Galapagos by Catamaran: An Intimate Voyage

This remote volcanic archipelago harbors species found nowhere else on Earth—marine iguanas basking on black lava shores, giant tortoises lumbering through misty highlands and blue-footed boobies nesting on trails just steps from your feet.

The Galapagos comprises 13 main islands and dozens of islets, each with its own character. Rather than a single “best” island, every one contributes to the archipelago’s extraordinary diversity

The Galapagos is a year-round destination, a living landscapes that continuously evolves, offering travelers a dynamic, ever-changing window into nature at any time of year

In the Galapagos, wildlife greets you up close: giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, finches, penguins, sea turtles, sharks, rays, sea lions and more

Check out our month-by-month guide of seasonal wildlife. Abundant wildlife is always present in the Galapagos Islands, and special highlights are spread throughout the year.

Accommodations in the Galapagos are as distinctive as its islands and include private chartered yachts, larger expedition ships and land-based stays like Nat Hab's exclusive Tortoise Camp

Our comprehensive packing guide covers everything you'll need for a Galapagos Islands adventure, from sun hats to sport sandals and everything in between.

Whether you're an experienced photographer or just getting started, you'll want to read these essential photo tips from our Natural Photographer blog before your Galapagos adventure.

We are proud to be involved in the following initiatives throughout the Galapagos archipelago and the communities present there, as well as in parts of mainland Ecuador we visit on our adventures.

Take our Galapagos wildlife quiz to put your knowledge to the test, then share it with your family and friends to see who knows the most about this stunning archipelago.

—By Candice Gaukel Andrews
Deep beneath the waters of the Galapagos Marine Reserve and atop a submerged volcano, an ancient coral reef was just discovered by an international group of scientists. It’s the first to be documented inside the protected area since it was established in 1998. Stretching out for several miles, the reef supports a breathtaking mix of marine life.

—By Samantha Miller
New initiatives in the Galapagos are seeking to rediscover and reintroduce species lost to climate change and human activity like the Fernandina giant tortoise that was found after 113 years of ‘extinction.’

—By Megan Brief
Discover the contents of Darwin's missing notebooks, including his famous ‘Tree of Life’ illustration from 1837!

—By Jon Jared
At least one native guide accompanies each group on a Nat Hab Galapagos trip. These residents are trained by the national park, with guidelines developed in collaboration with the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Research Station. Their experience gives a unique insight into the culture and the wildlife of the archipelago.

—By Emily Goodheart
Roberto Plaza is the owner of Montemar, a sustainable farm on Santa Cruz Island. Proceeds from purchased Arabic coffee grown on the land fund the restoration of tortoise ecosystems, as the area serves as an important migration route for these rare creatures as they move from the highlands to the coastal lowlands to lay their eggs.

—By Megan Brief
Recognizing that the long-term coexistence of humanity and wildlife requires a sustainable balance, Ecuador's President announced the creation of the Hermandad Marine Reserve, a migratory superhighway that connects the Galapagos Marine Reserve to protected Costa Rican waters.

—By Tracy Schuh
This special place in the Pacific Ocean with coordinates around 0°0°0° beamed with a flourishing ecosystem, delighted my soul in a profoundly epic way and reminded me what is possible if we make choices that protect these wild places on our beautiful planet. To quote Charles Darwin, “The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man.”

—By Cathy Brown
I’m convinced that there may be no nature destination on the planet quite as unique as the Galapagos Islands. And to be able to spend time with my enthusiastic son was an absolutely priceless experience that we will be talking about for decades to come.

—By Julie Waggoner
The most famous bird of the Galapagos is the blue-footed booby. While they are not endemic to the islands, about 50 percent of the world’s breeding pairs live here. These birds’ bright blue feet and sleek brown feathers are sure to make an appearance on any Galapagos itinerary. Keep reading to learn more about these iconic birds!

—By WWF
According to our expert guides, mating occurs year-round. Different species inhabiting different islands mate at different periods throughout the year. This means that any time you book your trip, you will likely have the good fortune of witnessing mating rituals or seeing baby animals.

—By Chris Kassar
I felt like a small child, in awe of everything I encountered, especially the endless array of colors delivered by these magical islands...