A breathtaking cruise through the wildlife extravaganza of the Galapagos Islands, inspiration behind Darwin’s theory of evolution.
NOTE:- Each vessel operates its own unique cruise and this sample itinerary is based around a comprehensive 7 night southern/central sweep of the islands. Please contact us for detailed information on the individual boats as well as the day-to-day cruise itineraries on offer.
Itinerary Highlights
Explore colonial Quito
Experience the wonders of the Galapagos aboard a naturalist cruise
Snorkel with sea-lions, turtles, rays and penguins
Wander amidst albatross, giant tortoises and marine iguanas
Visit Bartolome for the iconic view across Pinnacle Rock
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
9
Nights
Price Guide
from $9500 pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to Quito
Day 2
Quito
A full day to explore the charming capital of Ecuador, staying at the heart of Quito’s UNESCO old town, amidst white-washed historic churches, cobbled plazas and traditional townhouses. Experience Quito’s colonial legacy on foot browsing the galleries, museums and local workshops before you venture out to the “Mitad del Mundo” Museum and Monument which marks the official line of the Equator.
Day 3
Start of your Galapagos Cruise
You will be driven to the airport for an early 2 hour flight to the Galapagos Islands. There, you will meet your fellow passengers and guide before being driven to the port to embark your chosen vessel for a breathtaking Galapagos cruise. Each day you will stop off at the remote islands and enjoy daily excursions escorted by a naturalist guide. There will also be regular opportunities for snorkelling to appreciate the stunning wildlife below the water. The following itinerary is based around a sample 7 night central/southern sweep of the islands.
After lunch and an introduction to the crew, you will set sail for Leon Dormido, where you can view Blue-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies and Frigate birds. In the evening, there will be a briefing followed by the Captain’s welcome cocktail party.
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Day 4
San Cristobal: Cerro Brujo & Punta Pitt
After breakfast, you will cruise across to Cerro Brujo, a breathtaking white coral beach where you can snorkel, kayak or swim with sea lions. Your next stop is at Punta Pitt, a nesting site for many sea birds such as Frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls, Storm petrels and all three types of boobies: Blue footed, Nazca and Red-footed.
Day 5
Espanola: Punta Suarez & Gardner Bay
Disembarking at Punta Suarez on Espanola Island, you can wander amongst colonies of waved albatross who come to nest between April to December, as well as observe other species such as Red-billed tropicbirds, Darwin’s Finches, marine iguanas and colourful sally light-foot crabs. After lunch you will continue to Gardner Bay for another chance to swim with sea lions or simply explore the bay or relax on the beach.
Day 6
Floreana: Devil’s Crown & Post Office Bay
Today, you will visit Floreana, one of the Galapagos’ iconic islands, famous for its history and intrigue as well as its wonderful wildlife. Its shallow waters harbour a wealth of marine life including rays and nesting turtles and you will follow a sandy trail to a brackish lagoon inhabited by pintail ducks, common stilts and Greater Flamingos. Before lunch, you will have an opportunity to snorkel at Devil’s Crown before an afternoon visit to the historic “post-barrel” of Post office Bay.
Day 7
Santa Cruz: Highlands & Darwin Research Stn
The cruise continues to Santa Cruz, the largest inhabited island where you will disembark at Puerto Ayora and head into the lush highlands. There you will visit a series of lava tubes, pit craters and farms which provide a rich habitat to giant tortoises. After lunch, you make stop at the Charles Darwin Research Station, a breeding and study centre for the remaining tortoises.
Day 8
Bartolome: Las Bachas & Sombrero Chino
Heading north, you will cross the narrow channel to Bartolome for a spectacular panoramic view of the island and where you will have the chance to snorkel amongst schools of tropical fish and Galapagos Penguins. After lunch, you visit Las Bachas and then Sombrero Chino where sea lions vie marine iguanas and penguins on a primeval landscape of volcanic rubble and cracked lava flows.
Day 9
South Plaza & North Seymour Islands
Skirting the coast of Santa Cruz, you will make a stop at South Plaza to observe Land Iguanas and bachelor sea lions basking in the sun as well as Swallow tailed gulls, Shearwaters and Red-billed tropicbirds which nest along the cliffs. Finally, the cruise finishes on North Seymour Island amidst Blue-footed boobies and Land Iguanas before you return to the boat for a farewell dinner and the Captain’s cocktail party.
Day 10
Disembark & Fly to Mainland Ecuador
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide from $9500 per person
When to travel
Ecuador sits on the equator and enjoys 12 hours of light (preferably sunshine!) each day. However, its climate is as diverse as the country’s landscapes and can be divided into 4 main zones:- the Pacific lowlands, the Andes, the Amazon and the Galapagos. On the coast, the country enjoys a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 23-26°C. The hottest months of February to April coincide with the rainy season where days are blighted by tempestuous downpours. The highlands follow a similar pattern, wettest in April, although a good bit cooler, 16°C on average although dropping close to zero at night. The steamy Amazon is hot and sticky all year though marginally more oppressive in January and February.
The Galapagos is a year round destination whose climate is determined by the prevailing ocean currents. From December to May, temperatures reach the 30’s with short, sharp showers although the warmer waters of the Panama current lend themselves to excellent snorkelling. From June to December, the Humboldt current dominates bringing milder temperatures (early 20’s) and cooler nutrient-rich water. The mornings coincide with a sea-mist (garua) that rapidly burns off in the sun. For a month-by-month wildlife calendar, please contact an Oasis Travel consultant.
Add on’s
Why not extend your time in the Galapagos and wind down on a beach. There are several good hotels on Santa Cruz or Isabela which offer a heady combination of adventure and R&R.
Mainland Ecuador is the natural add-on to the Galapagos Islands and for wildlife, you might consider a side trip to the Mindo Cloud-forest or even Ecuador’s Amazon. There are a number of good lodges dotted along the Napo River or you may prefer a more leisurely Amazon cruise aboard the MV Anakonda or MV Manatee Amazon Explorer.
There are also direct flights from Quito to Colombia which open up the Coffee Triangle and stunning Cartagena and also San Jose in Costa Rica with yet more incredible wildlife and excursions around Arenal, Tortuguero and the Osa Peninsula.
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