Luxury Galapagos Islands cruise

The Galápagos archipelago is an accommodating habitat for a broad range of bird species, from penguins to albatrosses and blue-footed boobies to flamingos.

While the number of individual species is not as high as many other top birding destinations, it's the high proportion of endemic varieties and the opportunity to get up close to birds with no fear of man that makes this such a special place for bird watchers.

Sea birds include the waved albatross, with a wingspan of over 2m, the flightless cormorant, pelicans, petrels, frigate birds and the blue-footed booby, with its endearing and rather comical mating dance. On land, there are Darwin's famous finches, which helped to unlock the mysteries of evolution, the Galápagos dove, Galápagos hawk and Galápagos rail among others.

Imagine a natural sanctuary where giant tortoises plod beside marine iguanas, while penguins and sea lions dart through an ocean brimming with tropical marine life... Welcome to the Galápagos Islands, where wildlife enjoys a fearless existence free from predators and unthreatened by man.

No matter which islands you visit, you'll see wildlife in huge numbers and from very close range – these exotic creatures are completely unfazed by your presence. You can walk among languid colonies of iguanas and sea birds, snorkel with playful sea lions and watch blue-footed boobies perform their delightful mating dance right before your eyes. Between June and October there’s even a chance of sighting humpback whales breaching beside your boat.

This natural paradise of twisted lava and deserted beaches is a haven for endemic wildlife, offering a fascinating glimpse into the processes of natural selection that gave shape to life on Earth.

The islands' fauna enjoys an undisturbed life free from predators and unthreatened by man. No matter which islands you visit, you will be greeted with wildlife in extraordinary abundance and with no fear of your presence, making this one of the most magical places on the planet for nature lovers.

Cruises can last anywhere between 4 and 15 days, the boats we use range in size, accommodating between 12 and 100 guests. No matter what the overall group size, guided excursions on land will be small and intimate – by law tour groups on the islands can consist of no more than 16 visitors.

Exotic marine life teems within the clear waters of the Galápagos, an evolutionary melting pot where penguins swim in the same seas as tropical fish and turtles, and marine iguanas cohabit with boisterous crowds of sea lions.

You don't need to dive to experience the wonderland beneath the ocean surface. Having evolved without fear of predators, the islands' abundant fauna is undisturbed by your presence so you can get right up close to the underwater action with nothing more than a snorkel.

The Galápagos Islands owe their biodiversity to the meeting of currents from Antarctica and the tropics, creating microclimates that support a huge variety of life. Snorkelling is the easiest way to experience the unique marine environment, and is included on every Galápagos cruise.

At Ecuador's largest indigenous market, the enterprising and prosperous Otavalan Indians sell local produce and handmade goods including the high-quality textiles for which the region is known. It’s a wonderful place to see traditional highland costume and culture, as well as pick up souvenirs and gifts from stalls piled high with colourful handicrafts.

Surrounding the town are clusters of rustic hamlets each specialising in a different cottage industry, from leather to woodwork. On some itineraries, you could choose to visit one or two of these en route for a first-hand insight into the age-old crafting traditions and supply chains which fuel Otavalo market.