Nine of the Best Galapagos Islands

Your fantastic Ecuador and Galapagos itinerary begins in the historic, UNESCO World Heritage city of Quito, where having arrived independently, you will transfer to your hotel for your included 2-night stay. Set on the Equator in the lush Andean foothills, Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world, and its exquisite Old Town which was founded on an ancient Inca settlement is an absolute delight to explore. Spend some time at leisure today checking out the well-preserved colonial architecture, colourful plazas, magnificent churches and handsome monuments before enjoying a peaceful night’s sleep at your hotel.

Various pre-voyage options are available for extending your time in Quito to enjoy more of this remarkable city and its surroundings. Please enquire for full details.

After breakfast, take an included guided exploration of Quito's extraordinary Old Town today, one of the largest and best-preserved colonial-era quarters in South America, to enjoy a stroll along the cobblestone streets marvelling at the architecture and sampling some delicious chocolate made from finest Ecuadorian cacao along the way.

Following that, venture to the renowned 'Middle of the World City,' situated approximately 16 miles north of Quito. Following a tasty lunch, visit the iconic monument marking the imaginary line of the Equator. Keep your camera handy to capture the unique moment of straddling both hemispheres with one foot in each, before returning to the hotel for an included dinner tonight.

This morning it’s time to set off for the next stage of your journey as you transfer to the airport for your included flight to Baltra in the spectacular Galapagos Islands to begin your unforgettable Galapagos cruise. Upon arrival in Baltra you will transfer to the port to board your comfortable expedition ship.

After time to settle into your cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship, your exploration of this remarkable archipelago will begin as we sail along the north shore of Santa Cruz towards the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón where we will make our first landing. As you enjoy a walk along the shore you will pass by a brackish lagoon that’s frequented by shorebirds and American Flamingos, whilst inland the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as a chance to get a first look at some land iguanas.

This morning you will awake off the coast of Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island, and after breakfast you will hop into the panga boats for a cruise along the coast to learn all about the dramatic geology of the area from your naturalist guides. During your time here you can expect fantastic birding opportunities, sighting everything from flightless cormorants to Galapagos penguins and boobies. If the weather conditions are favourable, you may also be able to enjoy a snorkelling excursion alongside the cliffs to see oceanic sun fish, fur seals and green sea turtles.

We will then move on to nearby Fernandina to discover the island’s unique ecology and large population of marine iguanas. You may also spot sea lions, hawks, penguins and Sally Lightfoot crabs here.

Today we will make our way to Santa Cruz Island where we will disembark at Puerto Ayora to enjoy one the Galapagos Islands’ bucket-list experiences – a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. During your visit to this giant tortoise breeding centre, you will be able to see the recently hatched tortoises, along with Darwin’s famous finches, and enjoy a walk to the impressive forest of prickly pear cacti that’s home to many land birds.

In the lush highlands you can enjoy lunch surrounded by the giant tortoises shuffling about munching on the grass and wallowing in pools, before being invited to join an optional activity such as mountain biking or a visit to a nearby sugar plantation.

Moving back south of the archipelago, we will arrive alongside Floreana Island’s north shore and hop in the pangas for a boat ride among the channels before taking in the incredible views of the island from Baroness Cove. We will then make our way to Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries.

Following lunch on board, we will arrive at the Champion Islet where you can enjoy an another panga ride, a trip in a glass-bottom boat or enjoy snorkelling in one of the Galapagos’ best underwater spots.

Next up will be Punta Cormorant where you will arrive along a beautiful olivine-crystal beach and take a walk to a brackish lagoon to search for American Flamingos, Pintail Ducks and more.

We now head back to Baltra and will anchor off the island. This is the perfect time to relax onboard after what will have been a very busy week and enjoy some of the many onboard facilities.

Later that day we will head back towards Santa Cruz Island to land at Las Bachas beach to soak up the tranquillity of the glorious white beach and search for more iconic wildlife such as flamingos and sea turtles or enjoy a dip or snorkel in the sparkling turquoise waters.

Another day of adventures awaits as you discover the pristine beaches and picturesque landscapes of Santiago Island, including the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer Cove which are home to a large number of marine birds and sea lions. An array of water-based activities will be available here and we will cruise or walk by some fantastic rock formations such as ‘Elephant Rock’ and ‘The Bishop.’

We will then make our way to one of the best visitor sites on the island, Puerto Egas, where we will take an excursion to search for the colony of Galápagos fur seals and exotic birdlife that is found here. You may also wish to enjoy some snorkelling along the rocky shorelines where it’s likely you will be in the company of marine turtles.

This morning you will awake along the coast of the tiny Rábida Island where a thrilling panga ride will allow you to explore along the coast to see the island’s mesmerising, red-coloured beach, its colony of sea lions, and other wildlife including marine iguanas, mockingbirds, Yellow Warblers and several species of Darwin’s Finches.

One of the most iconic islands in the archipelago, the striking Bartolomé Island is next on our list of stops. Explore along the island’s golden sands set amongst the backdrop of the imposing Pinnacle Rock and enjoy a swim or snorkel, a ride on the glass-bottom boat, a hike to the summit of the island that will reward in incredible views, or some relaxation on shore watching for Galápagos penguins.

On our wonderful nine island itinerary, there is one more special place to explore. This morning we will arrive at the remarkable Genovesa Island where a steep but short 90-foot climb up Prince Philip’s Steps (El Barranco) will see us reach a flat and rocky plateau to look for the large colonies of Nazca Boobies, Red-footed Boobies, Great Frigatebirds and Storm Petrels that are usually found here. If you would rather, you could instead take a memorable kayaking excursion in the surrounding waters.

Your penultimate adventure in the Galapagos will take you to the beautiful beach that fringes Darwin Bay where you can take a refreshing dip, take a stroll in search of the hundreds of island birds found here, kayak or snorkel, before reboarding the ship to enjoy your final night onboard.

Your last morning in the Galapagos will begin on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island where after a final breakfast onboard we will make a dry landing at a passenger wharf and take a bus ride to the loftier regions of the island to see giant tortoises in the wild. An exciting and fitting way to conclude your Galapagos adventures!

You will then transfer by land back to Baltra airport for your flight to the port city of Guayaquil back on Ecuador’s mainland. Options for returning to Quito instead of Guayaquil are available, along with multiple options for post-voyage explorations. Please enquire for further details.