Galápagos Land & Sea — North & Central aboard Estrella del Mar
7 days
from Quito to Quito
From
$ 2879
Duration7 days
Climb aboard the comfortable Estrella and explore the northern and central islands of the Galápagos archipelago. Enjoy included snorkelling gear and the presence of an expert Naturalist Guide, there to make sense of this unique region. After a full day of swimming with unique sea life and walking among wildlife that has no fear of humans, enjoy deck-side drinks before retiring to your air-conditioned cabin. Ocean views come standard. As always with G Adventures, our vessels are exclusive, so you know you're exploring in good company.
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
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 Ayora
Start place: Quito
Fly to Baltra. Meet the CEO and transfer to Puerto Ayora. Check into the hotel followed by lunch. Enjoy an afternoon hike to beautiful Tortuga Bay and kayak in the mangrove forest.
Flights from Quito to Baltra depart between 6:40am and 9:40am depending on the day of the week. These will arrive into the Galapagos 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 Galapagos 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.
The national park charges a visitor fee of USD100, payable on arrival, which funds park maintenance and supervision in the Galapagos 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/Bartolomé Island
Start place: Puerto Ayora
Before boarding the vessel have a quick morning visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. In the afternoon, hike up to the the top of Bartolomé Island, and see one of the most famous views of the Galápagos. Cool off with a swim off the soft sandy beach.
End place: Isla Bartolome
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Genovesa Island
Start place: Isla Genovesa
Take a morning walk up the caldera to see red-footed boobies and other birds before searching for marine life in the protected Bahia Darwin. Enjoy an afternoon hike to the Prince Philip steps to get an amazing view of the island.
End place: Isla Genovesa
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Islas Plaza/Santa Fé Island
Start place: Islas Plaza
Enjoy a morning walk around South Plaza islet looking out for marine birds and sea lions swimming in the turquoise waters. Later, explore Santa Fé keeping a close eye out for land iguanas in the unique cactus forest.
End place: Isla Santa Fe
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Puerto Ayora/Quito
Start place: Puerto Ayora
Disembark in Baltra. Transfer to the airport for the flight back to Quito.
Early morning visit to see the giant tortoises and lava tunnels in the highlands before heading to the airport and flying 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.
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 7: Quito
Start place: Quito
Depart at any time.
End place: Quito
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Overnight on Santa Cruz Island
- Cruise the Galápagos Islands aboard the Estrella (3 nts)
- Hike and kayak excursion to Tortuga Bay (Santa Cruz Island)
- Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)
- Hike to the Bartolomé Island viewpoint overlooking the famous Pinnacle Rock
- Excursion to see red-footed boobies (Genovesa Island)
- Highlands and wild tortoise excursion (Santa Cruz Island)
- Onboard snorkelling equipment and wetsuits
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Plane, Motorized yacht (Estrella), Van, Panga, Private bus -
Accommodation
Hotel (3 nts), Aboard the Estrella in twin-share (bunks) cabins (3 nts)