Galápagos Land & Sea — Central & East Islands aboard the Monserrat
7 days from Quito to Quito
From $ 2225
Duration7 days

Curious to explore the Galápagos but don't have a whole lot of time? Step aboard the roomy Monserrat and join us on this cruising adventure through the archipelago's central and eastern islands – including an extra day on the island and a stay in a deluxe hotel so you can get the most out of your trip. Snorkel with sea lions, discover the unusual endemic marine life in secluded bays, check out the curious marine iguanas (the only kind in the world that swim for their food), and stroll through the cactus forests of South Plaza Island. With a pair of naturalist guides on hand to answer your questions, you'll return home more educated and invigorated than you'd ever get from a nature documentary.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 7 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Starts in: Quito
    Physical Grading: Average
  • Ends in: Quito
    Ages: 12+
Galápagos Land & Sea — Central & East Islands aboard the Monserrat - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Quito

Start place: Quito

Arrive at any time. Booking pre- or post-trip accommodation is highly recommended to fully experience the city and take advantage of the many 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 Ayora

Start place: Quito

Fly to the Galápagos, meet the CEO and transfer to Puerto Ayora, a port town. Check into the hotel followed and after lunch hike to Tortuga Bay and explore the mangroves by kayaking. 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).

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
Day 3: Puerto Ayora

Start place: Puerto Ayora

Morning visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Transfer to the boat to meet the guide and get on board. In the afternoon, enjoy the highlands. Visit a tortoise ranch and see some of the amazing volcanic formations on Santa Cruz.

End place: Puerto Ayora

Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Islas Plaza/Santa Fé Island

Start place: Islas Plaza

Land at South Plaza in the morning for wildlife spotting opportunities and a walk through the cactus forest. In the afternoon, take a guided walk around Santa Fé to observe wildlife and plentiful marine iguanas.

End place: Isla Santa Fe

Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Punta Pitt/Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Start place: Punta Pitt

Morning landing at Punta Pitt on San Cristóbal Island to observe the marine iguanas and seabirds along the beach. Head to La Galapaguera for opportunities to see giant tortoises and enjoy a snorkelling excursion.

End place: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno/Quito

Start place: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Quito. The flight 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.
Explore the port town of Puerto Baquerizo, the capital of the Galápagos. Visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Centre before the flight back to Quito.

End place: Quito

Meals: B
Day 7: Quito

Start place: Quito

Depart at any time.

End place: Quito

Meals: B

Inclusions

Included

  • Cruise the Galápagos Islands aboard the Monserrat (3 nts)
  • 2 Certified Galápagos National Park Service Guides
  • All meals aboard the Monserrat
  • Overnight on Santa Cruz Island
  • Tortuga Bay hike and kayak (Santa Cruz Island)
  • Visit to Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)
  • Highlands giant tortoises excursion (Santa Cruz Island)
  • Sante Fé hiking excursion
  • Snorkelling at Sante Fé and Punta Pitt
  • Interpretation Centre Visit (San Cristóbal)
  • All landings and excursions
  • Snorkelling equipment and wetsuits
  • Internal flights
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Transport

    Plane, Motorized yacht, Panga, Private vehicle
  • Accommodation

    Hotel (3 nts), Aboard the Monserrat in twin-share or double cabins (3 nts)

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