trafalgar tours galapagos islands

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Escorted Tours 2023 & 2024 - Escorted Tour Packages

Why take escorted tours vs. traveling on your own  .

Not only do you end up paying less for all that is included vs. trying to book things on your own, but you have the added benefit of experienced travel directors and expert local guides that will share their intimate local knowledge with you and assist in uncovering the rich history of each destination.  You will experience things you could not arrange on your own.  You will also save time by not having to stand in line at popular tourist sites so that you get more out of your vacation. Do you know that the line outside of the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum can easily be a wait of over 3 to 4 hours? With a 2023 or 2024 escorted tour package, your group goes to the front of the line, giving you more free time to enjoy the sites. 

How much does an escorted tour cost?

That depends on a few things. Different destinations tend to have different base prices, but tour quality weighs into the overall price as well. For a budget tour, you can estimate about $150 per day for the land portion of your trip; on a first class tour, you can expect about $200 to $300 per day, and for a deluxe tour $400+ per day is common. Escorted luxury tours are also available, but prices tend to run much higher.

Why the big changes in price?

Well, it depends on the hotel you stay in (both quality and location can affect the price), how many meals are included, and how much sightseeing is included in the price.  For example, a stay in a 4-star hotel is less than staying in a historic villa or castle.  We can help you read through the itineraries and understand these differences so you know what to expect and pick the best trip.

Escorted Tours: What's Your Travel Style?

Escorted Travel

Want to experience the "best" parts of a destination while letting someone else handle the details?  On an escorted tour, sightseeing excursions and most meals are planned for you with all of the details and logistics on tours handled expertly by an expert.  You can form your own group or join one.  You can see various countries at one time or focus on one or two countries more in-depth.  If you don't want to travel by bus, there are Europe tour packages where you travel by train .

Leisure-Style

This is a first-class touring experience that includes everything that an escorted tour does, but moves at a slower pace.  Itineraries are designed so that you spend 2 to 3 nights in each of the major cities and you have more free time to explore on your own as well.

Small Group Tours  (usually 16 to 24 guests)

Because the group size is smaller, you get to spend more time with your tour guide, as well as move through popular sites more quickly, which means you will have more free time to explore.  You also participate in some activities normally not available to larger groups, like private concerts, after-hours tours, cooking classes, or wine tastings.  

Privately Guided Tours

More upscale hotels, breakfast daily, and your own driver/guide to take you on specially designed itineraries are common to privately guided tours.  Prices are not as expensive as you would think to have a custom vacation, especially for a small group.

Take the time to look through all of our available tour packages and speak to one of our tour consultants to begin the booking of your next vacation. Atlas Cruises and Tours only works with the top tour operators out there, each averaging at least 50 years of experience within the tour industry.  Atlas is also one of the largest sellers of escorted tours and guided vacations around the world. Don't miss your opportunity to craft an escorted tour package for 2023 or 2024 that is perfect for you and anyone you would like to travel with.

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Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Galapagos Islands

Explore a wide diversity of fully guided tours through Galapagos Islands. We have 240 adventures that vary from 1 days to 30 days. With the greatest number of departures in June, this is also the most popular time of the year.

240 fully guided Galapagos Islands tours with 572 positive reviews

• Ocean Cruise
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Galápagos Multisport

Fantastic 10 day multisport trip to the Galapagos islands. I don't have a bad word to say about any of it, our guide Jonathan was the best, great group One of my best trips Brad(Canada)

• In-depth Cultural

Galápagos Adventure: Snorkelling & Sea Lions

Absolutely amazing, lived up the hype and went above and beyond. The guide that I had was so knowledgeable and helpful, he made the trip so much better than I thought it could have been

Best of Galapagos

the national park guide was very very good. He was very informative and knowledgable. great trip

Galapagos Discovery

Lots of walking but saw great stuff. Volcano waz awesome

10 Days Galapagos Island Hopping in Santa Cruz and Isabela

It was great I had a great time there

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

• Hiking & Trekking

Affordable Galapagos 8 Days Tour

Just wanted to share that our trip to the Galapagos Islands was fantastic. Everything worked out seamlessly! The hotels and the tours recommended by Guidecuador were excellent! Hotel locations in particular were ideal. We did all as promised, especially the awesome snorkeling with sharks and pinguins, that experience was very special for us. Also, the communication with the staff was very easy for us too. It was nice that we could all check out the daily plan at any time, and be able to pull up all the vouchers and tickets Thank you again Sofia and Alejandro from Guidecuador for making our bucket list place tour an unforgettable lifetime experience. We will definitely go back to you guys in our next trip to Latin America.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Galapagos Multisport

While there were a few small glitches and communication issues, the guides handled it well and kept the itinerary on track. The guides were solid and the activities were exciting and matched what was described and expected.

5 Days San Cristobal Island Wonders

Petrel Luxury Galapagos Catamaran 8 Days

Galapagos Essentials

Great snorkeling seeing marine life around Isla de Lobos bahía in Isla de San Cristabol. Wish the tour had more sites/views to visit and see during stay at San Cristabol. Wonderful time seeing giant turtles in Isla de Santa Cruz. Spectacular hike and views at Playa de Tortuga!

Highlights Of Quito and Galapagos Islands

The experience was great. Nearly everyone who assisted us was very helpful. The one exception was Cecelia on Isabella Island. At the beginning of the second day, no one showed up to take us to the designated locations. Our hotel manager called the local tour company and reported that we had been forgotten. The name of the company was something like Georeisen. The representative told me she would get someone to pick us up. Guess who showed up? Cecelia! She made no reference to our being forgotten, and she didn’t apologize. Her English is poor. Actually, my high school Spanish is what allowed us to communicate. She should not be a tour guide.

6-Day Galapagos Land Tour & Cabo Rosa - Los Tuneles Program

Overall, it was a good tour, and kept us quite busy. I would have preferred to have an extra day in Santa Cruz and one less day and Isabella. We had a very nice room for our two night stay in Santa Cruz, but the room in which we spent four nights in the Isabella was far from adequate. It had no amenities, and the host lady, or manager, was quite unfriendly and uninviting, making it difficult to ask her for anything. The room was not kept clean on a daily basis, and the room and bathroom were extremely small. Bathroom was so small I could barely turn around in it.

7 Day Galapagos Island Hopping Budget

The Galapagos are incredible and overall the Rebecca Budget Tour was satisfactory. The hotels were clean and most of the provided meals were good. However, some of the day trips were changed at the last minute with little notice. We also received little information in advance about various fees, including a $100 park fee for the Galapagos that had to be paid in cash. Some guides were excellent with a lot of knowledge about the Galapagos. We also appreciated getting underwater video of snorkeling trips from some guides. Overall, I would recommend this tour but better information should be provided.

Galapagos Harmony (7 Days)

Galapagos islands was great. Having a pre-booked tour made everything easy. We were met at the airport and then driven to our accommodation - Galapagos Dreams - the staff at Galapagos Dreams were very helpful and provided transport to all our activities. The day trip to Northern Seymour island was great for the wildlife, the Santa Fe day trip was great for snorkelling, Isabella island was great for snorkelling and hiking.

6-Day Galapagos Islands plus Bike, Kayak, Hike, Snorkel

What people love about fully guided tours in galapagos islands.

This tour is intended for people who are physically fit,able to walk 6 kilometers a day, love to kayak/snorkel/swim/bike, and still have plenty of energy to enjoy the wildlife. I cannot cope up with the group, but luckily our CEO offered me options like museum visit, tour to Tntoreras. I still was able yo see all the wildlife I need to see exvept the cormorant. I did not expect to stay in a 5 star hotel. I find the accommodation suitable enough for my needs: comfortable bed, air condition, water, electricity, wifi. Special thanks to Sandra, CEO. She is one of the best tour guides I met in my years of travel. She is a great listener and teacher. She was born in Santa Cruz. She knows Galapagos like the palm of her hand.

This was a great tour, the galápagos is amazing! G-adventure has a well organized tour. There are some early morning days but they don't matter because you are in the Galápagos! The rooms are basic but have air conditioning which is good since it is very hot there. José was a fantastic guide and had so much knowledge about the islands. Definitely choose the add-on snorkeling trips they are worth it. I think the Galápagos needs to be on everyone's list.

Amazing experience, and our guide was so knowledgeable and resourceful.

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Other Regions in Ecuador

• Ecuador Andean Highlands (152)
• Avenue of the Volcanoes (131)
• Cotopaxi National Park (43)
• Amazonian Region Ecuador (40)
• Cayambe Coca National Park (15)
• Chile Coastal Lowlands (13)
• Yasuni National Park (12)

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• Budget (28)
• Luxury (53)
• Group (306)
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• Christmas & New Year (188)
• Explorer (169)
• Wildlife (167)
• Active (115)
• Partially Guided (104)
• Personalized (96)
• Ocean Cruise (80)
• Sailing (59)
• Private (44)
• In-depth Cultural (28)
• Historical (26)
• Island Hopping (23)
• Sightseeing (15)

Galapagos Islands Tours & Vacations

Step into an isolated world. See giant tortoises roaming and unforgettable landscapes unfurl before your very eyes. 

Inquisitive sea lions and spiky marine iguanas breach and bask between island and shore. Friendly hammerhead sharks patrol the depths and blue-footed boobies cut through the sky. Come with us on our Galapagos Islands tours & holidays and observe the local wildlife in the same, untouched way Charles Darwin did hundreds of years ago. Nowadays, these Ecuadorian islands host a steady stream of modern-day explorers from animal-seekers who long for face-to-face encounters to sun-chasers itching to relax on a pristine beach or two. Embark on your own adventure as you wander from isla to isla, soak in crystal-clear waters, traverse volcanic landscapes, and spot animals you've only ever seen pictures of . To be honest, there's simply no place on Earth quite like the Galapagos.  

Our Galapagos Islands trips

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Galapagos Islands highlights

Transport in the galapagos islands.

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.Depending on which trip you're on while in the Galapagos Islands, you may find yourself on:

Galapagos Islands tour reviews

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Galapagos Islands at a glance

Capital city.

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

US dollar (USD)

(GMT-06:00) Galapagos

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin), Type B (American 3-pin)

Learn more about Galapagos Islands

Best time to visit.

Simply put, there’s no bad time to visit the Galapagos Islands. Good weather is mostly found year round, as are the animals. This being said, November through to June is the preferred time to visit, with clearer skies, calmer seas and decreased winds. Of these, March and April have less rain, while November and December are the warmest. July to November is the best time for divers as whale sharks can often be spotted at Wolf and Darwin islands.

Learn more about the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands

Culture and customs

Ever since Charles Darwin brought attention to the giant tortoises, sea lions, hammerhead sharks and other spectacular wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, people have been fascinated by this archipelago of volcanic islands. Originally a pirate hideout, people started migrating to the islands from Ecuador after it became part of the country in 1832. Of the 13 major islands and scores of smaller islands and islets that make up the Galapagos, only five of them are inhabited – about 26,000 residents spread over the islands of Isabela, Santa Cruz, Floreana, Baltra and San Cristobal. The wildlife rules the rest of the islands, which are carefully managed to help protect the precious environment.

Geography and environment

Located in the Pacific Ocean about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago of 13 major islands, six smaller islands and more than 100 islets. Some are sparsely vegetated with largely mountainous interiors, whereas others are comparatively lush with white-sand beaches. Many of the islands are in a state of flux, as continual volcanic eruptions cause them to erode and expand.

The largest island, Isabela, makes up half the land area of the Galapagos and is characterized by three active volcanos, a blue lagoon, clear lakes filled with flamingos and beaches where iguanas and sea lions roam. Santa Cruz is the second largest island with giant tortoises, marine iguanas and Galapagos crabs residing in Tortuga Bay. The oldest and most remote island, Espanola (also called Hood), boasts boobies, albatrosses and many species of birds and lizards not found anywhere else in the world. 

Top wildlife to spot

1. Sea Lions

Whether you're loafing about on the beach or snorkeling offshore, you’ll be hard-pressed not to come face-to-face with these frolicsome critters at some stage. Playful, plentiful, and pretty much fearless, you’re supposed to keep a 2-meter distance from these guys at all times - though their insatiable curiosity can make this hard.

2. Marine Iguanas

The only lizards in the world that can live and forage in the ocean, the marine iguana is found solely in the Galapagos. Fierce and ferocious though these Godzilla-like reptiles may appear (Darwin called them ‘Imps of Darkness’), it’s all bluff – they only feed on algae. And with lung capacities permitting up to half an hour of underwater foraging, you’re just as likely find them gorging on the islands’ surrounding seabeds as scampering about the craggy rocks they inhabit.

3. Hammerhead Sharks

Boasting one of the animal kingdom’s most puzzling physiologies, hammerhead sharks are found in abundance off Wolf, Bartolome, Santa Cruz and Darwin islands. Unlike most sharks, they will often merge into schools of over 100 during the day - making for some incredible and surreal photo opportunities. And with no known human fatalities and a wealth of choice natural prey on offer, diving amongst them isn’t as scary or dangerous as one might think.

Darwin finches gave rise to one of the most game-changing theories of all time. By studying the differences between finches from different islands, Darwin hypothesized that the birds’ adaptations to their habitats resulted in their mutation into different species: his Theory of Evolution.

5. Giant Tortoises

No trip to the islands is complete without a visit to its most famous residents. Weighing up to 882 pounds, regularly living for more than 100 years, and able to go for up to 1 year without food, these gentle and slow-moving monsters are an intriguing and humbling spectacle to observe.

6. Sea Turtles

Snorkeling alongside these majestic creatures of the deep (or more accurately, the shallows) is one of those rare, life-affirming moments that makes a trip to the Galapagos immediately worthwhile. Keep your eyes peeled on the beaches for turtle nests too - the Galapagos is a hotbed of activity for these critters. 

7. Blue-Footed Boobies

Despite essentially looking like handsome seagulls with painted toenails, blue-footed boobies, when caught hunting, serve up one of the Galapagos' most thrilling spectacles. Diving from heights of up to 100ft, groups of boobies hit the water at speeds up around 60km per hour. They usually let out a shrill whistle before letting rip, which means you'll usually have warning enough to get your camera out too. How considerate.

8. Flightless Cormorants

Granted, a flightless cormorant spotted on land isn't one of the most invigorating sights you'll see during your time here. But wait until you don your snorkel gear and spot one weaving elegantly through the water - the flightless cormorant will likely become one of your favorite discoveries in the Galapagos Islands for this reason alone.

9. Frigatebird

With its striking wingspan and deeply-forked tail, the magnificent frigate bird is easily one of the most impressive birds in the skies of the Galapagos archipelago. But they don't have such a swell reputation amongst other birds. Whilst they hunt fish on the oceans surface, they also force their winged brethren to regurgitate their food, which then they eat - a process known as kleptoparasitism. Still, they look gorgeous – particularly the males, with their bright-red chin sac.

Healthy and safety

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travelers seriously, and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travelers check with their government or national travel advisory organization for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to:  http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

From New Zealand?

Go to:  http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/

From Canada?

Go to:  https://travel.gc.ca/

Go to:  http://travel.state.gov/

Go to:  http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/

The World Health Organisation

also provides useful health information:  Go to:  http://www.who.int/en/

Further reading

Similar destinations.

Thinking about a trip to the Galapagos Islands but still browsing other destinations? Check out our tours to neighboring countries:

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Comparison 

Galapagos or Madagascar? 

Galapagos Islands travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa to travel to Galapagos Islands?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information.

Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality.

Check the Essential Trip Information section of the itinerary for more information.

Is tipping customary in the Galapagos Islands?

While tipping isn’t mandatory, tips are very much appreciated by service workers and guides.

Leaving a 10% tip is customary in restaurants.

Some automatically add a 10% service charge to your bill, in which case an extra tip isn’t required.

What is the weather like in the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos Islands enjoy almost perfect weather all year with two distinct seasons offering warmer, rainier months and cooler, drier months.

Temperatures rarely dip below 70°F or reach higher than 90°F. You can travel to the islands anytime throughout the year and experience fantastic weather.

Light rainfall is expected from January to May (along with high humidity levels), but it never lasts for long and doesn't often turn into heavier downpours.

What is the internet access like in the Galapagos Islands?

There are reliable internet cafes in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island) and Puerto Baquerizo (San Cristobal Island).

Some hotels and restaurants on other islands will have a Wi-Fi connection, but it is best not to rely on it.

Can I use my cell phone in the Galapagos Islands?

There's good cell phone reception on the larger islands, but don’t expect it when at sea. The best local telephone companies are Porta and Movistar.

Ensure you have global roaming activated before leaving home if you wish to use your cell phone.

What are the toilets like in the Galapagos Islands?

Most towns have Western-style flushable toilets, though you will likely encounter squat toilets as well. Regardless, it’s a good idea to carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitiser, as they are not always provided.

What will it cost for a...?

• Juice = USD 1
• Street food snack = USD 1.50
• Simple lunch at a local restaurant = USD 3-5 
• Sit-down dinner at a cafe or restaurant = USD 10–20

Can I drink the water in the Galapagos Islands?

Tap water isn’t considered safe to drink in the Galapagos Islands.

Avoid drinks with ice and make sure to peel fruit before eating it.

Help the environment and try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle with filtered water. Your leader or hotel can tell you where to find filtered water.

Are credit cards accepted widely in the Galapagos Islands?

No, credit cards are not widely accepted.

There are a handful of shops on Santa Cruz that may accept major credit cards, but it’s preferable to pay in cash.

How many islands make up the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos Islands are made up of 13 larger islands and more than 60 smaller islands and islets. 5 islands are habitable to just over 30,000 people.

These 5 islands are Isla Baltra, Isla Floreana, Isla Isabela, Isla Santa Cruz, and Isla San Cristobal.

What is ATM access like in Galapagos Island?

The banks in Puerto Ayora and Puerto Baquerizo have ATMs.

The Banco del Pacifico in both towns is open from 8 am to 3:30 pm Monday to Friday and 9 am to 12.30 pm on Saturdays.

It's best to withdraw your money on the mainland in case these are out of order.

Check each bank's website for up-to-date opening hours.

What public holidays are celebrated in the Galapagos Islands?

• 1 Jan: New Year's Day
• 6 Jan: Epiphany
• 1 May: Labour Day
• 24 May: Battle of Pichincha
• 10 Aug: Independence Day
• 9 Oct: Guayaquil Independence Day
• 2 Nov: All Soul's Day
• 3 Nov: Cuenca Independence Day
• 25 Dec: Christmas
• 31 Dec: New Year's Eve

Please note, Galapagos Islands public holidays may vary.

Are the Galapagos Islands a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

The Galapagos Islands are a relatively hassle-free destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers.

Same-sex marriage was legalised in Ecuador in 2008. The country hosts several fiestas where it’s acceptable for men to cross-dress as women.

However, homophobic attitudes do exist among the older generations. It is best to avoid public displays of affection where possible.

For more detailed advice, we recommend visiting   Equaldex   or   ILGA   before you travel.

What to drink in the Galapagos Islands

Quench your thirst after a glorious day spent exploring the Galapagos  by sipping on a glass of canelazo, horchata tea, or freshly made fruit juice.

During your cruise around the islands, it makes sense to try as many traditional Ecuadorian drinks as you can, especially since there are heaps to choose from.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

More From Forbes

Bucket-list travel: why you need to go to the galapagos now.

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Galapagos Blue-footed Boobies

The Galapagos is an enchanted place, and it has stayed that way largely because it has been protected. Several islands in the remote volcanic archipelago remain as pristine as they were well before Charles Darwin first visited in 1835.

But for how long? With nature tourism surging since the pandemic, it’s not surprising that the Galapagos, 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, is now at the top of everyone’s bucket list. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTCC), wildlife is now the primary motivator for travelers who want to experience nature. Where better to see it than the Galapagos Islands?

A Fragile Ecosystem

However, the rise in tourism in the Galapagos is putting a strain on resources the Islands can provide such as fresh water, electricity (provided by diesel-run generators), food and transportation. With so many travelers wanting to visit the Galapagos—and they should—how is this sustainable? What needs to happen right now to protect the people and wildlife of the Galapagos, so that we can all enjoy it for years to come?

According to Dolores Gangotena, co-founder of Quasar Expeditions , a pioneer in responsible and regenerative tourism with her husband, Eduardo Diez, “The number of tourists the Galapagos receives–300,000 in 2023–is not sustainable,” she says. “Every year I see more people living in the Islands, more hotels being built, more cars, more motorcycles, and even more dogs, which also pose a threat to the fragile ecoystem,” she continues.

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Landscape View of Darwin's Arch near Darwin Island of Galapagos.

The Galapagos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Park managed by the Galapagos National Park Service, the Charles Darwin Research Center and the Ecuadorian government. For the past 12 years, the Charles Darwin Foundation has warned about the need to monitor the human capacity of the islands. If strained much further, it could cause an extreme threat to everything that makes Galapagos such a draw to begin with, according to Gangotena. “Change needs to happen, and it needs to happen now,” she says.

Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism

Gangotena first visited the Galapagos in 1969 on a school trip, and the experience was life-changing. Her love of nature and passion to preserve it inspired her to launch Quasar Expeditions in 1986. The mission was simple: “to share nature with the world in order to protect it, and keep the destinations as pristine as we found them,” she says. When Gangotena and Diez founded Quasar—now a family business, with their sons—they were the first small-boat luxury cruise company in the Islands, and they have been leaders in sustainable tourism ever since.

A family business: Quasar Expeditions founders Dolores Gangotena and husband Eduardo Diez with sons, ... [+] in the Galapagos

An outspoken advocate for conservation in the Galapagos, Gangotena says that unless oversight tightens up and the footprint slows down, she is worried for the future of the Islands. “People using the resources of any natural area need to understand the impact of their actions and know how to protect, prevent damage, and learn love for the destination,” she says.

According to Gangotena, stronger regulation for fishing boats is needed to prevent over-fishing. (Global warming is already posing a threat to wildlife by diminishing food sources like fish.) Education about “proper garbage disposal, recycling, and using state of the art engines and generators that consume less fossil fuels” is important. Small boats for day trips and artisanal fishing need to be better regulated to protect wildlife. And policymakers need to work closely with conservationist groups like the Charles Darwin Foundation to monitor and manage the impact on resources in the Galapagos, which can have a ripple effect on people and wildlife.

Environmental and Community Impact

Over the years, Quasar has been involved with supporting the Galapagos community as well as the environment. The company has funded a project to educate teachers and students on how to become stewards of the environment. The company sources locally and Gangotena supports local craftspeople and nonprofits throughout Ecuador. She has created an organic vegetable farm project and a hospitality training school on the islands, and offers students a chance to spend time on board the Quasar yachts in order to observe firsthand what may become an employment opportunity for the future.

By keeping the Quasar expeditions small–two elegant yachts that house 16 and 32 guests onboard–guests not only have a richer more intimate experience, but the environmental impact is significantly lower than it would be on one of the larger boats that tour the area. “Smaller is always better,” she says. “Every guest is given individual attention by the naturalists and personal interactions with the wildlife, in order to enjoy every single moment nature offers us when there.”

In the Galapagos Islands, off of Floreana Island a Galapagos sea turtle (Chelonia mydas agassisi) ... [+] swims in Champion Islet

When travelers snorkel off the coast of Santiago Island with Quasar, they share the sea with an underwater world: giant sea tortoises in suspended animation; juvenile sea lions, curious enough to paddle just inches away from your mask; schools of electric-hued tropical fish; tiny but speedy penguins. As the sun slices through a tranquil mangrove lagoon at Bahia Elizabeth off Isabela Island, kayakers scour the waters for rays and sea lions, which are plentiful and easy to spot. A hike up to Darwin’s Lake reveals unobstructed views of sea and sky that extend for many miles. Pelicans and cormorants crisscross the sky. Marine iguanas build nests in the sand or sun themselves on the lava rocks. Nearly half of all life on the Galapagos–marine and land iguanas, Darwin's finches, Galapagos giant tortoises, Galapagos sea lions, blue- and red-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, for example–is found nowhere else on the planet.

Because the Galapagos is on the equator, every constellation is clearly visible, and the night sky is thick with stars. Schools of dolphin frolic off the sides of Quasar Expeditions’ luxuriously outfitted 12-passenger yacht, the Grace, which once belonged to its royal namesake, Princess Grace. Sea lions chase schools of jumping fish, and frigates swoop into the sea.

Colorful marine iguana

The company has newly expanded routes into Patagonia and Belize. And in 2025, there will be an addition to their Galapagos fleet. The Conservation, outfitted for 18 guests, will be the first yacht in the Galapagos to operate with a hybrid engine system.

Expectations are high when it comes to the Galapagos, and the sheer beauty of these boats, with their knowledgeable naturalist guides, elegant accommodations, skilled and gracious Ecuadorian operations team, ever-evolving and fascinating itinerary, next-level food and wine, make this a superior experience. But the goal is to aspire higher: “We hope we change our guests' view on nature and on how they can make a difference at home,” says Gangotena. “When this happens, we will have achieved something significant.” Something you will also want to protect and share, for years to come.

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I've visited all of the 13 main Galápagos Islands. Here are 10 things every first-time traveler should do.

• As a South American travel specialist, I've traveled to the Galápagos Islands several times.
• Travelers can expect to see species like the giant tortoise and the blue-footed booby. 
• Adventurous visitors can even hike to the rim of one of the world's largest volcanic craters.

I've worked as a South American travel specialist for eight years and have traveled to all 13 of the main Galápagos Islands.

Located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the beautiful islands are mainly known for the many rare wildlife species that reside there.

Here are the top things I think every first-timer should do when visiting the Galápagos Islands.

See the islands' most famous residents up close

Many of the birds, reptiles, and mammals found on the Galápagos Islands are endemic, meaning they can't be found anywhere else in the world. Perhaps the most well-known species in the Galápagos is the giant tortoise, which can weigh over 500 pounds. 

In my experience, the best place to see them in the wild is in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where you can visit a private reserve like El Chato. You can also see the giant tortoise at the Charles Darwin Research Station's breeding facilities on Santa Cruz Island.

However, keep in mind that Galápagos National Park rules mandate that visitors must remain at least 6 feet (or 2 meters) away from all wildlife. If you get too close, the giant tortoises may hiss like enormous cats to warn you to step back. 

Hike to the rim of one of the world's largest volcanic craters

Visitors to Isabela Island can hike to the rim of the Sierra Negra Volcano, which measures 6 miles in diameter, making it one of the largest craters in the world.

The trailhead is a 45-minute drive from the town of Puerto Villamil, and the approximately 12-mile hike typically takes about five to six hours to complete.

Since the volcano is within the national park, all visitors must be accompanied by a licensed naturalist guide. 

See the blue-footed booby's mating dance

In my opinion, nothing is more entertaining and fascinating than experiencing the blue-footed booby's intricate and goofy multi-part mating dance.

These iconic birds can be found on the majority of the islands and their mating dances typically take place during the spring and summer months. 

Experience the underwater world while snorkeling or diving

The ocean surrounding the Galápagos has just as much action as the islands themselves, and snorkeling and diving are the most popular ways to experience it. The protected marine reserve surrounding the islands is home to endemic species like the Galápagos penguin, the only species of penguin found in the northern hemisphere.

 You may also be lucky enough to see the marine iguana, the only known swimming iguana in the world. 

Visit a coffee farm in the highlands of Santa Cruz

The rich volcanic soil of the Galápagos Islands is ideal for growing coffee beans. Because 97% of the islands are within the national park and only a small part can be used for agricultural purposes, coffee production is limited.

However, several coffee farms on Santa Cruz Island offer tours and tastings.

Experience local life in the town of Puerto Ayora

Only four of the 13 major islands in the Galápagos are inhabited by people. Puerto Ayora, located on the island of Santa Cruz, is home to the largest human population.  

I recommend stopping by the Santa Cruz Fish Market in the morning to watch the sea lions and pelicans patiently line up around the fish counter for scraps. In my opinion, this is one of the best ways to have a glimpse of local life and witness how the islands' human inhabitants coexist with the wildlife. 

At night, enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants along Charles Darwin Avenue that use fresh, local seafood from the market.

Also check out the Galapagos Islands' first microbrewery, The Santa Cruz Brewery, which opened in 2015. One of its unique brews includes an English porter made with locally-grown coffee. 

While in Puerto Ayora, you can also hike or take a water taxi to Tortuga Bay. This wide, white-sand beach is popular for spotting iguanas and a variety of birdlife. You can also have some fun in the water with activities like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling. 

Learn about the human history of the islands

Although the wildlife tends to be the star of the show, the Galápagos Islands have an interesting human history as well. 

Long before Charles Darwin visited in 1835 , the Galápagos Islands were frequented by pirates and whalers. Post Office Bay on Floreana Island is named after the islands' first post office. The office is a barrel placed by whalers on a small beach in the 1700s, where they would leave messages for other sailors to pick up and deliver. 

If Post Office Bay is included in your itinerary, bring a postcard with you — visitors can still leave their own postcards in the barrel for other travelers to take and hand-deliver. Take a look through the pile to see if there's a postcard you can deliver when you return home.

Sail past Kicker Rock at sunset

Visitors who explore the Galápagos Islands on a cruise may see Kicker Rock on the itinerary. The ships often circumnavigate this massive rock monolith rising about 500 feet above the ocean.

It's also considered one of the top snorkeling spots on the islands. 

Explore the islands' naturally-formed lava tunnels

The highlands of Santa Cruz Island have ancient lava flows under the surface, which created tunnels that visitors can walk through. Galápagos Magic Camp , a tented safari-style lodge, has private lava tunnels where visitors can enjoy a candlelit dinner.

Learn about conservation efforts to protect the islands

In my opinion, the most important thing visitors to the Galápagos Islands can do is learn about the initiatives in place to help protect their fragile, unique ecosystems. 

For example, the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island, and similar facilities on San Cristobal and Isabela Islands, raise endangered giant tortoises in breeding centers to eventually be released into the wild. 

IGTOA , the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association, is a non-profit organization made up of travel companies, tour operators, and conservation organizations that contribute to a variety of conservation projects. It's a fantastic resource for those looking for a conservation-minded professional to help plan an unforgettable (and sustainable) Galápagos adventure.

Correction: September 26, 2023   — An earlier version of this story misstated that the blue-footed booby is an endemic species to the Galápagos Islands. Although the islands are home to many, the blue-footed booby can be found along the Pacific coastline.

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