GalapEx

GalapEx is a Galápagos-based travel company specialising in thoughtful, individually planned journeys. We arrange Galápagos cruises, land-based holidays and educational travel, with mainland Ecuador extensions where required. We can organise selected services or build a complete itinerary around each traveller’s dates, interests, preferred pace, comfort with boat travel and budget.

We are a small, locally based team supported by experienced naturalist guides and trusted partners throughout the islands. Our aim is to provide honest, practical advice about the different ways to explore the Galápagos, helping travellers choose the right cruise, island stays and excursions for their journey.

Every journey is shaped around the people travelling with us. We take time to understand each group’s interests and requirements, then bring together the right accommodation, transport, activities and guiding expertise.

Our Team

Paul McFarling, Galápagos naturalist guide and founder of GalapEx

Paul McFarling

Paul founded GalapEx after living and working in the Galápagos Islands since 1992. A biologist and naturalist guide, he contributes more than three decades of first-hand knowledge of the islands’ wildlife, ecology, geology, evolution and human history.

Paul’s wider work—including his Galápagos videos, natural-history talks, writing and artwork—can be found on his personal website.

Discover more about Paul

Ruth Torres of the GalapEx office team

Ruth Torres

Ruth works alongside Paul in the GalapEx office, helping manage enquiries, trip arrangements and communication with travellers and local partners. Her careful organisation is an important part of making each itinerary run smoothly, from the first enquiry through to the journey itself.

Expert Naturalist Guides

GalapEx contracts a trusted network of experienced Galápagos naturalist guides. Guides are selected according to each group’s itinerary, interests and requirements, allowing us to bring the right knowledge and expertise to every journey.

Let’s plan your Galápagos journey

Tell us your dates, interests and ideas, and we’ll help you explore the options.

Send an enquiry   |   Email us   |   Chat with us on WhatsApp   |   Book a 30-minute consultation

What our customers say…

Myself & my wife enjoyed an adventurous wedding anniversary exploring the Galapagos. We couldn’t have booked with a better company, as Paul attended our every need and was excellent at offering advise & guiding us from when we were simply looking at cruises to when we were on our way home. The Mary Ann cruise was simply beautiful with comfortable amenities. The staff were very accommodating & made us feel at ease at all times. HIGHLY RECOMMEND Galapex if you want to explore the Galapgos & don’t know where to start.

Steve O’ConnorMary Ann Cruise

I can honestly say that touring the Galapagos on the Galaxy Yacht, has definitely been the best experience in my life! It’s pretty surreal & breathtaking when your sat out on deck eating breakfast & a pod of dolphins decide to join you. Definitely a MUST for any wildlife & ocean lovers. Travelling alone, I was quite apprehensive but having come across Galapex & speaking directly with owner Paul, I got all the right information and help I needed to book a cruise. I would definitely recommend Galapex, as you are looked after the whole way through.

Linda PetersGalaxy Cruise