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Ecuador Galapagos Giant Tortoise experience

Galápagos Islands Wildlife Tours made for you

Seek out species found only in the Galápagos Islands

A Galápagos wildlife tour: one of the most natural destinations on earth

Spot some of the Galápagos Islands‘s most unique wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and Darwin’s finches – and observe evolution in action. Situated 600 miles from Ecuador’s coast, this remarkable archipelago inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection and still captivates wildlife lovers from around the world.

You can explore from a Galápagos cruise – perhaps a yacht, spacious catamaran or larger expedition ship – or from a lodge or safari style camp, or choose to combine both. These volcanic islands with their beautiful white sand beaches, rugged lava landscapes and lush green highlands provide unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.

Led by expert naturalist guides, you might spend one day on Santa Cruz Island snorkelling and swimming with sea lions. Another day on Isabela Island hiking the Sierra Negra volcano or discovering Los Humedales (the wetlands) with its mangroves and pink flamingos.

Many of our partners, and the national park authorities, work within guidelines similar to our own Positive Impact Principles. This allows us to plan your Galápagos wildlife tour with conservation and wildlife protection at the forefront, supporting causes that benefit both the environment and local communities.

Your travel designer will plan you a one-of-a-kind trip in the Galápagos Islands, taking care that every element and each experience perfectly matches your tastes and preferences.

  • A large white and blue luxury catamaran named Hermes sailing on the ocean with volcanic hills in the background.
  • Several Galapagos giant tortoises bathing in a muddy green pond with a duck swimming in the foreground.
  • A person looking out at the turquoise ocean from a wide white sand beach on San Cristobal Island, Galapagos.
  • Close-up of two waved albatrosses with large yellow beaks touching during a mating ritual in the Galapagos.
  • Australian Sea Lion and young woman snorkeling
  • Three Galapagos doves with blue eye-rings and speckled brown feathers perched on thin tree branches.

From our experts

Experiences picked by our specialists

Embark on an expedition cruise

Enjoy a luxury expedition cruise – your travel designer will help you pick the best for you and your family

Set off by Zodiac to see the islands' marine life

Set off on small group excursions by ‘panga’ Zodiac boats and see the islands’ dense marine life

Hike Sierra Negra volcano for sweeping island views

Hike the Sierra Negra volcano for epic views or the surrounding islands

Watch sea turtles nest or hatchlings reach the ocean

Witness green sea turtles laying eggs on pristine beaches or tiny hatchlings making their first journey to the ocean

Visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre on Santa Cruz

Visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre at Darwin’s Research Station on Santa Cruz Island

A word from one of our experts

The Galápagos Islands are hands down my favourite destination for wildlife watching. A sea lion might swim up to you when you’re snorkelling, sun bathing Marine iguanas will be totally indifferent to you sharing the same beach, and giant tortoises will lumber past you with barely a glance. It’s a unique, incredible place, like nowhere else in the world.

Lily Bunker Senior Travel Designer

Luxury accommodation in the Galápagos

There are many incredible places to stay in the Galápagos, and a choice of luxury cruises. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

Why book with Jacada?

  • Personalised design

    We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

  • Authentic experiences

    Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

  • Responsible travel

    Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

Trip inspiration

Get inspired with our Galápagos example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure

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A Luxury Galápagos Vacation

Discover natural wonders and exceptional wildlife in style on a luxury Galápagos vacation. This adventure showcases the flora and fauna of this incredible arch…

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Ecuador Nature Explorer

Combining two of Ecuador’s richest locations for wildlife, the iconic Galápagos Islands and its relatively unknown Cloud Forests, this a trip for those that lo…

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Ready to plan your adventure?

Whatever you want from your Galápagos wildlife tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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Where to go

Meet your Latin America team

When to visit

The Galápagos Islands are a year round destination. Each season presents different opportunities for wildlife spotting. On the whole, due to its proximity to the equator the temperatures stay moderate and mild. Between December and April the waters are calm and warm, perfect for snorkelling and cruising.

Green turtles hatching

April

Bird watching

April–June

Migratory whales

June–September

The Best Time to Visit Galapagos Islands: Month-by-Month Guide

Galápagos travel guides

Plan your trip to The Galápagos Islands

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“We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada…”

We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada and it surely won't be our last! Every detail and moment of our trip was perfectly planned. We were met every step of the way with courteous and knowledgeable drivers and guides. We really appreciated the local guides and the commitment they had to make every day special. Thank you Jacada for the…

Amy Schulz Trustpilot ★★★★★

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My wife and I used Jacada to plan our honeymoon to French Polynesia. Working with the Jacada team was fantastic and effortless. Every question was quickly answered. Every hiccup was quickly addressed. We felt like we were in the hands of experts who are equally passionate about travel, and who were committed to helping us have the trip of a…

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“Jacada Travel has been outstanding”

We enjoy traveling and we have used Jacada Travel for some wonderful trips over several years. We have never been disappointed. In 2024 we took a Safari in Botswana Africa and walked with the gorillas in Rwanda planned by Jacada and the itinerary was amazing. In 2025 we had planned a trip to Antartica ( with another company ) but…

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“Communication and organization were…”

Communication and organization were excellent. The Jacada team was helpful and genuinely interested in our experience. The guides were personable, knowledgeable, and clearly enjoy their work. Vehicles were spotless, timely, and coordinators managed our every need brilliantly. I will recommend Jacada to friends and family. The only way to travel!

Andrew Woodcock Trustpilot ★★★★★

“Iceland 8 Days”

We had a wonderful trip planned through Jacada. We enjoyed the venues and the excursions. This is a beautiful place we'd recommend to anyone who wants to go on a new adventure.

The Reynolds Trustpilot ★★★★★

Your trip, your story

We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.

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