Just 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, positioned exactly on the equator, the Galapagos Islands are one of the few places left on the planet where the human footprint is kept to a minimum. The uninhabited group of 19 volcanic islands, made famous by English scientist Charles Darwin, is a melting pot of marine species.
Overflowing with wildlife at every turn, you can experience up-close encounters with unique animals that are unfazed by the presence of humans, including timeworn giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, the magnificent frigate bird and marine iguanas (the only seafaring lizard in the world). The Galapagos’ varied landscape is nothing short of awe-inspiring - from cactus forests, stark lava formations and lush green highlands, to turquoise bays and tropical beaches.
To experience this remote archipelago up close, luxury cruise line Silversea offers a customised package unlike any island adventure. Silversea Cruises just launched the first luxury expedition ship in the legendary isles, boasting a gourmet restaurant, small spa, fitness centre, marble-lined bathrooms and a butler service with every cabin. Choose between two curated, seven-night voyages: The Western Route, which includes stops at the islands of Santiago and Isabela, and the North Central Route, featuring stops at Genovesa and Espanola.
For those craving a more intimate cruise experience, the 16-passenger Galapagos Grace vessel (a wedding present from Aristotle Onassis to Prince Rainier and Princess Grace), operates two eight-day itineraries that can also be combined into a 15-day cruise. There aren’t many places in the world where snorkelling with playful sea lions in turquoise waters in the morning is a prelude to an afternoon of sun bathing on black lava rocks alongside prehistoric-looking marine iguanas.
The ideal season to visit the Galapagos will depend on what wildlife you want to see. If you’re a twitcher, plan a trip for either March or April during the mating season for two very distinctive birds: the blue-footed boobies and frigate birds. If reptile sightings are your forte, visit between December and March when you can witness baby giant tortoises hatching.
June to September is the perfect time to see one of the archipelago’s few migratory species, the humpback whale, while November is the best month to swim with baby sea lions. However, no matter the season, wildlife spectacles are abundant all year round. Darwin famously said of the islands upon visiting the Galapagos in 1835 “It seems to be a little world within itself” and these words continue to resonate, even in 2015.
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Images copyright Sarah Freeman
