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5 Days$4090USD

Activities
  • 5 days Adventure Cruising
Accommodation
  • 4 nights boat
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 4 Lunches
  • 4 Breakfasts
1
Discovery and Cruising
 
 

Trip highlights


  • Cruise the amazing Galapagos archipelago aboard the comfortable Archipel I
  • Discover the unique wildlife and fascinating history of the Galapagos Islands
  • Learn about this incredible region with an expert naturalist guide
  • Encounter incomparable and unique wildlife and birdlife on guided hikes
  • Relish in the dramatic scenery and pristine environments

Why Book With Us

  • Galapagos flights, Galapagos Park Fee and Transit Control Card included in the trip cost
  • Use of snorkelling equipment at no additional cost
  • Professional and experienced naturalist guide and support crew
  • Three hearty meals and snacks per day, freshly prepared by the boat's cook

Whether encountering sea lions, searching for giant tortoises or watching flamingos, the Galapagos offers a truly amazing spectacle. Accompanied by a naturalist guide, this carefully planned five day cruise aboard the Archipel I provides ample opportunity to explore this unique wildlife wonderland, where we can appreciate Darwin's theories amongst the numerous species of reptiles, birds and mammals. The Archipel I is a motor catamaran, and offers a stable double hull, wide decks and eight cabins above the waterline, with two sea-view windows, and ample social areas that will complement a comfortable stay. Shared with just 16 guests, the lounge, solarium, resting areas and 'Al Fresco' dining area are great choices for you to relax and enjoy the nature that surrounds you. Discover the unique wildlife and fascinating history of the Galapagos Islands, an experience you will never forget.

Trip Code: GAS

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Your itinerary commences at the airport, offering the option to start from Quito*, situated in the Ecuadorian highlands just south of the equator, or from the airport in Guayaquil*, located along the banks of the Guayas River. From your starting city you fly to Baltra Airport in the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival at the airport, you will first pass through an airport inspection point where your TCT (Transit Control Card) will be checked and stamped (please keep this carefully with your passport as you will need to show it again when you leave Galapagos). Your Galapagos National Park entrance fee of USD 100 has been prepaid. To ensure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands, your luggage will be inspected as well. At the arrival hall a naturalist guide will meet you and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbour. At the Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre, you can observe tortoises that come from various islands of the archipelago. They comply with the captive breeding programme and then return to repopulate the areas where their population has been affected. The land iguanas of Santa Cruz, Isabela and North Seymour are also in a captive breeding programme, as the populations in these areas suffered from feral dogs. One of the main attractions is the famous embalmed Lonesome George. Estimated to have died between 93 and 109 years of age, it is recognised as the last of its kind and a symbol of the efforts invested to conserve endangered species. The captive tortoises are used to the presence of visitors, so it's a great place to take photos with them. *For anyone travelling to the Galapagos Islands we recommend you arrive in Quito or Guayaquil at least one day before your scheduled cruise in case there are flight delays or cancellations. We strongly recommend that you do not book flights out of Quito or Guayaquil on the same day your cruise finishes. PLEASE NOTE: Itineraries are flexible and are subject to change according to weather, local conditions and circumstances beyond our control. You will follow one of two itineraries however please note they should be used as a guide only. These are offered on alternate weeks, your consultant will advise which itinerary is scheduled to operate on your desired date. Please be aware, while wildlife is abundant in the Galapagos there is no guarantee of seeing specific animals or birds.

Meals:  L,D

Moreno Point is located on the north coast of Isabela Island, between the volcanos Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul. The trail runs along a solidified pahoehoe lava flow into a complex of coastal lagoons. Its main attractions are several species of birds, which are found around the lakes and mangroves. Urbina Bay is located along the west coast of Isabela, between Elizabeth Bay and Tagus Cove. It is close to the base of the Alcedo Volcano. The coastline has undergone a major uplift in 1954, which caused the shore to expand three quarters of a mile out. Here you will be able to find corals, shells, and many other calcareous organisms exposed above water. Urbina Bay is home to large and colorful land iguanas and giant tor toises of the Alcedo Volcano population. A lot of Darwin finches can be seen as well.

Meals:  B,L,D

Fernandina is the third-largest island in the archipelago and has a single visitor site: Punta Espinoza, located at the northeastern tip of the island. Marine iguanas conglomerate in larger groups than on any other island. They bask around in the sand, swim near the shore and sometimes block the way at the landing dock. Among the unique species found here, is the flightless cormorant. This bird had to adjust its way of survival and perfection its skills of finding food in the ocean. Their wings, tails and feet progressively adapted for swimming. To see these birds is to witness evolution happening right in front of you. Whilst having lunch we will cross the Bolivar Channel for the last time to Vicente Roca Point, just at the mouth of Isabela’s seahorse-shape. While entering a dark cave below a spectacular arch, roaring echoes of the waves will accompany you. Just around the corner the collapsed amphitheatre of Volcan Ecuador offers another impressive view. The calmer waters of the coves are well-protected against the ocean swell and are a fairly cold, but great place for snorkelling amongst various species of shark, penguins, puffer fish and even seahorses!

Meals:  B,L,D

Egas Port is a black beach located on the west side of Santiago Island. Volcanic tuff deposits have favoured the formation of this special black sand beach and this is the main attraction of the Island. This site is called Puerto Egas because there was an attempt of Hector Egas to start the exploitation of salt, which failed. After all, the price of salt on the continent was very cheap and did not justify its exploitation in the Galapagos. The project was abandoned and they left their infrastructure. Rabida Island is unique because of the red colour of the rocks and sand. The volcanic material in this island is very porous and external factors such as rain, saltwater and sea breeze have acted as an oxidizing agent. A short walk along a trail will lead you to a coastal lagoon behind the beach that allows for the observation of land birds as finches, doves, yellow warblers and mockingbirds. There is also a colony of flamingos at the lagoon.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, you will check out and disembark the cruise for the last time at 08:30 am. Your last adventure is brief but enchanting, and will take place enroute to the airport. You will explore onboard the dinghy the green landscape of Black Turtle Cove, which is mostly composed of mangrove trees that host innumerable aerial and aquatic species. Observe how the quiet emerald lagoon and surrounding shallow bays enables the easy observation of sea turtles and as well as groups of sharks. The visit ends and you will disembark at 09:00 at Baltra island, ultimately reaching Baltra airport at 09:30, where you connect with your return flight to Quito or Guayaquil. Upon arrival on the mainland your trip concludes.

Meals:  B

Expand all | Collapse all

Your itinerary commences at the airport, offering the option to start from Quito*, situated in the Ecuadorian highlands just south of the equator, or from the airport in Guayaquil*, located along the banks of the Guayas River. From your starting city you fly to the Baltra airport in the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival at the airport, you will first pass through an airport inspection point where your TCT (Transit Control Card) will be checked and stamped (please keep this carefully with your passport as you will need to show it again when you leave Galapagos). Your Galapagos National Park entrance fee of USD 100 has been prepaid. To ensure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands, your luggage will be inspected as well. At the arrival hall a naturalist guide will meet you and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbour. At the Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre, you can observe tortoises that come from various islands of the archipelago. They comply with the captive breeding programme and then return to repopulate the areas where their population has been affected. The land iguanas of Santa Cruz, Isabela and North Seymour are also in a captive breeding programme, as the populations in these areas suffered from feral dogs. One of the main attractions is the famous embalmed Lonesome George. Estimated to have died between 93 and 109 years of age, it is recognised as the last of its kind and a symbol of the efforts invested to conserve endangered species. The captive tortoises are used to the presence of visitors, so it's a great place to take photos with them. *For anyone travelling to the Galapagos Islands we recommend you arrive in Quito or Guayaquil at least one day before your scheduled cruise in case there are flight delays or cancellations. We strongly recommend that you do not book flights out of Quito or Guayaquil for the same day your cruise finishes. PLEASE NOTE: Itineraries are flexible and are subject to change according to weather, local conditions and circumstances beyond our control. You will follow one of two itineraries however please note they should be used as a guide only. These are offered on alternate weeks, your consultant will advise which itinerary is scheduled to operate on your desired date. Please be aware, while wildlife is abundant in the Galapagos there is no guarantee of seeing specific animals or birds.

Meals:  L,D

The peninsula of Cormorant Point forms the extreme north cape of Floreana, which exists out of smaller volcanic cones, covered by a tropical dry forest of palo santo. At the landing beach, you will be welcomed by a small Galapagos sea lion colony. The green sand on this beach contains a high percentage of glassy olivine crystals which have been blown out by the surrounding tuff cones. The “flour sand” beach on the southern side of the peninsula is made up of even finer white coral sand which feels very smooth on the feet. Parrotfish have pulverised it, grinding the calcareous skeletons of living coral. You can spot schools of stingrays who love the sandy bottom to hide. During the first months of the year, Pacific green turtles come ashore to bury their eggs. Devil’s Crown offers one of the best snorkelling spots in the Galapagos due to the coral reef in its centre, which attracts a lot of marine life. Here you can spot Galapagos penguins, sea lions, sea turtles, many different colourful fish and even some dolphins. The current can be a bit strong sometimes, so it should not be attempted by novice swimmers. Historically, Post Office Bay is the location of a wooden barrel that was placed there in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. Letters found inside the barrel were collected and delivered by sailors returning home. There was no postage fee and, surprisingly, this mailbox and its honour system are still in use today. Although letters are no longer important messages from sailors to their loved ones, tourists leave thousands of them today and many still reach their destination. You can also relax on the beach, where in addition to Galapagos sea lions, Pacific green turtles and golden rays, you may see Galapagos penguins. This is the only place in the southeastern archipelago where penguins reside. You can also climb the small basaltic cone of the Baroness Lookout and enjoy the coastline’s paradisiacal views. This viewpoint was the favourite spot of one of Floreana's first settlers, the eccentric baroness and self-proclaimed "Empress of Galapagos" Eloisa von Wagner, who even built her house a few metres further back.

Meals:  B,L,D

The striking white beach at Gardner Bay is an important breeding site for Pacific green turtles. However, without a doubt, its main attraction is the Galapagos sea lion colony. Females stay year-round in this nursery, suckling their pups until they are three years old, although they start to fish at five months. During the breeding and mating season, the colony becomes even bigger. Huge ocean waves crash onto the southern basaltic cliffs of Suarez Point, forming a spectacular blowhole, where the water sprays metres high into the air (depending on the season, the tide and how strongly the sea breeze pushes the waves). Take your time for a meditative break in silence on this emblematic viewpoint, and convert this unforgettable moment into a lifetime experience.

Meals:  B,L,D

Two wind-sculptured tuff cones at Pitt Point make up the extreme eastern end of San Cristobal, thus the archipelago. These cliffs were the first sight of land when HMS Beagle and Charles Darwin arrived on the 15th of September, 1835. On the small green sand beach, you will be welcomed by a group of barking Galapagos sea lions. This is a bachelor colony, where males usually relax and prepare themselves for fighting and mating. This afternoon we visit Witch Hill (San Cristóbal). This site’s primary attraction is the coral sand beach, an excellent place to swim and snorkel. Witch Hill is the remains of a tuff cone and one of the first sites visited by Charles Darwin. It has an impressive landscape, where it is often possible to see coastal and migratory birds, including pelicans, blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls; as well as sea lions and marine iguanas. At times, the lagoon is completely dry and deposits of salt can be found at the bottom. The people of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno used to use the lagoon as a salt mine.

Meals:  B,L,D

The Lobos Islet’s beach harbours a colony of Galapagos sea lions. As in other colonies in the archipelago, you can approach nurturing females within a few metres. In the breeding season, this colony is also visited by territorial males, defending and mating the harem on their part of the beach. This low islet is home to more than just Galapagos sea lions. Two other emblematic species breed here: male blue-footed boobies and great frigate birds who try to impress the females (and tourists) with clumsy dances, heaving their striking blue feet or blowing up their balloon-sized scarlet pouches. During the breeding season, the fluffy and hungry chicks cry for food, and when their wings get strong enough, they will learn to fly. Assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew members, we will bring you to San Cristóbal Airport, where you connect with your return flight to Quito or Guayaquil. Upon arrival on the mainland your trip concludes.

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners
  • Twin share berth
  • Internal flights approx. US$525
  • Professional naturalist guide and support staff
  • Transport to and from cruise on the Galapagos Islands
  • Group medical kit
  • Ingala control card and Galapagos Park fee to the value of US$120. (Please note if arriving to the Galapagos prior to the cruise these fees can't be prepaid - contact your consultant for further details).
  • Use of snorkelling equipment

  • Airport transfers on the mainland
  • International flights and airport taxes
  • Use of wetsuits on cruise (can be rented onboard and paid in cash)
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • Medical treatment

Cabins


Departure dates

Every Thursday year round

Notes

P
Christmas & New Year Surcharge Archipel I - 5 Days (17 Dec - 7 Jan)
Note:
Availability has to be confirmed by us before we can guarantee the trip.
IT1
Itinerary A
IT2
Itinerary B

Dates don't fit?
Create a Private Trip

If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

Priceper person from

$4090USD

Your trip price includes:

  • Internal flight valued at USD$525
  • Park Fees valued at USD$120
Options & Supplements*
  • Single Supplement Archipel I - 5 daysUSD$2240
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Galapagos Explorer on Archipel 1 trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


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Why travel with us

Award Winning Adventures

Enhancing your journey with authentic experiences, genuine cultural exchange and real exploration are the focal points on all of our adventures. In 2019, we were crowned by our peers as the best in adventure travel at The Travel Awards in Sydney.

Thoughtful Travel

Our vision is to leave the world a better place by following our sustainable active outdoor travel charter. All our adventures are 100% carbon offset and our Regenerative 2030 Project aims to integrate ‘regenerative’ projects into every one of our global operations by 2030.

Ultimate Value

 When you book one of our adventures, you will receive quality services at the best prices with plenty of inclusions. There are no hidden costs, single travellers don’t pay more and you’ll enjoy many ‘extra touches’ that ensure your holiday is excellent value for money.

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