GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

12 days from GBP3,199 to GBP3,639 including flights+ Galapagos taxes US$110 paid locally
Tripcode: AAG

Countries Visited: Ecuador

A First Class yacht-based cruise around the 'Enchanted Isles' with incredible wildlife encounters guaranteed

Darwin's inspiration for 'The Origin of Species', the Galapagos are home to species found nowhere else on earth and some of the world's most pristine environments. We may find ourselves stepping over snoozing sea lions and iguanas or watching close-up the courting rituals of Blue-footed boobies, albatross, or frigatebirds. A mask and snorkel reveals another exciting world; turtles, sharks, rays and colourful reef fish are abundant and sea lions love to come and play! Our comfortable, first class yacht is ideal for low impact tourism, getting where the cruise ships can't go and for viewing the occasional pod of dolphins dancing in our bow wave. Small group sizes, expert guides and excellent cuisine all help to make this a unique and magical experience.

What makes this trip responsible?

Our motor yacht has received the Smart Voyager sustainable tourism certificate, which awards its seal of approval to tour boat operators in Ecuador who meet a set of strict conservation standards for protecting the environment, wildlife and the well-being of workers and local communities. The crew on board are all excellently trained and friendly locals, whilst our guides have shown a real interest in preservation of the important environment of the Galapagos and not simply earning a living from it.

The motor yacht utilises its sails when possible to reduce carbon emissions as it makes its way between sights, although the National Park regulations on being at sights at set times restricts this practice. When motoring, its sleek hull and efficient design (as a fully-functional yacht) results in greatly reduced fuel usage compared to other vessels touring the islands.

Itinerary

[detailed itinerary...]

Day 1

Start Quito.

Day 2

Free time to relax.

Day 3

Fly to the Galapagos Islands.

Day 4

Our Galapagos Cruise alternates between two itineraries and so for the next seven days, your specific itinerary in the Galapagos depends on the departure date of the trip.

Day 5

Itinerary A: A day at San Cristobal Island - Itinerary B: We start three days exploring the largest island of Isabelaa

Day 6

Itinerary A: Swim with sea lions and marine iguanas at the paradisiacal beach - Itinerary B: Cruising round Isabela's west side, we're likely to see whales and dolphins.

Day 7

Itinerary A: At Floreana Island snorkel in the spectacular sunken crater of Devil's Crown - Itinerary B: In 1954 Urbina Bay was uplifted 4 metres and we walk here amongst exposed coral heads

Day 8

Itinerary A: To Dragon Hill, a nesting site for land iguanas with a large lagoon - Itinerary B: Land at Punta Espinosa on Fernandina in the midst of a huge colony of Marine iguanas

Day 9

Itinerary A: Less-visited Genovesa (also called Tower) Island is home to an abundance of red-footed boobies - Itinerary B: Excellent birding on Santiago (James) Island at Puerto Egas

Day 10

Itinerary A: We explore the mangroves of Turtle Cove - Itinerary B: An early morning walk on North Seymour amidst Palo Santo trees and blue-footed booby colonies. Fly to Quito.

Day 11

Depart Quito.

Day 12

Arrive London.

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Images from GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Note: Click on a thumbnail to enlarge.

Pinnacle Rock and the Cachalote, Galapagos Islands.

Looking towards the huge lava field on James Island from Bartoleme Island.

Land Iguana on Isabela, the largest in the Galapagos live on this island.

Spiky marine iguana