8 days
from $7,090
Evolution – West & Southeast
Highlights
Swim alongside turtles and seahorses at Isabela Island
Access Fernandina pristine ecosystem at Punta Espinoza
Bartolome's Pinnacle Rock and snorkel with penguins
Visit Santa Cruz's Charles Darwin's research center
Snorkel at Española's Gardner Bay along unique marine life
See all 3 species of boobies at San Cristobal
Tour Facts
Price
Duration
ship
Activity Level
Starts / Ends
Departs
Location
Tour Facts
Price
Duration
ship
Activity Level
Starts / Ends
Departs
Location
Summary
Day
overnight & activities
1
BaltraIsland|Airport (GPS)|Santa CruzIsland|Borrero Bay
2
IsabelaIsland|Punta Vicente Roca|FernandinaIsland|Espinosa Point
3
IsabelaIsland|Urbina Bay|Tagus Cove
4
BartolomeIsland|Pinnacle Rock|SantiagoIsland|Sullivan Bay
5
Santa CruzIsland|Bachas Beach|RabidaIsland
6
Santa CruzIsland|Highlands & Darwin Ctr.
7
EspañolaIsland|Punta Suarez|Gardner Bay
8
San CristobalIsland|Kicker Rock|Airport (SCY)
Full Itinerary
Day 1
(Saturday)
BaltraIsland|Airport (GPS)|Santa CruzIsland|Borrero Bay
Welcome upon arrival to the Galapagos Island's Baltra Airport and transfer to the ship.
Santa Cruz Island, the central hub of the Galapagos, offers a diverse blend of ecosystems. It's home to the Charles Darwin Research Station, where conservation efforts for the iconic giant tortoises take place. High-land areas feature lush vegetation, while its coastline showcases a variety of marine life, including sea turtles and sharks.
Borrero Bay is an ecologically valuable site. This serene coastal bay boasts a diverse range of habitats, from pristine sandy shores to rocky outcrops, each playing a role in the island's complex ecological web. The bay's clear waters are rich in marine life, making it an important site for both marine biologists and eco-tourists. On land, the vegetation provides refuge for various endemic species, underlining the island's evolutionary significance.
meals
:
Dinner
Day 2
(Sunday)
IsabelaIsland|Punta Vicente Roca|FernandinaIsland|Espinosa Point
Isabela Island, the largest in the archipelago, boasts captivating landscapes. Its Sierra Negra volcano offers the world's second-largest caldera, while the marine life-rich waters off Punta Vicente Roca are ideal for snorkeling. Unique flora and fauna, such as flightless cormorants and Galapagos penguins, define its ecological significance.
Punta Vicente Roca is a captivating destination within the Galapagos archipelago. Known for its dramatic landscapes and rich marine life, this site offers a unique blend of experiences. Towering cliffs adorned with seabird colonies create a stunning backdrop for exploring the underwater world. Snorkelers and divers can encounter a diverse array of marine species, including sea turtles, penguins, and various fish species. The striking geological formations and the opportunity to witness the famed Galapagos flightless cormorants in their natural habitat make Punta Vicente Roca a must-visit location for those seeking both terrestrial and aquatic wonders.
Fernandina Island, the youngest and most pristine, showcases volcanic terrain and minimal human impact. It teems with marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins, and flightless cormorants, while lava formations tell the island's geological story. This island provides a glimpse into the natural evolution of the Galapagos ecosystem.
Espinosa Point boasts remarkable volcanic landscapes and a breeding ground for marine iguanas. Visitors can witness unique wildlife interactions and geological wonders, while observing flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, and lava herons along lava fields and mangrove forests.
activities
:
Snorkel, Walk, Zodiac
meals
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
(Monday)
IsabelaIsland|Urbina Bay|Tagus Cove
Urbina Bay is an exceptional showcase of geological marvels and evolutionary wonders. Resulting from a dramatic uplift in 1954, large sections of the seabed emerged, revealing marine fossils, coral formations, and strata previously submerged. This area offers a tangible glimpse into the Earth's dynamic forces at play. Additionally, the bay's diverse habitats are home to an array of species, including land iguanas, giant tortoises, and a plethora of birdlife.
Urbina Bay is an exceptional showcase of geological marvels and evolutionary wonders. Resulting from a dramatic uplift in 1954, large sections of the seabed emerged, revealing marine fossils, coral formations, and strata previously submerged. This area offers a tangible glimpse into the Earth's dynamic forces at play. Additionally, the bay's diverse habitats are home to an array of species, including land iguanas, giant tortoises, and a plethora of birdlife.
activities
:
Kayak, Snorkel, Walk, Zodiac
meals
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
(Tuesday)
BartolomeIsland|Pinnacle Rock|SantiagoIsland|Sullivan Bay
Bartolome Island, is a volcanic islet with unique and breathtaking landscape. The iconic Pinnacle Rock, an ancient volcanic formation, stands as a prominent landmark against the surrounding azure waters. The island offers panoramic vistas from its summit, accessible by a wooden staircase. The distinct terrain showcases volcanic formations, including spatter cones and tuff formations. The beaches welcome sea lions and snorkelers to encounter marine life, including Galapagos penguins and white-tipped reef sharks.
Santiago Island, a significant part of the Galapagos archipelago, captivates with its stark volcanic landscapes and diverse ecosystems. The island embodies the Galapagos' geological wonders and showcases the coexistence of terrestrial and marine life in an environment of striking contrasts and unparalleled natural beauty.
Sullivan Bay is a great example of the dynamic geological forces of our planet. Dominated by striking pahoehoe lava flows formed during the late 19th century, the bay offers visitors a stark and dramatic landscape that stands in contrast to the typical lushness associated with the Galápagos. Its unique topography is punctuated by tectonic cracks, gas bubbles, and volcanic cones. Visitors will have a firsthand experience of nature's raw power; a glimpse into the island's volcanic history and the intricate process of ecological succession that follows such events.
activities
:
Snorkel, Walk, Zodiac
meals
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
(Wednesday)
Santa CruzIsland|Bachas Beach|RabidaIsland
Bachas Beach is a picturesque coastal gem in the Galapagos archipelago. With its soft white sands and crystal-clear waters, it provides an inviting haven for visitors. The area's unique history is evident in the remnants of WWII barges that rest along the shoreline. Flamingos frequent the brackish lagoon, creating a striking contrast against the volcanic landscape. Visitors can stroll along the beach, observe marine iguanas, and enjoy excellent snorkeling opportunities. Bachas Beach offers a serene setting where natural beauty and historical elements merge, making it an enriching destination for exploration and relaxation.
Rabida Island display distinct red sands and an array of unique wildlife. The striking contrast between the crimson shoreline and the turquoise waters creates a captivating visual appeal. The island's terrain encompasses both arid landscapes and lush vegetation, providing habitats for a diverse range of species. Visitors can encounter sea lions, marine iguanas, and various bird species during coastal walks and snorkeling activities. The lagoon at the island's center teems with birdlife, including flamingos. The island's vibrant colors, combined with its ecological significance, make it an engaging destination for exploration and discovery.
activities
:
Kayak, Snorkel, Walk, Zodiac
meals
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
(Thursday)
Santa CruzIsland|Highlands & Darwin Ctr.
Santa Cruz' Highlands in Galapagos offer a unique natural landscape. Lush vegetation, giant tortoises roaming freely, and volcanic formations define this area. Explore lava tunnels, witness tortoise habitats, and discover the endemic flora and fauna.
The Charles Darwin Research Center stands as a beacon of scientific research, conservation, and education. Founded in 1959, the center operates in close collaboration with the Galápagos National Park Directorate, focusing on the preservation and study of the archipelago's unique biodiversity. Housing extensive biological collections, a breeding program for giant tortoises, and laboratories for various ecological studies, the facility plays a crucial role in global conservation efforts. For visitors, the center offers a deep dive into the evolutionary tales and conservation challenges of the Galápagos, perpetuating Darwin's legacy of inquiry and discovery.
activities
:
Walk
meals
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
(Friday)
EspañolaIsland|Punta Suarez|Gardner Bay
Española Island, the oldest of the Galápagos, exudes raw beauty and unique wildlife. Its untamed landscapes feature towering cliffs, pounding surf, and pristine beaches. Home to the world's only waved albatross colony, the island offers an astonishing display of these magnificent birds engaging in elaborate courtship dances. The endemic Hood mockingbird and Española lava lizard are equally captivating. Gardner Bay boasts a powdery white beach frequented by sea lions and marine iguanas. Punta Suarez offers dramatic blowholes and nesting seabirds. Española's isolation has nurtured a distinctive environment, making it a vital haven for endemic species and a must-see for nature enthusiasts.
Punta Suarez is a captivating natural spectacle. This rocky point showcases the island's rugged charm with its towering cliffs and tumultuous waves crashing against the shore. The area hosts the world's only waved albatross colony, where these magnificent birds engage in intricate mating rituals. Visitors witness blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls nesting on the cliffs. The dramatic blowholes create a stunning water display, while the endemic Española marine iguanas add to the island's unique allure.
Gardner Bay offers a pristine sandy beach embraced by turquoise waters. This tranquil haven is a hub of marine life, making it ideal for snorkeling with playful sea lions, colorful reef fish, and graceful sea turtles. The beach serves as a nesting site for green sea turtles, and the shoreline is dotted with curious Galapagos sea lions. Visitors often encounter endemic mockingbirds and lava lizards. The striking combination of white sands, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife showcases the Galapagos' unique charm, making Gardner Bay a serene and enchanting destination.
activities
:
Kayak, Snorkel, Walk, Zodiac
meals
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
(Saturday)
San CristobalIsland|Kicker Rock|Airport (SCY)
San Cristóbal Island, a cornerstone of the Galápagos archipelago, showcases captivating landscapes and unique biodiversity. Its diverse habitats, from arid zones to lush highlands, house a variety of iconic species, such as giant tortoises, frigate-birds, and blue-footed boobies. The island's historic significance resonates through sites like Cerro Tijeretas, where Darwin first stepped ashore in the Galápagos. The island offers opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and exploring the vibrant capital, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Discover its pristine beaches, stunning viewpoints, and the Galápagos National Park Interpretation Center, providing insights into the archipelago's natural and human history.
Kicker Rock, or "León Dormido" as it is locally known, is a striking volcanic formation located off the coast of San Cristobal. Comprising two sheer rocks that rise dramatically over 140 meters above the ocean's surface, Kicker Rock serves as a unique marine sanctuary. The channel between the rocks is one of the region's premier diving and snorkeling sites, attracting a variety of marine life including hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, and rays.
Afterwards and a heartfelt farewell from the ship's captain and crew, we will make our way to the airpot for your flight to Quito or Guayaquil. From there you will be able to fly home or continue on one of our trip extensions.
activities
:
Kayak, Snorkel, Walk, Zodiac
meals
:
Breakfast
end of the itinerary
Important: Daily activities description subject to change
Pricing Details
Rates shown are per person based on standard double room or cabin occupancy.
Prices in US$ and valid through December 31, 2024
Single occupancy subject to single supplement .
Credit card payments subject to 3% processing fee.
What is Included
Hotels as shown or similar
All meals as shown
Airport transfers as shown
Professional bilingual guides
Excursions as part of a group
Gratuities except to guides
Additional Budget Considerations
International flights
Quito or Guayaquil to Galapagos roundtrip flights (est. $500)
Galapagos park fee and Tourist Card ($120)