The Galapagos Islands | Ecuador | South America
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FROM: NZD $5,478 pp
Galapagos Discovered - 6 days map

GALAPAGOS CRUISE - CENTRAL, EAST & SOUTH ISLANDS: Every year the Galapagos Islands tempt throngs of travellers to its shores in search of unique wildlife and other-worldly landscapes. Explore these volcanic islands on a 4-day cruise aboard the M/C Anahi catamaran. Hopping from island to island, discovering what makes it so special. Start and end your Galapagos adventure with a night in captivating Quito, Ecuador's capital.

Inclusions
Itinerary
Prices & Dates
M/C Anahi
Accommodation

Trip Highlights

The M/C Anahi - Spend 3 nights aboard this first-class catamaran with capacity for 16 passengers. Enjoy the jacuzzi with ocean view and soak up the sunshine on deck. Delight your palate with tasty local cuisine, relax at the bar as you cruise around the beautiful islands at sunset and enjoy comfortable nights in a spacious cabin
Quito - Independently explore Ecuador's charming capital, before and after your cruise
Espanola Island - Visit Punta Suarez, where the albatross is endemic and Gardner Bay, famous for its sea lion population
Explore unforgettable sites and observe incredible wildlife on daily excursions with expert guides. Go kayaking, enjoy panga rides and encounter penguins, turtles and fish as you snorkel and swim in the crystal-clear waters
San Cristobal Island - Tour the Interpretation Centre and Tijeretas Hill with its spectacular views
Floreana Island - Search for the flamingos that this island is renowned for

Included

2 nights 3 star hotel in Quito, standard room, including breakfast. Option to upgrade to a suite upon request.
5 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners
Galapagos flights: Quito to San Cristobal and Baltra to Quito - including airport and port transfers
The services of 9 crew members and an experienced English speaking Naturalist guide
Kayaking and snorkelling at the permitted points (wetsuits can be hired onboard for an additional fee)
4 day Galapagos Cruise - 3 nights onboard the M/C Anahi catamaran (First Class category) in a twin or double cabin, on the main deck with en suite and A/C. Option to upgrade to a suite upon request.
Quito airport arrival transfer on day 1 with an English speaking guide
Complementary soft drinks onboard (tea, coffee and water) plus welcome and farewell drinks
Two guided Galapagos excursions a day

Not Included

International flights and visas
Tips for the crew and drivers
Airport departure transfer on day 6
Galapagos National Park entrance fee (US$200pp) and Migration Control Card (US$20pp). Subject to change

Itinerary

Day 1

Quito

Monday. Upon arrival at Quito airport you will be met by an English speaking guide and transferred to your hotel in the city. The remains of the day is free for you to explore Quito or simply relax.
Overnight: Quito

Day 2

San Cristobal Island

Quito - Galapagos. This morning, transfer back to the airport for your flight to San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos, where your guide will be waiting for you. Transfer to the M/C Anahi which will be your home for the next 4 days. Settle into your cabin and enjoy lunch onboard before your tour of the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands begins.

San Cristobal is one of the easternmost of the Galapagos Islands and the site where Charles Darwin landed in 1835, marking the start of his romance with this fascinating archipelago. Our first port of call here is the San Cristobal Interpretation Centre, which offers intriguing insight into the history of the island and its development over time in regards to its flora and fauna, populace and conservation efforts. Later we will take a walk up the picturesque Tijeretas Hill, boasting spectacular views of the island. Here there will also be the chance to go snorkelling in a nearby inlet, and perhaps you’ll even be lucky enough to spot a sight only seen here – of two species of frigate birds nesting in the same colony.
Overnight: Galapagos Islands - M/C Anahi  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Espanola Island

Today we will explore Espanola, one of the oldest islands within the archipelago – dating back some 3.3 million years, and also one of its prettiest. Due to its distance from the other islands, Espanola is home to an incredible number of endemic species including the albatross, a variety of mocking birds, lava lizards and even Darwin’s finches.

We will start the morning by exploring Punta Suarez, situated on the western side of the island, where you will hopefully be able to spot some of the island’s unique birdlife. Later in the afternoon we will make our way to the northern coat to Gardener Bay, home to an enormous colony of sea lions which can be seen lazing on the beach and rocks during breeding season.
Overnight: Galapagos Islands - M/C Anahi  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Floreana Island

Our next port of call is Floreana. Although one of the smallest islands in the Galapagos, Floreana certainly makes up for what it lacks in size with its fascinating history. Home to one of the first settlements in the archipelago, this small island was once thriving with pirates and whalers. Floreana also boasts unprecedented flora, thanks to its nutrient-rich soil, and stunning beaches.

Here we will enjoy a morning excursion to Punta Cormorant on the northern coast, where we will discover a beautiful lagoon thriving with flamingos and a fine sand beach, which is a nesting area for sea turtles. Later we will cruise out to the Devil’s Crown – a collapsed volcanic crown and perhaps one of the best snorkelling sites in the Galapagos Islands, where you can spot submarine life such as sea turtles, Galapagos sharks, moray eels and sea lines. Outside of the crown is a good place to see hammerhead sharks.

This afternoon we will visit historic Post Office Bay, which is where travelling seamen would leave letters in a wooden barrel with the hopes that the next person to come along might be able to take their letter in the right direction. Today, this tradition lives on with the tourists who visit the Galapagos. It's possible to send a letter or postcard from Post Office Bay without stamp, all you have to do in return is pick up a letter that is directed to where you live.
Overnight: Galapagos Islands - M/C Anahi  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Santa Cruz

Our last stop will be Santa Cruz, the second largest of the islands, located at the centre of the archipelago. We will kick off the morning with a tour of Fausto Llerena Interpretation Center, which takes in the famous tortoise breeding centre. The Galapagos breeding program sees eggs are brought from the Galapagos Islands of Pinzon, Santiago and Santa Cruz to the station where they are incubated artificially; the galapaguitos are born and reared until the age of 5 years, and when they can survive the effects of introduced predators they are returned to their native areas. There is also a breeding program for iguanas.

After this visit, you'll be transferred to the airport on Baltra Island for your flight back to Quito. Upon arrival you'll be met and transferred to your hotel in Quito for your final night at leisure in the capital.
Overnight: Quito  |  Breakfast

Day 6

Quito

Saturday. Arrangements end after breakfast and hotel check out today.
Breakfast

Prices & Dates

The cruise operates with a minimum of 8 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room/cabin. 'Single' prices are applicable to those who don’t have anyone to share a room/cabin with or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room/cabin.

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Guaranteed Departure

Extra Prices

Twin Share
Single Room

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

Ikala Quito Hotel, Quito

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Inspired by the rich history and culture of Ecuador, the Ikala Quito Hotel's 44 rooms are housed in three grand colonial houses which were once home to Ecuadorian aristocracy. Offering a choice of standard rooms or deluxe suites, there's tasteful decor in abundance and artwork painted on canvas or directly onto the walls. Rooms feature ensuite bathrooms and there is free Wi-Fi throughout the property. As well as the onsite restaurant and bar, there are plenty of outdoor areas, including patios, gardens, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views over the city.

M/C Anahi Yacht , Galapagos Islands

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 star cruise boat

The M/C Anahi is meticulously designed to provide travellers with an unforgettable and immersive experience while exploring the enchanting Galapagos Islands. This first class vessel boasts an elegant and modern design, with a maximum capacity of just 16 passengers, providing an intimate setting. The catamaran offers spacious and well-appointed cabins which are tastefully decorated and equipped with large windows, allowing guests to wake up to breath-taking views of the Galapagos Islands. Each en suite cabin is air-conditioned and furnished with cozy amenities to create a tranquil retreat after a day of exploration. There are six standard cabins located on the main deck (four twin and two double). On the upper deck the vessel has two suites, equipped with a double bed and sofa bed. Each day the chef serves a delectable range of dishes inspired by both local and international cuisines. Meals are prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and dining is a delightful experience in the spacious dining area, complete with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Guests can soak in the beauty of the Galapagos Islands from the observation decks and lounges strategically positioned throughout the yacht. Whether you're stargazing or soaking up the sunshine, enjoying a cocktail at the bar or relaxing in the jacuzzi, these areas provide the perfect vantage point to appreciate the natural wonders of the archipelago. The M/C Anahi offers an enriching experience with certified naturalist guides who are passionate about the Galapagos Islands and its wildlife. These experts lead daily excursions and share their knowledge about the unique flora and fauna that call these islands home. The Anahi's itinerary includes a range of thrilling activities, such as snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking, allowing guests to get up close and personal with the incredible wildlife and landscapes of the Galapagos.

At a Glance

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Quito
Ends
Quito
Departs
Mondays
Group Size
Min 8 / Max 16
Hotel Rating
3 star hotel & first class cruise
Tour Guide
Yes - naturalist guide in the Galapagos
Meals
Breakfast: 5, Lunch: 3, Dinner: 3
Countries
Minimum Age
5 yrs, accompanied by an adult
Arr. Transfer
Yes
Dep. Transfer
No
Marine iguana on a rock on the Galapagos Islands
Ecuador's capital city, Quito, surrounded by mountains

This was an excellent tour. Be sure that you can swim well in order to get the most benefit out of the snorkelling outings. The guide was excellent: very knowledgeable and helpful.

Ronald Morrison
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