Galapagos: Wildlife Wonderland 2024

8 days
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USTOA

Small Group Tour
Discover wildlife found nowhere else in the world... designed for families, tour the wondrous islands of the Galapagos featuring a four-night cruise aboard the expeditionary yacht Santa Cruz II.
From$7,070
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Mysteries of the 'enchanted islands' that time forgot
    • a virtual wildlife wonderland... but how did the birds
    • reptiles and small mammals
    • found nowhere else on Earth
    • first make their way here... what is the real story behind the disappearance of the Galápagos Tortoise... how did naturalist Charles Darwin miss the pink iguana – discovered 150 years after his visit but millions of years old... Get ready to sleuth! This eight-day family adventure takes guests to the exotic Galápagos Islands
    • a region rich with a variety of local wildlife
    • flourishing flora and on-island excursions. Sailing through the four-island system by panga and by expedition ship
    • Santa Cruz II
    • as you and your family take in the beautiful views on both land and sea. Across this island society; explore the lagoons on Baltra Island that have a variety of birds within its ecosystem including pintail ducks
    • flamingos and stilts. Snorkel in Santiago Island in Buccaneer Cove where local sea lions may sneak up alongside you and surprise you. Hike up Bartolomé Island accompanied by incredible views at the summit. See the intricacies of the island firsthand! From the red sand of Jervis Island to the marine iguanas who forage for food in the sea

What's this trip about?

    Discover wildlife found nowhere else in the world... designed for families, tour the wondrous islands of the Galapagos featuring a four-night cruise aboard the expeditionary yacht Santa Cruz II.

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Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start City Quito, Ecuador
End CityGuayaquil

Travel Themes

  • Family Friendly

Destinations

  • South America
  • Ecuador

Attractions

  • Guayaquil
  • Quito

Activities

  • Kid-friendly activities

Trip includes

    • 4 nights aboard the 90-guestSanta Cruz II,designed especially for Galápagos Islands cruising; dry and wet landings Licensed Naturalist Guides of Galápagos National Park accompany shore excursions and hold briefings aboard ship, offering hands-on natural history lessons Private Tauck Shore Excursions with experts, averaging two daily, for wildlife sightings and exciting activities All gratuities to Tauck Directors, local guides, drivers, naturalists, and ship staff On-Tour Air included (2 flights) Your cruise may be a shared ship experience with non-Tauck guests onboard as well; all Tauck guests will be accompanied by one Tauck Director for approximately every 40 Tauck guests, and your itinerary will always be highlighted by exclusive, private Tauck shore excursions

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Arrive Quito, Ecuador

Tour begins: Swissôtel Quito. 
A transfer is included from Mariscal Sucre International Airport to the Swissôtel Quito, where you'll enjoy an Executive Level room.

LODGING : Swissôtel Quito

PORTOFCALL : Quito, Ecuador

Day 2 Visit the Equator and explore Quito

Quito is not only 9,200 feet above "seal" level, it's also on the Equator... the "middle of the world." Take the opportunity to stand on both the northern and southern hemispheres at the same time, and learn more about Quito's uniqu...

Day 3 Cruise to islands time forgot

Your family's Galápagos tour and cruise* commences today when you fly from Quito to the volcanic island of Baltra and board your new expedition ship, Santa Cruz II. Your first shore excursion features a ride ashore on a panga to the...

Day 4 Meet the locals on Santiago Island

Start the day with a morning boat ride off Buccaneer's Cove on Santiago (James) Island – once a favorite haunt of pirates and whalers – to observe seabirds like frigates, pelicans and boobies, and go snorkeling off the panga. After ...

Day 5 Explore Rábida & Hike on Bartolomé

Meet Darwin's finches and other rare birds today after a wet landing on Rabida (Jervis) Island, with its red-colored beaches. Experience both wet and dry landings on your excursion to Bartolomé Island; hike up to the summit and drin...

Day 6 Towering sights & birds at Darwin Bay

Explore Genovesa (Tower) Island by panga and a dry landing; climb up Prince Philip's steps for a hike across the island, where you'll see masked boobies, frigate birds, storm petrels and more. An afternoon cruise and a wet landing a...

Day 7 Disembark on Santa Cruz & fly to Guayaquil

Disembark Santa Cruz II on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, and visit a tortoise reserve to observe in the wild one of the rarest forms of wildlife that continue to thrive here on the Galápagos Islands – the giant tortoise – an...

Day 8 Homeward bound

Tour ends: Guayaquil.
A transfer from the Wyndham Guayaquil to José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport is included. You should allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Guayaquil, Ecuador

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Dates & Availability

Price From $7,070
Price per day$884
Last Updated: 10/19/2023
Start Date
Finish Date
Double Standard
Single Standard
Double Luxury
Availability
06 Apr 2024
14 Apr 2024
$7,990
$10,060
$9,965
01 Jun 2024
09 Jun 2024
$7,990
$10,060
$9,965
11 Jun 2024
19 Jun 2024
$7,990
$10,060
$9,965
15 Jun 2024
23 Jun 2024
$7,990
$10,060
$9,965
25 Jun 2024
03 Jul 2024
$7,990
$10,060
$9,965
29 Jun 2024
07 Jul 2024
$7,990
$10,060
$9,965
09 Jul 2024
17 Jul 2024
$7,590
$9,660
$9,565
23 Jul 2024
31 Jul 2024
$7,590
$9,660
$9,565
27 Jul 2024
04 Aug 2024
$7,590
$9,660
$9,565
06 Aug 2024
14 Aug 2024
$7,590
$9,660
$9,565

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Tauck.

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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Tauck

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It's easy to see the world's sights. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. We believe that travel should be easy. It should be fun. It should be worth your time and the price you paid. It should re-energize and transform. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. Because how you see the world matters.

In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from Germany in search of the American dream. His determination and values were passed on to his son, Arthur Tauck, who would realize that dream. With ingenuity and an innovative spirit, Arthur started Tauck Motor Tours, a travel company that would give birth to a new industry. The first tour, through the back roads of New England, was created by this 27-year-old in 1925. It embodied the same successful formula used by Tauck today: do the right thing. Craft a life-enriching travel experience; provide it at a single all-inclusive price; ensure there is great value for money; and rely on recommendations of satisfied customers to build a following and grow the business.

Two elements that did change over the next 90+ years – and three generations of Taucks – were the scope of destinations served and the variety of modes of travel used. Today Tauck delivers life-enriching travel experiences to every corner of the globe, incorporating small cruise ships, premium riverboats, trains, helicopters and more. What started as a New England motor coach tour company has truly evolved into an extraordinary global travel company. The fourth generation of Taucks is now involved in the company. While remarkable in any business, this seamless continuity across generations speaks to shared vision and values.

Throughout its history, the concept of “family” at Tauck has gone far beyond those sharing the surname to include hundreds of valued employees, and hundreds of thousands of loyal guests. The story of Tauck is the story of a unique American family company celebrating a passion for travel – a story that will continue to inspire generations to come.

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Logistics

Ship & cabin information
SANTA CRUZ II
SANTA CRUZ II Get ready to embark on a ship built with Galápagos Island cruising in mind! Conceived for operations in remote areas like the Galápagos Archipelago, the new Santa Cruz II boasts five spacious decks with modern interiors designed by renowned Swedish ship designer Richard Nilsson. Just over 70 meters long, the new vessel sleeps 90 guests in 50 contemporary designed staterooms – 36 of which can be interconnected, offering flexibility for families and single travelers. Guests can choose from luxuriously appointed double and triple Explorer cabins, or opt for the more exclusive Darwin Suite, an exceptional standard of accommodation on the Panorama Deck. All staterooms are equipped with air conditioning, a large picture window, hair dryer, iPod / MP3 docking station, numerous electrical outlets, in-room safe, reading lights and more. Santa Cruz II features ample, indulgent spaces crafted from choice materials, including wide hallways and broad stairwells. Passengers can truly relax in the beautifully designed communal areas and viewing platforms, including indoor and outdoor dining options, two lounge bars, a well-stocked library, two indulgent ocean view hot tubs and a state of the art gym. Dining in the colorful Beagle Dining Room or al fresco on the Panorama Deck is a delight for all ages on board Santa Cruz II; shipboard menus include creative Ecuadorian dishes and international cuisine featuring freshly caught seafood and locally grown produce that everyone in your party is sure to enjoy. Bon voyage!
Built: 2002 Renovated: 2015 Decks: 5 Length: 235 ft. / 71.8 m. Beam: 44 ft. / 13.4 m Tonnage: 2,664 gross tons Cruising Speed: 10.5 knots Air Conditioned: Yes Number of Guests: 90 Number of Crew: 50 Registry: Ecuador Crew Nationalilty: Ecuadorian Electricity: 440v / 220v / 110v Internet: Send/Receive (service levels may vary)
SANTA CRUZ II
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 .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
ALL_AGES
Trip ID
tauck-YG2024

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