Darwin Cruise (Cruise A)

There’s so much to do and see on Darwin’s bewitching islands and a world of wonder in the underwater universe that surrounds them. Our Darwin Cruise explores the southernmost isles of the Galapagos, including remote Espanola, with its long white beaches and remarkable array of endemic species. With two wildlife walks a day, snorkeling, panga rides, and optional sea kayaking, this is a wonderfully active adventure. At night, we return to our luxurious yacht for a delicious meal, a glass of wine, and a golden equatorial sunset over the “enchanted” islands.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Quito, Ecuador

Arrive in Quito (9,200'), the highland capital of Ecuador. The next day is at leisure to explore Quito on your own. We recommend a visit to Old Quito, a World Heritage Site of well-preserved colonial architecture. Overnights at the centrally located Hotel Hilton Colon.

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

Fly to the Galapagos and board the yacht at Baltra. Snorkel at Punta Carrion, then sail to tiny South Plaza for a hike among land iguanas as they nibble on the fruit of prickly pear cactus. Seagoing marine iguanas roam the shores, and swallow-tailed gulls and red-billed tropicbirds are often found here. On Santa Fe, we can see Galapagos hawks up close, along with Darwin’s finches.

Days 5-6
San Cristobal / Espanola

On San Cristobal Island, we swim and snorkel in the company of sea lions, then hike on Punta Pitt among red-footed and Nazca boobies and great frigatebirds. Sailing to fascinating Española, southernmost island in the archipelago, we snorkel in beautiful Gardner Bay amidst green sea turtles, and hike trails alongside nesting blue-footed boobies. Spectacular waved albatross nest at Punta Suarez from April to December.

Days 7-9
Devil’s Crown / Floreana / Santa Cruz / Baltra / Quito

Devil’s Crown offers phenomenal snorkeling, and we visit Floreana’s historic Post Office Bay, where whalers once posted letters home. In the lush highlands of Santa Cruz, we look for Galapagos tortoises in the wild, then fly to Quito. Depart Day 9.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

The Ultimate Galapagos Journeys

Wilderness Travel offers the most comprehensive program in the Galapagos, with cruises from 5 to 15 days in length. Choose one of our three core cruises, or combine them—with no overlap of sites visited—for a truly memorable voyage among the wonders of the enchanted isles.

• Darwin Cruise (Cruise A) explores the Southern Islands – 9 days / 5 nights aboard yacht
• Fitzroy Cruise (Cruise B) explores the Western Islands – 9 days / 5 nights aboard yacht
• Finch Cruise (Cruise C) explores the Central & Northern Islands – 8 days / 4 nights aboard yacht
• Combination Cruise A + B – 14 days / 10 nights aboard yacht — view map
• Combination Cruise B + C – 13 days / 9 nights aboard yacht — view map
• Combination Cruise A, B + C – 18 days / 14 nights aboard yacht — view map

Optional Extensions

If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:

• Cusco Machu Picchu Extension (6 days)
• Amazon Rainforest Extension: Sacha Lodge (4 days)
• Amazon Rainforest Extension: Napo Wildlife Center (4 days)
• Otavalo & Hacienda Zuleta Extension (3 days)

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