Galápagos — Central Islands aboard the Xavier III
10 days
from Quito to Quito
From
$ 4949
Duration10 days
Encounter the island chain that has enchanted explorers since Darwin first weighed anchor off its shores. Spend seven nights 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 – that’s why you'll never end up on another operator's ship.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 10 daysService level: Standard
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Starts in: QuitoPhysical Grading: Average
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Ends in: QuitoAges: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Quito
Start place: Quito
A G Adventures representative will greet everyone at the hotel and brief the group on the various aspects of the tour.
Arrive at any time.
If you are not able to attend the welcome meeting, a representative will leave all important information at the hotel’s reception indicating what time to be ready on day 2 of the trip. If there is any confusion on arrival, please do not hesitate to call the contact number listed in this dossier.
We recommend booking pre nights in Quito for time to take advantage of the optional activities listed below.
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.
We recommend booking pre nights in Quito for time to take advantage of the optional activities listed below.
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 Ayora
Start place: Quito
Flights from Quito to Baltra depart between 6:40am and 9:40am depending on the day of the week. These will arrive into the Galápagos between 9:30am and 12:30pm with a short refuelling stop in Guayaquil (you will not disembark the plane). You will generally arrive at the boat in time for lunch before the afternoon activity.
Transfer early to the airport for the flight to the Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival meet the Naturalist Guide, who will assist with the transfer to the Xavier, located in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Visit the Santa Cruz highlands and get up close and personal with giant tortoises.
The National Park charges a visitor fee of USD100, payable on arrival, which funds park maintenance and supervision in the Galápagos as well as ecological study, conservation, and infrastructure development in Ecuador's other National Parks. Entry fees and the funds they generate for the National Park System are among measures taken by the Ecuadorian government to protect its natural heritage.
End place: Puerto Ayora
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: 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.
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 4: 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 5: 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 6: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Start place: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Visit the Interpretation Center on San Cristóbal Island and enjoy free time to explore the port town of Baquerizo Moreno. Visit Isla Lobos in the afternoon to spot blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and sea lions.
End place: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: North Seymour/Mosquera Islet
Start place: Isla Seymour Norte
Explore two tiny islands that are big on wildlife. North Seymour offers great views of nesting seabirds, including frigatebirds and Mosquera is home to large colonies of sea lions.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Santiago Island/Bartolomé Island
Start place: Isla San Salvador
Visit Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to witness the giant lava formations contrasting the white-coral sand beach. Continue to Bartolomé Island for a guided tour to see the dramatic volcanic features before hiking to a panoramic viewpoint.
End place: Isla Bartolome
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Puerto Ayora/Quito
Start place: Puerto Ayora
In the morning, arrive in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Then transfer to the airport on Baltra Island for a flight to Quito. Transfer to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Enjoy one last night in historic Quito.
Then transfer to the airport on Baltra Island for a flight to Quito. Transfer to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Enjoy one last night in historic Quito.
Disembark in Puerto Ayora and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see the giant Galápagos tortoises. Fly back to Quito.
Flights from Baltra to Quito depart between 10:00am and 1:00pm depending on the day of the week. These will arrive into Quito between 2:30pm and 5:30pm 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
- Highlands and wild tortoise excursion (Santa Cruz Island)
- Snorkelling at Chinese Hat, Isla Lobos, North Seymour and Sullivan Bay
- Visit to a wildlife interpretation centre (San Cristóbal Island)
- Hike to the Bartolomé Island viewpoint overlooking the famous Pinnacle Rock
- Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)
- All landings and excursions
- Onboard snorkelling equipment and wetsuits
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Motorized yacht (Xavier), Plane, Private vehicle, Panga -
Accommodation
Hotels (2 nts), Aboard the Xavier in twin-share cabins (7 nts)