Charles Darwin Research Station, Galápagos Islands

Lonely PlanetSep 21

Should you book a cruise, or craft your own land-based itinerary?

home to more tortoises

21 things in this story

Finch Bay Galapagos HotelHotelIf you’ve only ever visited the Galapagos Islands by sea , this beachfront eco-lodge on the south side of Santa Cruz…
Galápagos National ParkSight97% of the islands' landmass is protected
North Seymour IslandSightIt was formed by uplift of a submarine lava formation and is now covered with low, bushy vegetation.
Bartolomé IslandSightjust off the east coast of Santiago Island.
Galápagos Marine ReserveSightsurrounding waters are protected
Charles Darwin Research StationMuseumhome to more tortoises
Charles DarwinSightspent a month here in 1835
EspañolaSightisland to see waved albatrosses
GenovesaSightisland home to red-footed boobies
Big 15SightGalápagos' version of the African safari's 'Big Five'
Puerto AyoraNeighborhoodmost populous city, ideal base on land
Santa Cruz IslandSightlocation of Puerto Ayora
Santa Cruz highlandsSightto see giant tortoises
Yacht La PintaPlaceexpedition vessel
Finch Bay HotelHotelrelaxed stay after cruise
IsabelaPlace
Pikaia LodgeHotel
South Plaza IslandSight
Santa Fe IslandSight
San CristóbalSight
FloreanaSight

Condé Nast TravelerSep 16

From luxury ships to affordable sailings, family-friendly and solo-traveler-favorites, there’s a cruise in the Galapagos for every type of traveler.

A visit is included in the La Pinta itinerary.

16 things in this story

OriginPlaceAboard Silversea’s new purpose-built Galápagos vessel, passengers can expect encounters with giant tortoises,…
Reina Silvia VoyagerPlaceG Adventures' newest catamaran, custom-built for sailing the Galapagos.
Celebrity FloraPlaceOne of the largest ships sailing the Galapagos Islands.
Celebrity XplorationPlaceSails to the Galapagos, smaller than Celebrity Flora.
Treasure of the GalapagosPlaceChartered luxury catamaran accommodating a maximum of 16 guests.
The GrillRestaurantServes premium cuts of meat cooked tableside atop fiery lava stones.
Silver OriginPlaceA 100-passenger ship operated by the luxury cruise line Silversea.
La PintaPlaceComfortable, unpretentious, and recently refurbished 48-passenger yacht.
Charles Darwin Research StationMuseumA visit is included in the La Pinta itinerary.
Dragon HillSightHike on Isla Santa Cruz to look for iguanas and flamingos.
MS Santa Cruz IIPlaceOperated by HX Expeditions for its Citizen Science Program.
National Geographic GeminiPlaceShip for kids' science and exploration program with Lindblad Expeditions.
TheoryPlace
EvolvePlace
New FlamingoPlace
MerakPlace

Charles Darwin Research Station