Galapagos Voyage: Pirates & Darwin - Premium Adventure

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. 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.

People, Places & Planet

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.

• 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 (like shampoo, detergent, 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 Centre on Santa Cruz Island. This centre 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.

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

Vaccination

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.

Eating and Drinking

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.

Weather

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

Weather Charts

Is this trip for you?

This trip has been graded Activity Level 1 (Leisurely) with a Safari rating of 5.

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:

• 89 days to 71 days: 50 percent of trip costs retained
• 70 days or less: 100 percent of trip costs retained

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. 

Please see our COVID Travel Guide for Ecuador (including the Galapagos Islands) for more information on current guidelines for travel in Ecuador.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as not suitable for full wheelchair users, but it may be suitable for other persons of reduced mobility. Please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.