Study unique animal and plant species in one of the world's most extraordinary settings — the Galapagos.

Program Particulars

This is an extremely Active Level 5 program that begins with flying into Quito, a city at 9,600 feet elevation in the Andes Mountains. While exploring the remote Galapagos Islands, daily activities require wet and dry landings, walking on irregular volcanic terrain, and optional swimming and snorkeling in strong currents.

Activity Particulars

The wet and dry landings involve transferring in rough waters from the yacht into a zodiac and stepping into either knee deep water or onto rocky slippery pathways. Being in good health, physically fit, and having good balance, agility and eyesight is a must, as noted by previous participants. Island activities require 3-5 hours of physical activity per day, the equivalent of walking up to 5 miles at a 2.5-mph pace on uneven rocky, slippery volcanic lava terrain.

Itinerary At-a-Glance

Quito (Ecuador), 2 nights; Galápagos cruise, 7 nights; Guayaquil, 1 night

Days 1-2:

Arrival Quito (Ecuador):

Explore the city of Quito, visit the colonial center of town and pay a visit to the Middle of the World Monument.

Lodgings: Modern hotel.

Days 3-9:

Embark Tip Top II, Tip Top III or Yolita II.

Observe flamingos at Playa de Las Bachas, go bird-watching on Darwin's Bay and Prince Phillip’s Steps and hike into the grottos of Puerto Egas in search of fur seal colonies. Scale a dormant volcano on Bartolome Island and visit the highlands of Isla Santa Cruz to observe flora and fauna in its cloud forest. Examine the tallest opuntia cacti in the Galapagos in Santa Fe Island’s cactus forest. Experts at the Charles Darwin Research Station discuss current research and conservation projects. On Espanola Island, your expert naturalist leads a panga ride around Gardner and Tortuga islets. Disembark at Punta Suarez and observe marine birdlife on the lava beds with commentary from your guide, then spend a day on Isla Santa Maria, landing at Punta Cormorant and venturing into Post Office Bay.

Days 10-11:

Disembark / Guayaquil / departure:

After a morning field trip, disembark at Baltra Island and fly to Guayaquil where you will enjoy an afternoon stroll on the Malecon.

Lodgings: Centrally located hotel.

Tip Top II, Tip Top III or Yolita II

Each yacht can carry 16 passengers. Public areas are linked by stairs including a large sun deck. All cabins and public areas have air conditioning.