8-Nights Galapagos Wildlife Adventure - Luxury Small Group Journeys from $12,720
Abercrombie & Kent
OFFER ID 1504773
Galápagos Wildlife Adventure
Cruise for six nights on a comprehensive voyage through the wildlife-rich Galápagos archipelago, going ashore to stroll among species such as giant tortoise, marine iguana and blue-footed booby; and snorkel and kayak with sea lion and penguin.
8 nights from $12,720 per person
Itinerary Details
Abercrombie & Kent: Galápagos Wildlife Adventure
DAY 1 Guayaquil, Ecuador
Arrive in Guayaquil, where you are met and transferred toyour hotel.
Hotel Del Parque
Meals:
DAY 2 The Galápagos
Fly to Baltra in the remote Galápagos Islands, a haven forthe diversity of wildlife that first led naturalist CharlesDarwin to propose that species evolved in response totheir environment. You are met by your naturalist guideand escorted to La Pinta, your home for a six-night cruisethrough the Galápagos’ western islands, a route that offersa higher number of endemic species than other islandgroupings. After an introductory briefing followed bylunch, cruise to North Seymour Island for your first shoreexcursion. Walk along the coast and the interior of this beautiful flat island, observing numerous bird colonies aswell as sea lion and land iguana. You may also opt to explorejust offshore by dinghy. This evening, return to La Pintafor a welcome cocktail and dinner. Each evening, yourtime is your own: Attend a lecture presented by one of youraffable guides, who recaps the day and gives a sneak peek attomorrow’s itinerary; explore the mysteries of the night skywith a fascinating astronomy talk; peruse the ship’s libraryfor further insight into a species you encountered; or gatherin the lounge to cap off a day of extraordinary discoveries.Drift asleep in your air-conditioned cabin to the rise and fallof gentle ocean swells.
La Pinta
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3 The Galápagos
Today, begin at Isabela Island (Punta Vicente Roca). Since thereis no landing site at this location, explore the coast by skiffwhile your naturalist guide explains the dramatic geology ofthe area, such as the remains of lava flows and tuff rock layers.Watch for the island’s abundant wildlife and snorkel alongthe cliffs, possibly in the company of a green sea turtle. Thisafternoon, visit the youngest and most pristine island of thearchipelago, Fernandina (Punta Espinoza), to go ashore andview its combination of barrenness and abundant wildlife.Watch for species such as hawk, penguin and flightlesscormorant as you take in the astounding views of thesurrounding volcanic landscapes.
La Pinta
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4 The Galápagos
Disembark at Urbina Bay, on the western side of IsabelaIsland, to view corals, shells and large, colorful Galápagosland iguana. You may also sight giant tortoise further inland.Cruise up to secluded Tagus Cove on the island’s northwest coast, once a favorite anchorage for pirates and whalers. Goashore for a hike to saltwater-filled Darwin Crater. Opt tosnorkel or kayak if you wish before your hike. Return to theship for a Scenic Sundowner and dinner.
La Pinta
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 The Galápagos
Go ashore on Rábida Island’s beach to view marine iguana,mockingbird, yellow warbler and several species of Darwin’sfinch. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach.Non-snorkelers may opt to explore via glass-bottom boat.Proceed to the north shore of Santa Cruz Island to view the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill). Circlea lagoon frequented by sea birds, such as red-footed booby,and trek inland to sight land iguana.
La Pinta
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 The Galápagos
Continue your explorations on Santa Cruz with a visit toPuerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station. Getup close to the examples of giant tortoise living on site ina prickly pear cactus forest. Learn from about their latestconservation efforts, and then head to the highlands forlunch. Afterward, view the exuberant vegetation where giant tortoise roam in the wild, perhaps spotting one of the iconic,lumbering reptiles yourself.
La Pinta
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7 The Galápagos
After breakfast, Ride like a Local by panga (small boat) alongchannels on the north shore of Floreana Island, continuing toBaroness Cove with its breathtaking views. Then, land at PostOffice Bay to visit the historic barrel that has been servingas a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries.Return to the ship to proceed to Punta Cormorant. Beforedisembarking, snorkel or ride by glass-bottom boat, viewinglife beneath the waves. Cruise along the coast of an extinctvolcanic cone called Champion Islet. Later, go ashore atPunta Cormorant for an easy walk beside a brackish waterlagoon where the greater flamingo may be observed. Ventureto the other side of the island to find a white-sand beachwhere sea turtle come to nest at night.
La Pinta
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8 Guayaquil
Disembark in Baltra and fly back to Guayaquil. Enjoy timeto relax before gathering for a Chef's Table Experience in theform of a cocktail class before a farewell dinner at your hotel’srestaurant.
Hotel Del Parque
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9 Guayaquil
After breakfast, transfer to theairport to board your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
The largest of the islands, Isabela has the Galapagos' tallest peak—Volcano Wolf—at 5,487 ft/1,646 m. The island resembles a sea horse when seen on a map. Also known as Albemarle, the island was formed when six volcanoes erupted and melded together. About 2,000 people reside there, mostly on the southern tip of the island in Puerto Villamil. Few cruise ships visit the town, but they do stop regularly at several park sites elsewhere on the island.
Tagus Cove on the western side, across from Fernandina Island, was a favorite spot of pirates and whalers, who scrawled the names of their ships on the surrounding cliffs. Visitors can hike from the bay up a steep hill to Darwin's Lake, the cone of an old volcano that's full of green sulfur and saltwater. Those who continue partway up the base of Volcano Darwin can take in panoramic views of nearby islands. Galapagos penguins and the world's only flightless cormorants are often visible along the shore. Three types of finches that Darwin collected on his visit to Isabela are also present.
Other sites on the west coast that are often visited by cruise ships include Urvina Bay, with giant tortoises, iguanas, flightless cormorants and pelicans; Elizabeth Bay, an aquatic mangrove forest that pangas sometimes explore (with motors off) in search of green turtles, rays and sea birds that inhabit its lagoons and channels; and Punta Moreno, which offers the chance to see a variety of birds, including great blue herons and flamingos.
To see the island's other sites, longer stays are required. Overnight visitors staying at Puerto Villamil can take a bus to the base of Volcano Sierra Negra and then walk or ride horses to its rim for wonderful views. Volcano Alcedo, in the center of the island, used to be the centerpiece of a four-hour hike, but a massive campaign to eradicate feral goats has put a moratorium on this excursion.
The town of Puerto Villamil has a pleasant beach, with a dozen or more cafes, shops and hotels located right on the beach. Nearby is Lover's Beach, a good place to view sea birds. Las Tintoreras is a great location to watch resting whitetip reef sharks, large marine iguanas, rays and Galapagos penguins.
To the north lies Mosquera, a small sandy bank with a large colony of sea lions. Go swimming and snorkeling on the beach.
Excursions
Ride Like a Local - 4 hours
One of the best ways to truly get to know a city is by using its public transportation systems. Be it buses, trains, subways or airways, they all give a real taste of what it really is to live in a specific city. Today you are welcome to be part of the experience of the locals and admire Guayaquil from above onboard the recently inaugurated Guayaquil Airway, an environmentally friendly project that seeks to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide into the air.
You will be picked up from the port and driven onboard the coach towards Parque Centenario Station where you will take the airway and, along with your guide board one of the cabins and go all the way through the Guayas River in a 20 minutes ride towards the station of Daule, where we will disembark and take the ride back to Guayaquil where you will debark at Four Mosqueteros station.
Adding the final touch to this exciting half-day visit the Anthropological and Contemporary Art Museum of Guayaquil (MAAC) that has an area of more than 9000 square feet. The museum is a pleasant surprise, not only because of its display of modern art, but because of the size and extent of its archeological collection. The MAAC is a great way to see more of Ecuador’s culture and history – and spend some time out of the sun.
At the end, board the bus and drive back to the quayside.
DURATION
4 Hours
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Easy (Limited Walking – under 500 meters over flat terrain with some steps)
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Touring in luxury private vehicles with A/C & PA-system
- Airway entrance fee (roundtrip)
- 1 Bottle of water per person
- Local English-speaking tour guide
- Any other services not mentioned above.
- This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs or those with mobility issues.
- Few vendors accept credit cards; we recommend that guests bring cash (USD) if they wish to purchase anything. In Ecuador $50 or $100 notes are not easily accepted, so guests should try to bring small change. Travelers’ checks are not accepted.
- All timings are approximate and subject to change.
- It is recommended guests wear lightweight clothing, including long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, along with sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent (it is a must) and flat, comfortable walking shoes and a camera.
Cerro Blanco Wildlife and Forest Trail - 4.5 hours
Cerro Blanco Wildlife and Forest Trail - 4.5 hours
The Cerro Blanco Protected Forest boasts an impressive number of endemic vascular plants, which protect approximately 100 of the 500 species registered in the tropical dry forest region. If we are lucky, you'll discover the magnificent range of wildlife that includes 54 species of mammals, such as monkeys, peccaries, agouti, 6 species of wild cats, including the majestic Jaguar, and 34 species of bats. Bird lovers will have the opportunity to spot a few of the 221 species of birds registered in the area that includes the endangered Great Green Macaw (Papagayo), which is the symbol of Cerro Blanco. Not to mention the 8 species of amphibians and 12 species of reptiles. It is important to note wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
During your walk along the trail, you will experience a variety of landscapes, including the forest and mangrove. The route is divided into two sections. The first section is a mountainous terrain, where you will find small slopes, rocky paths, and a native vegetation of the dry forest. This part of the trail offers the perfect vantage points to take in the stunning scenery. The second section is a second-growth forest, where you can appreciate the beauty of the forest and its natural regrowth.
After returning from the hike, a delicious picnic will be waiting for us to refresh and recover energy before heading back to the pier.
SUGGESTED TOUR TIMINGS
TIMING | ITINERARY & POINTS OF INTEREST | TERRAIN | W/C FRIENDLY |
00:00 – 00:45 | Depart the quayside and drive to Cerro Blanco | Paved | This tour is NOT suitable for guests in wheelchairs; and those with mobility issues, however, they must be able to board the coach on their own |
00:45 – 02:45 | Walk around the Canoa Trail | Uneven, slippery, muddy | |
02:45 – 03:45 | Deluxe Picnic | Flat | |
03:45 – 04:30 | Drive back to the pier for embarkation | Paved |
DURATION / MIN/MAX NO. OF PAX
4 ½ Hours
MIN 10 guests per departure
MAX 90 guests per departure
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Strenuous (walking over 1 km over uneven terrain with many steps)
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Touring in luxury private vehicles with A/C & PA-system
- 1 Bottle of water per person
- Local English-speaking tour guide
- Deluxe Picnin
- 1 ship’s escort free of charge per vehicle
- Any other services not mentioned above.
- This tour is NOT suitable for guests in wheelchairs or those with mobility issues.
- Few vendors accept credit cards; we recommend that guests bring cash (USD) if they wish to purchase anything. In Ecuador $50 or $100 notes are not easily accepted, so guests should try to bring small change. Travelers’ checks are not accepted.
- All timings are approximate and subject to change.
- It is recommended guests wear lightweight clothing, including long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, along with sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent (it is a must) and flat, comfortable walking shoes and a camera.
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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