Galapagos Islands Holidays: a luxury cruise in the most exotic place on earth

Galapagos Islands holidays are like none other. If you want to go on a holiday to see the most incredible wildlife, then this is your best bet.

You’ll feel like you’re in a David Attenborough documentary, or a National Geographic film.

It’s totally a bucket list holiday for so many, and I’m so grateful I managed to get the chance to go!

The Galapagos islands shot to fame thanks to Charles Darwin and his Theory of Evolution.

The wildlife in the Galapagos Islands is second to none; it’s truly a wild, remote island paradise. The island weather, the island life is very changeable and harsh, meaning that the animals and the plants have had to adapt to an extreme environment.

But thankfully, you don’t have to weather the harsh environment yourself; get yourself on a luxury cruise! It’s stunning, well organised, adventurous and the wildlife is spectacular.

There are a tonne of spectacular cruises and Galapagos Islands Tours to choose from, whether it’s 4 day, 5 day or a week long cruise; there are a tonne of Galapagos Island tours for you to choose from, including tailor made options if you wish.

Honestly it’ll be one of the best Galapagos holidays, you wont be able to forget it!

This article may contain affiliate links.

You might be interested in some of my other articles in Peru to see Machu Picchu, on New Zealand, Vietnam or India.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Adriana! I’m constantly searching for the best places to travel to so you don’t have to! Think hidden gems but all over the world. That means I’m constantly on the road and exploring new places to visit and I have a love for photography, so it made sense to write travel guides on all the places I visit. I was born in Australia and spent my childhood in New Zealand, Poland, Dubai and England growing up and I decided to take my love of travel to the next level! Read more about me here and see my articles here.

About the Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands, an Ecuadorian archipelago, are renowned for their unique wildlife and stunning landscapes. These islands provide a glimpse into a world untouched by time, where visitors can experience the natural wonders that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution. The islands are home to giant tortoises, sea lions, marine iguanas, and various bird species, making it a top destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers.

Where to Go in the Galápagos Islands

It’s hard to know where to start, which Islands are the best?

Frankly, all of the islands will be pretty spectacular to go to, but I definitely think you should visit Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Bartolome & Genovesa.

Have a look below at the different islands and what you’re likely to see at each:

Santa Cruz

• Highlights: Charles Darwin Research Station, giant tortoises, Tortuga Bay
• Activities: Kayaking, snorkeling, wildlife watching

San Cristóbal

• Highlights: Blue-footed boobies, sea lions, El Junco Lagoon
• Activities: Hiking, bird watching, snorkeling

Isabela

• Highlights: Largest island, volcanic landscapes, giant tortoises
• Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, visiting historic sites

Bartolomé

• Highlights: Pinnacle Rock, Galapagos penguins
• Activities: Snorkeling, hiking

Genovesa

• Highlights: Bird-watcher’s paradise, red-footed boobies
• Activities: Bird watching, hiking

Floreana

• Highlights: Green beaches, Post Office Bay, flamingos
• Activities: Snorkeling, hiking, wildlife watching

Espanola

• Highlights: Waved albatross, marine iguanas, Gardner Bay
• Activities: Bird watching, snorkeling

North Seymour

• Highlights: Frigate birds, blue-footed boobies
• Activities: Bird watching, hiking

Rabida

• Highlights: Red sand beaches, diverse wildlife
• Activities: Snorkeling, hiking

Galapagos Islands at a Glance (Some Facts)

• Location: Approximately 1,000 km (620 miles) off the coast of Ecuador. You’ll need to fly there (or get a ferry which takes 3 days, not recommended).
• Archipelago: Consists of 13 main islands, 6 smaller islands, and over 100 islets and rocks.
• Climate: Year-round, with two main seasons – warm/wet season (December to May) and cool/dry season (June to November).
• Unique Wildlife: Home to species not found anywhere else on Earth, such as the Galapagos giant tortoise, marine iguanas, and Darwin’s finches.
• Activities: Snorkeling, diving, hiking, wildlife watching, and visiting volcanic landscapes.
• Historical Significance: Site of Charles Darwin’s studies that led to his theory of evolution by natural selection.
• Conservation: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, with strict regulations to protect the unique ecosystem.

Galápagos Islands Holiday

There’s so much to see on a Galapagos holiday and it’s such a bucket list experience, so don’t wait to go. There are so many Galapagos cruises to choose from!

If you’re hoping to see wild seals, marine iguanas, blue footed boobies, sharks, pelicans, penguins, and a tonne more animals, then this is your best bet.

And of course, let’s not forget the famous Galapagos Giant Tortoise.

So the best recommendation is to see the beauty of the Galapagos from a luxury cruise. Have all your needs met so you can focus on the excitement and serenity of the place.

There are a tonne of different islands you can visit, so it’s hard to know where to start. I decided to leave it to the experts to decide on our itinerary.

There are areas that have very limited rainfall for months or even years, and the animals have had to take extreme measures to survive, which you’ll learn about on your tour.

You’ll be stepping into an isolated world where giant tortoises roam freely and unforgettable landscapes await. Observe wildlife as Charles Darwin did, with inquisitive sea lions, marine iguanas, and hammerhead sharks. Modern-day explorers can snorkel in crystal-clear waters, traverse volcanic landscapes, and spot unique animals. The Galapagos Islands offer an unparalleled experience with a diverse array of animals and stunning scenery.

How much does a Galapagos Islands Holiday cost?

This honestly varies depending on what tour you choose to go on – is it 3 days, 4 days, 5 days? It can range from $1000 and up, most are in between the $1000-6000 price range, depending on what you choose to do.

Animals You Can See in the Galápagos Islands

• Galápagos Giant Tortoise: Iconic and ancient, these massive tortoises can live over 100 years and are known for their domed shells and slow pace.
• Marine Iguana: Unique to the Galápagos, these iguanas are the only lizards in the world that have adapted to live and forage in the sea.
• Galápagos Penguin: The only penguin species that lives north of the equator, adapted to the warm climate of the islands.
• Blue-Footed Booby: Known for their distinctive blue feet, which they show off in elaborate mating dances.
• Galápagos Sea Lion: Playful and curious, these sea lions are often seen sunbathing on beaches or swimming around snorkelers.
• Galápagos Hawk: As the apex predator of the islands, these hawks are known for their keen hunting skills and broad wingspan.
• Darwin’s Finches: Famous for their role in Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, these finches exhibit a variety of beak shapes and sizes adapted to different food sources.
• Flightless Cormorant: With vestigial wings and excellent diving skills, these birds are a fascinating example of evolutionary adaptation.
• Waved Albatross: Known for their large wingspan and graceful gliding, these birds breed exclusively on Española Island.
• Sally Lightfoot Crab: With their bright red and blue coloring, these crabs are often seen scuttling over the rocks near the shore.

5 day itinerary around the Galapagos

I went on the 4 day itinerary (and we did about 12 excursions!) but there are plenty of different Galapagos Tours. Have a look

How to Get Around the Galápagos Islands

• Cruises: The best way to explore the Galapagos, allowing access to multiple islands and remote locations. Cruises offer a range of itineraries and comfort levels, from luxury yachts like the Grand Queen Beatriz to newer vessels like the Grand Daphne.
• Local Transport: Some tour companies emphasize using local transport options to minimize environmental impact and support local operators, enhancing the adventure experience.

The Alya Cruise

First up let’s take a look at the actual boat itself. The Galapagos Islands vacations are second to none – a tonne of island hopping and of course, responsible travel.

We went to the following locations:

• Bartolomé and Santiago Islands: Known for their stunning volcanic landscapes and iconic Pinnacle Rock, offering exceptional snorkeling opportunities with Galapagos penguins.
• Santa Cruz: Home to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the famous giant tortoises, with activities like kayaking in Tortuga Bay.
• San Cristóbal Island: A prime spot for viewing blue-footed boobies and sea lions, and a gateway to other islands with its main airport.
• Genovesa Island: A bird-watcher’s paradise with masked, blue-footed, and red-footed boobies, along with other unique bird species.

The boat is a luxury little space and really made for about a total of 16 guests. Think of it as a very eco-friendly but luxurious home that’s what you’re gonna get.

When you get on board you’re asked to remove your shoes so everywhere inside you walk barefoot and downstairs there is a lovely lounge seating area with a bar and also the dining room. There are two main tables which you will share with other guests and it’s actually a really lovely way to get to know lots of other people quickly became friends with other people on the cruise who were lovely.

Our cabin was lovely and spacious and had plenty of room for our suitcases in the wardrobes lots of drawers and places to put your amenities in the bathroom.

It also comes with a very cute little balcony where it is great to watch the sunrise and Sunset.

Baltra Island & Black Turtle Cove

Chances of seeing: White-tipped and black-tipped reef sharks, green sea turtles, rays, herons, blue-footed boobies, mangroves.

You will have a naturalist guide will pick you up from the airport and you’ll go straight to Black turtle Cove and you’re immediately on your way to go on some excursions which are pretty spectacular. Expect to see a bunch of green sea turtles and if you’re lucky you’re likely to see lot of very small baby sharks. We saw at least 100 of them.

You’ll also spot hundreds of exotic beds, including the blue footed booby ton of Hans and cormorants as well some of which are utterly gigantic. They literally reminded me of pterodactyls.

Black Turtle Cove gets its name from the abundance of green sea turtles, locally known as tortugas negras.

There is no landing here so you will be doing a boat tour on the zodiacs (smaller boats) where you’ll get to explore shallow channels and small coves surrounded by beautiful mangrove forests. Reef sharks, sea turtles and various sting rays inhabit this cove which is considered an important mating area for turtles and a nursery for several species of sharks. Herons, pelicans and boobies are also common here as they pray in schools of anchovies and you’ll see these in abundance from your boat!

Genovesa Island

Chances of seeing: Nesting great frigatebirds, red footed & Nazca boobies, Galapagos sea lions, lava & swallow-tailed gulls, yellow-crowned night herons, Genovesa ground finch, Genovesa cactus finch, Galapagos mockingbirds.

Here we got to kayak and do a lot of bird watching. You’ll see lots of wild birds here which is honestly incredible. You’ll see birds doing 100 foot dives into the water to catch fish below and some of these birds are utterly gigantic. It’s pretty impressive to see.

You also get a chance to snorkel, which is also a lot of fun. We actually saw a penguin here and it was just a wonderful day out.

Genovesa is known for birdwatching as it is home for very large colonies of seabirds.

The trail on the island is an ultimate wildlife experience as there are animals everywhere; sea lions and marine iguanas near the sea; night herons, lava & swallow-tailed gulls, Darwin finches, Galapagos doves, mockingbirds, and many more species inland.

From the minute you set foot at the beach, you will be amazed by the noise of hundreds of boobies, gulls, and frigatebirds flying over your heads, perched in the bushes, or nesting on the sandy terrain.
Snorkel: The bay offers several places to snorkel; from deep waters along the cliffs across the bay, to shallow waters by the beach. In either case, there are many fish to see and great chances of seeing sharks, rays and sea lions.

2nd excursion at Genovesa Island

Chances to see: Nesting great frigatebirds, red footed & Nazca boobies, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos fur seals, lava & swallow-tailed gulls, yellow-crown night herons, Genovesa ground finch, Genovesa cactus finch, Galapagos mockingbirds.

El Barranco is located in the southern part of Darwin Bay at Genovesa Island. The cliffs face the sea and are made of very fragile, fractured lava, making it the ideal place for storm petrels to build their colonies. This attracts an important population of short-eared owls preying on the nesting birds. Red-footed and Nazca boobies are abundant along the trail. At the base of the cliffs, we saw Galapagos fur seals resting in shaded areas, as well as several species of seabirds.

For our second excursion of the day, we went around to a different part of Genovesa Island where you can snorkel. Here we were actually lucky enough to see a sea lion that was extremely curious and super friendly, and swam up super close to us. We obviously tried not to touch it and disturb its natural environment, but it was definitely a bucket list experience.

We saw sea lions, tonnes of fish and a lot of marine iguanas and of course, lots of fur.

Santiago, Sullivan Bay, Bartolome Island

Go onto an incredible journey into the volcanic origins of these islands. This hike leads you through the Pahoehoe lava flows, with the most bizarre, otherwordly textures found in only a handful of places worldwide. While the barren landscape may suggest a lack of life, keep an eye out for resilient pioneer plants, lava lizards, and small birds. Near the shore, you may spot penguins, pelicans, and oystercatchers.

For those who love the water, consider swimming or snorkeling from a coral sand beach or from the dinghies. Beneath the surface lies a bustling aquatic world, contrasting the seemingly barren land above. Here, you’ll encounter schools of vibrant fish, Galapagos penguins, reef sharks, turtles, and rays, offering a mesmerizing experience akin to traveling to another realm.

Chances of seeing: Pahoehoe lava, Galapagos penguins, oystercatchers, Galapagos hawks.

Bartolome is one of the most iconic places in the Galapagos and one of the few where you can see penguins without going to the remote areas of western Isabela and Fernandina. You will get great views of Pinnacle Rock, located in the northern side of the island, right next to a beautiful peach-color sand beach. The hike to the top of the island is fantastic and will offer you incredible views of lunar landscapes with scattered volcanic cones. Many islands are visible from this outlook, as well as the bay of Sullivan and the Pinnacle rock.

Chinese Hat

Chances of seeing: Galapagos penguins, volcanic landscapes, Pinnacle rock, blue-footed boobies, herons, sea lions, sharks.

This little islet is like a picture-perfect postcard, shaped by a volcanic cone and I can only assume its name comes from the symmetrical form. It sits just across from Santiago, with a narrow channel in between, creating one of the prettiest bays around. The water here is a stunning blue-turquoise, and the beaches are made of coral sand, all framed by dark lava rocks, giving it that true tropical paradise vibe. And guess what? You might even spot penguins chilling out on the rocks, which is pretty unexpected in such a warm setting. The trail hugs the shore, so you’ll stroll right past a cozy sea lion colony.

When you dive into the water, get ready for a mesmerizing show of colorful fish and the sleek shapes of reef sharks gliding by. And here’s a wild thing: you might just catch a penguin zooming through the water, hunting down anchovies like a little underwater torpedo.

Mosquera Sandbar

Mosquera is mostly a barren sand bar with TONNES OF SEA LIONS. You can walk along the beach and enjoy seeing playful sea lion pups surfing the waves and having a great time in the tide pools. Look for endemic lava gulls which are often seen flying over the beach in search of food.
Snorkel: If the waves are not too big you can snorkel at the northern tip of the island or at one of the small beaches in the sheltered side. It was quite wavy when we went.

Charles Darwin Station, Santa Cruz

This is where you get to see the famous Galapagos Island Giant Tortoises! It’s honestly an incredible thing to see. You’ll also learn about the

Chances of seeing: Galapagos giant tortoise & land iguanas breeding program, Darwin finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, Galapagos flycatchers, yellow warblers.

Have you heard of Lonely George?

Lonely George, or Solitario George, was a Pinta Island tortoise (Chelonoidis abingdonii) and became a global icon for conservation efforts. His story highlights the critical need for preserving endangered species and the challenges involved in such endeavors.

Who was Lonely George?

• Discovery: In 1971, Lonely George was discovered on Pinta Island in the Galápagos Archipelago. At that time, it was believed that the Pinta Island tortoise was already extinct, making George’s discovery a remarkable and hopeful event for conservationists.
• Unique Status: George was the last known individual of his subspecies. Efforts were made to find other Pinta Island tortoises, but none were discovered. This unique status earned him the nickname “Lonely George.”

The last of his kind…

• Captivity: George was moved to the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island, where he lived under the care of scientists and conservationists.
• Breeding Attempts: Several attempts were made to mate George with females from closely related subspecies in hopes of restoring this species, but it didn’t work! George never successfully reproduced and was the last of his kind.

Conservation

• Symbol of Conservation: Lonely George became worldwide recognised – and conservation efforts become more known and more popular than ever. His story was used to raise awareness about the negative impacts humans have had on ecosystems and the importance of protecting endangered species.
• Legacy: Although Lonely George passed away on June 24, 2012, his legacy continues. He is remembered as a poignant reminder of the fragility of our natural world and the need for continued conservation work.

Legacy

• Preservation: After his death, George’s body was preserved and displayed at the Charles Darwin Research Station for educational and inspirational purposes.
• Continued Efforts: The story of Lonely George has inspired ongoing conservation projects in the Galápagos and beyond, emphasizing the need for habitat protection and restoration efforts.

Ecuador

If you’re visiting Ecuador, don’t miss…

If you’re looking for other things to do in Ecuador before your Galapagos Islands Cruise, have a look at the following.

Where to stay in Quito

Consider staying at this absolutely gorgeous

Papallacta Hot Springs

This is a short drive outside of Quito – around 45 minutes – and you should absolutely stay here if you’re after a blissful retreat.

Papallacta Hot Springs, up in the Andes of Ecuador, has thermal baths heated by volcanic activity. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxing soak with amazing mountain views and various pools to enjoy. Plus, there’s a spa and comfy accommodations, making it a great place to relax in the thermal waters for hours.

Horse riding in the cowboy region of Cotopaxia

Honestly this is the most fun experience! Dress up as a traditional Ecuadorian cowboy and go for a ride through the countryside.

The experience is quite unlike none other, and there’s tonnes of things to see along the way. We saw actual real life cowboys round up the herds, statues and monuments and of course, the incredible landscape.

Where to stay in Cotopaxia

Stay at Hacienda Porvenir for this experience, it’s around an hour outside of Quito, well worth a trip into the mountains!

Middle of the Earth Equator tour

This is definitely one of the coolest (and fun!) experiences we did in Ecuador.

I honestly didn’t really realise, but a bunch of unusual things happen on the equator that you don’t know about. Have a look at the full video of all the weird things that happened here (it’s 90 seconds long, it’s worth it!).

Best Time to Visit the Galapagos Islands & Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands can be visited year-round, with each season offering unique experiences:

December to May (Warm Season):

• Weather: Warmer temperatures, with air temperatures ranging from 24-30°C (75-86°F) and water temperatures between 21-26°C (70-79°F).
• Conditions: The seas are calmer and visibility is excellent for snorkeling and diving.
• Wildlife Highlights: Green sea turtles lay eggs, land birds start nesting, and the waved albatross returns to Española Island.

June to November (Cool Season):

• Weather: Cooler and drier, with air temperatures around 19-26°C (66-79°F) and water temperatures between 18-23°C (64-73°F).
• Conditions: Seas can be choppier due to the Humboldt Current, but the nutrient-rich waters attract a variety of marine life.
• Wildlife Highlights: Whale sharks are present, giant tortoises nest, and the famous blue-footed booby courtship dance can be observed.

Ecuador:

Highlands (Quito, Cuenca):

• Best time to visit: June to September, for the driest weather and clear skies.

Amazon Rainforest:

• Best time to visit: December to March, with the least amount of rainfall, though it’s still humid and wet.

Coastal Regions:

• Best time to visit: December to April, for the warmest weather and the best beach conditions.

Galapagos Island Weather in January

• Average temperature: 27°C (81°F)
• Average rainy days: 3
• Average daylight hours: 12
• Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
• Average sunset time: 6:30 PM

Galapagos Island Weather in February

• Average temperature: 27°C (81°F)
• Average rainy days: 3
• Average daylight hours: 12
• Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
• Average sunset time: 6:30 PM

Galapagos Island Weather in March

• Average temperature: 28°C (82°F)
• Average rainy days: 4
• Average daylight hours: 12
• Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
• Average sunset time: 6:30 PM

Galapagos Island Weather in April

• Average temperature: 28°C (82°F)
• Average rainy days: 4
• Average daylight hours: 12
• Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
• Average sunset time: 6:00 PM

Galapagos Island Weather in May

• Average temperature: 27°C (81°F)
• Average rainy days: 4
• Average daylight hours: 11
• Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
• Average sunset time: 5:30 PM

Galapagos Island Weather in June

• Average temperature: 26°C (79°F)
• Average rainy days: 4
• Average daylight hours: 11
• Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
• Average sunset time: 5:30 PM

Galapagos Island Weather in July

• Average temperature: 25°C (77°F)
• Average rainy days: 4
• Average daylight hours: 11
• Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
• Average sunset time: 5:30 PM

Galapagos Island Weather in August

• Average temperature: 24°C (75°F)
• Average rainy days: 3
• Average daylight hours: 11
• Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
• Average sunset time: 5:30 PM

Galapagos Island Weather in September

• Average temperature: 24°C (75°F)
• Average rainy days: 3
• Average daylight hours: 11
• Average sunrise time: 5:30 AM
• Average sunset time: 5:30 PM

Galapagos Island Weather in October

• Average temperature: 24°C (75°F)
• Average rainy days: 3
• Average daylight hours: 12
• Average sunrise time: 5:30 AM
• Average sunset time: 6:00 PM

Galapagos Island Weather in November

• Average temperature: 25°C (77°F)
• Average rainy days: 3
• Average daylight hours: 12
• Average sunrise time: 5:30 AM
• Average sunset time: 6:00 PM

Galapagos Island Weather in December

• Average temperature: 26°C (79°F)
• Average rainy days: 3
• Average daylight hours: 12
• Average sunrise time: 5:30 AM
• Average sunset time: 6:00 PM

Galapagos Islands FAQs

What language is spoken in the Galapagos? The official language of the Galapagos is Spanish, but English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and on board boats.

What’s the currency of the Galapagos?

The official currency of Ecuador, of which the Galapagos is a part, is the US dollar ($). There are some Ecuadorian coins of equivalent value to US coins in circulation. ATMs are available in cities and larger towns, and credit cards are widely accepted, with Visa and AMEX more common than Mastercard.

What food and drink should I try in the Galapagos?

Local specialties include langostino encocado (lobster cooked in coconut milk) and arroz marinero (rice with seafood). Ceviche (marinated fish) and sopa marinero (fish soup) are also popular. Most hotels and cruises offer an international menu.

How much should I tip in the Galapagos?

Tipping guidelines vary by boat, but you can usually tip as you see fit by putting money in an envelope and depositing it in a box. Tips are typically pooled and distributed among guides and crew.

Where can I find the latest travel advice for the Galapagos?

For the most up-to-date travel advice, including entry requirements, health information, and safety and security updates, please refer to the State Department website.

What should I know about conservation in the Galapagos?

In this fragile ecosystem, conserve water by taking short showers, dispose of rubbish responsibly, and flush toilets sparingly. Bring a reusable water bottle as single-use plastics are banned. Keep a safe distance (2 m/6.5 ft) from wildlife, don’t touch or feed them, and avoid using flash photography. Consider joining a beach clean-up during your stay.

You might be interested in some of my other articles in Peru to see Machu Picchu, on New Zealand, Vietnam or India.

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