Marlin Expeditions x Guy Harvey Foundation

Discover the thrilling striped marlin fishery, protected marine life, and world-class conservation opportunity of the Galápagos Islands. The Marlin Expeditions x Guy Harvey Foundation Galápagos Islands Expedition pairs premier eastern Pacific billfishing with a rare behind-the-scenes conservation experience. Based on San Cristóbal Island, a small group of anglers will spend four days targeting striped marlin during prime season, supported by Marlin Expeditions staff and accomplished local crews. On two of those days, guests fish alongside Dr. Guy Harvey and Jessica Harvey, and each client will have the chance to help deploy a satellite tag on a marlin. That’s a direct contribution to the science behind billfish conservation. Rounding out the week are a guided Quito experience, a private 360-degree snorkeling tour, and a land adventure through the volcanic landscapes that make the Galápagos unlike anywhere else on earth. Included: Single-occupancy accommodations, fishing and tour fees, meals on San Cristóbal, standard boat tips, local transfers, hosted activities, and professional expedition support. Not Included: International airfare, domestic Ecuador flights, Transit Control Card fees, Galápagos National Park entrance fees, alcoholic beverages, additional crew/instructor tips, travel insurance, and emergency evacuation coverage. Guests arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport and transfer to the group hotel. Depending on arrival times, enjoy dinner at the hotel or one of Quito’s excellent local restaurants, and meet fellow anglers and your Marlin Expeditions hosts. After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of one of South America’s most historic capitals, with its colonial architecture, mountain setting, and vibrant culture. That evening, the group gathers for a hosted dinner and itinerary briefing, and meets Dr. Guy Harvey and Jessica Harvey ahead of the week’s fishing and tagging program. The group flies to San Cristóbal and transfers to Hotel Indigo Galápagos in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Settle in, explore the waterfront, and take in your first views of the island before a welcome dinner with fishing orientation and safety briefing. The fishing begins. Each morning, anglers head to the productive offshore banks for striped marlin, with shots at tuna, dorado, and wahoo. Days on the water with the Harveys offer insight into billfish behavior, marine research, and best-practice releases. Throughout the expedition, each guest will have the opportunity to help deploy a satellite tag, subject to conditions, fish availability, permitting, and research protocols. A light breakfast is available before departure; lunch, snacks, and drinks are served aboard. Trade the fishing grounds for a private water and snorkeling tour around the island. Expect encounters with sea lions, marine iguanas, sea turtles, rays, sharks, and blue-footed and red-footed boobies, with scenic stops for swimming and snorkeling, conditions permitting. Lunch is served aboard. Back offshore for two final days. Fish conventional tackle, pitch baits to feeding fish, or take on the challenge of a striped marlin on fly. The last day may close with a friendly shootout celebrating the week’s best releases and moments on the water. Explore San Cristóbal on land: volcanic geography, unique wildlife, and sweeping viewpoints that reveal the island’s distinct character. After breakfast, transfer to San Cristóbal Airport for flights to Quito. Depending on international connections, an overnight in Quito may be advisable. Marlin Expeditions will provide recommended routing and flight guidance well in advance so the group can travel together. Roughly 600 miles off mainland Ecuador, the Galápagos sit where several powerful ocean currents meet. That fuels an extraordinary concentration of marine life and a renowned striped marlin fishery. This expedition targets the islands’ productive early-season window. Other Pacific marlin may show up, but striped marlin are the main objective: powerful, acrobatic fish, some pushing into the 200- to 300-pound class. Dorado, yellowfin tuna, and wahoo can add to the daily action. Skilled local captains and mates know the banks around San Cristóbal intimately. The program works for every experience level. Whether you’re new to billfishing, want coaching on pitch-baiting, or hope to land a striped marlin on fly, the team will be there to help. What truly sets this departure apart is the conservation element. With satellite tagging, your release becomes part of a larger scientific story, tracking movements, habitat use, and migration patterns that inform the future of healthy billfish populations. Fishing alongside Dr. Guy Harvey and Jessica Harvey adds another dimension. It’s more than sharing a cockpit with accomplished anglers. It’s a chance to learn from two people deeply committed to sport fishing, marine science, visual storytelling, and ocean stewardship. The expedition will fish aboard the 38-foot Ma