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Galápagos Islands Holidays
Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin with an unforgettable holiday to the Galápagos Islands. Set 600 miles off the mainland, a visit to this archipelago will undoubtedly be a very special and unforgettable experience.
The wildlife on these volcanic islands are fearless so it is possible to get remarkably close to them. The variation of flora and fauna here is constantly surprising - at times seemingly intentionally so. Giant cacti with long, threatening spines, which are actually soft. Birds with bright blue feet, iguanas that swim....the list goes on. Beneath the waves marine iguanas, penguins and dolphins compete for your attention and wild sea lions actively come to play with snorkelers, peering at you through your mask and swirling round, under and above you.
Explore the islands with expert guides and either choose to stay on board a boat or in a hotel on one of the Islands.
Our South & Central America specialists will advise you on the best options. Senior professionals with a passion for travel and a wealth of experience, with their knowledge of the destination they will inspire you by recommending places to visit and things to do as well as suggesting the best way to do them
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Speak to a Galápagos Expert
01 702 9100
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OUR HOLIDAYS TO GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
Northern Ecuador & the Galapagos in Style
15 days / 14 nights
from €8,405
A Land of Contrasts Galápagos Islands Santa Cruz II Luxury Accommodation
from €8,405
Ecuadorian Adventure
13 days / 12 nights
from €5,110
Historic Quito Amazon Galápagos Islands Coral I & II
from €5,110
Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands
13 days / 12 nights
from €6,981
Machu picchu Cusco Quito Galápagos islands
from €6,981
Island Hop Galapagos
11 days / 10 nights
from €5,374
Historic Quito Galápagos Islands Stylish Lodge Accommodation
from €5,374
Galapagos - West, Central & East Islands aboard the Estrella
10 days / 9 nights
from €3,209
See giant tortoises in their natural environment Hike to the rim of Sierra Negra Volcano Meet some of the largest colonies of marine iguanas in the Galápagos See fantastic bird life including flightless cormorants, flamingos and pelicans Visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre Tour the Charles Darwin Research Station Explore lava flows and lava tunnels Search for the elusive Galápagos hawk
from €3,209
Classic Galapagos - Southern Islands
10 days / 9 nights
from €5,599
Watch the playful sea lions whilst snorkelling off Santa Fe Island See Giant Tortoise in their natural environment Visit the fascinating Charles Darwin Research Station Enjoy the incredible birdlife, including the iconic blue-footed boobies Lookout for marine iguanas and sea lions on spectacular Floreana Island See pink flamingos wading the shallow lagoons Relax on the white sands of Gardner Bay Snorkel in the pristine waters of Punta Carrion
from €5,599
Galapagos with Silversea
7 nights
from €0
Experience the Galápagos Islands in style with Silversea Expeditions, aboard either the luxurious Silver Origin or Silver Galapagos. Dedicated to cruising the Galápagos Islands year round, with Silversea can you combine outstanding quality with an in-depth discovery of Darwin’s ‘Living Laboratory of Evolution’.
from €0
Experience the Galápagos Islands in style with Silversea Expeditions, aboard either the luxurious Silver Origin or Silver Galapagos. Dedicated to cruising the Galápagos Islands year round, with Silversea can you combine outstanding quality with an in-depth discovery of Darwin’s ‘Living Laboratory of Evolution’.
Galapagos with Celebrity
10 nights
from €6499
Experience the beauty of the Galápagos with award-winning Celebrity Cruises. Repeatedly rated as one of the world’s best cruise lines, Celebrity’s two superb vessels sail year round in this stunning destination, offering visitors the usual outstanding Celebrity Cruises experience with a difference.
from €6499
Experience the beauty of the Galápagos with award-winning Celebrity Cruises. Repeatedly rated as one of the world’s best cruise lines, Celebrity’s two superb vessels sail year round in this stunning destination, offering visitors the usual outstanding Celebrity Cruises experience with a difference.
WHERE TO GO IN GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
Santa Cruz Island
The most populated island in the Galápagos, the main
town of Puerto Ayora is home to the Charles Darwin
Research Station and its giant tortoise breeding centre.
Enjoy the spectacular highland scenery and watch out
for turtles, rays and white-tipped sharks in the mangrove
lagoon on the north shore.
Bartolomé Island
This small arid island boasting volcanic scenery, beautiful
bays and the iconic Pinnacle Rock, has become one of
the most photographed in all of the Galápagos. There is
fantastic snorkelling around the shoreline and the island
offers great wildlife viewing including playful sea lions
and charming Galápagos penguins.
North Seymour Island
A small island north of Baltra, formed by a volcano and
famous for its seabird colonies. Frigates and blue-footed
boobies share the same nesting area and visitors can
walk amongst them and observe their fascinating
courtship rituals. Also look out for sea lions enjoying
the surf.
Genovesa Island
A lesser visited island due to its more remote location;
here visitors can sail into a spectacular submerged
volcanic caldera, known as Darwin Bay. Also known as
‘bird island’, the main attraction is the rare red-footed
booby but it is also home to thousands of frigate birds,
lava gulls and Darwin’s finches. There are also excellent
snorkelling opportunities.
San Cristóbal Island
Characterised by eroded volcanic peaks in the north
and densely vegetated slopes in the south, this island
is home to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial
capital. The Chatham mockingbird is unique to the
island and the beautiful white sand beach of Cerro
Brujo is home to boobies, frigates and sea lions.
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 populations of sea lions which happily bask in the
sun and play in the gentle waves.
Isabela Island
Isabela is the largest island and has remarkable
and beautiful volcanic scenery. Explore the rugged
landscapes and look out for the flightless cormorants
and giant tortoises that make their home on land.
Search for turtles, rays, sharks and penguins in the
mangrove lined coves. In addition Isabela is one of the
best places in the Galápagos for whale watching.
Fernandina Island
One of the most volcanically active and pristine
islands, visits here are a unique experience even for
the Galápagos Islands. Walk among countless marine
iguanas which inhabit the black lava landscape at Punta
Espinosa. Also spot rare flightless cormorants, hawks,
sea lions, turtles and Galápagos penguins.
Floreana Island
Best known for its long maritime history, Floreana Island
is the site of Post Office Bay. Once used as a way for
sailors to stay in touch with their loved ones, it is now
visitors who test the service by leaving postcards here
for others to deliver. Wildlife is also abundant, including
flamingos, finches and sea turtle nesting sites.
HOW TO GET AROUND THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
OUR RECOMMENDED BOATS AND HOTELS IN THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
La Pinta
Galapagos Cruises
Sun deck Jacuzzi Indoor & outdoor dining Soft drinks included Small gym Library Kayaks Glass-bottom boat Wetsuits included
Santa Cruz II
Galapagos Cruises
Sun deck 2 outdoor Jacuzzis Lounge bar Small gym Library Kayaks Glass-bottom boat
Isabela II
Galapagos Cruises
Sun deck Jacuzzi Indoor & outdoor dining Lounge bar Small gym Library Kayaks Glass-bottom boat
Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel
Galapagos
Pool Fantastic range of activities Hiking and mountain bike trails Restaurant & bar
Scalesia Lodge
Galapagos
Stunning highlands location Safari-style tents Restaurant & bar
Mary Anne
Galapagos Cruises
Tall ship Indoor & outdoor dining Bar Kayaks Library No single supplement
WildAid`s Passion
Galapagos Cruises
Sun deck with barbecue area Jacuzzi Indoor & outdoor dining Lounge bar Library Kayaks Wetsuits included
Galapagos Legend
Galapagos Cruises
Sun deck Pool Jacuzzi Indoor & outdoor dining 2 bars Small gym Library Kids’ corner Kayaks
About the Galápagos
Getting There
International flights to Ecuador operate via Europe or the USA and arrive into either Quito or Guayaquil. There are 2 main airports in the Galápagos Islands; one on Baltra Island (just to the north of Santa Cruz) and the other on San Cristóbal Island. The airport you will fly to will be determined by the itinerary of the cruise or your choice of hotel. Flights are approximately 3.5 hours from Quito (including a touchdown in Guayaquil) or 2 hours from Guayaquil.
Climate
The Galápagos Islands are considered a year round destination. Amazing wildlife interactions are possible every month as most species are non-migratory. In general, the climate can be divided into two seasons. The warmer but wetter season from January to June and the cooler and drier season from July to December. Sea conditions can be choppy in August and September when trade winds bring cooler temperatures, however wildlife is often more active and it is pupping season for sea lions.
Boats
The most popular Galapagos holiday option. Boats range from small catamarans to larger expedition vessels. With intimate, smaller boats getting to know the crew and other passengers is part of the experience plus meals are generally eaten together at one table. Large vessels benefit from greater stability at sea, more facilities and a greater choice of cabins.
Cruise Itineraries
Each cruise follows a carefully planned itinerary, designed to maximise time in each landing site around the islands. Itineraries range from 3-7 nights in length and each departure will visit a number of islands around the archipelago. It is often possible to combine two or more itineraries on the same vessel for a more comprehensive trip of up to 14 nights.
Excursions
Shore excursions are always conducted in small groups and led by an expert guide. At each site you will either reach the island with a ‘dry landing’ (stepping from the dinghy directly onto land) or a ‘wet landing’ (stepping from the dinghy into shallow water and wading ashore). Snorkelling offers the opportunity to view the world below the water but for those who prefer not to snorkel, many of the larger ships offer glass bottom boat rides.
Hotels
For those who prefer to stay on dry land, there are some properties which offer a great alternative, or even addition, to a cruise itinerary. It is possible to book packages which include activities on the island you are staying on, plus day trips to other nearby islands, but returning each evening to the comfort of your own room. Our Island Hop Galápagos tour showcases a great way to combine our featured properties featured on one fantastic itinerary.
When is the best time to visit the Galápagos?
Galápagos Climate Guide
Galapagos
JAN
28
8h
18cm
FEB
30
8h
15cm
MAR
30
8h
17cm
APR
30
8h
16cm
MAY
28
7h
8cm
JUN
27
6h
11cm
JUL
25
6h
12cm
AUG
24
6h
8cm
SEP
24
6h
9cm
OCT
24
6h
7cm
NOV
25
7h
7cm
DEC
26
7h
13cm
Top Tips From Our Experts
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Amy Alexander
The Galapagos Islands should be on everyone's bucket list and I suggest that you push the boat out and book as long a trip as you can. The wildlife on each island is unique and spectacular - you will treasure every minute you spend here.
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Georgia Wiseman
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.
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Galapagos Islands Fast Facts
Visa information given is given for
Irish
citizens holding a valid
Irish
passport with at least 6 months validity remaining. Immunisation guidelines assume routine
Irish
childhood immunisation has been given and will not apply to all situations. Medical advice should be
sought. Your Trailfinders consultant will advise you of the specific visa and immunisation
requirements for your trip.
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