Galapagos Safaris: Plan Your Trip

Wildlife Holidays in Galapagos bring unique wildlife in a unique destination. No wonder Charles Darwin was so enchanted by these wonderful islands.
This isolated group of volcanic islands, located 1000 km (620 miles) off the coast of Ecuador, have an ecosystem like no other on earth.

Many of the animals that live here can be found nowhere else in the world.

It is this that makes the Galapagos a true experience of a lifetime.

Here are a few facts:

There are 125 islands, only 5 of which are inhabited.
13 are major islands, 6 small islands, the rest islets.
Although on the equator, the Galapagos are not lush tropical islands, indeed most have little or no vegetation.
They are characterised by high volcanic peaks, dramatic lava fields, gorgeous sandy beaches and crystal clear seas.
The highest point is Volcan Wolf 1646m (5400 ft) on Isabela Island.

Perhaps the best way to approach trips to the Galapagos is to consider the type of experience you would like.

Alternatives include:

Luxury cruising on small cruise ships
Motor yacht / sailing schooners cruises
Catamaran / small motor boat cruises
Canoeing & kayaking tours
Land based stays
Wildlife trekking

All wildlife holidays in Galapagos take in many different islands and islets.

Getting there

You will most likely arrive on the islands via Quito in Ecuador and there is generally time for some exploration on arrival before you catch your onward connecting flight.

What type of holiday suits you best?

We’ll consider them under three different categories:

Cruises
Trekking on Galapagos
Sea kayak tours

Cruises

As an island destination, cruising is the obvious way to discover the wonderful delights of the Galapagos.

Charles Darwin started it all back in 1835 when he visited on the second voyage of the Beagle and recorded the unique wildlife that had little fear of humans.

Trekking on Galapagos

It is only on the island of Isabela, the largest in the group, that any real trekking is possible.

Isabela has five major volcanoes, all still active from time to time, and is one of the last places the giant Galapagos tortoise can be found.

Sea Kayak Tours

These are wildlife holidays in Galapagos with a real sense of adventure.

Sea kayaking is an ideal way to explore the wonderful coastlines of these stunning islands.

Accommodation

On cruise holidays you will sleep aboard your vessel.

For trekking and sea kayaking trips accommodation will be in island hotels.

Some adventure travel companies run land based stays for those who prefer to keep their feet on dry land overnight.

You obviously can’t avoid taking to a boat if you want to visit more than one island during your stay but this option will keep your time at sea to a minimum if you don’t have good sea legs.

Choosing your holiday
You will find a wide range of wildlife holidays in Galapagos by searching the companies listed below.

There are many different itineraries to choose from and a few tailor-made options as well.