Galápagos — South & Central Islands aboard the Estrella del Mar
7 days
from Quito to Quito
From
$ 3099
Duration7 days
Hop aboard the Estrella and spend five days travelling through the southern and central Galápagos Islands, witnessing firsthand what makes this destination so incredible. Hike through Punta Pitt and try to catch a glimpse of three distinct species of booby in the only place in the Galápagos you can. Relax on the white-sand beaches of Cerro Brujo, do some coastal touring through Punta Suarez, and send a postcard from Post Office Bay. Prepare to experience some of the best snorkelling of your life at Kicker Rock, Corona del Diablo, and Bahia Gardner.
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.
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 Lobos Island and be welcomed by frolicking sea lions. Watch for sea lions swimming underwater while snorkelling in the calm clear waters.
Fly to San Cristóbal Island. Meet the guide and transfer to the boat. Visit Isla Lobos in the afternoon.
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 onto the boat in time for lunch on Day 2 before your afternoon activity.
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.
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: Punta Pitt/Cerro Brujo
Start place: Punta Pitt
Enjoy a morning visit to Punta Pitt, the only site in the Galápagos where it is possible to see the three species of boobies as well as frigatebirds, all nesting in the same area. Walk up to the colonies along the lava flows of this volcanic island. In the afternoon, visit the beautiful white powdery sand beaches of Cerro Brujo and snorkel with the marine life at the famous Leon Dormido, otherwise known as Kicker Rock, off San Cristóbal.
End place: Cerro Brujo
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Bahía Gardner/Punta Suárez
Start place: Bahia Gardner
Sailing south, arrive at Española Island, the southernmost island in the Galápagos archipelago. In the morning, visit Bahia Gardner and the small islands around the bay. Start the day with a walk on the white sandy beach home to a large colony of sea lions and a great chance to see them up close. After getting a picture taken with them, head out into the bay to the islands of Osborn and Gardner, two amazing snorkelling spots. Keep an eye out for many varieties of fish species, rays, and, of course, sea turtles.
Arrive in the southern islands to spend the morning on the beach. Play the with sea lions and enjoy some of the best snorkelling in Bahia Gardner. Later, head to Punta Suárez on the extreme western side of Española and go for an amazing coastal walk with opportunities to see the Galápagos albatross, which generally nests between April and November.
End place: Punta Suarez
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Floreana Island
Start place: Floreana Island
Spend the morning visiting Mirador de la Baronesa on Floreana island and send a postcard from famous Post Office Bay. In the afternoon, enjoy a snorkelling excursion at the Corona del Diablo and landing at Punta Cormorant. Take guided walks to observe the birds and wildlife and learn about the natural history.
Please make sure you are a comfortable swimmer. Despite the protection from the open sea provided by the "crown," the water here can be rough and the currents strong.
End place: Floreana Island
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: North Seymour/Quito
Start place: Isla Seymour Norte
Early breakfast and landing at North Seymour in the morning to observe the birdlife, including frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies. Disembark at Baltra and 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 7: Quito
Start place: Quito
Depart at any time.
End place: Quito
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Cruise the Galápagos Islands aboard the Estrella (4 nts)
- All meals aboard the Estrella
- Certified Galápagos National Park Service Guide
- Snorkelling at Isla Lobos, Kicker Rock, Gardner Bay and Corona del Diablo
- Opportunity to see the waved albatross from Apr - Nov (Española Island)
- Post Office Bay visit (Floreana 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
Hotels (2 nts), Aboard the Estrella in twin-share (bunks) cabins (4 nts)