We offer travel to the Galapagos Islands in small and mid-sized vessels in company - in other words - that guarantees as much exploration and quality time as possible, without every being "lost in a crowd." In this remarkable area of the world, you can gain a greater sense of being at one with the natural world with our philosophy of intimacy, than on a large cruise ship packed with 50 or 100 passengers. It allows us to provide just the right amount of attention each traveler needs for a memorable and personal adventure, while knowing that small groups minimize our impact on the islands.

The many opportunities for close up encounters with wildlife above and under water, will make your visit to Galapagos with us truly exceptional. The islands and surrounding waters are teaming with exotic and colorful creatures that have never learned to fear humans. This translates into a series of daily peak experiences including snorkeling with playful sea lions, tracking giant tortoises and trading stares with unconcerned iguanas, while never being swarmed with a crowd that wants to see the spectacular encounter all at the same time.

Bird life is abundant, varied and fearless. You may have to give way as a blue footed booby crosses your path, or have the opportunity to observe a Galapagos hawk perched just a few steps away, as an albatross launches itself off a cliff on a journey that will encompass thousands of miles.

The Galápagos archipelago is situated on the Equator (0 degrees) and 90 degrees western longitude, ca. 1,000 kilometres of the South American continent. The Galápagos is part of Ecuador. The total land area of the archipelago is 7,882 Km². Isabela is the largest island with a total area of 4,588 Km². There are 12 other main islands, 6 islands between 1 - 10 Km² and furthermore many little islets, 96 % of the area is part of the protected national park.
The Galápagos was discovered by Tomás de Berlanga in 1535. He wrote in his journal “it seems like God made it rain stones “, referring to the volcanic formations. Due to the unique volcanic structure, the specific climate and its remoteness it offers a unique and undisturbed habitat for birds, sea mammals, reptiles and vegetation.

Tour leaders / excursions
All excursions during the voyage are lead by English and Spanish speaking guides; the language on board is English. The tour leaders are local Ecuadorians, certified guides according to the regulations of the Galápagos National Park. Every morning after breakfast our tour leaders will inform you about the daily program, the excursions or diving and the expected flora and fauna.

Preparing your Galápagos voyage:
Clothing is casual and we suggest shorts, T-shirts, a long pair of cotton trousers for excursions, a sweater for cool nights or a waterproof jacket. We advise walking shoes with a good profile (sport shoes), bathing clothes and snorkel gear. Protect yourself from sunburns and bring a hat and sun lotion.
For detailed information on diving please check out the diving section.

There are various flight possibilities from Europe and the US to Quito or Guayaquil (Ecuador). Travellers have to spend the night in a hotel (also on the return flight), before they can fly to San Cristobal in the Galápagos with Aerogal Airlines, which takes approx. 2 hours from Quito. A maximum of 20 Kg of luggage (one suitcase) is allowed on all flights to the Galápagos. Baggage restrictions do not include hand luggage.

The subtropical climate (relative humidity of 80-90 %) is the result of four currents; the south equatorial current, the Cromwell current, the north equatorial opposite current and the Humboldt or Peru current. The rain season is from December until April, with calm weather and temperatures of 27 to 30 degrees Celsius. The dry season is from May until November, with temperatures of approx. 21 to 24 degrees Celsius. However, both periods can be considered as good travel periods, with their own specific characteristics.

The Galápagos is a paradise for (sea) birds like red-footed and blue-footed boobies, waved albatrosses, Galápagos penguins and swallow-tailed gulls. You can find sea lions, fur seals, sperm whales and killer whales. The Galápagos is furthermore known for its land and sea iguanas (for example on Española, Santiago, Fernandina) and various species of land turtles. Many plant species in the Galápagos are endemic.

All participants must be in good general health and condition. You must be able to enter the zodiacs (rubber boats) and step ashore (wet landings!). The excursions vary from short walks to sometimes more strenuous tours. Tropical diseases like hepatitis, cholera, typhus, dengue and malaria may occur in Ecuador, but are rare (hepatitis) to unknown (malaria) on the Galápagos islands. Please consult your doctor or medical centre for the latest information for possible vaccinations.

No visa is required, but your passport must be valid for at least 6 months upon arrival and you need to have a return flight ticket. When leaving the country, you will have to pay an Airport Departure tax of ca. US $ 25 in cash. The currency of Ecuador is the American dollar.
Spanish is spoken in Ecuador and the Galápagos. The language on board is English.

Galápagos is a protected area, upon arrival all visitors have to pay an entrance fee of approx. US$ 100. It is prohibited to disturb the animals, nor is it permitted to touch, take or remove animals, plants, fruits, stones, corals, feathers and fossils. While on excursion, do only follow the marked paths and do not leave any garbage on the islands or in the water. Due to severe fires in 1985, it is prohibited to smoke on the islands.