Galápagos Close-Ups
YOUR GUIDE TO THE ARCHIPELAGO’ S ULTIMATE WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS
By Chris Dobrogosz
Kicker Rock
Ask any expedition leader and they’ ll tell you the same thing: the Galápagos Islands aren’ t a zoo where the animals are kept wild— they’ re a stage, and you’ re invited to wander through the show. With Ecuadorian National Park rules having tightened in recent years, and a strict naturalist-guide requirement for every landing, access is precious— and wonderfully controlled to keep it that way. So how do you make the most of it? Aim for encounters that happen on the animals’ terms, focus on a few standout species, and savor the moments most visitors only hear about once they’ re back on the ship.
Galápagos
10 · ESCAPE Summer 2025