Fascinating Galapagos Islands Cruise aboard the Samba

Day 1 (Mon) - Quito

Welcome upon arrival in Quito and then transfer to your hotel. If time permits you may be able to arrange for a tour on your own of Quito’s neighborhoods and museums.

Day 2 (Tue) - Quito / Galapagos

Morning: Baltra Airport

Early transfer to the airport for you flight to the Galapagos. Upon arrival at Baltra airport (Galapagos) you will be met by our guide and transferred to the yacht. Samba will set course for South Plaza Island, giving you the chance to become acquainted with the vessel.

Afternoon: South Plaza Island

Plaza Island is well known for its large Galapagos Sea Lion colonies, Land Iguanas, Prickly-Pear cacti, Swallowtailed Gulls, Audubon Shearwaters and Red-billed Tropic birds. The land visit may last 2-3 hours. (B, L, D)

Day 3 (Wed) - Santa Cruz Island

Morning: Charles Darwin Research Station

We will learn about the tortoise and land-iguana breeding programs on the islands. Afterwards, optional shopping and sight-seeing at Puerto Ayora.

Afternoon: Santa Cruz

In the afternoon we will have the opportunity to see Galapagos Giant Tortoises in the wild. This is also one of the best sites for watching land birds such as Darwin's Finches and Vermilion Flycatchers, and Galapagos Doves. The land visit may last 2-3 hours. (B, L, D)

Day 4 (Thur) - Española (Hood) Island

Morning: Gardner Bay

This morning we can enjoy snorkeling along Gardner Islet, kayaking, and a walk on the beach to observe sea lions and Hood Island Mockingbirds.

Afternoon: Punta Suarez

Starting with a dry landing we will take a 3-4 hour walk around Punta Suarez. There are large colonies of Blue-footed and Masked (Nazca) Boobies, Marine Iguanas, Albatrosses and Swallow-tailed Gulls to look out for on our walk. (B, L, D)

Day 5 (Fri) - Floreana Island

Morning: Punta Cormorant

A wet landing onto Punta Cormorant's mineral beach is followed by a short walk to a lagoon, where we find flamingos and other waders. At the end of this trail lies a beautiful white sandy beach where sea turtles nest. The adventure continues with a short panga ride to Devil’s Crown for some snorkeling. The morning's activities will take around 3 hours.

Afternoon: Post Office Bay

We will visit the historic Post Office Barrel. This short visit starts with a wet landing, spending no longer that an hour at the site. (B, L, D)

Day 6 (Sat) - Isabela Island

Morning: Punta Moreno

This morning starts with a 2 hour walk across lava fields, while experiencing ‘oasis like’ lagoons, rich in flora and fauna. We will see Galapagos Flamingos and there is a good opportunity to spot our first cormorants and penguins.

Afternoon: Elizabeth Bay

There will be a panga ride to a quiet mangrove lagoon where sea turtles rest. Around Mariela Rocks, look for penguins, cormorants, and Blue-footed Boobies. The afternoon program will take around 2 hours. (B, L, D)

Day 7 (Sun) - Isabela Island / Fernandina Island

Morning: Urbina Bay

We will walk over different terrains, seeing large Land Iguanas, a variety of native and endemic plants, and sometimes Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat. There are also the remains of a 50-year up-lifting, exposing coral heads and other marine fossils.

Afternoon: Punta Espinosa

A dry landing where we will walk over lava fields to observe large colonies of Marine Iguanas, Flightless Cormorants, penguins and sea lions, which will take around 2 hours. (B, L, D)

Day 8 (Mon) - Santiago Island

Morning: Puerto Egas

Enjoy a coastal walk exploring the great variety of tidal marine life, Galapagos Fur Seals, sea lions, Marine Iguanas. There is good swimming off the beach and a broad array of marine life to view when snorkeling.

Afternoon: Bartolomé

This is an up-hill walk and once at the summit we will experience panoramic views of Bartolomé and its famous Pinnacle Rock. We will also be swimming and snorkeling off the beach where we may see more penguins. It will take approximately 3 hours which includes a dry landing for the walk and a wet beach landing. (B, L, D)

Day 9 (Tue) - Santa Cruz Island / Baltra Island / Quito

Morning: Black Turtle Cove

There will be a panga ride to observe sea turtles, rays and sharks. This will be a fairly short trip so we can return to Baltra in time for the flight to mainland Ecuador. This visit is done before breakfast.

Afternoon: Baltra Island

Disembark directly at Baltra Island and transfer by bus to the airport for your return to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to your hotel. (B)

Day 10 (Wed) - Quito

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

End of services. (B)

(B): Breakfast (L): Lunch (D): Dinner

Important Notice Actual day-by-day itineraries may vary from those shown in order to take advantage of local sightseeing options, trains or flight schedules changes, or other unforeseen events.

Price (per person based on double occupancy)

• 10 days from $2,590
• Child rate from $1,950 (restrictions apply)
• Price based on check payment (please add 3% if paying via credit card)

What is Included

• All hotel accommodations
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary - B: breakfast, L: lunch and D: dinner
• All sightseeing as shown as part of an open group (private tours available)
• Services of bilingual professional guides
• Airport transfers
• All gratuities except to guides
• Naturalists and lecture services
• Island sightseeing
• Snorkeling equipment

Additional Budget Considerations

• Domestic flights: from $420
• Airport taxes
• Peak Season (Mar 30-Apr 9 or Dec 21-Jan 4) surcharge 5%
• Beverages (other than water)

Items NOT included in the price

• International or Domestic flights unless stated in 'What is Included' section above. We will be happy to help you with your flight arrangements at your request.
• Personal expenses such as beverages; lunch or dinner (unless in the itinerary)
• Laundry services
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended - see our Travel Tips section for details)
• Excess baggage fees
• Communication charges
• Airport departure or arrival taxes
• Cost of obtaining passports or visas
• Gratuities to guides
• Any other expense not mentioned on what is included
• Galapagos National Park admission fee (US $100 subject to change without notice)
• Transit Control Card for Galapagos (US$ 10 per person)
• Bar consumption on board

Please do not hesitate to call 1-800-667-6134 for additional information.

Technical specifications

• Length: L.O.A.* 78 feet / 23 meters
• Beam: 18 feet / 5.4 meters
• Tonnage: 134 tons
• Speed: 8.5 knots
• Range: 2.500 miles
• Sail: Steadying sails
• Water capacity: 1.500 gallons and water maker
• Electric Power Supply: 110V & 220V (A/C)
• Very efficient Twin DAV diesel engines 280 HP-CUMMINS that only use a remarkable 6 gallons of diesel every hour!
• Two generators each of 21 & 12.5 kW for 110 V & 220V A/C and 12V & 24V D/C
• Furuno Navnet Radar
• Plotter and Sonar
• GPS, VHF & SSB radios
• Two tenders with outboard motors
• 32’ High Definition LCD TV
• DVD video equipment.