Galapagos Encounters - 7 days

Galapagos Encounters - 7 days

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7 Days From

$4545

$3978

Galapagos Encounters - 7 days

7 Days Starting and ending in Quito

Visiting: Quito, Santiago Island, Genovesa Island, South Plaza Island, Santa Fé Island, San Cristóbal Island

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 20

Age range:

18-90

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests

Tour operated in:
English
Trip Styles:

Active, Adventure Tours

Interests:

History, Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Sightseeing, Snorkeling

From:
$4545
$3978 (USD) Operator discount: -$455 The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$112 -12%

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

WILDLIFE TOUR: Boasting an incredible array of endemic species from the blue-footed booby to the marine iguana, the Galapagos Islands are a true nature lovers’ paradise. Get up close and personal with the resident wildlife on an unforgettable 5 day cruise of these famed islands.

Highlights

  • The UNESCO listed colonial city of Quito - independently explore the city

  • Santa Cruz Island - a favourite nesting site for sea turtles and home of the famous Charles Darwin Station with its turtle breeding centre

  • Genovesa Island: Darwin Bay - home to an abundance of great frigate birds and the red-footed boobies. El Barranco - nesting place of storm petrels

  • South Plazas Island - inhabited by around 1000 sea lions

  • Santa Fe Island - famous for its unique species of land iguana.

  • San Cristobal Island: Punta Pitt - the only place in the Galapagos to see the three species of boobies and two species of frigates nesting together.

  • San Cristobal Island - El Junco Lagoon and the Galapagos Tortoise Breeding Centre

  • Lobos Island - with its abundance of sea lions

  • Snorkelling in the crystal clear waters

  • Relaxing onboard the boat, admiring the spectacular views

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Quito

Location: Quito

Meals Included: No Meals

Upon arrival at Quito airport you will be met by an English speaking guide and transferred to your hotel in the city. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, independently exploring.

Day 2 : Galapagos Islands

Location: Quito, Santiago Island

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Quito - Galapagos. This morning, you'll be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport for the short flight to Baltra Airport on Santa Cruz island in the Galapagos, where our guide will be waiting for you. Transfer to the M/C Anahi catamaran, your home for the next 5 days. Settle into your cabin and enjoy lunch onboard before your tour of the Galapagos Islands begins.



Our first stop is Bachas Beach – a favourite nesting site for sea turtles. Made up of two beaches separated by outcropping lava rocks, Bachas is certainly a sight to behold with spectacular white sand and crystal clear waters. Behind one of the beaches is a small lagoon where we may be lucky enough to see flamingos and other coastal birds, such as Black-necked stilts and whimbrels.

Day 3 : Genovesa Island

Location: Genovesa Island

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we explore Genovesa, a horse-shoe shaped island in the northern reaches of the Galapagos Islands. We start the day with a visit to Darwin Bay, an incredible geological structure formed by a collapsed volcanic caldera. Following a trail of coral sand and slabs of lava, we’ll go in search of bird-life, from nesting colonies of the common frigate and the Nasca booby to the swallow-tailed gull. We will also have the chance to see the nesting site of the red-footed booby - Genovesa is home to the largest nesting colony of pelagic birds in the Galapagos.



Later in the afternoon we follow the El Barranco trail, situated in the southern part of Darwin Bay, walking 1.5 kilometres along volcanic rock. The natural erosion that has occurred in these lava flows has become the ideal place for nesting Storm Petrels, which we can see nesting in the cavities of the lava. We enjoy panga (dingy) rides along the cliffs to hopefully spot some fur seals.

Day 4 : South Plazas & Santa Fe

Location: South Plaza Island, Santa Fé Island

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning's excursion takes us to South Plaza, a small island off the eastern coast of Santa Cruz. Despite its size, this island is home to an incredible number of species including around 1000 sea lions and several hybrid iguanas. The result of crossing a male marine iguana and a female land iguana, these iguanas are unique and easily recognizable at first glance by their black or gray colour, with a land iguana's crest, but face and tail of the marine iguana.



Next stop is Santa Fe, also off the coast of Santa Cruz, where we will meet even more unique species of iguana. The archipelago is also home to six endemic species of rats, one of which can be found on Santa Fe and another attraction is the presence of giant tunas.

Day 5 : San Cristobal Island

Location: San Cristóbal Island

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our next port of call is San Cristobal, one of the easternmost of the Galapagos Islands. We start the morning by exploring Punta Pitt, situated at the eastern end of the island. Here we follow a trail that will take us past an olvine beach before ascending to the top of a volcanic tuff hill, passing several picturesque viewpoints en route. This is the only place in the Galapagos Islands where you can see the three species of boobies and two species of frigates nesting in the same area. You may also get to see colonies of sea lion relaxing on the beach or rocky outcrops.



After lunch we stop to see the Leon Dormido Rocks, the remains of a lava cone eroded by the sea. Rising some 500 feet out of the ocean, these two vertical rocks form a small channel that is navigable by small boats. Many tropic birds, frigates and boobies can be seen in the area, making it a favourite stop off for visitors. Beneath the sea the nearly crystal-clear waters offer a brilliant show of colourful tropical fish and invertebrates.



We continue on to explore Lobos Island which is home to a small population of blue-footed boobies, as well as two species of sea lions. From your panga you can try to spot brown pelicans and several species of shorebirds, and if you opt to snorkel it's common to see young sea lions, manta rays and sea turtles.

Day 6 : Galapagos Tortoise Breeding Centre

Location: Santiago Island

Meals Included: Breakfast

We will start today with a visit to the Galapagos Tortoise Breeding Centre located in the southeast of San Cristobal Island. The natural population of tortoises from San Cristobal is seriously threatened by introduced animals (mainly wild goats, rats and cats), which to date has been impossible to eradicate despite continuing efforts. The San Cristobal tortoises are one of the 11 populations of Galapagos tortoises. At the visitors centre, we learn all about the natural history of the giant tortoises of this island.



After visiting the breeding centre, transfer back to the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno where our bus will be waiting to transfer you to the airport for your flight back to Quito. Upon arrival at Quito airport you'll be met and transferred back to your hotel in Quito for your final night at leisure.

Day 7 : Quito

Location: Quito

Meals Included: Breakfast

Wednesday. Arrangements end after breakfast and hotel check out today.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    3 star hotel & first class cruise

  • 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners

  • 2 nights 3 star hotel in Quito, including breakfast. (Option to upgrade to a 4 star hotel upon request)

  • 5 day Galapagos Cruise - 4 nights onboard the M/C Anahi catamaran (First Class category) in a twin or double cabin, on the main deck with en suite and A/C. (Option to upgrade to a suite)

  • Quito airport arrival transfer on day 1 with an English speaking guide

  • The services of 9 crew members and an experienced English speaking Naturalist guide

  • Galapagos Flights: Quito to Baltra and San Cristobal to Quito - including airport and port transfers

  • Complementary soft drinks onboard (tea, coffee and water) plus welcome and farewell drinks

  • Two guided Galapagos excursions a day

  • Kayaking and snorkelling at the permitted points (wetsuits can be hired onboard for an additional fee)

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visas

  • Airport departure transfer on day 7

  • Tips for the crew, your guide and drivers.

  • Entrance Fees: USD$120pp Galapagos park fee & transit card, paid in USD

Age Policy

The minimum child age for the cruises is 6. Children under 12 will receive a 20% discount off the cruise rates. However this won’t be 20% off the entire package so if you have an enquiry for a child under 12 please let Melinda know so she can work out the reduction.

Accommodation

Ikala Quito Hotel



Inspired by the rich history and culture of Ecuador, the Ikala Quito Hotel's 44 rooms are housed in three grand colonial houses which were once home to Ecuadorian aristocracy. Offering a choice of standard rooms or deluxe suites, there's tasteful decor in abundance and artwork painted on canvas or directly onto the walls. Rooms feature ensuite bathrooms and there is free Wi-Fi throughout the property. As well as the onsite restaurant and bar, there are plenty of outdoor areas, including patios, gardens, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views over the city.

Check out our Q&As

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this Operator

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Paul Kelly (Google Reviewer)  

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9...

26-Feb-2023

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9 day tour of Morocco visiting many main cities and places of interest. The coach was very comfortable and we felt safe with the driver Suliman. The guide was Hicham Touraouine and he was fantastic. He spoke perfect English as well as French, Arabic and Berber. He was so kind and considerate and made a good tour great. We particularly enjoyed ‘glamming in the Sahara Desert. So much to see and do and great food and company. We would definitely use On The Go Tours again, especially if Hicham was the guide. Paul & Penny

Rolly Hay hay (Google Reviewer)  

Gallipoli tour. The guide was...

28-Sep-2023

Gallipoli tour. The guide was awesome. Everything went like clockwork.. My complaint is that you expect 4 people to cramp together on the back seat of the van for 4 hours. That is poverty travel. Not really acceptable for the price paid. So uncomfortable. If was to do this trip again I'd just rent a car. Although the guide was amazing, but that's 3 hours of the trip.

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

Giovanni Guidi (Google Reviewer)  

I booked three tours with...

19-Aug-2023

I booked three tours with this agency. While the first two experiences were very nice, with well-thought-out itineraries and knowledgeable guides, the third tour was an absolute nightmare for us. Due to the unavailability of an hotel from the trip notes, the agency opted to replace it with another they claimed was "similar." To our dismay, this alternative was nothing short of a decrepit, filthy establishment that threatened to ruin our entire safari experience in South Africa. But the fiasco didn't end there. This so-called hotel began proposing and organizing activities starkly different from what we were promised in the trip notes, together with an awful services of their guides and vehicles. And when this disaster struck and we desperately needed their support? The agency ghosted us. It took them an entire day to respond, and when they did, they simply shrugged off our concerns, asserting it was too late to fix anything, even though three nights of our trip were still ahead. The level of unprofessionalism was staggering. Forced to salvage our experience, we took matters into our own hands, leaving that awful place to book another hotel and activities for the remainder of our trip—all at my own expense. Based on my experience, I suggest travelers to think twice before considering this agency. Seek out reputable companies known for their commitment to customer service and integrity.

Dates & Availability

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Thursday - Wednesday

Jun 06, 2024 - Jun 12, 2024
$4545 $4420 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$125 (USD)

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Thursday - Wednesday

Jun 20, 2024 - Jun 26, 2024
$4545 $3978 (USD)

Operator discount: -$455 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$112 (USD)

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Jul 04, 2024 - Jul 10, 2024
$4545 $3978 (USD)

Operator discount: -$455 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$112 (USD)

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Jul 18, 2024 - Jul 24, 2024
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Operator discount: -$455 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$112 (USD)

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Aug 01, 2024 - Aug 07, 2024
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Operator discount: -$455 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$112 (USD)

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Operator discount: -$455 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$112 (USD)

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Operator discount: -$455 (USD)

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