Complete Galápagos - Eden

Setting out from mainland Ecuador, this 16-night journey aboard the Eden navigates the Galápagos' east, central, and west islands. Highlights include hiking to the viewpoint above Pinnacle Rock on Bartolomé Island, walking among blue-footed boobies on Las Tintoreras, and spotting penguins on Floreana Island. On Santa Fé and South Plazas excursions, travellers may see sea lions lounging and flamingos at Bachas Beach.

Snorkelling is a near-daily activity, with stops at Darwin Bay, Sullivan Bay and Kicker Rock among others, often introducing swimmers to whitetip reef sharks and flightless cormorants. The boat is all too aware of the delicate terrain, with pangas used for landings that sometimes require wading ashore. The Eden’s cabins are modest, and the crew supportive, while naturalist guides provide insights that reach beyond what you’d catch on a typical nature documentary.

G Adventures’ small-group style encourages a relaxed pace, blending organised excursions with moments to simply watch the marine iguanas or giant tortoises at their leisure. This tour requires a measure of mobility due to Zodiac landings and some stairs on board, but rewards travellers with an intimate view of one of the world’s most singular ecosystems.