Ultimate Galápagos

Day 1

Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador

Arrive in Ecuador, either in Quito, Ecuador’s capital city in the Andes, or in the coastal city of Guayaquil, for an included transfer to your convenient hotel for an overnight stay. Both cities are well-served by international carriers, and Galápagos flights start and end in Quito with a stop in Guayaquil. Guests in Guayaquil stay at the locally owed Hotel Oro Verde and have the choice of several hotels in Quito, including a convenient airport hotel.

Note that Quito sits at a 9,350 ft elevation. It is an alternative option to Guayaquil, at no additional cost, and recommended if you opt for a pre-voyage extension to Mashpi Reserve in the tropical Andes outside Quito, or take just one extra day on the See Quito Pre-Voyage Extension. You can also choose to reserve additional hotel nights and tours in Quito or Guayaquil.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

Quito or Guayaquil / Galápagos Islands / Embark Ship

This day has a recommended group flight.

In the morning, if you’re joining the recommended flight to the Galápagos Islands, transfers to the airport and luggage assistance will be provided. Upon arrival, embark the ship.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 3-15

Galápagos Islands

This extended exploration offers the rare opportunity to visit all of the remarkable islands listed below. Each day brings new discoveries—from ancient volcanic landscapes and untamed wilderness to wildlife-rich shores teeming with endemic species—providing the optimal balance of everything that makes the Galápagos extraordinary. All ship itineraries are subject to Galápagos National Park regulations.

Please note that Day 9 will mark a transition, as some guests conclude their voyage while others embark to begin their adventure. Some staff may also rotate, bringing fresh energy and expertise for the journey ahead. During this turnaround, you’ll explore a new site on shore with a naturalist.

North Seymour: Follow coastal trails past playful Galápagos sea lions on this wildlife-rich central island. Continue inland through a silvery forest of endemic palo santo trees, where frigatebirds nest, blue-footed boobies dance and where you may also encounter prehistoric-looking land iguanas feeding on cactus.

Rabida: Step ashore on striking red-sand beaches and snorkel in the shallows alongside Galápagos sea lions and vibrant tropical fish. Later, enjoy a nature or photo walk to spot hawks, other terrestrial birds, and—at times—flamingos in a small saltwater lagoon.

Isabela: Raise a toast as you cross the Equator at Volcán Ecuador, the northernmost of Isabela’s six great shield volcanoes. Watch for whales, dolphins, sea turtles and the elusive ocean sunfish along the way. Over two days, explore these dramatically eroded volcanic shores in the footsteps of Darwin and Melville, encountering abundant wildlife and remarkable geology. Zodiac cruise along the coast in search of Galápagos penguins and fur seals, and snorkel among green sea turtles and shimmering schools of endemic fish.

Fernandina: One of the most active oceanic volcanoes in the world, Fernandina is the youngest and most untamed island in Galápagos—and home to the strange flightless cormorant, Galápagos penguins and the largest marine iguana colonies in the archipelago. Hike across recent black lava flows alongside scampering Sally Lightfoot crabs and sea lions playing in tidepools.

Española: Located in the far southeastern reaches of the archipelago, Española is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife, including red and black marine iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, Nazca boobies and endemic mockingbirds and lava lizards. Seasonally, Punta Suárez also hosts the world’s only breeding population of waved albatrosses. Snorkel and kayak alongside playful sea lions and colorful fish at Gardner Bay, then set out on an afternoon walk at Punta Suárez to encounter more of the island’s remarkable species.

Floreana: Follow a trail past a pink-tinted lagoon frequented by flamingos. Snorkel among sea lions and abundant fish or cruise along Champion Islet by Zodiac. Visit the famous wooden barrel at Post Office Bay and learn about its unusual postal system.

Santa Cruz: Visit Puerto Ayora, the largest town and headquarters of both the Galápagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station. See the monument to Lonesome George and tour the giant tortoise breeding corrals. Witness giant tortoises roaming in the wild in the lush, green highlands.

Bartolomé: Hike to the summit of a 300-foot volcanic cone for sweeping panoramic views. Later, snorkel or join a glass-bottom boat excursion around the base of iconic Pinnacle Rock, where you may spot sea lions, small reef sharks, and even Galápagos penguins.

Santiago: Explore tide pools and look for fur seals sheltered in quiet grottos of black basalt. Swim, snorkel, kayak and paddleboard along Santiago’s spectacular coast, and explore an enchanting coastal forest where Charles Darwin once walked.

Genovesa: Sail across the Equator to the remote northern realm of the Galápagos into this flooded caldera, home to over one million seabirds. Visit Prince Philip’s Steps at the top of the island. Highlights along the trail are many, from Nazca, red-footed and blue-footed boobies and frigates, to gulls, owls, fur seals, hammerhead sharks, turtles and manta rays.

San Cristobal: Search for red-footed boobies and the endemic mockingbird and lava lizard—found only on this easternmost island. Walk along the powdery white sand at a gorgeous beach fronted by iconic Kicker Rock. Explore Baquerizo Moreno, where sea lions thrive in the middle of town.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16

Galápagos Islands / Disembark Ship / Guayaquil or Quito

This day has a recommended group flight.

Disembark this morning and join the recommended flight to Guayaquil or Quito; transfers to the airport and luggage assistance will be provided. Unwind at Hotel Oro Verde in Guayaquil or pick from several options in Quito, including a convenient airport hotel. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. You may be able to take advantage of overnight flights home. Ask your expedition specialist about Peru, Quito and other post-voyage options. Upon arrival in Guayaquil, many guests continue on a flight to Lima, Peru, for Exploring Galápagos + Peru’s Land of the Inca.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 17

Guayaquil or Quito

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board flights home, unless you have arranged for additional nights or an extension.

Departure Time: Anytime on day 17, or after 7:00 p.m. local time on day 16.
Departure City: Guayaquil or Quito, Ecuador

Meals Included: Breakfast