Ultimate Galapagos: Central Islands (Grand Daphne)

Seven nights aboard a small cruise boat around the central Galapagos Islands, with a naturalist guide leading every landing and snorkel. This is wildlife travel at close range — sea lions, turtles, penguins and reef sharks in the water, boobies and pelicans overhead, land iguanas on the shore.

The days are built around getting into the landscape rather than viewing it from a distance: wet and dry landings, Zodiac transfers to smaller islets, and walks across volcanic ground. It suits people who want to be active and hands-on with the environment, not just look at it from the deck.

Life on board is simple and shared across three decks with steep stairs between them, and the sea can turn choppy even though it's usually calm. Good humour and flexibility matter here, as the itinerary can shift with weather or local authority guidance.

What you'll do

• Snorkel with sea lions, white-tipped reef sharks, sea turtles and penguins
• Spot boobies, pelicans and other seabirds at North Seymour and Caleta Bucanero
• Walk the volcanic landscape of Punta Espinosa
• See land iguanas and flightless cormorants on the islands
• Seven nights cruising the central Galapagos with a naturalist guide