WHY IS GALÁPAGOS WILDLIFE SO UNIQUE?

Isolated, inaccessible & untouched
The Galápagos Islands lie around 1,000km west of the mainland Ecuadorian coast. These volcanic islands have never been attached to Ecuador, nor anywhere else for that matter, and have always remained isolated in the Pacific Ocean, straddling the equator. The oldest island, Española, is the furthest south and thought to have been formed around four million years ago. The youngest island, Fernandina, is a mere 500,000 years old, and also an active shield volcano that erupted as recently as 2018. Thanks to their volcanic nature and humidity, the northerly islands are fairly fertile with plentiful vegetation. The islands further south of the equator are more arid with little or no vegetation.Via numerous known and unknown methods – including floating on vegetation from South America – land animals have made the 21 main islands of the Galápagos their home. Due to the differing island habitats, several species, including tortoises and land iguanas, evolved in a different way to those on neighbouring islands, forming sub-species. This is what Charles Darwin discovered when he visited the islands in 1835. Species of finch, mockingbirds and tortoises, for example, were different from one island to the next. They had evolved to suit their environment and, in so doing, had become unique to the Galápagos. Darwin’s book The Origin of the Species was published some 20 years after his visit, and through this work he had, inadvertently, put the untouched islands of the Galápagos, and their inhabitants, firmly on the map.
Our Galapagos wildlife Vacations
Galapagos cruise options, tailor made
The greatest wildlife experiences tailor made
Galapagos land based adventure vacation
Amazing wildlife, both on land and underwater
Galapagos & Amazon wildlife vacation, Ecuador
The ultimate wildlife trip to the Amazon and Galapagos
Galapagos and Machu Picchu vacation in Ecuador and Peru
Discover Peru's Machu Picchu and the Wildlife-rich Galapagos
Galapagos Islands vacation
Home to many interesting species of endemic wildlife
Galapagos adventure vacation
Unique Wildlife, Snorkeling, Hiking, Cycling, Kayaking
Costa Rica and Galapagos wildlife vacation
Galapagos wildlife cruise plus Costa Rica nature/beach week
Ecuador highlands tour & Galapagos cruise
Experience Ecuador's stunning highlands and the Galapagos
Peru and Galapagos vacation
An inspirational tour combining Peru, Ecuador & the Galapagos
Galapagos multi activity vacation
An amazing adventure Galapagos Multi-sports
Galapagos activity & wildlife vacation, land based
Tailor-made land-based activity vacation in Galapagos
Galapagos Islands tour
Hand picked hidden treasure tour of the Galapagos Islands
Galapagos and Peru tour
Galápagos cruise with colonial Quito and the best of Peru
Galapagos wildlife cruise
The most exciting and complete way to discover the Galapagos
Galapagos cruise vacation
Discover rich marine life, abundant bird colonies and stunning landscapes
Ecuador and Galapagos Islands wildlife vacation
Three ecosystems for nature enthusiasts
Galapagos & Inca Trail tour
Unique adventure of ancient sights & breathtaking beauty
Machu Picchu and Galapagos vacation
Two of South America's highlights on one trip.
Galapagos cruise
Explore the remote, exotic and wildlife-filled Galapagos islands
Galapagos conservation & photography vacation
Conservation volunteering and photography in the Galapagos
Galapagos and Ecuador wildlife tour
Amazon jungle and then cruise the mysterious Galapagos islands
Galapagos and Ecuador small group vacation
Natural wonders & amazing culture in Ecuador & the Galapagos
Ecuador and Galapagos group tour
Complete Ecuador and Galapagos Islands Hidden Treasure Tour
Galapagos 5 day cruise, Ecuador
Cruise around the incredible and unique Galapagos Islands
Galapagos and Amazon Wildlife vacation
Combining the best wildlife of the Galapagos and the Amazon
Galapagos cruise plus Ecuador and Peru
Combine two truly outstanding places in South America
Galapagos tailor made vacations
An adventure in the Galapagos to see the amazing wildlife
Ecuador and Galapagos Islands wildlife tour
The ultimate Ecuadorian adventure with the Galapagos Islands
Protected national park & UNESCO status
Our top Galapagos wildlife Vacation
Galapagos cruises
Sail in a charming red schooner
Daily departures throughout the year.
What you can expect to see
Setting foot on the Galápagos Islands allows you to become immersed in environments that have remained relatively untouched since being created millions of years ago. Although four of the islands – Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Isabela and Floreana – are inhabited, and feature small amounts of tourist accommodation, the rest do not allow overnight stays and as such you'll be treated to a unique opportunity to observe endemic animals in their natural habitat. The Galápagos Islands feature few large predators which means that indigenous animals feel safe and unaware of unnatural dangers, even the presence of humans. This means you can get up very close to animals, although ‘look but don't touch’ is a message to be strictly adhered to.You can expect to see a wonderful variety of endemic animals, such as giant tortoises, iguanas and lava lizards, as well as extra special species of penguins, flamingos, and albatross that have either made Galápagos their permanent home or migrate here annually. Underwater there’s a whole other world to discover with more than 400 species of marine animals known to inhabit the depths and shallows of the Pacific surrounding the islands. Marine iguanas, green turtles and sea lions are just a few of the species that you should be able to spot out at sea or closer to the shore.