Galapagos Voyage: Pirates & Darwin - Premium Adventure

9 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Cancellation Policy
Small Group Tour
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 yoursel...
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$12,879
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy

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

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeGroup - max of 32 people
Age range12 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityQuito
End CityQuito

Travel Themes

  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Activities

  • Wildlife viewing

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 26

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 32

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

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

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...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $9,540
Price per day$1,060
Last Updated: 7/24/2024

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

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.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

premier
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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

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

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.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
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.
Age Requirements
12 years and up
Additional Information
  • One night in premium accommodation in Quito and seven nights on the premium yacht MV Evolution
  • Starts in Baltra and ends in San Cristobal
  • Islands visited: San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Bartolomé, Santiago, Española and Rabida
  • Group normally 26-32 passengers plus crew
Trip ID
exodus-GPV

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