Here is our selection of the top 4-day Galapagos Cruises in Ecuador to make the most of this incredible region. We include these in order of category from higher luxury to first-class cruises. The rate in the tour bubbles for each cruise refers to their 4-day itineraries.
So let's get started with our recommendations for your 4-day Galapagos Cruise.
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The Endemic Galapagos 4-day Cruise
Higher Luxury
From the moment you step aboard the Endemic, you will feel and appreciate the luxury that awaits you on your 4-day cruise. This next-generation luxury catamaran was purpose-built for Galapagos exploration. The Endemic offers you a front-row seat to the unique and exquisite wonders of the islands with a high-touch experience blending elegance and adventure.We've included the video above for a quick taste of what makes this vessel so memorable.
Your days are filled with discovery. You will snorkel with sea lions, hike lava fields, photograph blue-footed boobies. But it's what happens after your daily adventures that sets the Endemic apart. When you return to your suite, glass doors open to let in the breeze. The ocean is right there. And it feels like the entire archipelago is yours alone.
From the open-air decks to the personalized service, everything is designed to make your journey as unforgettable as the islands themselves.
Here's what guests love most about the Endemic:
- Panoramic Suites: Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors lead to private balconies, bask in natural light and take in sweeping ocean views.
- Flexible Layouts: Choose between a king bed or twin setup, ideal for couples, friends, or solo travelers alike, with sleek en suite bathrooms.
- Outdoor Dining & BBQ: Savor fresh local cuisine under the stars in elegant al fresco spaces made for lingering.
- Sky Lounge & Observation Deck: Catch sunrise, unwind with sunset drinks, or stargaze from one of the Galapagos' most scenic decks.
- Adventure Gear Included: Kayaks, snorkels, wetsuits, and expert guides ensure every day delivers new encounters with wildlife.
- Attentive Cruise Service: A dedicated Cruise Service Officer takes care of the little things—so you can focus on the wonder around you.
Whether you're cruising for four nights or more, the Endemic is among the epitome of Galapagos experiences
This version features the 4-day itinerary. As routes can vary slightly, feel free to use the request button below to confirm the latest stops and wildlife sightings directly with the Endemic team.
The 4-Day Itinerary
This four-day itinerary aboard the Endemic offers an action-packed introduction to the Galapagos, ideal for travelers short on time but hungry for discovery. Explore iconic islands, from volcanic cones to mangrove estuaries, and enjoy up-close encounters with Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, blue-footed boobies, and more. All excursions are expertly guided, and the Endemic's refined onboard experience ensures each moment is as comfortable as it is memorable. This is one example of a 4-day itinerary aboard the Endemic. As routes may vary slightly, you can use the button below to confirm availability and connect with the cruise team directly.
Day 1 – Thursday
Baltra Airport – Bartholomew Island
Arrive in the Galapagos and transfer to the Endemic. After settling in, visit Bartholomew Island. Bartholomew is home to one of the most iconic viewpoints in the archipelago. Hike to the summit for panoramic views of Sullivan Bay and Pinnacle Rock. Down below, snorkel along the beach, with a chance to spot tropical fish and possibly Galapagos penguins.
Activities: Dinghy ride, snorkeling, walking
Difficulty: Easy
Landing: WetDay 2 – Friday
Devil's Crown or Cormorant Point (Floreana) – Baroness' Lookout or Post Office Bay
Begin your day at Devil's Crown, a sunken volcanic crater teeming with marine life. This is an outstanding snorkeling site. Alternatively, visit Cormorant Point to see a green-sand beach and a flamingo-filled lagoon. In the afternoon, explore the viewpoint known as Baroness' Lookout and hear tales of intrigue from your guide, or stop by Post Office Bay, where travelers continue the old tradition of leaving hand-written notes.
Activities: Dinghy ride, snorkeling, walking
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Landing: WetDay 3 – Saturday
Chinese Hat (Santiago) – North Seymour Island
This morning, visit Chinese Hat, a picturesque islet with lava fields, marine iguanas, and excellent snorkeling and kayaking opportunities. In the afternoon, explore North Seymour. This is home to magnificent frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies performing their courtship displays. The island's rocky terrain offers both wildlife and a touch of challenge for more active guests.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling, kayaking, dinghy ride
Difficulty: Easy (AM), Moderate to Difficult (PM)
Landing: Wet (AM), Dry (PM)Day 4 – Sunday
Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz) – Baltra Airport
Start the morning with a peaceful dinghy ride through Black Turtle Cove, a mangrove-lined inlet rich with marine life. Spot rays gliding beneath the surface, sea turtles coming up for air, and white-tipped reef sharks cruising the shallows. This serene final excursion is a fitting end to your Galapagos adventure. After the visit, transfer to Baltra Airport for your return flight.
Activities: Dinghy ride
Difficulty: Easy
Landing: No landingYou can send the Endemic a request and check availability for your travel dates using the button below.
4, 5, 6, 8+ daysThe Endemic Galapagos Cruise
Baltra Island, EcuadorThe Endemic Galapagos Cruise is a luxurious modern catamaran designed to offer you a fantastic experience of the Galapagos Islands. The luxury yacht ...
- High Luxury Cruise, Guided Galapagos Tours
From $ 4,990
/ person -
The Elite Galapagos 4-day Cruise
Higher Luxury
The Elite was designed as you're luxuriously elegant gateway to the Galapagos Islands. The vessel redefined Galapagos cruising through elegance, comfort, and a design built for discovery. Launched in 2019, this is the sister vessel to the Endemic above and feels more like a modern floating boutique hotel than a traditional yacht.Click the video above for a visual preview of what's in store.
Imagine island-hopping with expert naturalist guides by day, then returning each evening to a suite that feels like it belongs in a luxury resort. Experience panoramic views, fresh Galapagos air flowing through private balconies, and interiors that invite you to slow down and take it all in.
Specifically engineered for the archipelago, the Elite balances sleek lines with catamaran stability. This makes your voyage as smooth as it is stunning. Whether you're kayaking in secluded coves or toasting the sunset from the Sky Deck's jacuzzi, the experience is immersive, refined, and deeply memorable.
Here's why guests choose the Elite again and again:
- Golden Suites: Spacious cabins with private balconies and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, which are perfect for watching the islands drift by.
- Tailored Layouts: King or twin bed options, with select suites designed for groups or families traveling together.
- Indoor-Outdoor Flow: Dine al fresco, sip cocktails at the outdoor bar, or enjoy the cool elegance of the climate-controlled lounge.
- Vast Vistas: Enjoy wraparound island views from the observation lounge or your own private outdoor space.
- Sky Deck Escape: Unwind in the whirlpool tub or stretch out on shaded loungers as the sun dips behind the Pacific horizon.
Every corner of the Elite is designed to elevate your experience of the Galapagos—where the journey is as remarkable as the destination.
4-Day Itinerary
This four-day cruise aboard the Elite offers a dynamic loop through some of the most iconic islands in the Galapagos. From Española's dramatic cliffs to Floreana's flamingo lagoons and the lava tubes of Post Office Bay, this compact itinerary delivers diverse wildlife, stunning landforms, and opportunities to snorkel with sea lions and reef fish. With expert guides and a luxury catamaran as your base, the Elite provides an exceptional way to experience the Galapagos in just a few days. This is one example of a 4-day itinerary aboard the Elite. As routes may vary, use the button below to confirm availability and connect with the cruise team directly.
Day 1 – Saturday
San Cristóbal Airport – David Rodriguez Breeding Center
Begin your journey with a transfer from San Cristóbal Airport to the Elite. In the afternoon, visit the David Rodriguez Breeding Center, where you'll learn about the conservation of giant tortoises and see young tortoises growing in semi-natural habitats—a powerful symbol of Galapagos preservation efforts.
Activities: Walking
Difficulty: EasyDay 2 – Sunday
Española Island – Suarez Point & Gardner Bay
In the morning, follow a circular trail through Suarez Point, one of the richest wildlife sites in the Galapagos. Witness nesting colonies of Nazca and blue-footed boobies, and if the timing is right, watch the majestic waved albatross take flight from the cliffs. You'll also pass colorful marine iguanas and natural blowholes that erupt dramatically into the sky.
In the afternoon, relax on the white sands of Gardner Bay or kayak in search of waved albatross. Then head by dinghy to the nearby Gardner and Osborn Islets for some of the best snorkeling—encounters with playful sea lions and schools of tropical fish await.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling, kayaking, dinghy ride
Difficulty: ModerateDay 3 – Monday
Floreana Island – Cormorant Point, Devil's Crown, Post Office Bay & Baroness' Lookout
Start the day at Cormorant Point, home to two unique beaches—one green with olivine crystals, the other pure white from crushed coral. Nearby, a brackish lagoon hosts flamingos and other shorebirds. Then, snorkel inside the sunken volcanic crater of Devil's Crown, a hotspot for coral reef species and marine life.
In the afternoon, continue to Post Office Bay, where you can participate in a centuries-old mariner's tradition by leaving a postcard in the historic mail barrel. You'll also have a chance to explore a lava tube and snorkel or kayak along the coast. End the day at Baroness' Lookout, a panoramic viewpoint tied to Galapagos lore.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling, kayaking, dinghy ride
Difficulty: Easy to ModerateDay 4 – Tuesday
Mosquera Islet – Baltra Airport
Before returning to the mainland, visit Mosquera Islet—home to a vibrant colony of sea lions and a haven for birdwatchers and marine life enthusiasts. With no set trail, you can roam the sandy terrain at your own pace, observing Sally Lightfoot crabs and shoreline birds. The surrounding waters are excellent for snorkeling, often revealing rays, turtles, and white-tipped sharks.
After the visit, transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling
Difficulty: ModerateYou can send the Elite a request and check availability for your travel dates using the button below.
4, 5, 8 daysThe Elite Galapagos Cruise
Baltra Island, EcuadorThe Elite Cruise invites you on an extraordinary exploration of the Galapagos Islands. With modern luxury, the Elite had its maiden voyage in 2019 and...
- High Luxury Cruise, Guided Galapagos Tours
From $ 4,990
/ person -
The Ocean Spray 4-day Galapagos Cruise
Luxury
The Ocean Spray provides you with a Galapagos experience built around space, serenity, and seamless connection with nature. Designed for discerning travelers, this 16-guest catamaran combines comfort and adventure in equal measure.And a note that it definitely earns its reputation as one of the most consistently praised vessels in the islands.
Click the video above for a visual preview of what makes Ocean Spray such a guest favorite.
Picture this: paddling past volcanic shorelines at sunrise, watching iguanas bask on black lava rock, and returning to your private suite to sip something cool as the sky lights up in gold and you relax in luxury. With spacious interiors, private balconies, and a catamaran's stable glide, the Ocean Spray creates a smooth, stylish backdrop to your wildlife-rich journey.
Here's why guests return to the Ocean Spray time and again:
- Private Balcony Suites: Each cabin features a personal balcony, expansive windows, and premium linens, which are perfect for winding down after a day of discovery.
- Al Fresco & Indoor Dining: Enjoy Ecuadorian flavors and fresh island fare in the breezy outdoor lounge or in the cozy dining room.
- Smoother Cruising: The twin-hull design ensures more stability, less motion, and deeper rest between island landings.
- Expert-Guided Outings: Daily excursions with certified naturalist guides bring you face-to-face with the archipelago's rarest species and ecosystems.
- Outfitted for Exploration: Kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling equipment, and Zodiacs are all ready, so your days are never routine.
- Intimate Service: With only 16 guests onboard, the service feels personal, the pacing relaxed, and every detail thoughtfully handled.
If you're looking for a cruise that offers both elegance and ecological connection, the Ocean Spray might just be your perfect match.
4-Day Itinerary
This four-day adventure aboard Ocean Spray combines the serenity of luxury travel with the thrill of raw Galapagos nature. From postcard-perfect beaches and volcanic formations to rare seabird colonies and pristine snorkeling sites, this itinerary is rich in both variety and wildlife encounters. With expert guides and the catamaran's comfortable, stable design, each day flows effortlessly from discovery to relaxation. This is one example of a 4-day itinerary aboard the Ocean Spray. As routes may vary, use the button below to check availability and speak with the Ocean Spray cruise team directly.
Day 1 – Saturday
San Cristóbal Island – Lobos Island & Kicker Rock
After arriving at San Cristóbal, transfer to the vessel and begin your cruise with a visit to Lobos Island—named for its playful population of sea lions. Explore quiet channels where crystal-clear waters reveal sea turtles, rays, and tropical fish. Later, cruise around Kicker Rock, a dramatic volcanic formation rising from the sea, known for its birdlife and striking silhouettes.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, circumnavigation
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Landing: Dry (AM), No landing (PM)Day 2 – Sunday
San Cristóbal Island – Pitt Point & Witch Hill
In the morning, hike up volcanic slopes at Pitt Point for panoramic views and a rare opportunity to see all three booby species—blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca—in one place. In the afternoon, arrive at Witch Hill to explore rugged cliffs and a powdery white beach ideal for kayaking or snorkeling in the turquoise waters.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling, kayaking, dinghy ride
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (AM), Easy (PM)
Landing: WetDay 3 – Monday
Floreana Island – Post Office Bay & Cormorant Point / Devil's Crown
Start your day at Post Office Bay, where you can participate in a centuries-old mailing tradition—no postage required. Enjoy a short hike, snorkeling, or even a lava tube walk. In the afternoon, explore Cormorant Point's twin beaches and flamingo lagoon before snorkeling at Devil's Crown, a submerged volcanic crater teeming with marine life.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling, dinghy ride
Difficulty: Easy (AM), Moderate to Difficult (PM)
Landing: WetDay 4 – Tuesday
Santa Cruz Island – Black Turtle Cove
Conclude your voyage with a peaceful dinghy ride through Black Turtle Cove. This mangrove-fringed lagoon is a sanctuary for reef sharks, sea turtles, rays, and seabirds. A quiet, reflective way to end your Galapagos journey. After the visit, transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador.
Activities: Dinghy ride
Difficulty: Easy
Landing: No landingYou can send the Ocean Spray a request and check availability for your travel dates using the button below.
4, 5, 6 & 8 daysThe Ocean Spray Cruise
Baltra Island, EcuadorAboard the Ocean Spray Cruise, you will embark on a memorable journey through the mesmerizing Galapagos Islands. The 16-passenger luxury catamaran of...
- Luxury Cruise, Guided Galapagos Tours
From $ 4,190
/ person -
The Galapagos 4-day Angel Cruise
First Class
The Galapagos Angel is styled for a world where timeless European elegance meets the raw wonder of the Enchanted Islands. As one of the newest yachts in the region, the Angel was purpose-built for elevated Galapagos travel. This cruise offers you both sophistication and adventure in one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.Click the video above to take a closer look at the yacht's modern interiors, panoramic cabins, and open-air social areas.
Hosting just 16 guests, the Galapagos Angel feels like your own private retreat at sea. Suites and convertible cabins feature sweeping windows and luxurious finishes, while onboard Wi-Fi lets you share the moment. Experiences aboard the Angel you will want to share include snorkeling with sea lions, watching marine iguanas sunbathe on black lava shores, and simply enjoying delicious sunset cocktails on the Sky Deck.
From well designed itineraries to a crew committed to every detail, this is an intimate and immersive way to explore the Galapagos in style.
Here's why travelers are choosing the Galapagos Angel:
- New First-Class Motor Yacht: Launched in 2023 with advanced stabilizers and high-performance navigation for a smooth and modern cruising experience.
- Spacious Suites & Cabins: Two large upper-deck suites and six beautifully appointed convertible cabins with panoramic windows and ensuite bathrooms.
- Stylish European Design: Built in the Netherlands, blending sleek architecture with refined interiors and comfort-focused details.
- Ideal for Families or Charters: A well-balanced layout and intimate guest count make this an excellent choice for private groups, families, or celebratory voyages.
- Wi-Fi Onboard: Stay connected and share your journey in real time—from Gardner Bay to Prince Philip's Steps.
- Expert Naturalist Guides: Bilingual and Galapagos-certified, your guides provide depth, insight, and discovery throughout your cruise.
- Top-Tier Itineraries: Sail to the region's most iconic and remote sites, including dramatic volcanic coasts, flamingo lagoons, and world-class snorkeling zones.
4-Day Itinerary
This four-day journey aboard the Galapagos Angel offers a perfectly balanced route through iconic islands and biodiverse marine sanctuaries. Walk alongside giant tortoises in the highlands of Santa Cruz, snorkel with sea lions in Gardner Bay, and witness waved albatrosses launching off ocean cliffs in Española. With panoramic views from your suite and expert guides leading every step, this itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking maximum wildlife exposure in minimal time.
This is one example of a 4-day itinerary aboard the Galapagos Angel. As routes may vary, use the button below to check availability and speak directly with the cruise team.
Day 1 – Thursday
Santa Cruz Island – Highlands
Arrive in the Galapagos and start your adventure right away with a visit to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz. Walk through lava tunnels, spot wild giant tortoises in their natural habitat, and explore a unique green forest dominated by Scalesia trees.
Activities: Hiking
Difficulty: Easy
Landing: DryDay 2 – Friday
Española Island – Gardner Bay & Suarez Point
In the morning, stroll along the white sands of Gardner Bay, where sea lions nap on the shore and mockingbirds curiously follow visitors. Snorkel in the clear waters or kayak around Gardner and Osborn islets. In the afternoon, hike the rugged trail to Suarez Point—home to nesting Nazca and blue-footed boobies, lava lizards, and, in season, the majestic waved albatross. Watch for the iconic blowhole and dramatic cliff views.
Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking
Difficulty: Easy (AM), Difficult (PM)
Landing: Wet (AM), Dry (PM)Day 3 – Saturday
Santa Fe Island & South Plaza Island
Begin your day at Santa Fe, where hiking trails lead you through a cactus forest to encounters with land iguanas. The surrounding bay is excellent for snorkeling or kayaking. In the afternoon, visit South Plaza, a small but vibrant island known for its dramatic cliffs, colorful vegetation, and large sea lion colony.
Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking
Difficulty: Moderate
Landing: DryDay 4 – Sunday
Santa Cruz Island – Black Turtle Cove & Departure
Conclude your cruise with a peaceful dinghy ride through the mangroves of Black Turtle Cove. This calm inlet shelters reef sharks, sea turtles, rays, and wading birds—an ideal final glimpse of Galapagos marine life. After the visit, transfer to Baltra Airport for your return flight.
Activities: Dinghy ride
Difficulty: Easy
Landing: No landingYou can send the Galapagos Angel a request and check availability for your travel dates using the button below.
4, 5 & 8 daysThe Galapagos Angel Yacht
Baltra Island, EcuadorThe Galapagos Angel Yacht offers you a comfortable voyage through the Galapagos Islands. As one of the newest additions to the region’s premier fleet,...
- Newest First-Class Yacht, European-Build Quality
From $ 2,745
/ person -
The Galaxy Orion 4-day Galapagos Cruise
First Class
Aboard the Galaxy Orion, you and your travel companions will enjoy a freshly renovated expedition yacht for travelers who value immersive wildlife experiences and personalized service in an intimate setting at an affordable price point. With a limited guest capacity, the Orion offers you a boutique-style journey through the islands.Click the video above to preview the Orion's inviting cabins, communal spaces, and onboard lifestyle.
Each day unfolds with naturalist-led excursions to some of the archipelago's most captivating locations. Hike lava trails teeming with blue-footed boobies, snorkel with penguins and sea turtles, or paddle along volcanic shores at your own pace. Back on board, relax with a freshly prepared meal, unwind under the stars, and connect with fellow adventurers on the sun deck.
The Galaxy Orion blends comfort with true expedition spirit, ensuring your time in the Galapagos creates fantastic memories.
Here's why the Galaxy Orion stands out for explorers:
- Boutique-Style Experience: Small guest count allows for personalized service, flexible logistics, and meaningful interactions with crew and guides.
- Thoughtfully Renovated: Fresh interiors, cozy cabins, and open-air social areas designed for comfort and connection.
- Daily Guided Adventures: Each day brings new opportunities to snorkel, kayak, hike, and encounter iconic Galapagos wildlife.
- Expert Naturalist Team: Your bilingual guides enrich every excursion with ecological insight and storytelling.
- Balance of Activity & Relaxation: Ample time to rest between adventures. Enjoy your time aboard whether you're sunbathing, reading on deck, or enjoying Ecuadorian cuisine.
- Ideal for Couples or Small Groups: A relaxed onboard atmosphere makes it easy to meet fellow travelers or charter privately for friends and family.
4-Day Itinerary
This four-day Southeastern Route aboard the Galaxy Orion delivers a compact yet rich journey through the Galapagos, offering everything from historical intrigue and surreal landscapes to world-class snorkeling and iconic wildlife. From Española's dramatic cliffs and courtship displays to Floreana's underwater gems and the legendary Post Office Bay, each day balances guided adventure with moments of personal reflection.
This is one example of a 4-day itinerary aboard the Galaxy Orion. As routes may vary, use the button below to confirm availability and connect with your cruise team directly.Day 1 – Wednesday
San Cristóbal Island – Lobos Island
Arrive at San Cristóbal Airport where your naturalist guide welcomes you into one of the planet's most unique ecosystems. In the afternoon, head to nearby Lobos Island—known for its charismatic sea lions, nesting frigatebirds, and blue-footed boobies. Snorkel in clear waters shared by sea turtles and rays, or simply enjoy a peaceful walk along this wildlife-rich coastline.
Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride
Difficulty: Moderate
Landing: DryDay 2 – Thursday
Española Island – Suarez Point & Gardner Bay
In the morning, explore Suarez Point—a rugged, wildlife-packed trail home to Nazca and blue-footed boobies, Galapagos hawks, and the magnificent waved albatross (seasonally). The cliffs and blowholes create a dramatic backdrop for birdwatching and photography. In the afternoon, unwind at Gardner Bay's white-sand beach, snorkel with sea lions and reef fish, or paddle through turquoise waters by kayak.
Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding
Difficulty: Easy (PM), Difficult (AM)
Landing: Wet (PM), Dry (AM)Day 3 – Friday
Floreana Island – Post Office Bay & Cormorant Point / Devil's Crown
Begin your day at Post Office Bay, where you can participate in a 200-year-old mail tradition and snorkel with sea turtles and tropical fish. In the afternoon, walk the trail at Cormorant Point—home to flamingos and nesting sea turtles—before diving into the volcanic caldera of Devil's Crown, one of the most spectacular snorkeling sites in the Galapagos.
Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking, paddle boarding
Difficulty: Easy
Landing: WetDay 4 – Saturday
Santa Cruz Island – Charles Darwin Research Station & Departure
Your final stop is the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you'll witness ongoing conservation efforts, including the iconic giant tortoise breeding program. After your visit, transfer to Baltra Airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador, carrying home unforgettable memories of this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Activities: Hiking
Difficulty: Easy
Landing: DryYou can send the Galaxy Orion a request and check availability for your travel dates using the button below.
4, 5 & 8 daysThe Galaxy Orion Galapagos Cruise
Baltra Island, EcuadorThe Galaxy Orion is a newly renovated expedition yacht offering you an intimate, first-class cruise through the Galapagos Islands. The Orion is purpos...
- First-Class Cruise, Small-Group Experience
From $ 1,650
/ person
Ash Card
Tour Advisor @TourTheTropicsAsh Card is a frequent visitor to the Tropics and has a passion for helping visitors get the best experiences from tropical locations. Ash is a contributor and tour advisor at TourTheTropics.com. Feel free to contact Ash for tour help in the tropics. When not helping tourists with tours and info, Ash can be found traveling, on wildlife tours or salsa dancing. Ash has completed a BSc in Biology, a Master’s degree in Zoology, and has undertaken a research scholarship at a world-class university on animal behavior. He has published scientific research in the Australian Journal of Zoology and the Journal of Behavioral Ecology. His goal is to help a global society live in balance with the natural world.