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View from a walkway across volcanic scenery littered with white skeletal plants to Pinnacle Rock and the sea in the distance on Bartolome Island, Galapagos, Ecuador

Galápagos Islands Holidays


south & central america
Set 600 miles off the mainland, a Galápagos Islands holiday is a truly unforgettable experience and offers the chance to view the unique species of animals which ultimately changed the way we view the planet.

Giant tortoises roam many of the islands, whilst the iconic blue-footed boobies and swimming marine iguanas can be found across the archipelago. Beneath the waves reef sharks, penguins and dolphins compete for your attention, whilst playful seals and sea lions swim alongside snorkelers, kayaks and pangas (small motorised dinghy).

On your holiday to the Galápagos Islands you can follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin and embark on a Galápagos cruise for a voyage of discovery in a place unlike anywhere else on earth. No day is ever the same on your cruise. Whilst the daily routine is similar for all ships, your wildlife experience will depend on which of the islands you’ll visit and the unique diversity of flora and fauna found on each. Read our short guide as to what to expect.

Easily combinable with a stay in mainland Ecuador, visit the Galápagos Islands and Amazon Rainforest for the ultimate wildlife viewing experience.

Trailfinders offers a range of Galápagos Islands holidays and our expert travel consultants are a mine of information about what to do here, often with first-hand travel experience. Whether you want to explore the islands on board a luxury Celebrity Cruise or a smaller intimate vessel, or as part of a private tour, they are the perfect people to ask.
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HOW TO GET AROUND THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

A Galápagos Cruise is the most popular way to discover this magical archipelago. Cruises allow you to explore multiple islands, visiting different ‘landing sites’, each home to a variety of wildlife. Many cruises also have dedicated family departures, making for a wonderful family holiday. Take a look at the About the Galápagos section below for more information on cruise itineraries.

For those looking for a land based option, our private tours and small group adventure tours offer the option of exploring the islands from the comfort of a hotel. For the ultimate Galápagos experience, add a hotel stay after your cruise make the most of this wonderful destination.

OUR HOLIDAYS TO GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

Nobody offers more ways to explore the Galápagos Islands than Trailfinders.

Here's a snapshot of some of our most popular Galápagos holidays. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click on the link below them to see our complete range of holidays and tours in the destination.
Enchanting Ecuador from Dublin
Multi Centre Holiday
16 days / 15 nights

Discover two sides of the natural world in this small yet diverse country.

Guide Price: €11,379 £Please contact us pp

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Best of Galapagos
Guided Small Group Adventure Tour
10 days / 9 nights

The Galápagos Islands are an adventurer’s playground.

Guide Price: €2721 £2433 pp

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Galapagos - Celebrity Cruises
Cruise Holiday
11 days / 10 nights

Indulge in the beauty of the Galápagos with award-winning Celebrity Cruises.

Guide Price: €14,149 £11,899 pp

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Ecuador in Style
Private Tour
18 days / 17 nights

Explore the stunning scenery of northern Ecuador whilst staying in some of the country’s most luxurious properties before flying to the magical Galápagos Islands for an unforgettable adventure.

Guide Price: €12,949 £11,279 pp

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Ultimate Galapagos: Central Islands (Grand Daphne)
Guided Small Group Adventure Tour
10 days / 9 nights

Encounter wildlife up close and personal on a voyage to the Galapagos Islands for an experience like no other.

Guide Price: €4768 £4093 pp

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Galapagos - Central, South & East Islands aboard the Yolita
Guided Small Group Adventure Tour
10 days / 9 nights

After seven nights cruising the Galápagos Islands aboard the Yolita, you won’t want to leave.

Guide Price: €4664 £3899 pp

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WHERE TO GO IN THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

Each island of the Galápagos boasts unique and varied wildlife. Whilst many species such as the marine iguana, iconic blue-footed booby and colourful frigatebirds can be found across the archipelago, others such as the flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguin and not forgetting the Giant Tortoise are only found in selected locations.

See the tiles below the Galápagos map for a brief overview of the main islands, or for more inspiration give us a call and speak to one of our expert travel consultants?
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island
The most populated island in the Galápagos, Santa Cruz is home to the Charles Darwin Research Station and its giant tortoise breeding centre. Abundant birdlife can be found in the highlands, whilst turtles, rays and whitetip sharks occupy the coastal bays and lagoons.
Bartolomé and Santiago Islands
Bartolomé and Santiago Islands
Santiago Island offers fantastic snorkelling, stunning volcanic scenery and abundant marine life including sea lions and Galápagos penguins. Nearby, the small arid island of Bartolomé boasts the striking Pinnacle Rock, one of the most iconic sites in the Galápagos.
North Seymour Island
North Seymour Island
A small island north of Baltra, North Seymour was formed from uplifted sea bed and is famous for its seabird colonies. Frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies share the same nesting area and visitors can walk amongst them and observe their fascinating courtship rituals.
Genovesa Island
Genovesa Island
This horseshoe shaped island surrounds a dramatic submerged volcanic caldera which forms Darwin Bay. Also known as ‘bird island’, the main attraction is the rare red-footed booby but it is also home to frigatebirds, lava gulls and Darwin’s finches.
San Cristóbal Island
San Cristóbal Island
This beautiful island is characterised by eroded volcanic peaks in the north and densely vegetated slopes in the south. The Chatham mockingbird is unique to the island and the beautiful white sand beach of Cerro Brujo is home to boobies, frigatebirds and sea lions.
Española Island
Española Island
One of the most beautiful islands in the Galápagos, Española is famous for being home to the only waved albatross colony (Apr - Dec). Gardner Bay has a stunning white sand beach with one of the archipelago’s largest population of sea lions.
Isabela Island
Isabela Island
Isabela is the largest island and one of the best places in the Galápagos for whale watching. Explore rugged volcanic landscapes and look out for flightless cormorants and giant tortoises. Search for turtles, rays, sharks and penguins in the mangrove lined coves.
Fernandina Island
Fernandina Island
One of the most volcanically active and pristine islands, visits here are a unique experience even for the Galápagos. Walk among countless marine iguanas which inhabit the black lava landscape and spot rare flightless cormorants, hawks, turtles and Galápagos penguins.
Floreana Island
Floreana Island
Best known for its maritime history, Floreana Island is the site of Post Office Bay. Once used by sailors to stay in touch with loved ones, visitors can now send postcards from the island. Wildlife is abundant, with flamingos, finches and sea turtle nesting sites.

OUR RECOMMENDED BOATS AND HOTELS IN THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

We feature a great range of options in the Galápagos, with something to suit all budgets. Maybe you’re looking for a luxury experience with Celebrity Cruises or a smaller intimate vessel where you really get to know your fellow passengers and crew. Perhaps you want to stay in the comfort of a hotel to experience the archipelago with day excursions to nearby islands or to linger a little longer after your cruise.

What you won’t find here are thousands of options to wade through. We have done the hard work for you and selected the best hotels and cruises in the Galápagos, and our travel consultants are on hand to help, often with first-hand experience.
Celebrity Cruises
4 plus star

Galapagos Cruises

Repeatedly rated as one of the world’s best cruise lines, Celebrity Cruises’ offer in depth itineraries that are carefully planned to visit multiple islands, allowing up close viewing of the unafraid wildlife.
La Pinta
4 plus star

Galapagos Cruises

With a maximum of 48 guests, this fantastic mid-sized ship combines the comfort of increased stability with the personalised service of a smaller vessel.
Isabela II
4 star

Galapagos Cruises

A stylish, medium-sized ship accommodating a maximum of 40 guests, the Isabela II offers friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere.
Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel
4 plus star

Galapagos

Located on a small beach close to the town of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, this charming property offers exceptional service and excellent facilities.
Elite
5 star

Galapagos Cruises

The sophisticated Elite catamaran features just 9 suites and gracefully combines outstanding service and excellent facilities.
Bonita
3 star

Galapagos Cruises

This small, comfortable yacht offers comprehensive itineraries with up to 16 passengers.

ABOUT THE GALÁPAGOS

A guide to help you plan your Galápagos holiday.
Getting There
Getting There

International flights to Ecuador operate via Europe or the USA and arrive into either Quito or ...

Climate
Climate

The Galápagos Islands are considered a year round destination. Amazing wildlife interactions are ...

Boats
Boats

The most popular option for a Galápagos holiday. Boats range from small catamarans to larger ...

Cruise Itineraries
Cruise Itineraries

Each cruise follows a carefully planned itinerary, designed to maximise time in each landing site ...

Excursions
Excursions

Shore excursions are always conducted in small groups and led by an expert guide. At each site you ...

Hotels
Hotels

For those who prefer to stay on dry land, a few nights at a hotel on one of the islands offers a ...

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE GALÁPAGOS?

The Galápagos Islands are considered a year round destinations.

Sea temperatures can fluctuate throughout the year, whilst different animals may be more or less active at various times. See the climate section below for more information, or take a look at our guide to the best time to visit the Galápagos Islands.

Galapagos Islands Top Tips From Our Travel Experts

Beth Ellison -  expert
Beth Ellison

Adventure tours offer both cruising and land based touring options. Land based touring offers fantastic opportunities to see a lot more wildlife and nature walks, whereas cruising offers diving and a lot more marine life viewing opportunities.

Tom Bonavia -  expert
Tom Bonavia

Your time in the Galápagos will fly by and it’s worth staying a few additional nights on one of the islands after your cruise. This allows you time to experience the local town, explore at your leisure, or even arrange excursions to some areas your cruise may not have visited.

Elliott Fisher -  expert
Elliott Fisher

The Galapagos Islands is a destination like no other. This extraordinary world biosphere reserve gives you the opportunity to experience its fragile ecosystem and unique biodiversity amongst the dramatic volcanic scenery and unspoiled coastline. Walk beside blue footed boobies, marine iguanas and swim with penguins, turtles and sea lions. One of the worlds greatest wonders, the Galapagos is one of the few places left on the planet unspoilt by humanity.


Tales from the Trail

Top tips and travel inspiration from the Trailfinders team

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