A naturalist’s dream, the volcanic Galapagos Archipelago is a unique and pristine ecosystem. These islands played a vital part in the development of Charles Darwin’s ground-breaking On the Origin of Species and in 1959 became the first ever UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Ecuador, the volcanic Galapagos Islands, known as a “Living Laboratory,” are home to an incredible array of species, many of which are not found anywhere else on Earth. A yacht charter cruising in the Galapagos Islands is a once in a lifetime opportunity and should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Why Go: Discover the unique and endemic wildlife almost all of which cannot be found anywhere else. Birds, reptiles, marine wildlife, mammals, marine iguanas, lava lizards, exotic flora and fauna, giant cacti, finches, flightless cormorants and the famed giant tortoises.

When to Go: Year-round although the water temperature is warmer between January and June.

Essential Ports: Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, San Cristobal, Espanola, Genovesa, Santiago, Floreana, Mosquera Islet, South Plaza, North Seymour Baltra, Fernandina and Isabela.