Following in Darwin’s footsteps

As Darwin celebrations kick off on 12 February - the 200th anniversary of the explorer's birth - adventure travel specialist Kumuka Worldwide is highlighting its choice of seven different tours to the Galapagos Islands.

For instance, the eight-day 'Galapagos Cruise' visits several of the islands on a comfortable yacht from the island of Santa Cruz - exploring Floreana, Espanola, Bartolome, James and Jervis islands in the company an English-speaking naturalist.

With sea lions, Giant tortoises, Galapagos doves, flamingos and albatrosses all potential sightings during the itinerary, this is a Beagle cruise in miniature - but with none of the deprivations Darwin and his crew suffered.

Sailing between the islands is at night with plenty of time by day to explore on foot and by minibus. This small-group trip - typically 16 per yacht - costs from £1635 per person based on two sharing an en-suite twin-berth cabin with all meals on-board included. Some yachts are suitable for families with children as young as five.

International flights to Quito on mainland Ecuador and connecting domestic flights to the islands are not included, nor is the Galapagos National Park fee of USD 110. Kumuka can make all travel arrangements and can combine all Galapagos tours with other South American itineraries.

Other Galapagos options include hotel-based tours, with daytime sailings between the islands and shorter itineraries of four and five days.

For more information, log on to Kumuka.com.