Day 1 Arrive Quito
Arrive in Quito at any time.
Day 2 Baltra (L,D)
Early flight to Baltra, in the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival meet our naturalist guide who will assist with the transfer to our boat, the G.A.P Adventurer I. Set sail and reach Seymour Island in the late afternoon. Our first landing shows us the great bird life of the island, including magnificent frigate birds, blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls. We may also catch a glimpse of sea lions and several species of endemic plants.
Day 3 Bartolomé (B,L,D)
Arrive at Bartolomé Island early in the morning. Disembark for a short hike and enjoy the pure air and awesome views of San Salvador Island. Learn about the geological history of Bartolomé, as our naturalist explains its dramatic volcanic features, including unusual splatter cones. Sometimes it is possible to spot rare Galapagos Penguins, of which only 800 pairs exist.
Day 4 Rabida (B,L,D)
Cruise to Rabida Island and visit a water salt lagoon rich in wildlife and vegetation. A large sea lion colony provides great photo opportunities.
Day 5 Santa Cruz (B,L,D)
Sail to Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island. Morning is at leisure; remain on board or disembark and spend a few hours on the town. In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see and learn about giant tortoises and Darwin's famed studies and explorations. We may also visit the highlands to see some giant land tortoises in the wild. There is the option to do some shopping prior to setting sail.
Day 6 Floreana (B,L,D)
Reach Floreana Island in the morning and stop at Post Office Bay. This is a historic site still in use today, and is where mariners would deposit and collect letters from the “post office barrel.” This unique post office is still in use today.
Day 7 Española (B,L,D)
We make our way to Punta Suarez on Española Island. The southernmost island in the Galapagos archipelago is home to several wildlife species, including masked and blue-footed boobies. In the afternoon we may visit Gardner Bay, an excellent site for snorkelling.
Day 8 Santa Fé (B,L,D)
Stop at Santa Fé Island, home to a giant cactus forest, and hear our guide explain how the mangrove tree survives in its harsh environment. Learn about the prehistoric-looking land iguanas and visit Plaza Sur in the afternoon—home of a colony of raucous sea lion bachelors.
Day 9 Seymour/Santa Cruz (B)
Sail to North Seymour for one last look at frigate birds, blue-footed boobies and sea lions. Transfer to the airport on Baltra Island for our flight to Quito. Transfer to our hotel in Quito and enjoy one last night on the town.
If your tour starts on a Tuesday in Quito please follow this itinerary:
Day 1 Quito
Arrive in Quito at any time.
Day 2 Santa Cruz (L,D)
Morning flight to Baltra in the Galapagos. Explore the Santa Cruz highlands in the morning and then cross the Island where you will board the yacht in Puerto Ayora.
Day 3 Floreana (B,L,D)
Reach Floreana Island in the morning and stop at Post Office Bay. This is a historic site still in use today, and is where mariners would deposit and collect letters from the “post office barrel.” This unique post office is still in use today.
Day 4 Española (B,L,D)
We make our way to Punta Suarez on Española Island. The southernmost island in the Galapagos archipelago is home to several wildlife species, including masked and blue-footed boobies. In the afternoon we may visit Garner Bay, an excellent site for snorkelling.
Day 5 Santa Fé (B,L,D)
Stop at Santa Fé Island, home to a giant cactus forest, and hear our guide explain how the mangrove tree survives in its harsh environment. Learn about the prehistoric-looking land iguanas and visit Plaza Sur in the afternoon—home of a colony of sea lion bachelors.
Day 6 Seymour (B,L,D)
Sail to North Seymour for close-ups of frigate birds, blue-footed boobies and sea lions.
Day 7 Bartolomé (B,L,D)
Arrive at Bartolomé Island early in the morning. Disembark for a short hike and enjoy the pure air and awesome views of San Salvador Island. Learn about the geological history of Bartolomé, as our naturalist explains its dramatic volcanic features, including unusual splatter cones. Sometimes it is possible to spot rare Galapagos penguins, of which only 800 pairs exist.
Day 8 Rabida (B,L,D)
Cruise to Rabida Island and visit a salt water lagoon rich in wildlife and vegetation. A large sea lions colony provides great photo opportunities.
Day 9 Santa Cruz (B)
Sail to Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see and learn about giant tortoises and Darwin's famed studies and explorations. Transfer across island and ferry to Baltra for your flight back to Quito for one last night on the town.
Canada
