Tel. +44 (0)1273 600030 (UK)
The pristine Galapagos Islands are protected as a World Heritage sanctuary for good reason - they are home to a vast array of unique and endemic wildlife. To maintain its unique ecosystem, tourism to the islands is tightly controlled, with a limited number of tourists allowed daily and boats being forced to follow strict guidelines. Small, environmentally friendly vessels are used with a maximum of 16 berths, offering an intimate and enjoyable experience. Waste management is closely controlled on the boats and, when on land, physical contact with the wildlife is strictly forbidden.
The plight of the waved albatross is a moving one, as many have died as a result of longline fishing off the coast of Peru. We have given substantial financial support to various organisations to help stop the needless slaughter of these magnificent birds by ensuring that relevant international agreements are implemented that will benefit both the birds and the legal fishing industry. The nature of this trip ensures that travellers become acutely aware of the importance of conservation and also become ambassadors for the continual protection of wildlife and wilderness the world over.
This trip visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in Santa Cruz, the second largest island in the Galapagos. The station’s visitor centre and museum are essential stops for anyone interested in the archipelago’s natural and human history and keen to learn more about conservation efforts to preserve the unique ecosystems of the Galapagos. It also offers visitors their best chance for close-up encounters with giant tortoises, including ‘Lonesome George’, the last of his sub-species. We also see many newborn and young giant turtles – part of the breeding program to reintroduce them into their natural habitat.
We are proud to be a member of IGTOA (International Galapagos Tour Operators Association), a non-profit association of tour operators, conservation organisations and other concerned groups that are dedicated to the lasting protection of the Galapagos. This trip is focused on respecting and benefiting the local people and the environment of this country. On this trip you will be lead by an experienced local leader passionate about their country's history, heritage and natural beauty that will help you to get 'under the skin' of their country and see it through the eyes of a local. This trip stays at locally run accommodation; we eat at local restaurants and travel on local transport. This ensures the financial return to the local economy opens up training and employment opportunities - and allows for informal and meaningful interaction between our travellers and local people.
We are also a member of The Galapagos Conservancy that is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for Galapagos conservation. Funds raised through membership of the Galapagos Conservancy support the core operations of the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park Service, both located on the island of Santa Cruz. We pay US$7 for every client visiting the Islands with us.
We also offset our carbon emissions. We think that since it’s our tours that created the emissions then it’s our responsibility to do something about them; we don’t think it’s fair to simply transfer our responsibility to you. We work with Climate Care to use Gold Standard carbon offset projects (or accredited equivalent) to offset our emissions.
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
