Galapagos Cruise with Galapagos Conservation Trust

Start date	End date	Days	Prices from ex. flights	Single Supplement	Tour Expert	Group Size	Status
11/16/25	11/25/25	10 days	$9,520 pp	$3,805	Kelly Hague	15 Max	FULL
10/25/26	11/03/26	10 days	$9,425 pp	$3,895	Kelly Hague	15 Max	AVAILABLE	Reserve place

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Join Steppes Travel and Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT) on an exclusive voyage around the Galapagos Islands.

This is an exceptional opportunity for anybody wanting to experience the Galapagos Islands and learn more about the dynamic conservation work taking place to continue Darwin’s legacy. What’s more, this trip will help fund work to save the unique wildlife and habitat that makes a visit to the Galapagos so memorable. The voyage will be hosted by one of GCT’s team throughout, along with one of the Galapagos’ most experienced local guides. You will meet scientists and researchers on the frontline of conservation in the Galapagos, gaining privileged insight into the vital work being carried out to preserve the biodiversity for which the islands are renowned.

Travel aboard the outstanding, luxury, small ship, Natural Paradise, with a total of only 15 other guests on board and a variety of cabins at different prices.
Explore the islands of South Plaza, Rabida, Bartolome, Santiago, Santa Cruz and Genovesa with a dedicated naturalist providing expert interpretation, alongside meetings with GCT’s partners. Before setting sail you will spend a night in the charming town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal island, where you will learn first-hand about conservation work being carried out to protect marine species such as baby sharks and rays which are found in bays around the islands, as well as exciting projects within the community.

Kelly Hague

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Since joining Galapagos Conservation Trust in May 2018, Kelly has been a vital conduit between the Trust’s supporters and the conservation projects on the ground.

Funding to support conservation efforts across Galapagos is essential, so Kelly takes great care in helping people see exactly where their support can make a difference. Having worked for numerous wildlife and environmental charities, she knows exactly what is at stake but also knows how best to help those who care to take action to help endangered habitats and wildlife.

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Key Highlights of this Itinerary

1

Hosted by Galapagos Conservation Trust

Hosted by GCT throughout, visit conservation projects and meet experts in the field.

Hammerhead sharks in the Pacific Ocean, Galapagos Islands

2

Biodiversity on land and sea

Snorkel alongside penguins and sharks and spot iguanas, boobies and finches on land.

Galapagos Giant Tortoise, Galapagos Islands

3

Behind the scenes

Learn more about the conservation of giant tortoises, sharks, rays and marine iguanas.

4

Exclusivity on Natural Paradise

An exclusive Steppes trip aboard the Natural Paradise with only 15 other clients.

Explore our suggested itinerary

Map View List View

Day 1

Arrive Quito
Day 2

Quito to San Cristobal
Day 3

San Cristobal and South Plaza Islands
Day 4

South Plaza and Santa Cruz
Day 5

Rabida and Bartolome Islands
Day 6

Santiago and Santa Cruz Island
Day 7

Santa Cruz Island
Day 8

Genovesa Island
Day 9

Santiago Island
Day 10

Santa Cruz to Quito

Day 1

Arrive Quito

You will be met on arrival and transferred to your accommodation in the city.

Day 2

Quito to San Cristobal

Transfer to the airport for your flight to San Cristobal, home to a large fishing community and much of the Islands’ marine conservation work through the Galapagos Science Center. Important nursery areas for sharks and rays have recently been discovered in the mangroves, and GCT has spearheaded educational programmes in schools and the community. In the afternoon, visit one of these projects before an overnight stay in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where you are invited to a GCT-hosted dinner.

Day 3

San Cristobal and South Plaza Islands

Visit another GCT project to meet inspiring locals working to conserve these special islands before boarding the Natural Paradise in time for lunch. Set sail for South Plaza via Kicker Rock, a rock formation rising almost 150 metres above the ocean and home to varied marine life including sharks, turtles, rays and sea birds such as Nazca, blue-footed boobies and frigate birds. Also visit Witch Hill home to one of the most picturesque and wildlife rich beaches in the Galapagos.

Day 4

South Plaza and Santa Cruz

Visit South Plaza, a small island with steep cliffs formed by rising lava and now covered by Opuntia cacti. It is also home to one of the largest sea lion colonies as well as colourful yellow and red land iguanas. Journey by panga into the mangroves of Black Turtle cove on Santa Cruz Island, in search of Galapagos green turtles as well as shark species and Galapagos rays.

Day 5

Rabida and Bartolome Islands

This morning visit Rabida Island, one of the most colourful and volcanically varied islands and a great snorkelling site. It is also home to some of the rarest bird species with nine varieties of finches, large-billed flycatchers, Galapagos hawks and brown pelicans. After lunch walk to the summit of Bartolome island for incredible views of the archipelago. The beach below is perfect for snorkelling with possible sightings of the Galapagos penguin.

Day 6

Santiago and Santa Cruz Island

This morning, explore Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, walking across a 19th-century lava flow. In the afternoon, visit Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz, following a trail past beaches and lagoons to a lookout where flamingos, pintail ducks and land iguanas can be seen.

Day 7

Santa Cruz Island

Today will be spent on Santa Cruz exploring the highlands, which is prime habitat for giant tortoises. Meet with GCT conservationists working to protect these iconic animals.

Day 8

Genovesa Island

Remote Genovesa Island offers superb birdlife, from red-footed and Nazca boobies to frigate birds and lava owls. Climb Prince Philip’s Steps for cliff-top views, then walk Darwin Bay’s beach and mangrove trail to tidal pools where sea lions play.

Day 9

Santiago Island

Visit Espumilla Beach, a beautiful spot for swimming and snorkelling, where marine iguanas and Sally lightfoot crabs are often seen, before continuing to Buccaneer Cove. Later, explore Puerto Egas, home to Galapagos hawks, lava lizards and fur seals resting by the tidal pools. Land iguanas, absent since Darwin’s visit in 1835 due to invasive species, are now being successfully reintroduced, a conservation story your GCT hosts will share.

Day 10

Santa Cruz to Quito

See remnants of the US WWII presence at Bachas beach alongside Galapagos wildlife. Later disembark Natural Paradise and transfer to the airport at Baltra for your flight to Quito and onward travel arrangements.

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

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Galapagos Darwin Finch with orange beek looking down — Galapagos Darwin Finch

Waved albatross grooming on Espanola Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. — Waved albatross

Conservation in Action

Connection with Conservation

This voyage offers insight and a connection to conservation unrivalled by conventional Galapagos cruises. Due to the dynamic nature of the conservation projects here, we cannot yet be specific about the people you’ll meet but we can guarantee you will be introduced to individuals working with GCT on the frontline of conservation. These meetings will be in the field and also in social settings, over lunch and dinner for example. Expect to gain insight into the work being done to secure the future of giant tortoises and steps being taken to save some of the world’s most threatened birds, including Darwin’s finches.

Waved Albatross, Galapagos Islands — Waved Albatross

Galapagos Tortoise, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands — Galapagos tortoise

Galapagos Conservation Trust

Raising Substantial Funds for Conservation

Your participation on this voyage will help raise money for conservation. If all places are filled, Steppes Travel will make a donation of £20,000 to Galapagos Conservation Trust, helping them to conserve the vulnerable wildlife of these islands.

Learn more about the work of the Galapagos Conservation Trust.

Sundeck, Natural Paradise, Galapagos Islands — Sundeck and dining onboard Natural Paradise

Suite, Natural Paradise, Galapagos Islands — Suite onboard Natural Paradise

The Perfect Boat

Natural Paradise

A high-end 111-foot-long yacht which can accommodate 16 passengers, Natural Paradise is made up of nine cabins that vary from standard cabins with porthole windows to suites with private balconies.

With a spacious dining area, a bar and large sundeck with loungers, jacuzzi and a covered alfresco dining area, the yacht balances luxurious surroundings with plenty of space to unwind and relax. Snorkelling equipment and sea kayaks are available to use during the trip.

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Important Information

Activity Level

Low 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

Escorted by Galapagos Conservation Trust host throughout
Exclusive project visits and meetings with local conservation experts
English speaking National Park guide in the Galapagos
Domestic flights between mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos
Tourist card $20 and national park fee $100
Group transfers throughout
Bed and breakfast accommodation in Quito
Lunch, dinner and accommodation on day two in San Cristobal
Full board meals and snorkelling equipment on the Natural Paradise boat
Substantial donation to GCT
The use of our Steppes Travel App whilst travelling
24 hour emergency assistance whilst travelling

What is excluded

International flights to and from Ecuador
Visas (not necessary on a British passport) and travel insurance
Gratuities

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.

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 1(800)272-4163

Start date	End date	Days	Prices from ex. flights	Tour Expert	Group Size	Status
11/16/25	11/25/25	10 days	$9,520 pp	Kelly Hague	15 Max	FULL
10/25/26	11/03/26	10 days	$9,425 pp	Kelly Hague	15 Max	AVAILABLE	Reserve place

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Galapagos Cruise with Galapagos Conservation Trust