Galapagos Islands

Ecuador

"Where Evolution Stands Still & Wildlife Has No Fear of Humans"

The Galapagos Islands, straddling the equator 600 miles off Ecuador's Pacific coast, offer the world's most extraordinary wildlife encounters - in a setting so remote and protected that the animals have virtually no fear of humans. Walk inches from nesting blue-footed boobies, snorkel with playful sea lions and hammerhead sharks, watch giant tortoises weighing 500 pounds amble through misty highlands, and observe marine iguanas feeding underwater. Charles Darwin's 1835 visit inspired his revolutionary theory of evolution. Today, strict visitor limits preserve this UNESCO World Heritage archipelago as one of earth's last truly pristine ecosystems.

Charles Darwin Research Station, Tortoise Breeding Centers, Snorkeling with Sea Lions & Sharks, Blue-Footed Boobies Nesting Sites, Marine Iguana Colonies, Isabela Island Volcano Hike, Bartolome Island Pinnacle Rock

June-November (dry/cool season) & December-May (warm/wet season - great snorkeling)

Book live-aboard cruise 6-12 months in advance; visitor numbers are strictly limited; do NOT touch any wildlife

Ultimate bucket-list wildlife destination. Book a reputable licensed Galapagos cruise operator for the best experience.