The Galápagos rocks! Literally. As you trek over lava rocks, you might be lucky enough to see a volcano erupting from one of the 13 larger islands and many islets that form the dazzling archipelago. The last eruption was in October 2005.

Roughly 620 miles (1,000 km) off the coast of South America in the Pacific Ocean, and owned by Ecuador, the Galápagos are famous for their vast number of rare species, including unusual birds, unique land and sea iguanas, and the gigantic tortoise for which they are named for. Penguins, owls, whales and dolphins: they’re all here in the stunning islands of the Galápagos.

The area is a paradise for outdoor adventurers, animal enthusiasts, bird watchers, swimmers, snorkelers, hikers and nature lovers who visit the islands by cruise ship. Start your exciting soft-adventure trip with a flight to the seaport city of Guayaquil in Ecuador, the country’s largest metropolis, and its industrial center.

The area is a paradise for birdwatchers.

Guayaquil International Airport offers nonstop service to the Galápagos Islands, as well as to many U.S. and European cities. Stay overnight and take a morning flight to Isla San Cristóbal, the fifth largest island of the Galápagos, and home to the provincial capital Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. San Cristobál is where your tour begins.

For people with good sea legs who like to travel in small groups, the 20-passenger fleet of small motor yachts by tour operator Ecoventura is an excellent choice.

Ecoventura offers an intimate cruise experience halfway between luxury and roughing it. Each cabin has a hot shower facility, a moderately comfortable bed or bunk and air conditioning.

The “dolphin deck” provides the most space during your cruise experience, while the lower decks are more snug. Onboard naturalists (two per yacht) are very knowledgeable, and eager to explain every detail of topography, geology and zoology.

The islands are surprisingly far apart, and require overnight journeys. Ships can be rocky, so choose a larger ship if you are prone to being seasick.

The Galápagos Islands were made famous when Charles Darwin visited in 1835 to study the rich variety of wildlife, which contributed to his theory of natural selection. Coming face to face with hundred-year-old tortoises is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience, but that is just the beginning.

You’ll be thrilled to watch blue-footed boobies soar elegantly into the air and then torpedo dive in groups into the ocean. You can also see a flightless cormorant, which exists nowhere else in the world, spreading its wings to dry.