San Cristóbal, Galapagos to San Cristóbal, Galapag

More than 560 miles from the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands are renowned for their extraordinary biodiversity. Discover some of the world’s rarest flora and fauna on a cruise here.

At Genovesa Island the ship tucks into Darwin Bay, an ancient volcanic crater now flooded by the sea. Zodiacs land on a picturesque sandy beach where Galapagos sea lions often rest on the fine, white sand. Explorations along the shore may reveal marine iguanas looking like prehistoric dinosaurs in miniature. By heading inland a short distance visitors could encounter seabirds of all shapes and sizes nesting in the vegetation. Scores of immature Red-footed Boobies perch on branches within an arm’s reach of the path. In addition, watch for Great Frigatebirds and Yellow-crowned Night Herons along the walk. There is also fantastic snorkeling in the waters of Darwin Bay with the opportunity to see large schools of reef fish and brightly colored sea stars.

The landing at North Seymour Island is onto black lava rock. After a short climb, visitors arrive on the island’s flat plateau where a number of sea lions nurse pups and frigatebirds nest. The island is dry, and so the predominant tree is the prickly pear cactus favored by the yellow Conolophus land iguanas that live here in number. The undulating terrain is littered with red-brown volcanic boulders and large male Magnificent Frigatebirds can be seen inflating their vivid red gular sacs in hopes of impressing females flying overhead. View less At certain times of the year, pairs of Blue-footed Boobies dance here in a ritualized mating dance that reinforces their pair bond and shows off their vivid blue feet. The snorkeling here is well-known for schools of colorful creole wrasses and parrot fish.

More than 560 miles from the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands are renowned for their extraordinary biodiversity. Discover some of the world’s rarest flora and fauna on a cruise here.

A day at sea aboard Silver Wind offers the perfect mix of indulgence, discovery and relaxation, with every moment shaped by Silversea’s trademark elegance. Mornings might begin gently, with breakfast delivered by your butler, with freshly baked pastries, tropical fruits, and steaming coffee, savoured on your veranda as the horizon stretches endlessly before you. For those who prefer a livelier start, the Fitness Centre provides state-of-the-art equipment and energising classes, while a walk on deck with the sea breezes for company offers an invigorating way to greet the day. As the morning unfolds, there are countless ways to spend your time. The Observation Library is a serene spot for quiet reflection, where panoramic views frame the perfect setting for reading or simply enjoying the stillness of the sea. If creativity calls, the Photo Studio gives guests the chance to refine their photography skills with professional-grade equipment and expert guidance. Others may be tempted by a browse through the Boutique, where designer fashions, fragrances and accessories offer a touch of retail indulgence. When lunchtime arrives, the ship’s dining venues cater to every taste. The Restaurant serves elegant cuisine, while La Terrazza offers authentic Italian dishes made from the finest ingredients, enjoyed indoors or al fresco. For something more casual, The Grill provides poolside favourites by day and Silversea’s interactive Hot Rocks concept by night, where you cook premium meats and seafood on sizzling volcanic stones at your table. Afternoons are often dedicated to relaxation. Many guests retreat to the Pool Deck, where attentive staff are on hand with chilled drinks as you stretch out on a lounger or take a dip in the heated pool. The Zagara Beauty Spa provides an oasis of calm, offering massages, facials and body treatments that soothe both body and mind. At the Zagara Beauty Salon, hairstyling and grooming services add those finishing touches that leave you feeling refreshed and ready for the evening ahead. As twilight falls, the atmosphere shifts and the ship takes on a new energy. Perhaps you’ll start with an aperitif in Dolce Vita, where the sounds of a live pianist and the lively mood make it the perfect place to mingle. Dinner might mean classic French elegance at La Dame, authentic Italian flavours at La Terrazza, or a social meal at The Grill under the stars. Each restaurant brings its own sense of occasion, paired with Silversea’s signature service. Evenings on Silver Wind are designed to suit every mood. The Show Lounge hosts productions, concerts and lectures, while the Casino provides the thrill of the tables late into the night. For a quieter pace, Connoisseur’s Corner offers fine cigars and premium spirits in a sophisticated setting, while the Panorama Lounge is ideal for live music, cocktails, and dancing against a backdrop of sweeping views. Whether you choose a vibrant night out or a peaceful drink in elegant surroundings, each day at sea ends with the sense of having been truly indulged.

A day at sea aboard Silver Wind offers the perfect mix of indulgence, discovery and relaxation, with every moment shaped by Silversea’s trademark elegance. Mornings might begin gently, with breakfast delivered by your butler, with freshly baked pastries, tropical fruits, and steaming coffee, savoured on your veranda as the horizon stretches endlessly before you. For those who prefer a livelier start, the Fitness Centre provides state-of-the-art equipment and energising classes, while a walk on deck with the sea breezes for company offers an invigorating way to greet the day. As the morning unfolds, there are countless ways to spend your time. The Observation Library is a serene spot for quiet reflection, where panoramic views frame the perfect setting for reading or simply enjoying the stillness of the sea. If creativity calls, the Photo Studio gives guests the chance to refine their photography skills with professional-grade equipment and expert guidance. Others may be tempted by a browse through the Boutique, where designer fashions, fragrances and accessories offer a touch of retail indulgence. When lunchtime arrives, the ship’s dining venues cater to every taste. The Restaurant serves elegant cuisine, while La Terrazza offers authentic Italian dishes made from the finest ingredients, enjoyed indoors or al fresco. For something more casual, The Grill provides poolside favourites by day and Silversea’s interactive Hot Rocks concept by night, where you cook premium meats and seafood on sizzling volcanic stones at your table. Afternoons are often dedicated to relaxation. Many guests retreat to the Pool Deck, where attentive staff are on hand with chilled drinks as you stretch out on a lounger or take a dip in the heated pool. The Zagara Beauty Spa provides an oasis of calm, offering massages, facials and body treatments that soothe both body and mind. At the Zagara Beauty Salon, hairstyling and grooming services add those finishing touches that leave you feeling refreshed and ready for the evening ahead. As twilight falls, the atmosphere shifts and the ship takes on a new energy. Perhaps you’ll start with an aperitif in Dolce Vita, where the sounds of a live pianist and the lively mood make it the perfect place to mingle. Dinner might mean classic French elegance at La Dame, authentic Italian flavours at La Terrazza, or a social meal at The Grill under the stars. Each restaurant brings its own sense of occasion, paired with Silversea’s signature service. Evenings on Silver Wind are designed to suit every mood. The Show Lounge hosts productions, concerts and lectures, while the Casino provides the thrill of the tables late into the night. For a quieter pace, Connoisseur’s Corner offers fine cigars and premium spirits in a sophisticated setting, while the Panorama Lounge is ideal for live music, cocktails, and dancing against a backdrop of sweeping views. Whether you choose a vibrant night out or a peaceful drink in elegant surroundings, each day at sea ends with the sense of having been truly indulged.

Impressive Pahoehoe lava field that lies between two active volcanoes, Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul, on the south coast of Isabela Island. The rich waters of Cromwell current wash the shores, and as a result, you can see the largest marine iguanas of the archipelago basking on the rocks, flightless cormorants and Galapagos penguins diving for food. Snorkeling can be one of the coldest of the trip, but also one of the most rewarding experiences with good chances to see penguins “flying” underwater, Green Sea Turtles, and Marine Iguanas feeding. View less During the walk you will experience, as an oasis in a desert of lava, some coastal lagoons in the middle of the field, here you can find shorebirds such as White-cheeked Pintail Ducks, Black-necked Stilts and even sometimes Flamingos.

Los Gemelos (The Twins) is a visitor site in the Santa Cruz highlands. Found some 15 kilometers northwest of Puerto Ayora, the road leading from Puerto Ayora in the south of Santa Cruz to Itabaca in the north dissects the twin pit craters. Pit craters are formed when the roof of an underground void collapses. The smaller pit crater is on the eastern side of the road, while the larger one is on the western side. See from above, the two openings in the ground are not at all identical. View less Their layout might imply an elongated magma chamber or a lava tube leading further west and the larger twin actually having formerly been two small pit craters whose connecting wall collapsed as well. Trails through a Scalesia forest not only give access to good views of the pit craters, but also permit to observe some of the smaller land birds. Vermilion Flycatchers, Yellow Warblers, Galapagos Doves, Medium Ground Finches and several other finch species can often be seen there.

Isla Champion is a small islet off Floreana Island’s northeast coast. To cruise by it reveals a bare, rocky island without much allure, but to enter the infinitely blue waters around this small landmass is to discover a spectacular underwater realm. The visibility is generally impressive and thanks to this water clarity snorkelers often spot reef sharks patrolling the reef wall, cruising Pacific green turtles, and playful Galapagos sea lions. Encounters in the blue with thousands of small silver minnows, large tuna fish, or oceanic sunfish are not unheard of either.

Punta Suárez lies at the western point of Española, the oldest island in the Galápagos. Sheer cliffs provide superb thermals for seabirds and you may spot Swallow-tailed Gulls, Nazca Boobies and Blue-footed Boobies on the breeze. The largest seabird to nest in the Galapagos Islands is the Waved Albatross. These ocean wanderers can be seen seasonally here from April through December, when pairs reunite on Española, going through an elaborate pair-bonding display. View less Mockingbirds, doves, and occasional Galápagos Hawks can also be seen on the point, along with sea lions and colorful marine iguanas.

More than 560 miles from the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands are renowned for their extraordinary biodiversity. Discover some of the world’s rarest flora and fauna on a cruise here.

More than 560 miles from the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands are renowned for their extraordinary biodiversity. Discover some of the world’s rarest flora and fauna on a cruise here.