Galapagos Encounter - Archipel I (Itinerary C)

Galapagos Encounter - Archipel I (Itinerary C)

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10 Days From

$8400

$6720

Galapagos Encounter - Archipel I (Itinerary C)

10 Days Starting in Quito, Ecuador and ending in Guayaquil, Ecuador

Visiting: Quito, Santa Cruz, Isabela Island, Espanola Island, Galapagos Islands, Pitt Point, San Cristobal, South Plaza, Floreana Island

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

Trip Styles:

Cruise, Small Group

From: $8400 $6720 Operator discount: -$1680 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 24-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Galapagos Encounter - Archipel I (Itinerary C)" tour, exploring the enchanting Galapagos Islands aboard the Archipel I catamaran. This seven-night adventure offers unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities, where you can capture stunning photographs of near-tame animals such as Galapagos penguins, giant tortoises, and blue-footed boobies. With a maximum of 16 passengers, enjoy personalized service and expert guidance from an experienced naturalist. The tour includes all meals, accommodation, and transport, with flights to and from the Galapagos Islands. Experience the diverse landscapes and unique ecosystems of islands like Isabela, Fernandina, and Genovesa, with activities ranging from snorkeling to guided nature walks. Relax on the spacious sundeck or unwind in the comfortable lounge, making this a truly immersive and intimate exploration of one of the world's most remarkable archipelagos.

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 Galapagos giant tortoises, blue- and red-footed boobies, and marine iguanas

  • Visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center on Santa Cruz

  • Explore the untouched ecosystems of Fernandina Island

  • Discover the unique wildlife at Puerto Egas on Santiago Island

  • Walk on the moon-like lava flow at Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island

  • Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 :

Location: Quito

Accommodation Name: Hotel Casona de la Ronda (or similar)

Land Only clients should aim to arrive at the hotel this afternoon/evening. Free transfers are available for all clients. A local guide will welcome you to Quito and explain the schedule for the next few days.

Day 2 :

Location: Quito

Accommodation Name: Hotel Casona de la Ronda (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is free to relax, recover from the flight and explore the fascinating city of Quito. Quito is the second highest capital in the world, standing at 2850m on the western cordillera of the Andes. It is one of the smaller and more attractive of the colonial capitals of South America. Because of the altitude visitors to Quito are advised to take it easy at first.

Day 3 :

Location: Santa Cruz

Accommodation Name: Archipel I

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning Fly to Galapagos: Transfer to Quito Airport and fly to Baltra Airport in the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival to the Islands, you will pass through the airport inspection point to make sure that no foreign plant 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 be waiting to take you to the yacht. Afternoon Highlands (Santa Cruz): Santa Cruz offers excellent opportunities for viewing wild Galapagos giant tortoises, roaming through pastures in the agricultural zone and in the transition zone of adjacent El Chato Tortoise Reserve.

Day 4 :

Location: Isabela Island

Accommodation Name: Archipel I

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning Cormorant Point: Please don't expect flightless cormorants at Cormorant Point (they live exclusively in West Galapagos). Instead, you may have the only opportunity in the East to spot Galapagos penguins from the dinghy, or a flamingo lagoon against the pockmarked backdrop of extinct tuff cones and scented palo santo bushes. Afternoon Post Office Bay: Bring your postcards and post them in the peculiar traditional barrel on this historic site that seems to be located at the end of the world.

Day 5 :

Location: Espanola Island, Galapagos Islands

Accommodation Name: Archipel I

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning Gardner Bay: Being one of the crown jewels of the Galapagos, Espanola gives you the exclusive opportunity to become an eyewitness of evolution. Afternoon Suarez Point: Espanola's west tip is a true birdwatcher's and photographer's dream. Feel as though you're within an exciting nature documentary and hike a short distance past the most colourful Marine iguanas.

Day 6

Location: Pitt Point

Accommodation Name: Archipel I

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning Pitt Point: Two wind sculptured tuff cones at Pitt Point constitute the easternmost end of Galapagos and were the first sight of land of HMS Beagle with Darwin aboard.

Afternoon Witch Hill: Enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the lovely setting of Witch Hill's crescent-shaped natural beach of soft powdery sand.

Day 7

Location: San Cristobal

Accommodation Name: Archipel I

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning Lobos Islet: The Asylum of Peace hike goes past a mesmerising cave and visits a fascinating freshwater spring. La Loberia beach is an ideal spot to enjoy the ocean, as well as the cute Sea lions that live there.

Afternoon Colorado Hill: One thing becomes clear on your visit to the Galapagos giant tortoise breeding centre on Colorado Hill: it's hard work to save the last local giants of San Cristobal.

Day 8

Location: South Plaza

Accommodation Name: Archipel I

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning South Plaza: Popular South Plaza is not to be missed! This bizarre 'Jurassic islet' is the best place to see the emblematic 'Galapagos dragons', which crawl across it.

Afternoon Sante Fe: Sante Fe is another crown jewel of the Galapagos, where the pale Barrington land iguana and practically every other creature is unique to the archipelago or this island alone.

Day 9

Location: Floreana Island

Accommodation Name: Archipel I

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning Champion Islet: Floreana offers some of the most spectacular snorkelling sites, such as Champion Islet. Galapagos Sea lions will be waiting to play with you if you're lucky. From the dinghy, birdwatchers will have the chance to amplify their growing spot lists with the almost extinct Charles mockingbird.

Afternoon Loberia & Asylum of Peace: The Asylum of Peach hike goes past a mesmerising cave and visits a fascinating freshwater spring. La Loberia beach is an ideal spot to enjoy the ocean, as well as the Sea lions that live there.

Day 10

Location: Santa Cruz

Meals Included: Breakfast

Morning Charles Darwin Research Station: The most memorable part of the Charles Darwin Research Station will probably be the successful breeding centre and its celebrity 'Lonesome George'.

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

What's Included

  • All breakfasts, seven lunches, seven dinners

    All meals are included during the tour, providing a variety of international and local cuisine.

  • All accommodation

    Accommodation is provided throughout the tour, including stays on the Archipel I catamaran.

  • All transport and listed activities

    Transport between islands and all listed activities are included in the tour package.

  • Tour leader throughout

    A tour leader will accompany the group throughout the journey to provide guidance and assistance.

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

    Snorkeling equipment is available for use at no additional cost during the tour.

  • Flights to and from the Galapagos Islands

    Flights to and from the Galapagos Islands are included in the tour package.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately by the traveler.

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

    Single accommodation is not included but can be requested for an additional charge.

  • Visas or vaccinations

    Visas and vaccinations are not included and are the responsibility of the traveler.

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

    Galapagos taxes are not included and must be paid locally by the traveler.

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 with a capacity of 16 passengers, featuring a spacious sundeck, loungers, dining areas, a lounge with a stocked bar, and eight air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms. The vessel is equipped with snorkeling gear and sea kayaks for guided adventures.

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 is the accommodation like on the Archipel I catamaran?

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

  • Are there any activities included during the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes various activities such as wildlife viewing, snorkeling with provided equipment, and guided adventures using sea kayaks. The itinerary also includes visits to several islands and notable sites like the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, Moreno Point, Elizabeth Bay, and more.

  • How is transportation handled between the islands during the tour?

    Transportation between the islands is often done overnight on the Archipel I catamaran, which has 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 in the tour.

  • What meals are provided during the tour?

    The tour includes all breakfasts, seven lunches, and seven dinners. Meals on board are plentiful with a wide choice of international and local cuisine, including snacks provided mid-morning and mid-afternoon.

  • Is there a naturalist guide on board the Archipel I?

    Yes, the experience on the Archipel I is enhanced by the presence of an on-board naturalist, who is an expert on the wildlife of the Galapagos.

  • 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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Operator discount: -$1680

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Operator discount: -$1680

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Operator discount: -$1680

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Operator discount: -$1680

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Operator discount: -$1830

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May 17, 2025 - May 26, 2025
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Operator discount: -$1680

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Operator discount: -$1680

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Operator discount: -$1680

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Operator discount: -$1680

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Operator discount: -$1680

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Operator discount: -$1680

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Operator discount: -$1680

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Operator discount: -$1680

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$8400 $6720

Operator discount: -$1680

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$8400 $6720

Operator discount: -$1680

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$8400 $6720

Operator discount: -$1680

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Operator discount: -$1680

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Operator discount: -$1680

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Operator discount: -$1680

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$8400
Prices last published on 22-Nov-2024

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  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

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    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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