The Galapagos is Now

09/17/2021
Galapagos Giant Tortoise

The Galapagos Islands, secluded in the Pacific Ocean six-hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador, have long enticed intrepid travelers and wildlife aficionados. The unique ecosystem that fascinated Darwin with its pristine waters and rare wildlife can be visited in a way not seen in decades: undisturbed.
 
Thanks to thorough Covid-19 protocols, testing and vaccination, and widespread public cooperation, Ecuador has been open for tourism since July 2020. One hundred percent of Galapagos Islands’ residents over the age of 16 are already vaccinated as well as sixty-two percent of mainland Ecuadorians.
 
On your trip to the Galapagos, you will have the opportunity to spot the northernmost penguin species, the world’s only marine iguana, and the friendly Galapagos sea lions and sea turtles waiting for you to come swim with them. On land, the lumbering giant tortoises are endlessly fascinating, and the photogenic blue-footed boobies and red-throated frigates are sure to delight. Many of the 29 species of land birds on the islands are extremely tame, allowing for up-close-and-personal viewing, including 13 species known as Darwin’s finches, flycatchers, owls, hawks and mockingbirds.
 
According to the Galapagos Conservancy that protects the islands and their wildlife, 97 percent of the reptiles and mammals, 80 percent of the land birds, 30 percent of the plants and 20 percent of the marine species you’ll see on your trip to the Galapagos are endemic to the islands—you won’t find them anywhere else on earth.
 
When planning a trip to the Galapagos our friendly team of travel planners can help you find the best way to explore the islands, whether by cruise or land-based tour. A perennial favorite among the Southern Exploration’s team is the Galapagos Safari Camp. This eco-luxury option gives you all the amenities you could wish for, combined with the rugged beauty of the Santa Cruz Highlands. Galapagos Safari Camp is on a 55-hectare family-run property nestled up against the Galapagos National Park.
 
Stay in an African-style safari tent, complete with en suite bathrooms, a terrace and hammock, and a luxurious bed. A central lodge with panoramic views offers a lounge, bar, and restaurant serving up gourmet meals. Thanks to this eco-friendly, minimal footprint lodging, you will remain close to nature without sacrificing comfort. With just nine tents the experience is exclusive and the crowds non-existent. Expansive views over the Santa Cruz Highlands greet you each morning while brilliant starry nights bid you goodnight.
 
Galapagos Safari Camp is much more than exceptional accommodations: it’s a complete wilderness experience, an immersion in everything wonderful about the Galapagos. Your local guides have scouted the best locations for hiking, mountain biking, surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, scenic boat tours, and scuba diving and are ready each morning to share these delights with you.  
 
Book Galapagos Safari Camp on its own or combine it with a cruise or an island-hopping tour to explore all the magic the Galapagos Islands have to offer. Our trips are customizable and perfect for groups or individual travelers, including families.
 
To travel to the Galapagos, Ecuador requires all travelers to have a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of entry. For more about Covid-19 protocols and requirements for entry, see our page about Covid-19 safety protocols and our flexible terms and conditions for worry-free travel.

Interior of Galapagos Safari Camp tent