Location
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Details
10 DAYS FROM 7500 PP
Best time to go
YEAR ROUND
Wildlife of the South and Western Islands
Sailing on board the luxurious Natural Paradise yacht, spend 10 days exploring the natural highlights of the Galapagos Islands; snorkelling with sea lions and sea turtles, observing the abundant birdlife and encountering marine iguanas and other endemic wildlife. Navigate the remote Galapagos Islands aboard the Natural Paradise, a luxury 16 passenger yacht designed specifically for exploring these remarkable islands. To help you aboard and in your search for the Galapagos “Big 15”, you will be joined throughout by a dedicated crew and the expertise of a certified Galapagos naturalist guide. From playful sea lions to colonies of blue-footed boobies and an abundance of fascinating marine life, this expeditions sole focus is to get you up close and personal with the archipelago’s unique wildlife.
What to expect
Explore Quito's Old Town
After arriving in Quito, head out on a half day tour to weave your way through the streets and plazas of the Old Town and admire the characteristic colonial architecture, including the cathedral and President's palace. Much of the city is built on top of an old Inca settlement, and the influence of the indigenous cultures is also evident.
Setting Sail from Baltra to Vicente Roca Point
The following day you will transfer to the airport for your flight to the small island of Baltra, where you will transfer to the dock and board the Natural Paradise, your home for the next week. Your first stop is Vicente Roca Point where you will have the opportunity to go snorkelling, looking out for sea turtles, seahorses and even the weird and wonderful Mola mola, the largest bony fish in the world.
Isabela Island Adventures: Urbina Bay and Moreno Point
Next up is Urbina Bay, and you can take a short hike to observe the island's giant tortoises and land iguanas and head to Moreno Point on the southwestern side of Isabela, where you can view the craters and tide pools that were formed by historic volcanic activity and are now a haven for marine wildlife. This is also a great area for birdwatching, and you may witness pink flamingos, gallinules, and blue herons.
Discovering Isabela Island: Sierra Negra, Tortoises, and the Wall of Tears
Disembark on Isabela Island once more to visit the Sierra Negra Volcano, the tortoise breeding centre, and the Wall of Tears, constructed between 1945 and 1959 by the prisoners of the islands' penal colony.
Mosquera Islet and Its Sea Lion and Shorebird Population
Sail to Mosquera Islet, a rocky reef that is home to a large population of sea lions and shorebirds and observe the wildlife from your panga, and, if you're lucky, you may even be able to observe the orcas which visit the area to hunt.
Floreana Island Wonders: Post Office Bay, Cormorant Point, and Devil's Crown
Drop anchor at Post Office Bay on Floreana Island and move on to Cormorant Point, where you will have a short hike to a saltwater lagoon to observe the resident flamingos and swim in the crystal clear waters of the Devil's Crown, an extinct volcano just off the coast of Floreana.
Espanola Island's Unique Wildlife and Gardner Bay Beach
Visit Punta Suarez on Espanola Island, home to the highest rate of endemic species in the Galapagos, including sea lions, hood mockingbirds, waved albatross, blue-footed and nazca boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, Darwin's finches, and marine iguanas. Walk along the picturesque white-sand beach at Gardner Bay, where you will encounter large colonies of sea lions.
Farewell at Lobos Island and Return to Ecuador
Your final stop-off in the Galapagos Islands will be at Lobos Island, named after the sea lions that come to rest on its rocky shorelines, along with bird species such as boobies, pelicans, and frigate-birds. Afterwards, you will head back to the airport for your return flight to Ecuador, in time for your international flight home.
Talk to a Latin America Specialist Today
Why book this trip?
- Spend seven nights on the luxurious Natural Paradise yacht, a brand-new vessel specifically designed for exploration of the Galapagos Islands
- Go snorkelling with playful sea lions, sea turtles and other colourful marine life
- Explore the old town of Quito, UNESCO’s first World Heritage Site
- Admire breathtaking views from the top of Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabela Island. Hiking up to the volcano's impressive caldera, you can enjoy dramatic views over the surrounding landscapes as well as abundant birdlife.
- Visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Centre, home to more than 300 juvenile giant tortoises that are getting ready to be reintroduced into the wild.
- Snorkel alongside the Galapagos penguins, often seen on the rocky shoreline of the nearby Santiago Island, and the sea lions found resting in a cove on the north shore of the island.
Accommodation Highlights
Natural Paradise Yacht
The Natural Paradise is a modern luxury yacht, purpose-built for exploring the Galapagos Islands. Hosting just 16 passengers at a time, the spacious cabins are spread out over three decks, with upper deck cabins having their own private balconies. The sundeck also boasts a large jacuzzi and al fresco barbecue area, perfect for relaxing with a sundowner.