Galápagos
Magnificent. Abundant. Sublime. The Galápagos are impossible to exaggerate.
Where can you meet giant tortoises in the misty highlands by morning and swim with playful sea lions in the afternoon? Dramatic volcanic backdrops further enhance the feeling of surrealism as you sunbathe on black lava rocks alongside prehistoric-looking marine iguanas, watch blue and red footed boobies and frigate birds play, and then go below the surface to meet sharks. Bizarre cactus forests and lush green highlands are ringed by buttery beaches and turquoise bays. This World Heritage marine reserve is one of a kind.
Experiences
Gain access to restricted areas escorted by world-renowned experts; enjoy specially arranged trips to the Galápagos’ most secret treasures with special permissions to hike to the rim of Alcedo Volcano and witness the last remaining wild populations of giant tortoises; have access to squadrons of swirling hammerhead sharks with (at the right time) excellent chances to encounter whale sharks; try diving at Wolf Rock, Darwin’s Arch and world-famous Cristo de Diablo (Devil’s Crown); swim in lava tubes at Puerto Egas; encounter turtles, sea lions and penguins; witness the underwater grazing of marine iguanas; sit in silence and awe at the primeval scenes of giant tortoises bathing in mud pools on a volcano’s summit; see hawks and shellfish, reptiles and endemic plants of extraordinary beauty.
Where to Stay
Retire each day to the privacy of your luxury yacht to dine beneath the stars.
When to Go
December to May are the warmest months in the Galápagos, with the wind dropping for calmer seas. Wildlife activities vary greatly: watch turtle egg-laying in January; swim with penguins on Bartolomé from May to September; watch humpback whales arrive in June; see giant tortoise eggs hatch in December.