Santa Cruz Island
Travelling around the Galapagos, you will see the importance of conservation work firsthand. But to meet the scientists and learn in detail about their research, you need to come to Santa Cruz. The Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galapagos National Park both have their headquarters here, and you can also visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Santa Cruz is a dormant volcano with a giant lava tunnel 2 km long. You can walk through this natural tunnel, and if you are interested in the island’s geology, you should also stop to see Los Gemelos, the two huge holes formed when the magma chamber collapsed.
Black Turtle Cove is within a mangrove estuary on Santa Cruz, and it is strictly protected by environmental regulations. You can sail here in a dinghy so long as the engine is switched off, and will be surrounded by pelican, sea turtle, and ray. The island is also home to the El Chato Tortoise Reserve, part of the national park, where you can see giant tortoise in the wild.
One of the few catamarans operating in the Galapagos, and specifically designed for these islands, Elite offers its 16 adventurers a high staff ratio, very spacious and well-proportioned living and communal spaces and an extremely stable ride. It’s a good option for those who worry about sea sickness.
The Petrel’s catamaran design creates the advantages of large, well proportioned spaces on board, along with excellent stability and speed. You will glide swiftly, silently and elegantly – just like a real petrel – between the islands of the Galapagos.
Lunched in 2024, The Galapagos Explorer offers guests an exclusive island adventure on board a refined and stylish yacht. The crew to guest ratio is larger than usual, promising excellent service, welcoming hospitality and a trip tailored to your interests. When you step off the boat to explore the islands, you can expect the highest standard of guiding too.
Evolution, possibly the most charming of the large yachts in the region, plies the waters of the fantastic Galapagos islands on 7 day itineraries from either Baltra or San Cristobal.
A stay at the Galapagos Safari Camp is an authentic immersion into the wonderful landscape and ecology of this globally significant archipelago. You will find that the guests here are united in their desire to have a comfortable and active yet low-impact journey of discovery.
The Galapagos Islands are strongly protected by the Ecuadorian Government, which limits the amount of development and foot-traffic on the islands. Pikaia Lodge therefore offers a rare opportunity to stay on dry land and explore the island of Santa Cruz in depth. An island stay is ideal for those who suffer from sea sickness.
MV Evolve, along with its identical sister ships, MVs Origin and Theory, are the only cruise yachts operating in the Galapagos under the affiliation of Relais & Chateaux. There is no doubt that these ships assure their guests the highest standards of comfort, service and cuisine whilst experiencing this unique environment.
MV Theory, along with its identical sister ships, MVs Origin and Evolve, are the only cruise yachts operating in the Galapagos under the affiliation of Relais & Chateaux. There is no doubt that these ships assure their guests the highest standards of comfort, service and cuisine whilst experiencing this unique environment.
Let Journeysmiths take you on a breathtaking voyage of discovery aboard this luxury superyacht in search of iguanas, whales and flamingos. Unique Aqua Mare will take you through the spectacular volcanic islands of the Galapagos in utmost luxury. Complete with sun deck, outdoor barbeque areas, jacuzzi and panoramic lounge area, this is the ultimate Galapagos experience.
With one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios in the Galapagos fleet, the Silver Origin provides its guests with “big ship” levels of luxury and service whilst also ensuring that they have an intimate and immersive experience of the wonders of the archipelago. This vessel, specifically designed for the waters of the Galapagos, sets the standards that others attempt to follow.
Combining small yacht charm with big ship facilities, a journey on Silver Galagos is an experience of personalised luxury whilst being introduced to this amazing landscape and ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands.
MV Origin, along with its identical sister ships, MVs Theory and Evolve, are the only cruise yachts operating in the Galapagos under the affiliation of Relais & Chateaux. There is no doubt that these ships assure their guests the highest standards of comfort, service and cuisine whilst experiencing this unique environment.
The unique size and scope of Isaballa II – 55m long but with just 40 guests – gives it an individual character that stands out in the Galapagos fleet. Combining the size and amenities of a ship with the relaxed intimacy of a yacht, you will have the best of both worlds as you journey through the teeming waters around the Galapagos Islands.
La Pinta is a truly luxurious yacht; it is the ideal choice for travellers seeking to cruise the Galapagos in style. The yacht’s extensive crew are on hand to cater to your every need, and the facilities on board are exceptional.
We love the fact that Ocean Spray is unashamedly nautical in its styling; it’s a no-nonsense boat designed to help you see the wonders of the Galapagos Islands. That isn’t to say that you will compromise on comfort, particularly as its catamaran design inherently makes the cabins and communal areas spacious and well-proportioned.
The MC Endemic is one of the newest vessels operating in the Galapagos and certainly one of the most luxurious. You’ll enjoy the highest standard of hospitality, food, service and guidance delivered by a first-class crew.
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 25 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made holidays to megadiverse Latin America. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 25 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made holidays to megadiverse Latin America. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.
An experienced team of well-travelled individuals, passionate about crafting journeys that are as exceptional as they are personal, while maximising our positive impact on the places in which we work.
While the evolution of travel and technology has seen much change at Journeysmiths over the years, our fundamental beliefs about the perfect holiday have not.
Journeysmiths mission is to inspire and expand peoples horizons through exceptional travel experiences, while preserving the natural world for future generations.
Treat your family to an extraordinary wildlife adventure holiday in the Galapagos and Ecuador. It’s a place you’ll likely visit just once so be sure to do it well. We have access to the finest yachts, lodges and expert guides. This way your family can visit remote islands in comfort and privacy encountering amazing wildlife.
If you’re looking for a place where you can embrace adventure, learn more about our planet’s incredible wildlife and truly connect to nature, Ecuador has it all.
We’ve created an enticing list of the most memorable things to do in Ecuador.
We’ve created an exciting list of the most memorable things to do in the Galapagos Islands.