Galápagos Expedition: Darwin’s Playground, Central and North
Overview
Highlights
- Snorkel with sea lions, marine iguanas and sea turtles, walk among giant Galapagos tortoises, and see one of the largest bird populations on Genovesa Island
- Explore volcanic islands, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and Zodiac cruise through the Black Turtle Cove mangroves
- Enjoy this journey on its own, or as part of an epic adventure combined with an Antarctic Explorer expedition
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Itinerary
Fly independently to Guayaquil, Ecuador, and transfer to the preexpedition hotel.
Fly to the islands, landing on San Cristobal, and board the Evolution. Stroll along the beach at Playa Ochoa, where a nearby tidal lagoon plays host to flamingos, finches and Chatham mockingbirds. At sunset, we cruise around Kicker Rock.
At only 426 feet (130 m) wide, South Plaza is one of the smallest islands in the archipelago. Look for yellow land iguanas on a walk to a grove of pricklypear cactus. Non-hikers can enjoy a Zodiac cruise, watching for swallowtailed gulls, red-billed tropicbirds and blue-footed boobies. Since there is no true trail on Mosquera Islands, you are able to stroll at your leisure.
The tiny uplifted island of Sombrero Chino – or Chinese Hat – features a primeval landscape of volcanic rubble and lava tubes. The “land” is made of a few adjacent craters and old, fragile pahoehoe lava flows. Vegetation is just starting to take hold, including colorf...
Genovesa is often referred to as “Bird Island” for the vast numbers of pelagic seabirds that come here to nest. And while Genovesa harbors one of the Galapagos’ largest and most diverse bird populations, there are no land reptiles — with the exception of some very sma...
North Seymour is the nesting site for a large population of magnificent frigate birds and the only place where we can always find males showing their red pouches to attract females. Plus, we are sure to see blue-footed boobies perform their comical courtship dance in ...
Hike to Post Office Bay, once used by navigators to send mail with homebound messengers. Swim and kayak in the bay before a walk along the olivine beaches of Punta Cormorant. After hiking to a flamingo lagoon, spot fish and sea turtles during a relaxing stroll along the beach. Enjoy superb snorkeling at Devil’s Crown, where sea water has filled the sunken cone of an extinct volcano.
Begin at the Charles Darwin Research Station, learning about work being done to preserve Galapagos wildlife. Head into the forested highlands, with ample opportunity to see giant tortoises in their verdant habitat. Walk through the forest surrounding a pair of pit craters, an excellent place to spot vermillion flycatchers. Time permitting, walk underground to explore a lava tube.
Enjoy a Zodiac cruise through Black Turtle Cove, drifting silently through this area of mangroves. Fly to Guayaquil, with time to relax at the post-expedition hotel.
Board independent flights home.
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Since 1991, Quark Expeditions has specialized in expedition cruising to the Arctic and Antarctica, in ships with ice-strengthened hulls or in icebreakers. Polar travelers will enjoy unparalleled technical expertise, leadership and passion for expedition trips to the Arctic and Antarctica.
Our first voyage - The Transpolar Bridge Cruise - began July 27, 1991, in Murmansk, Russia. The ship was the nuclear powered icebreaker Sovetskiy Soyuz, an older sister of 50 Years of Victory. She sailed across the top of the world via Franz Josef Land, the North Pole, the New Siberian Islands, the Wrangel Island area and the Chukotka Peninsula. That first group of adventurers disembarked in Provideniya. Our second adventure began in that same city on August 18, 1991.
Our Ships: Polar Adventure Ships and Icebreakers
We have the largest and most diverse fleet of adventure ships in the Antarctic and Arctic. Travelers choose from more departures and a greater variety of itineraries than is available anywhere else. Within the fleet is the only nuclear-powered icebreaker - 50 Years of Victory - sailing to the North Pole. Every ship is equipped with Zodiacs - inflatable landing craft - for shore transfers and ocean-level cruising.
Our Polar Adventure Ships are platforms for optional sea-kayaking, camping, mountaineering and cross-country skiing. Their small size enables them to sail channels and bays through which our icebreakers cannot sail. The ability to get close to landscapes and wildlife make these vessels extraordinary base camps for photographers.
None of our vessels carries more than 199 travelers from around the world - Europe, Asia, Oceania, North America and Africa. All share a preference for travel to remote wilderness areas accompanied by Expedition Team members eager to share their knowledge and love for the Arctic and Antarctica.
Our People: Technical Expertise, Leadership and Passion
Our Expedition Team members understand ice conditions and the impact of weather on ships and helicopters. Some are experts in polar history, marine biology and glaciology. All are experienced and understand the rigors of expedition travel. They drive Zodiacs for ocean-level cruising. They lead hikes to unnamed ridges. They tell stories about polar research station assignments and wildlife encounters. The Captains and their officers and crews are skilled at navigating through pack ice under extreme conditions. The Hospitality Teams prepare meals and pour beverages during gale force winds. There isn’t a more capable team of professionals.
Our talented people behind the scenes in IT, Finance, Operations, Administration and Management are equally passionate about the polar regions. Our team of Sales and Client Service people are who you meet before you travel.
From inception, the people who are Quark Expeditions have combined a spirit of adventure with a deep sense of environmental responsibility and a strong desire to educate others about the wonders of the Arctic and Antarctica. Making these remote regions accessible to travelers is our pleasure and passion.
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Transportation & Flights
Travel with the comforts of home aboard the Evolution. Enjoy delicious meals and first-class service as you explore the Galapagos Islands and take advantage of complimentary snorkeling equipment and sea kayaks. Hike and explore among volcanic rock, flora and fauna under the expert tutelage of our naturalist guides.
Staff and Crew: 22 Guests: 32 Length: 192 feet, 58.5 meters Draft: 10.5 feet, 3.2 meters Cruising Speed: 10-12 knots in open water Lifeboats: 4 life rafts, open Registration: Ecuador
All requests for cancellation must be received in writing. Cancellations received 180 days or more prior to departure, are refunded less an administrative fee of minimum US$1250, AU$1000, £650, €800 per person. If cancellation is received between 179 days and 120 days, the deposit is forfeited. If cancellation occurs less than 120 days prior to departure, all payments are forfeited. If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and any unpaid balance is due immediately. To protect the traveler’s investment, we recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance.
Cancellations cannot be made online.
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Every Quark Antarctic voyage includes great daily outdoor activities including Zodiac cruises, hiking and some also offer snowshoeing. The more discerning adrenaline junkie can also choose from a range of optional adventure activities, with varying exertion levels, to experience the 7th continent in a more personal way. Contact a Quark Polar Travel Adviser to learn more about adventure options, including physical requirements.
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- Rafting
Kayaking in the archipelago
Sea kayaking is offered on all of our departures and you require no previous experience to enjoy this activity. Our sea kayaks are the ideal means by which to get some good exercise and explore the cliffs and shores of the various visitor sites around the archipelago. A typical cruise week offers great opportunities to go kayaking around secluded coves, shores, mangrove estuaries and beautiful beaches. Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, sea lions and many other animals can be seen up close on a kayak and even as they swim!
Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.
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