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Ecuador Galapagos
 Ecuador Galapagos
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Galapagos Islands

With dramatic volcanic landscapes and lying directly on the Equator, the geologically-recent Galapagos Islands rate as one of the most unusual wildlife locations in the world. Above water there are plants and semi-tame animals whose geographical isolation and adaptation to the harsh conditions have led to the evolution of many unique natural histories, including marine iguanas, giant tortoises and the famous Darwin finches. Under water, cool currents have introduced otherwise coldwater species to these tropical seas: penguins, orcas and fur seals happily rub along with parrot fish, turtles and manta rays.  

Of the 29 species of land birds on the islands, 22 are endemic including 13 species of Darwin’s finches. Nineteen species of seabird include waved albatross, flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguin, two species of frigatebird and three species of booby.   Mammals include the Galapagos sea lion, fur seal and cetaceans such as sperm, humpback and pilot whales, dolphins and orca.  Ray and shark species include the Galapagos shark, scalloped hammerhead and whale shark. 


Among the resident reptiles are a large nesting population of the Pacific green turtle, two species of land iguana, marine iguana, seven species of lava lizard, nine species of gecko (of which five are endemic) and three endemic snakes. Noteworthy is the giant tortoise (Geochelone elephantopus), now sadly restricted to a mere handful of sites around the islands and most likely seen at the Charles Darwin Research Centre on Santa Cruz.

The islands increase in age from west to east, with Fernandina being the youngest and Española the oldest. The western islands contain smouldering volcanoes and huge lava fields, while those in the east have lost most of their volcanic features through erosion.

 

Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz, one of five inhabited islands, has a verdant highland area, one of the few remaining refuges of the giant tortoise. Also found here is the famous Charles Darwin Research Centre in Puerto Ayora which preserves and breeds tortoise subspecies from other islands, including ‘Lonesome George’, the sole survivor of the Pinta Island race. 

Finch Bay Hotel
The island’s main town, Puerto Ayora, has shops and some varied tourist accommodation, the best of which is the Finch Bay Hotel offering very comfortable rooms, pool, beach, walks to nearby sites and excellent wildlife boat trips to neighbouring islands. Perfect for those who do not wish to sleep on board a boat.

 

Galapagos Cruises

There are a huge range of boats on offer for Galapagos cruises, from eight-berth private yachts to 100-passenger luxury cruise ships.  All provide a mixture of land visits and snorkelling, with many offering occasional scuba diving. Dedicated dive cruises are also available which take in the remote islands of Darwin and Wolf.  Two of our preferred cruise options are as follows:

M/Y Eric, Letty & Flamingo 
These three sister vessels provide comfortable cruising in fast, air-conditioned motor yachts, visiting locations missed by slower vessels including Genovesa Island, home to the archipelago’s largest colony of red-footed boobies. A maximum of twenty passengers split between two national park guides means that you are never on the islands in groups of more than ten people.  The boat also offers occasional diving (five dives) for experienced divers at extra cost.

 

M/S Cachalote
The delightful 16-passenger sailing yacht has long been a favourite with our clients.  It uses some of the best wildlife guides in the Galapagos, has a good itinerary and offers excellent value for money.  Occasional diving is available for experienced divers.

 

 

Ecuador's Natural History Highlights

Incorporating the prime wildlife highlights of mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, this comprehensive yet well-paced itinerary provides plenty of time to enjoy each location, uses exceptional naturalist guides throughout and features accommodation of a high standard. The Amazon rainforest is complemented perfectly by the Andean cloud forest, and a superb seven-night luxury cruise of the Galapagos islands rounds off what is probably the ultimate Ecuador and Galapagos wildlife holiday.  Find out more...

An Island and Rainforest Adventure in Ecuador

Appealing to those with limited time and budget yet wishing to experience something special, this compact itinerary focuses on two exceptional natural wonders: the species-rich rainforests of Amazonia and the enchanted isles of the Galapagos.  With excellent guides, good mainland accommodation and a charming schooner in which to cruise the islands, stimulation and enjoyment in the Amazon and Galapagos are assured.  Find out more...

Ecuador & Galapagos in Comfort and Style

We have designed this extra-special itinerary for those wishing to tour the Ecuadorean Andes in style and visit the Galapagos in comfort, staying on land rather than aboard a boat. The stylish, distinctive colonial haciendas we have chosen are redolent of Ecuador’s rich Inca and Spanish colonial past, and our pleasant Galapagos hotel offers the highest degree of comfort to be found on the islands while providing daily excursions by boat. No seasickness, but plenty of island enjoyment is assured.  Find out more...