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. Not only are there many endemic species here, but they have evolved without mammalian predators and are for the most part unafraid of humans.

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

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 programmes.

Colourful local characters

Notoriously lacking in caution but with plenty of charm, the Blue-footed Booby is a seabird largely associated with 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 Hurtigruten Expeditions 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 snorkelling, paddleboarding and kayaking, you and your family will learning about evolution and diverse ecosystems, digging deeper into a wide range of subjects in the Science Centre, and simply having fun whilst 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 Hurtigruten Expeditions voyage together and cement treasured memories that will last a lifetime.

On your trip to Galápagos, the number one draw is watching the wildlife. There’s so much to see your head will be spinning, but your Expedition Team know 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 trek along volcanic beaches where Sally Lightfoot crabs scuttle over jagged black rocks and pelicans flap languidly overhead.

In small expedition boats we’ll head into hidden coves packed with sea lions and marine iguanas, and 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 the sleek and streamlined shape of a reef or hammerhead shark casually swimming by. Here, curious sea lions move sinuously like acrobats, and turtles swim up for a closer look at you.

In 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 Galápagos 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 Frigate Birds and three species of boobies. We’ll also look out for the Swallow-Tailed Gull, nesting peacefully on cliff ledges as we sail by.

Our small expedition boats give us access to up to 13 of the islands, taking 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 Galápagos is unlike any other. Here you’ll skim across crystal-blue waters, 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, snorkelling 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 coloured 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, playing 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. Here the spirit of discovery lives on 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 centre 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 travellers from all over the world, 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. Within the cost of your voyage, we include return flights in economy class between key gateways, and entirely dependent upon the expedition you choose. Be sure to check the 'What's Included' section of the voyage to see which applies to you, flights include:

Please Note: The checked baggage allowance is up to 23kg, and a cabin bag of up to 8kg. These limits can vary between long-haul, and the included short-haul flights run by LATAM, to/from Lima (for the Machu Picchu programme) and Quito/Guayaquil (for Galápagos Islands). Additional luggage 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 travelling 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

- Polarised 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 trainers for onboard use

- Rainproof jacket

- Prescription snorkelling mask – if needed

- A splashproof case for your mobile 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.