Galapagos Encounter - Archipel I (Itinerary C)

Galapagos Encounter - Archipel I (Itinerary C)

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10 Days From

$8400

Galapagos Encounter - Archipel I (Itinerary C)

10 Days Starting in Quito and ending in Guayaquil

Visiting: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

WGAC

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 16

Physical rating:

Easy

Age range:

12-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

From: $8400

NB: Prices correct on 08-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

This eight-day northwestern tour aboard the catamaran Archipel I provides an extensive overview of the Galapagos by combining the circumnavigation of Isabela Island with excursions in the northern points of the archipelago. You also explore the untouched west, which has just been born out of fire, and the lush highlands. Visit the seabird colonies of popular North Seymour and the isolated, exclusive Genovesa. And on the spectacular volcano islet of Bartolomé and the lava flow at Sullivan Bay, you will certainly be impressed by the creative forces and fascinating pioneer species.

Highlights

  • Seven nights aboard Archipel I exploring the Galapagos Islands

  • Experience incredible wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities with near-tame animals

  • High chance of spotting flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, Galapagos giant tortoises, whitetip reef sharks, blue- and red-footed boobies, American frigatebirds, land and marine iguanas, waved albatrosses and short-eared owls

  • Fantastic on-board service with experienced naturalist guide

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Quito

The adventure starts in Quito, aim to arrive at the hotel this afternoon/evening. Free transfers are available for all clients – check the Joining Instructions for more information. A local guide will welcome you to Quito and explain the schedule for the next few days.



Accommodation: Hotel Casona de la Ronda (or similar)

Day 2 : Discover Quito At Your Leisure

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is free to relax, recover from the flight and explore the fascinating city of Quito, the second-highest capital in the world, standing at 9,350ft (2,850m) on the western cordillera of the Andes. It is one of the smaller and more attractive of the colonial capitals in South America. Because of the altitude, visitors to Quito are advised to take it easy at first.



Accommodation: Hotel Casona de la Ronda (or similar)

Day 3 : Fly To Baltra Airport And Visit The Fausto Llerena Breeding Center On Santa Cruz

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning: Fly to Galapagos



Transfer to Quito Airport and fly to Baltra Airport in the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival, you pass through the airport inspection point to make sure no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the island, and to pay the national park entrance fee. Your guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbour where a dinghy will take you to the yacht.



Afternoon: Fausto Llerena Breeding Center (Santa Cruz)



On a tour of the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, you can see the tortoises of Española Island, ending in the tortoise exhibit corral. Tortoises of this corral are accustomed to humans – an excellent chance to capture a photo for your wall back home.



Accommodation: Archipel I

Day 4 : Isabela Island

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning: Moreno Point



Fresh, promising greens of pioneer vegetation contrast strongly with the dead, pitch-black lava flow that once reached the ocean at Moreno Point.



Afternoon: Elizabeth Bay



At the remote Elizabeth Bay, enjoy the best dinghy ride in the Galapagos, which combines a visit to the Marielas Islets in the mouth of the bay with the highest mangles in its innermost heart.



Accommodation: Archipel I

Day 5 : Isabela And Fernandina Islands

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning: Tagus Cove (Isabela)



Tagus Cove is a historic anchorage at the northern entrance of Bolivar Channel (between Isabela and Fernandina).



Afternoon: Espinoza Point (Fernandina)



Westernmost Fernandina harbours untouched ecosystems – a crown jewel of the Galapagos.



Accommodation: Archipel I

Day 6 : Santiago And Rabida Islands

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning: Puerto Egas (Santiago)



Puerto Egas is the favourite site on Santiago for wildlife lovers and the best place in the archipelago to observe Galapagos fur seals.



Afternoon: Rabida



Upon landing at this remarkable red beach, you are usually greeted by a large bachelor colony of Galapagos sea lions.



Accommodation: Archipel I

Day 7 : Bachas Beach (Santa Cruz) And Mosquera Islet

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning: Bachas Beach (Santa Cruz)



The blinding white Bachas Beach is full of natural life and one of the most important breeding sites for Pacific green turtles.



Afternoon: Mosquera Islet



Mosquera has beautiful white coral sands that contrast with the blue water to attract Galapagos sea lions. During a beach walk, you can also observe numerous species of waders and sanderlings.



Accommodation: Archipel I

Day 8 : Genovesa Island

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning: Prince Philip's Steps



Genovesa has a royal touch. Follow in the footsteps of Prince Philip – who admired the Galapagos for many years – and visit this favourite birding spot, home to the largest breeding colonies of red-footed and nazca boobies and short-eared owls, which hunt on foot.



Afternoon: Darwin Bay



One of the outer islands and among the most exclusive spots on the Galapagos, Genovesa is well worth last night's longer navigation. This compact site displays the varied coastal ecosystems of the Galapagos in miniature – nearly too much for a single day.



Accommodation: Archipel I

Day 9 : Bartolomé And Santiago

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning: Bartolomé



This tiny volcano islet is just recently born out of fire. Enter its wild setting of spatter cones and craters and admire beautiful panoramas of the Galapagos.



Afternoon: Sullivan Bay (Santiago)



Sullivan Bay is incomparable to any other site; setting foot on the recently solidified lava flow is like walking on the moon.



Accommodation: Archipel I

Day 10 : Disembark Santa Cruz; Fly Baltra To Guayaquil And End

Meals Included: Breakfast

Morning: El Chato Reserve – Twin Craters (Santa Cruz)



El Chato Reserve is a protected area and part of the Galapagos National Park. It extends from Cerro El Chato as far down as the southwestern coast of Santa Cruz Island.



Afternoon: Transfer to Baltra Airport



Assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew members, the dinghy will bring you and your luggage to Baltra, where we take the airport shuttle. From here, we fly to Guayaquil where it's possible to connect with international flights from 6pm onwards.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts, seven lunches, seven dinners

  • All accommodation

  • All transport and listed activities

  • Tour leader throughout

  • Snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel and fins) available free of charge on board

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • Visas or vaccinations

  • Compulsory Galapagos taxes US$120 (US$220 as of August 1st, 2024), paid locally

Food

All breakfasts, seven lunches and seven dinners are included.



On board meals are plentiful with a wide choice of international and local cuisine. Breakfasts usually consist of cheese, meats, eggs, cereal, toasts, yoghurts, and fruits. Snacks are provided mid-morning and mid-afternoon, and for lunches and dinner soup usually precedes the main course.



Alcoholic drinks are available on board (approximately US$4 per beer, US$35 for a bottle of wine, around US$8 for selected cocktails) and the crew request you do not bring your own alcohol with you. Drinking water, tea, coffee, and juice is freely available at no additional charge.



Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this trip – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so our local team can be well prepared.

Accommodation

Cruise around the Galapagos on Archipel I, a catamaran overseen by nine crew members. On top is a spacious sundeck (come here for stretching views over the Pacific Ocean and islands), plus loungers and a dining area.



Inside, there’s a lounge with a stocked bar and another dining space. Additionally, the vessel has eight cabins: two with double beds and six with two single beds; all have air conditioning and private bathrooms.



The experience is undoubtedly enhanced by the on-board naturalist, an expert on the wildlife of the Galapagos. The vessel also has four double sea kayaks and snorkeling equipment, which we can use on guided adventures.



Boat specifications:



Catamaran

16-passenger capacity with two double cabins and six twin cabins

Crew: Nine plus one naturalist guide

Length: 88ft (27m)

Beam: 36ft (11m)



Take a virtual tour of the Archipel I: www.catamaranarchipel.com/VR/ARCHIPELL.html



Worth knowing



Single rooms can be arranged for a supplement for the hotel nights in Quito, subject to availability – please enquire at the time of booking. We cannot offer single cabins on the catamaran; therefore, solo guests will be paired with another guest of the same sex for the seven nights on board.

Travelling between islands is often done overnight, so expect some cabin noise and movement.

Mode of Transport

Travel between islands is often done overnight on the Archipel I catamaran, with a capacity of 16 passengers. Transfers include a short bus ride to the harbor and a dinghy to the yacht. Flights to and from the Galapagos Islands are included.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on the Galapagos Encounter tour?

    During the Galapagos Encounter tour, you have a high chance of spotting a variety of wildlife including flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, Galapagos giant tortoises, whitetip reef sharks, blue- and red-footed boobies, American frigatebirds, land and marine iguanas, waved albatrosses, and short-eared owls.

  • What activities are included during the cruise on Archipel I?

    The cruise on Archipel I includes guided adventures with snorkeling and sea kayaking, wildlife viewing, and photographic opportunities. You will also have the chance to explore various islands and enjoy the on-board service with an experienced naturalist guide.

  • What is the accommodation like on the Archipel I catamaran?

    The Archipel I catamaran features a spacious sundeck, loungers, a dining area, a lounge with a stocked bar, and another dining space. It has eight cabins, two with double beds and six with two single beds, all equipped with air conditioning and private bathrooms. The vessel is overseen by nine crew members and an expert naturalist guide.

  • Are there any special arrangements for solo travelers on the Archipel I?

    Solo travelers cannot have single cabins on the catamaran. They will be paired with another guest of the same sex for the seven nights on board. However, single rooms can be arranged for a supplement for the hotel nights in Quito, subject to availability.

  • What should I expect regarding meals during the tour?

    All breakfasts, seven lunches, and seven dinners are included in the tour. On board, meals are plentiful with a wide choice of international and local cuisine. Snacks are provided mid-morning and mid-afternoon, and for lunches and dinner, soup usually precedes the main course. Drinking water, tea, coffee, and juice are freely available at no additional charge.

  • Is there any special equipment provided for activities during the tour?

    Yes, snorkel equipment including a mask, snorkel, and fins is available free of charge on board the Archipel I.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
Ann B (Google Reviewer)  

We had a week walking...

08-Oct-2024

We had a week walking and wine in the Duro valley with two local guides Louis and Theresa. They were both exceptional, knowledgeable, professional and funny. Our group of 11 had a great time. This was a premium tour. Our 4 star hotels were both well located clean and with great views. We had several local meals arranged by our guides with local people cooking for us. We did not meet any other walkers during our hikes only two shepherds. I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the local produce and wine. We both felt as we had learnt a lot about Portugal during this tour. We will use Exodus again. One of our group had done 30 tours with Exodus over the years. Quite an endorsement.

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

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  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

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  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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