Galapagos Islands expedition 2024
Discover unlimited beauty
Meet Darwin's giant tortoises and swim with marine iguanas on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
The Galapagos Islands are regularly ranked "The world's no. 1 island destination". They are one of the last untouched places on earth, featuring unique animals that you will not get to see anywhere else. Best of all, the animals aren't afraid of humans. As the saying goes: "In the Galapagos Islands, you don't observe animals, you mingle with them!"
I have organised nine trips to the Galapagos Islands in the past, the most recent one in 2022. Each time, my guests were blown away both by the islands and overall experience. Also, many lasting new friendships were formed.
My new Galapagos adventure in 2024 boasts the following:
- 7-day cruise on a 4 star boat, exploring the islands' Eastern route.
- Accompanied by one of the best naturalist guides (handpicked by myself, out of all 800 local guides).
- A week with likeminded people instead of random tourists.
There is space for 16 passengers (mostly double cabins, very limited number of single cabins). I will be both a regular guest and the unofficial second guide on this trip. Having lived in the Galapagos Islands for four years, I will be telling you the stuff no one else dares to say out loud!
Discover unlimited beauty
What is the trip about?
Each aspect has been chosen carefully.
Itinerary
The archipelago is too big to see everything on a single trip, but we'll squeeze as much into your week as possible, touring the Eastern half!
Group
There is space for 16 passengers onboard (mostly double cabins, very limited number of single cabins). As with previous trips, I expect the group to comprise a healthy mix of fund managers, private investors, and entrepreneurs. Spouses/partners are very welcome, and we usually have several couples onboard.
The concept of spending a week with likeminded people instead of random tourists has paid off repeatedly in the past: many new friendships were formed among previous travellers.
Naturalist guide
Each day, we will spend 12 hours a day in the company of a guide. Having the right guide is the make-or-break factor for any Galapagos trip. My entire trip organisation is based on using my network of long-standing personal friends on the island to get us the best, most comfortable, and safest option for your trip.
For this trip, our guide will be one of the islands' "top 5".
Timing
November/December offers an attractive niche between seasons (as well as cheaper international flights). It is the time before sweltering heat sets in, there is no overcrowding at sites, and we'll enjoy lots of special seasonal sights, such as migrating whales, nesting blue-footed boobies, and sea lion babies on the beaches.
Value for money
My package offers the right balance of "intelligent luxury", i.e. a high-end experience without spending unnecessary money.
Flexibility
If you have more time, you can join me in Quito three days before the cruise, and explore the Cotopaxi volcano, the Mindo Cloud Forest, and the Old Town of Quito.
You could also stay in Galapagos after the cruise to go scuba diving (not permitted from cruise ships) or continue onwards to Machu Picchu in Peru.
The trip at a glance
Duration: 7 days
Date: 30 November – 7 December 2024
Price: USD 7,440 p.p. in a double cabin
Includes:
- 7 nights on the MS Integrity, a 4 star boat (double cabin).
- All food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Domestic flight with LatAm from Quito or Guayaquil to Galapagos (specific connection).
- Galapagos park entrance and immigration cards.
- Naturalist guide.
- Tips for guide and crew.
- Unlimited satellite WiFi onboard.
Not included:
- International flight to/from Ecuador.
- Any hotel accommodation in Ecuador.
- Any alcoholic beverages consumed onboard.
Dietary requirements: The boat can easily cater to all special requirements.
Single guests: The boat mostly has double cabins. I will try my best to accommodate single visitors.
Equipment: The boat has equipment for snorkelling, kayaking and other activities onboard. It is not possible to go diving from cruise ships in Galapagos; diving trips need to be arranged separately (as extension of the trip).
Payment: Payable in full upon booking.
Cancellation: No refunds are possible. However, if you have to cancel the trip after all, I will be happy to help find a replacement, which I have always succeeded with so far.
Snapshots from my 2022 trip
Enquiries
Bookings are now closed but I might organise a similar trip in the future.
If you are interested in joining such a trip, or if you have any questions at all, simply send me a message.
