Galapagos Cruise - Explorer II

The Galapagos Islands are considered one of the most spectacular and pristine National Parks in the world. Visitors delight in the abundant, unusual, and surprisingly approachable wildlife--from Galapagos giant tortoises to playful sea lions to the fascinating Blue-footed Boobies.

ExpeditionTrips' staff member, Amelia Tockston, has sailed on this voyage. Click to view her travel journal and photos!

This trip may be booked as a package, as seen below, or cruise only starting on Day 3 and ending on Day 6.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Quito

Hotel Patio Andaluz
Hotel Patio Andaluz Arrive in Quito, Ecuador and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Quito at the Hotel Patio Andaluz, or similar hotel.

Day 2: Quito

Hotel Patio Andaluz
Today is at your leisure. A variety of day tours are available for purchase. Overnight at the Hotel Patio Andaluz, or similar hotel.

Day 3: San Cristobal Island / Embark - Cruise Only Starts

Fly to the Galapagos to begin the cruise, arriving on San Cristobal, easternmost of the Galapagos Islands. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is the capital of the Galapagos province and hosts the second largest concentration of human population in the archipelago, approximately 6,000 inhabitants. You?ll board ship and settle into your cabin. This afternoon, visit Cerro Brujo on San Cristobal.

Day 4: Espanola Island

Explore Punta Suarez, one of the most spectacular sites in the islands and is home to the only site in the Galapagos to spot the Galapagos Albatross (a seasonal sight). Look for sea lions, Marine iuanas, and further in land, Masked and Blue-footed Boobies. Hike a trail towards the cliffs to a blowhole, a fissure in the lava cliffs where seawater jets high in the air.

In the afternoon, explore Bahia Gardner (Gardner Bay), on Espanola Island where you can snorkel, walk and relax on the beach that is among the most magnificent in all Galápagos. You may also visit the spectacular Gardner Rock by panga (Zodiac), which is home to white-tipped reef shark, cactus finch and other colorful sea dwellers.

Day 5: Santa Cruz Island / Rabida Island

This morning, visit Santa Cruz, the second largest island of the Archipelago. Visit Darwin Station to learn about the research activities conducted on the island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a Galapagos Giant Tortoise breeding and rearing center. Here, tortoises of different subspecies are prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats. Afterwards, you can stroll through Puerto Ayora.

In the afternoon, visit Rabida Island, a small island covered by dry and coastal vegetation with a central volcano. This island contains the largest variety of lava types and a salt-water lagoon provides occasional sights of Flamingos. Sea lions, fur seals, penguins, pelicans, and Galapagos Hawks may be seen here. The island offers great snorkeling, and there's also a short walk to the top of the trail where you can take fabulous photos of the clear waters and volcanic peaks.

Day 6: Santa Cruz / Baltra Island / Disembark / Quito - Cruise Only Ends

Hotel Patio Andaluz
Today, visit Las Bachas, a white sand beach ideal for swimming on the southwest side of Santa Cruz. Later in the morning, transfer to the Baltra airport for your return flight to the mainland. This afternoon is at your leisure. Overnight at the Hotel Patio Andaluz, or similar hotel.

Day 7: Quito / Home

This morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.