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Isabela Island, Galapagos Islands
Home Cruises Galapagos Islands with Martha Kearney

Galapagos Islands

Cruise the Galapagos Islands with Martha Kearney

  • EXPERT-LED CRUISE
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ex. flights
Single Supplement Tour Expert Group Size Status
31/05/26 09/06/26 10 days £7,250 pp £2,995 Martha Kearney 15 Max AVAILABLE Reserve place
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Join an exclusive Steppes charter, hosted by award-winning journalist and broadcaster Martha Kearney, for an unparalleled exploration of the Galapagos archipelago that shaped Darwin’s theory of evolution. Martha brings her passion for nature and conservation, sharing insights from her acclaimed documentaries such as ‘The Great Butterfly Adventure’ and ‘The Wonder of Bees’. Many of you will know Martha’s voice from her years presenting Radio Four’s ‘Today Programme’, where one of her highlights was presenting live editions from the British Antarctic Survey base Rothera Research Station.

Alongside Martha, expert naturalists provide in-depth knowledge of the biodiversity and history of these spectacular islands. Witness endemic species including blue-footed boobies, Galapagos flycatchers and marine iguanas, hike volcanic terrain and snorkel at prime sea lion and penguin sites across eight diverse islands. With a maximum of 15 clients onboard Natural Paradise, the service is attentive, informative and relaxed.

Introducing your expert

Martha Kearney

Martha Kearney

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Martha Kearney is an award-winning journalist and broadcaster, best known for presenting BBC Radio Four’s ‘Today Programme’, as well as hosting her own show, ‘This Natural Life’, leading on-location interviews with celebrity guests who share their deep connection with nature and how the natural world inspires and influences their everyday lives.

With a career spanning nearly four decades, Martha has presented some of the UK’s most iconic political and current affairs shows, including ‘Newsnight’ on BBC Two, nearly ten years on BBC Radio Four’s ‘Woman’s Hour’, and eleven years leading ‘The World at One’ on Radio Four.

Why Steppes?

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Martha Kearney 1

Martha Kearney

Led by award-winning presenter and broadcaster Martha Kearney, host of BBC Radio Four’s ‘Today Programme’ and ‘This Natural Life’.

Natural Paradise Yacht, Galapagos 2

Exclusive to Steppes

An exclusive charter with Natural Paradise limited to a maximum of 15 clients, with a guide ratio of one to eight.

Galapagos giant tortoise, galapagos islands 3

Hive of Activity

June marks the start of the humpback whale season, as well as the migration of giant tortoises from the highlands looking for nesting sites to breed.

Marine Iguana Galapagos 4

Guided excursions

Snorkel with sea lions and Galapagos penguins, and learn about the biodiversity on guided walks and insightful talks in the evenings.

Explore our suggested itinerary

Map View List View

  • Day 1

    Quito

  • Day 2

    Quito

  • Day 3

    Quito to Santa Cruz Island

  • Day 4

    Fernandina Islands and Isabela Island

  • Days 5 - 6

    Isabela Island

  • Day 7

    Chinese Hat and Borrero Bay

  • Day 8

    Floreana Island

  • Day 9

    Espanola Island

  • Day 10

    San Cristobal to Quito

Day 1

Quito

Arrive into Quito, a historical city sitting at 2,850 metres. The city is known for having the largest and best-preserved historic centre and colonial quarters in Latin America.

Day 2

Quito

Explore Quito on a city tour visiting Independence Square, the President’s Palace and San Francisco Church, finishing with a welcome lunch at a local restaurant.

Day 3

Quito to Santa Cruz Island

Fly from Quito to Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. On arrival, you will be met by a national park guide who will accompany you on the dock, to embark the Natural Paradise. Set sail towards North Seymour Island. Your host, Martha Kearney will be waiting on board the Natural Paradise to meet you when you arrive.

Day 4

Fernandina Islands and Isabela Island

Snorkelling and panga rides are possible today. Search for blue-footed and Nazca boobies, terns and sea lions, Galapagos penguins and the strange yet fascinating mola mola (sun fish).

Days 5 - 6

Isabela Island

Spend the next two days exploring Isabela Island. The archipelago’s largest island, Isabela, was formed by the joining of five young volcanoes and offers unique flora and fauna not seen on the other islands.

Day 7

Chinese Hat and Borrero Bay

Explore Chinese Hat islet. This small islet is located near the southeast coast of Santiago Island. Its name comes from the distinct shape of the islet’s summit. Afterwards, visit Borrero Bay on the northern side of Santa Cruz island, offering excellent swimming and snorkelling.

Day 8

Floreana Island

There is the opportunity to swim in the crystal clear waters of the Devil’s Crown, an extinct volcano that peaks out of the waters just off Floreana’s coast and offers a magnificent snorkelling experience.

Day 9

Espanola Island

After landing, walk across a lovely white sand beach amongst a busy sea lion colony or dive into the water to swim and snorkel with sea lion pups.

Day 10

San Cristobal to Quito

This morning disembark early and visit the Galapagos Science Centre, a state of the art research facility. Fly to Quito where this trip ends, but please talk to one of our team about extending your time in Ecuador.

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

Speak to our experts
Galapagos Sea Lions, Gardner Bay, Espanola, Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Sea Lions, Gardner Bay, Espanola, Galapagos Islands
Christmas Iguana, Espanola Island, Galapagos Islands
Christmas Iguana
Galapagos giant tortoise, galapagos islands
Galapagos giant tortoise
Galapagos Heron, Galapagos
Galapagos Islands
Endemic Species

Galapagos Wildlife

Visit eight different islands, each with their own distinct terrain, flora and fauna, including Fernandina, the nesting site for flightless cormorants, and Isabela – the largest in the archipelago – located near the nutrient-rich Cromwell Current, attracting dolphins, whales, blue-footed boobies and the Galapagos penguin. You’ll also visit Espanola, home to Punta Suarez, the only place on earth where the waved albatross nests between March and December. Days are spent snorkelling, kayaking and taking panga (small motorised boat) rides to get ashore from where expert guides will lead fascinating walking safaris, showcasing the wildlife for which these remarkable islands are renowned.

Sundeck, Natural Paradise, Galapagos Islands
Sundeck and dining onboard Natural Paradise
Natural Paradise, Galapagos Islands
Natural Paradise, Galapagos Islands
Sundeck, Natural Paradise, Galapagos Islands
Sundeck on Natural Paradise
Social area, Natural Paradise, Galapagos Islands
Natural Paradise, Galapagos Islands, Galapagos Islands
Suite 1, Natural Paradise, Galapagos Islands
Natural Paradise, Galapagos Islands, Galapagos Islands
Suite, Natural Paradise, Galapagos Islands
Suite onboard Natural Paradise
Perfect Vessel

Natural Paradise

With a maximum capacity of 16 passengers, Natural Paradise offers an intimate and informal atmosphere onboard, as well as low-impact and seamless shore landings. With consistently good feedback from previous clients, she is our go to vessel for our Galapagos charters. Nine cabins vary from standard cabins with porthole windows to suites with private balconies for prime wildlife viewing. Meals are shared either in the spacious dining room inside or in the covered alfresco area. In between excursions, make use of the large sundeck with loungers and jacuzzi, as well as snorkelling equipment and sea kayaks which are available to use throughout the trip.

Marine Iguana, Galapagos
Galapagos Islands
Marine Iguana Galapagos
Marine Iguana Galapagos
Impactful Travel

Conservation in Action

By booking this Galapagos voyage you will help raise funds for Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT) and become a recognised member of this inspiring charity which supports multiple conservation projects across the Galapagos. One such project is Iguanas from Above, which photographs marine iguana populations using drones so their numbers can be counted at a later stage by volunteers around the world. For every client who books, Steppes will donate $100 to GCT, in addition to the $200 Galapagos National Park fee included in the cost of your holiday. Clients who travelled with us to the Galapagos between September 2022 and August 2023, helped generate £3,835 for Galapagos Conservation Trust, making this an impactful holiday choice.

Expert-led Cruise FAQs

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Why travel to the Galapagos with Steppes Travel?

This exclusive Steppes charter is hosted by award-winning presenter and broadcaster, Martha Kearney who brings her extensive knowledge and passion for nature that led her to hosting BBC Radio Four’s ‘This Natural Life’ which explores the vital role nature plays in our everyday lives.

In addition to Martha, there will be a resident Galapagos National Park guide on board. With a ratio of one guide per eight passengers, you can be assured of receiving personalised and insightful narrative on all the wildlife seen.

What happens on a typical day on a Galapagos cruise?

Wake up for breakfast at around 07:00. There may then be a morning land-based excursion. This may include a short hike, a research centre visit, or searching for local wildlife. Return to your boat for lunch. Afterwards, there will be some time at leisure before your water-based excursion. This could include a panga (small boat) cruise, or a chance to see the marine life from the water with a snorkel trip. Return to the boat for pre-dinner drinks and a short briefing on the plan for the following day. After dinner, enjoy a talk by one of your expert naturalists or specialist expert.

Is June a good time to visit the Galapagos?

June marks the start of the humpback whale season and the migration of giant tortoises from the highlands looking for nesting sites to breed.

What is the wildlife in the Galapagos like?

There are few places on earth that can rival the wildlife of Galapagos, with an abundance of colourful creatures seemingly unafraid of humans. Wildlife highlights include land and marine iguanas, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, giant tortoises, Galapagos penguins, frigate birds, sea lions and many finches.

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Includes / Excludes

Important Information

Activity Level
Moderate Activity
Single Supplement

Travelling on your own? Our group tours are perfect for solo travellers, as travelling as part of an organised group in faraway places provides security and peace of mind. We handle all of the arrangements for you and there will be a local tour guide on hand throughout to provide advice and help if needed, as well as the expertise of a Tour expert.

Flexibility

To allow flexibility, our group tours do not include international flights as standard. We can arrange international flights on your behalf, please get in touch with our travel experts for a quote. All international flights from the UK are ATOL protected.

What is included

  • Accompanied by Martha Kearney in the Galapagos
  • Two nights pre-cruise accommodation in Quito and then aboard the Natural Paradise boat
  • Domestic flights between mainland Ecuador and Galapagos Islands
  • Full board meals and snorkelling equipment on the boat
  • Group transfers throughout
  • English speaking National Park guide in the Galapagos
  • Guided tour of Quito old town including welcome lunch
  • Tourist card and national park fee
  • Daily guided excursions when in the Galapagos Islands
  • Evening lecture programme on board Natural Paradise
  • Carbon offset of all flights taken based on economy seats

What is excluded

  • International Flights to and from Ecuador
  • Dinner in Quito both nights before departure to the Galapagos Islands
  • Alcoholic beverages onboard Natural Paradise
  • Gratuities for the onboard crew, drivers and porters
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visa

Why a Steppes expert-led group tour

1.Experience matters

We have been running insightful and groundbreaking group tours since our inception in 1989. We have worked with institutions such as the British Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum and run wildlife tours in conjunction with conservation agencies such as Fauna & Flora International, Wildlife Conservation Society, the Orangutan Foundation, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and the Jane Goodall Institute.

2.Like-minded travellers

Steppes Travellers are like-minded people; interesting, interested and curious. Our group tours, usually consisting of eight to ten travellers, aim to create an easy and informal atmosphere – we have a lot of fun on our tours and many friendships have been formed.

Nicaragua's Caribbean coast
Lake Van, Turkey

4.Peace of mind

When you travel on one of our group tours, you will be looked after by our local agents and your tour expert with the back-up of our 24-hour emergency number and duty manager. All our holidays are fully bonded and protected – our ATOL number is ATOL 6495.

3.It’s about who you know

We have developed an enviable pool of expertise from which to choose our tour experts, who we carefully select based on their knowledge, companionship and personality. Often, these experts can use their influence to facilitate private access to sites not typically open to the public.

Other available dates

For further information about any of these tours please call 01285 880 980

Start date End date Days
Prices from
ex. flights
Tour Expert Group Size Status
31/05/26 09/06/26 10 days £7,250 pp Martha Kearney 15 Max AVAILABLE Reserve place

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?


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