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    Ecuador Galapagos Giant Tortoise experience

    Galápagos Islands Wildlife Tours made for you

    Seek out animals of the Galápagos Islands on a bespoke tour designed just for you
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    Giant tortoises

    Observe sea turtles and giant tortoises

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    Galápagos cruises

    Navigate remote islets and secluded beaches

    Darwin’s finches

    Encounter the birds that sparked Darwinism

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    Sierra Negra

    Hike the Sierra Negra volcano

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    Eco lodges and camps

    Enjoy land based exploration of the Galápagos

    One of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences on earth

    Encounter species found only on the Galápagos Islands – from the iconic giant tortoises to marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and Darwins finches – and observe evolution in action. Situated 600 miles from the coast of Ecuador, this archipelagos unique ecosystem inspired Charles Darwins theory of natural selection, and today continues to captivate naturalists, photographers and wildlife enthusiasts from around the globe.

    You can explore from a Galápagos cruise – perhaps a yacht, spacious catamaran or larger expedition ship – or from a lodge or safari style camp, or choose to combine both. These volcanic islands with their beautiful white sand beaches, rugged lava landscapes and lush green highlands provide unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.

    Led by expert naturalist guides, you might spend one day on Santa Cruz Island snorkelling and swimming with sea lions, and another on Isabela Island hiking the Sierra Negra volcano or discovering Los Humedales (the wetlands) with its mangroves and pink flamingos. Many of our partners, and the national park authorities, work within guidelines similar to our own Positive Impact Principles. This allows us to plan your Galápagos wildlife tour with conservation and wildlife protection at the forefront, supporting causes that benefit both the environment and local communities.

    Your travel designer will plan you a one-of-a-kind trip in the Galápagos Islands, taking care that every element will feel seamless, and each experience perfectly matches your tastes and preferences.

    Highlights

    Enjoy a luxury expedition cruise – your travel designer will help you pick the best for you and your family

    Set off on small group excursions by ‘panga’ Zodiac boats and see the islands’ dense marine life

    Hike the Sierra Negra volcano for epic views or the surrounding islands

    Witness green sea turtles laying eggs on pristine beaches or tiny hatchlings making their first journey to the ocean

    Visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre at Darwin’s Research Station on Santa Cruz Island

    The Galápagos Islands are hands down my favourite destination for wildlife watching. A sea lion might swim up to you when you’re snorkelling, sun bathing Marine iguanas will be totally indifferent to you sharing the same beach, and giant tortoises will lumber past you with barely a glance. It’s a unique, incredible place, like nowhere else in the world.

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    Lily Bunker

    Senior Travel Designer

    Luxury accommodation in the Galápagos

    There are many incredible places to stay in the Galápagos, and a choice of luxury cruises. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

    Why book with Jacada?

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    Personalised design

    We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

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    Authentic experiences

    Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

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    Responsible travel

    Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

    Ready to plan your adventure?

    Whatever you want from your Galápagos wildlife tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Where to go

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    Galapagos - Cruises

    Ultra-private yachts for exclusive small-group experiences, spacious catamarans and larger expedition ships serve as floating luxury base camps, allowing you to wake each morning at a new island or remote islet.

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    Luxury Galapagos Hotels

    Land-based Galápagos exploration offers a flexible alternative to traditional cruises, with sustainable luxury lodges serving as a base for daily wildlife excursions – particularly appealing to families and travellers seeking an unhurried experience.

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    When to visit

    The Galápagos Islands are a year round destination. Each season presents different opportunities for wildlife spotting. On the whole, due to its proximity to the equator the temperatures stay moderate and mild.

    Between December and April the waters are calm and warm, perfect for snorkelling and cruising.

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    Green turtles hatching

    April

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    Bird watching

    April–June

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    Migratory whales

    June–September

    Best Time to Visit Galapagos Islands: Month-by-Month Guide 2024-25

    Best Time to Visit Galapagos Islands: Month-by-Month Guide 2024-25

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    Plan your trip to The Galápagos Islands

    Plan with peace of mind

    When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.

    If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.

    Find out more
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