A Sustainable Expedition Aboard the Galápagos Legend

I spent 10 days in the Galápagos Islands as part of a study-abroad experience during college, exploring the islands aboard the Galápagos Legend with Go Galápagos. Looking back, I can't imagine a better way to experience this remarkable destination. A cruise allows travelers to reach remote islands and wildlife-rich locations that would be very difficult to visit independently, while also minimizing the logistical challenges of moving between islands. The vessel strikes a great balance, offering the stability and comforts of a larger ship—including excellent meals that exceeded expectations—while maintaining the intimate atmosphere of a true nature expedition.

Throughout the voyage, we visited several iconic destinations, including San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, Isabela, and Fernandina Island, as well as the Charles Darwin Research Center. Each island offered a completely different landscape and ecosystem, ranging from barren volcanic fields to lush highlands. Some days were spent hiking volcanic terrain and observing unique wildlife from designated trails, while others focused on snorkeling in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. The daily schedule constantly balanced adventure, education, and conservation.

The wildlife encounters were unlike anything I've experienced elsewhere. One of my favorite memories was snorkeling with sea lions, which seemed just as curious about us as we were about them. They would dart, spin, and play in the water right around our group, creating an experience that felt almost magical. We also spotted sea turtles gliding through the currents, observed prehistoric marine iguanas sunning on the rocks, and stood close to nesting blue-footed boobies, which offered a fascinating glimpse into the unique behaviors that make the archipelago world-famous.

The onboard experience was equally impressive. The crew was incredibly welcoming, and the certified naturalist guides were exceptional educators. Every excursion felt thoughtfully planned, and the guides helped us understand not only what we were seeing but also why conservation efforts in the Galápagos are so crucial. Even the small touches made the trip memorable; excursion groups were named after local wildlife, and my group proudly carried the name "Blue-Footed Boobies" throughout the journey.

I would highly recommend a Galápagos cruise to travelers who love wildlife, active adventures, and meaningful travel experiences. It's particularly well-suited for nature enthusiasts, photographers, families with older children, and anyone looking to see one of the world's most extraordinary ecosystems in a responsible way. While luxury accommodations are available, the true luxury of the Galápagos is the opportunity to witness wildlife thriving in an environment where conservation comes first. For an unforgettable mainland pairing, I highly suggest spending a couple of days before your cruise exploring the historic plazas of Quito and staying at a boutique heritage hotel like Casa Gangotena.

• Expect an active itinerary that may include hiking, snorkeling, zodiac landings, and early mornings.

• Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, quick-dry clothing, and motion sickness medication if you're sensitive to being on boats.

• If snorkeling is available on your itinerary, don't skip it. Some of the most memorable wildlife encounters happen underwater.

• A cruise is one of the most efficient ways to see multiple islands and experience the diversity of landscapes and wildlife across the archipelago.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Galápagos Islands page.