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GALAPAGOS CRUISE - CENTRAL, NORTH & EAST ISLANDS: Boasting an incredible array of endemic species from the blue-footed booby to the marine iguana, the Galapagos Islands are a true nature lovers’ paradise. Get up close and personal with the resident wildlife on an unforgettable 5 day cruise of these famed islands. Begin and end your adventure with a night in Quito, Ecuador's charming capital.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Duration
7 daysStarts
QuitoEnds
QuitoRange
HandpickedTour Guide
Yes - naturalist guide in the GalapagosGroup Size
Min 8 / Max 16Minimum age
5 yrs, accompanied by an adultDeparts
Thursdays - every fortnightHotel Rating
3 star hotel & first class cruiseCountries
Ecuador, GalapagosArrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
NoMeals included
Breakfast: 6, Lunch: 4, Dinner: 4Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on
277 reviews
Upon arrival at Quito airport you will be met by an English speaking guide and transferred to your hotel in the city. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, independently exploring.
Quito - Galapagos. This morning, you'll be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport for the short flight to Baltra Airport on Santa Cruz island in the Galapagos, where our guide will be waiting for you. Transfer to the M/C Anahi catamaran, your home for the next 5 days. Settle into your cabin and enjoy lunch onboard before your tour of the Galapagos Islands begins.
Our first stop is Bachas Beach – a favourite nesting site for sea turtles. Made up of two beaches separated by outcropping lava rocks, Bachas is certainly a sight to behold with spectacular white sand and crystal clear waters. Behind one of the beaches is a small lagoon where we may be lucky enough to see flamingos and other coastal birds, such as Black-necked stilts and whimbrels.
Today we explore Genovesa, a horse-shoe shaped island in the northern reaches of the Galapagos Islands. We start the day with a visit to Darwin Bay, an incredible geological structure formed by a collapsed volcanic caldera. Following a trail of coral sand and slabs of lava, we’ll go in search of bird-life, from nesting colonies of the common frigate and the Nasca booby to the swallow-tailed gull. We will also have the chance to see the nesting site of the red-footed booby - Genovesa is home to the largest nesting colony of pelagic birds in the Galapagos.
Later in the afternoon we follow the El Barranco trail, situated in the southern part of Darwin Bay, walking 1.5 kilometres along volcanic rock. The natural erosion that has occurred in these lava flows has become the ideal place for nesting Storm Petrels, which we can see nesting in the cavities of the lava. We enjoy panga (dingy) rides along the cliffs to hopefully spot some fur seals.
This morning's excursion takes us to South Plaza, a small island off the eastern coast of Santa Cruz. Despite its size, this island is home to an incredible number of species including around 1000 sea lions and several hybrid iguanas. The result of crossing a male marine iguana and a female land iguana, these iguanas are unique and easily recognizable at first glance by their black or gray colour, with a land iguana's crest, but face and tail of the marine iguana.
Next stop is Santa Fe, also off the coast of Santa Cruz, where we will meet even more unique species of iguana. The archipelago is also home to six endemic species of rats, one of which can be found on Santa Fe and another attraction is the presence of giant tunas.
Our next port of call is San Cristobal, one of the easternmost of the Galapagos Islands. We start the morning by exploring Punta Pitt, situated at the eastern end of the island. Here we follow a trail that will take us past an olvine beach before ascending to the top of a volcanic tuff hill, passing several picturesque viewpoints en route. This is the only place in the Galapagos Islands where you can see the three species of boobies and two species of frigates nesting in the same area. You may also get to see colonies of sea lion relaxing on the beach or rocky outcrops.
After lunch we stop to see the Leon Dormido Rocks, the remains of a lava cone eroded by the sea. Rising some 500 feet out of the ocean, these two vertical rocks form a small channel that is navigable by small boats. Many tropic birds, frigates and boobies can be seen in the area, making it a favourite stop off for visitors. Beneath the sea the nearly crystal-clear waters offer a brilliant show of colourful tropical fish and invertebrates.
We continue on to explore Lobos Island which is home to a small population of blue-footed boobies, as well as two species of sea lions. From your panga you can try to spot brown pelicans and several species of shorebirds, and if you opt to snorkel it's common to see young sea lions, manta rays and sea turtles.
This morning our tour has two options. The first option starts from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, and involves a visit to the El Junco Lagoon. For hundreds of years, rain water and condensation have caused an accumulation of water in the caldera of an extinct volcano, creating a paradise for frigate birds and turtles. Alternatively we take a visit to the Galapagos Tortoise Breeding Centre located in the southeast of San Cristobal Island. The natural population of tortoises from San Cristobal is seriously threatened by introduced animals (mainly wild goats, rats and cats), which to date has been impossible to eradicate despite continuing efforts. The San Cristobal tortoises are one of the 11 populations of Galapagos tortoises. At the visitors centre, we learn all about the natural history of the giant tortoises of this island.
After visiting the breeding centre, transfer back to the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno where our bus will be waiting to transfer you to the airport for your flight back to Quito. Upon arrival at Quito airport you'll be met and transferred back to your hotel in Quito for your final night at leisure.
Wednesday. Arrangements end after breakfast and hotel check out today.
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Pre tour accommodation Quito
Double
Twin
Single
Post tour accommodation Quito
Double
Twin
Single
Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.
Ikala Quito Hotel Suite Upgrade (per person)
Upgrade to a suite at the Ikala Hotel in Quito on the first and last night - price is per person for the two nights.
$95
per passengerClick here to see more information about the ships used on this and similar tours.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
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. Upgrades to a suite cabin and hotel suite are subject to availability, please contact us for rates.
As places are limited on our Galapagos Cruises, please contact us via email or telephone to check availability and to make a reservation.
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