The Galapagos Islands

What you need to know about the Galapagos Islands

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A Guide to The Galapagos Islands

AN OVERVIEW

The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are one of the most protected and ecologically significant destinations on Earth, and travelling here comes with a unique set of considerations.

97% National Park

Protected by a National Park across 97% of its landmass and surrounded by one of the world’s largest marine reserves, all human activity across the archipelago is strictly regulated. Visitors must be accompanied by an official guide at all times, excursions follow marked trails, and food is not permitted within the park. Infrastructure development is limited, and certain modern conveniences—such as on-demand transportation, high-speed internet, à la carte menus, large swimming pools, and central air conditioning—either don’t exist in the Galapagos or aren’t appropriate here.

The Galapagos Islands are protected by a National Park

Remote

The islands are also remote—1,000 kilometres (600 miles) off the coast of mainland Ecuador. Supplies must be shipped in, often with long lead times. Permits for cars, boats, itineraries, and even fuel are tightly controlled. These logistical realities mean that certain aspects of your Safari—particularly at sea—are fixed by regulation and geography. Where flexibility is possible, we build it into our itineraries. We’re proud to offer a level of adaptability that, while common elsewhere, is rare in the Galapagos.

The Galapagos Islands are remote and 1000km off Ecuador's coast

Fragile Environment

Everything—from the number of boats that can visit a site, to the type of soap used at a Camp—is shaped by the islands’ fragile ecology. Responsible operators and visitors must work together within narrow constraints, not only to comply with regulations, but because many conveniences offered elsewhere in the world are simply not appropriate or permitted here.

The Galapagos Islands are a fragile ecosystem

For Nature Lovers

For travellers who seek authenticity, connection with nature, and a deeper understanding of a truly extraordinary place, the Galapagos offers something profoundly rewarding.

Inspiration for Charles Darwin, and the scientists who have followed in his wake, the Galapagos archipelago is the birthplace of evolutionary theory. These islands teach us how life adapts, thrives–or fails. They reshape our place in the great Tree of Life, invite us to connect with the natural world more deeply, and often reveal something new, or long forgotten, about ourselves.

The Galapagos Islands are for nature lovers and those who seek authenticity
Galapagos Islands - no two are the same

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Inhabited and Uninhabited Islands

The Galapagos Islands were born of fire, and their volcanic origins mean that no two islands are alike. Some have been uplifted from the ocean floor by titanic geological forces; others seemingly frozen in time, caught in mid-eruption. The vegetation is just as varied—peculiar, contrasting, and unexpectedly beautiful. You’ll find pioneering plants clinging to ash-covered slopes, ghostly-grey palo santo forests, and carpets of scarlet sesuvium that look as if they’ve been dabbed into place by an Impressionist painter.

In addition to exploring the inhabited islands of Santa Cruz and Isabela Island, our Safaris can also include sea excursions to the uninhabited islands of North Seymour, Bartolome, Santa Fe and South Plaza—each with its own distinct character, wildlife, and scenery.

ISLANDS TO VISIT

The Galapagos: A showcase of evolution

A LIVING MUSEUM OF EVOLUTION

Galapagos Wildlife

The Galapagos Islands are often described as a “living museum of evolution”—a place where the forces of natural selection are not just part of history, but still visibly at work. Isolated from the mainland and from each other, the islands have given rise to species found nowhere else on Earth, each uniquely adapted to its environment.

From marine iguanas that dive for algae, to giant tortoises that have evolved differently depending on their island, to finches and mockingbirds that helped shape the theory of evolution itself—the Galapagos offers a rare window into how life changes, survives, and thrives.

What makes the experience even more remarkable is how wildlife here behaves: with few natural predators and generations of protection, many species show little fear of humans. This allows for close, respectful encounters with creatures that go about their lives as if we’re not even there.

WILDLIFE

Galapagos evolutionary theory

WEATHER AND WILDLIFE

When To Visit

The Galapagos can be visited year-round, with each season offering something unique. From warm and wet conditions – ideal for sun lovers – to cooler, drier months – perfect for hiking and observing marine life. Understanding the weather patterns can help you choose the right time for your Safari.

WHEN TO VISIT

Galapagos Islands guide

A PLACE FOR FIRSTS

Our Safaris

The Galapagos are an endless source of wonder. To roam their captivating landscapes or swim through their teeming waters—while wildlife goes about its life, unbothered by our presence—is a rare and humbling experience.

We invite you to come with an open heart and a curious mind. These islands have a way of shifting perspectives, of revealing what often goes unnoticed in the rush of daily life. For many, the Galapagos is a place of connection—where nature feels closer, and time feels deeper.

It’s also a place for firsts.

OUR SAFARIS

When was the last time you saw something for the first time?

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AMONG THE WILD THINGS

Your Galapagos Home

Located in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, in the heart of the archipelago, Galapagos Safari Camp is more than just a place to stay—it’s your home.

Designed to fully immerse you in the Galapagos landscape without compromising comfort, our Camp is a place to slow down, to observe, to recharge—and to connect more deeply with the natural rhythms of these extraordinary islands. From here, you venture out to explore, although many guests tell us that simply being at Camp is an experience in itself.

OUR CAMP

A guide to the Galapagos Islands - where to stay
WHAT IS APPROPRIATE?

Luxury: Our Approach

At Galapagos Safari Camp, we offer a high level of comfort—but not the kind defined by excess or global uniformity. Instead, we follow a philosophy we call Appropriate Luxury: an approach shaped by our environment, our values, and our belief that luxury should feel meaningful, and respectful of the place we are visiting.

APPROPRIATE LUXURY

Understanding luxury in the Galapagos Islands
MANAGING EXPECTATIONS

Is The Galapagos The Right Destination For You?

The Galapagos is a destination of raw beauty—not polished perfection. Travel here invites a shift in mindset: away from convenience and excess, and toward depth, presence, and authenticity.

We encourage you to read through our pre-arrival guide, which outlines key details about the destination and what we offer. It’s designed to help you determine whether our experience is the right fit for you—and whether your expectations align with our values and approach.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK

Are the Galapagos Islands the right destination for you?

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