calmer seas and excellent conditions for land-based wildlife, while the cooler, drier months from July to November attract an abundance of marine life, including sea lions, penguins and large schools of fish. The Galapagos’ position on the equator ensures pleasant temperatures year-round so it fits perfectly around your calendar, whenever you’re able to go.

You might visit Charles Darwin Research Station, kayak through tranquil waters or snorkel alongside colourful schools of fish, sea turtles, marine iguanas, docile whitetip reef sharks and even the occasional inquisitive sea lion stopping by to say hello. On land, explore giant tortoise breeding centres, spot seabirds at Darwin Bay, hike to panoramic viewpoints on Bartolomé Island or stand at the edge of the world’s second-largest volcanic crater depending on which adventure you choose. Then you add in pristine white-sand beaches and countless other experiences in nature along the way, it’s easy to see why it's literally impossible to be bored when exploring the Galapagos.

You can easily combine a trip to the Galapagos Islands with another one of our adventures, making the most of your time in this remarkable part of the world. The Galapagos pairs perfectly with our holidays across South and Central America and we can take care of internal flights, hotels and transfers to create a seamless, stress-free Latin American adventure. It’s the ideal opportunity to extend your adventure - when you’ve already travelled that far, it would be a shame not to!