The Galapagos Explorer

The relative inaccessibility of the Galapagos Islands, situated some 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, has helped to preserve its unique eco-system and wildlife. Having enchantingly experienced hardly any threatening contact with humans, most Galapagan birds and animals delightfully allow themselves to be observed from extremely close quarters. Discovered and named as early as the 16th century, this utopian archipelago developed in relative obscurity until a groundbreaking visit by Charles Darwin in 1835, from which he developed his Theory of Evolution.

The most convenient way to visit the islands is, like Darwin, by ship and we have been fortunate enough to secure passages aboard the very finest vessel in the region, MV Galapagos Explorer II. Exceptional in almost every respect, it is an elegantly appointed vessel with a dedicated ‘family’ of staff including several enthusiastic Galapagos wildlife experts. In terms of its cuisine and its facilities, it happily competes with top quality vessels of its size from anywhere else in the world and additionally provides an outstanding educational experience. Two stays in Andean Quito complete our arrangement offering the opportunity to enjoy magnificent mountain vistas and the city’s outstanding Spanish colonial heritage.

VJV Special Event - Charles Darwin Lecture
here will be a special lecture on board the Galapagos Explorer to commemorate Charles Darwin and the publication of ‘On the Origin of Species’, which was inspired by his visit to the Galapagos.

†Sightseeing whilst in the Galapagos will be in groups of 16.