The Galapagos Islands

Unknown by Europeans until the 16th century and central to Darwin’s theory of evolution, an adventure to the volcanic Galapagos archipelago—one of the most biologically unique places on earth—still holds the thrill of discovery. On this expedition aboard the deluxe yacht Isabela II, you’ll view such exquisitely adapted species as the marine iguana, the world’s only seagoing lizard; the flightless cormorant; and the giant tortoise, once hunted to the brink of extinction. You’ll also witness symbiotic species, such as Darwin’s finches and land iguanas; the iguanas raise themselves up so the birds can pluck delectable parasites from their bellies. Because human presence on the islands remains relatively minimal, many animals are unafraid of visitors, allowing you to sit quietly in the midst of a penguin colony or snorkel with inquisitive sea lions.