For guaranteed wildlife up close, there is no match for the Galápagos Islands. Undoubtedly this is one of the world’s best wildlife destinations.

Why travel to Galápagos Islands

A trip to the Galápagos is universally accepted to be one of the most unforgettable encounters with wildlife on the planet. Nothing can prepare you for the thrill that you will experience through the intimate contact with the creatures that inhabit these extraordinary islands.

As part of our Galapagos Islands luxury travel plans, cazenove+loyd has always worked only with those smaller yachts that operate at the highest level in this sensitive area. Their guides know how best to engage with you for the long-term benefit of the archipelago. We have good relationships which end up making your experience all the fuller and more memorable. Every evening the guides will talk you through the activities for the following day. These will include everything from snorkelling or diving to hiking along lava tunnels, swimming with sea lions and bird watching.

KEY FACTS
CURRENCY

US Dollar

LANGUAGE

Spanish

TIME ZONE

GMT -06:00

TIPPING

Service included

PEAK TIME

December - June

USEFUL PHRASES

Hello – Hola
See you later – Hasta luego
Nice to meet you – Encantada/o de conocerte
Thank you so much – Muchas gracias
Please – Por favor
Excuse me – Disculpe
I’m sorry – Lo siento

COLDEST MONTH

June and November
22°C on average

HOTTEST MONTH

January
28°C on average

ITINERARIES

Inspirational trip ideas

These are simply suggestions for the kind of luxury tailor-made holiday you might have. Your custom travel itinerary will be
personalised, tweaked, and refined until it matches you completely.

Ideal Length: 17 days

Ecuador: A Menu of Rainforests, Volcanoes + the Galapagos Islands

Though smaller than its neighbours, Ecuador offers an immense range of temptations for visitors. For most, nature is the draw, and it’s difficult to deny staying aboard a yacht while sailing through the Galapagos Islands is one of...

From £15,750pp From $19,159pp

View TRIP +
Ideal Length: 17 days

The Galapagos Islands by land

This itinerary is designed primarily with families in mind but it can be adapted for anyone who does not like the idea of being at sea for days at a time. Travelling with a private guide at your own pace means that you can take in...

From £15,750pp From $19,159pp

View TRIP +
SUSTAINABILITY

We believe travel is precious

The world has transformed dramatically since cazenove+loyd was founded in 1993. On every trip we take, we wonder how that destination will look in another 30 years. We are passionate about our destinations and understand that it has become more important than ever to conserve their wildlife, habitats and communities for future generations.

Our highlights in the Galapagos

Our Destination Expert’s top tip

If you are concerned about sea sickness, there are some specatular hotels on land which also offer private experiences.

Caroline Maber

Specialises in

Central + South America, Polar regions and The Caribbean
Local lowdown

Boobie birds of the Galapagos: The Sulidae family of birds was nicknamed bobos – dump in Spanish – for their clumsy walk on land. An amazing scene is to watch the blue footed boobies dance their mating ritual or taking plunge dives into the sea as they fish for food.

Celebrate this

Galapagos Penguins are endemic to the Galapagos Islands and not to found anywhere else. To survive in a tropical climate, Galapagos penguins have adapted  by leaning forward to shade their feet from the sun, and they stretch their flippers out to the sides. This stance helps them keep cool.

Where to stay

Best hotels in the Galapagos

Nothing but the best. Browse our handpicked, tried-and-tested luxury Galapagos hotels.

M/V Evolve, Expedition Ship

A voyage aboard the hyper-luxe M/V Evolve promises an unparalleled adventure through the Galápagos Islands. With sophisticated design and top-notch amenities, the yacht makes a superb base for exploring the archipelago's unique wildlife and landscapes.

Accommodating only 20 guests, the yacht ensures an intimate experience, with expert naturalist guides on hand to lead excursions to observe iconic species up close. Onboard, guests may indulge in gourmet cuisine, relax in elegant cabins and enjoy panoramic views from the sundeck, for a truly remarkable voyage.

READ MORE +

Pikaia Lodge, Santa Cruz

This Galápagos eco retreat blends luxury with sustainability to create an unparalleled experience for travellers seeking conscious indulgence.

Perched atop an extinct volcano, Pikaia Lodge offers panoramic views of surrounding islands and features modern design, a private Tortoise Reserve and a holistic spa. Ready to venture out? Expert guides are on hand to lead guests on land and marine explorations, providing insight into the unique biodiversity of the archipelago.

READ MORE +

Silver Origin, Expedition Ship

Silver Origin is an ultra-luxury expedition vessel that looks to redefine Galápagos exploration. Crafted for immersive experiences, it accommodates 100 guests in lavish suites with private balconies.

Onboard facilities include a spa, fitness centre, observation lounge and various fine dining venues, while on land, expert naturalists guide intimate excursions to encounter unique wildlife and ecosystems. With sustainability at its core, Silver Origin offers an extraordinary way to discover the Galápagos Islands while preserving their natural wonders for generations to come.

READ MORE +
Luxury family holiday galapagos

Finch Bay Hotel, Santa Cruz

The Finch Bay Eco Hotel lies just steps from the beach in a secluded location, across the bay from Puerto Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz.

Its natural surroundings, the ocean, the swimming pool and bar area, the chef’s culinary creations, the fact that it's close to everything and yet set apart and the warm and sincere service makes it one of the best places to stay in the Galapagos.

READ MORE +

Let us plan your perfect trip

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

YOUR TRIP

Currency

YOUR DETAILS

Name
What our clients say

Family adventure we will talk about for years. Our 3 week trip through South America taking in the Galapagos, the Amazon, the Caribbean coast in Colombia as well as hiking up to 5000m altitude in the Andes worked flawlessly. I didn't have much time to involve myself in the planning, with a few pointers Caroline put a great trip together, exceeding our expectations. We stayed in fabulous lodges and hotels and ate fantastic food and always felt safe and in very good hands. I am certain if we were to suggest another trip organised by cazenove&loyd all our young adult children would sign up straight away again !

What our clients say

An enormous thank you for the incredible trip that you organised for me to Ecuador. The entire holiday was wonderful, from the pretty Hotel del Parque to the MV Theory to the gorgeous Hacienda Zuleta, which I fell in love with. It's so rare to find places like that anymore – that still reek of history and family, so it was extremely special.

What our clients say

Milly organised every detail of our trip to the Galápagos. We had a knowledgeable guide who showed us hidden gems in Quito. Our cruise around the islands, complemented by the detailed narrative of our naturalist guide and the attentive, friendly crew, made each day an amazing adventure. Flight connections were seamless and we were always well looked after.

What our clients say

It was magical. I had forgotten what a special place the Galápagos Islands is. I was determined to bring my son and he fell in love too. The boat was lovely. The staff was amazing. They never stopped. They were really fantastic – friendly, helpful and super-efficient. Thank you for all your help, answers, suggestions and all.

Chat to an expert to start planning your trip

Get in touch and one of our luxury travel experts will answer any questions you may have and help create your dream tailor-made holiday.

Caroline Maber
Karen Chapman
Serena Winn-Darley

Other destinations you may like

Costa Rica

Breathtaking biodiversity, stunning landscapes and commitment to sustainable practices. Costa Rica is an exotic paradise with something for everyone.

View COUNTRY +

Uruguay

Don’t miss out on the magic of Uruguay. Often overlooked in favour of its...

View COUNTRY +

Brazil

Experience rhythm, culture, beaches, mouth-watering cuisine and colonial architecture on a luxury...

View COUNTRY +