Galapagos: A Birder’s Paradise

There's no better way to experience the incredible birdlife of the Galapagos Islands than on an expedition cruise. The Galapagos archipelago is a birder's paradise, home to numerous endemic species and offering unparalleled opportunities for close encounters with some of the world's rarest and most fascinating birds. 

Why Expedition Cruising is Ideal for Galapagos Birding 

Expedition cruising provides several key advantages for birdwatchers in the Galapagos: 

1. Access to remote islands: Many of the best birding spots are on uninhabited islands only accessible by boat. 
2. Expert naturalist guides: Expedition ships have knowledgeable ornithologists on board who can help identify species and provide insights into bird behavior. 
3. Flexibility: Itineraries can be adjusted to maximize bird sightings based on seasonal patterns and recent reports. 
4. Comfortable base: After a day of birding, you can return to luxurious accommodations and amenities on board. 
5. Expedition ships are sustainable and among their goals is to protect endangered species. 

Must-See Galapagos Birds 

The Galapagos Islands are home to 56 native bird species, with 45 of them being endemic. Some of the most sought-after species include: 

1. Waved Albatross: Only found on Española Island from April to December.
2. Flightless Cormorant: Endemic to Fernandina and Isabela islands. 
3. Galapagos Penguin: The only penguin species found north of the equator. 
4. Blue-footed Booby: Famous for their bright blue feet and mating dance. 
5. Frigatebirds: Both Magnificent and Great Frigatebird species can be observed. 
6. Darwin's Finches: 13 species of these evolutionary marvels are spread across the islands. 

Best Expedition Cruises Top Picks for the Galapagos 

1. Lindblad Expeditions: With over 50 years of experience in the Galapagos, Lindblad offers expert-led birding expeditions on their ships National Geographic Endeavour II and National Geographic Islander II.
   Lindblad is affiliated with National Geographic and recently added 2 more ships with which to explore this region. 
2. Aqua Expeditions: Their superyacht Aqua Mare carries only 16 guests for a truly personalized experience. Various itineraries are available with 5, 7 or 14 nights. 
3. Silversea Cruises: Their ship Silver Origin provides an ultra-luxury experience that pampers only 100 guests, combined with expert naturalist guides and state-of-the-art exploration technology. 
4. Hx: They partner with the National Audubon Society. Ask us about Audubon sailings and discounts for members. 

These expedition cruise lines not only provide access to the best birding locations but also offer onboard lectures, photography workshops, and comfortable viewing areas to enhance your birding experience. The Galapagos Islands offers birding enthusiasts an unparalleled opportunity to observe some of the world's most unique avian species in their natural habitat. With expert guidance, flexible itineraries, and luxurious accommodations, it's the ultimate way to experience the ornithological wonders of this remarkable archipelago. 

Our expedition experts can help you select the best expedition cruise for your needs. We work with all the major companies and keep abreast of itineraries and promotions. 

Call for a free consultation.