Current as of: April 18, 2024 - 04:33
Galapagos Voyage: Back in Time - Premium Adventure Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Premium Adventures, Small Ship Cruises
- Destination: Ecuador
- Programmes: Premium Adventures, Small Ship Cruises
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Activity Level:
1 out of 7 - Leisurely
- 9 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 12+
- Trip Code: GPVA
- Carbon Footprint: 399kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Discover the Galapagos National Park from the comfort of the premium MV Evolution
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, and discover the undeniable wonder of these enchanted isles.
At a Glance
- One night Premium accommodation in Quito and seven nights on board the Premium yacht MV Evolution
- Starts in San Cristobal and ends in Baltra
- Islands visited: San Cristóbal, South Plaza, Sombrero Chino, Santiago, Genovesa, North Seymour, Santa Fe, Floreana and Santa Cruz
- Group normally 26-32 passengers plus crew.
Highlights
- A full week of expedition cruising in the Galapagos archipelago, with two landing sites visited every day, focusing on the north and south.
- Guided nature walks, snorkelling excursions, Zodiac rides and use of kayaks to discover the best of each landing site
- Sail on the MV Evolution, featuring the most public space and largest cabins of any yacht in its class
- Visit the highlands of Santa Cruz to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat
- Enjoy the best guest-to-guide ratio (10:1) in the archipelago, with all guides Level III certified
- Learn about conservation efforts affecting the Galapagos National Park at the Charles Darwin Research Station
Is This Trip for You?
This trip has been graded Activity Level 1 (Leisurely) with a Wildlife Rating of Five. Visit our Activity Level Guidelines page for more on our trip gradings or our Wildlife Holidays page for more on our Wildlife Ratings.
This trip is great for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and those with an interest in history or geology. Though you do not need to be particularly fit, you should note that, due to the volcanic nature of the Galapagos Islands, there will be some walking on rough ground and sharp volcanic rocks. The ability to withstand high temperatures and to swim will maximise your enjoyment. Due to local regulations, we have specific time slots for 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 on each of the islands, we disembark into small pangas (motorised dinghies). Island landings 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. However, in some places where there is no landing stage, the panga will stop close to a beach and you will be expected to walk through shallow water (generally no more than ankle-deep) to the shore. The leader will always advise on conditions prior to leaving and it is possible to skip any particular excursion if you would rather relax on board 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 right for this to be a safe and enjoyable activity. The dinghy will remain very close at all times; if you get tired or feel like coming out of the water 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, masks and wetsuits) will be provided. It is advisable to wear a wetsuit which not only protects you from the cold but also makes floating much easier without as much effort.
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, and instead the following conditions will apply:
Deposit: 25 percent
Balance: Due at 90 days
Cancellation within 90 days:
- 89 days to 71 days: 50 percent of trip costs retained
- 70 days of less: 100 percent of trip costs retained
Islands visited on this itinerary:
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.
South Plaza: A tiny island formed of lava and carpeted with cacti and plants that give it a red surface. There is abundant bird life here (including tropic birds and swallow-tailed gulls), plus a large number of land and marine iguanas that feed on the cacti.
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.
Genovesa: Renowned for the sheer number of birds living on its volcanic cliffs, Genovesa is a true paradise for birdwatchers. There are large populations of red-footed boobies, storm petrels, frigatebirds, tropic birds and nocturnal swallow-tailed gulls. Prince Philip’s Steps lead to a plateau where the visitor is almost totally surrounded by different bird species. It’s not just the land that provides a great natural habitat – the nutrient-rich waters make for great snorkelling too.
North Seymour: A tiny island with a huge sea lion colony and a very large colony of frigatebirds – it’s one of the best places to see the males displaying their bright red pouches during mating season. You may also get to see one of these relatively aggressive birds performing aerial tricks as they steal food from boobies or gulls.
Santa Fe: The dense vegetation of Santa Fe comprises some of the largest cactus species, including a forest of prickly pear. Large numbers of the endemic Santa Fe land iguana reside here – one of the largest land iguanas on the islands.
Floreana: One of the first islands to be inhabited, Floreana has a human history as interesting as its natural one. At Post Office Bay, 18th-century sailors (and now tourists) left mail in a wooden barrel so it could be collected by other ships and delivered to its final destination. It’s still common practice for visitors to see if there are postcards or letters from their home town and deliver them on their return from the Galapagos. Notable wildlife on the island includes large flamingo colonies, the Galapagos petrel and, between December and May, nesting green turtles. Just off the coast is the Devil’s Crown, an underwater coral-filled crater that offers some of the best snorkelling on the islands.
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 archipelago, Santa Cruz has many interesting volcanic features, such as pit craters and lava tunnels, and there is also a noted flamingo lagoon at Cerro Dragón.
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 any questions. We can’t guarantee which guides will be available on which departure date but guide profiles are on our website to show who maybe leading your Galapagos adventure. If the boat is at full capacity, there will three guides on board and an average of 10 guests per guide.
Please see our COVID Travel Guide for Ecuador (including the Galapagos Islands) for more information on current guidelines for travel in Ecuador.
Adult min age: 12
Min group size: 26
Max group size: 32
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Quito
- End City: Quito
Land Only Itinerary
Arrive Quito
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: Swisshotel Quito
Fly Quito to San Cristobal; Visit Cerro Brujo & Kicker Rock
Fly 600mi (965km) across the Pacific Ocean to San Cristobal Airport on the Galapagos Islands. After passing through the Galapagos National Park Inspection, you will meet your guide who will accompany your onward journey by bus and Zodiac to board the Evolution yacht. The crew will be waiting to welcome you on board, and help you get settled into your cabin and familiarise you with the boat. There will be a safety briefing and chance to get to know your fellow travellers and guides, before we navigate past Kicker Rock (or Leon Dormido – Sleeping Lion). Our landing is at Cerro Brujo, on the powdery white beach where we have our first walk and an opportunity to snorkel with sea lions. As the sun sets on your first day, we get together on deck to toast the voyage with a welcome cocktail.
Premium accommodation: The Evolution
South Plaza Island
At only 426ft (130m) wide, South Plaza is one of the smallest islands in the archipelago, yet also one of the richest with lush and diverse flora. On this morning’s landing, we’ll likely encounter yellow land iguanas on a walk to a grove of prickly-pear cactus. Our trail takes us up towards cliffs that look out across the turquoise waters. This is a wonderfully colourful island, with a ground cover of red sesuvium, luminescent cacti and bright flashes of Sally Lightfoot crabs against the black lava rocks.
In the afternoon, we visit Mosquera Island which has a long, narrow stretch of white sand, rocks and tide pools. Non-hikers can enjoy a Zodiac ride, watching for swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropicbirds and blue-footed boobies. Others can stroll or snorkel.
Premium accommodation: The Evolution
Sombrero Chino Island and Santiago Island
The tiny uplifted island of Sombrero Chino – or Chinese Hat – features a primeval landscape of volcanic rubble and lava tubes. Due to its inaccessibility to larger ships, it is one of the least visited islands. There are a few adjacent craters and old, fragile pahoehoe lava flows to be discovered on this morning’s nature trail. Vegetation is just starting to take hold, including colourful carpetweed plants. Activities this morning include a walk, Zodiac ride and swim.
This afternoon, search the tide pools of Puerto Egas (James Bay) for sea life. During low tide, we may see marine iguanas feeding on algae. Our naturalists will point out the birdlife, including great blue herons, lava herons, oystercatchers and yellow-crowned night herons. There is a great spot here to observe fur sea lions as they laze on rocks by the grottos. Snorkelling can be accessed from the shore rather than by dinghy, with opportunities at the right time of year for golden rays and spotted eagle rays to glide by.
Premium accommodation: The Evolution
Genovesa Island
Genovesa is often referred to as Bird Island for the vast numbers of pelagic seabirds that nest here. And while Genovesa harbours one of the largest and most diverse bird populations in the Galapagos, there are no land reptiles — with the exception of some very small marine iguanas. This is due to the direction of the ocean currents, which couldn’t carry the terrestrial animals here. Climb Prince Philip’s Steps to an area with colonies of red-footed boobies. Watch for short-eared owls, which feed on the petrals that fly about. Explore Darwin Bay, home to the rare lava gull. While anchored at Genovesa, enjoy an opportunity to swim, kayak and snorkel in the calm caldera of this partially eroded volcano. In the deep water, hammerhead sharks or large manta rays may pass by below. There are other more sheltered snorkelling spots to choose from too.
Premium accommodation: The Evolution
North Seymour Island and Santa Fe Island
North Seymour is teeming with life. Here we’ll observe the nesting site for a large population of magnificent frigatebirds and the only place where we can always find males showing their red pouches to attract females. We are also sure to see blue-footed boobies perform their comical courtship dance in the open areas. Our snorkelling site gives many opportunities to see rays: marble rays, golden eagle rays, spotted eagle rays, stingrays and even manta rays have been spotted here. Large schools of fish will likely pass by, or maybe a white-tipped reef sharks.
In the afternoon, we’ll arrive at Santa Fe, with its sheltered cove and large sea lion colony where bulls contend for the right to be ‘beach master’. Kayaking and snorkelling can be done from the beach.
Premium accommodation: The Evolution
Floreana Island
The colourful history of Florena includes pirates, whalers and convicts. This morning we’ll hike to Post Office Bay, used by navigators to send mail with homebound messengers. The tradition continues to this day and you can join in and try it for yourself. Swim and kayak in the bay before a walk along the olivine beaches of Punta Cormorant. After hiking to a flamingo lagoon, spot fish and sea turtles during a relaxing stroll along the beach. Enjoy superb snorkelling at Devil’s Crown, where sea water has filled the sunken cone of an extinct volcano.
Premium accommodation: The Evolution
Santa Cruz Island
This morning we’ll visit Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, a small port town with restaurants, hotels, souvenir shops and other faciltiies. This area is also the home of the Charles Darwin Research Station. After breakfast on the Evolution, we’ll visit the giant tortoise breeding programme to learn about the vital work being done. 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 the home of Lonesome George. Today we’ll also visit the Wild Tortoise Reserve in the forested highlands of Santa Cruz to see and photograph giant tortoises in a natural setting.
Later enjoy some free time in Puerto Ayora before returning to the Evolution.
Premium accommodation: The Evolution
Black Turtle Cove and fly to Quito
On the northern shore of Santa Cruz, Black Turtle Cove has a rich habitat of mangroves. Enjoy a Zodiac ride in this area, drifting silently through the mangroves. After this early morning excursion, we’ll disembark the Evolution and head to Baltra Airport.
From Baltra, fly to Quito, where it’s possible to connect with international flights later this evening. If organising your own flights, we would 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.
Accommodation
The Evolution
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
- Our highlight accommodation and base for the week we are in the Galapagos is the classically styled MV Evolution
- This yacht was built to allow guests to experience the islands in comfort
- The interior is fully air-conditioned and offers cabins of four categories on three decks
- All cabins have ample storage space, a writing desk, bedside tables and private facilities. The cabins are the largest on average in the Galapagos and act as the perfect haven to rest between your excursions
- The Evolution has more outside space than any other yacht in its class with 360-degree exterior walkarounds
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:
- Deluxe Stateroom (cabins D1 to D4): 183sqft (17sqm) with ocean-view portholes, two twin beds, one queen bed or one king bed
- Premium Stateroom (cabins C1 to C9): Between 183sqft (17sqm) and 196sqft (18.3sqm) with ocean-view portholes, two twin beds or one queen bed
- Suites (cabins A2 and A3): Between 194sqft (18sqm) and 202sqft (18.8sqm) with large ocean-view windows and a queen bed or two twin beds
- Master Suite (cabin A1): 263sqft (24.4sqm) with seating area, large ocean-view windows on both sides and a king bed
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.
Food & Drink
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.
Transport
In the Galapagos, we use the MV Evolution for our main navigation and small semi-inflatable pangas (motorised boats or Zodiacs) for landings.
Weather & Seasonality
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:
- January: Land birds nest; green sea turtles lay eggs on the beaches; land iguanas breed on Isabela
- February: Marine iguanas nest on Santa Cruz; greater flamingos nest on Floreana
- March: Frigatebirds inflate their bright-red throat pouches during mating season on Genovesa and San Cristobal
- April: Huge numbers of waved albatross on Española display courtship rituals; eggs of green sea turtles hatch; land iguana eggs hatch on Isabela
- May: Blue-footed boobies court on North Seymour; waved albatross lay eggs on Española
- June: Giant tortoises migrate to the lowlands to nest; migrating birds rest in the Galapagos; migrating humpback whales appear around the western islands
- July: Dolphins and whales are more likely to be seen around the western islands; blue-footed boobies on Española breed
- August: Nazca boobies nest on Genovesa Island; sea lions give birth to pups
- September: Penguins seen in the water when snorkelling around Bartolome
- October: Galapagos fur seals mate; blue-footed boobies start raising chicks
- November: Curious sea lion pups found in the water among snorkellers
- December: Green sea turtles mate; waved albatross chicks fledge
Joining Instructions
Key information
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)
Getting to the start hotel
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.
Catching your return flight
On your return to Quito at the end of the holiday, we recommend booking post-tour accommodation to give you some more flexibility regarding your international flight schedule and avoid any tight connections on the return journey.
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
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Sunscreen
- Strong-soled shoes for walking on the islands
- Torch (Flashlight)
Internal flights in the destination country are subject to a weight limit of 44lb (20kg).
Optional Equipment
- Canvas shoes or waterproof sandals for wading ashore if you don’t like wet landings
- Swimming gear
- Waterproofs
- Camera with telephoto lens, spare memory cards and batteries
- Binoculars
Practical Information
Passport
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.
Visa
Ecuador
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.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/ecuador
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/ecuador
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ecuador/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Ecuador.html
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.
Vaccinations and Health
Ecuador
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.
Local Time
Ecuador's time zone: America/Lima (UTC -05:00)
Electricity
All cabins have 24-hour electricity from sockets for charging camera batteries etc.
Money
Ecuador's currency: US dollar (USD)
ATM Availability
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 of some debit cards not being accepted.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
You should carry your money in US dollars cash, as other currencies can be difficult to change and may incur a poor exchange rate. Please note that obtaining change for larger denomination banknotes (US$100 and US$50) can be difficult. Try to carry a number of small notes (US$1 or US$5) as many small businesses and taxis do not carry large amounts of change.
Extra Expenses
There is a compulsory Galapagos Tax of US$100 (increasing to US$200 as of August 1st, 2024) which can only be paid locally in cash (US dollars) and will be collected by the National Park Service on arrival at San Cristóbal. In addition, all visitors to the Galapagos are required to obtain an immigration control card (Ingala card) in mainland Ecuador – this costs US$20 per person and will be supplied and paid for locally in cash (US dollars). Galapagos taxes are subject to increase without notice, and any such increase will be collected in Quito or San Cristóbal.
Tipping
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 on board 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 US$12-US$18 per person per day.
People, Places & Planet
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that 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.
- The use of a local guide means our customers will be well informed about local traditions, the environment as well as cultural and social sensitivities within the Galapagos National Park.
- Guides and other staff are local to the Galapagos, providing local employment and economy benefits.
- Although much of this tour is spent on board a boat or in nature, wherever the opportunity arises clients are encouraged to use local businesses and to engage with people they meet to promote positive cultural exchange.
- Food supplies on the boat are always locally sourced to help bring economical benefits to the area.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels.
- On arrival to the Galapagos Islands all visitors pay a Galapagos National Park fee of USD100 to ensure the protection of this World Heritage Site.
- By travelling in a small group, led by a Level 3 naturalist guide who is authorised by the Galapagos National Park, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- Trails are clearly marked throughout the Galapagos Islands and we are always careful to remain on the marked paths and respect all signs.
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate and reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead providing refills for re-usable bottles. On board the Evolution there is a zero single use plastic policy and the crew are committed to reducing waste as part of the WWF’s zero-waste initiative.
- In the Galapagos National Park there are tight regulations in place to prevent ecological damage such as: restricting use of biodegradable products (such as shampoo, detergent and soap) and recycling of contaminants (oil and fuel) which are sent back to the mainland for disposal and water treatment.
- We visit the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island. This is dedicated to protecting and conserving the ecology of the islands and carries out educational projects in support of conservation of the Galapagos Islands. Our entry fees help contribute to all the work going on here by improving demand, facilities and creating employment opportunities for scientists.
- We are also careful to adhere to National Park guidelines, which, amongst other things, ask that we keep a safe distance from wildlife at all times.
- Our Animal Welfare Policy ensures all our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regards to working animals and wildlife viewing.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Through our Planet Promise, we have pledged to halve the carbon footprint of our trips by 2030 and made rewilding and carbon compensation commitments for every customer who travels.
- All meals taken on board our boat are produced using local, sustainably sourced ingredients.
- Vegetarian options are available on the Evolution for all guests
- Our local partner is working towards making this holiday entirely green in conjunction with the Carbon Fund.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: Filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.
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.
Important Information
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.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
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.