It doesn’t have to break the bank to spend a whole week’s cruise observing the unique fauna of Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands. You’ll sail on a small motor cruiser offering the informal atmosphere favoured by those who prefer the laid-back approach of smaller craft to the larger luxury vessels. You will have ample opportunity to make new friends among people with shared interests. In addition to landings on the islands you will have the opportunity to snorkel or swim with sea-lions. Travel by night and awaken next day with a new island to discover.

Travel to Guayaquil, on the Pacific coast of Ecuador, and fly to the Galápagos Islands. Spend a day relaxing in this congenial town of Puerto Ayora before embarking on a cruise to see the greatest wildlife show on Earth. It was on a similar trip 200 years ago that Darwin returned to the archipelago to write the seminal book ‘The Origin of the Species’. Step into his shoes and explore the diversity of land and marine life which inhabit these enchanting islands. You’ll have the opportunity to observe a wide range of bird, mammal, reptile, insect species in a hugely contrasting variety of natural habitats, not to mention a plethora of exotic flora. The twisted lava, dense forests and white sand beaches are a great attraction too as are the snorkelling and swimming experiences.