Product Description
Highlights
Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin and explore the incredible Galapagos islands on this in-depth adventure, coming face-to-face with some of the most extraordinary wildlife on earth.. Get up close with giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island – these nearly extinct creatures are one of the greatest drawcards to the Galapagos.. Feel the adrenaline as you scale a volcano on Isabela Island, this challenging 17-kilometre ascent rewards you with epic views and the possibility of sighting the rare, red feathered (and rather cute!) vermillion flycatcher.. Snorkel through underwater worlds bursting with colourful and diverse wildlife, keep an eye out for eagle rays, Galapagos green sea turtles and white-tipped reef sharks in the famous ‘shark alley’.
Overview
Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin on this wildlife-filled adventure through nature’s playground. Snorkel with sea lions, get up close to giant tortoises, scale a volcanic crater and discover the incredible evolutionary history of the Galapagos Islands, all under the guidance of your expert naturalist guide. Cruise between the volcanic islands of San Cristobal, Isabela and Santa Cruz and discover how millions of years of isolation has given the islands a unique biodiversity, filled with rare and distinctive species. Come face-to-face with these spectacular creatures as you glide through azure waters with sea turtles, wander alongside giant tortoises in the highlands and make friends with marine iguanas as blue-footed boobies and frigates land on volcanic rocks next to you. Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that puts these distant islands within reach, and provides a reality that far surpasses any nature documentary you’ve ever seen.
Breakfast Included: 6 Lunches Included: Dinner Included:
Isla San Cristobal
Welcome to San Cristobal! Today you'll be joining with other travellers arriving from Quito. This afternoon, kick-start your adventure with an included visit to the Interpretation Centre and learn about the human and natural history of the Galapagos islands. Afterwards, perhaps hike up to Frigatebird Hill or head to Mann beach and chill.
Isla San Cristobal
Enjoy a free day on Isla San Cristobal. You may also like to take an optional boat ride to Kicker Rock or Isla Lobos – one of the most recommended activities. You'll be able to observe the famous Galapagos marine life along the way as well as the opportunity to go snorkelling with sea turtles, eagle rays and the harmless Galapagos shark, just to name a few.
Isla Santa Cruz
Early in the morning, take a 2.5-hour public speed boat ride to Isla Santa Cruz. On arrival, have breakfast and settle into the hotel before a mid-morning visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. The station's visitor centre and museums contain information about the islands and the conservation efforts being made to preserve the unique ecosystem here. It's also a great place to have close encounters with giant tortoises. In the afternoon, head to the higher part of the islands to observe these giants roaming in their natural habitat.
Isla Isabela
Today you’ll travel to Isabela Island where you’ll check-in to the hotel and enjoy breakfast.
The island is the largest in the Galapagos and one of the most volcanically active places on earth. A worthwhile optional activity today is an excursion to Tintoreras Island, home to the rare Galapagos penguin. The excursion will then take you to ‘shark alley’, where white-tipped sharks rest during the day. This is also a popular nesting site for the endemic marine iguanas.
Isla Isabela
Start the day with a visit to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre for a close encounter with these placid giants. Here you can see tortoises in different stages of development as well learn about the preservation program of this unique species. Take a bus to the highest part of Isabela Island where Sierra Negra Volcano is located. Weather permitting, go for a hike up to the crater to enjoy spectacular views and the possibility of sighting the rare vermillion flycatcher. The challenging 17-kilometre hike takes between five and six hours both ways, but at the top you'll be able to enjoy spectacular views. After the hike, make your way back to town in the late afternoon for some free time to curl up with a book or venture down to the water for a relaxing swim before dinner. Unfortunately, recycling isn't available on Isabela, so please take your plastic rubbish with you.
Isla Santa Cruz
Travel back to Santa Cruz in the morning followed by breakfast. Consider taking part in some of the optional activities available, such as an excursion to Tortuga Bay, an immaculate natural paradise where you can go kayaking, observe marine iguanas and birds or swim with harmless sharks in an alcove.
Isla Santa Cruz
This morning your Galapagos adventure comes to an end. Say goodbye to your fellow travellers who may be continuing on to Quito to finish their trip.
