GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

Also known as the Enchanted Isles, the Galápagos is one of the world’s foremost wildlife-viewing destinations.

Follow in Darwin's Footsteps

Experience the thrill of unmatched exploration as you discover the diversity of this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Under water, on land and in the air, the Galápagos Islands present a simply staggering portrait of nature. Get up close to giant tortoises, walk amongst marine iguanas, share a beach with sea lion colonies, watch the courtship rituals of the beautiful albatross.

Marvel at the unique wildlife and otherworldly landscapes, as you witness blue-footed boobies make their plummeting dives into the waters and red-breasted frigate birds show off their spectacular acts of aerial piracy. Swim in the waters with penguins, hammer head sharks and a rainbow of tropical fish, while sea lions dart playfully around you.

Charles Darwin was right — these enchanted isles are home to a diversity of plants and animals that illustrate the evolutionary process like nowhere else on earth.

Beyond the headlines - as per Stephanie Bonham-Carter, owner of Galapagos Safari Camp.

It is very likely you would have seen Ecuador’s news in the context of narco-terrorism. This sad reality is one of the many challenges we navigate, including natural disasters, national strikes, pandemics, and socio-political issues.

Having said this, the images and portrayal in the news are far removed from the day-to-day reality on the ground, as the New York Times pointed out in their opinion piece, ‘When Chaos Erupted in Ecuador, Disinformation Followed’ (January 25, 2024).

Although we would exercise caution if visiting certain regions on the mainland (none of which our signature tours cover), the Galapagos Islands remain an oasis of peace, and business continues very much as normal.

About Ecuador

Ecuador is a small country of striking geographical and cultural contrasts, rising to the Andean highlands from the coastal plains. It crosses the untamed Amazon jungle and sails over to the Galápagos Islands.

The Mainland offers a wonderful diversity of landscapes and cultures and is home to archeological ruins, colonial cities and architecture, indigenous markets, handicrafts and art, mountain trekking, bird watching and train rides through the Avenue of the Volcanoes, jungle trekking, thermal springs and beach resorts.

Allow Ecuador Expert, Christine Boecker to design a trip that ticks all the boxes on your list.
Galápagos Facts & FAQs

Official Name: Archipelago de Colón

The Galápagos Archipelago is a group of volcanic islands straddling the equator. It is the 22nd province of Ecuador, located in the Pacific Ocean, 960 km west of continental Ecuador.

Capital: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, located on San Cristobal Island.

Area: The archipelago consists of 19 large and 200 small islands and rocks and has a land area of about 5.000 square miles, although the Galápagos Marine Reserve covers about 50.000 square miles.

History: The Galápagos Islands were discovered in 1535 by Fray Tom ás de Berlanga. Charles Darwin first set foot on the islands in 1835, and his observation of Galápagos species later inspired his theory of evolution.

Wilderness Safari FAQ’s
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Choosing your perfect Galápagos Safari

With so much to consider, how does one go about selecting a Galápagos Safari that ticks all the boxes?

There are three sizes of ships in the Galápagos: small at 16-20 passengers, mid-size at 30-50 passengers, and large at 80-100 passengers, ranging in style from luxury to superior tourist class.
Smaller vessels allow you to anchor close to the islands with easy access to shore. You’ll get to know your fellow passengers, while the larger vessels offer more anonymity and perhaps a more diverse set of passengers.
The higher the ship category, the better the quality of cabins and meals and – more importantly – the more experienced the naturalist guide, enhancing your experience tenfold.
Each vessel follows a set itinerary, as approved by Galápagos National Park authorities to limited human impact on sensitive habitats.

For landlubbers we recommend one of our land-based safaris to the various islands, with a choice of hotel accommodations, an excellent option for those sensitive to ship travel or for families with small children who might not be comfortable aboard ships. Some land-based trips also offer high-energy activities such as mountain biking, kayaking or rigorous hikes.

The time of year is important too. Equatorial climates usually show little seasonal variations, but complex oceanic currents around Galápagos Islands drive weather and rainfall patterns into two recognizable seasons that influence vegetation and wildlife.
The warm waters of El Niño move south in December or January. By April the southeast trade winds start to push up the Humboldt’s colder, but rich waters, bringing vast food resources to the Galápagos.

Animal species exhibit different behaviors at certain times of year, for example blue-footed boobies do their famous mating dance between April to July and then again in October/November. Marine iguanas exhibit bright colors from January to March. Black frigate birds inflate their red throat pouches during their breeding season which is from March to June.

Request our Galápagos Weather and Wildlife Calendar

If you prefer warmer temperatures, you may consider visiting between December and May with average daily temperatures ranging from 22ºC – 35ºC. The water is more temperate for snorkeling at this time of year, yet you might also encounter some showers. This wet season usually means calm seas, clear skies and warmer water. The rain is warm and over in minutes, so your exploration of the islands is never interrupted.

From June to November the water temperature falls and ranges from 19º C to 28º. This dry season is characterized by the ‘Garua’ winds and seas can be rough at times. The water is cooler so you may consider bringing a snorkel shirt and/or snorkel pants to wear under the shortie wetsuit (available for rent aboard your ship, or from the hotel).

Whether you are excited about swimming with sea lions, or determined to add the Humboldt penguin to your birder’s life list – whatever your particular interest, contact Galápagos safari expert Christine Boecker to help you select an itinerary that’s just right for you.

TRΛVELBOECKER TΛILOR-MΛDE - Our eco-safaris are uniquely selected and designed to match your personal vision.

Best of Galápagos Cruises

Choose from 5, 8 and 14 day cruises aboard your specially selected yacht or catamaran as you experience the thrill of unmatched exploration, just like Charles Darwin did in 1835 when he first set foot on the Galápagos Islands.

Discover the diverse, spectacular islands in this volcanic archipelago as you island hop aboard and enjoy two daily excursions on land and in the water.

Galápagos Cruise Highlights

Suggested itinerary:

Day 1 San Cristóbal: La Galapaguera
Our guide will be waiting for you at San Cristobal Airport and accompany you to our catamaran or yacht. Your first excursion is to the giant tortoises at Galapaguera in the northeast of San Cristobal Island.

Day 2 South Plaza and Santa Fé Islands
South Plaza has unique Sesuvium plants and Opuntia cacti scattered across the landscape. Land iguanas are frequently seen feeding on the prickly pear.

Santa Fé is home to the tallest Opuntia cactus in the Galápagos and land iguanas. After a long walk, don your mask and snorkel and swim with some playful sea lions.

Day 3 Floreana: Peace Asylum – Loberia
Peace Asylum’s spring, one of the very few year-round sources of fresh water in the Galápagos, attracted pirates, whalers and later settlers to Floreana Island.

La Loberia, a small beach is home to a colony of sea lions, as well as marine iguanas. Snorkelers may spot rays or sharks and sea lions.

Day 4 Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Research Station – Highlands
At the tortoise breeding center at the Charles Darwin Research Station various tortoise subspecies are bred to be reintroduced to their natural habitat. The station also features an information center, a museum and a library and it was the home to the famous Lonesome George turtle.

In the Highlands of Santa Cruz you can observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat and explore the fascinating lava tubes.

Day 5 Isabela Island: Tintoreras – Humedales
Isabela Island is the largest island in the Galápagos making up more than half of the land area of the archipelago. Reach the small island of Tintoreras and walk across the bizarre lava landscape with its large colonies of sea lizards and sea lions. Often you can observe white tip sharks, resting in the shallow waters near the shore.

Humedales (the wetlands) is a 6km walking trail on the south of Isabela Island. It has a wide variety of flora and fauna, as well as breathtaking views of the bay, the town of Puerto Villamil, volcanoes, and islets.

Day 6 Isabela Island: Moreno Point – Elizabeth Bay
Punta Moreno is a young volcanic landscape with numerous fresh-water pools and lagoons, and is home to flamingos, Bahama ducks and other birds. Take a zodiac ride through the mangroves of Elizabeth Bay, where you can see herons, flightless cormorants, dwarf penguins, brown pelicans, manta rays, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, sea lions, turtles and whale-sharks.

Day 7 Isabela Island: Tagus Cove – Fernandina: Espinoza Point
Explore Tagus Cove in a zodiac to see the Galápagos penguin, the flightless cormorant and other sea birds. It is a 30-minute hike along a trail to the top of the cliff to view Darwin Lake, an ultra-saline lake. You can also see several volcanoes from this spot.

Espinoza Point is one of Fernandina’s highlights, with fascinating lava scenery, Lava-Cacti and lava mangroves. Wildlife viewing includes sea lions, penguins, flightless cormorant (especially in spring and summer) and one of the largest iguana colonies of the Galápagos.

Day 8 Las Bachas Beach – Baltra Airport
Enjoy your last morning on these Enchanted Isles as you end your cruise in Las Bachas, on the northeastern coast of Santa Cruz Island. It is one of the main nesting sites for sea turtles and a good place to see flamingos, as well as migratory and aquatic birds.

Bid farewell to your fellow travellers as you disembark and are transferred to Baltra Airport for your flight to the mainland of Ecuador.

Contact Ecuador Travel Specialist, Christine Boecker to choose the best Galápagos cruise for you

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Galápagos by Land & Sea

This 8 day Galápagos safari combines a stay at our oceanfront signature lodge on beautiful Isabela Island with a cruise to the exotic islands of Santa Fe, San Cristóbal, Española, and Santa Cruz.

Learn about the flora and fauna, and experience first-hand why Darwin was so inspired by these magical islands. Discover pristine white sandy beaches and tropical rain forests and observe wildlife up close and personal in their undisturbed natural environments.

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Ecuador - by Nature

Our Colonial Highlands, Galápagos Islands & Amazon River Safari is suitable for cruisers and landlubbers.

This itinerary - tailored to your personal preferences - serves as an overview of the many experiences that can be found in Ecuador, appealing to wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, birders, culture vultures – be it a solo jaunt, a romantic trip for two or a multi-generational family vacation.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Quito
Your journey begins with a 2 night stay at an elegant, colonial style boutique hotel in the historical center of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 2 Colonial Quito
A tour of Colonial Quito reveals a city of narrow cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed walls and, rising above, the steeples and cupolas of the city´s many spectacularly decorated historic churches.
Quito has one of the best-preserved colonial centers in all South America and its integrity was assured in 1978 when the United Nations declared Quito a World Cultural Heritage site.

Day 3 Quito – Galápagos
A 3-hour flight takes you to Galápagos, where you embark on 8-day cruise aboard a catamaran or motor yacht. Settle into your cabin and enjoy lunch on board. After a safety briefing your adventure begins. All meals, daily activities and an English-speaking naturalist guide are included whilst on board.

For landlubbers we offer an island-hoping experience in boutique hotels and lodges, allowing you to discover a great variety of eco-systems and its wild inhabitants – above and below the water.

Days 4 – 9 Discover the Galápagos Islands
Under water, on land and in the air, the Galápagos Islands present a simply staggering portrait of nature at its greatest. Swim in the waters with penguins, sharks and a rainbow of tropical fish.
See giant tortoises, walk amongst innumerable marine iguanas, share a beach with sea lions, watch the courtship rituals of the blue-footed boobie.
Back on the boat, dolphins surf the bow waves while you kick back in a chill-out (lounger) on the top deck.

Day 10 Galápagos – Quito
Return to the airport for your flight back to the Ecuadorian mainland, where you spend a night in a quaint colonial style hotel, adorned with Cuenca art.

Day 11 To the Amazon
After a short flight and slightly longer drive to “El Puente” (the bridge), your journey continues by motorized canoe deep into the heart of the Amazon, enjoying the wide variety of flora and fauna along the Cuyabeno River before arriving at your lodge around dusk.

Days 12 & 13 Discover the Amazon
Discover the very essence of being in contact with the virgin forest by spending the next days at a lodge built in partnership with members of the local community, who have kept their ancient customs, traditions and natural medicines. Travellers have the opportunity to visit and bake bread in the village, and the lodge employs community members and they share in the profits.
The lodge consists of 12 comfortable double rooms featuring private bathrooms with hot running water, bio-degradable soap and shampoo, purified drinking water and insects nets.
Facilities at the lodge include a dining room, a bar offering a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, a lounge with comfortable sofas and hammocks, and the stargazing octagon.

Morning and afternoon excursions include:
• Navigating upstream by motorized canoe towards “Laguna Grande” (Big Lake), while looking for monkeys, pink river dolphins, caymans, Morphos (giant blue butterflies) and many more species of flora and fauna. For the brave-hearts there is an opportunity to swim in the lake with Piranhas – a refreshing experience!
• Trekking along the Palma Roja (Red Palm) path for an up-close encounter with primary rainforest.
• Travelling downstream by motorized canoe and search for exotic birds such as Toucans, a variety of Macaws, blue-tailed Emeralds, Hoatzins and Amazon Kingfishers, to name a few.
• Visiting the local village and the opportunity to make Bannock bread from the root of a plant and to meet the local Shaman and his family. If you like you can even participate in a healing ceremony.

Day 14 Amazon – Otavalo
Time to catch your breath and revitalize the senses. Enjoy the next few days at a restored 17th-century hacienda, located at an altitude of 8.500ft/2.600m in the Ecuadorian sierra. This private estate, surrounded by beautiful gardens is situated near the Equatorial line and the market town of Otavalo.

Day 15 Relaxing at a Hacienda
A day at leisure to enjoy the typical life on a Hacienda. Guest rooms and garden cottages are furnished with antiques and Andean crafts, with log-burning fireplaces & beamed-ceilings, overlooking several acres of landscaped perennial gardens, ancient trees, and often snow-capped mountains.
Relax in the library, reading-room or exert some energy playing ping-pong or squash, take a swim in the pool or try one of many walks and self-guided tours to the surrounding volcanoes and crater lakes.
Of course every hacienda has horses, guinea pigs, chickens, turkeys, rabbits and geese.
Afternoon tea is served in the garden to take in the sunset. Then enjoy a fireside cocktail before your candlelight dinner and check out the night sky before falling into your comfortable bed, thoughtfully prepared with a hot-water bottle.

For the more energetic traveller we suggest:
• A walk around Cuicocha Crater Lake – with prolific flora and panoramic views.
• Climbing to the top of Fuyafuya, a volcano in the mountain range of Mojand. It’s a stiff uphill climb and you’ll be reward with spectacular views.
• Visit the partially excavated 9th century earth pyramids of Cochasqui

Day 16 Your Ecuador Adventure comes to an end
Enjoy your last morning in the Andean Highlands before being transferred to Quito airport for your onward flight.

Optional extension: Cloud Forest Retreat
The cloud forest of the Ecuadorian Highlands offers beautiful scenery and forest trails are lined with Bromeliads and orchids. Hummingbirds and tanagers, toucans and ant pittas all vie for your attention.
Also termed the pre-montane/subtropical rainforests, these cloud forests cover the slopes of the Andean mountains from 900 meters to about 2,500 meters. They are forests of high biodiversity, with a variety of little-studied wildlife and plants. Overnight in comfortable, rustic accommodation and relax here for the next 2 days.

This safari can also be combined with a visit to Cusco and Machu Picchu in Peru.

Contact Ecuador Travel Specialist, Christine Boecker to arrange your Ecuador Safari

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TESTIMONIALS

“Unbelievable! One of my best adventure trips! Excellent – can highly recommend it! The snorkeling was unbelievable – I had to pinch myself! At one time I had 4 sea turtles and 4 sharks in my view – incredible! I’m very impressed and will be going back there with TravelBoecker Adventures.”

Roland, Richmond BC
“I saw my blue footed boobies up close doing their little dance. I could have touched them! Snorkeling almost every day was fabulous. Having to watch your step because you might step on an iguana or to avoid a nursing sealion. Fabulous! Our catamaran was perfect. Highly recommended for anyone.”

Susan, Surrey BC
“Christine Boecker is a travel expert who really knows her stuff. Our trip to the Galapagos and then to the Ecuadorian jungle was excellent. She is a travel agent you can trust.”

Neale, Vancouver BC