Darwin’s Islands is an unforgettable Art Safari painting holiday to the Galapagos Islands and we’re excited to be returning to the northern and southern islands in 2026.
This barefoot painting expedition includes an 8-day cruise around the archipelago, including San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Rabida, Bartolome, Española and Floreana.
Expect to see volcanoes, giant tortoises, untouched coastlines, amazing sea life and extraordinary birds and reptiles on land. Sketching and painting here is all round fun as well as an exciting exploration in wildlife, history and geology.
“The Galapagos is my dream place, I have been obsessed with it since I was little and I’m so excited to be going
Darwin’s Islands is an unforgettable Art Safari painting holiday to the Galapagos Islands and we’re excited to be returning to the northern and southern islands in 2026.
This barefoot painting expedition includes an 8-day cruise around the archipelago, including San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Rabida, Bartolome, Española and Floreana.
Expect to see volcanoes, giant tortoises, untouched coastlines, amazing sea life and extraordinary birds and reptiles on land. Sketching and painting here is all round fun as well as an exciting exploration in wildlife, history and geology.
“The Galapagos is my dream place, I have been obsessed with it since I was little and I’m so excited to be going back again after my first visit 19 years ago!” – Tom Shepherd
Charles Darwin took this voyage aboard the HMS Beagle in 1831, and it shaped his theories of evolution through natural selection. We see and sketch many of the species Darwin studied on these rugged and beautiful islands. We also learn much about contemporary conservation and how the islanders live alongside fantastical creatures.
Our artistic adventure starts in Quito where we rest for one night in a lovely Spanish style hotel with hummingbirds flitting in the garden. The next day we fly to San Cristobal to spend three nights on the Island, staying on the pretty beachfront with wonderful views. From the hotel decking we can sketch iguana, turtles and sea lions as they bask or glide past in crystal-clear water.
During our days on land we ease into the sunny island rhythm of the Galapagos, sketching and painting local wildlife on the shores and everyday scenes of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, a peaceful and charming fishing town.
After exploring San Cristobal with our paints and relaxing, we board our private charter luxury motor yacht the Coral II, shared with photographers and nature people from a company we work closely with in the UK. The Coral II is a super comfortable boat, small enough to anchor close to shore in interesting places, and with spacious cabins for us all.
Our Captain and friendly crew of 10 look after us and make each day special, and two English-speaking naturalist guides accompany all our shore excursions.
Galapagos cruise itinerary at a glance:
Day 1 Interpretation Centre, San Cristobal Island
Day 2 Cerro Brujo, Pitt Point & Pitt Islet, San Cristobal Island
Day 3 Suarez Point & Gardner Bay, Española
Day 4 Cormorant Point, Champion Islet, & Post Office, Floreana Island
Day 5 Highlands El Chato II & Pit Craters, Charles Darwin Research Station, Santa Cruz Island
Day 6 El Barranco Prince Philip’s Steps & Darwin Bay (Genovesa Island)
Day 7 Rabida Island & Bartolome Island
Day 8 Pit Craters on Santa Cruz Island, and Baltra Airport
1 holiday is available in this programme
Sketch and paint the weird and wonderful creatures of this truly remarkable ecosystem, in some of the planet’s most important marine reserves. Enjoy guided sketching walks and incredible snorkelling expeditions.