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Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Galápagos Islands: Natural Treasures & Amazing Wonders

Program No. 23384RJ
Discover the Galápagos Islands at a leisurely pace as expert naturalists immerse you in the ever-evolving story of one of the world’s iconic ecosystems.

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Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.

DATES & PRICES

Ship Outside
Jan 20 - Jan 30, 2024
SOLD OUT
Ship Outside 7,299
Filling Fast!
Feb 3 - Feb 13, 2024
Ship Outside 7,299
Filling Fast!
Mar 2 - Mar 12, 2024
Ship Outside 7,299
Filling Fast!
Apr 27 - May 7, 2024
Ship Outside 7,299
Filling Fast!
May 25 - Jun 4, 2024
Ship Outside 7,299

DATES & PRICES

Ship Outside
Jan 20 - Jan 30, 2024
SOLD OUT
Ship Outside 10,899
Feb 3 - Feb 13, 2024
SOLD OUT
Ship Outside 10,899
Mar 2 - Mar 12, 2024
SOLD OUT
Ship Outside 10,899
Filling Fast!
Apr 27 - May 7, 2024
Ship Outside 10,899
May 25 - Jun 4, 2024
SOLD OUT
Ship Outside 10,899
Aug 17 - Aug 27, 2024
SOLD OUT
Ship Outside 10,899
Filling Fast!
Oct 12 - Oct 22, 2024
Ship Outside 10,899
Filling Fast!
Nov 9 - Nov 19, 2024
Ship Outside 10,899
Filling Fast!
Dec 7 - Dec 17, 2024
Ship Outside 10,899

At a Glance

Sail among the Galápagos Islands aboard a luxurious yacht to uncover the true character of this pristine archipelago at a more sedate pace. On each island, set out on leisurely walks with expert naturalists who joyously narrate the island's stories, starring a unique cast of animals that have captured the imagination of nature lovers around the world. Then, experience life below the water first-hand with gentle opportunities to swim and snorkel among thriving coral reefs as marine iguanas feast on the sea floor and sea lions playfully glide through the surf.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Daily walks up to 2 miles/2.5 hours at a time on varied terrain, including sharp volcanic stones and loose rocks. Intermittent periods of standing. Wet and dry Zodiac/panga landings onshore. Potentially rough waters during Zodiac/panga transfers between ship and shore. Daily deep-water and/or beach snorkeling. Decks on the M/V Legend are connected by stairs with railings. Program not recommended for participants with walkers/rollators or wheelchairs due to lack of handicap accessible locations in the Galapagos and limited space on the bus.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Explore the Galápagos Island’s unique volcanic formations on naturalist-led walks while watching for endemic species including Galápagos penguins and marine iguanas.
  • Swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear coves and inlets among resident sea lions, pelicans and flamingos.
  • Walk in the footsteps of Charles Darwin at the Charles Darwin Research Station and learn their biological research and conservation efforts — including the station’s tortoise breeding projects.

General Notes

Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are assigned by the Galapágos National Park and can be changed without prior notice. Please refer to the date-specific detailed itinerary on the Road Scholar to check on the visitor sites included in your program.
Featured Expert
All Experts
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Ana Lucia Huerta
While in high school, Ana Lucia Huerta had the chance to travel a few times within Ecuador. Those experiences awakened a love of travel that only grew stronger over the years. She holds a bachelor's degree in ecotourism and is an advocate of mindful tourism; believing that every person has a part to play in making the world a better place. When she's not leading educational groups or exploring new destinations, she enjoys spending time outdoors birding. Other personal favorites include painting, reading and practicing her slackline skills.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Ana Lucia Huerta
Ana Lucia Huerta View biography
While in high school, Ana Lucia Huerta had the chance to travel a few times within Ecuador. Those experiences awakened a love of travel that only grew stronger over the years. She holds a bachelor's degree in ecotourism and is an advocate of mindful tourism; believing that every person has a part to play in making the world a better place. When she's not leading educational groups or exploring new destinations, she enjoys spending time outdoors birding. Other personal favorites include painting, reading and practicing her slackline skills.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Understanding Galapagos: What You'll See and What it Means
by Sehoya Cotner, Randy Moore
An excellent introduction to the flora and fauna of the Galapagos and a stellar overview of evolutionary biography on the islands. Accessible for readers from all backgrounds.
Galapagos, The Islands That Changed the World
by Paul D. Stewart (Director)
Also available on Blu-Ray, this stunning three-part BBC documentary captures the rugged beauty, allure, wildlife and history of the archipelago like never before.
The Tree of Life: Charles Darwin
by Peter Sis
Sis illuminates Darwin's grand life: his travels, ideas and impact, using watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations. The richly embellished pages feature a gorgeous gatefold spread as well as diary pages, maps and charts.
Charles Darwin
by David King
A new addition to DK's acclaimed Biography series, this is a detailed and accessible chronicle of Darwin's life, sure to grab the interest of younger readers. With more than 100 full-color photographs and illustrations.
Inside the Beagle with Charles Darwin
by Fiona MacDonald
MacDonald gives detailed accounts of daily life aboard the Beagle, animals and places encountered, as well as excellent illustrations and a balanced discussion of Darwin's ground-breaking scientific theories. Ages 8 and up.
Galapagos Wildlife, A Visitor's Guide
by David Horwell, Pete Oxford
With chapters on visitor sites, history, conservation and habitats, this compact photographic guide introduces birds, reptiles, marine and other life of the archipelago.
Galapagos: The Enchanted Islands, Through Writer's Eyes
by John Hickman (Editor)
Hickman weaves original accounts by Galapagos whalers, gentleman pirates, fitful castaways, settlers and scientists, including Ambrose Crowley, Herman Melville, Charles Darwin and William Beebe, in these tales of the colorful human history of the archipelago.
Galapagos Islands Explorer Map
by Ocean Explorer Maps
Not just handy for keeping track of your Galapagos cruise, this detailed map (1:400,000) of the islands includes illustrated biographies of famous visitors and a wildlife guide.
The Galapagos, A Natural History
by Henry Nicholls
Editor of the Galapagos Conservation Trust magazine and author of Lonesome George, Henry Nicholls charts the human and natural history of the archipelago from its fiery origins through famous visitors and current conservation challenges.
Galapagos, A Natural History
by Michael Jackson
This comprehensive guide to the natural history of the Galapagos is practically mandatory reading -- the single best introduction to the geology and climate, habitats, plants, birds, animals, ecology and evolution.
Birds, Mammals and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands
by Andy Swash, Robert Stills
This strikingly compact, comprehensive field guide features 500 color photographs, distribution maps and information on status, habitat and behavior.
Evolution's Workshop
by Edward J. Larson
A vivid history of the Galapagos and the role of the islands as a crucible of evolutionary ideas, written by a Pulitzer Prize winner. Larson covers Darwin and the discovery of the islands, the visits of Hancock and Beebe, the influence of the United States during WWII and the establishment of the national park.
Galapagos, World's End
by William Beebe
This wry, wonderfully evocative account of a 1924 scientific expedition includes an excellent chapter on the human history of the Galapagos.
Galapagos Wildlife
by Pocket Naturalist
A fold-up, laminated card featuring color drawings and short descriptions of commonly encountered birds, mammals and reptiles of the Galapagos.
The History of Ecuador
by George Lauderbaugh
this compact book includes chapters on Ecuador today, Ecuador's indigenous and colonial past, the oil boom and other events.
Insight Guide Ecuador and Galapagos
by Insight Guides
Presenting the natural history, politics, culture, wildlife and attractions of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands with style and authority.
The Boy on the Back of the Turtle
by Paul Quarrington
Humorist, novelist and family man on a quest, Quarrington offers an entertaining account of a Galapagos voyage in the company of his seven-year-old daughter and 70-year-old father.
Galapagos, Islands Born of Fire
by Tui De Roy
A stunning celebration of the landscapes, wildlife and habitats of the Galapagos by a photographer who was raised in the archipelago. Tenth anniversary edition.
Voyage of the Beagle
by Charles Darwin
The wide-eyed tale of a young man on a five-year voyage that changed his life -- and our way of thinking about the world. First published in 1839, it's still a marvelous introduction to the wildlife, nature and allure of South America.
Darwin and Evolution for Kids, His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities
by Kristan Lawson
An interactive, illustrated biography of Darwin for kids ten and up (and their families). The book, which includes hands-on activities, covers Darwin's career from his youth to his mind-expanding voyage aboard the Beagle to the development of the theory of evolution through natural selection.
Boobies, Iguanas and Other Critters
by Linda Litteral
This beautifully illustrated book provides an overview of the Galapagos for ages 10 to 14. Clear, detailed and accurate, it explains the volcanic formation of the islands, ecology, wildlife and scientific research.





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