Wildlife Holidays in the Galapagos
Its geological and evolutionary history, landscapes and extraordinary wildlife
make this strangely beautiful volcanic archipelago unlike anywhere else on the
planet. These 'Enchanted Isles', where Charles Darwin developed his
ground-breaking theory of evolution, are home to prehistoric-looking Land and
Marine Iguanas and Giant Tortoises, as well as a host of endemic birds and other
wildlife. Naturetrek's comprehensive Galapagos cruise itineraries offer the keen
naturalist a wonderful adventure aboard either a two-masted Topsail Schooner
(Cachalote) or a First Class motor boat (Beluga) to explore this unique
environment under the guidance of our expert naturalist guide.
Our Specialist recommends
'If you have the time and budget, a 14 night/15 day Galapagos cruise is the way
to go for any keen naturalist/photographer. Since the Galapagos National Park
streamlined and improved the boat itineraries, minimising criss-crossing and
wasted time, there's never been a better time to visit. Our cruises make for a
truly unique experience. Expect to be enthralled by the approachable wildlife,
varied walks around the islands and the high quality snorkelling in clear (if
slightly chilly!) seas. Add the Amazon extension to Sacha Lodge for a completely
different dimension to your holiday in Ecuador.'
Andy Tucker
Operations Manager
Why Choose Naturetrek?
We offer the most comprehensive Galapagos cruise
itineraries available, visiting a range of wildlife-rich sites for an up-close
and personal encounter with the diverse fauna of this astonishing archipelago.
Travelling in a comfortable two-masted Topsail Schooner or motor boat, we
provide a unique experience with the opportunity for daily landings in
wildlife-rich landing sites created by the Galapagos National Park authority. We
visit all the larger islands as well as numerous smaller ones, spending relaxed,
quality time at each location to enjoy the unique natural features and resident
fauna, allowing ample opportunities for photography and snorkelling. In between
landings there's plenty of time to relax and keep an eye out for the many marine
creatures that keep our vessel company, including countless seabirds, dolphins
and even the occasional passing whale or pods of Orcas. Our local naturalist
guides provide outstanding leadership and a wealth of knowledge on the natural
history and wildlife of the islands, and the highly trained crew offer
exceptional service. With the freedom and independence to travel at our own
pace, we explore the full magnificence of this unique environment. Galapagos
Cruise Highlights Naturetrek's inspirational itineraries include:
- The most comprehensive cruise itineraries available
- Expert local naturalist guides with extensive natural history knowledge
- Choose from a comfortable two-masted Topsail Schooner or a First Class motor
boat
- Daily landings at wildlife-rich sites to encounter endemic wildlife ยท Plenty
of time to enjoy photography
- Sightings of countless seabirds and other marine life on voyages between
islands
- Opportunities to snorkel and encounter myriad fish and Galapagos Sea Lions
- Island highlights include Fernandina, Genovesa and Espanola
- Sightings of Waved Albatross during June - December
- Add an Amazon Rainforest extension at wonderful Sacha Lodge
WHAT YOU'VE BEEN SAYING ABOUT OUR Galapagos HOLIDAYS
Excellent holiday. Galapagos - Absolutlely brilliant. Excellent guide, 'Darwin', so knowledgeable in all matters.
An amazing adventure. Any lover of nature should put these places at the top of their agenda. The Amazon basin is somewhere we have all seen on TV but to experience it gives a new perspective. Seeing giant otters, many species of monkey and the varied and magnificent bird life is something worth doing in its own right. However, to accompany such a visit with a tour of the Galapagos raises the experience to a whole new level. I have been to many wonderful places in Africa, America and Australia but I would put the Galapagos top of my list. The combination of islands in all their variety and the sea cruises in between, in waters teeming with marine life is exhilarating. The wildlife is so unafraid of humans that the main problem is to avoid accidentally stepping on sleeping sea lions or nesting birds as you walk along the paths and beaches. Snorkelling with sea lions, feeding turtles, penguins, flightless cormorants, sharks, rays and a variety of tropical fish is a wonderful thing to do. We used a small 16 berth schooner on our Naturetrek holiday and I am pleased that we did. It seemed to put us in touch with our surroundings in a way that the bigger boats we saw wouldn't have done. The group were brilliant and everyone got along, having a common interest in nature. The crew were marvellous, the food great and our guide, Darwin, couldn't have been better. His knowledge and ability to inspire were first class. We were looked after wonderfully and Naturetrek's organisation was impeccable. Every day involves wet and dry landings on the islands, walks to see the wildlife and geology, swimming and snorkelling or simply relaxing on the boat if that's what you felt like. This combination of activities and relaxation made the holiday into far more than a simple passive viewing experience.
Everything was planned very well and all transport arrangements worked like clockwork. This was our first Naturetrek experience and we were slightly taken aback by the pace of the activities, running one after the other. However, we embraced all the experiences as we knew it was the best way to see everything there was to see both above and below the water. The crew of the Cachalote were highly professional, efficient, polite and patient at all times. The Chef should be Michelin starred as he performed magic in the Galley. David our guide was brilliant. His knowledge on the subject of all life forms, geology, geography and history of the Galapagos Islands was vast. The captain and the crew worked hard to take us round the Islands and transport us to and from the Islands. Sacha Lodge was equally as good. Klinger and Walter our guides were knowledgeable about all subjects related to the Amazon. The accommodation was excellent.