Duration
4 nights
Group Size
Up to 16 passengers
Accomodation
Cabins
Location
ecuador - galapagos
Season
year-round
Meeting Point
Baltra airport
GOAL
Difficulty
Moderate
Medium
You'll need to have medium physical condition to walk and snorkel in the islands.
  • Charles Darwin Research Station in Santa Cruz Island
  • Genovesa Island
  • Santiago Island
  • Santa Cruz Island
  • San Cristobal Island

Included

Transportation

Cruise, marine taxis.

Accommodations

Cabins, based on double occupancy

Activities

Hiking and snorkeling in the islands.

Meals

4 Breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners.

Gear

Snorkeling mask.

Guides

Certified expert English-speaking naturalist local guides in Galapagos National Park.

 


Not included

Accommodation

Single Supplement for cabin.

Flights

Airfare Quito – Galapagos – Quito round trip.

Airport transfers

National & international flights.

Insurance

Travel & health insurance (mandatory).

Meals

Not described in the itinerary.

Additional fees

INGALA transit card: USD 20 per person, cash only (subject to change), Isabela port fee: USD 10 per person, cash only, Galapagos National Park fee USD 100 per person, cash only (subject to change).

Gear

Wetsuit for rent.

Tips

For guides and drivers.

LogisticsLogistics

-> Starts

Baltra airport
Upon arrival on Day 1

-> Ends

Quito’s international airport
Upon arrival on Day 5

Transfers

Your adventure begins upon arrival in Baltra airport in the Galapagos Islands on Day 1 when your host will meet you at national arrivals. On the final day of the trip, your trip will end at Quito’s international airport upon arrival from the islands. The airport is around a 45min journey to downtown Quito.

To make your own way from Quito airport to and from the accommodation, you have a few options. You can request a private transfer from the host. Please see Optional Extras for prices. You can take a public bus for just $2USD, however, this isn’t overly straight forward as you need to change buses at Quitumbe bus terminal. A metered taxi will cost you between $25-35USD. You can save some money by taking an ‘Aeroservicio’ – a privately operated bus service connecting the airport with the city center. This cost is USD 8.

Day 1

Cabin – Twin or Double
Breakfast.    Lunch.    Dinner

Day 2

Cabin – Twin or Double
Breakfast.    Lunch.    Dinner

Day 3

Cabin – Twin or Double
Breakfast.    Lunch.    Dinner

Day 4

Cabin – Twin or Double
Breakfast.    Lunch.    Dinner

Day 5

Departure Day
Breakfast.    Lunch.    Dinner

 


What is the food like?

Our professional cuisine specialists aboard the Galapagos Elite yacht prepare three delicious, nutritious meals per day: breakfast and mainly lunch served buffet-style, with a more elegant sit-down dinner served in the al fresco dining area on the partially covered sky deck. Elite’s interior passengers’ lounge features a 180-degree panoramic view salon on the main deck. Guests of all ages enjoy the ample, semi-covered sky deck, the al fresco dining area, and the cozy bar-salon while aboard our Galapagos Island private yacht charter. Special dietary needs are never a problem and kids’ meals are available, including kosher food (barters).

What is the accommodation like?

Cruise in the Galapagos Islands

All Suites onboard the Galapagos Elite luxury yacht are spacious, comfortable, and well-appointed: the perfect place to relax and recharge after a day spent exploring the islands. Each suite has grand windows for panoramic ocean views, a private outdoor balcony, as well as a natural light frosted glass wall restroom in each suite.  All beds are convertible in two twin beds or one king-size bed.

Itinerary B / 5D – 4N Tuesday to Saturday

Day 1

Tuesday

AM –Arrival to Baltra airport and transfer to the vessel

PM – Charles Darwin Research Station

The Charles Darwin Research Station provides an unmissable opportunity to find out about the vital work that is being carried out to preserve the archipelago’s ecosystems.
One element of this is a significant breeding programme for Galapagos tortoises, whose numbers have been in decline since the 1970’s.

These captivating enormous reptiles are very accustomed to humans, so be sure to bring your camera for some close-ups.

Day 2

Wednesday

AM: Genovesa – Prince Phillip’s Steps / El Barranco

El Barranco, also known as Prince Philip’s Steps, is a rocky stairway that will lead you past a colony of nazca and red-footed boobies leads up to a plateau of dried lava. Continuing through the thin Palo Santo forest and looking out over the plain, visitors are often treated to sites of storm petrels launching out over the ocean.

A panga ride or kayaking/paddle boarding along the edge of the cliffs provides a good chance to see the elusive Galapagos fur seals nestled on the rocks, and snorkeling is a great activity if you fancy a dip with a variety of shark species.

PM: Genovesa – Darwin Bay

Darwin Bay has a small sand and coral beach that provides the perfect spot for snorkeling, kayaking or paddle boarding in calm, sheltered waters in the company of hammerhead sharks, rays and a plethora of colourful reef fish. Onshore, a short trail leads along a tidal lagoon and mangroves, home to a variety of land bird species, including Nazca and red-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls.

The trail culminates at a viewpoint that offers a stunning view overlooking the cliffs and the bay below.

Day 3

Thursday

AM: Santiago – Espumilla Beach / Buccaneer Cove

Espumilla beach, located on the northern coast of Santiago island, is an exquisite white sand beach, whose name refers to the meringue-like trails of foam left by the lapping of the waves. Sally Lightfoot crabs are in abundance here and as a result, it is common to see predatory birds such as hawks, herons and pelicans.

This idyllic location is perfect for snorkeling or kayaking/paddle boarding amongst a raft of marine life, including species of octopus, eels and sharks. Buccaneer Cove has an interesting history as it is where sailors, buccaneers and whalers frequently anchored their vessels in search for food and water. In more recent times it has become an important nesting site for turtles and is also popular with sea lions.

A panga ride along the eroded shoreline provides views of intriguing rock formations that provide excellent ledges for boobies, pelicans and gulls.

PM: Egas Port

Egas Port was once the site of a salt mine, but now this impressive black sand beach is an excellent location for snorkeling and observing shorebirds, Sally Lightfoot crabs and marine iguanas.

A stroll along the wide trails inland leads you past tidal pools and rocky volcanic formations known as grottoes where it is possible to spot fur seals enjoying a spot of shade.

Day 4

Friday

AM: Santa Cruz – Bachas Beach

Bachas Beach is a glorious white sand beach on which the remnants of a rusted barge, thought to have been abandoned by the Americans during WWI, can be seen. It is a popular nesting site for turtles, so if you go for a snorkel, you might find yourself sharing the water with these wonderful creatures.

The beach is also full of vibrant Sally Lightfoot and hermit crabs and elegant pink flamingos that frequent the salt water lagoon behind.

PM: Twin craters and the Highlands of Santa Cruz

The best way to appreciate these remarkable, almost identical crater-like holes, caused by the collapse of empty lava chambers, is to take the trail that leads up and around the rims.
From this vantage point, one can revel in the beauty of the surrounding highlands, lush with ferns and an abundance of Scalesia trees.

Here, Bird enthusiasts can also enjoy spotting the distinct red feathers of Vermilion Flycatchers, Darwin’s finches, Galapagos doves and, with a bit of luck, an endemic short-ear owl.

Day 5

Saturday

AM: San Cristobal – Kicker Rock

Kicker Rock, is an iconic feature of the Galapagos that has been formed over time by the erosion of the cone of an extinct volcano.

The channel that runs between two imposing shards of rock is often described as one of the most thrilling sites for snorkeling and diving where it is common to see spotted eagle rays, sea turtles, marine iguanas, Galapagos sharks and even hammerhead sharks.

In addition, on the rock formation itself, blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and sea lions can often be seen perched on the ledges above.

San Cristobal Airport
Depart from San Cristobal airport.

***End of cruise***
*The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather, National Park regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances.

What’s included:
  • Snorkeling equipment
What do I need to Bring?
  • Passport
  • Travel insurance
  • Airline tickets
  • Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
  • Fleece top
  • Shirts/t-shirts
  • Pair of short
  • Pairs of long trousers
  • Pair hiking pants/track pants
  • Sport sandals
  • Watch or alarm clock,
  • Quick dry clothing
  • Rain coat
  • Waterproof binoculars
  • Bug spray
  • Sun cream
  • Flashlight
  • Sun Hat
  • Waterproof camera if possible
  • Swimming suit
  • Waterproof backpack
  • Water bottle
  • Tennis shoes
  • Hiking shoes
  • Money belt
  • Sunglasses
  • First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, antihistamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking.
Pre-Post Trip Accommodation

Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Twin/ Double) – USD 100 Per Night
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Single) – USD 100 per Night

Transfers

Private airport transfer – USD 38 per person

Right Know, There isn’t reviews.

How much should I tip?

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice; however, we suggest the below as a guideline per person.

Guides: USD 10- USD 15 per day

Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

What Do I Do about drinking water?

The tap water in the Galapagos Islands is not always friendly on the stomach for those who haven’t been in Latin America for a while. There is purified water in each of the accommodation which you can use to fill up each morning, so be sure to pack a reusable water bottle or two.

What’s the weather like?

The Galapagos Islands lie directly on the Equator, so you can expect it to be warm for most of the year. However, it’s not always tropical and Caribbean-like: wind and rain are definitely possible at certain times of year. It’s wise to know these weather patterns before planning your trip so you know when to visit and what to expect.

The hottest season is generally from December to April with average temperatures ranging from a low of 70 F to a high of 84 F (22 – 31 C). It’s also the rainy season.

May to November is considered the “cool” season with average temperatures ranging from a low of 68 F to a high of 82 F (19 – 27 C) and frequent overcast skies.

What vaccinations do I need?

For the Galapagos Islands, Covid vaccination is required.

What Travel Insurance do you recommend?

World Nomads Insurance with a coverage of USD 200 000

What is the currency?

US American Dollars

What is the minimum age for this trip?

8 years old as a minimum age.

price per person:

USD 4,958.00

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