The Galapagos Islands: A Bucket-List Guide
The Galápagos Islands are one of the last places on earth where wildlife has no fear of people, giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and sea lions that swim right up to you. It is a true bucket-list trip, and one I love to plan through my trusted local partners on the ground. Here is how it works.
How to visit: cruise or island-based
There are two ways to see the Galápagos. A small-ship expedition cruise is the classic choice, sailing between islands overnight so you wake up somewhere new each day with expert naturalist guides. Or you can stay at island hotels and take day trips, a gentler, more flexible option. I match the style to you.
The wildlife and the water
Expect close encounters on land and incredible snorkeling, swimming alongside sea lions, penguins, rays, and turtles. Every island is different, so the itinerary matters, and a good guide makes all the difference.
When to go and getting there
The Galápagos is a year-round destination; the wildlife and seas shift by season, so I match the timing to what you most want to see. You fly in via mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil), which pairs beautifully with a few days exploring the Andes or the Amazon.
Why this is not a book-it-yourself trip. The Galápagos is a protected national park with strict access rules: the small ships carry limited berths, run park-licensed fixed itineraries, and the best of them sell out close to a year ahead. Get the boat, the route, or the season wrong and you cannot simply rebook on arrival. I arrange it end to end through my local vetted partners on the ground, and that is where I come in.
Why plan the Galápagos with me
The right ship or lodge, the right route, and the right naturalist guides make or break this trip, and the best ones book far ahead. I arrange it end to end through my partners on the ground. It is a spectacular honeymoon or milestone trip, and because it is a long-haul journey, it is worth reading whether business class is worth it for the flights.