Galápagos: The Enchanted Isles
The Galápagos Islands are every naturalist's dream, home to a unique assemblage of plants and animals that have been molded by their environment over time. Join us on this 11-day tour that immerses you in breathtaking beauty and the unique biodiversity of both the western and eastern islands. Highlights include observing endemics like the Galápagos Penguin and Flightless Cormorant along the shores of Isabela Island and watching the mating rituals of Waved Albatross on Española Island. You'll also encounter and learn about the evolution of Darwin's finches, giant tortoises, and marine iguanas all while traversing pristine landscapes of volcanic craters, lush mangroves, and white sandy beaches. Expert naturalist guides and comfortable accommodations aboard our eco-friendly vessel ensure an unforgettable journey into this living laboratory of evolution.
TRIP DETAILS
PRICE
​
$5,550 per person double occupancy ($2,000 single supplement) [Full Tour]
$4,250 per person double occupancy ($1,850 single supplement) [Days 1 - 7 only]
MEETING AND DEPARTURE POINT
​
Quito, Ecuador
DATES
​September 30th - October 10th, 2025
GROUP SIZE
​
8 - 10 participants
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
​
This tour is designed for beginning to intermediate birders and photographers. We consider the difficulty level to be moderate, with a combination of easy hiking and snorkeling excursions. Expect early morning starts, but we will allow time for rest and relaxation during the afternoon.
INCLUDED
​
Ten nights accommodation, five on-board the yacht, three in a hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal Island), and two in Quito. Flights to and from the Galápagos Islands (from Quito), professional naturalist guides, most meals (with the exception of lunch and dinner on Day 7), one non-alcoholic beverage per meal, water, entrance fees to Galápagos National Park ($200 value), all transport while on tour, and all transfer fees.
NOT INCLUDED
​
All international flights, alcoholic beverages, two meals (lunch and dinner on Day 7), travel and medical insurance, souvenirs, tips to crew members and naturalist guides (usually amounting to $300), and personal services (laundry, minibar expenses, phone calls, massages, etc.)
WHAT TO BRING
​
A packing list will be provided for all trip participants
CLIMATE
​​
Being on the equator, many would expect the Galápagos Islands to have a tropical climate, but more is at play here than just latitude. The islands have two distinct seasons (hot and cool) largely dictated by ocean currents. The hot season occurs between December and June, when it also tends to rain more, resulting in lush profusions of plant growth. The cool season occurs between June and December, a period where there is little rain and cooler temperatures. The cool Humboldt current interacts with warm southeastern trade winds to form a temperature inversion above the mountains on the biggest islands, creating a mist known as garúa. During this season, the seas tend to be rougher and the water is cooler.
If you are prone to seasickness, ask your doctor about taking Dimenhydrinate (dramamine). Hired boats will supply us with wetsuits and snorkeling gear.
SAFETY
​
Ecuador is generally a safe country to visit. However, it has recently been in the news due to increased gang-related activity near Guayaquil and several coastal cities. The US Department of State currently designates Ecuador as Level 2: Exercise increased caution. We have been actively communicating with Ecuadorian residents and friends currently living in Ecuador are confident that the areas we will visit on this trip remain safe. We continue to be vigilant regarding safety, as it is our utmost priority, and if at any point in time safety conditions change and we deem them to be unsafe in the areas we will travel to, we will cancel the trip immediately. Please familiarize yourself with our Terms and Conditions page.
ABBREVIATED ITINERARY
Day 1
-
Meet group at Mariscal International Airport (Quito) or at the hotel (TBA) in Quito
-
Stay at hotel in Quito

Day 2
-
Flight to Galápagos Islands
-
Yacht crew greets you on Baltra Island
-
Transfer to Santa Cruz Highlands
-
Visit several reserves in the Scelesia forest​
-
-
Dinner aboard yacht
-
Night at sea

Day 3
-
Isabela Island
-
Tintoreras Islets: known for its underwater biodiversity
-
Sierra Negra Volcano
-
Wetlands
-
Tortoise Breeding Center
-
Night at sea

Day 4
-
Moreno Point (Isabela): renown for its volcanic landscapes and pahoehoe lava fields
-
Mangle Point (Fernandina): lush mangrove ecosystem
-
Night at sea
Day 5
-
Espinoza Point (Fernandina Island): home to the largest colony of marine iguanas in the Galápagos
-
Bolívar Channel: an area that boasts some of the highest endemism of sea fauna in the archipelago
-
Tagus Cove: hike through palo santo forest
-
Night at sea

Day 6
-
Port Egas (Santiago): Galápagos fur seal colony and reintroduced land iguanas
-
Chinese Hat (Santiago): perfectly symmetrical volcano; colony of Galápagos Penguins and Galápagos sea lions
-
Night at sea

Day 7
-
Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz): labrynthine channels amidst lush mangroves
-
Transfer to Baltra
-
Afternoon flight to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal)
-
Optional visit to San Cristobal interpretation center
-
Free afternoon
-
Free dinner
-
Stay at hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal)

Day 8
-
Day trip to Española Island
-
Punta Suarez: Waved Albatross colony
-
Gardner Beach: picture perfect white sand beach with Galápagos sea lions
-
Return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal)
-
Group dinner
-
Stay at hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal)

Day 9
-
Day trip to Kicker Rock and Punta Pitt
-
Snorkeling at Kicker Rock
-
Birding at Punta Pitt: Red-footed Booby
-
Return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal)
-
Group dinner
-
Stay at hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal)

Day 10
-
Breakfast at hotel
-
Transfer to airport
-
Arrive to Quito
-
Free time in Quito
-
Group dinner
-
Stay at hotel in Quito

Day 11
-
Breakfast at hotel
-
Transfer to airport
-
Departure
Please note that this itinerary cannot be 100% guaranteed, as it is only a rough guide and can be changed due to factors such as availability of accommodation, updated information on the state of accommodation, roads, weather, birding sites, or the discretion of the guides and other factors.