Itinerary

Day 1

December 19
Upon arrival in Quito you will be met and escorted to the Sheraton Four Points hotel. No meals are included.

Day 2

December 20
After breakfast this morning enjoy a city tour of Quito including a visit to Middle of the World Monument . Dinner will be on your own. Meals included: BL

Day 3

December 21
This morning you will be escorted to the airport for your flight to the Galápagos Islands . Please note that there is a 44-pound weight limit on the internal flights. Please pack accordingly. Upon arrival you will be met by your naturalist guide and transferred to the vessel, where you will board and set sail. In the afternoon visit Bachas Beach at Santa Cruz Island . Meals included: BLD

Day 4

December 22
This morning enjoy an excursion to Plazas Island , which has one of the largest populations of land iguanas in the Galapagos and also a large colony of sea lions. Afternoon visit Santa Fe Island, which has one of the best locations for swimming with sea lions and is also a great place to catch a glimpse of the Galápagos white-tipped shark and sea turtles. Meals included: BLD

Day 5

December 23
This morning begin your exploration of Española island with an excursion to Gardner Bay located on the eastern shore of the island. Here you will have the opportunity to hike along the white sand beach littered with sea lions. You'll notice the curious Galapagos mockingbirds here as well as brown pelicans. The bay is an excellent choice for swimming or snorkeling in the clear turquoise waters. This afternoon visit Punta Suarez, famous for its varied colonies of sea birds including large colonies of blue footed boobies, masked boobies, waved albatrosses, and swallow tailed gulls. Marine iguanas are also present. Catch a glimpse of the famous blowhole found here along the jagged cliffs. Meals included: BLD

Day 6

December 24
Today enjoy and exploration of Floreana island, famous for the pirates post office, where you can leave mail and pick up any destined for your home town, no postage necessary! Next visit the Devil's Crown, a sunken crater where red-billed tropicbirds and blue-footed boobies brood. This is a beautiful place to snorkel in the clear waters to discover the diverse marine life found here, particularly the colorful starfish that litter the oceans floor. Next visit Cormorant Bay where a dense mangrove-belt behind the beach distinguishes the quiet lagoon. Here expect to see flamingoes, bahama pintail ducks, black-necked still and whimbrels. Meals included: BLD

Day 7

December 25
This morning disembark at Puerto Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz and visit the important Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the conservation of the islands. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon visit the highlands of Santa Cruz in search of the giant tortoises who roam the wild here. Also visit Los Gemoles, the twin lava tunnels during your visit. Today you will also visit a local school and meet with the students and learn about their life at Galápagos. Meals included: BLD

Day 8

December 26
This morning enjoy a visit to Rabida Island . Rabida is one of the most volcanically varied islands in the chain. Marine iguanas and sea lions are often observed resting in the shade of the caves nearby. The island also offers perhaps the only opportunity to see pelicans nesting up close. It is additionally home to one of the best lagoons for viewing flamingoes. In the afternoon visit Chinese Hat, a small island off the southeast tip of Santiago . The landscape is dominated by volcanic rubble, including sharp outcroppings, cracked lava formations and very fragile lava tubes which break when you step on them (staying on trails is especially important on this island). The island is home to sea lions and sally lightfoot crabs. Meals included: BLD

Day 9

December 27
This morning enjoy a visit to Bartolome, which is one of the youngest islands in the archipelago. It displays a fantastic landscape of lava formations. You will also visit the Pinnacle Rock, which is one of the best-known landmarks in the archipelago. Near The base of this tall, eroded pinnacle you can see multi-colored fish and penguins. In the afternoon continue to Caleta Tortuga Negra, or Black Turtle Cove, in Spanish, where you will likely observe the Galapagos green sea turtles. Meals included: BLD

Day 10

December 28
This morning visit North Seymour , a low and flat island located slightly to the north of Baltra which was formed as a result of the uplift of a submarine lava formation. The whole island is covered with low, bushy vegetation. The largest colony of magnificent Frigate birds is found here, as well as a large population of blue-footed boobies when nesting conditions are right. Afterwards disembark on Baltra Island and transfer to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil . Enjoy lunch during your flight. This afternoon enjoy guided tour of the Malecon and Santa Ana Hill. Dinner will be on your own. Meals included: B (lunch will be served on the plane)

Day 11

December 29
Today you will transfer to the airport for your flight back home

Extra Information

Extras -

This program is all inclusive except for gratuities and departure tax.