EXPLORE
THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
GALAPAGOS: AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE
If you travel to Ecuador visit the Galapagos Islands. Take a cruise between the islands or go on a hotel there. The islands are unique in the world!
As Charles Darwin wrote, “the natural history of these islands is very special – Galapagos seems like a little world unto itself.”
The islands are known for the animals’ fearless dealings with humans: you can snorkel with penguins and sea lions here, see 200-pound turtles wading through cactus forests and enjoy close-up views of blue-footed gannets and frigate birds.
Ecuadorian governments always made efforts to preserve the fragile ecological balance of the islands. Galapagos has been recognized as a National Park since 1959. Since 1981, the islands have been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List and the ocean around them has been declared a reserve.
If you are also visiting the Galapagos Islands during your trip to Ecuador, you may or may not be visiting the mainland.
Visit Galapagos from a CRUISESHIP
Most people visit the Galapagos Islands from a small cruise ship. About 80 cruise ships operate their fixed routes between the islands. And there are different types and luxury classes among the ships.
Check out our extensive selection of ships. We will help you choose between catamarans, sailing ships, large and small ships….
Visit Galapagos from a HOTEL
You can also visit the Galapagos Islands with overnight hotel stays.
There are 4 inhabited islands in Galapagos: Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Santa Isabela and Floreana.
Here you will find hotels of different classes.
INFO ABOUT THE ISLANDS
Throughout history, these volcanic islands have never been connected to the mainland. Yet animals and plants have been able to migrate here in different ways. Adapting to local conditions, they evolved differently from their continental ancestors.
Because large mammals never came ashore, reptiles were dominant. The islands were uninhabited until 1535: the animals still have very little instinctive fear of humans today.
PRACTICAL INFO ABOUT GALAPAGOS
If you want to know more about the practicalities of visiting Galapagos click below.
You will find information about the climate (when is best to visit the islands …), access to the National Park and the quality of guides. Flights from the mainland to the islands are also reviewed here.
I am Tom from Belgium and I have been living in Ecuador for more than 10 years. I got my guiding diploma here. Traveling and discovering new places is my passion. Together with the travel agency Descubre-Ecuador, we offer tailor-made tours in Galapagos and on the Ecuadorian mainland.