The Galápagos Islands View Basket

Immersive small ship experiences with the South America specialists

Chimu Adventures offers immersive Galápagos travel experiences with small-ship cruising, expert guidance, and a strong commitment to sustainability.

With more than 20 years’ experience operating across South America and the Polar regions, Chimu specialises in carefully selected expedition vessels that balance comfort, service, and environmental responsibility, including carbon-offset cruises.

The Galápagos Islands, a remote volcanic archipelago located around 1,000 kilometres west of mainland Ecuador, are one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations, celebrated for their endemic species and their role in shaping Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.

Cruising is the most effective way to explore the islands, allowing travellers to visit multiple remote locations while travelling overnight and maximising time spent ashore with knowledgeable, licensed naturalist guides.

Visitors can experience diverse landscapes ranging from lava fields and volcanic craters to mangroves and pristine beaches, while encountering iconic wildlife such as giant tortoises, blue- and red-footed boobies, marine and land iguanas, penguins, sea lions, flamingos, and frigatebirds. Beneath the surface, the surrounding marine reserve supports one of the richest ecosystems on Earth, with opportunities to snorkel or dive alongside sharks, rays, sea turtles, dolphins, whale sharks, and colourful reef fish.

With itineraries operating year-round and varying by region and season, Chimu Adventures offers flexible voyage lengths, a range of ship styles from comfortable to luxurious, and the option to combine the Galápagos with broader South American journeys, delivering a responsible, enriching, and unforgettable exploration of this remarkable destination.

About Chimu Adventures

• Specialist operator with 20+ years’ experience in South America, Antarctica and the Polar regions.
• Strong focus on sustainability, including carbon-offset cruises.
• Access to 35+ small expedition ships, prioritising quality, service, and environmental responsibility.
• Local operations across South America for seamless, well-supported travel.

The Galápagos Islands

• Volcanic archipelago 1,000 km west of Ecuador, straddling the Equator.
• World-renowned for endemic wildlife and Charles Darwin’s role in shaping evolutionary theory.
• Rich marine environment due to converging ocean currents and a protected marine reserve.

Key Islands & Highlights

• Genovesa – “Bird Island,” famous for red-footed boobies.
• Fernandina – Youngest, most pristine island; flightless cormorants and marine iguanas.
• Isabela – Largest island; volcanoes, whale sightings, penguins.
• Española – Endemic species and waved albatross.
• Santa Cruz – Main tourism hub; Charles Darwin Research Station, giant tortoises.
• Floreana, Santiago, San Cristóbal, Baltra – Historic sites, beaches, snorkeling and wildlife hotspots.

Wildlife – The “Big 15”

• Includes blue- and red-footed boobies, Galápagos penguins, marine and land iguanas, giant tortoises, sea lions, fur seals, flamingos, frigatebirds, hawks, and the rare flightless cormorant.
• Wildlife sightings vary by island and itinerary.

Marine Life

• Over 2,900 marine species recorded.
• Highlights include whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, manta rays, dolphins, sea turtles, orcas, rays, reef fish and mola mola (sunfish).

Cruising the Galápagos

• Best way to experience multiple islands efficiently.
• Small ships (often 16 passengers) with expert naturalist guides.
• Activities include snorkeling, diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking and wildlife observation.
• Strict park regulations limit visitor numbers, enhancing conservation and experience quality.

Choosing the Right Cruise

• Consider duration, travel dates, destinations, ship size, comfort level, activities, and budget.
• Early booking recommended for best availability and pricing.

Climate & Best Time to Visit

• Dec–May (Warm/Wet Season): Warmer water, excellent snorkeling, vibrant landscapes.
• Jun–Nov (Garúa Season): Cooler, nutrient-rich waters, more active marine life, fewer visitors.
• Galápagos is a year-round destination, with seasonal trade-offs.

Sample Itineraries

• Ranging from 4 to 11+ days, covering western, central, eastern, northern and southern islands.
• Options to combine Galápagos with mainland Ecuador and broader South America (Peru, Patagonia, Brazil, Bolivia).

Featured Ships

• Seaman Journey, Monserrat, Galaxy Yacht, Horizon Trimaran, Elite
• Small, well-appointed vessels with varying comfort and luxury levels.