Galápagos Land & Sea — Central & East Islands aboard the Xavier III
7 days
from Quito to Quito
From
$ 3179
Duration7 days
Encounter the island chain that has enchanted explorers since Darwin first weighed anchor off its shores. Explore the incredible wildlife of the Galápagos archipelago in the company of an expert Naturalist Guide. Giant tortoises, sea lions and island birds are in abundance here, and you’ll have the chance to spot them all in visits to Santiago Island, Punta Pitt, and Cerro Brujo, and many more fascinating locales. In the evenings, return to the Xavier to reflect on the day’s adventure under a canopy of stars. Finish off with a night on Santa Cruz island for some beach time and to see tortoises in the wild.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 7 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
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.
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
Disembark in Puerto Ayora and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see the giant Galápagos tortoises. In the afternoon, explore Academy Bay on a boat tour. Snorkel with sea lions and walk over a volcanic path to a crystal clear saltwater lagoon.
End place: Puerto Ayora
Meals: B
Day 6: Puerto Ayora/Quito
Start place: Puerto Ayora
Visit the highlands of Santa Cruz to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Fly back to Quito for a final night in the city.
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 Xavier (3 nts)
- All meals aboard the Xavier
- Certified Galápagos National Park Service Guide
- Overnight on Santa Cruz
- Snorkelling at Kicker Rock and La Loberia
- Charles Darwin Research Station visit (Santa Cruz)
- Academy Bay Tour
- Excursion to see giant tortoises in the wild
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Internal flights
- Snorkelling equipment and wetsuits while aboard Xavier
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Transport
Motorized yacht (Xavier), Plane, Private vehicle, Panga -
Accommodation
Hotel (3 nts), Aboard the Xavier in twin-share cabins (3 nts)