Wildlife holidays in the Galapagos Islands
Tell me about The Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands distributed around the equator in the Pacific Ocean, 972 km west of continental Ecuador, of which they are a part. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The islands and their surrounding waters form an Ecuadorian province, a national park, and a biological marine reserve. Discovered in 1535, when the vessel carrying the fourth Bishop of Panama, Tomas Berlanga, from central American to Peru blew off course, the islands today have a population of around 23,000.
Documented by Charles Darwin during the second Voyage of the Beagle in September 1835, the endemic and fearless wildlife of the Galapagos Islands today provides a unique and captivating experience for visiting naturalists, eco-tourists and photographers.
Our Galapagos Islands specialist recommends...
"Our ‘Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands’ holiday incorporates a 2-week cruise around the ‘Enchanted Isles’ in search of the unique wildlife of this magical archipelago. You could also add a 4-day extension to the Amazon Jungle."
Andy Tucker
Operations Manager
NATURETREK TOURS TO THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Naturetrek charters its own vessel, the 16-berth sailing schooner Cachalote, for two weeks duration several times a year. This length of cruise allows us to visit many more of the visitor sites than is possible during a standard one-week cruise. Air-conditioned throughout, with an exceptional crew and guide, Cachalote is an ideal base as we make an in-depth exploration of the Galapagos Islands, from the Darwin story, to volcanology and geology, swimming, snorkelling, wildlife photography, birding and botanising.
WHAT YOU'VE BEEN SAYING ABOUT OUR Galapagos Islands HOLIDAYS
We had a fantastic time with both Juan and Gustavo being excellent guides. Very informative and friendly.
The holiday was fantastic - it was beyond my expectations and the two guides were both outstanding and contributed hugely to making it a very special trip. Xavier was extremely knowledgeable about Quito, Ecuador and South American history, birds and wildlife in general. Nothing was too much trouble form him, a very intelligent and supportive guide, very enthusiastic too - a treasure! Juan was wonderful, non-stop enthusiasm about all wildlife and extremely knowledgeable about everything. He made the whole trip fun and exciting. The hotel in Quito was excellent and a nice place to acclimatise. The museums in Quito were excellent. The snorkelling was brilliant. A wonderful trip and yes, we will be using you again!
After 15 years of this type of travel we thought Darwin Alvarez and Vinicio Ortiz were the best guide and tour leader we have ever had.