Marine: Galapagos - Central & East Islands aboard the Xavier III (SEV10MB)
Countries Visited: Ecuador
Trip Style: Marine - Small-ship adventures on the world's great seas and rivers The poles of the Earth, the wonders of the Galapagos, the mysteries of the Amazon, out-of-the-way Greek Islands and other great places are best (and sometimes only) accessed by boat. Marine trips get you there aboard small ships, exclusive yachts and catamarans.
Service Level: Standard
Great value, reasonable prices, quality experiences Comfortable and varied tourist-class accommodations chosen for location and character Mix of public and private transport for the best overall experience All the top highlights included, plus plenty of time to explore on your own
Physical Demands Rating: 1 - You'll have to walk around on your own, climb some stairs and carry your own bag. Easy does it.
Group Size: Max 16, Avg 12
Meals Included: 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
Accommodations: Hotels (2 nts), on board Xavier III in twin-share cabins (7 nts).
Highlights
Seven nights cruising through Galapagos National Park aboard Xavier, Look for sea lions and marine iguanas or simply relax on the white-sand beach of Santiago, Learn about the history of the Galapagos at the Charles Darwin Centre, Search for land iguanas in the cactus forests of South Plaza, Snorkel with rays and sea lions at Kicker Rock
Description
Encounter the island chain that has enchanted explorers since Darwin first weighed anchor off its shores. Spend eight days exploring the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos archipelago in the company of an expert Naturalist Guide. In the evenings, return to the Xavier to reflect on the day's adventures. Retire to air-conditioned cabins with exclusive lower berths and private bathrooms. As one of the region's largest operators, we understand the importance of controlling the onboard experience - that's why youll never end up on another operators ship.
Trip Style: Marine - Small-ship adventures on the world's great seas and rivers The poles of the Earth, the wonders of the Galapagos, the mysteries of the Amazon, out-of-the-way Greek Islands and other great places are best (and sometimes only) accessed by boat. Marine trips get you there aboard small ships, exclusive yachts and catamarans.
Service Level: Standard
Physical Demands Rating: 1 - You'll have to walk around on your own, climb some stairs and carry your own bag. Easy does it.
Group Size: Max 16, Avg 12
Meals Included: 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
Accommodations: Hotels (2 nts), on board Xavier III in twin-share cabins (7 nts).
Highlights
Seven nights cruising through Galapagos National Park aboard Xavier, Look for sea lions and marine iguanas or simply relax on the white-sand beach of Santiago, Learn about the history of the Galapagos at the Charles Darwin Centre, Search for land iguanas in the cactus forests of South Plaza, Snorkel with rays and sea lions at Kicker Rock
Description
Encounter the island chain that has enchanted explorers since Darwin first weighed anchor off its shores. Spend eight days exploring the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos archipelago in the company of an expert Naturalist Guide. In the evenings, return to the Xavier to reflect on the day's adventures. Retire to air-conditioned cabins with exclusive lower berths and private bathrooms. As one of the region's largest operators, we understand the importance of controlling the onboard experience - that's why youll never end up on another operators ship.
Call (858) 999-3025 for more information or to book today! Mention code 12967478
- Tour Operator
- G Adventures
- Duration
- 10 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Quito | Day 1 Quito There are no planned activities, so check into the hotel and enjoy the city. Please look for notices in the hotel lobby for a time and location of the welcome meeting. Additional Notes: Booking pre- or post-trip accommodation is highly recommended to fully experience the city and take advantage of the optional activities available. Included Activities: Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting with G Representative |
| Day 2 | Puerto Baquerizo Moreno | Day 2 Quito/Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (1B, 1L, 1D) Fly to San Cristobal Island. Meet the Galapagos CEO and transfer to the boat. In the afternoon, visit the Tortoise Breeding Centre before setting off to explore the Galapagos. Included Activities: Jacinto Gordillo Breeding Center Transport: Early morning transfer to the airport to catch our flight to the Galapagos Private Vehicle Plane (3.00 hour(s)) Xavier III |
| Day 3 | Kicker Rock | Day 3 Punta Pitt/Kicker Rock (1B, 1L, 1D) Visit Punta Pitt and look for three types of boobies as well as frigatebirds. After, visit Cerro Brujo on San Cristobal Island to observe sea lions, marine iguanas, and seabirds along the beach. Continue to the dramatic Kicker Rock in the afternoon for a snorkelling excursion. Included Activities: Punta Pitt Visit Cerro Brujo Visit Snorkelling (Kicker Rock) Transport: Xavier III |
| Day 4 | Santiago Island | Day 4 Santiago Island (1B, 1L, 1D) Morning excursion to Playa Espumilla, one of the most idyllic beaches in the Galapagos Islands and home to thick mangroves and flamingo and sea turtle nesting sites. Continue to Buccaneer Cove to witness the towering cliff wall rock formations before going to Puerto Egas to see the salt crater as well as a dark-sand beach and tidal pools. Included Activities: Buccaneer Cove Visit Playa Espumilla Excursion Puerto Egas Visit Transport: Xavier III |
| Day 5 | Puerto Ayora | Day 5 Puerto Ayora (1B, 1L, 1D) In the morning, arrive in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Santa Cruz is the second biggest island in the Galapagos, and has the largest population. Puerto Ayora is its main town. In the afternoon, there may be the opportunity to visit the highlands and see giant land tortoises in the wild. Included Activities: Charles Darwin Research Station Visit Highlands Giant Tortoises Visit Transport: Xavier III |
| Day 6 | Black Turtle Cove | Day 6 Chinese Hat/Black Turtle Cove (1B, 1L, 1D) Spot Galapagos penguins and explore marine life that is fantastic for snorkelling. There is also a large sea lion colony at Chinese Hat as well as many marine iguanas that can be seen on the guided walk. Hike among the volcanic scenery, with good views to the cone of the islands volcano. In the afternoon, take an excursion by "panga" to Black Turtle Cove to witness the extensive mangrove system and interesting waterway canals. Sea turtles and different species of rays can often be seen in this cove, offering a peaceful and fascinating glimpse into the diversity of the area. Included Activities: Chinese Hat Visit Snorkelling (Chinese Hat) Black Turtle Cove Excursion Transport: Xavier III |
| Day 7 | Islas Daphne | Day 7 Cerro Dragon/Islas Daphne (1B, 1L, 1D) Visit Cerro Dragon on the west coast of Santa Cruz Island to see land iguanas and a salt water lagoon frequented by flamingos and other species of birds. Continue to Daphne Island in the afternoon to spot birds and wildlife. Included Activities: Cerro Dragon Visit Daphne Island Visit Transport: Xavier III |
| Day 8 | Santa Fe Island | Day 8 Islas Plaza/Santa Fe Island (1B, 1L, 1D) Land at South Plaza in the morning for wildlife spotting opportunities. Afternoon visit to Santa Fe Island for guided walks to observe the wildlife and plentiful marine iguanas. Opportunities for swimming and snorkelling with the sea lions. Included Activities: South Plaza Island Visit Santa Fe Island Visit Transport: Xavier III |
| Day 9 | Quito | Day 9 San Cristobal Island/Quito (1B) Transfer to the group hotel upon arrival, and enjoy one last night on the town. Additional Notes: Flights from San Cristobal to Quito depart between 11:30am and 1:30pm depending on the day of the week. These will arrive into Quito between 4:00pm and 5:40pm with a refuelling stop in Guayaquil (you will not disembark the plane). You will arrive back at the hotel in the early evening in time for dinner. Included Activities: Interpretation Center Visit Transport: Plane (3.00 hour(s)) |
| Day 10 | Quito | Day 10 Quito (1B) Depart at any time. Included Activities: Departure Day |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
Local Flights: All local flights to and from the Galapagos are included in the cost of your tour. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
Flights to either of the airports in the Galapagos leave early in the morning on Day 2 and get you into the islands in the early afternoon. Flights back to the mainland depart between 10:00am and 1:30pm arriving in the early evening.
Please note that all flights to and from the Galapagos make a 1 hour refuelling stop in Guayaquil.
Dossier Disclaimer:The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer: While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
