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Wildlife of the South & Western Islands

Galapagos Islands

Sail on board the luxurious Natural Paradise yacht, exploring the extraordinary Galapagos Islands. This once untouched archipelago changed the course of scientific study forever, following anexploration by Charles Darwin in 1835.

Discover the natural highlights of the Galapagos Islands; snorkel with sea lions and sea turtles, observe the abundant birdlife and encounter marine iguanas and other endemic wildlife. You’ll navigate the famed archipelago aboard the splendid yacht – the Natural Paradise. Carrying just sixteen passengers this small vessel is perfect for exploring these remarkable islands. Your certified naturalist guides and dedicated crew will assist you in your search for the Galapagos ‘Big 15.’

With excellent service and guiding, unique wildlife experiences, and elegant accommodation, this voyage is sure to be the best way to explore these amazing islands.

GAL St Galapagos Sealion Shutterstock Fotogrin

why book this trip

Specifically Designed Galapagos Exploration Yacht: The Natural Paradise was designed especially for you to get the most out of your trip to Galapagos. You’ll benefit from a crew of eleven for sixteen guests, to ensure they can focus on you making the most out of your time in this incredible area.
Snorkeling with Sea Lions: Playful sea lions may swim alongside you as you explore the ocean;as well as Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, marine iguanas and scalloped hammerhead sharks.

Day 1, Arrive Quito

You’ll be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel in Quito. As the city is located 2,850 metres above sea level, you may feel light-headed due to the altitude. We recommend you drink plenty of water and avoid heavy foods.

Accommodation: La Casona de la Ronda

La Casona de la Ronda

Perched on the oldest street in Quito, known as La Ronda, this boutique hotel provides a captivating blend of history and modernity. Set in a meticulously restored old mansion, the hotel offers 22 stylish and comfortable rooms, seamlessly blending contemporary comforts with the charm of historic architecture. The location itself is steeped in history, with ties to the Inca settlers and the Bohemian culture of the 1930s.

Day 2, Exploring Quito

After breakfast you’ll meet your guide in reception to learn all about this UNESCO world heritage city. Strolling through the Old Town you’ll see some of the best examples of colonial architecture in Latin America. Learn about the Incan history and sample some local cuisine for lunch. The tour is a full day, and you’ll get the chance to stand on both sides of the equator!

Accommodation: La Casona de la Ronda

GAL St Galapagos Humboldt Penguin Shutterstock Jgolby

Wildlife in Galapagos Islands

The overwhelming biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands inspired Charles Darwin's seminal book "On the Origin of Species by Natural Selection". Such is the extent of the rigorous protection and respect for these islands that visitation numbers are tightly regulated, and the inimitably photogenic wildlife is fearless of man; a place where nature and man enjoy a rare equilibrium. Nowhere on earth is it possible to observe so many of the planet’s species at unfeasibly close range as the Galapagos Islands, which justifies its unwavering popularity as the pinnacle destination of any wildlife holiday.

Day 3, Quito - Baltra - Eden Islet

Today you’ll fly to the tiny island airport of Baltra where you’ll board your luxury yacht. In the afternoon head out on a dingy, snorkel, kayak or paddle board in search of endemic salemas, reef sharks, nazca and blue footed boobies.

Accommodation: Natural Paradise Yacht

GAL St Galapagos Bartolome Island Jess Kraft

When to Go

The best time to go to the Galapagos Islands is between December and June. The archipelago does not experience any particularly drastic changes in climate throughout the year due to it straddling the equator; however, there are two distinct seasons, although the differences between them are less pronounced than in many other places.

Day 4, Exploring Isabela & Fernandina

Within the coves of Vicente Roca Point snorkel in search of sea turtles, rays and puffer fish. At Espinoza Point, depending on the tide, you may be able to hike the lava fields of ‘La Cumbre’ volcano.

Accommodation: Natural Paradise Yacht

Natural Paradise Yacht

The Natural Paradise is a modern luxury yacht, purpose-built for exploring the Galapagos Islands. Hosting just 16 passengers at a time, the spacious cabins are spread out over three decks, with upper deck cabins having their own private balconies. The sundeck also boasts a large jacuzzi and al fresco barbecue area, perfect for relaxing with a sundowner.

Day 5, Exploring Isabela – Urbina Bay & Moreno Point

Today you’ll be looking out for land iguanas (the largest in Galapagos) as you hike the coast. Urbina Bay is also great for snorkelling for tropical fish. Moreno Point known for excellent birding with flamingos, gallinules and pintail ducks.

Accommodation: Natural Paradise Yacht

St Galapagos Sealion Shutterstock Joost Van Uffelen

The Best Islands in the Galapagos

Having never been connected to a continent, the 17 Galapagos Islands, and many other rocky outcrops and islets, were formed over many hundreds of thousands of years between volcanic eruptions and the earth’s movement. The wildlife that is now found on these young islands somehow migrated across the ocean from the Latin American mainland; it is thought this was mainly via floating bits of land, hence only the hardy, such as made it across – and, of course, the birds. The Galapagos archipelago consists of 13 major islands, 6 smaller islands and scores of islets and rocks lying within reach of the equator.

Day 6, Exploring Isabela – Sierra Negra Volcano, Wetlands and Tortoise Breeding Centre

ake in the impressive views from the volcano – last active in 2005. Explore the mangroves, lagoons and swamps where you can find common stilts, whimbrels and white-cheeked pintails. Visit the Tortoise breeding centre, where Giant Tortoise eggs are hatched and protected until they are able to be released into their natural environment.

Accommodation: Natural Paradise Yacht

A Birder’s Paradise

Discover the Wonders of Galapagos Birdlife

One of the most remarkable aspects of Galápagos bird life is its diversity; the islands are home to over 60 bird species, with nearly half being endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world. These birds have adapted to the unique conditions of the islands, resulting in species with fascinating behaviors and characteristics.

Explore the Birds of Galapagos

Day 7, Exploring Santiago Island - Chinese Hat & Mosquera Islet

Examine the unique geological formations of the lava tubes and flows of Chinese Hat Islet. The reefs and rocks of Mosquera Islet are home to colonies of sea lion, as well as sally lightfoot crabs and many shorebirds.

Accommodation: Natural Paradise Yacht

Santiago Island

Santiago Island is popular on Galapagos expeditions for those close encounters with the un-fearing wildlife. The island has a volcanic landscape, with cliffs and pinnacles attracting quite a few species of marine bird. A stop here offers the chance to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters with the Galapagos fur seal, the world's smallest fur seal.

Day 8, Exploring Floreana Island – Baroness & Cormorant Points, Post Office Bay & Champion Islet

Learn about the legend of the Baroness and her lovers, send a postcard from a barrel and saunter the ‘green’ sandy beach with resident flamingos. Champion Islet is considered one of the most beautiful snorkeling sights, occasionally visited by dolphins.

Accommodation: Natural Paradise Yacht

Floreana Island

Floreana Island bears a unique personality where its history has become the main attraction, even more than the lava fields, boobies and azure waters. Floreana Island is situated towards the southern part of the Galápagos Archipelago. It lies southwest of Santa Cruz Island and southeast of Isabela Island

Day 9, Exploring Española – Suarez Point, Gardner Bay & Osborn Islet

Suarez Point features a powerful blow hole which offers a wonderful photographic opportunity. Upon the cliffs you’ll often find albatrosses, Galapagos hawks, blue-footed & nazca boobies. The white sandy beach of Gardner Bay is a favourite for sea lions rearing their pups.

Accommodation: Natural Paradise Yacht

Galapagos Islands Safari

These itineraries showcase a few ways of combining the attractions of this fascinating country. Please note however these are intended as a guide only and can be completely tailored to your specific requirements.

Day 10, Lobos Island – Depart San Cristobal

This is your final chance to snorkel alongside a sea lion before you are transferred to San Cristobal airport for your flight home.

Your Accommodation

La Casona de la Ronda

Originally a Jesuit house built in 1738, a stay here is a step back in time to Ecuador’s rich history. This boutique hotel focuses on an authentic atmosphere in the heart of the colonial centre, the bright interior courtyard has been beautifully restored. You’ll be taken well care of by their friendly staff.

Location
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Wildlife of the South & Western Islands

Galapagos Islands