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. Combine with Ecuador for a bucket-list holiday.
Embark on an exciting and active Nicaragua holiday, as you conquer zip-lining, hiking and surfing amongst pristine nature. Immerse yourself in enchanting cloud forests. Experience the raw power of volcanoes, before relaxing amidst lush coffee plantations. Explore ancient traditions and local customs. End your adventure basking on the paradise beaches of the Pacific coast.
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.
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.
No country in Latin America has managed to perfect the luxury sustainable travel experience quite as well as Chile. On this trip, you will stay at the finest lodges in the Atacama, Patagonia and Lake District, all of which often have sublime service, delicious food, and inclusive guided activities. Bookend the holiday in Chile with a 5-star boutique hotel in Santiago and a relaxed fine-dining wine lodge.
A perfect multi-country holiday for lovers of food, wildlife, outdoor adventures and scenery. Eat at the world’s top restaurant in Lima, In the Amazon stay in the best Eco-lodges spotting incredible wildlife and birds on river trips and walks in the rainforest. Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, doing it differently with a traditional Pachamanca lunch and of course the must-see Macchu Picchu. See the vivid blues of Lake Titicaca before crossing over to Bolivia; a land of stark and eerie beauty. Salt flats, desert rocks and arid landscapes await, pressing on to the Atacama desert in Chile. A little rest and luxury after full days of adventure activities.
Starting from the Peru-Bolivia border at Lake Titicaca, spend a night at a charming lodge on Sun Island, where you can enjoy the peaceful traditional way of life against a beautiful backdrop. Continue via the fascinating capital, La Paz, to the otherworldly landscapes of the Altiplano.
Here you can stay in a hotel made from salt and a luxury dome perched directly on the Salt Flats, as you explore the most remarkable sites in the region. Finish back in La Paz, or continue by land to Chile.
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.
Combine luxury and adventure on this bespoke holiday to Colombia. Explore the culinary scene of Bogota and its treasures. A salsa-lover’s paradise, you get under the skin of Cali as your guide takes you to see world-famous shows. Holidays to Colombia are never complete without a visit to the coffee region and colourful Medellin with its mixed history. End with some luxury downtime on the beautiful Rosario Islands.
Three amazing countries with so much variety and contrast, a perfect combination eco holiday to South America. Enjoy walking tours in Santiago, before heading to the beautiful Chilean Lake District to see lava rocks, waterfalls and rapids. Immerse in rich culture and colourful streets in Chiloe Island, visiting a colony of penguins and sea otters. For ice and scenery, Patagonia is the best place to visit and is paradise for outdoor adventures. Get your hiking boots on for some of the best walks and views in the world in Torres Del Paine. Want to experience a Glacier up close? Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the greatest natural highlights in South America. Last but never least its Brazil! Tango shows, Malbec, passion and vibrancy await in Buenos Aires before ending with one mother natures greatest…Iguazu Falls.
Discover Chile’s dramatic landscapes and fascinating cultures on this leisurely-paced journey. After a week exploring Santiago, Valparaíso and the Winelands, continue south to discover the Lake District and Chiloe, including visits to local farms and community cooking classes. End with an in-depth six-night Atacama experience, allowing you to go beyond the usual tourist highlights once again in one of South America’s most stunning settings.
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. Prefer an island-based adventure? Its all possible.
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.
