For those looking to spend more time in the Galápagos, this 17-day itinerary includes visits to several islands and loads of opportunities to observe unique wildlife. From colonies of marine iguanas, to blue-footed boobie nesting sites and the coolest acting giant tortoises in the Western Hemisphere, the Galápagos are so much more than a collection of islands; they're a lesson in evolution itself (and a fun one, at that!).
Travel Style
Marine
Service Level
Upgraded
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Arrival transfer. Certified Galápagos National Park Service Guide. Cruise the Galápagos Islands aboard the Yolita (14 nts). All meals aboard the Yolita. Excursion to see red-footed boobies (Genovesa Island). Hike to the Bartolomé Island viewpoint overlooking the famous Pinnacle Rock. Sierra Negra Hike (Isabela Island). Chance to see flightless cormorants and penguins (Isabela Island). Spot frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies (North Seymour Island). Snorkelling at Corona del Diablo, Isla Lobos and Gardner Bay. Excursion to see giant tortoises in the wild (Santa Cruz Island). Visit to Post Office Bay (Floreana Island). Onboard snorkelling equipment and wetsuits while aboard the Yolita. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
14 nights cruising in the Galápagos Islands aboard the Yolita, Explore the lesser visited islands of Isabela and Genovesa to see massive bird colonies and impressive volcanoes, Relax on the white-sand beaches, Hike to the top of the Sierra Negra volcano the most recently active volcano in the Galápagos, Go snorkelling with sea lions and search for turtles and rays
How large will the group be?
Max 16, avg 12
What meals are included in this trip?
15 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 14 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Plane, motorized yacht (Yolita), van, panga, private bus.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (2 nts), aboard the Yolita in twin-share cabins (14 nts).
Itinerary
Quito
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included. There are no planned activities, so check into the hotel and enjoy the city. A G Adventures representative will greet you at the hotel and brief the group on the various aspects of the tour.
Mariscal Sucre International Airport/Seymour Airport
Take an early flight to the Galápagos Islands. Head to Bachas Beach to see Sally Lightfoot crabs, flamingos and marine iguanas.
Genovesa Island
Visit Darwin Bay and marvel at the sheer number of birds along the many trails. Head to El Barranco in the afternoon to see the many types of boobies, including red-footed boobies.
Bartolomé Island/Sullivan Bay
Visit Bartolomé for a guided tour to see the island's dramatic volcanic features. Continue to Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to witness the giant lava formations contrasting the white-coral-sand beach.
Isabela Island
Early landing in the small town of Puerto Villamil before beginning the hike to the Sierra Negra Volcano, which has the largest basaltic caldera in the Galápagos. In the afternoon, explore the tortoise breeding centre in the Puerto Villamil area.
Elizabeth Bay/Urbina Bay
Pay a morning visit to Elizabeth Bay which offers amazing bird and marine life viewing opportunities. Head out on the pangas and explore the shallows and mangroves to look for sea turtles and penguins. Visit Urbina Bay, located at the base of the Alcedo Volcano. Hike the trail for a chance to see land tortoises in the wild, watching for land iguanas along the way.
Tagus Cove/Punta Espinoza
Stop for a visit at Tagus Cove and hike to a lookout to get a stunning view of the bay. Spot old graffiti on the cliffs from whalers and pirates who once visited the the cove. Continue to Punta Espinoza on Fernandina, the youngest of the Galápagos Islands. Witness the large colony of marine iguanas and a variety of bird life.
Rábida Island/Santiago Island
Enjoy a morning panga ride in Buccaneer Cove, watch for sea lions, shorebirds, and interesting lava formations. Take an afternoon excursion to the red sand beaches of Rábida to see a lagoon and sea lion colony. Enjoy snorkelling nearby with schools of tropical fish and sea lions.
Islas Daphne/North Seymour
Sail around Daphne Island, a tiny conical island home to nesting blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, Darwin's finches, and other wonderful wildlife. In the afternoon, visit North Seymour Island to look out for Blue-footed Boobies.
Cerro Brujo/Kicker Rock
Travel to the dramatic Kicker Rock in the morning to witness the steep vertical stone walls rising from the ocean. Continue to Cerro Brujo on San Cristóbal to observe sea lions, marine iguanas, and seabirds along the beach. In the afternoon, head to Isla Lobos known for its friendly sea lions. Here, there will be an opportunity to snorkel if you choose.
Bahía Gardner/Punta Suárez
Sail in to Gardner Bay, an excellent swimming and snorkelling site. Head to Punta Suarez on Española Island. The southernmost island in the Galápagos archipelago is home to several wildlife species, including nazca and blue-footed boobies. A hike to the top of the cliff makes for spectacular photo opportunities. Punta Suarez on the western side of Española Island (also called Hood) is spectacular. Follow the trail through a rookery and learn the geological history of the island from the naturalist, including its dramatic volcanic features, climate, flora, and fauna.
Santa Fé Island/South Plaza
Visit Santa Fe island for a chance to mingle with the iguanas. Continue to South Plaza for some great bird watching opportunities. Here, you will also have the opportunity to snorkel should you choose.
Santa Cruz Island
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see the giant Galápagos tortoises and go on an excursion to the Santa Cruz Highlands. Free time for shopping or exploration of Puerto Ayora. In the morning, arrive in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Santa Cruz is the second biggest island in the Galápagos, and has the largest population. Puerto Ayora is its main town. In the afternoon, there may be the opportunity to visit the highlands and see giant land tortoises in the wild.
Punta Cormorant/Floreana Island
This morning, snorkel at Devil's Crown, a coral reef surrounded by an eroded volcanic crater, the perfect home for marine life. Look out for small sharks, rays and schools of tropical fish. In the afternoon, make sure you have a postcard to leave behind on a visit to Post Office Bay.
Chinese Hat/Cerro Dragón
Visit the white sand beach at Chinese Hat in the morning, before an afternoon at Cerro Dragón for an opportunity to break out the binoculars and do some excellent birdwatching.
Black Turtle Cove/Quito
In the early morning, explore the mangrove lagoon at Black Turtle Cove before transferring to the airport for a flight back to Quito. Enjoy a final night out on the town.
Quito
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
