Galapagos Voyage: Pirates & Darwin - Premium Adventure
Galapagos Voyage: Pirates & Darwin - Premium Adventure
Galapagos Voyage: Pirates & Darwin - Premium Adventure
9 Days Starting and ending in Quito
Visiting: Ecuador
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GPV
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
26 - 32
Age range:
12-99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
The Galapagos Islands are a treasure meant to be experienced with a group of true nature enthusiasts. The Evolution is the perfect haven for relaxing between daily hiking and snorkelling excursions, or for joining fellow travellers for a briefing by our knowledgeable naturalists. During our intimate Galapagos Islands cruise, find yourself just inches away from giant tortoises, comical Blue-footed boobies, Sea lions, penguins, iguanas and many other animals, and gain an appreciation for how remarkable life on Earth can be. Voyage the famed waters of Galapagos amid the spectacular landscapes and distinct endemic wildlife that so intrigued Charles Darwin. From the spouting whales crossing the Bolivar Channel to the Waved albatrosses nesting along the cliffs of Espanola, you'll experience the undeniable wonder of these enchanted isles.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Quito
Today is an arrival day into Quito. On arrival, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Arrival transfers are included for everyone, regardless of which flight you arrive on today.
Premium accommodation: Swissotel Quito
Day 2 : Quito/Baltra/Daphne Major
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly 600mi (965km) across the shimmering Pacific Ocean to Baltra Airport on the Galapagos Islands. After you pass the Galapagos National Park inspection, your guide will greet you and accompany your onward journey by bus and Zodiac to board the MV Evolution. The crew will welcome you on board and help you settle into your cabin and familiarise yourself with the boat. MV Evolution is a beautiful, intimate yacht, carrying only 32 passengers at a time. Because of its size, you can enjoy a more personal experience with nature and the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands. There will be a safety briefing and chance to get to know your fellow travellers and guides.
Begin this exciting voyage with a circumnavigation of Daphne Major, a paradise for sea birds including the magnificent frigatebird. As the sun sets over the Pacific, enjoy a welcome toast with your fellow voyagers and inhale the ocean views.
Premium accommodation:Â MV Evolution
Day 3 : Isabela Island/Fernandina Island
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Punta Vicente Roca is at the northern edge of Isabela Island and a well-known snorkelling spot. Our landing site this morning is near an ancient volcano, which has formed two stunning turquoise coves with a protected bay. Board the Zodiac and enjoy a dramatic ride into the heart of this partially sunken volcano. Experience one of the great wildlife adventures as you take to the water and swim and snorkel among sea turtles, penguins and possibly sea horses.
Today we explore the magnificent lava fields of Punta Espinosa on Fernandina. This is the youngest and most volcanically active island in the archipelago and also home to one of the biggest marine iguana colonies in the Galapagos. Look out for flightless cormorants and the extraordinary marine iguanas. The open-air decks on the Evolution are perfect for wildlife spotting, and as we cross the Bolivar Channel we may witness these immense creatures gliding through the ocean.
Premium accommodation:Â MV Evolution
Day 4 : Isabela Island
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Isabela is home to diverse wildlife and several volcanoes – Cerro Azul, Sierra Negra, Darwin, Wolf and Alcedo – all of which are considered active. Hike along the uplifted section of sea floor in Urbina Bay at the base of Alcedo and marvel at the boulder-sized dried coral heads. Our expert naturalist guide will explain how this landscape formed, among a backdrop of giant tortoises, colourful land iguanas and other wildlife that feed on the vegetation. Jump on the Zodiac for a thrilling excursion to Tagus Cove, where we look for penguins, flightless cormorants and pelicans along the cliffs before snorkelling in the turquoise waters.
Premium accommodation:Â MV Evolution
Day 5 : Bartolomé/Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience nature's finest handiwork at Bartolomé Island, where we hike to the top of a dormant volcano. From here, admire the dramatic panorama of Pinnacle Rock – probably the most iconic landscape in the Galapagos. The island is dotted with craters, cinder cones, lava flows, spatter cones and broken lava tunnels which run down from the summit, creating a unique lunar landscape. Bartolomé is home to sea lions, penguins and turtles, plus a kaleidoscope of tropical fish, sea anemones, urchins and sea stars.
The hike is not too strenuous and follows a set of steps to the summit; however, Zodiac drivers will take any non-hikers on a journey around the cliffs to observe the volcanic landscape. Swim and snorkel with sea lions and maybe penguins. This afternoon, hike across the unusual, swirly panoehoe lava of Sullivan Bay and see the flora colonising the landscapes. As we stroll along the coralline beach, we may spot American oystercatchers characterised by their black-and-white plumes and orange beaks.
Premium accommodation:Â MV Evolution
Day 6 : Santa Cruz Island: Bachas Beach/Rabida Island
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Towards the northern end of Santa Cruz Island is the exotic Bachas Beach, a sandy white-coral stretch that is a major egg-laying site for sea turtles. It is also home to one of the last remnants from the US military’s presence in the Galapagos during the Second World War. Discover this floating pier, where Sally Lightfoot crabs, black-necked stilts and whimbrels often congregate, on our morning walk before snorkelling in the azure waters where sea turtles nest.
Explore the red-sand beach of Rabida Island at the geologic centre of the archipelago, where doves, yellow warblers, mockingbirds and up to nine species of Darwin’s finches live. A small saltwater lagoon is also home to white-cheeked pintail ducks and black-necked stilts. Rabida is a great place for snorkelling and getting up close to sea lions, sea turtles and reef fish such as damsels and pufferfish. Embark on a guided kayaking excursion and watch out for brown pelicans and blue-footed boobies while savouring views of the sloping volcanic peak.
Premium accommodation:Â MV Evolution
Day 7 : Santa Cruz Island
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we visit Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, a small, picturesque port town with restaurants, hotels, souvenir shops and other facilities. This coastal town is also home to the Charles Darwin Research Station.
After breakfast on board the Evolution, learn about the giant tortoise and the vital work being done at the breeding centre. Since 1970, more than 2,000 tortoises have been hatched, raised and released from the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center at the Charles Darwin Research Station, which was founded in 1959 and was once home to Lonesome George, the last-known Pinta Island tortoise.
Later, visit the Wild Tortoise Reserve in the forested highlands of Santa Cruz to see and photograph these wonderful creatures in a natural setting. Before returning to the Evolution, enjoy free time in Puerto Ayora to discover more of the town.
Premium accommodation:Â MV Evolution
Day 8 : Española Island
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The relative isolation of Española has resulted in an abundance of unusual wildlife and species and subspecies that are endemic to the island, including the Española (hood) mockingbird, Española (hood) racer snake, Española (hood) lava lizard, waved albatross and brightly coloured marine iguanas. Enjoy a captivating Zodiac ride before wading ashore to Punta Suarez through a sea lion colony. Walk along the cliffs looking for waved albatrosses, Galapagos hawks, hood mockingbirds and the red-coloured race of marine iguana en route to a blowhole, where waves spout 90ft (27m) into the air.
After lunch on the Evolution, swim, snorkel and kayak in the glistening waters off Gardner Bay, a long white sandy beach where sea lions laze in the sun, and schools of tropical fish swim. Owing to the sheer quantity of wildlife and variety of species on the island, Española will no doubt be one of the highlights of your Galapagos adventure.
Premium accommodation:Â MV Evolution
Day 9 : San Cristóbal Island/Quito
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover the fascinating natural history and learn about the settlements at the Interpretation Centre in San Cristóbal, which was opened by the park in 1998, before your Galapagos adventure comes to an end.
From San Cristóbal fly to Quito, where it's possible to connect with international flights later this evening. If organising your own flights, we recommend speaking to your sales representative about post-tour accommodation in Quito so you can fly home the following day and avoid any tight connections.
What's Included
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Meals
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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International flights
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Visas or vaccinations
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Galapagos Park Tax fee: $120 USD (or equivalent in booking currency), paid locally
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Single accommodation (available on request)
Food
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners are included.
Meals are served in one seating in the dining room, and each meal boasts
international and traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, fresh fruit and sumptuous
desserts.
Accommodation
Fantastic accommodation awaits you on this Premium Adventure.
Swissôtel Quito
We spend our first night at the Swissôtel Quito, which is in the commercial-residential Floresta district. It has a variety of dining options, including Tanoshii, a restaurant serving Japanese specialities including sushi, yakimeshi and teppanyaki. In the evening, you might want to settle into the trip with a cocktail at Bar Le Point, a relaxed venue with occasional live music.
MV Evolution
Our highlight accommodation and base for the week we are in the Galapagos is the classically styled MVÂ Evolution
This yacht was built to allow guests to experience the islands in comfort
The interior is fully air-conditioned and offers cabins of four categories on three decks
All cabins have ample storage space, a writing desk, bedside tables and private facilities. The cabins are the largest on average in the Galapagos and act as the perfect haven to rest between your excursions
The Evolution has more outside space than any other yacht in its class with 360-degree exterior walkarounds
While the Evolution may carry a group of just 32 guests, it is generous in size with a host of amenities. From relaxing on the sundeck to reading in the lounge, you’re sure to relish the ambience. Enjoy briefings by naturalist guides in the comfortable lounge or spend time with a snack and your fellow passengers at the canopied bar – a superb place for watching the sun set over the Pacific. After excursions, relax in the hot tub or find a comfortable deckchair to soak in the views.
Because there is an ‘open bridge’ policy aboard the Evolution, you are welcome to visit the captain and crew and learn all about the operation and navigation of the ship. A convenient boarding platform makes it easy and safe to board our excursion boats.
Cabins
All cabins feature private bathrooms with hair dryers and toiletries, climate controls, a writing desk and safe boxes, plus ample storage space. During every excursion, stewards will service your cabin. There are four cabin categories:
Deluxe Stateroom (cabins D1 to D4): 183sqft (17sqm) with ocean-view portholes, two twin beds, one queen bed or one king bed
Premium Stateroom (cabins C1 to C9): Between 183sqft (17sqm) and 196sqft (18.3sqm) with ocean-view portholes, two twin beds or one queen bed
Suites (cabins A2 and A3): Between 194sqft (18sqm) and 202sqft (18.8sqm) with large ocean-view windows and a queen bed or two twin beds
Master Suite (cabin A1): 263sqft (24.4sqm) with seating area, large ocean-view windows on both sides and a king bed
The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to make changes to a property of a similar or higher standard after you have booked. We endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance, which could, on rare occasions, be at late notice.
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements, however, if you have travelled to a country at risk of Yellow Fever prior to arriving in Ecuador you will be required to have a valid Yellow Fever Certificate with you. Recommended vaccinations are: Typhoid and Hepatitis A.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.