Galapagos Islands - One-week cruise

Tour Code: ECU12

A 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)

Land only price from
£6,495

book now

Add to Saved Tours

Highlights

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.

DETAILED INFORMATION

Itinerary

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

Download Full Itinerary

What's Included

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

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
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

Show More Reviews Show fewer reviews

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 £1,695

View Details

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost

Mon 14th Apr – Sat 26th Apr SPACES £7,395

Book Tour Show Details

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

Book Tour Show Details

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

Book Tour Show Details

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

Please note that cabin grades are subject to availability. We recommend phoning the office before booking to confirm that your preference is available.

  Array
(
    [180] => stdClass Object
        (
            [id] => 180
            [parent_id] => 165
            [level] => 2
            [path] => tour-focus/birds
            [title] => Birdwatching
            [alias] => birds
            [description] => Birding Tours Led by Expert Naturalists
The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.
Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours
We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.
The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.

Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:

Southern Morocco – an exploration of the birdlife in Morocco’s southern deserts, oases and mountains
The Camargue in Spring – a short break to enjoy the spring birds of the Rhône Delta and Camargue wetland
Wallcreepers & Cranes in Northern Spain – a 2-centre holiday focusing on Lammergeier, Wallcreepers, raptors, Cranes, bustards, sandgrouse and more!
Madeira & Desertas Islands – A Seabird Extravaganza! – a short break focusing on special breeding seabirds, including a night on the remote Destertas Islands
Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu – searches for boobies, macaws and Inca Terns
Spain & Morocco: Birding on Two Continents! – watch the spectacular spring bird migration from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar

Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection
Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.
 

Our specialist recommends...


"Try Coto Doñana & Extremadura for an excellent introduction to Europe's wetland and steppe birds. I would recommend our bargain holiday, 'Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour' for those interested in Siberian rarities and Ibisbill, while Costa Rica offers a chance to search for arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal."

Byron Palacios - Tour Leader

  
 
All Birdwatching Tours
            [params] => stdClass Object
                (
                    [category_layout] => 
                    [image_az] => https://i.assetzen.net/i/gqsvHQOzDZaQ/w:500/h:500/q:70.jpg
                    [image_alt] => 
                )

            [metakey] => Birds
            [note] => 02
            [parent] => stdClass Object
                (
                    [id] => 165
                    [parent_id] => 1
                    [level] => 1
                    [path] => tour-focus
                    [title] => Tour Focus
                    [alias] => tour-focus
                    [description] => 
                    [params] => stdClass Object
                        (
                            [category_layout] => 
                            [image_az] => 
                            [image_alt] => 
                        )

                    [metakey] => 
                    [note] => 
                )

        )

    [182] => stdClass Object
        (
            [id] => 182
            [parent_id] => 165
            [level] => 2
            [path] => tour-focus/wildlife-cruises
            [title] => Wildlife Cruise
            [alias] => wildlife-cruises
            [description] => Wildlife Cruise Holidays
The oceans are one of the last great wilderness areas left on our planet.  Travelling by sea on a nature cruise represents the best way to see many of the world’s wildlife spectacles, as there are still wildlife paradises that are accessible by sea but cannot yet be reached by air. 
Naturetrek wildlife cruises offer:

A range of cruising experiences, from exclusively chartered 50-berth expedition ships to smaller motor yachts & schooners
Arctic & Antarctic nature cruises in ships with specially strengthened hulls
Each voyage is accompanied by expert naturalists
Wide range of wildlife cruises from five continents

We have been running wildlife cruises for over 30 years and if your image of cruising is endless deck quoits or bingo, think again! A life on the ocean waves can be a permit to witness scenes of natural splendour that most people will only ever see on their television screens.
A selection of our most popular wildlife cruises:

Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands – Unique 2-week Galapagos nature cruise aboard a 16-berth schooner in search of the confiding birds, mammals & reptiles that inhabit these islands made so famous by Darwin
The Sub-Antartic Islands of New Zealand – Penguins, marine mammals & seabirds (Tailormade) 
Spitsbergen - Realm of the Polar Bear – Polar Bears, Walruses & seabirds
Baja California – Blue Whales, Sperm Whales, thousands of dolphins & other marine life, plus San Ignacio’s friendly Grey Whales
Kamchatka Peninsula – Pacific Ocean seabird colonies, spectacular volcanic scenery & over a dozen species of auks, plus Steller’s Sea Eagle, Siberian Rubythroats & much more (Tailormade)
Brahmaputra Cruise, India – Unique nature cruise visiting Kaziranga & other National Parks


Our specialist recommends...




"If you love whales and dolphins I’d recommend our Baja & Sea of Cortez nature cruise. The world’s largest concentration of cetaceans is found here, but book early as this tour sells out fast. I’d also suggest ‘Spitsbergen – Realm of the Polar Bear’ for a spectacular combination of wildlife and scenery.” 

Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager 

All Wildlife Cruises
            [params] => stdClass Object
                (
                    [category_layout] => 
                    [image_az] => https://i.assetzen.net/i/gqsvHQOzDZaQ/w:500/h:500/q:70.jpg
                    [image_alt] => 
                )

            [metakey] => Wildlife Cruises
            [note] => 04
            [parent] => stdClass Object
                (
                    [id] => 165
                    [parent_id] => 1
                    [level] => 1
                    [path] => tour-focus
                    [title] => Tour Focus
                    [alias] => tour-focus
                    [description] => 
                    [params] => stdClass Object
                        (
                            [category_layout] => 
                            [image_az] => 
                            [image_alt] => 
                        )

                    [metakey] => 
                    [note] => 
                )

        )

    [192] => stdClass Object
        (
            [id] => 192
            [parent_id] => 165
            [level] => 2
            [path] => tour-focus/general-natural-history
            [title] => General natural history
            [alias] => general-natural-history
            [description] => 
            [params] => stdClass Object
                (
                    [category_layout] => 
                    [image_az] => https://i.assetzen.net/i/gqsvHQOzDZaQ/w:500/h:500/q:70.jpg
                    [image_alt] => 
                )

            [metakey] => General natural history
            [note] => 26
            [parent] => stdClass Object
                (
                    [id] => 165
                    [parent_id] => 1
                    [level] => 1
                    [path] => tour-focus
                    [title] => Tour Focus
                    [alias] => tour-focus
                    [description] => 
                    [params] => stdClass Object
                        (
                            [category_layout] => 
                            [image_az] => 
                            [image_alt] => 
                        )

                    [metakey] => 
                    [note] => 
                )

        )

)

Tour Dates or Itinerary Don't Suit?

Allow our experts to create a private, customised itinerary with dates and prices to suit you.

Enquire

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

Enquire

Tour Reports

Tour report - August 2018

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!