Day 1 Arrive Quito
Arrive in Quito at any time.
Day 2 Baltra (B,L,D)
Early flight to Baltra, in the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival we are met by our naturalist guide and transfer to our boat, the G.A.P Adventurer VI. Visit Bachas Beach in the afternoon.
Day 3 Floreana (B,L,D)
Reach Floreana Island in the morning and stop at Post Office Bay. Still in use, this historic site is where mariners from around the world would deposit and collect letters from a “post office barrel,” to be brought home by returning sailors. Visitors place unstamped letters and cards in the barrel, and deliver, free of charge, any addressed to their own hometowns. Later in the afternoon we make our way towards Punta Cormorant on the northern part of Floreana and head to Flour Beach, an important nesting site for turtles. We may also see flamingos and occasionally penguins!
Day 4 Española (B,L,D)
Head to Punta Suarez on Española Island. The southernmost island in the Galapagos is home to several wildlife species, including masked and blue-footed boobies. In the afternoon sail to Gardner Bay, an excellent swimming and snorkelling site.
Day 5 Santa Cruz (B,L,D)
The morning finds us in Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island. Later, visit the Charles Darwin Station to see giant tortoises and learn about Darwin’s studies of the Galapagos wildlife. There is also free time to explore or do some shopping. In the afternoon we visit the highlands to see the giant land tortoises.
Day 6 Rabida (B,L,D)
We make our way to Rabida Island to visit a water salt lagoon rich in wildlife and vegetation. A large sea lion colony provides great photo opportunities.
Day 7 Bartolomé (B,L,D)
Arrive at Bartolomé Island early in the morning. Learn the geological history of Bartolomé as our naturalist guide explains its dramatic volcanic features, including unusual splatter cones. We may spot rare Galapagos Penguins, of which only 800 pairs exist.
Day 8 Santa Fé (B,L,D)
Set sail and reach Santa Fé Island early in the morning, and learn from our naturalist guide how mangrove trees survive in the harsh environment. Learn about the features and habits of the Galapagos' prehistoric-looking marine iguanas.
Day 9 North Seymour/Quito (B)
Sail to Baltra on Santa Cruz Island. After a brief visit to North Seymour for one last look at frigate birds, blue-footed boobies and sea lions, transfer to the airport for our flight to Quito. Enjoy one last night on the town.
If your tour starts on a Tuesday in Quito please follow this itinerary:
Day 1 Arrive Quito
Arrive in Quito at any time.
Day 2 Santa Cruz (L,D)
Morning flight to Baltra in the Galapagos. In the morning we visit the Santa Cruz Highlands and board the catamaran in Puerto Ayora in the afternoon.
Day 3 Rabida (B,L,D)
Cruise to Rabida Island and visit a salt water lagoon rich in wildlife and vegetation. A large sea lions colony provides great photo opportunities.
Day 4 Bartolomé (B,L,D)
Arrive at Bartolomé Island early in the morning. Disembark for a short hike and enjoy the pure air and awesome views of San Salvador Island. Learn about the geological history of Bartolomé, as our naturalist guide explains its dramatic volcanic features, including unusual splatter cones. Sometimes it is possible to spot rare Galapagos penguins, of which only 800 pairs exist.
Day 5 Santa Fé (B,L,D)
Stop at Santa Fé Island, home to a giant cactus forest, and hear our guide explain how the mangrove tree survives in its harsh environment. Learn about the prehistoric-looking land iguanas and visit Plaza Sur in the afternoon—home of a colony of sea lion bachelors.
Day 6 Seymor (B,L,D)
Sail to North Seymour for close-ups of frigate birds, blue-footed boobies and sea lions.
Day 7 Floreana (B,L,D)
Reach Floreana Island in the morning and stop at Post Office Bay. This is a historic site still in use today, and is where mariners would deposit and collect letters from the “post office barrel.” This unique post office is still in use today.
Day 8 Española (B,L,D)
We make our way to Punta Suarez on Española Island. The southernmost island in the Galapagos archipelago is home to several wildlife species, including masked and blue-footed boobies. In the afternoon we may visit Gardner Bay, an excellent site for snorkelling.
Day 9 Santa Cruz (B)
Sail to Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see and learn about giant tortoises and Darwin's famed studies and explorations. Transfer across island and ferry to Baltra for your flight back to Quito for one last night on the town.
United Kingdom
