Galapagos Wildlife Cruise
Overview
For those with a serious wildlife interest, this 14-night cruise allows for a full exploration of the entire archipelago as we combine the week-long A and B itineraries of the ‘Galapagos Islands’ trip, enabling us to visit both the eastern and western islands. Sailing to the less visited western islands is sure to be a highlight as we spend time at Isabela, the largest and most volcanically active place in the Galapagos, with a rich variety of marine life. The extraordinary archipelago of the Galapagos left a lasting impression on Darwin and is likely to do the same for you. An enchanted world characterised by stark lava fields, cactus forests, volcanic craters, mangrove lagoons and turquoise waters. Step over snoozing Sea lions, watch the courting rituals of Blue‐footed boobies or snorkel with turtles, sharks and rays.
What's Included:
- All breakfasts, 14 lunches, 14 dinners
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Flights from London
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel and fins) available free of charge on board
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Fly to Quito.
The group flight usually arrives into Quito this evening. Land Only clients should aim to arrive at the hotel this afternoon/evening. Free transfers are available for all clients. A local guide will welcome you to Quito and explain the schedule for the next few days.
Day 2: Discover Quito at your leisure.
Today is free to relax, recover from the flight and explore the fascinating city of Quito. Quito is the second highest capital in the world, standing at 2,850m on the western cordillera of the Andes. It is one of the smaller and more attractive of the colonial capitals of South America. Because of the altitude visitors to Quito are advised to take it easy at first.
Day 3: Fly to Galapagos; visit Santa Cruz highlands and Charles Darwin Centre. Embarkation.
Transfer to Quito Airport and fly to Baltra in the Galapagos Islands. We take a short ferry crossing to Santa Cruz Island where we drive to the highlands to look for Galapagos giant tortoises. This afternoon visit the Charles Darwin Centre to learn about the ecology of the islands and visit the centre's tortoise hatchery. After this we board our boat at Puerto Ayora, the island's main town. For today's excursion it's a good idea to have access to your camera, sun cream and appropriate clothing: comfortable footwear for some short walks (possibly amongst grass), light clothes, a hat/cap and a light waterproof in case of a shower or mist.
The Galapagos Wildlife Cruise does both of our two seven-night cruising itineraries back-to-back. Whether the cruise does Itinerary A (eastern islands) or B (western islands) first depends on the departure date of your trip (please ask your sales consultant if unsure). Below we list the schedules for the cruise itineraries A and B for each day.
Day 4: Galapagos Cruise Day 2
A short walk on the small island of Chinese Hat before snorkelling with Sea lions (and penguins if lucky!); on to the dark red beach of Isla Rabida to walk amongst spatter cones, pelicans, Blue-footed and Nazca boobies.
Day 5: Galapagos Cruise Day 3
A day at San Cristobal Island: the white sand beach, Blue-footed boobies and old cone of Cerro Brujo, Galapagos giant tortoise at Galapaguera and crystal clear waters around the striking spear of Kicker Rock.
We start three days exploring the largest island of Isabela and walk to the huge 5-mile wide caldera on Sierra Negra volcano. In the afternoon it's possible to visit the Galapagos giant tortoise breeding centre on Isabela island.
Day 6: Galapagos Cruise Day 4
Swim with Sea lions and Marine iguanas at Gardener Bay on Espanola Island. In the afternoon, walk amongst Nazca and Blue-footed boobies and nesting Waved Albatross (in season) next to pounding surf at Punta Suarez.
Cruising round Isabela's west side, we hope to see whales and dolphins. We land at Punta Moreno's swirling fresh lava flows and also explore the islets of Elizabeth Bay with the largest colony of penguins in the Galapagos.
Day 7: Galapagos Cruise Day 5
At Floreana Island snorkel in the spectacular sunken crater of Devil's Crown amongst thousands of fish. Visit the lagoon at Punta Cormorant (often with flamingos) and Post Office Bay, the mailbox used by 18th Century whalers.
In 1954 Urbina Bay was uplifted 4 metres. We walk here amongst exposed coral heads, wandering Galapagos giant tortoises and huge land iguanas. This afternoon we visit Tagus Cove and Darwin Lake, directly opposite recently active Fernandina Volcano.
Day 8: Galapagos Cruise Day 6
To Dragon Hill, a nesting site for land iguanas with a large lagoon; dramatic Sullivan Bay with a walk on a huge lava flow only 100 years old before swimming from the beach in crystal clear waters.
Land at Punta Espinosa on Fernandina in the midst of a huge colony of Marine iguanas; the sea life is very rich here and supports a large Sea lion and Fur seal colony. Cross the straights and explore the cliffs of Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela.
Day 9: Galapagos Cruise Day 7
Less-visited Genovesa Island is home to an abundance of Red-footed boobies, Fur seals, Storm petrels and Short-eared Owls. Here, we look for tropicbirds at Prince Philip Steps before snorkelling, whilst at Darwin Bay, Galapagos mockingbirds can usually be seen.
Excellent birding on Santiago Island at Puerto Egas followed by an afternoon snorkel and a walk amongst incredible volcanic scenery at Bartolome Island - cones, lava tubes and Pinnacle Rock.
Day 10: Galapagos Cruise Day 8
Today we return to Baltra via Turtle Cove (Itinerary A) or North Seymour Island (Itinerary B), restock and start the second cruise itinerary of your trip. This is a changeover day, where clients taking shorter itineraries may leave or join the boat. We usually arrive in Puerto Ayora around 15:30 and and can have some free time here, where there are many shops, cafes and restaurants. This is your only chance for some shopping before we return to the islands! Alternatively, you could visit Finch Bay to observe birds in the lagoon or walk 2.5km along a paved trail to Tortuga Bay this afternoon, where it's possible to see Marine iguanas, shore birds and sea turtles on this stunning 1km beach.
Day 11: Galapagos Cruise Day 9
Walk on tiny Plazas Island to see a cactus forest, land iguanas and seabirds, then cruise to the white sand beaches of Santa Fe.
A short walk on the small island of Chinese Hat before snorkelling with Sea lions (and penguins if lucky!); on to the dark red beach of Isla Rabida to walk amongst spatter cones, pelicans, Blue-footed and Nazca boobies. In the afternoon its possible to visit the Galapagos giant tortoise breeding centre on Isabela Island.
Day 12: Galapagos Cruise Day 10
A day at San Cristobal Island: the white sand beach, Blue-footed boobies and old cone of Cerro Brujo, Galapagos giant tortoise at Galapaguera and crystal clear waters around the striking spear of Kicker Rock.
We start three days exploring the largest island of Isabela and walk to the huge 5-mile wide caldera on Sierra Negra volcano. In the afternoon it's possible to visit the Galapagos giant tortoise breeding centre on Isabela island.
Day 13: Galapagos Cruise Day 11
Swim with Sea lions and Marine iguanas at Gardener Bay on Espanola Island. In the afternoon, walk amongst Nazca and Blue-footed boobies and nesting Waved Albatross (in season) next to pounding surf at Punta Suarez.
Day 14: Galapagos Cruise Day 12
At Floreana Island snorkel in the spectacular sunken crater of Devil's Crown amongst thousands of fish. We visit the lagoon at Punta Cormorant (often with flamingos) and Post Office Bay, the mailbox used by 18th Century whalers.
In 1954 Urbina Bay was uplifted 4 metres. We walk here amongst exposed coral heads, wandering Galapagos giant tortoises and huge land iguanas. In the afternoon we visit to Tagus Cove and Darwin Lake, directly opposite recently active Fernandina Volcano.
Day 15: Galapagos Cruise Day 13
To Dragon Hill, a nesting site for land iguanas with a large lagoon; dramatic Sullivan Bay with a walk on a huge lava flow only 100 years old before swimming from the white-sand beach in crystal clear waters.
Land at Punta Espinosa on Fernandina in the midst of a huge colony of Marine iguanas; the sea life is very rich here and supports a large Sea lion and Fur seal colony. Cross the straights and explore the cliffs of Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela.
Day 16: Galapagos Cruise Day 14
Less-visited Genovesa Island is home to an abundance of Red-footed boobies, Fur seals, Storm petrels and Short-eared Owls. Here, we look for tropicbirds at Prince Philip Steps before snorkelling, whilst at Darwin Bay, Galapagos mockingbirds can usually be seen.
Excellent birding on Santiago Island at Puerto Egas followed by an afternoon snorkel and a walk amongst incredible volcanic scenery at Bartolome Island - cones, lava tubes and Pinnacle Rock.
Day 17: Fly to Guayaquil; depart Guayaquil.
Itinerary A: Turtle Cove
We explore the mangroves of Turtle Cove at dawn watching turtles rising for air as herons can be seen fishing from the trees.
An early morning walk on North Seymour amidst Palo Santo trees and colonies of Blue-footed boobies.
Both itineraries: Disembark, journey back to Baltra and fly to Guayaquil. After a late breakfast we disembark for the journey back to Baltra to transfer to the airport and fly back to the mainland. We fly to Guayaquil airport where it's possible to connect with international flights this evening from 6pm onwards. Alternatively, you can extend your stay for a few extra nights or join the Napo Wildlife Centre Extension (which starts in Quito). Land only clients may prefer to organise post-tour accommodation for the night in Guayaquil and organise their international flights for the following day.
Day 18: Arrive in London
Hand Picked By
"I am a self-confessed Exodus fan having travelled with them on my own holidays over ten times and escorted groups with them to various countries. You don't have to be superfit explorer to travel with Exodus and I can recommend and help you choose the holiday to suit your ability and interests. I love their walking holidays and I showcase here their superb Amalfi itinerary. The scenery is jaw dropping, gaze down onto the shimmering azure waters whilst enjoying leisurely clifftop walks with your small group and a fantastic local guide"
Claire Griffiths
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