View of Pinnacle Rock and Sullivan Bay in the Galapagos Islands

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Galapagos Cruises

A Galapagos cruise offers intimate access to remote islands, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes—an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers, photographers, and curious travellers alike.

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Set sail on an unforgettable journey.

A Galapagos cruise offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the archipelago’s natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Stepping foot on these remote islands is like entering another world, where animals such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies roam freely. With a small-group cruise, you’ll be able to access islands that are otherwise difficult to reach, experiencing untouched beaches, volcanic landscapes, and crystal-clear waters. Each island presents a unique ecosystem, from the lush vegetation of Santa Cruz to the rugged cliffs of Española. A Galapagos cruise is the ultimate wildlife adventure, perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking an extraordinary experience in the heart of the Pacific.

A team of real experts, brilliant at designing bespoke holidays.

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your The Galapagos holiday today.

Jo IND kerela beach
"I’ve canoed the Lower Zambezi, wild camped in the Okavango Delta, and driven from the UK to Cape Town. I love getting under the skin of a place and its landscapes, wildlife, and culture."
Jo Shuttleworth, Director
Galapagos giant tortoise with young woman (blurred in background) sitting next to it on Santa Cruz Island in Galapagos National Park, Ecuador. It is the largest living species of tortoise.

Wildlife encounters

The Galapagos is a sanctuary for rare and endemic species. Swim with sea lions, observe giant tortoises, and spot unique bird species like the famous blue-footed booby.

Isabel Island - Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Aerial shot

Island hopping

With a cruise, you’ll visit multiple islands, each offering its own distinctive landscapes and wildlife. Explore volcanic beaches, crystalline coves, and dramatic cliffs.

A group of playful sealions swims around a snorkeler in the waters around the Galapagos islands

Snorkelling & diving

The Galapagos waters are rich in marine life. Take advantage of the chance to snorkel or dive with vibrant fish, sea turtles, and playful sea lions.

Expert guides

Onboard naturalist guides will provide insightful commentary, ensuring you understand the unique biodiversity of each island and the conservation efforts in place.

Galapagos Giant Tortoise on Santa Cruz Island in Galapagos Islands. Group of many Galapagos tortoises cooling of in water hole. Amazing animals, nature and wildlife photo from Galapagos highlands.

Santa Cruz Island and its Highlands

As the central hub of the Galápagos, Santa Cruz Island balances accessibility with natural richness. Venture into the lush highlands, where giant tortoises roam freely in misty pastures and cloud forests shelter endemic birds and unique flora. A visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora offers insight into vital conservation efforts and the legacy of evolutionary science. Hike volcanic trails, explore underground lava tunnels, and see first hand how this island bridges wild beauty with scientific discovery.

landscape of Isabela Island Galapagos

Isabela Island: Wild and Untamed

The largest of the Galápagos islands, Isabela feels like an entirely different world — expansive, raw, and teeming with life. Formed by six volcanoes, the island’s dramatic landscapes include lava fields, mangrove estuaries, and turquoise bays. Hike up Sierra Negra, one of the world’s largest volcanic craters, or snorkel in the waters off Tintoreras Islet, where white-tipped reef sharks, penguins, and marine iguanas glide past in surreal harmony. With its relative remoteness and immense biodiversity, Isabela is a dream for explorers who crave the untouched.

A pair of Waved Albatross (Phoebastria irrorata)

Española Island: A Sanctuary for Seabirds

Remote and windswept, Española is a haven for some of the archipelago’s rarest birdlife. It’s the only nesting site for the waved albatross, and a prime location to witness the charismatic blue-footed booby and Nazca booby in full courtship display. Follow the trail across Punta Suárez, where marine iguanas bask in red-and-green hues and blowholes shoot seawater into the air. End your visit at Gardner Bay, a pristine beach with crystal-clear waters and curious sea lions waiting at the shoreline.

Galapagos green sea turtle swims underwater amongst shoals of fish and vibrant coral at Floreana Island, Galapagos Islands

Snorkelling with Sea Lions

There are few wildlife encounters as joyful and personal as snorkelling with sea lions. Known for their playful curiosity, Galápagos sea lions will often swim circles around you, darting and spinning through the water with effortless grace. These charismatic animals turn a simple snorkel into a memorable interaction — especially in spots like La Lobería, Kicker Rock, or Plaza Sur, where clear waters and abundant marine life set the scene for a truly magical swim.

Boat near Plaza Sur island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Best Time to Sail Around the Galapagos

The Galápagos is a year-round destination, but the season you choose shapes your experience:

From December to May, warm seas and sunny skies make for ideal snorkelling, swimming, and calm cruising conditions. Expect clear visibility and lush, green landscapes.

From June to November, cooler waters bring nutrient-rich currents that attract whales, dolphins, and sea birds, and offer a front-row seat to mating displays and nesting rituals.

Both seasons offer incredible wildlife encounters — it simply depends on whether you’re drawn more to marine adventures or observing animals in their most intimate behaviours.

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Talk to us about your perfect trip to The Galapagos

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your The Galapagos Holiday today.

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Talk to us about your perfect trip to The Galapagos

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your The Galapagos holiday today.

Let's plan your perfect trip
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Get In Touch With A The Galapagos Expert Today

Let's plan your perfect trip
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