Galapagos - In the Steps of Pirates & Darwin

This trip has been graded 1 (Leisurely) with a Safari Rating of 5.

This trip is great for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and those with an interest in history or geology. Though you do not need to be particularly fit, you should note that due to the volcanic nature of the Galapagos islands there will be some walking on rough ground and sharp volcanic rocks. The ability to withstand high temperatures and to swim will maximize your enjoyment. Due to local regulations in the Galapagos we have specific time slots for making our landings and site visits. There is usually very little disruption to the schedule, but this can mean little room for deviation in the event of poor weather or other circumstances.

In the Galapagos, each day will feature a mixture of walking, snorkelling and exploring the islands by boat. To get closer to the designated landing sites on each of the islands we disembark into small pangas (motorised dinghys). Landings on the islands are divided into two types - wet and dry. For dry landings, the panga will take you right up to a landing stage or rocky outcrop where you can disembark without getting wet. However in some places where there is no landing stage the panga will stop close to a beach and you will be expected to walk through shallow water (generally no more than ankle-deep) to the shore. The leader will always advise conditions prior to leaving and it is possible to skip any particular excursion if you would rather relax on board the boat.

There are plenty of opportunities for snorkelling in the Galapagos and this is one of the best ways to experience the marine life. A mask and snorkel will reveal an exciting underwater world with Sea lions, rays, turtles, Marine iguanas and a colourful array of fish. On most days of the itinerary there will be one or two snorkelling sessions.  Snorkelling in the Galapagos does not require any special skills, however, at times you will be snorkelling in open water where there are fairly strong currents. Before going into the water, the guide will evaluate the strength of the currents and the general condition of the sea to make sure they are right for this to be a safe and enjoyable activity. The dinghy will remain very close at all times; if you get tired or feel like coming out of the water you only have to raise your arm and they will come to pick you up so you can rest for a while before going back in or stay in the dinghy until it is time to return to the boat. Snorkelling equipment (snorkel, fins and masks) is provided, however, is advisable to wear a wetsuit which not only protects you from the cold but also makes floating much easier without as much effort.

We offer this Galapagos cruise in conjunction with our Ecuadorian partners, and Exodus participants will join an international group, not all of whom have booked through Exodus. Occasionally some of these may be younger than Exodus' minimum age for this trip.

Islands Visited on this Itinerary:

Isabela: One of the youngest and most volcanically active islands with stark lava fields blackening the landscape, Isabela is larger in size than all of the other islands put together! Isabela was formed when six volcanoes merged. The lunar-esque landscape of its interior is perfect for an unusual trekking experience, and the island's cloud forest is home to five distinct subspecies of the giant Galapagos tortoise. Marine life here is rich and varied, and it's possible to see stingrays, White-tipped reef sharks and turtles in the mangroves and submerged lava tunnels, as well as playful dolphins and the odd glimpse of breaching Humpback whales

Fernandina: The third-largest island, Fernandina is an active shield volcano that is noted for its fine examples of Aa and Pahoehoe lava flows. The ecosystem on Fernandina is remarkably untouched, and the island has never been invaded by foreign species and predators. As a result, the cormorants here had no real need to fly in order to find ample fish stocks, and gradually evolved into flightless birds with small wings and feet that are extremely well-adapted to swimming. Land iguanas have also flourished due to the lack of predators, and the island is home to the largest colony in the Galapagos.

Bartolomé: One of the most photographed of all the islands! Bartolomé is an extinct volcano with many interesting geological features and a semi-lunar landscape. The famous Pinnacle Rock, seen in countless photos, is actually a tuff cone – a column of hardened volcanic ash formed when molten rock fused together after coming into contact with seawater. It's possible to swim with Galápagos penguins here, and the island is home to Sea lions, nesting marine turtles and White-tipped reef sharks.

Santiago: Home of the Galapagos Fur seal, which likes the rocky shoreline and shady spots of Santiago. Around 30,000 to 40,000 Fur seals live on the islands, and the majority can be found close to Puerto Egas, either on the rocks or on its black beaches. The island is a good place to see Galapagos hawks and Darwin finches, and there’s a popular snorkelling site called Chinese Hat where penguins, rays, turtles and playful Sea lion pups reside.

Santa Cruz: The second-largest island in the archipelago, Santa Cruz is home to Puerto Ayora – where most Galapagos ships are docked for embarkation – and the Charles Darwin Research Station, which conducts tortoise research programmes and is heavily involved in the management and conservation of the islands along with the national park authorities. The Santa Cruz highlands are much greener than the dry lowlands of the other islands and are home to freely-roaming groups of tortoises. In common with the rest of the group, Santa Cruz has many interesting volcanic features such as pit craters and lava tunnels, and there is also a noted flamingo lagoon at Cerro Dragón.

Rabida: The striking russet sand differentiates Rabida from the other islands; rich in iron, this is one of the most colourful islands in the Galapagos. Nesting pelicans can be seen amongst the red cliffs, while pink flamingos are found feeding in the island’s saltwater lagoon. 

Española: The southernmost island of the chain, Española is also the oldest. As it is relatively isolated from the other islands, it has developed its own endemic fauna, including the only Marine iguanas that change colour in order to attract mates during the breeding season. The island is the favoured breeding ground for almost the entire world population of Waved albatross due to its easy access to prime fishing grounds and the steep cliffs that provide an ideal place for the large birds to take off. There are also large colonies of mockingbirds, boobies, Darwin finches and doves, as well as Sea lions, which surf the breaking waves.

San Cristóbal: The easternmost island of the archipelago and the first landing point for Charles Darwin in 1835. The Galapagos Islands' provincial capital, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, is on San Cristóbal, and the town is home to the excellent Galapagos Interpretation Centre. Popular sites for visitors to the island include El Junco Lake (one of the archipelago's few freshwater lagoons), Frigatebird Hill (unsurprisingly named for the large colonies of magnificent and great frigatebirds), and Kicker Rock, a towering split rock that rises over 100m from the ocean. The highland cloud forests provide a natural habitat for giant tortoises. Huge numbers of Sea lions are also present on San Cristóbal and nearby Isla Lobos, reachable by boat, is a big nesting site for Blue-footed boobies.

All guides have Level 3 National Park Certification

Guides will join all excursions and activities, providing daily recaps and briefings, and are always on hand to answer any questions. We can’t guarantee which guides will be available on which departure date but some of the guides below may be leading your Galapagos adventure:

Bolivar Sanchez: Bolivar, known as "Boli", was born in Guayaquil and has been guiding groups in the Galapagos Islands since 1993. He is an expert in earth science with degrees in biology, geology and conservation. His other interests include swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, hiking and photography.

Alex Cox: Alex was born in San Cristobal Island and has been guiding in the Galapagos Islands for 29 years. Growing up in San Cristobal Island he developed a strong interest in wildlife and the outdoors as a child before going to study earth science at the Central University of Ecuador. When he’s not leading, he enjoys swimming, hiking and spending time with his two children.  

Cristina Rivadeneira: Cristina was born in Quito and first visited the Galapagos Islands when she was just 11. She has been guiding trips in the Galapagos for 23 years. She studied business and languages. She speaks fluent English, Spanish, French and German. Her other interests are yoga, snorkelling, diving and whale watching. Her friends call her ‘the whale whisperer’. 

Roberto Plaza: Roberto was born in Guayaquil and now lives with his family on the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island where they own a farm and live off the grid amongst giant tortoises. He studied biology at the Latina University in San Jose, Costa Rica and has been leading trips on the Galapagos for 27 years. He has a huge passion for nature and is also an expert in the natural and human history of the Islands. His other interests include surfing and photography. 

Walter Campoverde: Walter was born in Santa Cruz Island and has been guiding in the Galapagos Islands for 36 years. He has degrees in tourism management and environmental management. He is a Master Scuba Instructor with over a thousand immersions. In 2004 he became one of the first Naturalist Guides of the Galapagos Marine Reserve. He is very passionate about nature, conservation and his other interests include bird watching and underwater photography. 

Dolores Villacreses: Dolores, known as “Lola” has been guiding in the Galapagos Islands for 24 years. She is very passionate about the unique Galapagos Islands and truly enjoys everything about them, especially marine life, bird watching, geology and conservation programs. She studied marine biology and runs her own business on marine safety. Her other interests are snorkelling, scuba diving, photography and stargazing. 

Daniel Jacome: Daniel is the grandson of an explorer who travelled to the Galapagos Islands in 1958.  He has been guiding on the Islands for 27 years. He studied tourism administration and also has extensive training in biology and botany. Some of his favourite experiences on the Islands are swimming with Sea lions and birdwatching. His other interest includes playing music with his band and spending time with his children. 

Gustavo Andrade: Gustavo was born in Guayaquil and has been guiding in the Galapagos Islands for 17 years. He studied industrial engineering in Guayaquil and then moved to New York. It wasn’t long before he realised that his love for nature was much stronger than his attraction for larger cities and moved back after 9 months. His interests are snorkelling, kayaking, hiking and photography.