Beyond Imagination

Black volcanic rocks, white-sand beaches, sapphire-blue waters, and sherbet horizons. Awaken to animals from childhood dreams and swim with rainbow-colored fish. A Galápagos cruise with Hurtigruten Expeditions is beyond imagination.

Better Than A Dream

There are many reasons why the Galápagos Islands are a monumental destination. This collection of remote islands is home to some of the most unique wildlife species on the planet. When you visit the Galápagos with Hurtigruten, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking beauty with the opportunity to encounter a diverse selection of flora and fauna. Winding through the volcanic terrain, you'll be struck by the profound beauty, surreal landscapes, and historic significance of this incredible place.

Are you ready to dive into an experience that is beyond imagination?

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New Galápagos Expedition Cruise

Galápagos with Hurtigruten Expeditions.
Photo: iStock

Experience More

When traveling to the Galápagos with Hurtigruten Expeditions, you’ll have the opportunity to explore both land and sea, with daily activities including:

  • Guided expedition hikes through national parks on multiple Galápagos Islands
  • Kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) adventures in tropical waters
  • Whale and dolphin watching on small-boat excursions
  • Snorkeling around the immaculate marine life
  • Exquisite dining and unique shopping experiences
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Galápagos with Hurtigruten Expeditions.
Photo: iStock

On the Wild Side

One of the most defining factors of Galápagos is the wide selection of animal species that are endemic to the islands. The “Big 15” animals are the most iconic breeds across the archipelago including: Galápagos giant tortoise, Galapagos Albatross, Galapagos Penguin, Red-footed Booby, Blue-footed Booby, Galapagos Flamingo, and more. During your trip to Galápagos, you are likely to encounter many of these animals!

On the Wild Side

One of the most defining factors of Galápagos is the wide selection of animal species that are endemic to the islands. The “Big 15” animals are the most iconic breeds across the archipelago including: Galápagos giant tortoise, Galapagos Albatross, Galapagos Penguin, Red-footed Booby, Blue-footed Booby, Galapagos Flamingo, and more. During your trip to Galápagos, you are likely to encounter many of these animals!

Galápagos Giant Tortoise

Galapagos Flamingo

Galapagos Penguin

Blue-footed Booby

Download our Big 15 (PDF)

Small-Ship Experience

After a long day of exploration, the Santa Cruz II offers a relaxing atmosphere that gives travelers an opportunity to unwind.

In the evenings, guests can be found sipping cocktails on the Sky Deck, unwinding in the hot tub, or reading in the corner of the library after enjoying five-star dining options. Each cabin is designed and customized to provide premium comfort to all travelers. 

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young hiker walking along the shore
Photo: Shutterstock

Discover the Galápagos with Our Experts

Our Expedition Team members will serve as your invaluable hosts during your Galápagos expedition. They will guide you through a wide range of activities both ashore and onboard, and share their extensive knowledge on everything from marine biology and wildlife to local history, geology, as well as how to travel responsibly in these pristine environments. Their knowledge and operational experience is second to none, and their passion and energy is contagious.

young hiker walking along the shore
Photo: Shutterstock
Machu Picchu, Peru
Photo: Bérenger Zyla, Getty-Images

Extend Your Expedition

Before embarking on your Galápagos Expedition Cruise, spend four days discovering the lost civilization of the Incas, and visit the breathtaking mountain stronghold of Machu Picchu.  

In addition to seeing one of the most important archeological sites in South America, you’ll also visit Cusco, the historic city of capital of the Inca Empire, see the stunning Andean highland scenery during a train ride to Machu Picchu, and enjoy an overnight in the capital of Peru, Lima.

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Machu Picchu, Peru
Photo: Bérenger Zyla, Getty-Images

Fun Facts

The Galapagos Islands is an Archipelago and National Park. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Galapagos Islands are formed of lavapiles and dotted with shield volcanoes, many of which are periodically active. The Galapagos Islands consists of 13 major islands, 6 smaller islands, & scores of islets and rocks lying laying near the Equator.

The Galapagos Islands is part of Ecuador.

The Galapagos Islands can be found 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador and 550 miles west of South America in the Pacific Ocean.

Galapagos penguins live and breed on the Galapagos Islands all year round. Visitors can find them on Isabela & Fernandina islands. They can, also, be seen on the islands of Floreana, Santiago and Bartolome.

  • The Giant Galapagos tortoise is the world’s biggest tortoise species. They can be more than 5 feet long and weigh over 500 pounds. They have one of the longest life spans of all known vertebrae’s. They often live to be over 100 years old. They are endangered.
  • Most people think of the Giant Tortoise when they think of the Galapagos Tortoise. In fact it is a category of tortoise that has 12 species found on the different islands of the archipelago.
  • Galapagos Tortoises cannot swim and live their life on the islands in the Galapagos Archipelago.

We believe to truly experience the most isolated and beautiful islands of the Galapagos archipelago, as well as ensure you have the opportunity to view the unique wildlife that can be found close by that you need a minimum of 5 days.

There are 56 native species of birds in the Galapagos Islands. They can be found there throughout the year. Additionally, there are 29 species of migrant birds.

There are 56 species of animals that live in the Galapagos archipelago. 27 of those species are native and can only be found in the islands. 6 of the native species are critically endangered.

The Galapagos Islands is an all-year-round destination. The equatorial climate makes Galapagos monthly weather steady. There are subtle differences in seasons. The “warm” season occurs December through May and is the best time of year for snorkeling. The “cool” season occurs June through November. This is the best season to view dolphins, whales and other large marine animals. Visiting during the crossover between warm and cool seasons in May & November can result in the best of both worlds.

  • January: Perfect for Snorkeling and Bird Watching. Green Sea Turtles arrive on beaches to lay eggs.
  • February: Perfect for Kayaking & Snorkeling. Flamingos & Marine Iguanas begin to Nest
  • March: Perfect time to snorkel with penguins and tropical fish. Waved Albatross arrives on the islands.
  • April: One of the most popular times of the year to visit. Perfect for snorkeling. End of hatching season for the giant tortoises. Eggs of green sea turtles begin to hatch & babies emerge. Land Iguanas eggs hatch.
  • May: Dynamic Weather & very active animals. Blue Footed boobies start their mating rituals, Sea turtles hatching, Ban-Rumped storm petrels nest & Galapagos penguins are very active on the surface.
  • June: Cooler Season. Giant Tortoises begin migration for nesting, Southern migrant birds stop over on there migration north. Humpback whales migration off the coast of the archipelago.
  • July: Seabird community is actively breeding, Flightless Cormorants perform beautiful courtship ritual, Lava lizards begin mating rituals, Whales & Dolphins easily observed and one of the best times to see 4 stages of the blue-footed boobies: eggs, chicks, juveniles & subadults.
  • August: Cooler weather perfect for hiking. Migrant shore birds arrive, Giant tortoises return to the highlands of Santa Cruz, The main birthing season of sea lions begins.
  • September: Coolest temperature of the year. Sea Lions, Penguins, & Seabirds are the most active
  • October: Lava Herons are nesting, Fur Seals begin mating, Blue-Footed Boobies raise chicks, Giant Tortoises are still laying eggs & sea lion pups are all about.
  • November: Warm weather arrives, Species of jellyfish can be seen throughout the archipelago, Band-rumpled storm petrels begin second nesting period, Sea-Lion pups playfully watch snorkelers.
  • December: Hatching of giant tortoise eggs, green sea turtles mate, Marine & Land Iguanas start their mating season, waved albatrosses fledge.

Hurtigruten aims to protect the delicate and beautiful ecosystem that we explore. Modern engine technology economizes fuel consumption and our onboard water desalination and treatment plants protect the waters around the Galapagos. Guests ecological footprint is minimized and your visit becomes part of conservation efforts thanks to a company-wide commitment to sustainability. The footprint caused by your visit to the Galapagos isn’t just reduced, it is actually offset and canceled via our exemplary Carbon Neutral Program. Additionally, all our ships are single use plastic free and we work to ensure we take every precaution to protect the places we visit.