Galapagos & Ecuador

Named after the shape of giant tortoise shells, the Galapágos Islands are a treasure trove of marine and animal life some 1,000km (600 miles) off the Pacific coast of Ecuador. A trip to this remarkable archipelago of 35 volcanic islands is a truly unforgettable experience, a real close encounter with extraordinary creatures that have no fear of man.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is believed that these islands have never been connected to the continent, hence the animals here have evolved in their own unique way over many hundreds of thousands of years. An observation Charles Darwin made during his five weeks here in 1835, a trip which changed the way we view the world forever.

Over many years we have carefully hand-crafted visits to the Galapágos with the preservation of this fragile eco-system combined with your comfort and enjoyment in mind. The best and most considerate way to explore the Islands is by boat, and we have a selection of excellent yachts to choose from, each manned by knowledgeable, bi-lingual guides – trained biologists and experts in the ecology of the region.

Luxury Galapagos Cruises are generally eight days long, although some yachts offer five, four and even three-day itineraries. The shorter cruises we do not recommend, given that you will be coming a long way and not allowing enough time to really see the place. However, it is an option.

Each different boat has a particular set itinerary throughout the islands that is approved way in advance by the Galapagos Park Authority. If however, you have a particular preference and wish to request your own itinerary, this is also possible if you charter a boat and apply well in advance.

Most cruises are "Naturalist" cruises, that is, they are aimed at the generalist traveler that comes to learn about the wildlife in the Galapagos. In all the vessels, guides are fabulous, as they are all biologists and experts in the ecology of the region, and have to take and pass stringent exams to be licensed. Their language skills are also superb. The ratio of guides to travelers is generally 10:1. Visits to the Galapagos Islands are highly regulated due to the fragile ecology of the area. This does not in any way detract from the experience. It is and hopefully will continue to be a magical experience. That is up to all of us and the respect we have to the fragile environment.

There are also diving cruises aimed at experienced divers which visit Darwin and Wolf, two islands at the far North of the archipelago where the most varied underwater wildlife is found. This is one of the richest marine reserves in the world, covering 133,000sqkm (100,000m). Three key oceanic currents combine with the islands' volcanic geology to create a nutrient-rich environment, full of life. These itineraries also involve some naturalist visits, but are mainly geared at divers.

'Occasional diving' itineraries, mean that the balance between diving and naturalist visits is equally split, and special ‘family departures' are available in the larger boats, where small children have a special guide and activities geared to their age groups, which will keep them (and their parents!) happy. We organize diving cruises which visit Darwin and Wolf, two islands at the far north of the archipelago where the best underwater wildlife is found.

Finch Bay

If you prefer a land based experience, we have hand-picked the best villas and hotels on the Islands. Choose the Finch Bay hotel a small but perfectly formed hotel which is only accessible by boat. Or for self-indulgent pampering, the Royal Palm Hotel on Santa Cruz Island is the best hotel in the Galapágos. It has a wellness centre as well as other fabulous amenities. If luxurious privacy is what you are after, we have a beautiful private villa which is currently being completely renovated. Please mention when you contact us .

Flights are from Guayaquil or Quito and they take approximately 4 hours. There are airstrips in Baltra and San Cristobal, and from there you are collected and transferred to your boat or hotel.

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