Galapagos trips

...The Galápagos Islands lie about 1,000 kilometers west of the Ecuadorian coast in the Pacific Ocean—remote enough to have given rise to a wildlife found nowhere else. Hardly any other archipelago has had such a lasting impact on the natural sciences: The observations Charles Darwin made here in the mid-19th century laid the foundation for his work on the theory of evolution. Anyone standing on Isabela and Fernandina—the geologically youngest and most active islands in the archipelago—understands why. Even today, new lava fields are forming here, while marine iguana colonies doze on the black rock.

Unlike traditional Galápagos cruises, inventia’s itineraries feature small expedition vessels with a maximum of 16 guests—for more immersive wildlife viewing and a significantly more personalized expedition experience.

Two ships – two styles of travel

inventia offers Galápagos tours on two ships that differ significantly in character and amenities.

The MS Endemic is a catamaran that can accommodate up to 16 passengers. It offers excellent stability and seaworthiness, with snorkeling gear, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and wetsuits provided on board. This type of Galápagos cruise is particularly well-suited for travelers who prioritize the expedition experience and want to stay active on the water.

The Aqua Mare is a 50-meter-long superyacht—the first of its kind in the Galápagos Islands. It also accommodates a small group of up to 16 guests, with a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, a private cinema, a panoramic lounge featuring nature lectures, a Jacuzzi, a beach club, and gourmet cuisine under the direction of award-winning chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. Diving excursions are also available on the Aqua Mare. If you want to combine expedition travel with upscale comfort, this is the place for you.

The following applies to the Galápagos cruise on both ships: English-speaking local guides, daily shore excursions and dinghy trips, and all meals included. As a specialist in small-ship travel, inventia provides personalized advice on the best itinerary and cabin selection.

East, West, or the entire archipelago: The perfect itinerary for your tour

The Galápagos Islands can be broadly divided into three travel regions, each with its own distinct geology, wildlife, and character.

Eastern Galápagos comprises the oldest islands in the archipelago—Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Española, and Santa Fe. Here you’ll find the Charles Darwin Research Station, the Fausto Llerena Giant Tortoise Breeding Station, and the Pinnacle Rock viewpoint on Bartolomé. The wildlife is diverse and up close: sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and Galápagos albatrosses.

The western Galápagos is geologically young and volcanically active. Isabela—the archipelago’s largest island, covering over 4,500 km²—is home to five active volcanoes, including Sierra Negra, which has one of the largest craters in the archipelago. Fernandina is considered particularly untouched and is one of the most pristine islands in the archipelago. It is home to flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and the largest marine iguana colonies in the archipelago.

The 15-day Galápagos cruises aboard the Aqua Mare combine the eastern and western routes—visiting up to eight islands, either from Baltra or Santa Cruz. This is the most comprehensive way to explore the archipelago. The 8-day expeditions are available on the MS Endemic and the Aqua Mare, each offering either the eastern or western route.

Activities: What to Expect on a Galápagos Expedition

The Galápagos Islands are not a destination for passive observation. What sets a trip with inventia apart is the abundance of up-close encounters—both on land and in the water.

Typical activities on Galápagos tours include:

• Guided hikes through lava fields, mangrove forests, and volcanic highland landscapes
• Daily snorkeling trips with sea lions, sea turtles, and colorful reef fish
• Zodiac and dinghy trips through mangrove lagoons and along rugged lava coasts
• Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in sheltered coves
• Wildlife sightings on islands such as Isabela, Fernandina, Española, or Santa Cruz
• Visits to the Charles Darwin Research Station and giant tortoise reserves

On the superyacht Aqua Mare, optional diving excursions with certified local operators are also available. The underwater world here is among the most extraordinary in the Pacific—featuring hammerhead sharks, rays, sea lions, and sea turtles. If you’re planning a trip to the Galápagos Islands, inventia has the perfect package to suit every need.

Best time to visit the Galápagos

The Galápagos Islands can be visited year-round. inventia offers trips throughout the year—current availability is available upon request. The choice of travel dates depends less on traditional seasonal patterns than on personal preferences.

The warm season, from December through May, brings calmer seas, warmer water temperatures of around 24–26 °C, and particularly active wildlife—including sea lion pups and nesting blue-footed boobies. The vegetation is greener, and the air is more humid.

The cooler season, from June to November, is influenced by the Humboldt Current. Water temperatures drop to 18–22 °C, but the waters are richer in nutrients and marine life is particularly active—visibility and conditions vary by location. Galápagos albatrosses breed exclusively on Española from April to December.

Both seasons have their advantages. There’s no such thing as a bad time to visit the Galápagos—the islands welcome visitors all year round.

Many guests combine their vacation in the Galápagos Islands with a visit to Ecuador—for example, with a stay in Quito, a drive along the Volcano Highway, or a side trip to the Amazon. inventia can arrange customized pre- and post-tour itineraries upon request.