Galapagos Discovered - 6 days
6 Days Starting and ending in Quito, Ecuador
Visiting: Quito, San Cristobal Island, Galapagos Islands, Espanola Island, Floreana Island, Santa Cruz
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1432/GALD
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
5-90
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 6-day journey with "Galapagos Discovered," exploring the enchanting Galapagos Islands and Ecuador's vibrant capital, Quito. Begin your adventure in Quito, where you can independently explore its charming streets before setting sail on the luxurious M/C Anahi catamaran. With a capacity for just 16 passengers, this first-class vessel offers an intimate experience, complete with spacious cabins, a jacuzzi, and delectable local cuisine. Discover the breathtaking wildlife and landscapes of the Galapagos through guided excursions, snorkeling, and kayaking. Visit San Cristobal Island's Interpretation Centre, Espanola Island's Punta Suarez, and Floreana Island's flamingo-filled lagoons. Conclude your voyage on Santa Cruz Island, home to the renowned tortoise breeding center. This small group tour promises unforgettable encounters with nature's wonders, all while enjoying the comfort and elegance of the M/C Anahi.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Quito
Location: Quito
Meals Included: Breakfast
Monday. Upon arrival at Quito airport you will be met by an English speaking guide and transferred to your hotel in the city. The remains of the day is free for you to explore Quito or simply relax.
Day 2 : Galapagos Islands
Location: San Cristobal Island, Galapagos Islands
Accommodation Name: M/C Anahi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Quito - Galapagos. This morning, transfer back to the airport for your flight to San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos, where your guide will be waiting for you. Transfer to the M/C Anahi which will be your home for the next 4 days. Settle into your cabin and enjoy lunch onboard before your tour of the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands begins. San Cristobal is one of the easternmost of the Galapagos Islands and the site where Charles Darwin landed in 1835, marking the start of his romance with this fascinating archipelago. Our first port of call here is the San Cristobal Interpretation Centre, which offers intriguing insight into the history of the island and its development over time in regards to its flora and fauna, populace and conservation efforts. Later we will take a walk up the picturesque Tijeretas Hill, boasting spectacular views of the island. Here there will also be the chance to go snorkelling in a nearby inlet, and perhaps you’ll even be lucky enough to spot a sight only seen here – of two species of frigate birds nesting in the same colony.
Day 3 : Espanola Island
Location: Espanola Island
Accommodation Name: M/C Anahi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will explore Espanola, one of the oldest islands within the archipelago – dating back some 3.3 million years, and also one of its prettiest. Due to its distance from the other islands, Espanola is home to an incredible number of endemic species including the albatross, a variety of mocking birds, lava lizards and even Darwin’s finches. We will start the morning by exploring Punta Suarez, situated on the western side of the island, where you will hopefully be able to spot some of the island’s unique birdlife. Later in the afternoon we will make our way to the northern coat to Gardener Bay, home to an enormous colony of sea lions which can be seen lazing on the beach and rocks during breeding season.
Day 4 : Floreana Island
Location: Floreana Island
Accommodation Name: M/C Anahi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our next port of call is Floreana. Although one of the smallest islands in the Galapagos, Floreana certainly makes up for what it lacks in size with its fascinating history. Home to one of the first settlements in the archipelago, this small island was once thriving with pirates and whalers. Floreana also boasts unprecedented flora, thanks to its nutrient-rich soil, and stunning beaches. Here we will enjoy a morning excursion to Punta Cormorant on the northern coast, where we will discover a beautiful lagoon thriving with flamingos and a fine sand beach, which is a nesting area for sea turtles. Later we will cruise out to the Devil’s Crown – a collapsed volcanic crown and perhaps one of the best snorkelling sites in the Galapagos Islands, where you can spot submarine life such as sea turtles, Galapagos sharks, moray eels and sea lines. Outside of the crown is a good place to see hammerhead sharks. This afternoon we will visit historic Post Office Bay, which is where travelling seamen would leave letters in a wooden barrel with the hopes that the next person to come along might be able to take their letter in the right direction. Today, this tradition lives on with the tourists who visit the Galapagos. It's possible to send a letter or postcard from Post Office Bay without stamp, all you have to do in return is pick up a letter that is directed to where you live.
Day 5 : Santa Cruz
Location: Santa Cruz
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our last stop will be Santa Cruz, the second largest of the islands, located at the centre of the archipelago. We will kick off the morning with a tour of Charles Darwin Station, which takes in the famous tortoise breeding centre. The Galapagos breeding program sees eggs are brought from the Galapagos Islands of Pinzon, Santiago and Santa Cruz to the station where they are incubated artificially; the galapaguitos are born and reared until the age of 5 years, and when they can survive the effects of introduced predators they are returned to their native areas. There is also a breeding program for iguanas. After this visit, you'll be transferred to the airport on Baltra Island for your flight back to Quito. Upon arrival you'll be met and transferred to your hotel in Quito for your final night at leisure in the capital.
Day 6 : Quito
Location: Quito
Meals Included: Breakfast
Saturday. Arrangements end after breakfast and hotel check out today.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3 star hotel & first class cruise -
2 nights 3 star hotel in Quito
Stay in a standard room, including breakfast, with an option to upgrade to a suite upon request.
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4 day Galapagos Cruise
Enjoy 3 nights onboard the M/C Anahi catamaran in a twin or double cabin, on the main deck with en suite and A/C, with an option to upgrade to a suite upon request.
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Meals
5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners are included.
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Quito airport arrival transfer
Receive a transfer on day 1 with an English speaking guide.
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Galapagos flights
Flights from Quito to San Cristobal and Baltra to Quito, including airport and port transfers.
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Complementary soft drinks onboard
Enjoy tea, coffee, and water, plus welcome and farewell drinks.
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Crew and guide services
The services of 9 crew members and an experienced English speaking Naturalist guide are included.
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Guided Galapagos excursions
Two guided excursions per day are included.
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Kayaking and snorkelling
Enjoy these activities at permitted points, with wetsuits available for hire onboard for an additional fee.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
These are not included in the tour package.
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Airport departure transfer on day 6
This transfer is not included.
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Tips for the crew and drivers
Gratuities for the crew and drivers are not included.
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Galapagos National Park entrance fee and Migration Control Card
The entrance fee is US$200 per person and the Migration Control Card is US$20 per person, subject to change.
Age Policy
OTG minimum age 5 - parents have to sign a release of responsibility for children.
Accommodation
Stay at the Ikala Quito Hotel, a charming property with 44 rooms in colonial houses, offering ensuite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and a rooftop terrace. Enjoy three nights aboard the M/C Anahi, a first-class catamaran with spacious cabins, a jacuzzi, and a dining area with panoramic views.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes flights from Quito to San Cristobal and Baltra to Quito, with airport and port transfers. Enjoy a 4-day Galapagos cruise aboard the M/C Anahi catamaran, offering a comfortable and intimate setting for up to 16 passengers.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the Galapagos cruise?
During the Galapagos cruise, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including penguins, turtles, fish, albatross, mocking birds, lava lizards, Darwin's finches, sea lions, flamingos, sea turtles, Galapagos sharks, moray eels, sea lions, and possibly hammerhead sharks.
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What activities are available on the M/C Anahi catamaran?
On the M/C Anahi catamaran, you can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking. There are also observation decks and lounges for stargazing or soaking up the sunshine, and a jacuzzi for relaxation.
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What is the accommodation like on the M/C Anahi yacht?
The M/C Anahi yacht offers spacious and well-appointed cabins with large windows for breathtaking views. Each en suite cabin is air-conditioned and furnished with cozy amenities. There are six standard cabins on the main deck and two suites on the upper deck.
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Are there any special dining experiences on the M/C Anahi?
Yes, the M/C Anahi offers a delightful dining experience with a range of dishes inspired by local and international cuisines, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Meals are served in a spacious dining area with panoramic views.
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What is the history of Floreana Island?
Floreana Island has a fascinating history as one of the first settlements in the Galapagos archipelago. It was once thriving with pirates and whalers and is known for its nutrient-rich soil and stunning beaches.
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What is the significance of Post Office Bay on Floreana Island?
Post Office Bay on Floreana Island is a historic site where traveling seamen would leave letters in a wooden barrel, hoping the next visitor would take them in the right direction. This tradition continues today with tourists who can send a letter or postcard without a stamp by picking up a letter directed to their home area.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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