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The world of the Galapagos was revealed to travellers by a remarkable guide, Darwin, who guardianship of these islands is evident in his depth of knowledge and delight in sharing their home. It has been an unforgettable and moving experience. Naturetrek were highly professional. Our group was met at every point in this holiday by competent, local staff. Every need was met with courtesy and respect. The only surprise on the thoroughly well-organised itinerary was its delivery beyond my wildest dreams.
K.S. New South Wales, Australia, Apr 24
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Galapagos Islands - One-week cruise
Tour Code: ECU12A 13-day holiday incorporating a 1-week cruise around the 'Enchanted Isles' in our elegant First Class motor boat 'Cachalote Explorer', a visit to Antisana volcano or Otavalo, plus an optional extension to Sacha Lodge in the Amazon.
13 days
from
£7,395 (Inc flights)
£7,395 (Inc flights)
Land only price
from
£6,495
£6,495
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
The Galapagos Islands form a volcanic archipelago straddling the equator some 960 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador. They consist of volcanic peaks, strange lava fields, beautiful sandy bays, and clear seas. Their natural history is outstanding, and much of it is endemic. There are Giant Tortoises, prehistoric-looking Land and Marine Iguanas, and countless breeding seabirds; most appealing of all is the ‘tame’ and obliging nature of the islands’ extraordinary wildlife. Our week-long cruise avoids the routine, large and luxury motor vessels. Instead we charter our own comfortable 2-masted Topsail Schooner (accommodates 16 passengers), boasting an outstanding itinerary, first-class natural history leadership and high class service from the boat's crew.
- Led by expert natural history guide, born & raised in Galapagos
- Daily landings at wildlife-rich visitor sites for Giant Tortoise, Blue-footed Boobies & more
- 28 endemic birds including Darwin's finches
- Ample time & superb opportunities for photography
- Snorkel in crystal-clear, fish-filled waters with inquisitive young Galapagos Sea Lions
- Look for seabirds & cetaceans as we cruise between islands
- Exciting Amazon rainforest extension at Sacha Lodge
Grading
Generally easy walks, though terrain can be rough. See trip itinerary for details.
The Galapagos Islands, surely, need no introduction. Ancient seafarers called them the Enchanted Isles, recognising their unique landscape and extraordinary fauna, but it was Charles Darwin who drew them to the world’s attention. By observing the fascinating changes and adaptations made in the birds and reptiles through thousands of years of isolation on these predator-free islands, Darwin was able to formulate his theory of evolution.
The Galapagos Islands form a large archipelago straddling the equator some 960 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador. Of volcanic origin, they are beautiful islands with great variety and often bizarre form; each island with its own peculiar shape and charm. There are volcanic peaks, strange lava fields, beautiful sandy bays, and clear seas, perfect for snorkelling in the sheltered coves. Their natural history is outstanding — so much of it endemic. 28 bird species, from the Small Ground Finch to the magnificent Waved Albatross, occur nowhere else in the world. There are giant tortoises, prehistoric-looking Land and Marine Iguanas, colourful crabs such as the Sally Lightfoot, and even a Galapagos Snake. Most appealing of all is the tame and obliging nature of this extraordinary wildlife; it is a photographer’s paradise — a telephoto lens is usually unnecessary.
We avoid the routine, large and luxury motor vessels, and their noisy crowds, by chartering our own vessel — an elegant 2-masted Topsail Schooner that accommodates 16 passengers in characterful quarters. This provides a freedom, flexibility and group independence essential to the specialist nature of our holiday. Moving at our own pace, we will have a greater chance to enjoy these islands to the full, and to benefit from the knowledge of our expert naturalist-guide.
We will visit the central and eastern islands on this 1-week cruise, starting and ending our cruise on Baltra Island. At Academy Bay, on Santa Cruz Island, we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise breeding station, and make a trip up to the highlands to look for the reptiles in the wild. We will walk amongst spectacular volcanic scenery on Bartolome Island, and we will swim amongst fur seals and Sea Lions from the beaches on James Island. With a mixture of night-time voyages (for the longer navigations) and shorter day-time sailings, we will explore each island for its own peculiar wildlife specialities. On Espanola we should see the magnificent Waved Albatross from May – December together with thousands of nesting seabirds and colourful Marine Iguanas. Genovesa, way to the north, hosts huge colonies of frigatebirds and Red-footed and Masked Boobies, plus a population of storm-petrel hunting diurnal Short-eared Owls.
As we cruise between the islands, there is time to read, relax and keep a tour diary. There will be time to sea-watch, enjoying our quiet companions the petrels, shearwaters, gulls and boobies, and to keep an eye out for dolphins playfully swimming in the bow-wave of our boat.
In Ecuador, after our cruise, we offer a choice between spending a day visiting and birdwatching on Antisana, a magnificent volcano permanently adorned with snow, and a day at Otavalo, an Indian town to the north of Quito with one of the best indigenous markets in South America. We also offer an extension to Sacha Lodge in the Amazon Jungle, enjoying the rich birdlife of the area and the various trails and dug-out canoe excursions that enable a thorough exploration of this area of the great Amazon rainforest.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Fly Quito
Day 2
Quito
Day 3/10
Galapagos cruise
Day 11
Antisana/Otavalo
Day 12
Depart Quito
Day 13
Arrive UK
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
Comfortable hotel, Quito; 'Cachalote Explorer', Galapagos. Sacha Lodge (Amazon extension).
- Food:
Included in the price, except for main meals in Quito. Allow £50 or so.
Reviews
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An epic main trip to the Galapagos with a brilliant guide with additional trips to the cloud forest, the Andes and the Amazon Jungle on the Napo River. A huge range of environments with flora and fauna in their natural habitats. An unforgettable experience. Naturetrek provided a very well organised trip that ran smoothly from beginning to end. The information they provided was helpful and informative and their representatives and guides on the ground were excellent.
H.E. Cheshire, Mar 19 -
We had 2 trips whilst in Quito, but the emphasis was on the week spent sailing around the Galapagos Islands. Accompanied throughout by a very knowledgeable Galapagos National Park Guide, with daily snorkelling and at least 2 shore excursions each day there was never a dull moment. To get so close up to nesting birds, sea lions, iguanas and not to mention sharks, turtles, rays and fish too numerous to list, is a wonderful experience. I recommend Naturetrek, and this trip, wholeheartedly.
P.C. Cornwall -
We landed in Quito, the capital for interesting sightseeing before two days later we flew out to the Galapagos islands. We were met by a very knowledgeable Ecuadorean guide who led us on our 7 day cruise visiting some of the islands. We were amazed by how tame the animals and birds were, so amusing to see the Pelicans and Sea lions at the Fish Market counter in Puerto Ayora. Each island we visited was interesting and we saw the animals and birds we had hoped to see. Back in Quito we had an interesting stay at Puembo Birding Garden we also visited Otovalo. We then went on to stay at Sacha Lodge in the rain forest, another three fascinating days. The three guides we encountered on our tour were all very knowledgeable and helpful. It was a brilliant holiday.
C.K. Norway -
A small boat journey round several islands of the Galapagos with amazingly close views of Galapagos sealions; wave albatross and blue-footed boobies displaying; lava lizards, tortoises, marine and land iguanas. Knowledgeable, friendly and very professional guide - Rissul - and good food and atmosphere on boat. My husband enjoyed snorkelling with manta rays, sealions and penguins. A few days in Quito at the start introduced us to the history and food of Ecuador, including guinea pig. Then on to a few days in the Amazon rainforest - rather hot and humid, but great birds, caymans and flowers, again with wonderfully knowledgeable guides Pablo and Ernesto. Highlights included travelling by small dug out canoe along narrow canals through the jungle with the only sounds frogs ribbiting or barking or monkeys calling to each other.
H.N. Herefordshire -
Another wonderful Naturetrek holiday - thank you. Also a very nice group of people, many of whom we hope to stay in contact with. The highlight of the holiday was every aspect of the Galapagos; the wildlife, the snorkelling (with penguins, sea lions and a shoal of approximately 100 yellow cownose rays), the island trips and the lovely yacht Cachelote with superb service and food. We also loved the trip to Antisana and Sacha Lodge.
Dr & Mrs C. Cornwall -
Excellent holiday. Galapagos - Absolutely brilliant. Excellent guide, 'Darwin', so knowledgeable in all matters.
Mr & Mrs E. Essex -
The highlight for me was Genovesa Island. The birdlife there was outstanding. I would strongly recommend that this is included in future tours, if possible. Very knowledgeable guides in all three places - Quito, Galapagos and Sacha.
J.G. Surrey -
The tour content was a very nice balance. As a general nature photographer I felt that this tour gave everyone’s interests a chance, and didn’t focus only on birds. Darwin on the Cachalote and Fausto (assisted by Wilson) at Sacha were brilliant and really went the extra mile to make sure everyone was happy.
P.T. Essex -
We thoroughly enjoyed the unique wildlife and dramatic scenery of the Galapagos Islands. The tour leader was exceptionally knowledgeable and went to great lengths to ensure we saw as much as possible. Compared to other tour groups our walks were longer and more specific. The Cachalote is a great way of seeing the Galapagos.
S.G. Hampshire
Extensions
Sacha Lodge (short-cruise)
Sacha Lodge, located on the banks of a tranquil oxbow lake deep in the Amazon rainforest, is one of the best rainforest lodges in the world. Explore canopy towers and walkways, terra firma and flooded forest on foot and by dugout canoe. Choose from the hardcore birding option (over 600 species to go at!), or a general natural history theme looking at all wildlife.
3 days from £1,595
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Mon 14th Apr – Sat 26th Apr
SPACES
£7,395
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£6,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£250
Mon 24th Nov – Sat 6th Dec
SPACES
£7,395
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£6,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£250
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Mon 13th Apr – Sat 25th Apr
SPACES
£7,695
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£6,695
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£275
Tour Reports
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
Related articles
Episode 1 of the BBC’s wonderful new series, A Perfect Planet, portrayed a series of amazing natural history stories, connected by volcanic activity. In this article, read about the tours which can take you in search of the amazing species featured in this episode, to such places as The Galápagos, Tanzania, Yellowstone and Kamchatka.
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