When to go
January – December
Price
From £7,099 pp (excluding flights)
Flight time
12hrs 18mins
Introduction
Located in the eastern Pacific Ocean in Ecuador, South America, the Galapagos Islands are made up of 13 islands, along with various smaller islands. The region is perfect for nature and wildlife lovers, with the chance to watch seals relax on the coastline, whales cross the Bolivar Channel, and albatross nest on the Espanola cliffs. As part of your itinerary, you will spend 7 days on an intimate luxury yacht, the MV Evolution, which provides comfortable accommodation and panoramic views from all angles.
At a Glance
Duration
9 days & 8 nights
Guide price
Group: £7,099pp (excluding flights)
Cities/Destinations (in order)
Guayaquil – Guayaquil/Baltra/Daphne Major – Isabela Island/Fernandina Island – Isabela Island – Bartolomé/Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay – Santa Cruz Island: Bachas Beach/Rabida Island – Santa Cruz Island – Española Island – San Cristóbal Island/Guayaquil
Tour Type
Experienced local tour manager and guided sightseeing
Tour Theme
Group Tour
Activity Level
1 out of 7 - Leisurely
Age Range
12+
Star Rating of Tour
Superior
Accommodation
Hilton Colon Guayaquil – MV Evolution
Board Basis
Varied - please see the sample itinerary for details
Min|Max Group Size
Average 26 people with a maximum of 32
Start/Finish
Guayaquil – Guayaquil
Highlights
Cruise the Galapagos Islands on a Luxury Yacht
Aboard the MV Evolution, you will cruise across the Pacific Ocean and visit 2 landing sites each day. Your journey will take you to Isabela and Fernandina Island, the volcanic island of Daphne Major, and Santa Cruz Island, which has 2 rugged mountain ranges, exquisite sandy beaches, and the Painted Cave, one of the largest sea caves in the world.
Go on Guided Nature Walks, Snorkeling Excursions, and More
When you’re not marveling at the beautiful wildlife and pristine waters on the MV Evolution, you’ll have the chance to participate in several activities on land and on water. You’ll walk along high-altitude peaks, snorkel amongst the sea turtles, and go kayaking in search of brown pelicans.
Explore Santa Cruz Island and Marvel at Giant Tortoises
Santa Cruz Island is home to the second-largest population of giant tortoises. In 2021, it was announced a giant tortoise found in 2019 was a species that was once considered extinct. It was identified by scientists as the Chelonoidis phantasticus species. 97 percent of the land surface is classified as protected area, allowing the other 3 percent of land to be used by the locals, mostly for essential daily activities.
Recommended Hotels
Hilton Colon Guayaquil – MV Evolution
Sample Itinerary
Galapagos Voyages
Discover the beauty of the Galapagos Islands in this 9-day sample itinerary. Whilst staying aboard the MV Evolution, you will travel to many of the connected islands, including Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, and Santiago Island, to name a few. You will admire the scenic landscapes and natural wildlife, which include giant tortoises, albatrosses, and sea lions, which often lay on the beach.
Day 1: Guayaquil
Your journey begins in Guayaquil, a vibrant port city and the economic capital of Ecuador. Transfer to Hotel Oro Verde and meet your travelers.
Stay overnight at the Hilton Colon Guayaquil.
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Day 2: Guayaquil/Baltra/Daphne Major
Fly from Baltra Airport to the Galapagos Islands. Meet your local tour guide and travel by bus and zodiac to board the MV Evolution, where you will spend the next 7 nights.
Meet the crew of the MV Evolution and become familiar with the boat and your cabin. Participate in a safety briefing. Then start your journey by visiting Daphne Major, a volcanic island north of Santa Crus.
Spend the next 7 nights onboard the MV Evolution.
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Day 3: Isabela Island and Fernandina Island
Today, land near the site of an ancient volcano, where you will see 2 large turquoise covers and a bay. Board the zodiac and head straight into a partially sunken volcano. Then go on a snorkeling excursion, marveling at the sea horses, penguins, and sea turtles.
Then explore Punta Espinoza, an island that is unique for having no new wildlife introduced to the area. Enjoy an engaging wildlife watching session, keeping an eye out for marine iguanas and flightless cormorants.
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Day 4: Isabela Island
Head on land to Isabela Island, which is home to several active volcanoes. Hike to the base of Alcedo and learn about the history of the landscape, with an informative session from your tour guide, who will explain how the region was formed and how the wildlife survives in the area.
Board the Zodiac and visit Tagus Cove. You may see flightless cormorants, pelicans, and penguins. Snorkel in the area.
(B, L, D)
Day 5: Bartolomé/Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay
Visit Bartolomé Island and reach the summit of a dormant volcano. Enjoy the panoramic views of Pinnacle Rock, which features several iconic landmarks, such as cinder cones and dotted craters. You may also encounter penguins, sea lions, and turtles.
While the hike to the top of the volcano is not too strenuous, if you do not wish to hike, then the Zodiac drivers will drive you around the cliffs to look at the volcano from different angles.
From there, go on a swimming and snorkeling session, and visit Sullivan Bay which has lava flows originating from the 19th century.
(B, L, D)
Day 6: Santa Cruz Island: Bachas Beach/Rabida Island
Visit Bachas Beach, a major egg laying site for sea turtles, and home to various marine life such as Sallty Lightfoot crabs and whimbrels.
Then explore Rabida Island. It is famous for its red-tinged beach and varied birdlife, which includes up to 9 different species of the Darwin finch. Go snorkeling and hang out with the sea lions, fish, and sea turtles. Then go kayaking in search of brown pelicans and enjoy the spectacular views of the nearby volcano.
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Day 7: Santa Cruz Island
Head to the port town of Puerto Ayora and explore the local restaurants, shops, handicraft stores, and other facilities.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast and board the MV Evolution. Today you will learn about the giant tortoise, and the work being done to protect the species from extinction. More than 2,000 tortoises have been hatched, raised, and gently reintroduced to the wild by the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Centre, located in the Charles Darwin Research Centre.
From there, head to the Wild Tortoise Reserve. Take photographs of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Then head back to the MV Evolution for free leisure.
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Day 8: Española Island
Española Island is unique for its endemic wildlife and opportunities to get up-close-and-personal with the beautiful creatures. Depending on the season, you may encounter the Española racer snake and mockingbird, the waved albatross, and marine iguanas.
Then, take a Zodiac ride to Punta Suarez, passing by a colony of sea lions and other creatures. Have lunch on the MV Evolution, and enjoy one last swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking session near Gardner Bay. Many visitors consider Española Island to be the highlight of the trip, due to the abundant wildlife and scenic views.
(B, L, D)
Day 9: San Cristóbal Island/Guayaquil
Visit the Interpretation Centre in San Cristóbal to learn about the cultural heritage of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Your trip will officially end after this activity.
Fly from San Cristóbal fly to Guayaquil and, if applicable, catch an international flight home in the evening. If you plan to fly the following day, talk to your sales representative to arrange post-tour accommodation for the evening.
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