![Galapagos](/_astro/galapagos.DWY9knZl_j27Oq.webp)

Destination

# Galapagos

Where wildlife has never learned to fear humans

The Galapagos Islands are a living laboratory of evolution, sitting 1,000km off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific. Strict conservation rules mean the islands remain largely untouched - marine iguanas sunbathe on volcanic rock, sea lions play in the shallows, and giant tortoises roam the highlands. Chartering here is expedition-style: zodiac landings, guided nature walks, and some of the most extraordinary diving on the planet.

### Charter Info

Best time to go

Year-round. January to May is warmer and calmer; June to November has cooler Humboldt current bringing nutrient-rich water and more marine life.

Charter season

Year-round with limited yacht permits. Book well in advance - Galapagos National Park restricts vessel numbers.

Getting there

Fly to Quito or Guayaquil (Ecuador), then connect to Baltra or San Cristobal airports in the Galapagos.

## Adventures Here

What you can do from a yacht in Galapagos

[

### Wildlife & Marine

Marine iguanas, sea lions, giant tortoises, and Darwin's finches

](/adventures/wildlife/)[

### Diving & Snorkelling

Hammerhead schools at Gordon Rocks, whale sharks at Wolf and Darwin

](/adventures/diving/)[

### Expedition

Zodiac landings, volcanic landscapes, and strict conservation protocols

](/adventures/expedition/)

## Key Spots

Must-visit anchorages and activity hubs

01

### Wolf & Darwin Islands

Bucket-list diving - schooling hammerheads, whale sharks, and dolphins

02

### Isabela Island

The largest island with volcanic craters, penguins, and flamingos

03

### Santa Cruz Highlands

Giant tortoise reserves and the Charles Darwin Research Station

04

### Fernandina Island

The youngest island with massive marine iguana colonies

05

### Gordon Rocks

Challenging drift dive with guaranteed hammerhead sightings

## Yachts in the Galapagos

Charter yachts operating in Galapagos

[Browse all yachts](/yachts/?region=42)

[

![SHERAKHAN](https://dos3lsnkaxgo5.cloudfront.net/yachts/yachtfolio/1072/thumb/2I7262jRKIZU.webp)

SHERAKHAN

229ft / 69.7m ·26 guests ·13 cabins From $877,425 / week

](/yachts/?v=47)[

![HERMES](https://dos3lsnkaxgo5.cloudfront.net/yachts/yachtfolio/13340/thumb/KpsSW4fGeJlf.webp)

HERMES

164ft / 50.0m ·20 guests ·12 cabins From $300,195 / week

](/yachts/?v=1598)

## Charter in the Galapagos

Tell us what adventures you are looking for and we will find the right yacht for the Galapagos.

[Start Planning](/contact/?destination=Galapagos)

## Intel & Guides

Read before you charter in Galapagos

[Destination Intel

### Chartering an Expedition Yacht in the Galápagos: What You Need to Know

Everything you need to plan an expedition yacht charter in the Galápagos - from permits and naturalist guides to island-by-island highlights and the best season for hammerheads.

Read](/intel/intel-galapagos-expedition/) [Gear & Prep

### Cold-Water Charter Prep: Drysuits, Layering and Staying Warm from Lofoten to Antarctica

Drysuit vs wetsuit, the three-layer system and the physiology of cold water: real numbers for staying warm and safe from Lofoten to Antarctica.

Read](/intel/prep-cold-water-expedition/) [Yacht Tech

### Sustainable Expedition Yachts: Hybrid Power, Silent Running and What Green Actually Means

What sustainable actually means on an expedition yacht - hybrid propulsion, HVO fuel, silent tenders and the certifications that cut through greenwash.

Read](/intel/tech-sustainable-expedition-yachts/) [Marine World

### The Diver's Guide to Shark Encounters: Species, Sites and Behaviour by Charter Yacht

Where reef sharks, hammerheads, tigers, bulls and whale sharks gather, when to be there, and how to choose an ethical shark-diving operator.

Read](/intel/marine-shark-species-guide/)

[All intel & guides](/intel/)