Current as of: October 10, 2024 - 16:32
Current as of: October 10, 2024 - 16:32
1 out of 7 - Easy
The Galapagos Islands are a treasure meant to be experienced with a group of true nature enthusiasts. The MV Evolution, a premium yacht, is the perfect spot to relax between daily hiking and snorkelling excursions, or for joining fellow travellers for a briefing by our knowledgeable naturalist guides.
During our premium Galapagos Islands cruise, find yourself just inches from giant tortoises, comical blue-footed boobies, sea lions, penguins, iguanas and many other animals, and gain an appreciation for how remarkable life on Earth can be. Voyage the famed waters of the Galapagos amid the spectacular landscapes and distinct endemic wildlife that so intrigued Charles Darwin. From spouting whales crossing the Bolivar Channel to waved albatrosses nesting along the Española cliffs, you’ll experience the undeniable wonder of these enchanted isles.
Highlights
This trip is graded Activity Level 1 (Easy) with a Wildlife Rating of Five. Visit our Wildlife Holidays page for more on our Wildlife ratings. For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Great for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and those with an interest in history or geology. Though you do not need to be particularly fit, though you should note there will be walking on rough ground and sharp volcanic rocks. The ability to withstand high temperatures and to swim will maximize your enjoyment. Due to local regulations, we have specific time slots for our landings and site visits. There is usually very little disruption to the schedule, but this can mean little room for deviation in the event of poor weather or other circumstances.
In the Galapagos, each day will feature a mixture of walking, snorkelling and exploring the islands by boat. To get closer to the designated landing sites, we disembark into small pangas (motorised dinghies). Landings on the islands are divided into two types – wet and dry. For dry landings, the panga will take you right up to a landing stage or rocky outcrop where you can disembark without getting wet. Where there is no landing stage, the panga will stop close to a beach and you will need to walk through shallow water (generally no more than ankle-deep) to the shore. Our wonderful guides will always advise on conditions prior to leaving and it is possible to skip any particular excursion if you would rather relax on the boat.
There are plenty of opportunities for snorkelling in the Galapagos and this is one of the best ways to experience the marine life. A mask and snorkel will reveal an exciting underwater world with sea lions, rays, turtles, marine iguanas and a colourful array of fish. On most days of the itinerary, there will be one or two snorkelling sessions. Snorkelling in the Galapagos does not require any special skills, however, at times you will be snorkelling in open water where there are fairly strong currents. Before going into the water, the guide will evaluate the strength of the currents and the general sea conditions to make sure they are suitable. The dinghy will remain very close at all times; if you get tired or feel like coming out, you only have to raise your arm and they will pick you up so you can rest for a while before going back in or stay in the dinghy until it is time to return to the boat. Snorkelling equipment (snorkel, fins and masks) is provided; however, it is advisable to wear a wetsuit which not only protects you from the cold but also makes floating much easier.
We offer this Galapagos cruise in conjunction with our Ecuadorian partners, and Exodus participants will join an international group, not all of whom have booked through Exodus. Occasionally some of these may be younger than Exodus’ minimum age for this trip.
Booking conditions:
Please note this tour is excluded from our standard booking conditions. The following conditions apply instead:
Deposit: 25 percent
Balance: Due at 90 days
Cancellation within 90 days:
Islands visited on this itinerary
Isabela: One of the youngest and most volcanically active islands with stark lava fields blackening the landscape, Isabela is larger in size than all the other islands put together. Isabela was formed when six volcanoes merged and the lunar landscape of its interior is perfect for an unusual trekking experience, while the cloud forest is home to five distinct subspecies of the giant Galapagos tortoise. Marine life here is rich and varied – it’s possible to see stingrays, white-tipped reef sharks and turtles in the mangroves and submerged lava tunnels, plus playful dolphins and the odd glimpse of breaching humpback whales.
Fernandina: The third-largest island is an active shield volcano noted for its fine examples of aa and pahoehoe lava flows. The ecosystem is remarkably untouched, and the island has never been invaded by foreign species or predators. As a result, the cormorants here had no real need to fly, gradually evolving into flightless birds with small wings and feet that are extremely well-adapted to swimming. Land iguanas have also flourished due to the lack of predators, and the island is home to the largest colony in the Galapagos.
Bartolomé: One of the most photographed of all the islands, Bartolomé is an extinct volcano with many interesting geological features and a semi-lunar landscape. Pinnacle Rock, seen in countless photos, is actually a tuff cone – a column of hardened volcanic ash formed when molten rock fused after coming into contact with seawater. It’s possible to swim with Galápagos penguins here, and the island is home to sea lions, nesting marine turtles and white-tipped reef sharks.
Santiago: Home of the Galapagos fur seal, which likes the rocky shoreline and shady spots of Santiago. Around 30,000 to 40,000 fur seals live on the islands, and the majority can be found close to Puerto Egas, either on the rocks or on the black beaches. The island is a good place to see Galapagos hawks and Darwin finches, and there’s a popular snorkelling site called Chinese Hat where penguins, rays, turtles and playful sea lion pups reside.
Santa Cruz: The second-largest island in the archipelago, Santa Cruz is home to Puerto Ayora – where most Galapagos ships are docked for embarkation – and the Charles Darwin Research Station, which conducts tortoise research programmes and is heavily involved in the management and conservation of the islands along with the national park authorities. The Santa Cruz highlands are much greener than the dry lowlands of the other islands and are home to free-roaming tortoises. In common with the rest of the group, Santa Cruz has many interesting volcanic features, such as pit craters and lava tunnels, and there is a flamingo lagoon at Cerro Dragón.
Rabida: The striking russet sand differentiates Rabida from the other islands; rich in iron, this is one of the most colourful islands in the Galapagos. Pelicans nest among the red cliffs, while pink flamingos feed in the saltwater lagoon.
Española: The southernmost island of the chain, Española is also the oldest. As it is relatively isolated from the other islands, it has developed endemic fauna, including the only marine iguanas that change colour to attract mates during breeding season. The island is the favoured breeding ground for almost the entire world’s population of waved albatross due to its easy access to prime fishing grounds and the steep cliffs that provide an ideal place for the large birds to take off. There are also large colonies of mockingbirds, boobies, Darwin finches and doves, plus sea lions, which surf the breaking waves.
San Cristóbal: The easternmost island of the archipelago and the first landing point for Charles Darwin in 1835. The provincial capital of the Galapagos Islands, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, is on San Cristóbal, and the town is home to the excellent Galapagos Interpretation Centre. Popular sites include El Junco Lake (one of the few freshwater lagoons in the archipelago), Frigatebird Hill (named for the large colonies of magnificent and great frigatebirds), and Kicker Rock, a towering split rock that rises more than 328ft (100m) from the ocean. The highland cloud forests provide a natural habitat for giant tortoises. Huge numbers of sea lions are also present on San Cristóbal and nearby Isla Lobos, reachable by boat, is a big nesting site for blue-footed boobies.
All guides have Level 3 National Park Certification
Guides will join all excursions and activities, providing daily recaps and briefings, and are always available to answer questions. We can’t guarantee which guides will be available on a specific departure date but guide profiles are on our website to show who may lead your Galapagos adventure. If the boat is at full capacity, there will be three guides on board and an average of 10 guests per guide.
Adult min age: 12
Min group size: 26
Max group size: 32
Today is an arrival day into Quito. On arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Arrival transfers are included for everyone, regardless of which flight you arrive on today.
Premium accommodation: Swissotel Quito
Fly 600mi (965km) across the shimmering Pacific Ocean to Baltra Airport on the Galapagos Islands. After you pass the Galapagos National Park inspection, your guide will greet you and accompany your onward journey by bus and Zodiac to board the MV Evolution. The crew will welcome you on board and help you settle into your cabin and familiarise yourself with the boat. MV Evolution is a beautiful, intimate yacht, carrying only 32 passengers at a time. Because of its size, you can enjoy a more personal experience with nature and the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands. There will be a safety briefing and chance to get to know your fellow travellers and guides.
Begin this exciting voyage with a circumnavigation of Daphne Major, a paradise for sea birds including the magnificent frigatebird. As the sun sets over the Pacific, enjoy a welcome toast with your fellow voyagers and inhale the ocean views.
Premium accommodation: MV Evolution
Punta Vicente Roca is at the northern edge of Isabela Island and a well-known snorkelling spot. Our landing site this morning is near an ancient volcano, which has formed two stunning turquoise coves with a protected bay. Board the Zodiac and enjoy a dramatic ride into the heart of this partially sunken volcano. Experience one of the great wildlife adventures as you take to the water and swim and snorkel among sea turtles, penguins and possibly sea horses.
Today we explore the magnificent lava fields of Punta Espinosa on Fernandina. This is the youngest and most volcanically active island in the archipelago and also home to one of the biggest marine iguana colonies in the Galapagos. Look out for flightless cormorants and the extraordinary marine iguanas. The open-air decks on the Evolution are perfect for wildlife spotting, and as we cross the Bolivar Channel we may witness these immense creatures gliding through the ocean.
Premium accommodation: MV Evolution
Isabela is home to diverse wildlife and several volcanoes – Cerro Azul, Sierra Negra, Darwin, Wolf and Alcedo – all of which are considered active. Hike along the uplifted section of sea floor in Urbina Bay at the base of Alcedo and marvel at the boulder-sized dried coral heads. Our expert naturalist guide will explain how this landscape formed, among a backdrop of giant tortoises, colourful land iguanas and other wildlife that feed on the vegetation. Jump on the Zodiac for a thrilling excursion to Tagus Cove, where we look for penguins, flightless cormorants and pelicans along the cliffs before snorkelling in the turquoise waters.
Premium accommodation: MV Evolution
Experience nature’s finest handiwork at Bartolomé Island, where we hike to the top of a dormant volcano. From here, admire the dramatic panorama of Pinnacle Rock – probably the most iconic landscape in the Galapagos. The island is dotted with craters, cinder cones, lava flows, spatter cones and broken lava tunnels which run down from the summit, creating a unique lunar landscape. Bartolomé is home to sea lions, penguins and turtles, plus a kaleidoscope of tropical fish, sea anemones, urchins and sea stars.
The hike is not too strenuous and follows a set of steps to the summit; however, Zodiac drivers will take any non-hikers on a journey around the cliffs to observe the volcanic landscape. Swim and snorkel with sea lions and maybe penguins. This afternoon, hike across the unusual, swirly panoehoe lava of Sullivan Bay and see the flora colonising the landscapes. As we stroll along the coralline beach, we may spot American oystercatchers characterised by their black-and-white plumes and orange beaks.
Premium accommodation: MV Evolution
Towards the northern end of Santa Cruz Island is the exotic Bachas Beach, a sandy white-coral stretch that is a major egg-laying site for sea turtles. It is also home to one of the last remnants from the US military’s presence in the Galapagos during the Second World War. Discover this floating pier, where Sally Lightfoot crabs, black-necked stilts and whimbrels often congregate, on our morning walk before snorkelling in the azure waters where sea turtles nest.
Explore the red-sand beach of Rabida Island at the geologic centre of the archipelago, where doves, yellow warblers, mockingbirds and up to nine species of Darwin’s finches live. A small saltwater lagoon is also home to white-cheeked pintail ducks and black-necked stilts. Rabida is a great place for snorkelling and getting up close to sea lions, sea turtles and reef fish such as damsels and pufferfish. Embark on a guided kayaking excursion and watch out for brown pelicans and blue-footed boobies while savouring views of the sloping volcanic peak.
Premium accommodation: MV Evolution
Today we visit Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, a small, picturesque port town with restaurants, hotels, souvenir shops and other facilities. This coastal town is also home to the Charles Darwin Research Station.
After breakfast on board the Evolution, learn about the giant tortoise and the vital work being done at the breeding centre. Since 1970, more than 2,000 tortoises have been hatched, raised and released from the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center at the Charles Darwin Research Station, which was founded in 1959 and was once home to Lonesome George, the last-known Pinta Island tortoise.
Later, visit the Wild Tortoise Reserve in the forested highlands of Santa Cruz to see and photograph these wonderful creatures in a natural setting. Before returning to the Evolution, enjoy free time in Puerto Ayora to discover more of the town.
Premium accommodation: MV Evolution
The relative isolation of Española has resulted in an abundance of unusual wildlife and species and subspecies that are endemic to the island, including the Española (hood) mockingbird, Española (hood) racer snake, Española (hood) lava lizard, waved albatross and brightly coloured marine iguanas. Enjoy a captivating Zodiac ride before wading ashore to Punta Suarez through a sea lion colony. Walk along the cliffs looking for waved albatrosses, Galapagos hawks, hood mockingbirds and the red-coloured race of marine iguana en route to a blowhole, where waves spout 90ft (27m) into the air.
After lunch on the Evolution, swim, snorkel and kayak in the glistening waters off Gardner Bay, a long white sandy beach where sea lions laze in the sun, and schools of tropical fish swim. Owing to the sheer quantity of wildlife and variety of species on the island, Española will no doubt be one of the highlights of your Galapagos adventure.
Premium accommodation: MV Evolution
Discover the fascinating natural history and learn about the settlements at the Interpretation Centre in San Cristóbal, which was opened by the park in 1998, before your Galapagos adventure comes to an end.
From San Cristóbal fly to Quito, where it’s possible to connect with international flights later this evening. If organising your own flights, we recommend speaking to your sales representative about post-tour accommodation in Quito so you can fly home the following day and avoid any tight connections.
Fantastic accommodation awaits you on this Premium Adventure.
Swissôtel Quito
We spend our first night at the Swissôtel Quito, which is in the commercial-residential Floresta district. It has a variety of dining options, including Tanoshii, a restaurant serving Japanese specialities including sushi, yakimeshi and teppanyaki. In the evening, you might want to settle into the trip with a cocktail at Bar Le Point, a relaxed venue with occasional live music.
MV Evolution
While the Evolution may carry a group of just 32 guests, it is generous in size with a host of amenities. From relaxing on the sundeck to reading in the lounge, you’re sure to relish the ambience. Enjoy briefings by naturalist guides in the comfortable lounge or spend time with a snack and your fellow passengers at the canopied bar – a superb place for watching the sun set over the Pacific. After excursions, relax in the hot tub or find a comfortable deckchair to soak in the views.
Because there is an ‘open bridge’ policy aboard the Evolution, you are welcome to visit the captain and crew and learn all about the operation and navigation of the ship. A convenient boarding platform makes it easy and safe to board our excursion boats.
Cabins
All cabins feature private bathrooms with hair dryers and toiletries, climate controls, a writing desk and safe boxes, plus ample storage space. During every excursion, stewards will service your cabin. There are four cabin categories:
The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to make changes to a property of a similar or higher standard after you have booked. We endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance, which could, on rare occasions, be at late notice.
Eight breakfasts, seven lunches and seven dinners are included.
Meals are served in one seating in the dining room, and each meal includes international and traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, fresh fruit and sumptuous desserts.
Select wines, local beers, cocktails, spirits, soft drinks, juice, coffee, hot chocolate and tea are also included on board. Certain premium brands of wines, beer or spirits are not included but can be purchased onboard.
In the Galapagos, we use the MV Evolution for our main navigation and small semi-inflatable pangas (motorised boats or Zodiacs) for landings.
It is possible to visit the Galapagos at any time of year, but seasonal variations do affect what you see and there are climatic changes to note. The weather is controlled by the two main ocean currents of the region, the Humboldt, bringing cold water from the Antarctic, and El Niño, which brings tropical water from the Gulf of Panama. How close to Galapagos they converge (which varies from year to year) is the key to the weather.
Dry season
Typically, late May to early December is the cooler dry season. In this period, it is not necessarily dry, as there is a persistent light mist (garúa) and often light drizzle, and the higher mountain slopes are covered in cloud and fog or rain. At this time, the winds are in the southeast and are higher than at other times, so seas can be choppy – anyone worried about seasickness might be better advised to avoid it. Daytime maximum temperatures lie between 27C and 31C (81F and 88F), the cooler months being July to November. In July and August, the fairly strong winds introduce a chill factor, and it can feel quite cold at nights, though throughout the year the official night temperatures vary between 19C and 24C (66F and 77F).
Wet season
Depending on how close the convergence of the two currents comes to Galapagos, there may or may not be a wet season from January to April/May. Approximately every seven years, an El Niño current hits the islands bringing heavy rains. In other years, rain usually falls sporadically from otherwise clear skies. The ocean temperatures are higher, with generally calm seas and strong sunshine: pleasant, but potentially very hot. Outside El Niño years, the weather is usually better from December/January to April/May than at other times even if there is some rain. Most people regard these months as the best time to go.
There are plenty of wildlife highlights throughout the year:
Start hotel: Swissotel Quito , Av. 12 de Octubre 1820, Y Luis Cordero, PO Box 1721565, Quito
Phone: +593-2-256-7600
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)
The start hotel is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel for any flight landing on arrival day. Speak to your sales representative before departure to book.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
The trip ends at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO). If you plan on catching your return flight home on the same day, we recommend booking a flight after 6pm. Alternatively, speak to your sales representative about booking post-tour accommodation and catching your return flight the following day.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Quito
Location end: Quito
Internal flights in the destination country are subject to a weight limit of 44lb (20kg).
Water included
Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Ecuador. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
If you are travelling via the USA and are eligible to transit under the Visa Waiver Program, you are required to register in advance for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). There is a US$21 charge, which is only payable online. Please see our website www.exodus.co.uk/usvisa for further information.
Please note, not all nationalities have the same eligibility for travel to or transit via the USA, and you may not be covered by the visa waiver program. Regulations stipulate that any person who has travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since March 2011, or have dual nationalities of these countries, may no longer qualify. In addition, if you have travelled to Cuba since 12 January 2021 you will not be eligible for the visa waiver program and should instead apply for a visa.
If you are in doubt of your eligibility, please check the visa requirements with your local US embassy.
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tuberculosis, typhoid and yellow fever. Please check all vaccination recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.
You will also require a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda or if you have transited through those same three countries for more than 12 hours.
If you plan to visit the Amazon Rainforest, we recommend a yellow fever vaccination. Malaria is also a risk in some areas of the country (including the Amazon Rainforest) so we suggest you consult a doctor for more advice. Additionally, dengue, chikungunya and zika, all viral diseases spread by mosquitoes, are known risks in places visited. There are currently no vaccines or prophylaxes available, so take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Please note: All visitors to Ecuador will be required to show valid medical insurance on arrival and cannot enter the country without it.
Ecuador's time zone: America/Lima (UTC -05:00)
Ecuador's electricity: Plug types A (two flat pins) and B (three pins: two flat, one round) – 120V, 60Hz
Ecuador's currency: US dollar (USD)
ATMs accepting major credit and debit cards are readily available on the mainland, but access in the Galapagos is limited. Please contact your bank before travel to ensure compatibility and take more than one card with you as we have had reports that some debit cards are not being accepted.
You should carry your money in US dollars cash, as other currencies can be difficult to change and may incur a poor exchange rate. Obtaining change for larger denomination banknotes (US$100 and US$50) can be difficult. Try to carry several small notes (US$1 or US$5) as many small businesses and taxis do not carry large amounts of change.
Tipping is a customary practice in Ecuador and forms part of the service culture. Due to the dominance of US visitors in the destination, tips are reasonably high.
On this Premium Adventure, we include the cost of all tips to the crew of the Evolution during your stay, a cost of approximately US$30 per person per day (US$240 in total). As such, tipping the crew is taken care of for you and will be distributed evenly among all staff onboard.
Your naturalist guide is not included in the amount for the crew, as we prefer to allow you to tip guides directly where good service has been received. You should budget tips for the naturalist guide in the region of USD$12-US$18 per person per day.
We work hard to create trips which improve life for the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.