galapagos

A Galápagos sea lion resting on volcanic rock with the expedition yacht Theory anchored offshore

Destination

Galápagos

A living laboratory of the wild, where the animals have never learned to fear us.

The enchanted isles

The Galápagos Islands are one of the world's most extraordinary wildlife destinations. Isolated more than 900km off the coast of Ecuador, this volcanic archipelago is home to remarkable species found nowhere else on Earth, where wildlife has evolved with little fear of humans.

Highlights

The moments you'll remember

Guests up close with Galápagos wildlife on a shore excursion

Wildlife encounters

Experience some of the world's most approachable wildlife, allowing for exceptional up-close encounters.

Naturalist guide leading a shore excursion through a remote Galápagos landscape

Immersive shore excursions

Explore remote landscapes with expert naturalist guides.

Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock), a dramatic volcanic rock formation in the Galápagos

Scenic landscapes

Discover dramatic volcanic islands, iconic rock formations and unforgettable sunsets.

Activities

What you'll do

Snorkelling

Drift over reefs alongside turtles, rays and playful sea lions.

Zodiac cruising

Nose into coves and cliffs to reach wildlife at the water's edge.

Guided encounters

Walk ashore with expert naturalists who read every landscape.

Kayaking

Paddle quiet shorelines at the pace the archipelago deserves.

Wildlife

Found nowhere else on Earth

Galápagos giant tortoise

Giant tortoise

Few wildlife encounters are as memorable as seeing a Galápagos giant tortoise in the wild. Endemic to the islands, these ancient reptiles have become a symbol of the Galápagos, quietly roaming volcanic landscapes much as they have for millions of years. Their remarkable longevity, immense size and calm nature make every sighting a powerful reminder of the unique evolutionary story that defines this extraordinary destination.

Galápagos marine iguana

Marine iguana

Found nowhere else on Earth, the marine iguana has evolved to thrive in the harsh coastal environment of the Galápagos. These remarkable reptiles dive beneath the surface to graze on marine algae before returning to sun-warmed volcanic rocks to regulate their body temperature. Their prehistoric appearance, unique behaviour and close association with the islands' rugged shoreline make them one of the Galápagos' most fascinating endemic species.

Galápagos blue-footed booby

Blue-footed booby

Few wildlife encounters capture the personality of the Galápagos quite like the blue-footed booby. Gathered along rocky shores, these charismatic seabirds are best known for their playful courtship displays, where bright blue feet are proudly shown off in an elegant dance. Watching the ritual unfold in the wild is one of the archipelago's simplest, yet most memorable experiences.

Galápagos sea lion

Galápagos sea lion

The Galápagos sea lion is found only in the Galápagos Islands and is one of the archipelago's most recognisable wildlife species. Unlike many other sea lions, they are renowned for their inquisitive nature, with young sea lions often approaching swimmers and snorkellers out of curiosity.

Galápagos penguin

Galápagos penguin

The Galápagos penguin is the only penguin species found naturally north of the Equator and one of the rarest penguins in the world. It survives in the tropical climate thanks to the cool, nutrient-rich ocean currents that flow through the archipelago, making it one of the Galápagos' most remarkable evolutionary adaptations.

Galápagos flightless cormorant

Flightless cormorant

Found only in the Galápagos, the flightless cormorant is one of the world's few flightless seabirds. Over thousands of years, its wings evolved for swimming rather than flight, allowing it to become an exceptional underwater hunter along the islands' rocky coastline.

Darwin's finch

Darwin's finch

Darwin's finches are a group of endemic birds that became famous for their role in shaping Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Each species has developed a uniquely adapted beak suited to its preferred food source, making them one of the most important examples of evolution by natural selection.

Evolve cruising the Galápagos

Vessel

Aboard Origin, Theory & Evolve

We tailor private charters in the Galápagos, with personalised itineraries, cuisine and experiences designed exclusively for your group.

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Start your journey

Tell us where you'd like to go

We'll take care of the rest.