Galapagos - In the Steps of Pirates & Darwin
Galapagos - In the Steps of Pirates & Darwin
Galapagos - In the Steps of Pirates & Darwin
9 Days Starting in Guayaquil and ending in Guayaquil
Visiting: Guayaquil, Punta Vicente Roca, Punta Espinoza, Tagus Cove, Bartolomé Island, Playa Las Bachas, Santa Cruz Island, Charles Darwin Research Station, Española Island, San Cristobal
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GPV
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
26 - 32
Physical rating:
Leisurely
Age range:
12-99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$11925
$11597 (USD)
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$328
Tour Overview
The Galapagos Islands are a treasure meant to be experienced with a group of true nature enthusiasts. The Evolution is the perfect haven for relaxing between daily hiking and snorkelling excursions, or for joining fellow travellers for a briefing by our knowledgeable naturalists. During our intimate Galapagos Islands cruise, find yourself just inches away from giant tortoises, comical Blue-footed boobies, Sea lions, penguins, iguanas and many other animals, and gain an appreciation for how remarkable life on Earth can be. Voyage the famed waters of Galapagos amid the spectacular landscapes and distinct endemic wildlife that so intrigued Charles Darwin. From the spouting whales crossing the Bolivar Channel to the Waved albatrosses nesting along the cliffs of Espanola, you'll experience the undeniable wonder of these enchanted isles.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Guayaquil
Location: Guayaquil
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Oro Verde
Meals Included: No Meals
Arrive in Guayaquil and transfer to the Hotel Oro Verde.
Day 2 : Fly Guayaquil To Baltra On The Galapagos & Daphne Major
Location: Guayaquil
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Evolution
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly 600 miles across the Pacific Ocean to the Galapagos Islands and board
the /Evolution/. After a safety briefing, enjoy a circumnavigation of Daphne
Major, a paradise for sea birds such as magnificent frigatebird.
Day 3 : Zodiacs Take You On A Dramatic Ride Into The Heart Of A Sunken Volcano At Punta Vicente Roca.
Location: Punta Vicente Roca, Punta Espinoza
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Evolution
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Zodiacs take you on a dramatic ride into the heart of a sunken volcano at
Punta Vicente Roca. Take to the water, where we swim and snorkel among sea
turtles, penguins and possibly even sea horses. Explore the lava fields of
Punta Espinosa, located on Fernandina, the youngest and most volcanically
active island in the Galapagos. Here we spot flightless cormorants and marine
iguanas. Whale watch from the /Evolution/’s open-air decks as we cross the
Bolivar Channel.
Day 4 : Isabela Is The Galapagos Archipelago's Largest Island.
Location: Tagus Cove
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Evolution
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Isabela is the Galapagos archipelago's largest island, and is composed of
five volcanoes – Cerro Azul, Sierra Negra, Darwin, Wolf and Alcedo – all
of which are actually still considered active! Hike along the uplifted
section of sea floor in Urbina Bay at the base of the Alcedo Volcano. Our
naturalists point out the tortoises, colorful land iguanas and other wildlife
that feed on the vegetation. Board our Zodiacs for an excursion to Tagus
Cove, where we look for penguins, flightless cormorants, pelicans along the
cliffs before a chance to snorkel and swim.
Day 5 : Visit Bartolomé Island, Hiking To The Top Of A Dormant Volcano For A Dramatic Panorama, Including Famed Pinnacle Rock.
Location: Bartolomé Island
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Evolution
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit Bartolomé Island, hiking to the top of a dormant volcano for a
dramatic panorama, including famed Pinnacle Rock. The island is dotted with
craters, cinder cones, lava flows, spatter cones and broken lava tunnels
which run down from the summit. Our Zodiac drivers will take “non-hikers”
for a ride around the cliffs, observing a stunning volcanic landscape and
Galapagos penguins. Swim and snorkel with sea lions and maybe even speedy
penguins. This afternoon, hike across the panoehoe lava of Sullivan Bay,
seeing some of the hearty flora colonizing the landscapes. Stroll along the
coralline beach spotting black and white oystercatchers.
Day 6 : *Bachas Beach Is Home To One Of The Last Remnants Of The Us World War Ii Presence In Galapagos.*
Location: Playa Las Bachas
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Evolution
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bachas Beach is home to one of the last remnants of the US World War II
presence in Galapagos-a floating pier- which we’ll see on our morning walk
along with Sally Lightfoot crabs, black necked stilts and whimbrels. Snorkel
in the calm waters where sea turtles nest. While exploring uninhabited Rabida
Island at the archipelago’s geologic center, watch for up to nine species
of Darwin’s finches, doves, yellow warblers and mockingbirds. A small
saltwater lagoon is home to white-cheeked pintail ducks and black-necked
stilts. Snorkelers may take to the water with sea lions, sea turtles and reef
fish such as damsels and pufferfish. During a guided kayaking excursion,
watch for brown pelicans and blue-footed boobies while savoring views of the
island’s sloping volcanic peak.
Day 7 : We Head To A Private Reserve In The Forested Highlands To See And Photograph Giant Tortoises.
Location: Santa Cruz Island, Charles Darwin Research Station
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Evolution
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a tasty breakfast onboard our Galapagos cruise ship, head to a private
reserve in the forested highlands to see and photograph giant tortoises. Stop
at a family run sugar cane farm that also produces small-batch moonshine.
Since 1970, more than 2,000 tortoises have been hatched, raised and released
from the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center at the Darwin Research
Center, which was founded in 1959. Learn about the vital work being done here
before returning to the /Evolution/.
Day 8 : As The Southernmost Island In The Archipelago, Española’S Relative Isolation Has Resulted In Not Only An Abundance Of Unusual Wildlife, But Species And Subspecies That Are Endemic To The Island.
Location: Española Island
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Evolution
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As the southernmost island in the archipelago, Española’s relative
isolation has resulted in not only an abundance of unusual wildlife, but
species and subspecies that are endemic to the island, such as Española
(Hood) mockingbird, Española (Hood) racer snake, Española (Hood) lava
lizard, waved albatross and brightly colored marine iguanas. Enjoy a Zodiac
ride before wading ashore to Punta Suarez through a sea lion colony. Walk
along the cliffs looking for waved albatrosses, Galapagos hawks, Hood
mockingbirds and the red-colored race of marine iguana en route to
Española’s blowhole, where waves spout 90 feet into the air. After lunch
on our yacht, swim, snorkel and kayak in the waters off Gardner Bay. You are
also welcome to bring along your book or a camera for a relaxing afternoon on
this white-sand beach.
Day 9 : End Your Galapagos Islands Cruise By Returning To San Cristóbal To Visit The Interpretation Center.
Location: San Cristobal
Meals Included: Breakfast
End your Galapagos Islands cruise by returning to San Cristóbal to visit the
Interpretation Centre, opened by the park in 1998. Fly to Guayaquil, where
it's possible to connect with international flights later this evening.
Alternatively please ask your sales consultant about post-tour accommodation
in Guayaquil.
What's Included
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Meals
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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International flights
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Visas or vaccinations
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Galapagos Park Tax fee: $120 USD (or equivalent in booking currency), paid locally
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Single accommodation (available on request)
Food
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners are included.
Meals are served in one seating in the dining room, and each meal boasts
international and traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, fresh fruit and sumptuous
desserts.
Accommodation
Fantastic accommodation awaits you on this Premium Adventure.
Swissôtel Quito
We spend our first night at the Swissôtel Quito, which is in the commercial-residential Floresta district. It has a variety of dining options, including Tanoshii, a restaurant serving Japanese specialities including sushi, yakimeshi and teppanyaki. In the evening, you might want to settle into the trip with a cocktail at Bar Le Point, a relaxed venue with occasional live music.
MV Evolution
Our highlight accommodation and base for the week we are in the Galapagos is the classically styled MV Evolution
This yacht was built to allow guests to experience the islands in comfort
The interior is fully air-conditioned and offers cabins of four categories on three decks
All cabins have ample storage space, a writing desk, bedside tables and private facilities. The cabins are the largest on average in the Galapagos and act as the perfect haven to rest between your excursions
The Evolution has more outside space than any other yacht in its class with 360-degree exterior walkarounds
While the Evolution may carry a group of just 32 guests, it is generous in size with a host of amenities. From relaxing on the sundeck to reading in the lounge, you’re sure to relish the ambience. Enjoy briefings by naturalist guides in the comfortable lounge or spend time with a snack and your fellow passengers at the canopied bar – a superb place for watching the sun set over the Pacific. After excursions, relax in the hot tub or find a comfortable deckchair to soak in the views.
Because there is an ‘open bridge’ policy aboard the Evolution, you are welcome to visit the captain and crew and learn all about the operation and navigation of the ship. A convenient boarding platform makes it easy and safe to board our excursion boats.
Cabins
All cabins feature private bathrooms with hair dryers and toiletries, climate controls, a writing desk and safe boxes, plus ample storage space. During every excursion, stewards will service your cabin. There are four cabin categories:
Deluxe Stateroom (cabins D1 to D4): 183sqft (17sqm) with ocean-view portholes, two twin beds, one queen bed or one king bed
Premium Stateroom (cabins C1 to C9): Between 183sqft (17sqm) and 196sqft (18.3sqm) with ocean-view portholes, two twin beds or one queen bed
Suites (cabins A2 and A3): Between 194sqft (18sqm) and 202sqft (18.8sqm) with large ocean-view windows and a queen bed or two twin beds
Master Suite (cabin A1): 263sqft (24.4sqm) with seating area, large ocean-view windows on both sides and a king bed
The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to make changes to a property of a similar or higher standard after you have booked. We endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance, which could, on rare occasions, be at late notice.
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements, however, if you have travelled to a country at risk of Yellow Fever prior to arriving in Ecuador you will be required to have a valid Yellow Fever Certificate with you. Recommended vaccinations are: Typhoid and Hepatitis A.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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