Ultimate Galapagos

There’s so much to see and do on Darwin’s Enchanted Isles, and a world of wonder in the underwater universe around them, that we’ve created the “ultimate” Galapagos adventure, exploring all major island groups in the archipelago. With 15 magical days in the islands, we set out for daily wildlife walks, snorkeling excursions, and zodiac rides—it adds up to one of the planet’s quintessential natural history experiences. Our magnificent vessel, the tall ship Mary Anne, provides every comfort—ample deck space for relaxing outdoors, dining al fresco on deck, air-conditioned cabins with en suite bathrooms, and the delightful ambience of a great sailing ship. Thereís no better way to travel in Darwin’s storied isles!

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Quito, Ecuador

Arrive in Quito (9,200') and tour Old Quito. Overnights at the Hotel Hilton Colon.

Days 3-4
Galapagos Cruise / Baltra / South Plaza / Santa Fe

Fly to the Galapagos and sail to South Plaza, where seagoing marine iguanas roam the shores. Red-billed tropicbirds are often found here. On Santa Fe, we can see Galapagos hawks up close.

Days 5-8
San Cristobal / Espanola / Floreana / Santa Cruz

On San Cristobal, we snorkel with sea lions, hike on Punta Pitt among Nazca boobies, then sail to Espanola to snorkel in beautiful Gardner Bay. We explore Floreana’s historic Post Office Bay, and on Santa Cruz, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Days 9-12
Isabela / Fernandina / Santiago

On Isabela, we enjoy a zodiac ride at Elizabeth Bay, and on Fernandina, we hike to Punta Espinosa to see flightless cormorants. We hike at Tagus Cove, once an anchorage for pirate boats, and Punta Albemarle, where marine iguanas lounge on lava flows. At Santiago, we keep an eye out for yellow warblers and Galapagos flycatchers. A hike past tidepools teeming with Sally Lightfoot crabs brings us to the fur seal grottos at Puerto Egas.

Days 13-14
North Seymour / Black Turtle Cove / Tower

We walk among blue-footed boobies on North Seymour, explore by zodiac in Black Turtle Cove, then sail to remote Tower, where we see Darwin’s famous finches along with red-footed boobies.

Days 15-18
Bartolome / Santiago / Rabida / Santa Cruz / Baltra / Quito

A hike up Bartolome offers breathtaking views, and on Santiago, we walk the lava flows of Sullivan Bay. We view flamingos on Rabida, head to Baltra, fly to Quito, and depart on Day 18.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 1, Easiest. It is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active and enjoys moderate walks. There are daily shore excursions featuring walks on well-marked trails through wildlife colonies, rocky lava fields, and along beaches. Our shore landings are either “dry” (where there are rocks or wooden piers to step onto when you disembark from the panga) or “wet” (which involves stepping out of the panga into a foot or so of surf and wading to shore). Getting out of the panga for a dry landing is occasionally tricky, especially on days when the seas may be active because the panga moves up and down with the waves and the rocks you step onto may be slippery. The yacht staff will assist in these landings. While we travel aboard small sailing vessels, we normally motor from island to island because of the long distances between islands and the desire to maximize our time on shore.

Explanation of Trip Levels