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Giant Tortise at Charles Darwin Research Centre, Santa Cruz

Charles Darwin Center Galapagos

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The Charles Darwin Research Station is a staple part of any Galapagos tour or cruise. Named for the renowned 19th century naturalist who first posited the theory of evolution & natural selection, breakthrough scientific discoveries are still being made here every year. It is located on Santa Cruz Island and serves as the headquarters for the Galapagos National Park. The most notable projects here are the iguana and tortoise breeding programs. In an effort to conserve and protect these unique, endemic animals, threatened iguana & tortoise species from various islands are bred in captivity and raised until adulthood when they are able to be repatriated into their natural environment. Visitors here can see them up close being raised from egg to maturity and interact with the scientists and volunteers who manage projects.

4 Best Explore Trips Visiting Charles Darwin Center for 2024-2025

The beautiful colorful shores of the Galapagos.

Hiking Galapagos

Hotel-Based Tour
9 Days from $5,096
Sea lions and tortoises and iguanas -- oh my! Explore some of the Islands' most remarkable regions, including snorkeling at Leon Dormido, Tortuga Bay, Frigate Hill and a hike to the rim of Sierra Negra volcano. Spend nights on the Islands in comfortable hotels on this 9-day trip with the best hiking in Galapagos.
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Enjoy seeing the beauty of these islands on an exciting kayak trip.

Galapagos Multisport

Hotel-Based Tour
8 Days from $3,817
This 8-day multisport adventure to the Galapagos Islands is packed with thrilling and unique experiences. Begin your action-packed trip with a trek on San Cristobal Island, and then continue with kayaking, snorkeling, and biking around the Galapagos, where wildlife awaits at every turn, trailside, and shoreline!
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Sea lion coming in from a swim

Western Islands

San Cristobal Airport to Baltra
8 Days from $3,561
This cruise to the Western Islands of the Galapagos allows you to witness exciting and unique plants, animals, and landscapes. Swim, hike, and explore on this 8-day tour on the Aida Maria.
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What a life!

Eastern Islands

Baltra to San Cristobal Airport
8 Days from $3,561
Travel aboard the Aida Maria to the Galapagos Islands. Witness a sea turtle nesting area, swim with penguins, see a variety of birds and wildlife, and explore lava flows on this 8-day adventure.
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4 Deals on Cruises to Charles Darwin Center for 2024-2025

Trip NameSaveFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Eastern Galapagos Catamaran CruiseSavings$58638Jun 14, 2024Take an 8-day Galapagos cruise on the Seaman Journey and experience the islands of Baltra, Genovesa, South Plaza, San Cristóbal, Floreana and …
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Galapagos Islands Expedition Cruise: Iconic Wildlife & Sublime SceneryCustom Label$57347Jun 11, 2024Be part of this spectacular 7-day expedition to the enchanting Galapagos Islands, a isolated group of volcanic islands. Its fragile ecosystem has …
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Eastern & Central IslandsCustom Label$43007Jun 10, 2024Indulge in the unique beauty of the Galapagos Islands on this 7-day adventure aboard M/Y Monserrat. Learn about the history of this unique …
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Central East & Southern IslandsCustom Label$48008Jun 20, 2024Onboard the M/Y Monserrat, embark on an 8-day fascinating trip that displays the Galapagos Islands' diverse landscapes and wildlife-rich beaches. …
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TrustScore 4.8 | 207 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
total score
Based on 207 reviews on
review score
1 hour ago
I am a returning client to Adventure Life and am very pleased with their commitment to put together a great trip. Clara replied and clarified to any and all questions we had.
Claire Palmer
review score
2 days ago
Jessica was very responsive to my questions and never balked when I asked her to go back and find more options. She really worked hard to find the right cruise for us.
Amy Siegel
review score
2 days ago
Friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable, timely. They have made us feel very comfortable for our trip!
Gregg Chamberlain
review score
2 days ago
Adventure Life took care of a lot of details for me because I flew separately and met up with the group at the start of the trip. On the return they dropped me off in Cantania and flew back to the UK as one group. I was the only American on the Exodus trip which was not a problem. Communication between the two companies was good.
Happy Camper
review score
2 days ago
We loved our time aboard the Angel. Beautiful boat and crew. Naturalist Jose Luis was incredible-very knowledgeable and thoughtful. He adapted tours to our group and we all had an amazing trip. Love staying a the quaint hacienda and the recommended activities.
Christine

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