The Galapagos

The Galapagos Archipelago lies 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean — 13 major islands and over 100 smaller ones formed by volcanic activity that continues to this day. The islands are home to species found nowhere else on earth, many of which have evolved in near-total isolation from human interference. The result is wildlife of extraordinary approachability — Galapagos animals have no fear of humans, making every encounter feel entirely intimate and remarkable.

Giant Galapagos tortoises — some living for over 150 years and weighing up to 250kg — roam freely on Santa Cruz and Isabela islands, lumbering through volcanic terrain with a prehistoric unhurriedness. Blue-footed boobies perform their extraordinary courtship dance on the rocks of North Seymour. Marine iguanas bask on black lava shores, diving into the cold Humboldt Current to feed on algae. Flightless cormorants unique to Fernandina Island, waved albatross on Española and the famous Galapagos penguins — the world’s northernmost penguin species — add to a list of species so extraordinary it defies easy summarising.

The majority of visitors explore the Galapagos by expedition cruise — live-aboard vessels of varying sizes and levels of luxury visiting a different island each day, with two excursions daily by panga (inflatable boat) or kayak. Snorkelling with sea lions, swimming alongside sea turtles and diving with hammerhead sharks at Wolf and Darwin islands are the underwater highlights of the archipelago, which is also one of the world’s premier dive destinations.

The Galapagos can also be visited from land-based hotels on the main inhabited islands — Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and Isabela. However you visit, the experience is one of genuine wonder and privilege.