Galápagos — West, Central and East Islands aboard the Monserrat
10 days
from Quito to Quito
From
$ 3712
Duration10 days
It’s virtually impossible to witness the wonders of the Galápagos first-hand and not return home a devoted conservationist. Board the comfy Monserrat and embark on a cruising adventure through the archipelago's western, central, and eastern islands. Snorkel with sea lions, discover the unusual endemic marine life in secluded bays, and hike Sierra Negra, the largest basaltic caldera in the region. With a pair of Level II Naturalist Guides at the ready to answer your questions, you'll head home with a new perspective on nature, your planet, and maybe even yourself.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 10 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/Isabela Island
Start place: Quito
Fly to Baltra. Meet the guide and transfer to the boat. In the afternoon, sail to Mosquera Island and walk along the beach and observe the vast sea lion colonies.
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 the afternoon activity.
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.
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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Isabela Island
In the morning, visit Las Tintoreras, a small island in front of Puerto Villamil. Its bay is known to be home to a colony of whitetip sharks. Check out the tortoise breeding centre to see some of the famous giant tortoises of the Galápagos.
Arrive at Puerto Villamil, home to the small community that lives on Isabela Island. In the morning, hike the Sierra Negra volcano, which has the largest basaltic caldera in the Galápagos. Visit Las Tintoreras and the tortoise breeding centre in Puerto Villamil in the afternoon.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Chinese Hat/Rábida Island
In the morning, the boat arrives at a small uniquely shaped island off the southern tip of Santiago called Chinese Hat. Here it is often possible to see Galápagos penguins, and the marine life is fantastic for snorkelling. There is also a large sea lion colony as well as many marine iguanas that can be seen while walking amongst the volcanic scenery. Trek to see good views of the island's volcano.
Visit Chinese Hat for snorkelling opportunities and to observe the birds and sea lions. Take an afternoon excursion to Rábida to see a lagoon and sea lion colony.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Puerto Egas/Santiago Island
Morning excursion to Playa Espumilla, one of the most idyllic beaches in the Galápagos Islands, which has thick mangroves and flamingo and sea turtle nesting sites. Continue to Puerto Egas to see the salt crater as well as a dark sand beach and tidal pools.
Santiago Island has seen its share of human activity from whalers and pirates over the years, and despite the introduction of goats to the island many years ago, the wildlife of Santiago has otherwise flourished and provides outstanding viewing opportunities. The island boasts marine iguanas, sea lions, fur seals, land and sea turtles, among others. Enjoy great wildlife viewing both on land and in the water.
Santiago Island has seen its share of human activity from whalers and pirates over the years, and despite the introduction of goats to the island many years ago, the wildlife of Santiago has otherwise flourished and provides outstanding viewing opportunities. The island boasts marine iguanas, sea lions, fur seals, land and sea turtles, among others. Enjoy great wildlife viewing both on land and in the water.
Morning excursion to Puerto Egas to see the salt crater as well as a dark sand beach and tidal pools. Continue to Playa Espumilla, one of the most idyllic beaches in the Galápagos Islands, which boasts thick mangroves and flamingo and sea turtle nesting sites. Head to Buccaneer Cove to witness the towering cliff wall rock formations.
Please be sure you are a comfortable swimmer. The "crown" provides protection from the open sea, but the water here can be rough and the currents strong.
End place: Isla San Salvador
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: North Seymour/Baltra Island
Start place: Isla Seymour Norte
Visit North Seymour for guided walks to observe birds and wildlife, including vast sea lion colonies. Spend the afternoon exploring the Santa Cruz highlands.
End place: Baltra Island
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Islas Plaza/Santa Fé Island
Start place: Islas Plaza
Land at South Plaza in the morning for wildlife spotting opportunities and a walk through the cactus forest. In the afternoon, take a guided walk around Santa Fé to observe wildlife and plentiful marine iguanas.
End place: Isla Santa Fe
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Punta Pitt/Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Start place: Punta Pitt
Morning landing at Punta Pitt on San Cristóbal Island to observe the marine iguanas and seabirds along the beach. Head to La Galapaguera for opportunities to see giant tortoises and enjoy a snorkelling excursion.
End place: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno/Quito
Start place: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Quito. The flight 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.
Explore the port town of Puerto Baquerizo, the capital of the Galápagos. Visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Centre before the flight back to Quito.
End place: Quito
Meals: B
Day 10: Quito
Start place: Quito
Depart at any time.
End place: Quito
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Cruise the Galápagos Islands aboard the Monserrat (7 nts)
- 2 Certified Galápagos National Park Service guide
- All meals aboard the Monserrat
- Sierra Negra Volcano Hike (Isabela Island)
- Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre
- Snorkelling at Chinese Hat, Isla Rábida Puerto Egas, and Punta Pitt
- Highlands giant tortoises excursion
- Sante Fé hiking excursion
- Interpretation Centre Visit (San Cristóbal)
- All landings and excursions
- Snorkelling equipment and wetsuits
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Plane, Motorized yacht, Panga, Private vehicle -
Accommodation
Hotel (2 nts), Aboard the Monserrat in twin-share or double cabins (7 nts)