Galapagos Islands Holidays & Tours

With our Galapagos holidays, get close to spectacular and tame wildlife living among varied, volcanic landscapes of the archipelago. Whether you choose a cruise or a hotel-based tour, Galapagos Islands holidays are a once-in-a-lifetime destination.

Giant tortoises, sea lions, iguanas and blue-footed boobies are but a few of the species you’ll come face-to-face with on your Galapagos tour. When snorkelling, expect to swim with sharks, turtles, rays, schools of fish, and for the lucky – hammerheads and possibly whales.

This year-round destination offers guided trips throughout its wonderful sites.

Galapagos Islands tours

There are a variety of travel styles around the islands from classic Galapagos cruises to our increasingly popular hotel-based island-hopping holidays.

Galapagos boats are generally small yachts that take around 16 passengers. They vary in level of comfort and standard from superior tourist class (midrange boats) to first-class and luxury boats. We can arrange cruises on a number of bigger boats, too – and you can be assured that the group sizes for activities are kept small and intimate. Choose from a range of single-hull boats, sailing schooners or catamarans. Your typical day includes land visits and snorkelling activities, with Galapagos wildlife all around. Itineraries are carefully planned to include all highlights you’d like to see on your Galapagos Island holiday.

Or choose one of our hotel-based Galapagos tours and add kayaking, biking and trekking to your itinerary. This way of touring the Galapagos islands adds more flexibility to your itinerary, allowing you to travel at dates of your choice and choose from a large selection of hotel options, of different standards. Daily excursions on your land-based Galapagos holiday include day trips to surrounding uninhabited islands and will always come with plenty of opportunities to snorkel too. Evenings can be spent exploring the local communities and surroundings at your own pace.

Unique wildlife and Galapagos highlights

The wildlife you will find on your holiday in the Galapagos Islands is simply incredible. Sea lions greet you as you step off your boat, iguanas lying in the sun. Venture into the islands highlands and find Galapagos giant tortoises in the wild and a myriad of bird species, many endemic such as the Floreana mockingbird and the flightless cormorant on Espanola Island.

Keep your eyes peeled to spot a Galapagos penguin. Explore the underwater world and snorkel with playful sea lions, turtles, schools of colourful fish, Galapagos white tip reef sharks (harmless!) and many more. The very lucky ones may encounter a large school of hammerhead sharks. See dolphins and maybe even whales from your boat as you travel between sights.

Learn about the importance of conservation and research work, from your local, highly trained English-speaking guides and by visiting research centres, such as the famous Charles Darwin Research Station.

The volcanos that form the island landscapes are impressive, and there are options for walks to their large craters or explore lava tunnels formed over centuries. Some remain active with outbreaks as recent as 2019, when Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabela island erupted. The iconic and often stark landscapes create an amazing backdrop as you travel the Enchanted Islands. And don’t forget to spend some time at the fantastic beaches.

Don’t forget to read our Galapagos Islands Guide, Weather Guide, advice about travelling to and around the Galapagos Islands, and our Diving Advice page.