Galapagos Islands is a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador. Comprising over a hundred islets and rocks, including 13 major islands, this pristine paradise is where endemic flora and fauna rule the roost and human interference is kept to bare minimum. Visit Galapagos Islands and see for yourself the ecological frontier that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galapagos is truly a bucket-list-worthy destination – hosting around 9,000 rare species that can’t be found anywhere else in the world!
Spanning over 74 miles long and greater in size than all the islands combined, Isabela is the largest of the Galapagos Islands and the only place in the Northern Hemisphere where Galapagos penguins can find their natural habitat. The closest to Ecuador is San Cristobal, a birdwatching hotspot and the first island that Charles Darwin discovered in 1835. Santa Cruz is the main tourism hub where most of the life and action happens, offering a choice of accommodations and restaurants for a hassle-free experience.
Galapagos Cruise Highlights
Marine iguanaGiant tortoiseSea turtle
Incredible marine & wildlife
Galapagos beckons wild- and marine life enthusiasts with its abundant fauna both on the shore and the sea! The tropical archipelago is home to unrivalled wildlife, including giant tortoises and lava lizards. The UNESCO-founded Charles Darwin Research Station, set in Santa Cruz, is where you’ll likely encounter the iconic giant tortoises roaming around freely. The stunning wonders of this ecological wonderland extend beneath the waves, where endemic marine iguanas, sea lions, sea turtles, Galapagos penguins and more take refuge in. The world-famous Tortuga Bay Beach is a popular spot for sighting marine iguanas, as well as the idyllic islands of Fernandina and Isabela.
Frigate birdBlue-footed boobies
Excellent bird-watching opportunities
Beyond observing wildlife and marine life, Galapagos also offers unmissable bird-watching opportunities! The volcanic archipelago is home to 174 exotic bird species and 26 endemic birds that you won't find elsewhere in the world, including Darwin’s finches and Galapagos penguins. Birding happens all year-round, so you can see the entire bird nesting process any time of the year. Dubbed the ‘Bird Island,’ Genovesa is one of the best sites for spotting the elusive red-footed and Nazca boobies. Catch the albatross soar over your heads at Española Island or witness the spectacular courtship rituals of blue-footed boobies in North Seymour!
Pinnacle Rock
Moon-like landscapes
Unforgettable experiences in Galapagos never stop with unique wildlife viewing and gorgeous beaches! Galapagos is essentially a volcanic archipelago – a postcard-perfect canvas of otherworldly landscapes, with dramatic volcanic peaks looming on the horizon and enchanting lava tunnels lying in the depths of the islands! One of the most eye-catching formations here is the Pinnacle Rock on the island of Bartolomé, which is a triangular volcanic plug jutting out of the ocean. Exploring this striking natural wonder with jaded lava formation offers a lunar-like experience! Or, why not discover the majestic underground lava tunnels, providing an insight into the rich geological history of Galapagos?
Rabida IslandSanta Cruz
Beautiful beaches
Bask in endless sunshine along the sweeping stunning coastlines perfectly framed by rugged volcanic landscapes! From the sugar-white sands of Tortuga Bay to the red beaches of Rabida island, there’s a beach for every style here! Tortuga Bay in Santa Cruz is arguably one of the most sought-after beaches in the archipelago, easily rivaling any of South America’s finest beaches with a wonderful mix of turquoise waters and marine and wildlife sightings! San Cristobal’s Puerto Chino Beach offers a secluded escape away from the large crowds. Seeking snorkelling opportunities and scenic sunsets? Head to La Loberia, where you can get up close and personal with sea lions and sea turtles!
A Photographer's Paradise
Galapagos Cruises FAQs
When is the best time for a Galapagos cruise?
Galapagos is a year-round destination but it’s especially popular for summer cruises, when the temperatures are pleasant enough for beaches and wildlife-viewing! Generally, December to May are the prime time for a Galapagos cruise. During these months, the archipelago’s weather is relatively warmer and wetter and the sea is calmer. The hatching season for giant tortoises is also during these months.
Which country owns the Galapagos Islands?
The Galapagos Islands are a province of Ecuador in South America, lying less than 1,000 kilometers off its coast.
Which cruise lines offer Galapagos cruises?
Many luxury and premium cruise lines can take passengers to this remote destination on board a smaller ship or an expedition vessel ensuring an intimate, immersive and more sustainable experience! The Galapagos regulate the vessel size and restrict the entry of mega ships to protect the environment and minimize the impact to the native flora and fauna. The cruise lines with destination-specific ships that offer cruises to Galapagos include Silversea and Celebrity Cruises.
What is the climate of the Galapagos Islands?
Galapagos Islands have a tropical and semi-arid climate. It enjoys sunny weather with mild temperatures all throughout the year. There are two seasons in Galapagos: cool and dry. The warm and rainy season typically runs from January to May, while the dry season is from June to November.
What activities can you do in the Galapagos Islands?
Galapagos offers an array of must-try activities and experiences for all interests, such as wildlife-viewing, birthwatching, and exploring marine life by snorkelling and scuba diving. You can also bathe in the sun on the sandy beaches of varying colours, from white to red! The archipelago is also an ideal destination for an Idyllic island-hopping adventure and offers excellent hiking opportunities on the volcanic landscapes!
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