Galápagos — South & Central Islands aboard the Xavier III
10 days from Quito to Quito
From $ 4949
Duration10 days

Encounter the island chain that has enchanted explorers since Darwin first weighed anchor off its shores. Spend seven nights exploring the incredible wildlife of the Galápagos archipelago in the company of an expert Naturalist Guide. In the evenings, return to the Xavier to reflect on the day’s adventures. Retire to air-conditioned cabins with exclusive lower berths and private bathrooms. As one of the region’s largest operators, we understand the importance of controlling the onboard experience – that’s why you'll never end up on another operator's ship.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 10 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Starts in: Quito
    Physical Grading: Average
  • Ends in: Quito
    Ages: 12+
Galápagos — South & Central Islands aboard the Xavier III - Tour Map

Itinerary

Expand all
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

In the morning, arrive in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Santa Cruz is the second biggest island in the Galápagos, and has the largest population. Puerto Ayora is its main town. In the afternoon, there may be the opportunity to visit the highlands and see giant land tortoises in the wild.
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see the giant Galápagos tortoises and go on an excursion to the Santa Cruz Highlands. Free time for shopping or exploration of Puerto Ayora.

End place: Puerto Ayora

Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Rábida Island/Bachas Beach
In the morning, go on an excursion to Rábida Island, and land on a red sand beach.

Afternoon excursion to Bachas Beach to see the sea lions and plentiful bird life.
Land at Rábida Island for a visit to a saltwater lagoon and sea lion colony. Afternoon excursion to Bachas Beach for walks to observe the bird and wildlife as well as free time for swimming and snorkelling.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Floreana Island

Start place: Floreana Island

Morning visit to Punta Cormorant on the northern part of Floreana. This is a perfect spot to go snorkelling, as the waters are home to a multitude of colourful fish and sea lions. Please be sure you are a comfortable swimmer, the water here can be rough and the currents are strong.

In the afternoon, visit Post Office Bay, which has an older and less mysterious history. A short hike up past the post barrel takes you to an interesting lava cave.

Land at Punta Cormorant on Floreana Island. Guided walks to observe the bird and wildlife and learn about the natural history. Visit Post Office Bay in the afternoon. Snorkelling excursion at Champion Islet.

End place: Floreana Island

Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Punta Suárez/Bahía Gardner

Start place: Punta Suarez

Visit Punta Suárez and Gardner Bay on Española Island. Enjoy guided walks to observe wildlife and free time for swimming or snorkelling.

End place: Bahia Gardner

Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno/Quito

Start place: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Reach San Cristóbal in the morning. Disembark after breakfast then visit the Interpretation Centre, and transfer to the airport for the flight to Quito. Transfer to the group hotel upon arrival, and enjoy one last night on the town.
Visit the Interpretation Centre on San Cristóbal Island before flying back to Quito. Flights from San Cristobal to Quito depart between 11:30am and 1:30pm depending on the day of the week. These will arrive into Quito between 4:00pm and 5:40pm 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 10: Quito

Start place: Quito

Depart at any time.

End place: Quito

Meals: B

Inclusions

Included

  • Cruise the Galápagos Islands aboard the Xavier (7 nts)
  • All meals aboard the Xavier
  • Certified Galápagos National Park Service Guide
  • Snorkelling at Isla Lobos, North Seymour, Sullivan Bay, Bartolomé and Champion Islet
  • Hike to the Bartolomé Island viewpoint overlooking the famous Pinnacle Rock
  • Highlands and wild tortoise excursion (Santa Cruz Island)
  • Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)
  • Visit to Post Office Bay (Floreana Island)
  • Visit to a wildlife interpretation centre (San Cristóbal Island)
  • All landings and excursions
  • Onboard snorkelling equipment and wetsuits
  • Internal flights
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Transport

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

    Hotels (2 nts), Aboard the Xavier in twin-share cabins (7 nts)

Save up to 50% on tours! Get exclusive access to members-only deals by email.

Subscribe to our newsletter