Exploring Galapagos

Arrive in Ecuador, either in Quito, Ecuador’s capital city in the Andes, or in the coastal city of Guayaquil, for an included transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. Both cities are well served by international carriers, and Galapagos flights start and end in Quito with a stop in Guayaquil. Guests in Guayaquil stay at the locally owed Hotel Oro Verde, and Quito guests have the choice of several hotels in the city or at a convenient airport hotel. Please note that Quito sits at a 9,350 feet above sea level. It is an alternative option to Guayaquil, at no additional cost, and recommended if you opt for a pre-voyage extension to Mashpi Reserve in the tropical Andes outside Quito, or take an extra day for the See Quito Pre-Voyage Extension. You can also choose to reserve additional hotel nights and tours in Quito or Guayaquil.

This morning, if you are joining our recommended flight to the Galapagos, transfers to the airport, with luggage assistance, will be provided. Upon arrival, embark the ship.

Below is a selection of islands you may visit during your expedition. Specific itineraries are subject to Galapagos National Park regulations.

North Seymour: Follow coastal trails past playful Galapagos sea lions on this wildlife-rich central island. Continue inland through a silvery forest of endemic palo santo trees, where frigatebirds nest, blue-footed boobies dance, and where you may also encounter prehistoric-looking land iguanas feeding on cactus.

Isabela: Cross the Equator at Volcan Ecuador, northernmost of Isabela’s six great shield volcanoes. Keep an eye out for whales and dolphins, sea turtles and the elusive ocean sunfish. Over two days, follow in the footsteps of Darwin and Melville, and look for wildlife along the wildly eroded volcanic shore.

Fernandina: One of the most active oceanic volcanoes in the world, Fernandina is the youngest and most pristine island in Galápagos—and home to the strange flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguins and the largest marine iguanas. Hikes ashore lead across impressive recent lava flows.

Española: See swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies and, seasonally, the world’s only population of waved albatross at this bird paradise that is also home to vividly colored marine iguanas. Watch sea lions on the white sand beach and snorkel offshore in the clear turquoise waters of Gardner Bay.

Floreana: Follow a trail past a pink-tinted lagoon sometimes frequented by flamingos. Snorkel among sea lions and abundant fish, or cruise along Champion Islet by Zodiac. Visit the historic mail barrel at Post Office Bay.

Santa Cruz: Visit Puerto Ayora, the largest town and headquarters of both Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station. See the monument to the famous centenarian tortoise Lonesome George, and tour the giant tortoise breeding corrals. Witness giant tortoises roaming in the wild in the lush green highlands.

Bartolomé: Climb the steps to the summit of this 300-foot volcanic wonderland for stunning views. Explore, swim and snorkel from the beach. Catch a glimpse of Galápagos penguins, one of the world’s rarest.

Santiago: Explore tide pools and look for fur seals sheltered in quiet grottos of black basalt. Swim, snorkel, kayak and paddleboard along Santiago’s spectacular coast, and explore an enchanting coastal forest where Charles Darwin once walked.

Genovesa: Sail across the Equator to the remote northern realm of the Galápagos into this flooded caldera, home to over one million seabirds. Visit Prince Philip’s Steps at the top of the island. Highlights along the trail are many, from Nazca, red- and blue-footed boobies and frigates, to gulls, owls, fur seals, hammerhead sharks, turtles and manta rays.

San Cristobal: Search for red-footed boobies and the endemic mockingbird and lava lizard—found only on this easternmost island. Walk along the powdery white sand at a gorgeous beach fronted by iconic Kicker Rock. Explore Baquerizo Moreno, where sea lions thrive in the middle of town.

Disembark this morning and join the recommended flight to Guayaquil or Quito; transfers to the airport and luggage assistance will be provided. Unwind at Hotel Oro Verde in Guayaquil, or choose from several options in Quito, including a convenient airport hotel. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. You may be able to take advantage of overnight flights home. Ask your Adventure Specialist about Quito, Peru and other post-voyage options.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board homeward flights, unless you have arranged for additional nights or an extension.