New Scientist

Offering great itineraries with a scientific focus to appealing destinations, New Scientist's experts are drawn from an extensive network of editors, journalists, academics, and authors. You will be travelling with like-minded guests who enjoy the discovery of science, leading to better interaction with our tour experts and deep organic conversations with fellow guests.

Marine conservation cruise exploring Darwin’s Galápagos with Jo Ruxton MBE

Explore the Galápagos Islands, the infinite bucket list destination for wildlife enthusiasts, accompanied by conservation advocate, Jo Ruxton MBE.  

Sitting in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador are the 19 islands and dozens of rocks and islets that make up the impeccable, otherworldly and on-many-a-bucket-list archipelago of the Galápagos Islands. Serving as inspiration for Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, it will come as no surprise that a myriad of exotic species inhabits the islands and around the sea of rocky formations and islets. 

We have curated a distinctive trip to this paradise for natural history and geology lovers, which includes an extended visit to the Charles Darwin Research Stationj on Santa Cruz Island.

Your home whilst in The Galápagos is the spacious and stylish yacht, the Solaris, small enough to navigate into bays that larger expedition ships cannot go near, so you get to truly immerse yourself in the stunning islands. We have carefully chosen this yacht which takes just 15 guests, including five dedicated solo cabins and five twin/double cabins. You can choose to be active with daily short hikes and snorkeling opportunities, or relax aboard the well-appointed yacht.

Meet The Onboard Expert

Jo Ruxton - Marine Conservation Expert

Credited by David Attenborough as being one of the key driving forces behind plastic awareness, Jo Ruxton has been instrumental in marine conservation efforts around the world, having previously worked with conservation group WWF, the BBC Natural History Unit and the celebrated Blue Planet team. Jo co-founded the Ocean Generation charity (previously the Plastic Oceans Foundation) in 2010 and produced the acclaimed documentary A Plastic Ocean. In January 2022, Jo was awarded an MBE in the New Years Honours list.

Highlights

• Explore the wildlife-rich islands of Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago and Rabida.
• From blue-footed boobies to giant tortoises, get up close to spectacular wildlife, coral and volcanoes.
• Accompanied by film producer and marine biologist Jo Ruxton, founder of the charity, Ocean Generation.
• Travel aboard the Solaris, a high-end motor yacht.
• Whilst in the Galápagos, accompanied by English-speaking National Park guide in the Galápagos who will offer an insight into the island's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage
• Relaxation of the highest order plus daily short hikes and snorkeling opportunities.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival transfer in Quito, 1 night Casona de la Ronda
Day 2 – flight to Galápagos, to board the Solaris for a 6-night cruise
Day 3 – Extended visit to Charles Darwin Research Station
Day 4 – Tintoreras, Wetlands & Tortoise breeding Centre (Isabela)
Day 5 – Moreno Point & Tagus Cove (Isabela)
Day 6 – Punta Espinosa (Fernandina), Vicente Roca Point (Isabela)
Day 7 – Espumilla Beach, Buccaneer’s Cove, Puerto Agas (Santiago)
Day 8 – Rabida (Rabida), Chinese Hat (Santiago)
Day 9 – Las Bachas Beach (Santa Cruz), transfer to airport – flight to Guayaquil or Quito

Prices from £7,999 per person

Prices are based on twin/double cabins sailing on two dates: 14th July 2025 and 28th July 2025. Please specify which date you are interested in when enquiring.

Inclusions:

• Travel with Jo Ruxton throughout the cruise
• Four-star hotel in Quito
• Group transfers throughout including from/to Quito airport.
• Domestic flights between mainland Ecuador and the Galápagos
• Full board, soft drinks and activity equipment on the Solaris
• English-speaking National Park guide in the Galápagos

Ship