A Company

Galápagos Islands Expedition

in Darwin’s Footsteps

SOLD OUT

Departure date
Unknown
Duration
9 days
Ship

Cruise Overview

Darwin expedition cruise to the Galápagos Islands 2023 & 2024

Join us on a journey of ecological discovery as we travel in Charles Darwin’s footsteps to explore the natural wonders of the Galápagos Islands.

Eastern Itinerary 

We offer you unique expedition cruises to sail in the footsteps of Darwin. Our Eastern itinerary explores San Cristobal, the first of the four Galapagos island visited by Darwin in 1835, and the easternmost landmass of the archipelago. We will also call at Mosquera Islet, see the land iguanas of Santa Fe and South Plaza, the giant turtles of Santa Cruz, and the amazing bird colonies of Española, Eden Islet, and North Seymour. The landings cover a wide array of ecosystems, spectacular landscapes, and great opportunities for wildlife watching, including most of the iconic animals of Galapagos. 

Begin your adventure with two nights at a hotel in Quito, one of South America’s most charming capitals. This World Heritage city of graceful Spanish-era architecture is packed with cosy restaurants and small artisanal shops. From here we’ll pay a visit to an active volcano and go on a nature walk in stunning surroundings, as well as experiencing a vibrant open-air market.   

After we fly to the Galápagos, step aboard Santa Cruz II—our comfortable and stylish expedition vessel ideally suited to remote adventures. You’ll take part in an unforgettable cruise and experience the very best the UNESCO protected Galápagos has to offer. The onboard facilities are excellent, and you can look forward to mouth-watering dishes prepared by our chefs, as well as comfortable cabins to relax in after each exciting day of discovery.    

When the English naturalist Charles Darwin visited here aboard H.M.S. Beagle in 1835, he discovered that several species, including tortoises and land iguanas, had evolved differently depending on their habitat. His seminal work On the Origin of Species, proved revolutionary. On this science-oriented expedition, we’ll be learning about Darwin’s discoveries, as well as making a few of our own.   

You’ll get closer to the natural wonders with the use of our small expedition boats, kayaks, snorkeling gear and paddle boards. There’s a wide range of activities to choose from, and the Expedition Team will guide you on landings. Safety and sustainability are always at the core of our operations, and our aim is to leave the smallest footprint behind wherever we go.

For your safety, we always sail with a Medical Officer onboard.

Searching for

Cabin 1
Adults
2
Children
(2-15 years)
0

Available Dates

2024
No available cabins

Itinerary

We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay

Arrival

Day 1

Cotopaxi Volcano trip

Day 2

Your cruise begins

Day 3

Visiting the giants

Day 4

Visiting the giants

Day 4

Blissful beauty and evolving iguanas

Day 5

Giant tortoises & island activities

Day 6

A conservation success story

Day 7

Punta Suarez (Española Island)

Day 7

A small slice of Eden

Day 8

End of the expedition

Day 9

What's included

Flights

  • Roundtrip flights in economy class (from Quito to Baltra, and Baltra to Guayaquil. Or, you can continue from Guayaquil to Quito. Flight to Quito must be requested at the time of booking. Please contact us to continue on to Quito at the end of your tour.)

Hotel

  • Two nights of hotel in Quito before the expedition cruise, including breakfast and dinner on day 2. 

Transfers

  • Transfer from the hotel in Quito to the Quito Airport before the expedition cruise, and transfers between the Baltra Airport and the ship

Excursion

  • Full-day nature tour to Cotopaxi National Park, including lunch

Included Extras

  • Galápagos Islands National Park admission fee
  • Transit control card for Galápagos Islands
  • Access to the airport lounge at the Guayaquil or Quito airport upon return from Galápagos Islands

Expedition Cruise

  • Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the Aune restaurant, including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water)
  • Complimentary tea and coffee
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
  • English-speaking Expedition Team to guide activities and provide educational information, on board and ashore 
  • Welcome and farewell cocktails

Onboard activities

  • Use of the ship’s Science Center, which has a library, microscopes, and samples
  • The Citizen Science program allows guests to contribute to current scientific research projects
  • An onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
  • Use of the ship’s hot tubs and gym

Landing Activities

  • Landings, hikes, coastal exploration, and activities that include kayaking, snorkeling, and our glass-bottom boat
  • Complimentary wetsuit rental

What's not included

  • International flights  

  • Travel insurance 

  • Luggage handling

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