After ascending the volcano's 3,000' flanks, the hikers camp in the four-mile wide caldera, an otherworldly landscape of lava flows and steamy fumaroles where hundreds of giant tortoises live and breed. A number of outfitters conduct nature study tours in the Galapagos Islands, ranging from 1 to 3 weeks in length. Both trips feature comfortable sailing yachts and expert naturalist guides from the Darwin Research Station. The widest variety of Galapagos trips is offered by Inca Floats, which schedules more than 80 departures to the Galapagos each year. On a typical trip, you'll travel with eight to 14 passengers on a large sailing or motor yacht, guided by a licensed naturalist.
Trips depart virtually year-round with many different variations.
Inca Floats' 18-day April trip is very similar to Wilderness Travel's Ultimate Galapagos trip. Also, there are family and friends charters without dives. Call for a free video relating to the Galapagos trips. Inca Floats also offers other various itineraries, including Galapagos with mainland Ecuador.