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Galapagos Islands Wildlife viewing Tours & Trips

186 Galapagos Islands trips. Tours from 92 tour companies. 190 reviews. 4.9/5 avg rating.

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Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Tour

By Vaya Adventures

none

5/5 Excellent

100+ reviews

Private Guided

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Flexible schedule

Visits

Andes Mountains, Cusco, Galapagos, Lima, Machu Picchu, Quito

Highlights

Great choice of first class/luxury yachts
Overnight near Machu Picchu
Explore Cusco & the Sacred Valley
Visits to any of Lima’s museums can be arranged
4, 5 or 8 day options in Galapagos

Themes

Cultural, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We love Vaya Adventures. Gabrielle Venturi has treated us like family and taken superb care of us for almost 10 years. She'll be putting up with us again as we take another expedition cruise with Aurora next year. She's a gem!!!! On our trip to the Arctic Circle in August, our fellow passengers were delightful, and we seemed to all share common interests and a real desire to experience this new and interesting wonderland. The trip provided us with a whole new appreciation for the lives of the Inuits who live in the region. We were very fortunate to have two Inuits on board to share their thoughts and experiences of growing up in the remote villages of the Arctic. We can’t thank Gabrielle and Vaya enough for recommending this cruise with Aurora Expeditions. Even under some challenging weather conditions the expedition team made the journey exciting and fulfilling. Can’t wait for our next trip in April."

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15 days From$5,170

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The Galápagos Islands & Ecuador

By Go Ahead Tours

none

4.9/5 Excellent

100+ reviews

Group Tour

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Galapagos, Isabela Island, Quito, Santa Cruz Island

Highlights

Quito’s UNESCO-recognized historic center
One-of-a-kind animal encounters
Snorkeling with sea lions & penguins
Dramatic volcanic landscapes
Flightless cormorants & fearless hawks

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I made a reservation last Thursday (11/16/2023) for a trip to Iceland from 12/02/2023-12/07/2023 and then I was told that I can’t have my refund back. When I called on last Thursday (11/16/2023) to place my reservation, the agent (Kathy) I talked to stressed about she "cannot" guarantee that I will be able to go on the trip. Before I provided the payment information, I specifically asked if I will be able to get the refund because the trip is coming up so soon. The agent ensured that I will be able to get a full refund back within 60 days if I decided to cancel the trip. I was also told that I am basically on a wait list and someone will contact me once I can go on the trip. No one contacted me about whether the agency was able to process my information at all, so I've been left in the dark about this trip since the beginning. I called the help line this morning (11/20/2023) around 9:00 Eastern Standard Time to cancel my reservation. I was informed by the agent that I will not be able to get my full refund back since it's too close to the trip date. Basically I was told that Kathy gave me the wrong information, so I will have to pay the cancellation fee. The only reason I provided my payment information is because Kathy specifically stated that I will be able to cancel the trip and receive a full refund. I've never been so frustrated with a traveling agency. I made sure to ask this agent regarding the refund policy twice before giving her my payment information, and she still couldn't provide me with the correct information. It's unbelievable that such a big traveling agency cannot uniformly train their employees with the correct set of information."

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10 days

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Galápagos Wildlife Adventure Cruise

By MT Sobek (Mountain Travel Sobek)

none

4.8/5 Excellent

64 reviews

Small Ship Cruise

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Flexible schedule

Visits

Galapagos, Isabela Island, Otavalo, Quito, Santa Cruz Island, Santiago

Highlights

Visit the Enchanted Islands with the pioneers in Galápagos small-group travel and sail by deluxe, privately chartered yacht—a fully MTS operated and expert-led experience!
Anchor at nature’s doorstep and encounter incredible endemic wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, penguins, and more, with the full leadership of certified Class III naturalists
Hike, snorkel and kayak among exquisite volcanic landscapes in one of the world’s top nature destinations, while our specialist yacht crew and dedicated in-country staff attend to your every need
Relax in style aboard your luxury yacht and bookend your trip with a stay at a 5-star hotel in the beautiful colonial city of Quito

Themes

Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise, Scuba Diving

What travelers are saying

"First, let me say our tour guide Tomomi S. is hands down THE best tour guide I’ve ever had - knowledgeable, fun and made great efforts to ensure that we were comfortable and happy (MTSobek tour guides are independent contractors. Tomomi also works for other Adventure/Tour companies) Secondly, Japan is beautiful, clean and the Japanese people are very welcoming. The hiking in the national parks was amazing. It could have been a truly five-star experience if MtSobek had not cut corners so egregiously. The website said (at the time) group tours are 5-22 people. The tour gets canceled if the minimum is not met. When I paid there were TWO other people booked-a mother and daughter duo. Shortly before our departure date I called to see if the tour would be cancelled. I wanted my money back but Mt Sobek was “pleased to say that the trip would not be canceled”. In other words, I could not get a refund. At the last minute a guy named Matt signed up so there were four of us. Five days into the trip Matt left and took a train back to Tokyo. I said to him “You realize Mt Sobek is not going to refund you”. He said, “I don’t care, Mt Sobek scammed us.” With tax, the tour costs $11,645 for 13 nights. For that price there is an expectation that the accommodations Mt Sobek chooses would be decent and clean. We all fully expected a ‘traditional Japanese experience’ which often means no private bath and 8 out of the 13 nights we slept on futon mats on the floor. However, Mt Sobek consistently booked us in the cheapest Ryokans (hotels) in each area in which we travelled. Most of these hotels were unclean and very out-dated. One Ryokan they booked us in was listed on a hotel website for $40 USD/night when there were much nicer accommodations nearby for $100 USD/night. (The Japanese yen is way down, the luxury Park Hotel in Tokyo was $200 USD/night. A comparable hotel would have been about $800/night in Austin.). We were the only people staying in several hotels that accomadated many more people. The most egregious example of MtSobek’s booking the cheapest rooms is when we were booked at a large traditional ski lodge at the base of a spectacular mountain. It was beautiful on the website but had two very different wings. One wing was modern, clean and beautiful with simple beds. The other wing was very old (similar to a cheap Motel 6 that had not been updated since the 1970’s). The carpet and bathrooms were disgusting and like many of the Ryocans where we stayed the futon mats seemed as though they had not been cleaned In 30 years. Only after our tour guide checked us in did we realize we had been booked in the cheap rooms. I asked Tomo why. Immediately someone from MtSobek reached out to me and said, “gosh, I’m sorry you did not realize you were going to have a traditional Japanese experience”. Really? “Traditional” experience depends upon one’s budget. In the US, “traditional” to some people may be the Marriott, a Motel 6 or the Four Seasons Hotels. We were paying for a Marriott experience and received the one-star Motel 6 experience. Upon arrival in Tokyo I expected to be met at the airport by a driver (as many tour companies do). However, several days before our arrival dates in Tokyo, MtSobek sent an email telling us how to locate taking a city bus from the bustling Tokyo airport. That is interesting if you do not speak Japanese. MtSobek cleverly uses great photography and elaborate descriptions of the national parks and the hiking while using terms like “traditional Japanese experience with tatami-mat sleeping” to disguise sub-standard accommodations. At one point we were looking on-line at the very hotel where we were staying and did not even recognize it from the website pictures. The hiking was amazing. The group size was disappointing with just the three of us. I would absolutely recommend a hiking tour through Japan, just not with MtSobek."

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11 days From$5,895

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Explore Machu Picchu & Cruise The Galápagos

By MT Sobek (Mountain Travel Sobek)

none

4.8/5 Excellent

64 reviews

Small Ship Cruise

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Flexible schedule

Visits

Cusco, Galapagos, Guayaquil, Isabela Island, Lima, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Santa Cruz Island, Urubamba

Highlights

Explore two of Latin America’s crown jewels on one amazing two-week adventure!
Discover rich Andean culture and deep history in the charming, UNESCO-listed city of Cusco and experience the wonder of Machu Picchu
Journey through the Galápagos on a private yacht and see incredible wildlife, including sea turtles, dolphins, giant tortoises, sea lions and much, much more
Enjoy moments of magical discovery every step of the way and learn from expert naturalist guides

Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

Trip dates & details

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14 days From$7,995

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Ecuador & Galapagos Islands

By Rothschild Safaris

preferred

4.9/5 Excellent

53 reviews

Private Guided

Lodging level

Luxury - 5 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Flexible schedule

Visits

Andes Mountains, Galapagos, Isabela Island, Isla Santa Fe, Otavalo, Quito, San Cristobal

Highlights

Picturesque colonial Quito
Lush verdant cloud forests teeming with life
The hauntingly beautiful Galapagos Islands and its unique wildlife
Vibrant Otavalo market, overnighting in a beautiful traditional hacienda

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We just got back from our 11 day Safari trip ALL PLANNED by Rothschild! We were celebrating my 50th birthday and I’ve always wanted to go on a safari. I researched many companies and after speaking many times with Pam Langhoff we decided upon choosing Rothschild to put together our safari trip. Best decision!!! Rothschild made all the arrangements and thought of every detail. I really had no clue about planning a safari. Pam planned everything! Every time someone was there to pick us up or take us to our next destination or see us off. Our guide and safari truck was arranged for us. All the park fees and registrations were already paid for and all the accommodations were booked and paid for and all details explained. Everything was timely and we had full communication with a contact in Africa (because of the time change 8 hours ahead if we needed anything). We even had them book our flights. They do everything and think of everything we had no idea we had to apply for a Tanzania visa.. This company is first class and takes care of every detail. We had no idea about planning and where to go. Pam put together an awesome tailored itinerary for us. We stayed 2 nights in Tarangire National Park in really really cool nice tents, then 3 nights at Gibbs Farm in the Ngorongoro Highlands and went to the crater, then flew to the Serengeti and stayed 3 nights at Serengeti Safari camp in mobile tents!! What an experience! We saw the great migration! I woke up in the Serengeti on my 50th birthday! Pam and Rachel and all the Rothschild staff were easy to work with and ask questions (trust me I had many) they planned a magical trip for my husband and 2 teenagers!! We all agree this was our favorite trip we have ever been on! We will use Rothschild again for sure!"

Trip dates & details

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13 days From$15,000

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Ecuador in Depth

By Aurora Expeditions

none

4.4/5 Great

15 reviews

Small Ship Cruise

Lodging level

Luxury - 5 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Flexible schedule

Visits

Galapagos, Guayaquil, Quito, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz Island

Highlights

Explore historic towns of Quito and Otavalo
Travel aboard 36-passenger, luxury riverboat Anakonda
Canoe blackwater rivers, spotting caiman, manatee, monkey and sloth
Visit indigenous villages in Yasuní National Park, learn their traditional life
See scarlet and chestnut-fronted macaws at clay licks of the Amazon basin

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I just returned from Aurora’s NW passage trip from Greenland to Nome Alaska. I wish to warn potential passengers that out of 26 sea days, we had 10 landings, out of which we were free to walk on our own once. The director,Ashley, told passengers on day one that if they disobeyed her, they would be confined to their cabin. When we got to Alaska, Aurora had not hired sufficient personnel with US licenses to allow for any landings. So we were 60 miles out at sea for almost a week and could not even see the shoreline. Much of the controlling behavior of Ashley was in the guise of safety from the polar bears, but her behavior was over the top. Also the head bear rifle guy, Nils, screamed at passengers on shore at the top of his lungs when they were a few feet off a poorly marked trail in a flat landscape with at least a mile visibility in all directions. He also screamed at passengers to rush over uneven ground because of a bear in the distance. This is just plain dangerous for 70 -80 year old passengers. I have traveled extensively, including an Antarctic cruise, and never had such an unpleasant experience. Even considered bailing out from Cambridge Bay partway through the cruise. Customers beware. You have been warned."

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26 days From$15,600

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Classic Galapagos

By Natural Habitat Adventures

none

4.8/5 Excellent

16 reviews

Small Group Tour

Lodging level

Luxury - 5 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Andes Mountains, Galapagos, Isabela Island, Quito, Santa Cruz Island, Santiago

Highlights

Our flagship itinerary is the best week-long Galapagos experience, with the islands' most highly trained naturalist guides
With the best guide-to-traveler ratio in the islands, our guests are ensured personal encounters with the extraordinary nature and wildlife of the Galapagos
Snorkel with sea lions, sunbathe with iguanas, scout for whales and dolphins, and spend a night among wild tortoises at our exclusive highlands camp

Themes

Birding, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Personalized planning service from the company about what to expect, daily excursions, flights, and packing. The tour guides are the best in the business, and travelers have amazing experiences. I have traveled with the company for 7 trips, and have 2 more in the future. The company by far is the best in the travel business and is highly recommended."

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10 days From$7,395

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Grand Majestic Galapagos

By Royal Galapagos

none

5/5 Excellent

6 reviews

Private Guided

Lodging level

Luxury - 5 star

Physical level

Strenuous

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Galapagos, Isla Floreana, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz Island

Highlights

One of the few permanent freshwater lakes, frigates, white-cheeked pintails
Flamingos, green-colored beach
Enjoy White sandy beach, sea lions, mockingbirds; snorkeling: colorful fish, sea lion nursery
Enjoy Galapagos Islands

Themes

Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Small Ship Cruise, Scuba Diving

What travelers are saying

"Our cruise with the cormorant was a real experience. And the organization, service and crew were really excellent. Thank you for the great memories we could take."

Trip dates & details

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8 days From$5,945

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Galapagos Islands Reviews & Ratings

4.9/5 Excellent

190 Reviews

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Pam

Oct 2015

Written on

I have now had 5 Intrepid experiences

I have now had 5 Intrepid experiences and have found the tou...

Tour: Best of Galapagos

Jerry

Oct 2015

Written on

I thought the trip was good, but

I thought the trip was good, but there were a few things that kept ...

Tour: Best of Galapagos

Matthew

Sep 2015

Written on

Excellent local guide, amazing location, ethically sensitive

Excellent local guide, amazing location, ethically sensitive and w...

Tour: Best of Galapagos

Alizah

Sep 2015

Written on

Amazing trip. Amazing guide. Great itinerary. Fell

Amazing trip. Amazing guide. Great itinerary. Fell in love with the Galápagos Islands.

Tour: Best of Galapagos

Jennifer

Sep 2015

Written on

It was a great trip which selected

It was a great trip which selected highlights of the ...

Tour: Best of Galapagos

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Galapagos Islands Tour Selection Trips

Guided tours are essential if you want to see Galapagos wildlife; even private yachts are required to hire guides if they wish to tour the islands.
Small ship cruises allow you to make more island landings than big ships, and they can also get much closer to land to view penguins and other creatures visible mainly from the sea.
A Galapagos tour can be expensive – when you add up flight costs from the Ecuadorian mainland along with flying to Ecuador and the cost of the cruise and park entrance fee – so choose your tour company carefully.
Don’t even think about bringing home lava rock or other natural features from the Galapagos – you’d be subject to a $3,000 fine if caught.

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