Galapagos Small Ship Cruises 2023/24

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  Fernandina Island

  This island is the westernmost in the archipelago and its youngest at around 300,000 years old. It has no human population and no invasive species. It’s known for its abundance of marine iguanas, leading some to call it the “land of dragons.” It may be the best place to witness evidence of the iguanas that evolved into marine animals. One can also spot flightless cormorants and snorkel alongside sea lions, penguins, turtles, and rays. Due to the lava flow, only pioneer cacti and mangrove zones have managed to survive. As a result, it offers one of the most remarkable miniature forests in the world.

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  Isabela Island

  One of the most popular islands in the Galapagos, Isabela is also the largest at over 1,770 square miles. It offers a fantastic mix of diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. It has the highest density of Galapagos penguins and five different giant tortoise species. It’s also the world’s only place that’s home to the pink iguana which inhabits the slopes of Wolf Volcano, and one of only two islands where flightless cormorant birds’ nest. There are Galapagos fur seal and sea lion colonies along the west coast, large colonies of marine iguanas, and outstanding opportunities to snorkel with white tip reef sharks.

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  Santa Cruz Island

  Santa Cruz is the most populated island in the Galapagos, serving as its central hub. Most of the approximately 15,000 residents live in Puerto Ayora, the main town where you’ll find a surprising number of dining and shopping options. The Charles Darwin Research Station is located here and continues Darwin’s conservation efforts and scientific research today. There’s a tortoise breeding centre, pristine beaches with wildlife like lava lizards, marine iguanas, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies, as well as scenic reserves where giant tortoises roam. Another highlight is the swimming holes, filled with surreal blue waters you can leap right into.

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  Santa Fe Island

  The 9.3-square-mile island of Santa Fe lies just southeast of Santa Cruz, popular for day trips. It’s the oldest in the Galapagos, dating back at least four million years, and boasts the widest variety of endemic wildlife species, with animals that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. There are large numbers of sea lions, as one of the top spots for swimming with dog-like creatures, and it’s also home to multiple types of nesting sea birds, including the famous blue-footed booby. The endemic Barrington land iguana is here and underwater, one can swim or snorkel with sharks, rays, and Galapagos reef fish.

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  San Cristobal

  The lushest of the islands and one of the easternmost, San Cristobal is known for its green highlands which host a freshwater lake. Along the coast are cactus, mangroves, and a coral beach. It also boasts one of the top dive sites in the Galapagos, Kicker Rock. Wildlife includes Galapagos giant tortoises, sea lions, and many different bird species. It’s the only island where three different species of booby birds and the great frigate birds nest in the same area. Junco Lagoon has been studied with sediments on the lake bottom analyzed to uncover details about the archipelago’s climate and vegetation thousands of years ago.

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  Espanola Island

  The southernmost island in the archipelago, Espanola is just 23-square-miles in size, yet it’s home to a surprising number of endemic species. One can witness the waves albatross, Espanola mockingbird, Espanola lava lizard, and the Espanola giant tortoise which became nearly extinct with just a handful left in the 1960s. There are nearly 2,000 now, thanks to conservation efforts. The island is also home to sea lions, Nazca and blue-footed boobies. Gardner Bay is a popular spot with its white sandy beach where sea lions like to lounge around in the sun. Humpback whales may be seen from June through October.

Our Galapagos Cruise Ships

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  Ocean Spray

  Ocean Spray accommodates just 16 passengers in spacious, luxury cabins that all include private balconies for enjoying the fresh air and sweeping ocean views. The welcoming briefing area provides a space for the enriching talks given by dedicated naturalist guides, while breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the indoor dining room or open-air upper deck lounge.

  View Ocean Spray
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  Infinity

  Providing lots of luxurious comforts, Infinity is a beautiful yacht designed with small groups and families in mind. She includes two extra-spacious suites and eight cabins, some of which are interconnected. All come with private balconies and panoramic windows for enjoying the passing views. Each one has a private en-suite bathroom, flat-screen TV and DVD player. With a crew of 14 and a maximum of just 20 guests, she has one of the lowest guest-to-crew ratios in the fleet, ensuring personalized service.

  View Infinity

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  Stroll the Old Town of Quito

  Visit Old Town, the most alluring section of Ecuador’s capital. The historic centre’s main square, Independence Plaza, is lined with many impressive historical buildings, including the Presidential Palace and the main cathedral. From El Panecillo Hill, you’ll be able to take in spectacular panoramic views over the city and surrounding mountains.

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  Charles Darwin Research Station

  Located on Santa Cruz Island, visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station is an opportunity to learn about Galapagos conservation in action. The main attraction for visitors are the baby tortoises that are raised here, although you can also see land iguanas, giant tortoises, and interest exhibits focused on the archipelago.

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  Walk the Lava Field of Rabida

  Rabida is a small island with red sandy shores. Steeply sloped, it has one of the highest concentrations of volcanic features in the Galapagos. The soil and sands are red due to the iron-rich lava deposits. Walking the lava field is a unique experience that brings plenty of photo-ops.

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  Hike the Sierra Negra Volcano

  Sierra Negra is the only volcano of the five active volcanoes on Isabela Island that can be hiked, and it must be done with a guide. The incline is gradual, but it takes about 5 to 6 hours from start to finish. Under the heat of the equatorial sun, it can be strenuous for some.

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  Snorkel and Swim off Fernandina

  Fernandina is a favorite when it comes to swimming and snorkelling, as you’ll be among rays, turtles, penguins, sea lions, sharks, and marine iguanas. A guide can bring you to one of the best spots where you’ll be able to observe all the marine life and even the flightless cormorants that fish along the shore.

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  Walk with Giants on Isabela

  If you want to walk among the giant tortoises, the Galapagos’ most iconic animal, Isabela is a great place to do it. A short hike inland from Urbina Bay will bring you to see them in their natural habitat. They can often be encountered rambling along the same path.