On the enchanted islands of the Galapagos, you can hike back in time to see wildlife found nowhere else on earth. Watch dragon-like iguanas roam over the hardened lava flows and hear the unique mating call of red-footed boobies. Get up close to venerable giant tortoises as they meander among the grasses, or stay back a bit further as massive elephant bulls challenge one another on the beach. The animals are the star of the show here, but you don’t have to rough it to fully experience this unique nature. Silversea’s Silver Galapagos offers the highest standards of expedition cruising in this remote uninhabited area.

Silver Galapagos Service

The Silver Galapagos brings a level of luxury to the Galapagos that appeals to discerning travelers who want an active, outdoor experience, but at the same time desire five-star service and accommodations. It’s an intimate ship, carrying only 100 guests attended by 75 crew onboard, ensuring Silversea’s signature personalized service. Suites range from the cozy opulence of the Explorer Suite with a marble bathroom, walk-in closet, and a sitting area, to the sophisticated Silver Suite with the same plus floor-to-ceiling glass doors that lead to a private veranda.

Every suite includes butler service, adding a bespoke touch to the expedition experience. Your butler is there to pamper you and take care of every detail including:

• Welcomes you to your suite and offers a pillow menu
• Offers to unpack, clean and repack your luggage
• Refreshes your ice bucket, in-suite bar setup and preferred drinks in your refrigerator
• Makes dining reservations and serves afternoon canapés
• Arranges private fitness sessions and coordinates shore side activities with the Silver Shore Concierge
• Polishes your shoes and draws a scented whirlpool bath
• Ensures that your suite remains immaculate and turns down the bed nightly

Silver Galapagos Dining

Gastronomic excellence is a hallmark of Silversea Cruises, supported by their partnership with the prestigious Grands Chefs Relais & Châteaux. Aboard Silver Galapagos, The Restaurant offers a wide range of continental and local Ecuadorean specialties, presented and served with panache. Open seating allows you to dine when and with whom you choose. The Grill offers lighter fare and pizza on deck. In the evening, guests can grill their own seafood and meats – a popular alternative, so reservations are recommended.

Guests who have cruised other Silversea vessels and destinations should know that while the dining experience aboard Silver Galapagos is excellent, it doesn’t offer the same luxury gastronomic level as other Silversea ships because of restrictions and limitations imposed by the destination. Certain foods such as some beef, berries, and cheeses are not allowed to be imported to protect the fragile ecosystem from disease. Because of this, not all food options are possible, but that doesn’t hamper the superb quality of food served.

Your Galapagos Experience

Darwin called the Galapagos “Islands lost in time” because they are a natural museum of living history. From penguins to pink flamingos, the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands has developed independently of any human interference and therefore is completely unafraid.

Each island is like a different world with unique flora and fauna. In the morning you might take a birding trek listening for the distinctive call of the red-billed trumpet birds and in the afternoon snorkel with frolicking sea lions. You can explore a blooming coastline by Zodiac, or hike across desolate lava tubes, each with its own unique beauty.

Wildlife experts and naturalists sail aboard Silver Galapagos and give insightful lectures on their expertise. Birding and photography authorities also lead excursions and offer tips to improve your skills. The experiential learning available allows you to broaden your understanding and take phenomenal photographs to enhance the exceptional memories of your expedition cruise.

Silver Galapagos sails 7-day Galapagos expedition itineraries year-round, with departures through December 2018 currently open for reservations. For availability and special offers, contact the cruise experts at Covington Travel.