Name: Galapagos Voyage: Pirates & Darwin - Premium Adventure
Brand: Exodus Travels
SKU: GPV
Price: 9540 USD
Availability: LimitedAvailability
Rating: 4.7 (17510 reviews)

Overview

Highlights

Enjoy a full week of expedition cruising in the Galapagos Islands, with two landing sites visited every day, focusing on the east and west
Immerse yourself in the diverse scenery with guided nature walks, snorkelling excursions, Zodiac rides and use of kayaks
Sail on the MV Evolution, an intimate yacht featuring the most public space and largest cabins of any yacht in its class
Discover the rugged highlands of Santa Cruz to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat
Enjoy the best guest-to-guide ratio (10:1) in the archipelago with all guides Level III certified
Learn about extraordinary local conservation efforts at the Charles Darwin Research Station

What's this trip about?

The Galapagos Islands are a treasure meant to be experienced with a group of true nature enthusiasts. The MV Evolution, a premium yacht, is the perfect spot to relax between daily hiking and snorkelling excursions, or for joining fellow travellers for a briefing by our knowledgeable naturalist guides. During our premium Galapagos Islands cruise, find yourself just inches from giant tortoises, comical blue-footed boobies, sea lions, penguins, iguanas and many other animals, and gain an appreciation for how remarkable life on Earth can be. Voyage the famed waters of the Galapagos amid the spectacular landscapes and distinct endemic wildlife that so intrigued Charles Darwin. From spouting whales crossing the Bolivar Channel to waved albatrosses nesting along the Española cliffs, you’ll experience the undeniable wonder of these enchanted isles.Discover the Galapagos National Park from the comfort of the premium MV Evolution

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights

Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max

Age range65+, 50 - 64, 36 - 49, 18 - 35, 12 - 17

Flights and transportN/A

Start CityQuito

End CityQuito

Travel Themes

Nature & Wildlife

Activities

Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

Eight breakfasts, seven lunches and seven dinners
Select wines, local beers, cocktails, spirits, soft drinks, juice, coffee, hot chocolate and tea
One night at the Premium Swisshotel Quito and seven nights in premium accommodation onboard the MV Evolution
Arrival transfers in Quito (to/from Swisshotel Quito)
Internal flights from Quito to the Galapagos
Daily shore excursions, interpretive walks, swimming, snorkelling, hiking and panga rides
Snorkelling gear and wetsuits
Use of kayaks during the expedition cruise
Full educational program, including lectures on history, ecology, marine life and field interpretation
Tips to the crew of the Evolution are included (only the cost of tipping the naturalist guide will be extra)
Compulsory Galapagos taxes US$120 (US$220 as of August 1st, 2024)
Named tour leaders who meet Level III Certification in the Galapagos National Park, all chosen for their extensive experience and great customer feedback

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Quito

Today is an arrival day into Quito. On arrival, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Arrival transfers are included for everyone, regardless of which flight you arrive on today. Premium accommodation: Swissotel Quito

Day 2 Quito/Baltra/Daphne Major

Fly 600mi (965km) across the shimmering Pacific Ocean to Baltra Airport on the Galapagos Islands. After you pass the Galapagos National Park inspection, your guide will greet you and accompany your onward journey by bus and Zodiac to board the MV Evolution. The crew w...

Day 3 Isabela Island/Fernandina Island

Punta Vicente Roca is at the northern edge of Isabela Island and a well-known snorkelling spot. Our landing site this morning is near an ancient volcano, which has formed two stunning turquoise coves with a protected bay. Board the Zodiac and enjoy a dramatic ride int...

Day 4 Isabela Island

Isabela is home to diverse wildlife and several volcanoes – Cerro Azul, Sierra Negra, Darwin, Wolf and Alcedo – all of which are considered active. Hike along the uplifted section of sea floor in Urbina Bay at the base of Alcedo and marvel at the boulder-sized dried c...

Day 5 Bartolomé/Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay

Experience nature's finest handiwork at Bartolomé Island, where we hike to the top of a dormant volcano. From here, admire the dramatic panorama of Pinnacle Rock – probably the most iconic landscape in the Galapagos. The island is dotted with craters, cinder cones, la...

Day 6 Santa Cruz Island: Bachas Beach/Rabida Island

Towards the northern end of Santa Cruz Island is the exotic Bachas Beach, a sandy white-coral stretch that is a major egg-laying site for sea turtles. It is also home to one of the last remnants from the US military’s presence in the Galapagos during the Second World ...

Day 7 Santa Cruz Island

Today we visit Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, a small, picturesque port town with restaurants, hotels, souvenir shops and other facilities. This coastal town is also home to the Charles Darwin Research Station. After breakfast on board the Evolution, learn about ...

Day 8 Española Island

The relative isolation of Española has resulted in an abundance of unusual wildlife and species and subspecies that are endemic to the island, including the Española (hood) mockingbird, Española (hood) racer snake, Española (hood) lava lizard, waved albatross and brig...

Day 9 San Cristóbal Island/Quito

Discover the fascinating natural history and learn about the settlements at the Interpretation Centre in San Cristóbal, which was opened by the park in 1998, before your Galapagos adventure comes to an end. From San Cristóbal fly to Quito, where it's possible to conn...

Dates & Availability

Price from

$9,540

Price per day

$1,060

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Tour Operator

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Details

Accommodation:

Fantastic accommodation awaits you on this Premium Adventure. Swissôtel Quito We spend our first night at the Swissôtel Quito, which is in the commercial-residential Floresta district. It has a variety of dining options, including Tanoshii, a restaurant serving Japanese specialities including sushi, yakimeshi and teppanyaki. In the evening, you might want to settle into the trip with a cocktail at Bar Le Point, a relaxed venue with occasional live music. MV Evolution Our highlight accommodation and base for the week we are in the Galapagos is the classically styled MV Evolution This yacht was built to allow guests to experience the islands in comfort The interior is fully air-conditioned and offers cabins of four categories on three decks All cabins have ample storage space, a writing desk, bedside tables and private facilities. The cabins are the largest on average in the Galapagos and act as the perfect haven to rest between your excursions The Evolution has more outside space than any other yacht in its class with 360-degree exterior walkarounds While the Evolution may carry a group of just 32 guests, it is generous in size with a host of amenities. From relaxing on the sundeck to reading in the lounge, you’re sure to relish the ambience. Enjoy briefings by naturalist guides in the comfortable lounge or spend time with a snack and your fellow passengers at the canopied bar – a superb place for watching the sun set over the Pacific. After excursions, relax in the hot tub or find a comfortable deckchair to soak in the views. Because there is an ‘open bridge’ policy aboard the Evolution, you are welcome to visit the captain and crew and learn all about the operation and navigation of the ship. A convenient boarding platform makes it easy and safe to board our excursion boats. Cabins All cabins feature private bathrooms with hair dryers and toiletries, climate controls, a writing desk and safe boxes, plus ample storage space. During every excursion, stewards will service your cabin. There are four cabin categories: Deluxe Stateroom (cabins D1 to D4): 183sqft (17sqm) with ocean-view portholes, two twin beds, one queen bed or one king bed Premium Stateroom (cabins C1 to C9): Between 183sqft (17sqm) and 196sqft (18.3sqm) with ocean-view portholes, two twin beds or one queen bed Suites (cabins A2 and A3): Between 194sqft (18sqm) and 202sqft (18.8sqm) with large ocean-view windows and a queen bed or two twin beds Master Suite (cabin A1): 263sqft (24.4sqm) with seating area, large ocean-view windows on both sides and a king bed The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to make changes to a property of a similar or higher standard after you have booked. We endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance, which could, on rare occasions, be at late notice.

Group size:

Small Group - 24 max

Maximum number of people in group:

32

Trip Excludes:

International flights
Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations
Tipping for the naturalist guide

Meals included:

Eight breakfasts, seven lunches and seven dinners are included. Meals are served in one seating in the dining room, and each meal includes international and traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, fresh fruit and sumptuous desserts. Select wines, local beers, cocktails, spirits, soft drinks, juice, coffee, hot chocolate and tea are also included on board. Certain premium brands of wines, beer or spirits are not included but can be purchased onboard.

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Highlights

What's this trip about?

Travel Themes

Activities

Trip includes

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