From CAD 7454 Was CAD 10649
Guarantee
Small Group
Average
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Once you visit these isolated Galápagos Islands that teem with an incredible diversity of marine and animal life, you'll understand what makes them so special. Embark on this eight-day sailing tour onboard the Reina Silvia Voyager, our custom-built catamaran, which offers comfortable accommodations always close by. While exploring the central and eastern Galápagos Islands, you'll witness the giant tortoises of Santa Cruz, spot marine life (including three types of boobies) on the volcanic landscapes of Punta Pitt, and hike along a saltwater lagoon on Rábida.
Highlights
- See giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station
- Go snorkelling in Santa Fé
- Spot sea lion colonies at Cerro Dragon
- Stroll on the white coral sand beaches of Darwin Bay
- Hike to a saltwater lagoon on Rábida
- Kayak alongside incredible marine life
Trip Details
Product Code: 2818
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport:
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Budget
Supplier Code: SEV10RA
Starts: Quito, Ecuador
Finishes: Quito, Ecuador
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Average
Includes
Activities
- Cruise the Galápagos Islands aboard the Reina Silvia Voyager (7 nts)
- All meals aboard the Reina Silvia Voyager
- Certified Galápagos National Park Service Guide
- Snorkelling at Gardner Bay, Sullivan Bay and Bartolomé
- Possibility to snorkel or kayak at Santa Fé, Darwin Bay, Rábida and Chinese Hat
- Hike to the Bartolomé Island viewpoint overlooking the famous Pinnacle Rock
- Incredible wildlife encounters throughout
- Highlands and wild tortoise excursion (Santa Cruz Island)
- Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)
- All landings and excursions
- Onboard snorkelling equipment and wetsuits
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 7454 (CAD 745 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Quito
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
There are no planned activities, so check into the hotel and enjoy the city. A G Adventures representative will greet you at the hotel and brief the group on the various aspects of the tour.
Day 2: Quito / Puerto Ayora
Transfer early to the airport for the flight to the Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival, meet the Naturalist Guide and cross to Santa Cruz islands to visit the highlands and the Charles Darwin Research Station before boarding the boat in the late afternoon from Puerto Ayora.
After arrival in Baltra, visit of the highlands of Santa Cruz Island for a special opportunity to view the islands' most famous reptile: the giant tortoises in their wild habitat. What a privilege to see an endangered species roving in this lush environment! The vegetation of the area includes the Scalesia Forest (an endemic giant daisy tree) and birds such as the vermilion flycatcher will delight everyone with its scarlet feathers against an emerald green forest. Look for Darwin's finches, particularly the famous Woodpecker Finch. We will then visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center and Charles Darwin Research Station to learn first hand of the conservation and research efforts in the islands. There, you'll see several subspecies of adult tortoises, lots of hatchlings, and learn of the repatriation programs that are saving several subspecies of tortoises and iguanas from extinction.
Day 3: Española: Gardner Bay / Punta Suárez
Enjoy the day on Española Island, one of the oldest in the archipelago. Visit the white sandy beach of Gardner Bay and the bird colonies of Punta Suárez. Take guided walks to observe wildlife and have free time for swimming or snorkelling.
Spend part of the day visiting spectacular Gardner Bay. Walk across a lovely white sand beach amongst a busy sea lion colony and nesting sea turtles (seasonal). Later, take some time exploring the Punta Suárez visitor site, on the north-western corner of the island. Here, birds are everywhere—underfoot, on the trail, overhead, diving into the sea, taking off from cliffs, sitting quietly, and if the timing is right, engaging in ritual mating dances or hatching eggs. As the panga driver guides us in through the surf to the landing, sea lions are often seen “hanging 10” on the waves. A great tangle of marine iguanas, stretched out in the sun on the beach, are usually present when we arrive.
Day 4: San Cristobal: Cerro Dragon / Punta Pitt
Land at Punta Pitt in the morning for a walk to observe the wildlife and spectacular scenery here. In the afternoon continue on to Cerro Dragon on San Cristóbal to observe sea lions and enjoy the beach before travelling to the dramatic Kicker Rock to see the steep vertical stone walls rising from the ocean. The beauty makes for memorable sunset views.
Start the day walking along a trail on Punta Pitt that winds up through eroded volcanic tuff formations to a plateau where there's a spectacular view of the island, and Islote Pitt. Along the trail are endemic plants and wildlife unique to San Cristobal, such as the San Cristobal mockingbird and the San Cristobal lava lizard. All three boobies (blue-footed, red-footed and Nazca) are known to nest here, at Islote Pitt which is a small islet near the anchorage. Blue-footed boobies can often be seen plunge-diving for fish while frigate birds soar overhead.
In the afternoon, head to Cerro Dragon to visit the white sand beach there and observe Sea Lions. Finish the day, with a navigation around the spectacular Kicker Rock. This striking rock formation is located a couple hours off the western shore of San Cristobal. Jutting out of the water, the rocks stand vertically at hundreds of feet above the ocean divided by a small channel.
Day 5: Santa Fe / South Plaza
Visit Santa Fé island for a chance to mingle with the iguanas. Continue to South Plaza for some great bird watching opportunities and views from the oceanside cliffs.
Today, spend time visiting fascinating Santa Fé, home to a small population of very large land iguanas, and the largest of the Opuntia cacti. The lagoon is ideal for swimming and snorkeling; sea lions and colorful fish are in abundance here, as well as the occasional sea turtle. Later, visit South Plaza, a small, but very rewarding island to visit. Here you see an array of endemic land iguanas munching on Opuntia blossoms and leaves. On the upper edge, at the windward side, Swallow Tailed Gulls nest. Watch these beautiful birds maneuver in the tricky air currents as they set up to land on the cliff face. From the bluff you can see schools of Yellowtail Mullet, occasionally a shark, and lots of birds flying back and forth.
Day 6: Genovesa: Darwin Bay / El Barranco
Visit Darwin Bay and marvel at the sheer number of birds along the many trails. Head to El Barranco in the afternoon to see the many types of boobies, including red-footed boobies.
In the morning, visit the white-sand coral beach of Darwin Bay which winds through mangroves filled with land and marine birds. See Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls, and further down the path, observe tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully. In the afternoon, visit El Barranco (also known as Prince Phillip's Steps), which is a steep, rocky path that leads up to a high cliff-face. If you're lucky, catch a glimpse of red-footed boobies, short-eared owls, Nazca Boobies, storm petrels, Galapagos swallows, and Galapagos doves, as you enjoy the magnificent views.
Day 7: Santiago / Bartolomé
Visit Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to witness the giant lava formations contrasting the white-coral-sand beach. Continue to Bartolomé for a guided walk to see the island's dramatic volcanic features and the iconic Pinnacle Rock.
The morning visit heads to Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, located on the southeast part of the island. This place is interesting for its geology because the area has elevations in form of small volcanoes, formed by the lava flows. Later, head to Bartolomé Island, home of the famous Pinnacle Rock. This is an exceptional place to observe volcanic island geology and to snorkel. Among the many colorful species you will see Bi-color Parrotfish, Streamer Hogfish, and Flag Cabrilla. Sometimes you get a special treat—a penguin “snorkeling” right around you in hunt of fishy treats. The long climb up the wooden steps to the pinnacle of this cinder cone takes you through cinders and rough volcanic formations, a veritable moonscape. The lower slopes are graced with a light sprinkling of the delicate, silvery Taquilia, a ground hugging plant adapted to this harsh spot. On top you will enjoy the spectacular view of Bartolomé, Santiago, and several other nearby islands.
Day 8: Rábida / Chinese Hat
Spend the morning exploring the red sand beaches and salt water lagoons of this tiny island. Look for wading flamingos and nesting pelicans before heading out to do some snorkelling. In the afternoon, discover the lava flows and lava tunnels on the small island of Chinese Hat. After, enjoy a refreshing dip in turquoise waters. Search for fish and sea turtles in the protected bay.
Rabida is a “small red island,” the colour of the volcanic cinders.The red beach is usually well populated with sea lions and pups. At times the low salt bushes are loaded with nesting California Brown Pelicans. Just behind the beach, in a brackish lagoon, see Bahamas White-cheeked Pintail Ducks, migratory shore and wading birds, and Greater Flamingos. Flamingos need the presence of a dozen or two other flamingos to stimulate their synchronous mating dance. If our timing is right, we will be able to observe this highly entertaining ritual as well as two species of boobies nest along the cliffs. Later, travel to Sombrero Chino, a tiny island just off the southeast tip of Santiago. Its name (Chinese Hat) describes the island's shape. Though centrally located, it is one of the least visited sites in the area. Patches of pahoehoe lava, cracked lava and lava tubes can be found on the island. If you're up for a walk, a path leads to some spectacular views of the waves crashing below. White-tipped sharks frequent the area, as do the playful Galapagos Penguins and sea lions.
Day 9: Baltra / Quito
Disembark the boat at Baltra to transfer to the airport and catch the flight back to Quito. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and joy one final night on the town.
Day 10: Quito
Depart at any time.
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Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
David M. - Traveled, July 2024
Best touring experience of my life
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/11/2024
Robin M. - Traveled, June 2024
An experience of a lifetime with amazing animals unique to each of the islands in the archipelago. I felt I was back in high school biology class again and enjoyed learning everything.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/10/2024
Yvonne W. - Traveled, June 2024
I have already expressed my appreciation for the ship and crew. I travel a lot and a better guide you will not find.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/10/2024
Jan Z. - Traveled, June 2024
Best nature encounter with a great variety of activities : snorkeling, walking and kayaking
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/08/2024
Megan M. - Traveled, June 2024
The overall experience in the Galapagos was amazing and highly recommended for those who like participating in activities and gaining the full experiences of what nature has to offer. Our guide was unbelievable; she was positive, energetic, and so knowl...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/08/2024
Robin M. - Traveled, June 2024
Absolutely amazing
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/08/2024
Janny G. - Traveled, June 2024
Very well organised trip to Galapagos, with maximum of knowledge, information and activities
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/08/2024
Katherine G. - Traveled, June 2024
The G Adventures cruise exceeded my expectations. The overall experience was fantastic. I would highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/04/2024
Anthony M. - Traveled, June 2024
The Galapagos trip exceeded my expectations. I had expected there to be a lot of visitors and that we would be struggling to get that ideal photograph of us with no one in the background but we rarely had sight of anyone else, it really felt like we had ...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/28/2024
Oscar S. - Traveled, June 2024
It's a once-in-a-lifetime trip! I hope everyone gets the chance to experience this adventure!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/27/2024
Evangeline G. - Traveled, June 2024
great
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/25/2024
Howard M. - Traveled, June 2024
An excellent way to visit and experience the stunning Galapagos Islands.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/25/2024
Dharmesh B. - Traveled, June 2024
Awesome experience and we’ll be traveling more with G Adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/24/2024
Helen D. - Traveled, June 2024
An exceptional way to experience a truly unique location.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/20/2024
Stephanie V. - Traveled, June 2024
Amazing once in a lifetime Galapagos trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/13/2024
Neil P. - Traveled, May 2024
Excellent, exceptionally good
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/11/2024
Anne P. - Traveled, May 2024
G- Adventures excells at everything it provides, with an eye for detail to.make every experience, whether snorkeling or kayaking, walking or dining.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/11/2024
Beth C. - Traveled, May 2024
I cannot imagine how we could have had a better experience. We swam with playful sea lions, serene sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, reef sharks, penguins, rays in addition to the colorful and unique fish. Our guide Omar under-promised and over-delivered e...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/10/2024
Pratiksha B. - Traveled, May 2024
Everyone has to take this tour. You learn so much about the country, the islands, the culture, fauna and flora. The food was a fantastic feast at each meal and the crew were best in class.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/09/2024
Francis E. - Traveled, May 2024
Probably the best holiday I was ever on...it was extremely well organised...a good balance in the itinerary...I am not able to swim...and I was accommodated exceptionaly well. The food was brilliant...everything went to plan and better
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/09/2024
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