Exploring Galápagos: One Week Sailing the Islands

We meet you on arrival in Ecuador, either in Quito, Ecuador’s capital city in the Andes, or in the coastal city of Guayaquil, for an included transfer to your convenient hotel for an overnight stay. Both cities are well-served by international carriers, and Galapagos flights start and end in Quito with a stop in Guayaquil. Guests in Guayaquil stay at the locally owed Hotel Oro Verde and have the choice of several hotels in Quito, including a convenient airport hotel. You may opt for a pre-voyage extension to Mashpi Reserve in the tropical Andes outside Quito, a biodiversity hotspot. Or choose to reserve additional hotel nights and tours in Quito or Guayaquil.

Arrival Time: Anytime.

Arrival City: Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador

In the morning we will fly to the Galápagos and embark the National Geographic Endeavour II. After lunch, our journey begins as we explore the islands and their remarkable wildlife.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Below are a selection of islands we may visit during our expedition. Itineraries are subject to Galápagos National Park regulations.

North Seymour:
Follow coastal trails past playful Galápagos sea lions on this wildlife-rich central island. Continue inland through a silvery forest of endemic palo santo trees, where frigatebirds nest, blue-footed boobies dance, and where we may also encounter prehistoric-looking land iguanas feeding on cactus.

Isabela: 
Cross the Equator at Volcán Ecuador, northernmost of Isabela’s six great shield volcanoes. Keep an eye out for whales and dolphins, sea turtles, and the elusive ocean sunfish. Over two days, land in the footsteps of Darwin and Melville, and look for wildlife along the wildly eroded volcanic shore.

Fernandina: 
One of the most active oceanic volcanoes in the world, Fernandina is the youngest and most pristine island in Galápagos — and home to the strange flightless cormorant, Galápagos penguins, and the largest marine iguanas. Hikes ashore lead across impressive recent lava flows.

Española:
See swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies and, seasonally, the world’s only population of waved albatross at this bird paradise, also home to vividly colored marine iguanas. Watch sea lions on the white sand beach, and snorkel offshore at Gardner Bay. 

Floreana:
Follow a trail past a rose pink-tinted lagoon sometimes frequented by flamingos. Snorkel among sea lions and abundant fish, or cruise along Champion Islet by Zodiac. Visit the historic mail barrel at Post Office Bay.

Santa Cruz: 
Visit Puerto Ayora, the largest town and headquarters of both the Galápagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station. See the monument to Lonesome George, and tour the giant tortoise breeding corrals. Witness the giant tortoises roaming in the wild in the lush, green highlands.

Bartolomé: 
Climb the steps to the summit of this 300-foot volcanic wonderland for stunning views. Explore, swim, and snorkel from the beach. Catch a glimpse of Galápagos penguins, one of the world’s rarest.  

Santiago: 
Explore tide pools and look for fur seals sheltered in quiet grottos of black basalt. Swim, snorkel, kayak, and paddleboard along Santiago’s spectacular coast, and explore an enchanting coastal forest where Charles Darwin once walked.

Genovesa: 
Sail across the Equator to the remote northern realm of the Galápagos into this flooded caldera, home to over one million seabirds. Visit Prince Philip’s Steps at the top of the island. Highlights along the trail are many, from Nazca, red- and blue-footed boobies and frigates, to gulls, owls, fur seals, hammerhead sharks, turtles, and manta rays. 

San Cristobal: 
Search for red-footed boobies and the endemic mockingbird and lava lizard — found only on this easternmost island. Walk along the powdery white sand at a gorgeous beach fronted by iconic Kicker Rock. Explore Baquerizo Moreno, where sea lions thrive in the middle of town.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Disembark this morning for a return flight to the mainland, where we transfer to Hotel Oro Verde in Guayaquil, and have several options in Quito, including a convenient airport hotel. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. You may be able to take advantage of overnight flights home. Ask your expedition specialist about Peru, Quito, and other post-voyage options. Many guests upon arrival in Guayaquil continue on a flight to Lima, Peru, for Exploring Galápagos + Peru's Land of the Inca.

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board flights home, unless you have arranged for additional nights or an extension.

Departure Time: Anytime on day 10, or anytime after 7:00 p.m. local time on day 9.

Departure City: Guayaquil or Quito

Meals Included: Breakfast

Itineraries are subject to change.