Day 1
Quito
Arrive in Quito, no time specified, where your transfer will take you to your accommodation.
Day 2
Quito- Puerto Ayora
Depart early for the airport to catch your flight to the Galápagos Islands. Once you arrive, link up with the Naturalist Guide and journey to the Santa Cruz Islands. Here, you'll explore the highlands and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station before boarding your boat in the late afternoon from Puerto Ayora.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 3
Española: Gardner Bay- Punta Suárez
Enjoy the day on Española Island, devote time stunning Gardner Bay. Stroll on a beautiful white sand beach, bustling with a lively sea lion colony and, seasonally, nesting sea turtles. Later, venture to the Punta Suárez visitor site on the island's north-western tip. This area is a birdwatcher's paradise, with birds omnipresent - walking underfoot, flying overhead, diving into the sea, perched silently, and, if you're lucky, performing mating dances or tending to their eggs. As you approach the shore, watch for sea lions expertly surfing the waves. Upon arrival, a basking congregation of marine iguanas, soaking up the sun on the beach, often greets visitors.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 4
San Cristobal: Cerro Dragon- Punta Pitt
Begin your morning at Punta Pitt, walking through volcanic landscapes for breathtaking island views and spotting unique wildlife like the San Cristobal mockingbird and lava lizard. Witness all three types of boobies nesting at nearby Islote Pitt. In the afternoon, visit Cerro Dragon's white sand beach to observe sea lions, then end the day navigating around the stunning Kicker Rock, a striking formation rising dramatically from the ocean, creating a spectacular scene for sunset.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 5
Santa Fe- South Plaza
Explore Santa Fé island, renowned for its sizeable land iguanas and the largest Opuntia cacti. The lagoon offers excellent opportunities for swimming and snorkelling, with vibrant sea life including sea lions, colourful fish, and sometimes sea turtles. Later, head to South Plaza, a small but rewarding island, to observe endemic land iguanas feasting on Opuntia flora. On its windward side, witness Swallow Tailed Gulls nesting on cliffs, skilfully navigating the air currents. The bluff provides views of Yellowtail Mullet schools, occasional sharks, and numerous birds in flight.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 6
Genovesa: Darwin Bay- El Barrana
Explore Darwin Bay's white-sand coral beach in the morning, wandering through mangroves teeming with land and marine birds like Nazca and red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls and watch sea lions in the tidal pools. In the afternoon, visit El Barranco, ascending a steep path to a cliff with views of various species including red-footed boobies, short-eared owls, and Galapagos doves, making for a memorable experience.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 7
Santiago- Bartolomé
Start your day at Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, marvelling at the striking lava formations rising against the white-coral-sand beach. Later, visit Bartolomé for a guided walk through its dramatic volcanic landscape, culminating in a view of the iconic Pinnacle Rock. This area offers fascinating geology and excellent snorkelling opportunities with vibrant marine life, including Bi-colour Parrotfish and Streamer Hogfish. A climb up the cinder cone reveals a moonscape terrain dotted with Taquilia plants, leading to a spectacular panoramic view of nearby islands.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 8
Rábida- Chinese Hat
Explore Rabida's unique red sand beaches and saltwater lagoons in the morning, keeping an eye out for flamingos, nesting pelicans, and playful sea lions. Enjoy snorkelling in this vibrant setting. In the afternoon, discover the intriguing lava flows and tunnels of Sombrero Chino, also known as Chinese Hat, a less-visited island with distinctive geology and picturesque views. Conclude with a refreshing swim in turquoise waters, watching for fish, sea turtles, white-tipped sharks, Galapagos Penguins, and sea lions in the protected bay.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 9
Baltra- Quito
Disembark the boat to catch your transfer and flight back to Quito. Upon arrival, enjoy the accommodation and one last evening in the town.
Hotel Accommodation: Hotel Hilton Colon or similar
Breakfast included
Day 10
Quito
Depart Quito at any time to catch your flight homebound.
Breakfast included