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Galapagos Discovered
GALAPAGOS CRUISE - CENTRAL, EAST & SOUTH ISLANDS: Every year the Galapagos Islands tempt throngs of travellers to its shores in search of unique wildlife and other-worldly landscapes. Explore these volcanic islands on a 4-day cruise aboard the M/C Anahi catamaran. Hopping from island to island, discovering what makes it so special. Start and end your Galapagos adventure with a night in captivating Quito, Ecuador's capital.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour Overview
Duration
6 daysStarts
QuitoEnds
QuitoRange
HandpickedTour Guide
Yes - naturalist guide in the GalapagosGroup Size
Min 8 / Max 16Minimum age
5 yrs, accompanied by an adultDeparts
MondaysHotel Rating
3 star hotel & first class cruiseCountries
Ecuador, GalapagosArrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
NoMeals included
Breakfast: 5, Lunch: 3, Dinner: 3Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on
275 reviews
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Quito
Day 1 - Quito
Monday. Upon arrival at Quito airport you will be met by an English speaking guide and transferred to your hotel in the city. The remains of the day is free for you to explore Quito or simply relax.
Day 2 - San Cristobal Island
Day 2 - San Cristobal Island
Quito - Galapagos. This morning, transfer back to the airport for your flight to San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos, where your guide will be waiting for you. Transfer to the M/C Anahi which will be your home for the next 4 days. Settle into your cabin and enjoy lunch onboard before your tour of the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands begins.
San Cristobal is one of the easternmost of the Galapagos Islands and the site where Charles Darwin landed in 1835, marking the start of his romance with this fascinating archipelago. Our first port of call here is the San Cristobal Interpretation Centre, which offers intriguing insight into the history of the island and its development over time in regards to its flora and fauna, populace and conservation efforts. Later we will take a walk up the picturesque Tijeretas Hill, boasting spectacular views of the island. Here there will also be the chance to go snorkelling in a nearby inlet, and perhaps you’ll even be lucky enough to spot a sight only seen here – of two species of frigate birds nesting in the same colony.
Day 3 - Espanola Island
Day 3 - Espanola Island
Today we will explore Espanola, one of the oldest islands within the archipelago – dating back some 3.3 million years, and also one of its prettiest. Due to its distance from the other islands, Espanola is home to an incredible number of endemic species including the albatross, a variety of mocking birds, lava lizards and even Darwin’s finches.
We will start the morning by exploring Punta Suarez, situated on the western side of the island, where you will hopefully be able to spot some of the island’s unique birdlife. Later in the afternoon we will make our way to the northern coat to Gardener Bay, home to an enormous colony of sea lions which can be seen lazing on the beach and rocks during breeding season.
Day 4 - Floreana Island
Day 4 - Floreana Island
Our next port of call is Floreana. Although one of the smallest islands in the Galapagos, Floreana certainly makes up for what it lacks in size with its fascinating history. Home to one of the first settlements in the archipelago, this small island was once thriving with pirates and whalers. Floreana also boasts unprecedented flora, thanks to its nutrient-rich soil, and stunning beaches.
Here we will enjoy a morning excursion to Punta Cormorant on the northern coast, where we will discover a beautiful lagoon thriving with flamingos and a fine sand beach, which is a nesting area for sea turtles. Later we will cruise out to the Devil’s Crown – a collapsed volcanic crown and perhaps one of the best snorkelling sites in the Galapagos Islands, where you can spot submarine life such as sea turtles, Galapagos sharks, moray eels and sea lines. Outside of the crown is a good place to see hammerhead sharks.
This afternoon we will visit historic Post Office Bay, which is where travelling seamen would leave letters in a wooden barrel with the hopes that the next person to come along might be able to take their letter in the right direction. Today, this tradition lives on with the tourists who visit the Galapagos. It's possible to send a letter or postcard from Post Office Bay without stamp, all you have to do in return is pick up a letter that is directed to where you live.
Day 5 - Santa Cruz
Day 5 - Santa Cruz
Our last stop will be Santa Cruz, the second largest of the islands, located at the centre of the archipelago. We will kick off the morning with a tour of Fausto Llerena Interpretation Center, which takes in the famous tortoise breeding centre. The Galapagos breeding program sees eggs are brought from the Galapagos Islands of Pinzon, Santiago and Santa Cruz to the station where they are incubated artificially; the galapaguitos are born and reared until the age of 5 years, and when they can survive the effects of introduced predators they are returned to their native areas. There is also a breeding program for iguanas.
After this visit, you'll be transferred to the airport on Baltra Island for your flight back to Quito. Upon arrival you'll be met and transferred to your hotel in Quito for your final night at leisure in the capital.
Day 6 - Quito
Day 6 - Quito
Saturday. Arrangements end after breakfast and hotel check out today.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Pre tour accommodation Quito
Double
Twin
Single
Post tour accommodation Quito
Double
Twin
Single
Additional Excursions
Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.
Ikala Quito Hotel Suite Upgrade (per person)
Upgrade to a suite at the Ikala Hotel in Quito on the first and last night - price is per person for the two nights.
$55
per passengerAccommodation
Click here to see more information about the ships used on this and similar tours.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
The cruise operates with a minimum of 8 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room/cabin. 'Single' prices are applicable to those who don’t have anyone to share a room/cabin with or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room/cabin. Upgrades to a suite cabin and hotel suite are subject to availability, please contact us for rates.
As places are limited on our Galapagos Cruises, please contact us via email or telephone to check availability and to make a reservation.
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