Kim MacQuarrie
Four-time Emmy-winner
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Destinations
Galapagos Tours
Embark on our magical Galapagos tours, where you will experience unparalleled natural history, stunning scenery, and some of the world’s most unique wildlife. You can explore the Galapagos via a cruise to the most remote corners of the protected archipelago, or you can base your exploration from a comfortable hotel with a land-based Galapagos vacation package.
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The top 5 Galapagos Tours
for 2024/2025
Inspiring Incas & Great Galapagos
11 Days / from $5979
11 Days / from $5979
Explore the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu before meeting the fascinating wildlife of the Galapagos.
Galapagos Island Hopping Tour
6 Days / from $4119
6 Days / from $4119
Explore the wildlife, unique landscapes, volcanic craters and beaches of the Galapagos archipelago.
Quito & Galapagos
8 Days / from $5019
8 Days / from $5019
Head to the capital city of Ecuador then explore the Galapagos Islands from a comfortable cruise ship.
Galapagos & Amazon
10 Days / from $4119
10 Days / from $4119
The Galapagos Islands and Amazon Rainforest are the two most exciting destinations for nature lovers on the planet.
Andean Gems & Galapagos
11 Days / from $4099
11 Days / from $4099
Enjoy the treasures of Ecuador by visiting two beautiful cities in the Andes before embarking to the Galapagos Islands.
What to see in Galapagos
There's few destinations that rival the Galapagos Islands for the abundance of wildlife spotting, water activities, and picture perfect moments. Let us help you plan your dream Galapagos vacation.
Noteworthy Galapagos Scenery
From Kicker Rock to Sierra Negra, the Galapagos Islands are full of scenery that will stop you in your tracks. Each island in the Galapagos has its own unique features with panoramic views of the noteworthy Galapagos scenery.
Unique Wildlife
The flora and fauna in the Galapagos has evolved over time to be able to thrive on each unique ecosystem. Tortoises here are bigger than humans, endemic birds have oddly shaped features and interesting stories, and iguanas can dive below the surface as easily as Galapagos penguins.
Volcanoes & Lava Flows
The Galapagos Islands were formed by volcanic activity and, even to this day, more than half of the volcanoes in the Galapagos are still active! Fernandina Island is the youngest of all the Galapagos Islands and has a rougher texture than the oldest island Espanola.
Galapagos National Park
The Galapagos National Park was the very first national park in Ecuador and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This protected reserve spans over 3,000 square miles (7,995 km²) and has a strict allowance of visitors per day. Only 1,660 people on boats and 180 on day cruises are allowed in the national park per day. These regulations allow travelers to see the beauty of the Galapagos without disturbing the habitat.
Water Activities
The Galapagos Islands offer a wide variety of water activities suited for all. You can snorkel with sea lions, kayak, or take a glass-bottomed boat. If you're interested in a scuba diving tour, talk with your Peru for Less travel agent about customizing your itinerary with even more water activities.
Pristine Beaches
Each island in the Galapagos is unique, but many of them have pristine white-sand beaches. This is the perfect place to lay out in the sun and listen to the sound of the ocean, or dive in and swim with the fish and turtles nearby. Depending on the island, the sand may have its own distinct color. You may spot red sand beaches, black volcanic sand beaches, or even a green sand beach!
Charles Darwin Research Station
Located on Santa Cruz Island, the Charles Darwin Research Station is where to go to learn more about the restoration and protection of the incredible Galapagos ecosystems. This center is the operative branch of the Charles Darwin Foundation and houses a collection of preserved specimens in order to educate the public about the value of preserving these creatures and their habitats.
Galapagos Cruises/Lodges
Galapagos Legend
Cruise ship (100 passenger capacity)
The Galapagos Legend is one of the biggest ships that tours the Galapagos Islands, yet still offers impressively personalized service. This cruise has five decks that feature pools, Jacuzzis, a jogging track, and even an auditorium where expert naturalist guides give talks about the amazing archipelago.
Coral
Twin Yachts, Coral I and Coral II (36 & 20 passenger capacity)
The Coral yachts are perfect options for sailing in the Galapagos Island in style. These small ships feature luxurious amenities like Jacuzzis, a library, air conditioning, and mouthwatering food in their dining room.
Galapagos Habitat
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Avenida Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island
Galapagos Habitat is an oasis on Santa Cruz Island. Spend your days exploring the Galapagos Islands and spend your afternoons relaxing on the luxurious seafront terrace. Rooms feature minifridges, air conditioning, and private bathrooms.
4.1 | Very Good
4.5 | Excellent
Faqs
When is the best time to go to the Galapagos?
The best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is from December to May if you want sunny weather, calmer and warmer waters, and better visibility for snorkeling and diving. However, the Galapagos can be visited year-round, especially if you’re looking to see specific animal activity
How much should I tip on a Galapagos cruise?
Anticipate tipping between $20-$30 a day per passenger. For example, bring about $300 in cash for tips for two people for a 4-5 day cruise. Tips will go to tour guides, boat crew and wait staff, bartenders, as well as cleaning staff. Tips for boat crew can usually be put onto a credit card. However, not all tips can be done via card and cash is preferred.
How long should I spend in the Galapagos?
5-8 days. With most people having about a week to travel, 5 days in the Galapagos Islands is the minimum amount of time you should spend that also considers international and domestic flights. Because of all the different flora, fauna and landscapes to see throughout the archipelago, it’s best to opt for more time on the islands if possible.
What are the best Galapagos tours for couples?
The best Galapagos tours for couples include: a luxury Galapagos cruise or hotel, snorkeling with sharks and sea turtles, glass-bottomed boat rides, and relaxing on a beach. You can check your cruise or land-based package itinerary to see which tours are included.
What are the best Galapagos tours for families with kids?
A Galapagos cruise is the best option for families with kids. Parents can rest assured that their children are nearby and that the expert guides will cater tours to be captivating for the kids. Some cruises, like the Galapagos Legend, even have kids play areas on board.
What are the best Galapagos tours on a budget?
A land package Galapagos tour is ideal for those looking to visit the Galapagos on a budget. The Galapagos Islands are one of the most expensive destinations in South America. However, hotels on the inhabited islands have a wider range of prices, making it easier to visit the islands on a budget as opposed to an all-inclusive Galapagos cruise.
What attractions will I visit on a Galapagos cruise?
On a Galapagos cruise, you’ll visit many different islands, giant tortoise breeding centers and beaches. Because of local environmental regulations, cruises offer varying itineraries. Your itinerary may include sites such as:
- Puerto Chino, San Cristobal Island
- Breeding Center Jacinto Gordillo, San Cristobal Island
- Suarez Point, Espanola Island
- Gardner Bay, Espanola Island
- Punta Cormorant, Floreana Island
- Post Office Bay, Floreana Island
- Baroness Bay & Lookout, Floreana Island
- Santa Fe Island
- South Plazas Island
- North Seymour Island
- Mosquera Islet
- Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz Island
- Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz Island
- Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz Island
- Santa Cruz Highlands
- Chinese Hat, Santiago Island
- Sullivan Bay, Santiago Island
- El Barranco, Genovesa Island
- Darwin Bay, Genovesa Island
- Bartolome Island
What attractions will I visit during a Galapagos land package?
During a Galapagos land package, you’ll take day trips to visit nearby islands to your home base, as well as giant tortoise breeding centers and beaches.
Depending on which island you stay on, your land package itinerary may include places such as:
- Charles Darwin Station, Santa Cruz
- Cerro Mesa, Santa Cruz
- Tortuga Bay, Santa Cruz Island
- Los Gemelos, Santa Cruz Island
- North Seymour Island
- South Plazas Island
- Santa Fe Island
- Sierra Negra Volcano, Isabela Island
- Tintoreras, Isabela Island
- Wall of Tears, Isabela Island
- Bartolome Island
- Kicker Rock, San Cristobal
- Puerto Chino, San Cristobal
- Espanola Island
What animals will I see on a Galapagos tour?
What makes the Galapagos Islands so special are its endemic animal species! Here are a few of the multitudes of Galapagos animals you may see depending on your itinerary and the time of year you visit:
- 56 species of birds (45 of which are endemic) including Darwin’s finches, blue-footed boobies, red-footed and nazca boobies, flightless cormorants, frigatebirds, Galapagos penguins, and flamingos.
- Giant Galapagos tortoises
- Marine iguanas
- Land iguanas
- Green sea turtles
- Sea lions
- Fur seals
- 33 species of sharks, including Galapagos, whitetip reef, hammerhead and whale sharks
- Manta rays
- 450 species of fish
Is a Galapagos cruise better than a land package tour?
Both Galapagos cruises and land-based tours have their pros and cons. Land-based tours of the Galapagos Islands allow for more independent travel at a cheaper price. However, Galapagos cruises allow you to travel to more distant islands. Cruise have set departure dates and itineraries giving you less flexibility over your vacation. Land-based tours, on the other hand, offer a menu of tour options (limited by capacity). Both options require boat trips so those prone to sea-sickness should come prepared with medications.
Contact us today to help plan your trip to the many natural treasures that can be found on the Galapagos Islands.
