Cruise the Galapagos islands: How well-managed tourism can fund ongoing conservation

Only one of four inhabited islands offers hotel accommodation as a base for day trips, so sailing between the scattered islands is very practical

Warm welcome: A sea lion and Silversea's Silver Galapagos

The islands that inspired Charles Darwin's revolutionary theory of evolution have a new champion. Television presenter and explorer Monty Halls, best known for his Great Escapes series on BBC2, was made president of the Galapagos Conservation Trust earlier this month.

Accepting the role to help publicise the issues facing the archipelago, Halls said: "These are magical and mystical islands that must be preserved for future generations to enjoy".

Despite its remote position on the equator, 1,000km from the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean, the archipelago receives about 170,000 visitors a year. The great draw is the unique, and often fearless, wildlife, including sea lions, turtles, iguanas and, of course, endangered giant tortoises.

It has long been debated whether the presence of tourists is harmful to the region, or attracts much needed revenue and awareness. Ian Dunn, CEO of the Galapagos Conservation Trust, said: "Well-managed tourism plays an important role in funding ongoing conservation. If visitors actively seek low-impact options, often meaning smaller boat-based trips, these iconic islands can be conserved."

Only one of four inhabited islands offers hotel accommodation as a base for day trips, so sailing between the scattered islands is not only practical, but a more enriching experience.

The most common styles of vessel range from 16-passenger motor cruisers and sailing boats with bunks, to 24-cabin vessels with double beds. All tourists have to pay US$100 (£67) cash entry tax on arrival in the Galapagos (half price for under-12s).

For the most stability and comfort, two spacious cruise ships are based in the Galapagos – Silversea's recently revamped Silver Galapagos (0844 251 0837; silversea.com) for 92 passengers, and Celebrity Xpedition (0845 456 0523; celebritycruises.co.uk) carrying 98. A new small luxury boat, MV Origin (01273 676712; pura-aventura.com), will launch in January 2016, with 20 roomy cabins.

Seven nights aboard Beluga, a 36-metre motor cruiser for 16 passengers, with 10 crew, costs from £2,450pp with Wildlife Worldwide (01962 302086; wildlifeworldwide .com). Flights extra.

Cruises for families with teenage children (13-17) on a 10-cabin boat include a science project with local students. Departures are throughout the school summer holidays with Audley (01993 838 635, audleytravel.com). The cost for an 11-day trip, with two nights in Quito and flights, is from £4,625pp.

Seven-night cruises aboard Celebrity Xpedition start at £2,559pp with two-night pre-cruise hotel and flights.