Galapagos - In the Steps of Pirates & Darwin

Galapagos - In the Steps of Pirates & Darwin

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9 Days From

$11925

$11597

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:

Exodus

Tour code:

GPV

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

26 - 32

Physical rating:

Leisurely

Age range:

12-99

Trip Styles:

Cruise, Expedition Cruising

From:
$11925
$11597 (USD) The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$328
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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

  • Snorkel, kayak, hike and even enjoy an intimate picnic in the highlands with giant tortoises

  • Sail on the /Evolution/, featuring the most public space and largest cabins of any yacht in her class

  • See Waved albatross in the world's only nesting site, Española Island (seasonal)

  • Visit a family-run coffee and sugar cane farm

  • Learn about conservation efforts at the Charles Darwin Research Station

  • Climb Bartolome for a famous view of Pinnacle Rock

  • Enjoy the archipelago's best guest-to-guide ratio 

Itinerary

Expand All

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

  • Meals
    8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • International flights

  • Visas or vaccinations

  • Galapagos Park Tax fee: $120 USD (or equivalent in booking currency), paid locally

  • 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

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No

  • 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.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this Operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
John Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I went cycling in Albania...

19-Aug-2023

I went cycling in Albania with exodus as my first holiday with them. Such a well organised and wonderful experience where I met multiple fellow travellers who have been advocates of them for many years. You can't argue with happy repeat customers and I'm planning my next adventure with them soon

Rob Burridge (Google Reviewer)  

I'v just come back from...

17-Jul-2022

I'v just come back from an amazing Wildlife & Wilderness trip in Botswana and I highly recommend Exodus Travels. Our guide Brian, was extremely knowledgeable on both the wildlife and history of Botswana and neighbouring countries. The other three staff, Abbis, Chief & Mr T, who accompanied us through out our 2 week trip, put in the hard work and made sure our camp was always prepared and that we we're well fed and looked after. The tour took us to some beautiful places and we saw some amazing wildlife, and on several occasions this was due to Brian's knowledge of the area and wildlife behaviour. Exodus have been very quick to respond to any queries I had, and the whole experience ran smoothly. I was also pleased to hear that during lockdown they provided staff with food packages 👍. I'd normally go on self organised trips, however, with this trip, the tour and guide Brian took us to places not possible otherwise and showed us things that we would'v missed out on. All of which were the highlights of the tour.

Daphne Partridge (Google Reviewer)  

After 14 roup adventure holidays...

26-Nov-2023

After 14 roup adventure holidays with Exofus we would not hesitate to recommend them as an excitingholiday company. They take you off the beaten track but offer great support and expertise :)

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

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Friday - Saturday

Aug 16, 2024 - Aug 24, 2024
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Dec 13, 2024 - Dec 21, 2024
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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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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