Compare Passion Galapagos Luxury Cruise by Andando vs Galapagos Voyage: Pirates & Darwin - Premium Adventure by Exodus Travels
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 4 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 3,050 | $ 11,925 |
| Price Per Day | $ 763 | $ 1,060 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
All meals on board - Tea, coffee, water and natural juices |
Eight breakfasts, seven lunches and seven dinners are included. Meals are served in one seating in the dining room, and each meal includes international and traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, fresh fruit and sumptuous desserts. |
| Description |
Our itineraries have been created by Fiddi Angermeyer, a pioneer in Galapagos cruising. He has extensive experience and knowledge of the islands— having guided a large number of passengers and scientists from all around the world, he possesses an impressive understanding of the currents and winds, which he combines to give people the most enjoyable experience of the island possible. The eastern itinerary through the islands of archipelago, where you’ll find impressive landscapes, and a variety of bird and amphibian species that are present only on these islands. |
The Galapagos Islands are a treasure meant to be experienced with a group of true nature enthusiasts. The MV Evolution, a premium yacht, is the perfect spot to relax between daily hiking and snorkelling excursions, or for joining fellow travellers for a briefing by our knowledgeable naturalist guides. During our premium Galapagos Islands cruise, find yourself just inches from giant tortoises, comical blue-footed boobies, sea lions, penguins, iguanas and many other animals, and gain an appreciation for how remarkable life on Earth can be. Voyage the famed waters of the Galapagos amid the spectacular landscapes and distinct endemic wildlife that so intrigued Charles Darwin. From spouting whales crossing the Bolivar Channel to waved albatrosses nesting along the Española cliffs, you’ll experience the undeniable wonder of these enchanted isles.Discover the Galapagos National Park from the comfort of the premium MV Evolution |
Day 1:
After arriving at Baltra airport we will be greeted by an Angermeyer Cruises representative and start our first visit.
We will enjoy lunch at the ranch to then head back to Puerto Ayora for our second visit of the day, the
Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center.
Here, we will see tortoises from different islands. The animals are found in large semi‐natural pens for their protection, but also to ensure an easy view for the visitors. The pens are divided according to four different stages: eggs, neonates, juveniles (held here until they are mature enough to be ""repatriated""), and adults.
Day 2:
Dry landing on one of the oldest docks of the archipelago, colorful Plaza Sur is home to vibrant green
prickly pears, deep red Sesuvium and coppery‐orange land iguanas. Impressive seaward cliffs are excellent for a variety of coastal birds. This is also a great place to observe the adult and pup sea lions swimming along the shores.
After a wet landing on Santa Fe onto a white beach where sea lions are usually resting, we will be looking for the endemic species of land iguana, larger and yellower than land iguanas on other islands. The largest prickly pear cacti in the Galapagos are also found here.
Day 3:
We will spend the day in fantastic Española, starting with Gardner Bay (wet landing), an outstanding
beach with sea lions, marine iguanas, and the intrepid Española mockingbird.
Close to Española there is a good spot for snorkeling called Gardner Islet. While snorkeling, there is a good chance playful sea lions will join you. Get ready for more snorkeling at Osborn islet, a great place to observe great quantities of marine life.
We will head to Punta Suarez The trail is about 4 km (2 miles) long and the walk takes about 2 hours. A geyser near the trail sprays water some 25 m (75 feet) into the air. This is one of the most popular landing sites in Galapagos.
The highlights include: sea lions near the landing place, sometimes to be seen body‐surfing in the large breakers; large marine iguanas, with red‐coloured males in the breeding season; oystercatchers; blue‐ footed and Nazca boobies; Galapagos hawk; Galapagos dove; swallow‐tailed gull; red billed tropicbirds in flight; and three species endemic to Española – waved albatross (present only from April to December), Española mockingbird, and Española lava lizard.
Day 4:
This is our last day in the islands. After breakfast we will disembark in Puerto Ayora to take our transport to the Baltra airport, making a short stop to visit the Twin Craters. The Gemelos (twins) are two deep craters located to the side of the road that leads to Puerto Ayora from the other side of the island. These huge holes were probably created in a volcanic explosion or by magma chambers underneath the island´s surface.
This is also a good place to see the Galapagos hawk and barn owl of this island and the surrounding forests are filled of birds such as the vermilion flycatcher or the yellow warbler. Something worth mentioning is the contrast of the vegetation of the highlands with the arid coastal zones.
After this visit we will make our way to the Baltra airport for the flight to mainland Ecuador.
In addition to the land visits we offer a good balance of other activities such as snorkeling, panga rides and kayaking.
Day 1 Arrive Quito
Today is an arrival day into Quito. On arrival, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Arrival transfers are included for everyone, regardless of which flight you arrive on today. Premium accommodation: Swissotel Quito
Day 2 Quito/Baltra/Daphne Major
Fly 600mi (965km) across the shimmering Pacific Ocean to Baltra Airport on the Galapagos Islands. After you pass the Galapagos National Park inspection, your guide will greet you and accompany your onward journey by bus and Zodiac to board the MV Evolution. The crew will welcome you on board and help you settle into your cabin and familiarise yourself with the boat. MV Evolution is a beautiful, intimate yacht, carrying only 32 passengers at a time. Because of its size, you can enjoy a more personal experience with nature and the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands. There will be a safety briefing and chance to get to know your fellow travellers and guides. Begin this exciting voyage with a circumnavigation of Daphne Major, a paradise for sea birds including the magnificent frigatebird. As the sun sets over the Pacific, enjoy a welcome toast with your fellow voyagers and inhale the ocean views. Premium accommodation: MV Evolution
Day 3 Isabela Island/Fernandina Island
Punta Vicente Roca is at the northern edge of Isabela Island and a well-known snorkelling spot. Our landing site this morning is near an ancient volcano, which has formed two stunning turquoise coves with a protected bay. Board the Zodiac and enjoy a dramatic ride into the heart of this partially sunken volcano. Experience one of the great wildlife adventures as you take to the water and swim and snorkel among sea turtles, penguins and possibly sea horses. Today we explore the magnificent lava fields of Punta Espinosa on Fernandina. This is the youngest and most volcanically active island in the archipelago and also home to one of the biggest marine iguana colonies in the Galapagos. Look out for flightless cormorants and the extraordinary marine iguanas. The open-air decks on the Evolution are perfect for wildlife spotting, and as we cross the Bolivar Channel we may witness these immense creatures gliding through the ocean. Premium accommodation: MV Evolution
Day 4 Isabela Island
Isabela is home to diverse wildlife and several volcanoes – Cerro Azul, Sierra Negra, Darwin, Wolf and Alcedo – all of which are considered active. Hike along the uplifted section of sea floor in Urbina Bay at the base of Alcedo and marvel at the boulder-sized dried coral heads. Our expert naturalist guide will explain how this landscape formed, among a backdrop of giant tortoises, colourful land iguanas and other wildlife that feed on the vegetation. Jump on the Zodiac for a thrilling excursion to Tagus Cove, where we look for penguins, flightless cormorants and pelicans along the cliffs before snorkelling in the turquoise waters. Premium accommodation: MV Evolution
Day 5 Bartolomé/Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay
Experience nature's finest handiwork at Bartolomé Island, where we hike to the top of a dormant volcano. From here, admire the dramatic panorama of Pinnacle Rock – probably the most iconic landscape in the Galapagos. The island is dotted with craters, cinder cones, lava flows, spatter cones and broken lava tunnels which run down from the summit, creating a unique lunar landscape. Bartolomé is home to sea lions, penguins and turtles, plus a kaleidoscope of tropical fish, sea anemones, urchins and sea stars. The hike is not too strenuous and follows a set of steps to the summit; however, Zodiac drivers will take any non-hikers on a journey around the cliffs to observe the volcanic landscape. Swim and snorkel with sea lions and maybe penguins. This afternoon, hike across the unusual, swirly panoehoe lava of Sullivan Bay and see the flora colonising the landscapes. As we stroll along the coralline beach, we may spot American oystercatchers characterised by their black-and-white plumes and orange beaks. Premium accommodation: MV Evolution
Day 6 Santa Cruz Island: Bachas Beach/Rabida Island
Towards the northern end of Santa Cruz Island is the exotic Bachas Beach, a sandy white-coral stretch that is a major egg-laying site for sea turtles. It is also home to one of the last remnants from the US military’s presence in the Galapagos during the Second World War. Discover this floating pier, where Sally Lightfoot crabs, black-necked stilts and whimbrels often congregate, on our morning walk before snorkelling in the azure waters where sea turtles nest. Explore the red-sand beach of Rabida Island at the geologic centre of the archipelago, where doves, yellow warblers, mockingbirds and up to nine species of Darwin’s finches live. A small saltwater lagoon is also home to white-cheeked pintail ducks and black-necked stilts. Rabida is a great place for snorkelling and getting up close to sea lions, sea turtles and reef fish such as damsels and pufferfish. Embark on a guided kayaking excursion and watch out for brown pelicans and blue-footed boobies while savouring views of the sloping volcanic peak. Premium accommodation: MV Evolution
Day 7 Santa Cruz Island
Today we visit Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, a small, picturesque port town with restaurants, hotels, souvenir shops and other facilities. This coastal town is also home to the Charles Darwin Research Station. After breakfast on board the Evolution, learn about the giant tortoise and the vital work being done at the breeding centre. Since 1970, more than 2,000 tortoises have been hatched, raised and released from the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center at the Charles Darwin Research Station, which was founded in 1959 and was once home to Lonesome George, the last-known Pinta Island tortoise. Later, visit the Wild Tortoise Reserve in the forested highlands of Santa Cruz to see and photograph these wonderful creatures in a natural setting. Before returning to the Evolution, enjoy free time in Puerto Ayora to discover more of the town. Premium accommodation: MV Evolution
Day 8 Española Island
The relative isolation of Española has resulted in an abundance of unusual wildlife and species and subspecies that are endemic to the island, including the Española (hood) mockingbird, Española (hood) racer snake, Española (hood) lava lizard, waved albatross and brightly coloured marine iguanas. Enjoy a captivating Zodiac ride before wading ashore to Punta Suarez through a sea lion colony. Walk along the cliffs looking for waved albatrosses, Galapagos hawks, hood mockingbirds and the red-coloured race of marine iguana en route to a blowhole, where waves spout 90ft (27m) into the air. After lunch on the Evolution, swim, snorkel and kayak in the glistening waters off Gardner Bay, a long white sandy beach where sea lions laze in the sun, and schools of tropical fish swim. Owing to the sheer quantity of wildlife and variety of species on the island, Española will no doubt be one of the highlights of your Galapagos adventure. Premium accommodation: MV Evolution
Day 9 San Cristóbal Island/Quito
Discover the fascinating natural history and learn about the settlements at the Interpretation Centre in San Cristóbal, which was opened by the park in 1998, before your Galapagos adventure comes to an end. From San Cristóbal fly to Quito, where it's possible to connect with international flights later this evening. If organising your own flights, we recommend speaking to your sales representative about post-tour accommodation in Quito so you can fly home the following day and avoid any tight connections.
