A luxury tented camp set in the highlands of Santa Cruz, Galapagos Safari Camp offers a land-based way to explore the Enchanted Islands.
Set within 135 acres of private parkland, this family-run retreat brings the tented safari model to the tropics. Nine stylish canvas tents and a three-bedroom lodge sit above the forest canopy, opening onto misty highland views and a soundtrack of birdsong.
Exploration is at the heart of each stay – hiking through volcanic terrain, kayaking with sea lions, travelling by boat to uninhabited neighbouring islands. It’s a wonderful stop before or after a cruise, or for travellers looking to experience the Galapagos without too much time at sea.
What we love about Galapagos Safari Camp
- Nine simple teak-floored safari tents, decorated in a safari style, with en-suite bathrooms, solar-powered showers, and balconies overlooking the ocean.
- The three-bedroom Family Suite is ideal for multi-generational groups, with its own living area and veranda.
- Each stay is entirely personalised, with private excursions and a dedicated expert guide who will tailor plans to weather, wildlife movements, and energy levels.
- Dining is fresh, local and seasonal, served in the main lodge, using produce from the estate’s farm.
- Sustainability is integral: tents are low-impact, purified rainwater is used across the property, native cacao is grown on-site, and guests can contribute to reforestation projects.
Explore lava tunnels, hike volcanic craters, cycle through the highlands, or snorkel with turtles and rays in quiet bays.
Boat excursions take you to neighbouring uninhabited islands, such as North Seymour, Bartolomé, South Plaza, each home to a cast of endemic wildlife. Kayak alongside sea lions, surf remote breaks, or dive with hammerheads if you’re feeling bold.
You’ll encounter blue-footed boobies mid-courtship, marine iguanas sprawled across black rock, and giant tortoises ambling through the misty forest, entirely unbothered by your presence.
Back at camp, there are plenty of engaging nature-based activities for children, from wildlife tracking to stargazing. Every evening, expect open-air suppers and stories under the stars.
Many choose to explore the islets by yacht, but an exciting alternative is to stay up in the wild highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where family-owned Galapagos Safari Camp has brought the concept of the luxury tented camp from the African savannahs to the tropics. It works perfectly. Located on a vantage point looking out across the Pacific Ocean and national park, the camp’s stylish raised tents epitomise discreet luxury, and expansive verandas immerse you in nature. For those with a curiosity of the natural world, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we couldn’t recommend more highly.
When to Travel
The Galapagos is a great year-round destination. It has two distinct seasons: the warm, wet season (December-July) and the cool, dry season (July-December).
When it’s cool and dry, the water will be colder and choppier than at other times of the year, but marine life proliferates, making it a great time for snorkelling and scuba diving. If you’re lucky, you may see migrating humpback whales.
The warm, wet season brings more humidity and clearer, calmer waters. There is plenty of wildlife activity year-round, so no matter what time of year you visit, there will always be plenty to see.
ENQUIRE NOWLooking for more inspiration? Learn more about our bespoke holidays and adventures in the Galapagos Islands, or discover our other luxury properties.
