Marine: Galapagos - South & Central Islands aboard the Xavier III (SEV10MA)
Countries Visited: Ecuador
Trip Style: Marine - Small-ship adventures on the world's great seas and rivers The poles of the Earth, the wonders of the Galapagos, the mysteries of the Amazon, out-of-the-way Greek Islands and other great places are best (and sometimes only) accessed by boat. Marine trips get you there aboard small ships, exclusive yachts and catamarans.
Service Level: Standard
Great value, reasonable prices, quality experiences Comfortable and varied tourist-class accommodations chosen for location and character Mix of public and private transport for the best overall experience All the top highlights included, plus plenty of time to explore on your own
Physical Demands Rating: 1 - You'll have to walk around on your own, climb some stairs and carry your own bag. Easy does it.
Group Size: Max 16, Avg 12
Meals Included: 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
Accommodations: Hotels (2 nts), on board Xavier III in twin-share cabins (7 nts).
Highlights
Seven nights cruising through Galapagos National Park aboard Xavier, Come face-to-face with large colonies of blue-footed boobies and Galapagos penguins, Get to know the ecology of the Galapagos at the Charles Darwin Research Station, Hike over the dramatic volcanic flows to a viewpoint on Bartolome
Description
Encounter the island chain that has enchanted explorers since Darwin first weighed anchor off its shores. Spend seven nights exploring the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos archipelago in the company of an expert Naturalist Guide. In the evenings, return to the Xavier to reflect on the day's adventures. Retire to air-conditioned cabins with exclusive lower berths and private bathrooms. As one of the region's largest operators, we understand the importance of controlling the onboard experience - that's why youll never end up on another operators ship.
Trip Style: Marine - Small-ship adventures on the world's great seas and rivers The poles of the Earth, the wonders of the Galapagos, the mysteries of the Amazon, out-of-the-way Greek Islands and other great places are best (and sometimes only) accessed by boat. Marine trips get you there aboard small ships, exclusive yachts and catamarans.
Service Level: Standard
Physical Demands Rating: 1 - You'll have to walk around on your own, climb some stairs and carry your own bag. Easy does it.
Group Size: Max 16, Avg 12
Meals Included: 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
Accommodations: Hotels (2 nts), on board Xavier III in twin-share cabins (7 nts).
Highlights
Seven nights cruising through Galapagos National Park aboard Xavier, Come face-to-face with large colonies of blue-footed boobies and Galapagos penguins, Get to know the ecology of the Galapagos at the Charles Darwin Research Station, Hike over the dramatic volcanic flows to a viewpoint on Bartolome
Description
Encounter the island chain that has enchanted explorers since Darwin first weighed anchor off its shores. Spend seven nights exploring the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos archipelago in the company of an expert Naturalist Guide. In the evenings, return to the Xavier to reflect on the day's adventures. Retire to air-conditioned cabins with exclusive lower berths and private bathrooms. As one of the region's largest operators, we understand the importance of controlling the onboard experience - that's why youll never end up on another operators ship.
Call (800) 468-2359 for more information or to book today! Mention code 12967474
- Tour Operator
- G Adventures
- Duration
- 10 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Quito | Day 1 Quito There are no planned activities, so check into the hotel and enjoy the city. Please look for notices in the hotel lobby for a time and location of the welcome meeting. Additional Notes: Booking pre- or post-trip accommodation is highly recommended to fully experience the city and take advantage of the optional activities available. Included Activities: Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting with G Representative |
| Day 2 | Puerto Baquerizo Moreno | Day 2 Quito/Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (1B, 1L, 1D) In the afternoon, transfer to the boat. Continue to Isla Lobos, a small island home a friendly population of sea lions. While snorkelling in the calm clear waters watch as the curious pups blow bubbles, swim in circles and frolic in the waves. Additional Notes: Flights from Quito to Baltra depart between 6:40am and 9:40am depending on the day of the week. These will arrive into the Galapagos between 9:30am and 12:30pm with a short refuelling stop in Guayaquil (you will not disembark the plane). Please note: The National Park charges a visitor fee of USD100, payable on arrival, which funds park maintenance and supervision in the Galapagos, as well as ecological study, conservation, and infrastructure development in Ecuadors other National Parks. Entry fees and the funds they generate for the national park system are among measures taken by the Ecuadorian government to protect its natural heritage. Included Activities: Isla Lobos Visit Snorkelling (Isla Lobos) Transport: Plane (2.50 hour(s)) Xavier III |
| Day 3 | Mosquera Island | Day 3 North Seymour/Mosquera Island (1B, 1L, 1D) Explore two tiny islands that are big on wildlife. North Seymour offers great views of nesting seabirds, including frigatebirds and Mosquera is home to large colonies of sea lions. Included Activities: North Seymour Island Visit Snorkelling (North Seymour Island) Mosquera Island Excursion Transport: Xavier III |
| Day 4 | Bartolome Island | Day 4 Santiago Island/Bartolome Island (1B, 1L, 1D) Visit Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to witness the giant lava formations contrasting the white-coral sand beach. Continue to Bartolome Island for a guided tour to see the dramatic volcanic features before hiking to a panoramic viewpoint. Included Activities: Sullivan Bay Visit Snorkelling (Sullivan Bay) Bartolome Island Landing Snorkelling (Bartolome Island) Transport: Xavier III |
| Day 5 | Puerto Ayora | Day 5 Puerto Ayora (1B, 1L, 1D) In the morning, arrive in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Santa Cruz is the second biggest island in the Galapagos, and has the largest population. Puerto Ayora is its main town. In the afternoon, there may be the opportunity to visit the highlands and see giant land tortoises in the wild. Included Activities: Charles Darwin Research Station Visit Highlands Giant Tortoises Visit Transport: Xavier III |
| Day 6 | Bachas beach | Day 6 Rabida Island/Bachas Beach (1B, 1L, 1D) In the morning, go on an excursion to Rabida Island, and land on a red sand beach. Afternoon excursion to Bachas Beach to see the sea lions and plentiful bird life. Included Activities: Rabida Island Excursion Bachas Beach Landing Transport: Xavier III |
| Day 7 | Floreana Island | Day 7 Floreana Island (1B, 1L, 1D) Morning visit to Punta Cormorant on the northern part of Floreana. This is a perfect spot to go snorkelling, as the waters are home to a multitude of colourful fish and sea lions. Please be sure you are a comfortable swimmer, the water here can be rough and the currents are strong. In the afternoon, visit Post Office Bay, which has an older and less mysterious history. A short hike up past the post barrel takes you to an interesting lava cave. Included Activities: Punta Cormorant Visit Post Office Bay Visit Snorkelling (Champion Islet) Transport: Xavier III |
| Day 8 | Bahia Gardner | Day 8 Punta Suarez/Bahia Gardner (1B, 1L, 1D) Visit Punta Suarez and Gardner Bay on EspaNola Island. Enjoy guided walks to observe wildlife and free time for swimming or snorkelling. Included Activities: Punta Suarez Excursion Gardner Bay Visit Transport: Xavier III |
| Day 9 | Quito | Day 9 Puerto Baquerizo Moreno/Quito (1B) Reach San Cristobal in the morning. Disembark after breakfast then visit the Interpretation Centre, and transfer to the airport for the flight to Quito. Transfer to the group hotel upon arrival, and enjoy one last night on the town. Additional Notes: Flights from San Cristobal to Quito depart between 11:30am and 1:30pm depending on the day of the week. These will arrive into Quito between 4:00pm and 5:40pm with a refuelling stop in Guayaquil (you will not disembark the plane). You will arrive back at the hotel in the early evening in time for dinner. Included Activities: San Cristobal Interpretation Center Visit Transport: Plane (3.00 hour(s)) |
| Day 10 | Quito | Day 10 Quito (1B) Depart at any time. Included Activities: Departure Day |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
Local Flights: All local flights to and from the Galapagos are included in the cost of your tour. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
Flights to either of the airports in the Galapagos leave early in the morning on Day 2 and get you into the islands in the early afternoon. Flights back to the mainland depart between 10:00am and 1:30pm arriving in the early evening.
Please note that all flights to and from the Galapagos make a 1 hour refuelling stop in Guayaquil.
Dossier Disclaimer:The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer: While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
