Galapagos captivates visitors. These islands surprise, challenge, and enchant. For children, the Galapagos sorcery is amplified; encountering a giant tortoise is like coming face-to-face with a Jurassic figment. That’s powerful island alchemy, but much more awaits. Swimming with a penguin is pure joy. Seeing a pod of orcas on the hunt is thrilling. Gazing into the Milky Way on a moonless Pacific night is deep magic.
A journey here is time travel to a pristine age awash in life—an example of what once was and what can be again. The memories you make here are unforgettable.
Born in isolation without terrestrial predators, the islands’ resident species acquired unique forms and behaviors. Their native innocence sparks unparalleled encounters. On an African safari, most of the lolling wildlife won’t even recognize you as distinct from your Land Rover. But here, under the guidance of expert naturalists, you can experience nature’s curiosity, genius, and playfulness as nowhere else.
LANDED’s team of experts has guided discerning travelers through these islands for more than 20 years, crafting one-of-a-kind custom journeys.
Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with extended family, we’ll help you navigate the sea of options. Then, we handle all the details. Prepared and at ease, you’ll be fully present to experience and enjoy the wonder of the Galapagos.
LANDED’s Galapagos experts are recommended by countless travelers, and Conde Nast Traveler recommends LANDED as “top travel advisors”.
Isn’t it time to recover your sense of wonder?
Why LANDED Is the Best Choice for Luxury Travel in the Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands demand precision, creativity, and insider connections. Entry is regulated. Logistics are complex. Personal relationships are highly valued.
LANDED excels where the big catalog and call-center firms cannot. We know the Galapagos first-hand and by heart.
Your personal Galapagos travel designer is a true destination expert who can answer all of your questions and guide you through the options.
Entirely Custom, Always Private
We won’t sell off-the-shelf template travel. Every LANDED Galapagos journey is true original, designed tabula rasa—shaped around your pace, your passions, and your priorities.
LANDED can arrange:
- Private yacht and motor-catamaran charters
- Tailored island stays at boutique lodges and soulful private villas
- Charter flights
- Coordination, guides, entry fees, and permits
- Flexible itineraries that adapt to wildlife conditions and personal preferences
Nothing is one-size-fits-all. Everything is intentional. This is travel as storytelling, with you at the center.
Trusted Expertise, Seamless Execution
Our team works directly with the Galápagos’ most respected naturalist guides, charter vessels, conservationists, and boutique operators. We understand how to unlock rare experiences while honoring the fragile ecosystem.
From the moment you depart to the moment you return home, everything is handled—quietly, precisely, flawlessly.
Your tailor-made LANDED journey to the Galapagos Islands is just over the horizon. Start the conversation with your expert travel designer today. You’ll quickly realize that you’re in the best of hands.
Private Charters in the Galapagos Islands
No crowds. No compromises. Just you, your chosen companions, and a seamless passage into one of the planet’s most extraordinary environments—delivered with quiet elegance and true hospitality.
Private by Design
LANDED arranges charter flights and exclusive-use vessels—from family-friendly yachts and motor-catamarans to small ships. Charter options prioritize privacy, space, and flexibility—luxuries that make a difference in these remote islands.
Customization Without Limits
Wildlife-focused? Photographic? Adventurous? Celebratory? LANDED designs journeys around why you are traveling, not just where.
Expert-Led, Not Overcrowded
Our guides, expedition leaders, and crew are selected for depth, not volume. You’ll never feel herded. You’ll feel guided—intelligently and intuitively.
Seamless Logistics
The Galapagos rewards those who plan obsessively and adapt gracefully. LANDED’s behind-the-scenes management frees you to stay fully present and savor the magic of these islands.
The Galapagos Islands for Multi-Generational Families
Few destinations inspire every generation at once. The Galapagos Islands do.
LANDED specializes in multi-generational family travel and milestone journeys—experiences that bring families together across ages, interests, and abilities.
The Galapagos is one of our favorite family destinations. With our own children we have surfed, snorkeled with sharks and sea turtles, kayaked, boogie boarded, hiked volcanoes, cruised, and enjoyed up close wildlife. We can help you do the same.
No matter the age of your kids, visiting the Galapagos as a family is possible, worthwhile, and unforgettable. That’s not a pitch; it’s a parent-to-parent testimonial. When you work with LANDED, you receive our first-hand recommendations born of experience.
Imagine:
- A grandparent snorkeling with a grandchild among playful sea lions, sea turtles, and penguins.
- Hiking among lava fields for a dip in freshwater crater.
- An evening with a conservation expert teaching your family to speak sea lion.
- Walking with giant tortoises through the misty highlands.
Legacy moments are created through meaningful connection and a shared sense of experience. This is not just another vacation; it is an inheritance of family lore.
The native land and bird species are not dangerous. The hikes, wildlife tours, and snorkeling in Galapagos can all be adapted for younger travelers.
LANDED specializes in complex, multi-generational travel. We’ll help you navigate the options, creating a journey that prioritizes your family’s comfort, safety, and style. We’ll tailor your experience to the variety of energy levels and interests, without diluting the experience.
LANDED’s expert travel designers are recommended by countless families like yours. Conde Nast Traveler recommends LANDED as “top travel advisors” for Family Travel.
The LANDED Difference for Couples
Some couples have Hawaii or Saint Barthélemy. For us, it’s the Galapagos. We’ve been coming here for more that 20 years—drawn back by the beauty, solitude, and otherworldliness of these remote islands. One trip to Galapagos and you’ll understand.
Couples trust LANDED because we understand that connection in a place like this isn’t about extravagance—it’s about connection, discovery, and meaning.
- Private moments on your deck to watch the sunset or marvel at the clarity of the Milky Way
- Tailored pacing that leaves room for reflection, not just exploration.
- Enriching natural encounters with the landscape and wildlife.
- A sense of well-being—supported by professionals who anticipate.
For your unforgettable Galapagos honeymoon, anniversary, or once-in-a-lifetime escape, LANDED creates journeys that are personal, soulful, and transformative.
Meaningful Luxury
In the Galapagos Islands, luxury is not about opulence. It is about depth, connection, and confidence as you adventure. It is:
- The time and flexibility to stop and revel in an encounter with migrating whales;
- Sunsets and the Milky Way viewed from your private deck; and
- Meaningful encounters with wildlife, and those who protect this paradise.
Galapagos luxury is appropriate to this precious, pristine environment. It is discreet and purposeful—allowing the islands’ wonders to take center stage.
LANDED designs journeys that respect the ecosystem, support conservation, and leave travelers changed in quiet, lasting ways.
You will return home not just having seen the Galapagos—but having been forever changed by them.
When to Visit The Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are located at the equator. You might expect a tropical climate, but most areas of the islands are arid and dry. Year round, you can expect highs from the upper 70s F to upper 80s F, with lows between 75F and 65F.
The island’s lack of shade and the equatorial sun combine to take a toll on visitors. Reflective sand and lava can magnify the effect. Sun protection and attention to hydration are essential.
WARM SEASON
The sunniest, warmest months are also the rainiest. Air temperatures are finally high enough to condense the mist to rain. But even the rainiest month, March, has only about two inches of precipitation for the entire month.
High temperatures reach the upper 80s, with lows near 72F. The Panama Current prevails, with water temperatures near 75F.
COOL SEASON
During the cool season (roughly June to November) you may encounter mist, but virtually no rain. The mist is welcome; these islands receive direct overhead sun, and have very little shade. Expect highs near 80F.
The deep-water, nutrient-rich Humboldt Current prevails, cooling the water temperatures by several degrees. The nourishing current brings more ocean-going species. The abundance of fish coincides with the height of the breeding season for many of the island’s avian species. Winds and seas are somewhat less calm than in Warm Season.
KEY MONTHS
May is often cited as the ideal month in terms of weather, water temperature, and wildlife. Candidly, guides will tell you their favorite months are April / May or December / January.
September is traditionally the least visited month; many cruise and land operators shut down in September for annual dry dock or repairs. Still, some visitors prefer to be in Galapagos at times when fewer people are in the islands.
The busiest months mid-June to September and mid-December to mid-January. June to September is a season with families from North America, South America, and Europe on school vacation. December to January is festive season—also
a busy travel time for families. The most sought-after festive season space (mid-December to mid-January) often sells out 18 months in advance.
Bottom Line:
There is no “bad” or “wrong” time to visit the Galapagos Islands. This is a year-round, equatorial destination with very little seasonal or temperature change.
Species migration is rarer than elsewhere; most birds are in residence continually. Rainfall is low and welcome. Seas are generally calm.
EACH MONTH HAS ITS PROS AND CONS
The month you’re able to travel may not seem ideal, but, if you find yourself with the rare opportunity to visit the Galapagos, take it.
Sample Galapagos Journeys
The Galapagos Islands can be explored on their own or combined seamlessly with other destinations in South America, such as the Ecuadorian Highlands, the Amazon Basin, or Machu Picchu.
Each LANDED itinerary is tailored to your requirements, style, and interests.
For more than 20 years, LANDED has designed creative, original itineraries for discerning travelers. Let us help you experience the Galapagos Islands with intention, comfort, and confidence.
Begin Your Private Galapagos Journey
The Galapagos Islands are finite and precious. Access is limited. Timing matters.
If you’re ready to experience the Enchanted Isles in a way that is private, intentional, and entirely your own, we invite you to start the conversation with LANDED.