No matter how many David Attenborough specials you have watched, you've seen nothing that can prepare you for the thrill of the Galápagos Islands, where the diverse range of curious wildlife will captivate you. The Galápagos is nature and evolution at its very best. Blue-footed boobies dance about your feet, penguins and seals swim at the equator and giant tortoises patrol ashore. Think of your small ship as a floating safari camp which will immerse you in a movable, panoramic island experience. 

Common questions:

What's the best time of the year to visit the Galápagos?
This is the question prospective passengers ask us the most. Our answer is: It doesn't matter when you go; what matters is how long you go for! There's not much rain, and there's never been a tropical storm of any type in the Galápagos. While there are a couple of official ‘seasons’, the differences are slight. Actually, Darwin said it all: Considering that these islands are placed directly under the equator, the climate is far from being excessively hot; this seems chiefly caused by the singularly low temperature of the surrounding water, brought here by the great southern polar current. Excepting during one short season, very little rain falls, and even then it is irregular.

How long should I spend in the Galápagos Islands?
Basically, each island is different, with its own unique ecosystem and wildlife distribution. Not only are many species endemic to the Galápagos Islands, they are often endemic to a specific island. In other words, each island has plants and animals that you're not going to see on any other island. So, the more islands you visit, the more unique wildlife you're going to see. If you want to see the red-footed booby, you have to go to either Tower (Genovesa) Island or Punta Pitt on San Cristóbal Island. If you want to see the flightless cormorant, you have to go to Fernandina or Isabela Island. If you want to see the waved albatross, you have to go to Hood (Española) Island. And the list goes on.

What is a typical daily schedule like?
Well, first off, there is no typical day in nature - the schedule is usually purposely loose to allow you to take advantage of unusual animal encounters or conditions - flexibility is one of the advantages of a small group size. Some landings might warrant a two hour visit, while others are more suited to four hours.

What are the trails like?
Trail conditions are mixed. Some visitor sites are a walk on the beach, literally - soft sandy beaches that happen to be populated by unique and wonderful creatures. Other trails can however be more challenging, with difficult terrain including rocks to step up, over or around or inclines. With only a couple of exceptions the longest trails in the islands are no more than 1.5 miles in total. You also walk at a leisurely pace allowing you to both watch where you are walking, and stop and take in your surroundings.

Any recommendations for places to visit or stay either side of the Galápagos?
Many travellers choose to couple the nearby Amazon River with a Galápagos adventure, due to proximity but it also due to the wildlife potential. With over one third of the Earth’s animal species found in the Amazon Basin, adding this trip to the Galápagos makes for possibly one of the most rewarding nature expeditions you could ever have.

For Amazon River cruising options, click here.

Wild Earth Travel is owned and operated by expedition leaders with over 30 years' experience voyaging, leading and creating expeditions all over the globe.

• We Are Travellers. Our team of small ship cruise specialists is very well travelled. We have led small ship cruises all over the world and experienced the most unique and fascinating corners of the planet, and we love sharing our experiences with you!

• Unbiased Advice. Our team are all passionate expedition and small cruise ship travellers, and our knowledge and stories come from our own personal experiences, which we then use to match you with the best small ship options for you.

• Largest Choice Providers. Our collection of small ship cruises is constantly growing, we now feature over 1200 cruises aboard more than 80 small ships. Our insider knowledge of the industry means there is barely a ship or a destination worldwide that we haven't experienced.

• Convenience Matters. We offer you the ability to pay in the original currency of the ship operator, meaning that you won't pay more in currency buffers. You can be assured that you are in safe hands as our team of specialists guide you through the entire booking process.

• Personalised Service. As you prepare for your cruise, we will be in touch to ensure you have everything you need, from packing lists and suggested reading lists to pre- and post- transfers and accommodation. For some cruises, there may be the option to add on extra activities.

• We’ve Travelled the Galápagos. Holding such natural and scientific significance, there are lots of options when it comes to exploring the Galápagos Islands. With firsthand experience of these islands, we are fully up-to-date with the various cruising options available.

If you'd like to learn about some of our other Galápagos Islands itineraries, please contact us. You may also be interested in coupling your Galápagos experience with that of the nearby Amazon

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