Responsible Galapagos Islands Cruise
11 days from £7,100 pp
Have you ever dreamt of a Galapagos Islands Holiday but want to be sure you are travelling responsibly? Sail through this remote and protected archipelago, witnessing blue footed boobies, discovering frigatebirds, swimming with sea turtles and walking with giant tortoise’s. Our Responsible Galapagos Islands Cruise Holiday takes you on a once-in-a lifetime journey through this wildlife wonderland in a sustainable and conscious way. We carefully select every boat we partner with to ensure strong sustainable practices and environmental protection. Meaning our guests leave these remarkable islands exactly as they found them.
Trip Highlights
- Sail through this remarkable wildlife wonderland on a small, sustainably-focused cruise
- Kayak alongside turtles and snorkel with sealions
- Visit the famous Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre
- Spot frigate-birds, blue footed boobies, Galapagos hawks and so much more
Our Expert Tip
”Become part of the conservation effort while on board your Galapagos cruise and join in with the Citizen Science program. Participate in identifying and recording marine mammals, and contribute directly to vital research that supports these amazing creatures! ”
Sam, Founder
Detailed Responsible Galapagos Islands Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 – 2: Quito
Catch an international flight to Ecuador’s capital Quito to start your Responsible Galapagos Islands Cruise Holiday. After being welcomed at the airport and taken by private car to your boutique hotel, you have time at leisure to rest, relax and acclimatise.
The following day with your private guide, enjoy a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed colonial centre, with fascinating cultural activities afterwards such as a cooking class, chocolate tour, or visits to artisanal workshops.
Day 3: Galapagos Cruise – Bartolome
This morning fly to the Galapagos Islands, where all passengers must go through an inspection point to ensure no foreign plants or animals are being introduced to the archipelago. On arrival meet your team and transfer by bus and panga boat to the ship. After a welcome briefing and lunch, you set sail!
Your first stop will be an immediate highlight, Bartolome Island. After climbing a series of steps, be wowed by the archipelago’s most famous panoramic view, surrounded by volcanic cones, lunar-like craters, lava fields, and the famous Toba-formed “Pinnacle Rock” eroded by the sea.
There are two golden sand beaches where sea turtles and a small colony of Galapagos penguins live. Enjoy your first snorkel and swim close to these playful creatures.
Day 4: Galapagos Cruise – Mosquera & North Seymour
This morning sail to Mosquera, one of the smallest islands in the Galápagos. The island is volcanic and formed by geological uplift, with no visible crater. One of the most striking features of Mosquera is the contrast of colours: a beautiful beach of white sand, transparent turquoise waters, lush green vegetation, and jet-black lava rocks.
Bring a good camera as landscape photography is incredible here, especially in the golden hour.
In the afternoon, head to North Seymour, an uplifted (as opposed to volcanic) island. There are good nesting sites on the island for a large population of magnificent frigate birds. Witness Blue-footed boobies performing their courtship dance and swallow-tailed gulls perched on the cliff edges. Spot sea lions hauling out onto the beach and bodysurfing.
Day 5: Galapagos Cruise – Genovesa
This morning enjoy a two-hour walking trail across volcanic rock around El Barranco, the southern part of Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island. The natural erosion in the lava flows form the ideal place for nesting storm petrels. Look out for two species of petrels and one of its main predators: the short-eared owl. Red-footed boobies nests exclusively in the outer islands of the archipelago, and you may be lucky enough to spot a masked booby.
Darwin Bay was formed when the crater of this island collapsed below sea level. Your panga boat will wet- land on a beautiful white coral sandy beach where you can snorkel and swim. The Island is paradise for birdwatchers – look out for red footed-booby, masked boobies, wandering tattlers, lava gulls, whimbrels, yellow-crowned, black-crowned lava herons, and yellow warblers.
Climb to the edge of the cliff to see red-foots nesting in the Mangrove trees below and witness an incredible view of the island and its many birds.
Day 6: Galapagos Cruise – Plazas & Santa Fe
Despite its small size, some of the most interesting and outstanding species in the Galapagos are found on Islas Plazas. Discover the smallest land iguanas of the archipelago, along with rare hybrid iguanas. Spot swallow tailed gulls nesting in the rugged cliffs as well as audubon shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds and brown pelicans.
Santa Fe island is home to a number of endemic species like the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, Galapagos mockingbird, rice rats and one of the two species of land Iguanas of the islands. Spot sealions sunbathing as you disembark, take a walking trail through salt bushes and giant Prickly pear cactus, and finish with a swim and some snorkelling.
Day 7: Galapagos Cruise – San Cristobal Island
Visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre to learn more about the vital conservation projects in place. The centre was built to replicate environmental conditions for these amazing creatures, with the goal to repopulate San Cristobal with it’s native species. It is a huge success story and an example of how proceeds from tourism directly benefits these important islands.
In the afternoon visit the Environmental Interpretation Centre with its exuberant gardens and stunning ocean views. Learn about the geological and human history of the islands, conservation facts and natural history. An important part of your Responsible Galapagos Islands Cruise Holiday, a visit here is both inspiring and motivating.
Day 8: Galapagos Cruise – San Cristobal Island
Journey to Galapaguera, an incredible place to observe Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat. San Cristobal island is home to several endemic species such as the mockingbird, lava lizard, Chatham leaf-toed Gecko and tortoises. Between January and May, it is common to spot the footprints of female turtles who have climbed to the sand dunes to deposit their eggs! This is a wonderful experience to witness if you are here during this time.
Cerro Brujo is a beautiful white coral beach where you can swim, watch birds and sea lions, plus snorkel. The perfect stop for some quiet relaxation and wildlife spotting.
Day 9: Galapagos Cruise – Espanola
Located on the north-eastern coast of Hood island, Gardner Bay offers an excellent beach to relax, swim and even kayak, plus the opportunity to observe sea lions. Witness sharks in the crystal clear waters and spot three species of Darwin finches.
This afternoon sail to Suarez Point, a fantastic area for spotting blue-footed boobies, albatrosses and Nazca boobies. Witness its magnificent blowhole, spurting water high into the air.
Day 10: Galapagos Cruise – Floreana
Sail to Cormorant Point, home to the best flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos. Situated between two tuff lava cones, observe various species of shorebirds as well as flamingos. Enjoy a scenic walk onwards to Champion Islet, a wonderful spot to enjoy snorkeling and underwater wildlife.
In the afternoon sail to Post Office Bay – the site of a wooden barrel that was placed in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship, used by marines and now tourists as a post office.
Enjoy a relaxing day soaking up your last few hours in these incredible islands.
Day 11: Galapagos Cruise – Santa Cruz
Disembarking in Puerto Ayora town, visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre, part of the network of visitor sites of the world-famous Charles Darwin Foundation.
Say goodbye to your fellow Galapagos travelers and transfer to Baltra airport for your flight back to Quito.
Connect to your onwards flight home, or let our experts know if you would like a final night here.
When to Go
Includes
- All accommodation
- Excursions
- Transport
- Private guides
Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa cost
- Tips
Why Book With Travel Differently
Passionate and experienced
- Each member of the team has over a decade of experience in the industry
- Our 5* client reviews reflect our service & standards
- We are a fully independent & owner-run tour operator
- Our holidays include full financial protection & ATOL coverage
- We are destination experts, ensuring authentic & reliable advice
Committed and Responsible
Tailor-made and Personal
- No two trips are the same, our holidays are 100% bespoke
- We design personal, genuine cultural connections & experiences
- From planning to travel, you’ll have one dedicated point of contact
- Our support is available around the clock during your holiday
- We take care of the details, so you don’t have to
Need More Inspiration?
Want to combine multi-countries, take less flights, or include a hike in Patagonia? Thinking of a longer sabbatical holiday, or staying in some luxury yurts? It’s all possible; all our holidays are tailor-made with a focus on responsible travel. Take a look at more ideas below, and contact our experts.
