Galápagos Land & Sea — Central Islands aboard the Xavier III
7 days from Quito to Quito
From $ 3179
Duration7 days
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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, North Seymour, and Mosquera Islands, and many more fascinating locales. In the evenings, return to the Xavier III to reflect on the day’s adventure under a canopy of stars. To finish off enjoy a night on Santa Cruz island to explore beaches and visit giant tortoises in their natural habitat.

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 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

In the afternoon, transfer to the boat. Continue to Isla Lobos, a small island home a friendly population of sea lions. While snorkelling in the calm clear waters watch as the curious pups blow bubbles, swim in circles and frolic in the waves.
Fly to San Cristóbal Island. Meet the guide and transfer to the boat. Visit Isla Lobos in the afternoon to spot blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and sea lions. 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).

Please note: 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 Baquerizo Moreno

Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: 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 4: 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 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
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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
  • Visit to North Seymour to see nesting seabirds
  • Hike to the Bartolomé Island viewpoint overlooking the famous Pinnacle Rock
  • Snorkelling at Isla Lobos, Kicker Rock and Sullivan Bay
  • Visit the Charles Darwin Foundation (Santa Cruz)
  • 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

  • Transport

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

  • Accommodation

    Hotels (3 nts), Aboard the Xavier in twin-share cabins (3 nts)

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