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Galapagos Islands at a glance
Galapagos cruises – Galapagos boat holidays – responsible travel – Galapagos Island cruises – wide selection of boats – land based tours – family trips – varied itineraries – expert guides – expert advice – unbiased information
Walking up the 365 step walkway to the top of Bartolome Island, Galapagos | © Pura Aventura Ltd
Galapagos cruises may be South America’s greatest treat. Let yourself grin like a child when a sea lion comes to snuggle up to you or a marine iguana sneezes on you. Spend a week enjoying the sensation of being completely ignored by the animals. Put another way, this is one of very few places on earth that you are not perceived as a threat and that is an incredible feeling. Not all Galapagos Island cruises holidays are the same, not all Galapagos boats are the same. This is not a place you want to compromise on the quality of your experience. Pura selects only trips that best reflect the full variety of the islands’ species. Choose a comprehensive itinerary from the list below or start by choosing the Galapgos boat to best suit you from our carefully selected list then we can build the holiday from there.
All of our Galapagos Islands holidays
Galapagos Islands picture gallery
A tiny Galapagos Penguin stands just off Isabela Island, Galapagos | © Pura Aventura Ltd
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Client quotes
"It was a brilliant holiday and as a trip of a lifetime it didnt let me down. The calm reassurance of your offices in planning the trip as a slightly nervous traveller was equally matched by the quality of the guiding which was superb.
The contrast of Atacama (how can a desert be so full of surprises and colourful?) with the dramatic aweinspiring sites and weather of the glaciers and mountains of Patagonia was stunning.
The galapagos on your choice of boat was the priveleged way to explore the islands and made me think I am now a professional photographer.
An amazing trip with great guides to make it a meaningful and interesting holiday with an element of challenge which is what I wanted. Many thanks.
"
David J
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Chile & Galapagos Walk
| 2009
"Thanks for all you excellent organisation, I would be happy to recommend Pura Aventura.
If I think of any more relevant comments, I’ll let you know but the main thing was that it was a fabulous holiday which exceeded our expectations. "
Pam P
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Peru Galapagos
| 2009
"Just back had a fantastic holiday. The Peru trip was great and the guide superb. The walk was great and being behind evryone a half day was just right, we hardly saw a soul and the sites were magical. Galapagos was also fantastic!"
Debbie C
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Peru Galapagos
| 2009
"We had an amazing time - very enjoyable.
The Napo Wildlife Centre was incredible and the jungle was awsome (a biologists dream). My boys had a great time too. The Guides were excellent.
The Alta was great too and we really enjoyed the snorkelling.
The low point was cloud forest but only because everything else had been so amazing!!!
We loved Casa Mahonda and the horses, a great end to the trip - nice and relaxing."
Helen W
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Amazon, Cloudforest and Galapagos
| 2009
"We had a fantastic time something we will never forget.
Pura Aventura was superb - very helpful with the booking, the guides were excellent and the whole experience went without a hitch."
Tricia B
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Peru Galapagos
| 2009
"Definitely ***** - the best holiday we've ever had! "
Carol S
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Peru Galapagos
| 2009
"Standing at the Sun's Gate looking down on Machu Picchu for the first time was awesome!
Sitting on a beach having a young sea lion coming up to me and rub his whiskers against my leg was touching.
Being accompanied by local guides who were professional in, and dedicated to, their to culture and history was very interesting."
Finn B
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Peru Galapagos
| 2009
"I wanted to let you know that Terry and I had a really amazing holiday in Ecuador and the Galapagos.
Everything happened like clockwork. All the guides and the native guides knew so much about the country and the flora and fauna it was very impressive. Sacha Lodge and the rain forest was excellent and so was the Sagitta boat and the Galapagos. "
Cathy S
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Amazon, Cloudforest and Galapagos
| 2009
"I just wanted to let you know what a fantastic holiday my husband and I had. The organisation of the trip was excellent and we felt we must write to thank you and to let you know that all the people we met and places we stayed in were superb.
In particular, our guide on the Inca Trail, Carlos, was brilliant – so knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and funny. The porters on our trail were also marvellous (we couldn’t believe there were so many people just to look after the two of us!) as was the food (I shall now be expecting tasty 3 course meals from my husband when we go camping in future). Our Galapagos cruise was awesome with the crew and guide of the Cachalote being second-to-none. The food, again, was fantastic as was the itinerary for the trip and knowledge of our guide (who by the way was called Darwin – he assured us this was his real name, although we still have our doubts!)
Overall, we have had a wonderful experience with Pura Aventura. Thanks again.
"
Claire H
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Peru Galapagos
| 2008
"This was the first time we used an organisation to arrange our travel. We are so impressed and cannot find any fault with Pura, everything was well planned and organised, from the information we received prior to departure to the transfers, guides, accommodation, trips, excursions - all exceeded our expectations. We have already recommended Pura to all our colleagues. Thank you. Galapagos: Amazing, motor schooner Cachalote was perfect, the crew, guide (and other passengers) were brilliant. Cloud Forest: amazing, Amazon: amazing.We learnt so much, our heads are still aching. Plan to return to Ecuador and the rest of Latin America."
Sharon G
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Amazon, Cloudforest and Galapagos
| 2008
"The organisation and the tailoring of the trip to meet our wishes was first class. Everything went to plan - no mean feat in South America - and the accommodation and locations were great. To top it all - and we have made a number of visits to the region - the guides were the best we have known and made the trip and some of the experiences unforgettable. We would have no hesitation in using Pura Aventura again. "
Ken B
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Amazon, Cloudforest and Galapagos
| 2008
"A rare holiday where the reality was even better than the descriptions and glossy pictures! Not a single uninteresting moment. Not a single unenjoyable moment."
Pam A
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Amazon, Cloudforest and Galapagos
| 2008
"Thank you for a fabulous holiday. The wildlife was wonderful. "
Tricia B
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Amazon, Cloudforest and Galapagos
| 2007
"Many thanks to you all for your work in arranging such a wonderful holiday for John and me to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos. It was a wonderful adventure and the arrangements went off without a hitch. We were particularly impressed with the friendliness and knowledge of all our guides – our minds are very full of information. I’m glad we have photos that will help jog our memory of all we saw and learned! Again many thanks for the all the care you took to make sure our holiday was indeed a trip of a lifetime."
Barbara H
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Peru Galapagos
| 2007
"Incredible that you organised the holiday of a lifetime at pretty much a moment's notice. Very impressive and knowledgeable service."
David G
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Amazon, Cloudforest and Galapagos
| 2007
"It was a really really excellent trip and absolutely everything worked perfectly. Your organisation was superb, guides all excellent, hotels great ..... all brilliant. "
Jeremy L
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Peru Galapagos
| 2007
"It was truly amazing to see the animals of the Galapagos thriving so happily in their natural environments."
Mandy J
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Peru Galapagos
| 2007
"Arrived back from our hols yesterday, had a wonderful time. Veronica, our guide in the Galapagos was amazing, her knowledge of the islands was astounding, and the Beagle and the crew was out of this world! We loved Cusco cos it was so different, the people were so traditional. The hike was hard work, but well worth the experiences of the campsites and the beautiful views, especially when we reached 4200mts, the highest point! The view when we reached the 'sun gate' to see machu picchu for the first time was so special and worth the hard work of the hike. Pepe was a great guide, even joining in with us in a game of cards in the evening in the dining tent! All the transfers and flight times were spot on during our time in south america, guides were always on time, and we had no problems."
Lesley G
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Peru Galapagos
| 2007
"We are just writing to say what a fantastic holiday we have had. It was a holiday of a lifetime that we will never forget. Your company organised it brilliantly, everything was perfect. The Inca Trail - what an experience our guide Pepe made it for us, with his knowledge and passion for what he was showing and telling us. He was funny, entertaining but so organised. The Galapagos Islands - a totally different experience but just as enjoyable. Again Our guide Sylvia, the Crew and the boat were brilliant. Thank you for a wonderful trip."
Dawn R
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Peru Galapagos
| 2006
"Just back from honeymoon and we wanted to drop you a line to thank you for what turned out to be the trip of a lifetime. The whole trip was fantastically luxurious and every single one of the guides was really helpful and attentive, without ever being intrusive. We wanted in particular to extend our thanks to Daniel in Lima, to our guide Santiago on the Inca trail, and to Gaby and Veronica in Cusco and Quito respectively. The Inca Trail was absolutely extraordinary – hard work, but excellent fun, and the camping equipment and tour staff tremendous. The week cruise on the Galapagos was mindblowing. All in, thanks for putting together the perfect honeymoon itinerary."
John C
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Peru Galapagos
Map of the Galapagos Islands showing featured Pura Aventura locations
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How we're different
We have designed and deliver this holiday using our carefully selected local suppliers to create a Pura Handpicked holiday. All of our holidays are created on the basis of sustainable and responsible tourism. Not all Galapagos cruises are the same. The National Park authority defines which boats go where and when. All boats follow their specified route, week in, week out. We don’t operate our own boats so we are very careful about who we work with. As well as excellent boats and crews, we believe that the quality of the itinerary is fundamental to your enjoyment of the Islands. We have first-hand knowledge of the islands and can advise you on different Galapagos boats to suit your preferences. Having said that, our favourite Galapagos cruises are those that follow a neat circular route around the islands. There are only a handful of boats that are allowed to do this. These are the ones that we use for our Pura charters. First, you visit more remote and quieter parts of the archipelago giving you a more intimate experience. Secondly, you see the greatest spread of geological time. The wildlife and vegetation on each island is completely different according, in large part, to its age. Finally, the most ‘logical’ looking Galapagos cruises are usually those operated by people who have been doing it for the longest and these tend to be local families. Locals recruit more staff and source more provisions on the islands rather than the mainland which means that more of your money stays in the islands. Pura Aventura is passionate about the places it visits. • Work directly with local businesses and organisations to directly benefit local economies. • Work with local guides so that our holidays are more interesting for clients and more beneficial locally. • Make payment to suppliers before our clients arrive. Pura Aventura pays for you to become a benefactor of the Galapagos Conservation Trust (www.gct.org) for a full year when you book one of our Galapagos cruises. |
When to go
For a detailed guide to the Galapagos Islands’ seasons please see the ‘Further Information’ section below.
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Further information
When to go to the Galapagos Islands – a month by month guide.
January Beginning of the rainy season. Land birds start nesting, generally after the first rain. On Hood (Española) Island adult marine iguanas become brightly colored (green/red/black). The green sea turtles arrive at beaches to lay eggs. Land iguanas mate on Isabela Island. Both water and air temperatures rise and stay warm until June. Ideal time for snorkeling. February On Floreana Island flamingos start nesting in greater numbers. Marine iguanas nest on Santa Cruz Island. Peak nesting season for the Galapagos dove. Breeding season begins for black-tailed pintail ducks. End of nesting season for Nazca (masked) boobies on Hood islands. The highest water temperature reaches 25C (77F) temperatures remain high until April. Penguins move from Bartolomé Island to follow the cool waters back to the west. March Height of the rainy season (this does not mean it rains everyday). Sporadic tropical rains, intense sun and hot climate. Air temperature can reach up to 30C (86F) high humidity. Warm waters excellent for snorkelers. Penguins still active in the water next to tropical fish! Deep surge from the northern currents on some shores, wet landings at places like Puerto Egas, Gardner Bay, Bartolomé can sometimes be a challenge. Marine iguanas nest on Fernandina. March 21st, the beginning of the summer equinox signals the arrival of the waved albatross to Española. Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela) can be an amazing site. April Massive arrival of waved albatrosses at Española, amazing courtship starts. Eggs of green sea turtles begin to hatch. Eggs of land iguanas hatch on Isabela. End of hatching season for the giant tortoises. While the rains have ended, the islands continue to be quite green. Good visibility in the water for snorkelers. May North Seymour’s blue-footed boobies begin their courtship. Sea turtles are still hatching on Gardner Bay, Punta Cormorant and Puerto Egas. Most of marine iguanas’ eggs hatch from nests on Santa Cruz. Palo santo trees begin to shed their foliage. Waved albatross on Española start laying their eggs. Ban-rumped storm petrels begin their first nesting period. June Beginning of the cold (garúa) season. Giant tortoises migrate to the lowlands on Santa Cruz island for the nesting season. South east trade winds return. Currents become a bit stronger. Seas pick up in surge and wave action. Male frigatebirds show off their red pouches on North Seymour. Southern migrating birds stop in the Galapagos on their journey north. Some groups of Humpback whales migrate up to equatorial July Sea bird communities are very active (breeding), specially the Blue footed boobies on Española. Flightless cormorants perform beautiful courtship rituals and nesting activities on Fernandina. American oystercatchers nest along the shores of Puerto Egas (Santiago Island). Lava lizards initiate mating rituals until November. Cetaceans (whales & dolphins) are more likely to be observed, specially off the western coast of Isabela. Great month to see the four stages of nesting in Blue footed boobies: eggs, chicks, juveniles and sub-adults. Water temperature around 21C (68F). August Galapagos hawks court on Española and Santiago. September The air temperature reaches its lowest levels (19C-66F). Galapagos Penguins active around Bartolomé. Snorkelers can swim with penguins active at the surface or torpedo-like while underwater. Sea lions are very active. Females have reached estrus stage, and so harem-gathering males are constantly barking and fighting. Shore fighting is common. Most intense sea lion activity on western and central islands. Most species of sea birds remain quite active at their nesting sites. October Lava herons start nesting until March. The Galapagos Fur Sea lions begin their mating period. Blue footed boobies raise chicks all over Española and Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela). Giant tortoises are still laying eggs. Days are not always sunny. Garúa can be expected in most locations, except the western islands where most days have a misty start but after few hours of daylight it burns off. Sunrises in the west can be quite beautiful as the garúa covers only certain locations of the western volcanoes. Summits are clear, but low-lying fog covers the shoreline. November Pupping of sea lions continues. Sea lions are sexually active on the eastern part of the archipelago. Breeding season for the brown noddies. Some species of jellyfish can be seen around the islands. The Genus Physalia is commonly seen floating around Gardner and Tortuga Islets. Some can also be seen stranded on the shores of Flour Beach (Floreana). Band-rumped storm petrels begin their second nesting period. Seas are calm. South east trade winds decrease, generally great weather. Water temperatures rising and good visibility for snorkelers. Sea lion pups (specially at Champion Islet) play aqua-aerobics next to snorkelers. Most pups here are curious enough to nibble at fins of snorkelers. December Giant tortoise eggs begin to hatch. Green sea turtles display their mating behavior. The rainy season begins, all of the plants of the dry zone produce leaves. Galapagos becomes “green”. The first young waved albatrosses fledge. Great weather. |
