Galápagos — Central & East Islands aboard the Xavier III
10 days from Quito to Quito
From $ 3712
Duration10 days

Encounter the island chain that has enchanted explorers since Darwin first weighed anchor off its shores. Spend eight days exploring the incredible wildlife of the Galápagos archipelago in the company of an expert Naturalist Guide. In the evenings, return to the Xavier to reflect on the day’s adventures. Retire to air-conditioned cabins with exclusive lower berths and private bathrooms. As one of the region’s largest operators, we understand the importance of controlling the onboard experience – that’s why you'll never end up on another operator's ship.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 10 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Starts in: Quito
    Physical Grading: Average
  • Ends in: Quito
    Ages: 12+
Galápagos — Central & East Islands aboard the Xavier III - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Quito

Start place: Quito

There are no planned activities, so check into the hotel and enjoy the city. Please look for notices in the hotel lobby for a time and location of the welcome meeting.
Arrive at any time. Booking pre- or post-trip accommodation is highly recommended to fully experience the city and take advantage of the optional activities available.

Opt to pre-book the "Quito City Tour & Equator Line" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.

End place: Quito

Day 2: Quito/Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Start place: Quito

Fly to San Cristóbal Island. Meet the Galápagos CEO and transfer to the boat. In the afternoon, visit the Tortoise Breeding Centre before setting off to explore the Galápagos.

End place: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Punta Pitt/Kicker Rock

Start place: Punta Pitt

Visit Punta Pitt and look for three types of boobies as well as frigatebirds. After, visit Cerro Brujo on San Cristóbal Island to observe sea lions, marine iguanas, and seabirds along the beach. Continue to the dramatic Kicker Rock in the afternoon for a snorkelling excursion.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Santiago Island

Start place: Isla San Salvador

Morning excursion to Playa Espumilla, one of the most idyllic beaches in the Galápagos Islands and home to thick mangroves and flamingo and sea turtle nesting sites. Continue to Buccaneer Cove to witness the towering cliff wall rock formations before going to Puerto Egas to see a dark-sand beach and tidal pools.

End place: Isla San Salvador

Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Puerto Ayora

Start place: 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.
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.

End place: Puerto Ayora

Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Chinese Hat/Black Turtle Cove
Spot Galápagos penguins and explore marine life that is fantastic for snorkelling. There is also a large sea lion colony at Chinese Hat as well as many marine iguanas that can be seen on the guided walk. Hike among the volcanic scenery, with good views to the cone of the island's volcano.

In the afternoon, take an excursion by "panga" to Black Turtle Cove to witness the extensive mangrove system and interesting waterway canals. Sea turtles and different species of rays can often be seen in this cove, offering a peaceful and fascinating glimpse into the diversity of the area.
Visit Chinese Hat for snorkelling opportunities and to observe the birds and sea lions before taking an excursion to Black Turtle Cove to see the marine life.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Cerro Dragón/Islas Daphne
Visit Cerro Dragón on the west coast of Santa Cruz Island to see land iguanas and a salt water lagoon frequented by flamingos and other species of birds. Continue to Daphne Island in the afternoon to spot birds and wildlife.

End place: Islas Daphne

Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Islas Plaza/Santa Fé Island

Start place: Islas Plaza

Land at South Plaza in the morning for wildlife spotting opportunities. Afternoon visit to Santa Fé Island for guided walks to observe the wildlife and plentiful marine iguanas. Opportunities for swimming and snorkelling with the sea lions.

End place: Isla Santa Fe

Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: San Cristóbal Island/Quito

Start place: San Cristobal Island

Transfer to the group hotel upon arrival, and enjoy one last night on the town.
Visit the Interpretation Centre on San Cristóbal Island before flying back to Quito. Flights from San Cristóbal to Quito depart between 11:30am and 1:30pm depending on the day of the week. These will arrive into Quito between 4:00pm and 5:40pm with a refuelling stop in Guayaquil (you will not disembark the plane). You will arrive back at the hotel in the early evening in time for dinner.

End place: Quito

Meals: B
Day 10: Quito

Start place: Quito

Depart at any time.

End place: Quito

Meals: B

Inclusions

Included

  • Cruise the Galápagos Islands aboard the Xavier (7 nts)
  • All meals aboard the Xavier
  • Certified Galápagos National Park Service Guide
  • See giant tortoises at a breeding centre (San Cristóbal Island)
  • Snorkelling at Kicker Rock and Chinese Hat
  • Highlands and wild tortoise excursion (Santa Cruz Island)
  • Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)
  • Land iguana excursions on Santa Fé and South Plaza Islands
  • Visit to a wildlife interpretation centre (San Cristóbal Island)
  • All landings and excursions
  • Onboard snorkelling equipment and wetsuits
  • Internal flights
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Transport

    Motorized yacht (Xavier), Plane, Private vehicle, Panga
  • Accommodation

    Hotels (2 nts), Aboard the Xavier in twin-share cabins (7 nts)

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