Galapagos Islands
Country Atlas · No. 60Latin America

Galapagos Islands

Darwin's archipelago, with naturalist guides

Wildlife·Photography·Families
The brief

The Galapagos — Darwin's archipelago, by small expedition yacht.

The most rewarding wildlife week in the Western Hemisphere, and the only way to do it is by small expedition yacht (Aqua Mare for charter, Pikaia or Finch Bay for the land-based version). Three nights minimum, seven for the proper circuit.

We pair every Galapagos week with two nights in Quito or Guayaquil to acclimatise.

WildlifePhotographyFamiliesAdventure
When to go

A year in Galapagos Islands

Dec – May
Warm

Calm seas, warm water, ideal snorkelling, lush vegetation.

Jun – Nov
Dry

Cooler, choppier seas, peak wildlife — albatross arrive.

Nov / Apr
Shoulder

Transition months, balanced wildlife and weather.

All year
Year-round

Always wildlife-rich — pick by what species you want to see.

Recommended hotels

Where to stay in Galapagos Islands

Handpicked stays we love and recommend, chosen for their exceptional service, setting, and style — for every kind of traveler.

Resorts & regions

Where to go in Galapagos Islands

The chapters we book most often — pair two or three for a classic week, or commit to a single one for the slow-travel version.
Santa Cruz Island
No. 01Latin America

Santa Cruz Island

Giant tortoises, lava landscapes, marine life and the easiest land-based Galapagos base.

Pikaia Lodge · Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel · Galapagos Safari Camp

Isabela Island
No. 02Latin America

Isabela Island

Volcanoes, beaches, flamingos and a quieter island rhythm.

Scalesia Galapagos Lodge · Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel · Casa de Marita

San Cristóbal Island
No. 03Latin America

San Cristóbal Island

Sea lions, coastal walks, snorkeling and a relaxed arrival point.

Golden Bay Galapagos · Casa Opuntia · Galapagos Sunset Hotel

Floreana Island
No. 04Latin America

Floreana Island

History, quiet shores, wildlife and one of the archipelago’s most intimate island stops.

Floreana Lava Lodge · expedition cruise stays

Española Island
No. 05Latin America

Española Island

Albatross, dramatic cliffs, marine iguanas and one of the strongest wildlife days by cruise.

Ecoventura · Aqua Mare · Silversea Galapagos expedition cruises

Fernandina & Western Isabela
No. 06Latin America

Fernandina & Western Isabela

Remote volcanic landscapes, rare wildlife and expedition-style Galapagos at its most dramatic.

Ecoventura · Quasar Expeditions · Silversea Galapagos expedition cruises

Luxury Expedition Cruises
No. 07Latin America

Luxury Expedition Cruises

Small-ship journeys, naturalist guides and the best way to connect several islands seamlessly.

Ecoventura · Aqua Mare · Silversea Galapagos

Also in Latin America

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Galapagos Islands — Latin America — BookTravel USA