Your first surprise on our Galápagos island tour? People live on these islands, too. On our island-based adventure, you’ll get a real feel for how it is to have giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies outside your back door. (It’s easier and more interesting than making forays from a cruise ship.) Our naturalist-guides will lead you to extraordinary wildlife experiences, minus the flocks of tourists. You’ll have abundant chances to walk, kayak and snorkel up-close to marine iguanas, Galápagos penguins and other creatures found nowhere else on earth. Then we’ll take you a few steps farther—to the rim of the world’s second largest volcanic caldera, a family-owned coffee plantation, and much more. Throughout, we stay in waterfront boutique hotels and abide by “Leave No Trace” environmental standards. And with our close ties to the islands, this Classic Journey supports more than 50 local community members and their families.

DAYS 1-2 - SAN CRISTOBAL
We begin in San Cristóbal (2 nights), the easternmost of the Galápagos Islands. An introductory walk with our naturalist-guide, introduces you to the unique wildlife, ecology and history of the islands. Then we’ll pause to snorkel or swim with the sea turtles at gorgeous Carola Beach.

You’ll have an amazing firsthand encounter with sea lions from your kayak (or piloted boat) in the clear waters of Isla Lobos. And a day full of wildlife also includes blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and countless reef fish. An afternoon walk takes us to El Junco, the islands’ only freshwater lake. And we’ll pay a fascinating visit to the Gonzáles family at their organic, sustainable coffee plantation for a tour and a tasting.

DAYS 3-4 - ISABELA
On Isabela Island (2 nights), a scenically varied path includes lagoons, mangroves and the historic lava-stone Wall of Tears. On a small fishing boat, we’ll explore Tintoreras, where we come face-to-face with fearless Galápagos penguins. After a gourmet dinner at our inn, stroll the sand streets with the locals. Next day, a walk through otherworldly volcanic terrain takes us to the awesome caldera of Volcán Chico and a very civilized picnic.

DAYS 5-7 - SANTA CRUZ
Giant, 500-pound tortoises are the stars of Santa Cruz Island (2 nights), and we’ll walk among them in their natural habitat. In sea kayaks, we paddle over turquoise waters where manta rays and reef sharks glide below. And we’ll take the trail to the fine sands of Tortuga Bay for a swim or maybe even some surfing if you'd like. On the final day of our Galápagos island tour, we visit the acclaimed Charles Darwin Research Station before returning to the mainland.