Galapagos Island cruises offer the ultimate wildlife adventure. From extraordinary creatures that inspired Darwin, to enchanted lava tunnels and cloud forests, there are many spectacular things to see in this archipelago.
Our cruises are designed to be slower, greener and fairer, ensuring they respect the natural beauty
As one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, there are few more fitting destinations for nature and wildlife lovers than The Galapagos Islands. The volcanic archipelago comprises 127 islands, islets and rocks, with 97% of its emerged surface protected and recognised as National Park.
With so many unique landmasses to visit, a Galapagos cruise offers the best way to explore the region. From one captivating island to the next, you’ll encounter an array of magnificent wildlife species that cannot be found anywhere else on Earth in this South American paradise.
After all, the archipelago boasts the highest levels of endemism on the planet. Prepare to have surreal experiences on your Galapagos Island cruise, being one of the privileged few to see species like the huge Galapagos tortoises, wide-eyed marine iguanas and tiny Galapagos penguins firsthand.
Get active beyond the unmissable gorilla trekking to also include a full day chimpanzee habituation experience, exhilarating white water rafting on The Nile, hike end-to-end through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, explore the wild bush by foot and horseback, and enjoy many other outdoor activities around this enchanting country.
Embark on an epic 1000-mile road trip across one of Africa’s most beautiful countries, ranging from traditional safari grasslands to thick teaming jungle, via jaw-dropping lakes and mesmerising volcanos. Meet gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys and tree-climbing lions, alongside community projects and cultural initiatives that aim to provide a sustainable future.
Enjoy the wildlife wonders of Uganda in supreme comfort, staying at three of the country’s most luxurious and stylish lodges. You will have opportunities to track Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Golden Monkeys, as well as embark on game drives and boat trips to find large numbers of elephants, hippos, buffalo and of the course the famous local tree-climbing lions.
If you wanted to add the iconic Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda to your African adventures, this short luxurious extension to any Ugandan, Tanzanian or South African itinerary is a wonderful way to do it. Stay at one of the world famous 5-star eco lodges around Volcanos National Park for your gorilla trekking, where life-affirming experiences meet a world class conservation success story.
If you want to get beneath the skin of this unique country, then this is your itinerary. Spend a little longer in the capital, Thimpu, to explore the markets and local life. Continue to the Punakha, Gangtey and isolated Bumthang, switching between eco lodges, heritage hotels, and even a sustainable farm project. Add in hiking, rafting, and camping, finishing at unmissable Tigers Nest Monastery, and you have truly “done” Bhutan.
See the greatest sights in Bhutan in a more active way. Try white water rafting in Punakha Valley. Cycle your way through the countryside, with bicycles in your van throughout any road journeys. Hike and camp the four-day Druk Trail. And of course, ascend the walk to Tigers Nest Monastery.
Bhutan is Asia’s most exclusive sustainable travel destination, and as a result offers some of the most stunning eco-luxury properties we have ever laid our eyes upon. Explore this mesmerising country in upmost comfort from the sublime Six Senses, Uma, Taj and Aman lodges along the way, taking in all of the highlights of Thimpu, Punakha, Gangtey and Paro.
This slow travel Mexico culture holiday gives you time to soak it all up and experience your own version of Mexico. Journey from the sprawling metropolis of Mexico City down through the quaint colonial cities of Puebla and Oaxaca. Discover the real cultures of Mexico. See volcanoes in the distance, sail through vast canyons, walk amongst local villages and scale temples at sunrise in the jungle. Travelling overland you’ll reach lesser visited areas such as Palenque and Campeche where the way of life hasn’t changed for centuries. Head towards the coast via Chichen Itza (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), before ending on the stunning Caribbean Coast for some relaxation.
If you want to get active in nature, you have chosen the right country! Start your adventure by rafting-in to your first lodge, continue with hikes, hanging bridges, canopy walks and zip lines whilst visiting the Arenal Volcano and Monteverde Cloud Forest, and finish with sea kayaking, snorkelling, and surfing lessons on the Pacific Coast. There’s even plenty of hot springs and beach time, to relax and recover.
Discover this incredible country beyond the highlights by exploring hidden gems such as Selva Verde Rainforest, Maquenque Wildlife Reserve, the Celeste River, and the surfing towns of the Nicoya Peninsula, as well as unmissable Tortuguero, Arenal and Monteverde. Visit chocolate plantations and agro-sustainable farms, kayak through mangroves, hike to waterfalls, bathe in hot springs, and fall in love with sunsets over black sand beaches.
Here at Travel Differently, we believe that the magic of The Galapagos Islands can get lost when you’re bustling through the unspoilt archipelago on huge cruisers housing 100+ other tourists. That’s why we only partner with smaller vessels.
They not only ensure that you’ll have a more personalised experience on board but offer more private and immersive experiences exploring the islands on foot and encountering wildlife, as you can do so without hoards of other tourists around. The length of our cruise itineraries varies between 3 and 14 nights and includes the option of combining the cruise with an activity-based stay on one or two islands.
However you choose to explore this remarkable archipelago, expect to be blown away by visiting incredible sites such as the lava fields of Sullivan Bay, the legendary giant tortoises at El Chato Tortoise Reserve and the blue-footed booby nesting grounds on North Seymour Island.
Our Galapagos specialists really know their stuff and have stayed on board the cruises we recommend. If you would like a smaller cruise, a boat famous for its gastronomy or a specialist diving Galapagos boat, our experts will talk through the options best for you.
Please reach us at info@traveldifferently.co.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question.
We believe in travelling greener at Travel Differently. We exclusively collaborate with properties, cruisers, and activity providers who share our commitment to sustainability. Additionally, we carbon offset all of the holidays we plan at 150% to offer net positive trips.
The Galapagos Islands are such a unique and special corner of the world, so we are passionate about visiting them in a way that is respectful and mindful of the environment and those living there – human and animal.
We are firm believers in the benefits of slow travel. To get the most out of your Galapagos cruise, reduce your speed and spend more time uncovering all of the magical sites that make this archipelago such a sought-after destination.
By offering the opportunity to travel at a slower pace, our Galapagos Island cruises provide travellers with a more authentic and immersive experience. You can discover lesser-visited sites alongside the must-see attractions, while also having the time to fully appreciate each one and the scenery you encounter along the way.
Our Galapagos Island cruise itineraries are built upon the principles of travelling fairer. We meticulously craft them with sustainability in mind, only partnering with like-minded organisations dedicated to social development and environmental preservation.
By exclusively collaborating with companies that share our values, we ensure that our Galapagos cruises not only benefit the inhabitants of the archipelago but also safeguard its precious environment and ecosystems for years to come.
Fairer, greener and slower, our Galapagos Island cruises offer authentic experiences that truly benefit those living in the archipelago, along with its wildlife.
As a 100% independent boutique tour operator, we pride ourselves on crafting bespoke journeys personally tailored to the interests and preferences of each guest. Each trip is thoughtfully designed with the individual traveller in mind to provide them with the most incredible adventure.
