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.

Explore Trips Visiting Charles Darwin Center

The beautiful colorful shores of the Galapagos.

Hiking Galapagos

Hotel-Based Tour
9 Days from $4,483

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.

Enjoy seeing the beauty of these islands on an exciting kayak trip.

Galapagos Multisport

Hotel-Based Tour
8 Days from $5,502

Begin your Galapagos travels hiking on San Cristobal Island and continue the journey kayaking, snorkeling, biking, and stand up paddle boarding throughout the Galapagos where wildlife awaits at every turn, every trail side, and every shoreline! This 9-day adventurous itinerary offers unforgettable activities to explore these magical islands.

Western Islands

San Cristobal Airport to Baltra
8 Days from $3,411

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.

Eastern Islands

Baltra to San Cristobal Airport
8 Days from $3,411

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.

Deals on Small Ship Cruises to Charles Darwin Center

Trip Name	Save	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Complete Galapagos Wildlife Cruise	25%	$8250	8	May 2, 2021	Cruise the Galapagos in style on the M/V Origin on this comprehensive 8-day tour of the islands of San Cristobal, Genovesa, Isabela, Fernandina, … 0
Galapagos Origin Southern Islands	25%	$8250	8	Apr 25, 2021	Explore the Galapagos Islands on an 8-day Southern Islands cruise aboard the luxurious M/V Origin yacht. Kayak, stand up paddle board, and snorkel … 0
Eastern Islands	$1306	$3269	6	Apr 22, 2021	The Eastern Islands of the Galapagos are a great place to experience flamingos, whimbrels, tortoises and more. Board the EcoGalaxy for a 6-day tour … 0
Western Islands	$1306	$3269	6	May 1, 2021	Enjoy the Galapagos Islands aboard EcoGalaxy in 6 days, where you explore magical landscapes with unique wildlife like giant tortoises, flamingos, … 0
Southern Galapagos Islands Cruise	$957	$2427	5	Apr 27, 2021	This 5-day all inclusive cruise of the Galapagos Islands aboard the Galaxy catamaran explores the Southern Islands of Floreana, Espanola, San … 0
Northern Islands	$938	$2808	5	Apr 29, 2021	Sail to one of the most unique archipelagos in the world on this 5-day Galapagos Islands expedition aboard the Alia. The Galapagos Islands are … 0