Day 2

Bachas Beach

Today we will be taking an early flight from Quito to Baltra for our first venture to the Galápagos Islands.  We will be embarking aboard the Yolita, our floating home for the duration of the cruise as we head to Bachas Beach for an afternoon visit.

• The sand on this island has been created by decomposed coral, making it soft and white, and a favorite site for nesting sea turtles. Among the lava rocks along the water's edge you will be able to spot voracious Sally Lightfoot crabs.

• During our trek on this island we will be able to see a wide range of wildlife, including flamingos, hermit crabs, black necked stilts, and marine iguanas.  We will also have our first encounter of the abundant sea life in the Galapagos as we will have a chance to go snorkeling.

-breakfast, lunch & dinner-

Day 3

Genovesa Island - Genovesa is widely considered the "Bird Island" of the Galápagos.  This area is unique because the birds aren't just in the trees; they are often right on the ground or nesting just inches from the trail.

• Look for Great Frigate birds inflating their iconic red throat pouches to attract mates.

• Since the birds here have no natural predators, they are incredibly unafraid of humans giving you some amazing photo opportunities. You won't need a massive zoom lens to get a great shot, but remember to maintain the mandatory 2-meter (6-foot) distance.
  
  

Snorkeling the Caldera

Darwin Bay is actually a submerged volcanic caldera. The vertical walls of the crater provide a dramatic backdrop for underwater exploration.

• Because the bay is protected, the water is generally calmer, but visibility can vary.

• Look toward the deeper water for Hammerhead sharks—they often patrol the edges of the caldera. Along the walls, look for manta rays, white-spoted eagle rays, seal lions and the vibrant colors of King Angelfish and Parrotfish.

 El Barranco (Prince Philip's Steps) 

"El Barranco" or Prince Phillip's Steps is a volcanic rock set of stairs.  We will be climbing these steps located on the southern tip of the island to reach a plateau that feels like a different world.

• Red-footed Boobies are the star attraction here and this is one of the best places in the archipelago to see them. Unlike their blue-footed cousins, these boobies nest in trees and bushes.

• At the end of the trail, you’ll reach a fissure in the lava where thousands of Galápagos Storm Petrels flutter about like swarms of bees. If you’re lucky, you might even see a Short-eared Owl hunting them in broad daylight!

-breakfast, lunch & dinner-

Day 4

Bartolomé Island is probably the most photographed spot in the entire archipelago.

• This morning starts with a guided tour to see the island's dramatic volcanic features and enjoy a panoramic view-one of the best among the islands!  In the distance you'll be able to spot Pinnacle Rock, the island's most famous towering landmark.

• Take the opportunity to swim and snorkel along the shore,  home to Galápagos penguins, friendly sea lions, sea turtles, a huge variety of fish, and one of the most iconic volcanic rock formations on the islands.  Bartolomé and its surrounding waters are a fantastic place to explore the natural wonders of the Galápagos.

Sullivan Bay

• While visiting Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island we'll see striking and fascinating giant lava formations. Very few plants have managed to survive on this island due to its harsh environment and relatively new lava flow which cooled about 100 years ago. This lava looks like twisted rope or ripples in a dark sea and is incredibly fragile and sharp, so sturdy footwear is a must. Your walk along the lava formations will end in a white-coral sand beach for a stunning contrast. Due to the shallow waters you'll be able to view golden and eagle rays gliding over the sand.

• Enjoy a cool dip while snorkeling after exploring Sullivan Bay.   Discover the many species of fish and other marine life in the shallow waters. Keep an eye out for turtles, rays, and large schools of colorful fish.
  
  

-breakfast, lunch & dinner-

Day 5

Sierra Negra Volcano Hike

• This morning we have an early landing in the small town of Puerto Villamil before beginning our hike to Sierra Negra, one of the most active volcanoes in the Galápagos.  Its caldera is truly massive—second in size only to Ngorongoro in Tanzania.  

• During our walk the  terrain transitions from lush greenery at the base to a stark, "burnt" landscape at the rim.  Because the last eruption was as recent as 2018, the lava looks incredibly fresh, and you can often see steam rising from fumaroles (gas vents).

 Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre Visit 

• The Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre was established to protect these noble creatures in the late 1950's as the giant tortoise was on it's way to extinction.  The trail to the center passes through lagoons where you can often spot flamingos feeding in the shallow waters. 

• At the center you’ll be able to see tortoises at every stage of life, from "soft-shell" hatchlings (the size of a tennis ball) to massive adults. Each corral represents a different subspecies specific to the various volcanoes on Isabela.  This center is crucial because Isabela’s tortoises face threats from invasive species like pigs and goats.

- breakfast lunch, & dinner -

Day 6

This day on the western side of Isabela Island is a masterclass in the bizarre geological and evolutionary history of the Galápagos. While previous days focused on "new" lava, today focuses on uplifted reefs and the strange flightless birds that live nowhere else on Earth.

Elizabeth Bay/Urbina Bay

Pay a morning visit to Elizabeth Bay which offers amazing bird and marine life viewing opportunities. Because Elizabeth Bay has no landing site, you’ll explore via panga (Zodiac boat). 

• The Mangroves: Your guide will likely turn off the engine and row or drift through the red and black mangroves. The water is often crystal clear and acts as a nursery for Golden Rays and White-tip Reef Sharks.

• The Flightless Cormorant: Keep a close watch for this bird. Because they have no natural land predators, they evolved to lose the ability to fly, making their wings look like tattered, tiny "stubs." They are world-class divers.

• Penguins in the Tropics: Elizabeth Bay is one of the best places to see the Galápagos Penguin—the only penguin species that lives north of the equator.

 Elizabeth Bay Panga Ride 

Elizabeth Bay

Head out by panga to explore, keeping an eye out for wildlife hiding among the mangroves. Search for marine turtles, rays, and flightless cormorants in the sheltered waters. Also spot blue-footed boobies, penguins, and pelicans feeding on the abundant marine life.

 Urbina Bay Visit 

Urbina Bay

Visit Urbina Bay for a unique walk among a massive marine reef that was raised out of the water in 1950 during an uplift. See “sculptures” of dried coral and other ocean formations while touring the area on foot. Urbina Bay also offers great opportunities to snorkel, as well as to see land iguanas that have astonishingly yellow skin, flightless cormorants, land tortoises, marine turtles, and rays.

- breakfast, lunch, &  dinner -

Day 7

Tagus Cove/Punta Espinoza

This destination pairing takes you to the wild, volcanic heart of the archipelago. Located on the northwestern coast of Isabella, this cove has been a sheltered sanctuary for sailors for centuries.  Punta Espinoza, located on Fernandina, is the youngest and most volcanically active island and is often cited by naturalists as the most pristine and visually stunning wildlife site in the world.

Tagus Cove 

Tagus Cove is an Isabela Island anchorage site that was popular among whalers and pirates and you can still see the names of ships carved into the rocks dating back to the 1800's. 

• You can choose to hike up to Darwin Lake which is perfectly spherical and significantly saltier than the ocean (might be a challenging hike for some). At the top of the promontory you'll get a birds eye view of Darwin and Wolf Volcanoes.  If hiking is not in your wheelhouse, you can choose to explore the area by dinghy.  

• Grab a mask and snorkel!  Snorkeling here is unique because of the seahorses often found clinging to the underwater vegetation, as well as the chance to see turtles and rays in the deep, calm water.

Punta Espinoza Visit 

Located on Fernandina, the youngest and most volcanically active island, this site feels primordial. There are no introduced species here (like rats or goats), making it a "perfect" ecosystem.

• Home to the largest colony of marine iguanas in the Galápagos, you'll find them huddling in massive, black heaps on the lava rocks to stay warm.

• This is one of the best places to see flightless cormorants nesting. Because they have no land predators here, they evolved to lose their ability to fly, instead becoming world-class divers.

• This is also one of the best places in the world to snorkel with marine iguanas. Watch them dive to the bottom to graze on green algae, their tails undulating like snakes. You'll also observe seal lions, sea turtles, rays, puffer fish and dolphins.  

-breakfast, lunch & dinner-

Day 8

Today focuses on the central part of the archipelago, offering a mix of dramatic coastal geology at Buccaneer Cove and the striking, alien-like colors of Rábida Island.

Buccaneer Bay

Located on the northern coast of Santiago Island, this area is defined by massive towering cliffs and jagged rock spires.

• Like Tagus Cove, this was a strategic hideout for 17th and 18th-century buccaneers. They used the cove to scrape barnacles off their ship hulls and to "restock" on giant tortoises for meat.

• During your panga ride, keep watch for famous rock formations like "The Elephant" and "The Bishop" and scan the vertical cliffs for nesting seabirds including Blue-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies, and Pelican colonies tucked into the crevices.

• Since the water here is often deep and clear along the cliff faces, it makes a great snorkeling location to watch sea lions playing in the surf and to encounter large schools of fish.

Rábida Island 

Rábida is visually one of the most distinct islands in the Galápagos due to the high iron content in its volcanic soil, which has oxidized to turn the entire island a vivid rusty red.

• The contrast of the dark red sand against the turquoise water is a photographer’s dream. You will likely be greeted on the beach by a colony of bachelor sea lions.

• Just behind the beach are two trail options.  By following a short trail you come upon a hidden lagoon where Greater Flamingos are frequently spotted filtering the water for shrimp.

• The inland trail takes you through the Palo Santo forests of "Holy Wood" trees. In the dry season, they look like silvery skeletons, and emit a sweet, incense-like aroma that can ward off mosquitoes.

• The red sand continues underwater, creating a unique backdrop. While snorkeling look for White-tip Reef Sharks resting on the sandy bottom and sea lions that often "puppy-dog" around snorkelers.

- breakfast, lunch & dinner -

Day 9

A circumnavigation of Daphne Major serves as the perfect "grand finale" to a Galápagos expedition. While you typically don't set foot on this island (access is highly restricted for scientific research), viewing it from the deck of your ship offers a powerful perspective on the evolutionary history of the archipelago.

Daphne Major: The Living Laboratory

This steep-sided tuff crater sits between Santa Cruz and Baltra. Though it looks small and desolate, it is world-famous in the scientific community.

• This is the primary site where biologists Peter and Rosemary Grant conducted their 40-year study on Darwin’s Finches. Their work proved that evolution can happen much faster than Darwin originally thought, specifically in response to climate shifts like El Niño.
  

• From the boat, you can see the crater's rim where thousands of birds soar including Blue-footed Boobies (nesting on the crater floor and slopes), Frigate birds ("pirating" food from other birds in mid-air) and Nazca Boobies (often visible perched on the sheer cliff edges).

• A Farewell View - As your boat circles the island for one last time, it provides one final opportunity to capture the iconic "volcanic silhouette" of the Galápagos before heading to the airport to fly back to Quito.  Enjoy the night life in Quito during the evening on your own.   

Although we will be returning to Quito later today, G Adventures strongly recommends not booking departure flights today.  Local flight times are often subject to change and could potentially cause issues if delayed. They recommend booking flights tomorrow May 24th, the last day of the tour at the earliest.

-breakfast-

Day 10

As you depart, take with you the memories of a remarkable adventure—stunning landscapes, and unique encounters with wildlife both at land and in the sea. Your time in the Galapagos has been extraordinary, and the experiences and friendships you’ve made are sure to be cherished for years to come. Safe travels and may your next journey be just as enriching!

Accommodation - Hotel Hilton Colon (or similar)

Hilton Colon Quito is a well-regarded luxury hotel in Quito’s La Mariscal district, centrally located on Avenida Amazonas with easy access to the city’s historic old town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), museums, craft markets, and excellent dining and nightlife options. On-site facilities include multiple restaurants and bars, a heated outdoor pool and jacuzzi, a fitness center, spa and wellness services, free Wi-Fi, concierge service, and executive lounge access.

If you have arranged with your travel advisor to extend your trip to include additional destinations beyond the cruise and you have any questions, please make sure to keep in mind that they may be departing today so pre-arrange a meeting with them earlier in the week. 

G Adventures again offers several Optional Activities post cruise today (price not included in cruise)

Pricing available closer to departure

Quito City Tour & Equator Line

• Enjoy a city tour of Quito. Visit the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with stops at the Basilica del Voto Nacional, La Compañia Church, San Francisco Square, Plaza Grande and the Panecillo, a towering statue of the virgin of Quito who looks out over a stunning view of the city. Drive 25km (16 mi) north of Quito to the Middle of the World, latitude 0º. Stand with one foot in each hemisphere.
• Please note that this tour starts at 8 a.m. and ends around 5 p.m.

Teleférico-Quito

• Enjoy spectacular views of Quito from this sky tram up Volcán Pichincha. Choose to go for a hike at the top, or just come along for the ride. 
•  9USD per person

Cotopaxi Volcano  Alausí- Full Day

Enjoy a spectacular 2 hour drive to Cotopaxi Volcano National Park to see the highest active volcano in the world (5,897m/ 19,347 ft). Visit a museum in the park and hike around a lagoon at the bottom of the volcano to learn about the flora and fauna found at this altitude. Continue by car up the volcano to the parking lot, at over 4,500m/14,763 ft. Walk for an hour and a half to the refuge and after a short break, continue to the glacier (if the weather holds out). Return to Quito in the early evening. **Park entrance fee is not included and is split among the number of travelers in the group**

• Arrival transfer
• Certified Galápagos National Park Service Guide
• Cruise the Galápagos Islands aboard the Yolita (7 nts)
• All meals aboard the Yolita
• Onboard snorkeling equipment and wetsuits
• Internal flights
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

• Hotels - 2 nights - May 5th and May 23rd - (additional nights available upon request but not included in cruise pricing)
• Twin shared cabin aboard the Yolita for 7 nights 

Meals

• 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
• Allow $120-$160 for meals not included in tour price. Please note, drinks and tips on board are not included.

Transportation

• Plane, motorized yacht (Yolita), van, panga, private bus.

Staff & experts

• CEO (Chief Experience Officer)/Naturalist Guide while in the Galápagos Islands (certified by the Galápagos National Park Authority)
• Local G Adventures Rep in Quito.

• Round trip international airfare, air taxes and fuel surcharges

• All items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, phone calls, etc.

• Gratuities/tips for hotel staff, ship staff, and drivers

• All tours, entrance fees and transfers not specified in the inclusions above.  (Galapagos Park Fee - $200/person; Transit Control Card $20 per person)

• All services not included in the itinerary

• Costs of obtaining passports and/or Visas

• Travel Protection is required by G Adventures, Inc. and must meet their minimum requirements:

• Minimum $200,000 USD for medical, emergency evacuation, and repatriation combined is required for travel on this trip.
• Ensure the policy covers activities like hiking, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing in the Galapagos.

With just eight cabins and 16 guests, the Yolita lets you enjoy the splendors of the Galapagos in an intimate and friendly setting. The spacious en suite cabins with queen or twin side-by-side beds all have air conditioning and large windows.

• Upper Deck - (4 cabins available)  $7199.00
• Lower Deck -  (4 cabins available)  $6999.00

• A non-refundable deposit of $700/cabin (eligible for Lifetime Deposits-see below) is required at time of booking to confirm arrangements.
• Final Payment will be due on March 30, 2027.

Please note single supplement pricing is not available on this sailing.

G Adventures offers Lifetime Deposits 

A travel industry first, Lifetime Deposits offer any of our passengers forced to delay a departure to now retain their initial deposit for use at a later date at no extra charge—and with no questions asked. The Lifetime Deposit policy allows you to save your initial deposit (one per person, per confirmed tour) for an unlimited time, be it 10 weeks or 10 years. Put simply, we want to do the right thing by our travelers and ensure you can still take another trip if your plans have to change.

Interested in extending your trip to include more time in Ecuador or wish to explore any additional countries?

Please contact me and I would be happy to assist you in making these arrangements.