The Galapagos - The Enchanted Islands of Darwin

Cruise the remarkable island ecosystem of the volcanic Galapagos, sitting 600 miles west of Ecuador. See the unique and abundant wildlife, some of which are found nowhere else on earth. In the company of naturalist guides, aboard the Explorer II in 2010, the most luxurious vessels cruising the Galapagos, you'll scout for breaching whales, pink flamingos, giant tortoises, marine iguanas, tiny penguins and flightless cormorants, to name just a few of the many species that call the Galapagos home.

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Quito
Arrive in Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and transfer to the Hotel Hilton Colón Quito where you will overnight.

Day 2 - Quito
Enjoy a walking tour of historic downtown Quito, with the best-preserved colonial historic center in Latin America. Drive up El Ventanal for a bird’s-eye-view of the city. You may purchase an optional excursion to the volcano Antisana offering spectacular views of glaciers, wildflowers and the occasional condor. Your included welcome dinner is at the Theatrum Restaurant. Overnight at the Hotel Hilton. BD

Day 3 - Quito, Guayaquil, San Cristobal, Cerro Brujo
This morning we’ll escort you to the Quito airport for your flight to San Cristobal in the Galápagos Islands via Guyaquil. Once there, transfer to the dock to board the M/V Galápagos Explorer II, your all-suite home away from home. We’ll make our way to Cerro Brujo and make a wet landing, giving you time to swim, snorkel or admire the rich bird life. BLD

Day 4 - Española (Hood) Island
The southernmost island in the archipelago, Hood Island has a large population of indigenous wildlife. Watch for sea lions and iguanas, masked and blue-footed boobies, Hood mockingbirds, lava lizards and more. If you’re experienced in deep water snorkeling, head to Gardner Rock, home to white-tipped reef sharks. BLD

Day 5 - Santa Cruz Island, Rabida Island
Visit Darwin Station and the tortoise breeding center, and stroll through Puerto Ayora, the largest town on the islands. In the afternoon head to Rabida Island with its startling red sands and teal waters. Sea lions, fur seals and flamingos are often seen here, and there’s great snorkeling as well. BLD

Day 6 - Santa Cruz Island
Make a wet landing on Santa Cruz Island and divide your time between Bachas Beach and Dragon Hill. Highlights include nesting sites for sea turtles, flamingos, marine iguanas, Darwin finches, sea lions and more. BLD

Day 7 - Bartolomé Island, Santiago (James) Island
Make a wet landing in a cove on Bartolomé Island to see sea lions and a small colony of Galápagos penguins. In the afternoon, land on James Island and hike past the remains of a salt-mining enterprise on the way to Puerto Egas and the fur seal grottos. Watch for land iguanas and birds along the way. BLD

Day 8 - Fernandina Island, Isabela Island
Some of the most unusual Galápagos species can be seen on Fernandina Island, the youngest and westernmost in the chain. As you land near a small mangrove forest look for penguins diving off the rocks into the water. This island is home to the archipelago’s largest groups of marine iguanas, and you’ll likely see them basking in the sand, swimming near shore or grazing on the exposed seaweed. In the afternoon visit Isabela Island with its massive volcanoes. Watch for sea turtles, colonies of fur seals and marine iguanas along shore as we make our way to a large cave. Here you can snorkel with manta rays, sea turtles and even the occasional dolphin. BLD

Day 9 - North Seymour, Santa Cruz Island
A dry landing takes you to a sandy beach where sea lions and marine iguanas congregate. Hike inland to a small cactus forest inhabited by blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate bird colonies. In the afternoon, board a bus bound for the Santa Cruz Highlands where about 40 giant tortoises live in the wild. BLD

Day 10 - Galápagos to Guayaquil
After breakfast, head to the airport for your flight back to Guayaquil. B

Please Note: Due to the narrow pathways, uneven terrain and use of small motorized excursion craft on most of the stops on this tour, travelers should have confident balance and mobility to participate.

What's Included:

Accommodations, meals as indicated, transportation by land and boat, guides and group transfers.

What's Not Included:

Airfare, taxes, ticketing fee, fuel surcharges and other items as specified in Terms and Conditions.

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All rates are per person, double occupancy. Port charges, Government taxes and fees are additional. Limited availability and based on minimum fares for select departure dates. Other dates may be higher. These rates are for new, individual bookings only. Not responsible for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any errors or omissions in the content of this site. Some restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply.