Galápagos — South Islands aboard the Xavier III
7 days from Quito to Quito
From $ 3499
Duration7 days
book now

Encounter the island chain that has enchanted explorers since Darwin first weighed anchor off its shores. Spend four 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 won’t end up on another operator's ship.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 7 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Starts in: Quito
    Physical Grading: Average
  • Ends in: Quito
    Ages: 12+
Galápagos — South Islands aboard the Xavier III - Tour Map

Itinerary

Expand all
Day 1: Quito

Start place: Quito

A G Adventures representative will greet everyone at the hotel and brief the group on the various aspects of the tour.
Arrive at any time. If you are not able to attend the welcome meeting, a representative will leave all important information at the hotel’s reception indicating what time to be ready on day 2 of the trip. If there is any confusion on arrival, please do not hesitate to call the contact number listed in this dossier.

We recommend booking pre nights in Quito for time to take advantage of the optional activities listed below.

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

Transfer early to the airport for the flight to the Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival meet the Naturalist Guide, who will assist with the transfer to the Xavier, which is moored in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island. Visit a tortoise ranch in the Santa Cruz highlands and get up close and personal with these ancient creatures.
Early flight to Baltra. Meet the guide and transfer across Santa Cruz Island to Puerto Ayora to board the boat. 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).

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 Ayora

Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: Quito

Start place: Quito

Depart at any time.

End place: Quito

Meals: B
Download brochure

Inclusions

Included

  • Cruise the Galápagos Islands aboard the Xavier (4 nts)
  • All meals aboard the Xavier
  • Certified Galápagos National Park Service Guide
  • Snorkelling at Champion Islet
  • Visit to Post Office Bay (Floreana Island)
  • Visit to a wildlife interpretation centre (San Cristóbal Island)
  • Excursion to see giant tortoises in the wild (Santa Cruz Island)
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Internal flights
  • Onboard snorkelling equipment and wetsuits

  • Transport

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

  • Accommodation

    Hotels (2 nts), Aboard the Xavier in twin-share cabins (4 nts)

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

Subscribe to our newsletter