Galapagos Islands Cruise

Galapagos Islands Cruise: Version A Itinerary:

Show more for all days

• Day 1 All aboard and set sail for the enchanting Galapagos Islands today.

  Board your early flight to the Galapagos either from Quito (via Guayaquil) or Guayaquil. Upon arrival to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island, airport travelers pass through the entrance formalities and proceed to the baggage area where the boat crew is waiting to escort you by bus and then zodiac to your anchored yacht. After the welcome briefing and safety drill, a delicious buffet lunch is served. We travel by bus to Cerro Tijeretas or "Frigatebird Hill" which is situated just outside town. It is one of two sites where you can spot nesting colonies of both species of frigatebirds (great and magnificent). The trail leads to Playa Mann where there are vistas of beautiful scenery. We return to the yacht and depart 3PM to cruise around Leon Dormido aka Kicker Rock, a vertical tuff cone formation that rises abruptly almost 500 feet out of the ocean. On the cliffs, we spot blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies and magnificent frigate birds. Join your fellow yacht mates this evening for your island briefing followed by our Captain's welcome cocktail party and dinner prepared by our well-trained chefs. All meals included when aboard ship.

• Day 2 Get your first look at a nesting site for blue-footed, Nazca and red-footed boobies.

  We arrive to Cerro Brujo, a breathtaking white coral beach, considered one of the most spectacular in Galapagos and perfect for a peaceful walk with expansive views and good bird watching. We have an opportunity to snorkel or kayak from the beach or swim with sea lions as well as a Zodiac ride. During lunch, we cruise toward the northeastern tip of San Cristobal to Punta Pitt, a tuff formation that serves as a nesting site for many sea birds including all three types of boobies: blue footed, Nazca and red-footed boobies, both frigate species, swallow-tailed gulls, storm petrels and a colony of sea lions. Punta Pitt is considered to be a first class site for birds. We return to the yacht for a briefing followed by dinner.

• Day 3 Witness the highest rate of endemic species to the Galapagos on Espanola.

  Today's start begins with a dry landing at Punta Suarez, Espanola, where we witness the highest rate of endemic species in Galapagos. Sea lions noisily greet us as we land on their beach. Curious Hood mockingbirds peck at our shoelaces. From April to November, the waved albatross, found only on Espanola, performs its wild mating ritual. Colonies of blue-footed boobies engage in "sky-pointing" to show off for potential mates. Nazca boobies busily care for their young. Stunning swallow-tailed gulls are the only nocturnal gulls in the world. Red-billed tropicbirds take shelter under the cliffs. We also find Darwin's Finches, Galapagos doves and Galapagos hawks. Observe a unique species of marine iguanas that are identified with traces of red and green colorings. Colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs crawl along the shoreline near to the famous "blow hole". In the afternoon, we have a wet landing on Gardner Bay, Espanola or also known as Hood Island. Walk along seemingly endless stretches of this white sandy beach where you'll find large colonies of sea lions. There is no trail to follow so this is a chance to explore and you may find a Galapagos hawk, Darwin's finches or Hood mockingbirds. Swim with sea lions right from the beach, explore by kayak or just relax. There's an excellent snorkeling site off Gardner Islet with a colorful diversity of sea life near Tortuga Rock or explore caves covered with invertebrates.

• Day 4 Visit a large flamingo lagoon and mail a postcard at Post Office Bay.

  This morning we step ashore at Punta Cormorant, Floreana one of the few populated islands in the Galapagos. Floreana presents a rich history with mystery and intrigue. Set foot on a green-sand beach alive with the sounds of sea lions. We'll follow a trail to a brackish lagoon, home of the pintail ducks, common stilts, and the pinkest flamingos in the world. Wind your way past a rich variety of plants including morning glory, cut leaf daisies, palo verdes and scalesia that lead to a beach with powder soft sand. Sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand dunes and rays swim in the shallow water. After the walk, we have an opportunity to snorkel at Devil's Crown or Champion, a shallow sunken crater colonized by a brilliant array of colorful fish and corral. Choose to have a picnic lunch on deck or dine inside. After lunch we visit Post Office Bay, not the most scenic, but probably the most famous site in the Galapagos. Here is where a post barrel was erected and put into use in the late 18th century by English whaling vessels. You are invited to leave a post card and to pick up any mail from your home area.

• Day 5 Immerse yourself in the natural habitat of the giant tortoises and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.

  We travel by bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. The scenery gradually changes as we wind our way through all seven vegetation zones found in the Galapagos. Here, we visit the tortoise reserve at "Las Primicias" one of the private farms in the highlands where we encounter giant tortoises in their natural habitat. We visit Los Gemelos, a pair of large pit craters where we find the bright red male vermilion flycatcher. We stop at "the tunnels", the largest lava tubes found in the Galapagos.After lunch we visit the Centro de Crianza Fausto Llerena (aka the Charles Darwin Research Station). Here, we can see all three tortoise corrals and the breeding center with new hatchlings and miniature tortoises not yet ready to be repatriated. Scientists from all over the globe work at the station and conduct biological research from anatomy to zoology. We stop at Van Straelen Hall where there are exhibits and a presentation. Visitors can also see the tortoise and land iguana corrals. From here we walk into Puerto Ayora, the social heart of the island with a population of 24,000 inhabitants. This evening you have the option to return to your yacht for a buffet dinner or remain in town on your own account. Those who return to the yacht will be provided zodiacs to return to town to shop for souvenirs or stop at a pub or internet café. Zodiacs will be provided for your return to your yacht.

• Day 6 Follow the trail up to the summit of an extinct volcano and take in one of the best views in the Galapagos.

  We disembark at Bartolome, where it seems like we are walking on the moon. This young Island is inhospitable to most plants and animals. After a dry landing, climb 30 minutes up stairs leading to the summit of a once active volcano. Along the way, we pause to marvel at lava bombs, spatter cones and cinder cones. From the top of the wooden stairs, we can gaze out across the island for a panoramic view of the island and "Pinnacle Rock", an eroded tuff cone. Crystal clear water is an invitation to snorkel from the beach with schools of tropical fish and Galapagos penguins or take a zodiac ride. After lunch, we visit Las Bachas, which is the Spanish translation for "barges". There is a long stretch of a soft white sand beach and interior lagoons where we find the greater flamingo. There is also a wonderful chance to snorkel here from the beach. Located off the Southern tip of Santiago is Sombrero Chino aka Chinese Hat that owes its name to its shape. After a wet beach landing amid surrounding sea lion colonies, the trail gives way to a primeval landscape of volcanic rubble including cracked lava formations and lava tubes. We find marine iguanas and pairs of oystercatchers. If you prefer, you can choose to snorkel at a site that is frequented by Galapagos penguins. There is a briefing followed by dinner as we anchor in a calm protected area.

• Day 7 Visit a small island formed by rising lava and observe colorful yellow and red land iguanas.

  Today we visit South Plaza, a small geological uplift with tall cliffs offering spectacular views. After a dry landing, the trails lead us through prickly pear cactus or opuntia and sesuvium. Here we can find the Galapagos land iguana feeding on the cactus leaves. Toward the end of the hill, we encounter a colony of bachelor sea lions. The dominant bulls are in various stages of recovery from battles lost over prime beach territory. We also find swallow tailed gulls, shearwaters and red-billed tropicbirds who build their nests along the cliffs. In the afternoon we have a dry landing at North Seymour, a small geological uplift. We follow a trail that leads us to swallow-tailed gulls, blue-footed boobies and the endemic land iguanas. Visit the largest colony of magnificent frigate birds found in Galapagos. As we stroll along the beach, we find marine iguanas and sea lions body surf the northern swells. After the walk there is a snorkeling opportunity offered in deep water. We return to the yacht for the Captain's Farwell cocktail party and dinner as well as a special slide show presentation by your guides.

• Day 8 Complete your exploration of the Galapagos Islands with a stop at the informative Interpretation Center.

  This morning, we drop anchor in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal. We visit the Interpretation Center opened on San Cristobal Island in 1999. Here we gain a more complete understanding of the natural and human history of the Islands. Afterwards, we spend time in port before heading to the airport for our flight back to the mainland departing noon time on Aerogal. We will arrive in Guayaquil around 2:00pm or in Quito by 4:00pm.

Galapagos Islands Cruise: Version B Itinerary:

Show more for all days

• Day 1 All aboard and set sail for the enchanting Galapagos Islands today.

  Board your early flight to the Galapagos either from Quito (via Guayaquil) or Guayaquil. Upon arrival to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island, airport travelers pass through the entrance formalities and proceed to the baggage area where the boat crew is waiting to escort you by bus and then zodiac to your anchored yacht. After the welcome briefing and safety drill, a delicious buffet lunch is served. We travel by bus into the interior of San Cristobal to visit La Galapaguera Cerro Colorado, where the National Park has established a breeding program for the giant land tortoises and where you will encounter them in their natural habitat. Learn about their origin, evolution and threats by introduced animals at the information center for visitors. Along the trail, we find the San Cristobal (Chatham) mockingbird and Calandrinia plant, both endemic to this island. Join your fellow yacht mates this evening for your first briefing followed by our Captain's welcome cocktail party and dinner prepared by our well-trained chefs. All meals included when aboard ship.

• Day 2 Tower Island is considered to be one of the most spectacular islands in the Galapagos for bird species.

  We spend the entire day on Tower (Genovesa), considered to be one of the most spectacular Islands in Galapagos for bird species. We have a wet-landing on Darwin Bay, a coral sand beach where swallow-tailed and lava gulls gather near the tide pools. Enter a forest of Optuntia cactus and mangroves where colonies of great frigate birds nest. The males inflate their red-throated pouches to attract females as they fly overhead. The trail leads through a rich inter tidal zone where we find a wide diversity of wildlife. After lunch, we have a dry landing at Prince Philip's Steps. Red-footed boobies nest here in Palo Santo trees and Nazca boobies nest near the trail. In an open lava field, we find storm petrels in large numbers. If you are lucky, we will see the elusive short-eared owl. Choose to have a picnic lunch on deck or dine inside. Look for the beautiful red-billed tropic bird found in the crevices along the cliff by kayak or Zodiac. You can choose to swim or snorkel from the beach with sea lions in these northern warmer waters or for those with experience, we offer snorkeling in deeper water. Return to the yacht for briefing and dinner before we cross the equator.

• Day 3 Pink flamingos, white-tipped reef sharks, the orange-yellow land iguanas and many more "colorful critters" are in store for you today.

  This morning we visit, Las Bachas, which is the Spanish translation for "barges". There is a long stretch of a soft white sand beach and interior lagoons where we find the greater flamingo. There is also a wonderful chance to snorkel here from the beach. At Black Turtle Cove aka Caleta Tortuga Negra we have a zodiac ride through a series of coves and inlets surrounded by mangroves. Here you can view pairs of mating sea turtles (Sept to Feb), white-tipped reef sharks and golden cow-nosed rays. Located on the northern tip of Santa Cruz is Cerro Dragon which means Dragon Hill. Along the trail, we find Darwin finches, Galapagos flycatchers, yellow warblers, Audubon shearwater and the endemic land iguanas, orange-yellow in color with large spines along their backs, were once part of the Darwin Station's breeding program. We find pink flamingos feeding in the salt-water lagoon as well as other lagoon birds; stilts, pintail ducks, sandpipers and more. From the top of the hill, we enjoy a majestic view of the bay island covered in Opuntia cactus, Palo Santo and Cordia Lutea (muyuyu). After the briefing and dinner, we sail toward the western islands and cross the equator line for the second time.

• Day 4 On Fernandina, we'll see the flightless comorant's nest and Galapagos hawks overhead.

  We have a semi-wet landing at Punta Espinoza, Fernandina, the youngest and most pristine Island in Galapagos with no introduced mammals. Recent lava flows formed by an active volcano stretch their way around the coast. Hundreds of marine iguanas, the largest colony in Galapagos, bask in the sun along the rugged shoreline. Observe sea lion harems with resident bulls carefully guarding their territory. Flightless cormorants build their nest on the point and Galapagos hawks fly overhead. There is a chance to snorkel here with sea turtles. After lunch, we cross the Bolivar Chanel where we often spot whales and dolphins riding the bow wave. We disembark at Urbina Bay, Isabela, where we find four miles of its coastal seabed, with marine life exposed due to a dramatic uplift in 1954 when the volcano erupted. The marine remnants of coral skeletons, some of them waist-high, are visited after a wet landing on the beach. Urbina is home to the very large and colorful Galapagos land iguanas, occasionally giant tortoises, and Darwin finches. Brown pelicans and flightless cormorants also nest here. Giant marine iguanas are seen along the coast. You may encounter penguins while snorkeling here. At Punta Vicente Roca, a Zodiac ride offers an incredible view of the tuff walls. We can enter the wave-sculpted cave and find sea turtle who frequent this area. You may spot the dorsal fin of a Mola Mola, an odd looking giant sun fish. Return to the yacht for briefing and dinner.

• Day 5 Go ashore from Tagus Cove and walk to a scenic overlook with a spectacular view of the ocean, lava fields and volcanic formations.

  We visit Elizabeth Bay, Isabela by zodiac starting with a visit to a secluded cove, lined with large red mangrove trees. Here, turtles, rays, and shore birds can be seen. We motor to the rocky islets known as "Las Marielas", where a colony of nesting penguins, flightless cormorants and giant marine iguanas are found. Isabela was created when six volcanoes flowed together and formed the largest Island in Galapagos. We have a dry landing at Tagus Cove, located on the western island of Isabela and a favorite anchorage for pirates and whalers over the centuries. Old graffiti dating back to the 1800's is written on the rocky cliffs. Explore the coves by Zodiac or kayak to find Galapagos penguins, boobies, pelicans and other seabirds. An uphill hike brings us to a salt-water lagoon, a scenic overlook with a spectacular view of the ocean, lava fields and volcanic formations. An excellent snorkeling site is offered from the zodiac or take out a kayak and explore the shoreline. After dinner, a sky full of stars beckons to go on deck and observe the galaxy while crossing the equator for the last time.

• Day 6 Today we disembark on Rabida Island. Rabida is known for the most diversified volcanic rocks of all the islands.

  Today, we have a wet landing at Puerto Egas, Santiago (James). Stroll along the shoreline looking for octopus, starfish and other sea life caught in the tide pools. At low tide, catch a glimpse of marine iguanas as they feed on exposed green algae. Watch for great blue herons, lava herons, American oystercatchers and yellow-crowned night herons. Our walk ends at the grottos, deep pools of clear water where we encounter fur sea lions once on the verge of extinction. Before returning to the yacht, there is a snorkeling opportunity. After lunch, take a seat on deck to view the dramatic landscape and dolphins that are often spotted here.This afternoon, we disembark on Rabida Island (Jervis), located off James Island. Rabida sports the most diversified volcanic rocks of all the islands and is considered the geographic center of the Galapagos. The dark red sand beach originated from the high content of iron in the volcanic stones. While strolling along the trail, you may find marine iguanas, mocking birds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin finches leading to a salt water lagoon where greater flamingos migrate. After the walk, there is not to miss snorkeling option with a large colony of sea lions. We return to the yacht for the Captain's Farwell cocktail party and dinner as well as a special slide show presentation by your guides.

• Day 7 A visit to the tortoise reserve at "Las Primicias" and the Charles Darwin Research Station.

  We travel by bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. The scenery gradually changes as we wind our way through all seven vegetation zones found in the Galapagos. Here, we visit the tortoise reserve at "Las Primicias" one of the private farms in the highlands where we encounter giant tortoises in their natural habitat. We visit Los Gemelos, a pair of large pit craters where we find the bright red male vermilion flycatcher. We stop at "the tunnels", the largest lava tubes found in the Galapagos.After lunch we visit the Centro de Crianza Fausto Llerena (aka the Charles Darwin Research Station). Here, we can see all three tortoise corrals and the breeding center with new hatchlings and miniature tortoises not yet ready to be repatriated. Scientists from all over the globe work at the station and conduct biological research from anatomy to zoology. We stop at Van Straelen Hall where there are exhibits and a presentation. Visitors can also see the tortoise and land iguana corrals. From here we walk into Puerto Ayora, the social heart of the island with a population of 24,000 inhabitants. This evening you have the option to return to your yacht for a buffet dinner or remain in town on your own account. Those who return to the yacht will be provided zodiacs to return to town to shop for souvenirs or stop at a pub or internet café. Zodiacs will be provided for your return to your yacht.

• Day 8 Complete your exploration of the Galapagos Islands with a stop at the informative Interpretation Center.

  This morning, we drop anchor in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal. We visit the Interpretation Center opened on San Cristobal Island in 1999. Here we gain a more complete understanding of the natural and human history of the Islands. Afterwards, we spend some time in port before heading to the airport for our flight back to the mainland departing noon time. We will arrive in Guayaquil around 2:00pm or in Quito by 4:00pm.

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

REI Adventures shares non-exclusive departures with their Galapagos cruise partner Ecoventura.

Single cabins are assigned by the cruise company to the best cabin available at the time of sailing.

Share Basis for Single Travelers: If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, same share gender requests are available on the Iguana deck on seasonal departure dates only (call REI Adventures for dates). On peak departure dates, the single rate will be confirmed, a share request can be placed on wait list and only if matched will the share rate apply. There is a maximum of one share confirmed per sailing. We cannot accept any share requests on cruises that fall over the holiday weeks.

Children 7-11 years receive a 25% discount off of the cabin cost. Children 12-17 years receive a 15% discount off the cruise cost only. Child discounts are not available during holiday departures. Discounts cannot be combined with any promotional rates and will be taken from the full double occupancy rate. Only one child discount is allowed per every adult fare paid with a limit of two per family.

Cabin accommodation, all meals and snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, purified water, Captain's welcome and farewell cocktail, local beer with dinner, guide services, shore excursions, use of wet suits, snorkeling equipment and sea kayaks, transfers in the Islands between the airport and dock.

Airfare from US to Quito or Guayaquil and the Galapagos Islands; land transfers, hotels and meals on the mainland; excess baggage charges; airport departure tax from Ecuador; gratuities to guides and crew and items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, laundry fees, purchases onboard and insurance of any kind. Flights from the mainland to the Galapagos, National Park fee and transit card are not included in cruise cost, but these fees are collected by REI Adventures and arrangements are made and pre-paid in conjunction with your cruise booking.

Park fees and the price of fuel sometimes increase the cost of cruise arrangements significantly, and we reserve the right to alter our prices or introduce surcharges accordingly, even if payment has been received in full.

REI Adventures standard payment and cancellation policies do not apply to Galapagos cruises. A special cancellation policy applies to all Galapagos trips, which is stricter than the REI policy. A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person and $1,000 for singles is due at time of booking. Full payment for the Galapagos trip is due at 90 days before departure. When a trip cancellation is received 90+ days prior to departure, full deposit is non-refundable. When a trip cancellation is received inside of 90 days from departure, all trip costs are 100% non-refundable. Holiday weeks: Apr 1-8, Dec 23-30, Dec 30 - Jan 06, 2013 and Mar 31 - Apr 7, Dec 22-29, Dec 29 - Jan 05, 2014. A deposit of $1,000 per person (double occupancy) and $2,000 (single occupancy) is required - $500 of that is non-refundable. Full payment is due 120 days prior to departure. Cancellations received; 179-90 days prior to departure, full deposit is non-refundable. When a trip cancellation is received inside of 90 days from departure, all trip costs are non-refundable. This policy is in accordance with the cruise company.

Although Ecuador lies on the equator, the country has a wide range of climates due to the varying altitudes. The city of Quito, located at 9,350', has an average temperature of 55 to 75 degrees. The cold Humboldt Current flowing from the Antarctic modifies the Galapagos Islands weather. Fall and winter months tend to be drier with cooler water. Summer months tend to have more chance of warm water and some rain. Days year-round are warm; shorts and a t-shirt are fine. Nights will often be cool aboard the ship. For extended snorkeling, a thin wet suit is recommended.

This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Daily excursions from the boat to the islands will be made in pangas (dinghies). Trip members will hike from the landing point to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours roundtrip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To obtain maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you choose your clothing and gear for this trip. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Weather

Weather in the Galapagos and Quito, despite a 9000 foot elevation difference, are not so different. Both experience warm days and cool evenings. In the Galapagos year round can be 90 degrees with night temperatures dipping into the 50s. The cold, deep waters of the Humbolt Current keep these equatorial Islands and waters cooler than one might expect. Quito is quite temperate with daytime highs in the 70s and average nighttime temperatures in the 40-50s.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, medications and one set of spare clothes in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
• A sweater and wind shell are often needed for travel from July to November and for evenings any time of year. Note: You'll need the sweater if you want to spend the night up on deck, under a very bright, star-studded sky.
• Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. Quick-dry items are advisable, since laundry facilities are not available. Clothes should be casual and loose fitting. Long and short sleeve shirts are recommended.
• All bedding and towels are provided on the boats including beach towels.
• The sun is particularly strong on the equator, so a good sun hat and a long-sleeved, light-colored shirt are important. Bring plenty of water-resistant sunscreen.
• Most passengers opt to wear the wetsuits provided due to the cold water temperatures while snorkeling. If you do not plan on wearing a wetsuit, please bring a layer to protect yourself from the sun while in the water, such as a rashguard.
• To keep baggage to a minimum you may wish to leave items not necessary for your Galapagos travel at your hotel in Quito or Guayaquil. Plan to bring a spare duffel bag for this purpose.