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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 $3,249
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 $3,249
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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6 Deals on Cruises to Charles Darwin Center for 2024-2025

Trip NameSaveFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Eastern IslandsSavings$31924Oct 18, 2024This Galapagos cruise gives you the amazing opportunity to explore the highlights of the southern islands on this 4-day cruise full of exploration …
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Eastern IslandsSavings$56858Oct 18, 2024Visit the Galapagos Islands aboard Tip Top IV during this 8-day cruise, where you'll enjoy the snorkeling in South Plaza, a panga ride in Turtle …
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Islands Circumnavigation - WestCustom Label$82908Oct 19, 2024Circumnavigate the Western Islands of the Galapagos aboard the Ocean Spray. Spend time viewing wildlife, birds and volcanoes on this 8-day adventure.
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Western IslandsCustom Label$61906Nov 2, 2024Experience Galapagos penguins, Elizabeth Bay and more on a cruise through the Western Islands. Enjoy hiking, snorkeling and dinghy rides on this …
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Eastern IslandsSavings$59228Oct 25, 2024Travel to Baltra, Genovesa, Santa Fe, San Cristobal, Floreana and more on this 8-day tour of the. Board the Tip Top II for a vacation full of unique …
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Eastern IslandsSavings$59228Oct 25, 2024Travel to Baltra, Genovesa, Santa Fe, San Cristobal, Floreana and more on this 8-day tour of the Galapagos Islands. Board the Tip Top V for a …
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TrustScore 4.8 | 340 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
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Based on 340 reviews on
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1 hour ago
Mary Curry is the BEST! I have worked with her for multiple family trips for over 10 years, and she is responsive, works within your preferences and budget, has great suggestions and has personal travel experience at many of the locations. We prefer active family vacations and Adventure Life and Mary Curry make sure that is what we get!
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13 hours ago
Bhutan with stopover in Bangkok. All of our trips with Adventure Life have featured guides and drivers of top professional calibre, a great way to travel. This itinerary was no exception.
Steve Metzler
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2 days ago
Very prompt responses. Erin found us the trip we were looking for and gave us good advice.
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4 days ago
The travel planner was very knowledgeable about the countries I will be visiting and was very helpful in booking my trip. It was a great experience in dealing with them - very personable and promptly address any of my concerns.
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5 days ago
This will be the third trip I have arranged with Adventure Life and I find their customer service and helpfulness to be excellent. Sandra has been very knowledgeable in describing the details of the planned trip as well as the signing up process for the trip. I have and will continue to recommend Adventure Life as the best tour vendor I have had the pleasure to work with. Thank you for your continued excellence.
Linda Haugh

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