Formed by a series of volcanic eruptions several million years ago, these remote islands were seeded with life by animals drifting across the ocean from the rainforests of Central and South America. Arguably, no other place on Earth can compete in terms of unique wildlife experiences. It’s not just the numerous endemic species, it’s also that their evolution without mammalian predators makes them mostly unafraid of humans.

It was the naturalist Charles Darwin who put these paradise isles on the map when he visited in 1835 and noted the differences between subspecies on the various islands. This led him to develop his theory of evolution driven by natural selection, which he outlined in his seminal book On the Origin of Species. Today, the Galápagos Islands are sometimes likened to an open-air laboratory, as they attract evolutionary biologists and wildlife lovers alike.

The Galápagos’s Most Famous Resident

It was the world-renowned Galápagos giant tortoise that gave the islands their name, and it continues to enchant nature lovers across the globe. Their leisurely existence—grazing, sunbathing, and resting for 16 hours a day—belies a sad history of hunting, deforestation, and near extinction. As a result, it’s a joy to watch them thrive in their natural habitat. Resourceful and adaptable, the Galápagos giant tortoise grows to up to six feet long and famously can live to be over a century old. As a protected species, its only predator is now the Galápagos hawk, which preys solely on eggs and baby tortoises. Fortunately, the Charles Darwin Foundation—which you will visit on your expedition—is working hard to protect all 12 species on the islands through research and breeding programs.

Colorful Local Characters

Notoriously lacking in caution but with plenty of charm, the blue-footed booby is a seabird that is largely associated with the Galápagos. Its name originates from the Spanish word “bobo,” meaning foolish, and while their comical courtship dance and curiosity around humans may fit the bill, they are also extraordinarily graceful in flight, diving with pinpoint accuracy into schools of fish and sometimes even catching them in mid-air. You may hear blue-footed boobies grunting and whistling to each other in conversation before you see them, perhaps warming their eggs with their bright blue feet or waddling closer to inspect you and your fellow expeditioners.

Our Galápagos expeditions are perfect for families looking for an unforgettable experience to share. With safety and comfort always in mind, an HX adventure in this iconic archipelago is family-friendly and ripe for memory-making as you discover the wonders of nature together with the people you love the most.

With their unique wildlife and captivating natural beauty, the Galápagos Islands offer something truly unique. Alongside activities such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking, you and your family will learn about evolution and diverse ecosystems, digging deeper into a wide range of subjects in the Science Center and simply having fun while doing so.

All kids love animals, so sharing close encounters with giant tortoises, playful sea lions, and more is an engaging and enjoyable way for them to learn. Experience all the excitement of an HX voyage together and cement treasured memories that will last a lifetime.

On your trip to the Galápagos, the number one draw is watching the wildlife. There’s so much to see your head will be spinning, but your Expedition Team knows all the best places to make your experience nothing short of extraordinary. You’ll join them on nature walks across wild islands where the trails are shared with land iguanas and lava lizards, and you’ll trek along volcanic beaches where Sally Lightfoot crabs scuttle over jagged black rocks while pelicans flap languidly overhead.

In small expedition boats, we’ll head into hidden coves packed with sea lions and marine iguanas, and we’ll cruise close to rock stacks where birds such as Nazca boobies, Galápagos penguins, and swallow-tailed gulls nest. In the waters around the boat, petrels seem to walk on the sea while blue-footed boobies arrow themselves into waters with uncanny precision to catch fish.

Under the waves, you’ll witness myriad tropical fish shimmering in the watery sunlight, and perhaps you’ll see the sleek and streamlined shape of a reef or hammerhead shark casually swimming by. Curious sea lions move sinuously like acrobats here, and turtles swim up for a closer look at you.

In the Galápagos, you don’t just watch the wildlife—encounters can be so close you almost become a part of it. Rest assured, we always follow a strict code of conduct about maintaining the correct distance so that we do not disturb the inhabitants of these remote and unspoiled isles. We are, after all, guests in their home.

The best way to explore the clear blue waters of the Galápagos Islands is to step off Santa Cruz II into one of our small expedition boats. These nimble vessels are designed for cruising around the archipelago without disturbing the wildlife, so they’re perfect for spotting land, shore, and sea birds. There are over 50 species native to the islands, from Galápagos penguins and the magnificent Galápagos albatross—which only breeds on Española—to red-throated frigatebirds and three species of boobies. We’ll also look out for the swallow-tailed gull on the cliff ledges where it nests peacefully as we sail by.

Our small expedition boats give us access to up to 13 of the islands, so we can take in a diverse range of habitats and ecosystems. This way, we can explore towering cacti and giant iguanas in rocky, arid landscapes one day and revel in lush tropical highlands and white sandy shores the next.

For those who enjoy kayaking—or are trying it for the first time—the experience in the Galápagos Islands is unlike any other. You’ll skim across crystal-blue waters here, taking your place in the realm of wildlife around you. Guided by your Expedition Team, you’ll head for areas across the archipelago where we can encounter animals and birds in close proximity.

From your vantage point close to the water, you may see whales and dolphins breaching in the distance, as well as sleepy sea lions basking in the sun and curious turtles bobbing their heads up to give you a closer look.

A whole other world awaits beneath the surface of the sea. Once you’ve observed the variety of birds, reptiles, and mammals above, snorkeling in the waters around the islands is a welcome chance to cool off and view marine life at its very best.

Here you’ll see or swim alongside brightly colored fish, placid turtles, and the world’s only marine iguanas—always keeping a respectful distance, of course—as well as inquisitive sea lions turning somersaults in the water. Three ocean currents meet at the Galápagos Islands, resulting in extensive marine biodiversity in this carefully protected area, along with many species that can only be observed right here. If getting wet isn’t your thing, Santa Cruz II has a glass-bottom boat, which allows you to see all the marine life from the comfort of your (dry) seat.

This archipelago of volcanic islands is something of a living laboratory of plant and animal life that plays host to over 9,000 species thriving side by side. It’s no wonder that this place inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection. The spirit of discovery lives on here as scientists, educators, research assistants, and volunteers from all over the world work tirelessly both to conserve and boost its unique natural heritage.

With over 80% of the animals and reptiles endemic to the islands, you’ll see a variety of wildlife in their natural habitats. At the Charles Darwin Research Station, witness baby tortoises being reared in incubation pens, and in the San Cristobal highlands, visit La Galapaguera—a walled forest reserve that’s a breeding center for giant tortoises and the only place one is likely to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

Lead by Experts

Your friendly and knowledgeable Expedition Team is comprised of local Galápagos experts. They come with extensive experience, sharing their love of their home islands with travelers from all over the world, and they’re always delighted to experience the wonder of discovery with you. They’re walking treasure troves of fascinating facts and local stories, with a passion for travel, a love of our planet, and a desire to share their knowledge.

Your team will be your guides as you explore this world-renowned ecological hotspot, leading you on shore landings and nature walks across the islands and bringing you to the best places to observe the wildlife. As experts in the islands and their conservation, they’ll explain the efforts that are being made to preserve this precious place. Expedition groups are small, with a maximum of 11 guests per guide, allowing them to tailor your experience to you and offer as much information, assistance, and genial company as you’d like.

It may seem like getting to these remote islands is an expedition in itself; however, many carriers fly to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito or José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil. The cost of your voyage includes return flights in economy class between key gateways and depends entirely upon the expedition you choose. Be sure to check the “What's Included” section of the voyage to see what applies to you; flights include:

Please note: The baggage allowance is up to 50 lbs for checked bags and 17 lbs for carry-on bags. These limits can vary between long-haul flights and the included short-haul flights run by LATAM to/from Lima (for the Machu Picchu program) or Quito/Guayaquil (for the Galápagos Islands). Additional baggage can only be booked as a paid service at the check-in counter.

Regardless of what time of year you visit, a pair of sturdy walking shoes or boots is recommended for the hikes, as trails can be over sharp volcanic terrain as well as slippery beach rocks.

In these warm climes, we recommend packing shorts and cool, loosely-fitting tops. If you’re traveling during the wet season between January and May, be sure to pack a light rain jacket or poncho. During the cooler months of June to December, we suggest packing a light sweater or windbreaker. All expedition equipment is provided, including wetsuits, masks, and goggles. Life on board is casual, so there’s no need to pack evening wear or special clothes for dinner—unless you want to!

We also recommend packing the following:

- Insect repellent

- Polarized sunglasses and sunscreen

- Sandals or shoes that you don’t mind getting wet

- Wide-brimmed sun hat with a chin strap

- Swimsuit

- Pair of comfortable sneakers for onboard use

- Rainproof jacket

- Prescription snorkeling mask (if needed)

- A splashproof case for your cell phone if you’ll be using it to take pictures

On board, you’ll receive a complimentary refillable waterproof bottle and a small backpack to carry it in, which are yours to keep at the end of the voyage.

Renowned for their exceptional biodiversity, the Galapagos Islands are home to a wide range of plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth. As you explore these volcanic islands you can meet the iconic Galapagos Giant Tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and other endemic species.

Learn more about these unique islands, below.