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Boat vs Land Galapagos Safari

Discover the Galapagos Islands Your Way

Galapagos Boat Safari

It may come as no surprise that when exploring this famous archipelago, the main mode of transport and exploration is by boat.

There are several cruise options available, starting with short four-night trips. Longer trips, between seven and ten nights, offer the opportunity to see most of the diverse wildlife found on the islands, typically making two landings a day.

The boats themselves vary hugely in standards. It’s important to consider the cabin space, size of boat, cuisine, facilities, staff ratio to clients, and the allocated itinerary.

Some of our favourite boats include the Integrity Yacht, Galapagos Horizon and Natural Paradise.

Galapagos Wildlife

A guide to wildlife encounters in the Galapagos Islands

GAL St Galapagos Black Spotted Eagle Ray Shutterstock Wildestanimal

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.

Contact a Galapagos Islands Specialist

Galapagos Land Safari

If you can, then our preferred blend of trip is to mix your time on a boat with some time spent on land; firstly to unwind, and secondly to just experience this archipelago from an entirely different perspective.

You’ll know by now that most of the islands are uninhabitable, so you won’t find a vast array of lodges or hotel choices throughout your trip, but there are a select few available, and within that we have refined just three that we believe make the perfect addition to any Galapagos itinerary - all of which have been tried and tested by NWS MD Will Bolsover.

We recommend Pikaia Lodge with its far reaching ocean views, the intimate Galapagos Safari Camp, and the brand new Scalesia Lodge.

Where to Stay in the Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Land-Based Safari

An epic, lodge-based Galapagos wildlife safari staying in some wonderful accommodation. Perfect for anyone who doesn't want to stay aboard an expedition ship. This lodge-based Galapagos itinerary visits the incredible Santa Cruz and Isabela islands and includes boat trips to surrounding islands. This is an incredible way to see the wildlife of the Galapagos for those land-lovers with an aversion to spending too much time on the sea. Swim with playful sea lions; watch the blue footed boobies as they perform in a charming courtship dance; see the emblematic tortoises in their natural habitat and a whole host of other fearless animals.

From 8000 per person