Galapagos Islands - in Darwin's Footsteps

Day 1 : Quito

Founded on an ancient Inca settlement, Quito straddles the equator in a high valley. At 9,350 ft this is the second highest capital city in the world, and the views of the nearby mountains remind you at all times of your Andean location. If you have time in the evening, make sure you visit the Calle La Ronda, an ancient pedestrianised street with links to poets and artists who have lived here. It’s full of shops and cafes, and there are many handicrafts available for sale here.

Day 2 : Quito

Today you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Quito’s remarkable Old Town – one of the largest and best-preserved colonial-era quarters in South America. Wander through cobblestone streets as you admire the architecture – and sample some delicious chocolate made from finest Ecuadorian cacao along the way.

Day 3 : Quito > Baltra Island, Galapagos

After breakfast fly to Baltra Island and transfer to the port to board the Santa Cruz II. First stop is Mosquera Islet, a small piece of volcanic uplift that sits between the larger islands of Baltra and North Seymour. A long and narrow sand bank is surrounded by lava reefs, and this is home to one of the largest colonies of sea lions in the Galapagos. Hop aboard a small expedition boat and head ashore, where you’ll see the sea lions basking in the sun. This will be your first glimpse of the amazing diversity and richness of these islands, and the islet is thronged with many seabirds, including Blue-footed Boobies, as well as Sally Lightfoot crabs. The walk is easy, only a few hundred yards across flat and sandy dunes, and you’ll learn more about the fragile marine and terrestrial ecosystems of the Galapagos from your guides as we explore.

Day 4 : San Cristobal

Docking in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the archipelago’s capital, we transfer to Cerro Colorado to visit a breeding centre for the highly endangered giant tortoise. In the afternoon, our small expedition boats take you to Punta Pitt at the eastern tip of the island. This unusual point consists of an eroded volcanic cone, and there’s a trail here that provides spectacular views of the coastline. Punta Pitt is the only site in the Galápagos where you might see three species of boobies. The Blue-footed Boobie is easily recognised for its, well, blue feet! Enjoy a nature walk on land, or explore the coast aboard one of our small expedition boats. Snorkelling and swimming is excellent in the clear water here, and you might see sea lions performing their underwater acrobatics over the reef.

Day 5 : Santa Fe > South Plaza Island

After breakfast, we´ll set foot on an idyllic white sand beach on the island of Santa Fe and go on a scenic nature walk. The island is home to a colony of sea lions, as well as the endemic Barrington land iguana, which can usually be spotted sitting among the giant prickly pear cacti or lounging on rocks in the sun. If you want to get a peek at the under-water world, you could join a trip in the glass-bottomed boat. The kayaks are ready too, so why not discover this beautiful and wild island at your own pace. After lunch it’s off to South Plaza Island. Going there, we´ll pass through a channel where the turquoise waters are offset by the white sandy beaches, which in turn contrast sharply with the black lava rocks. Along the shore, we might spot Frigatebirds, Swallow-tailed gulls and Shearwaters, gliding on the breeze.

Day 6 : Santa Cruz

This morning we’ll head ashore at Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the archipelago, situated on Santa Cruz Island. It’s here that we’ll drop in on the Charles Darwin Research Station, where over 200 scientists and volunteers are working to conserve the wildlife of the Galápagos. Visit the breeding enclosures where you can see baby tortoises in incubators, and Darwin’s famous finches. After experiencing the Opuntia Cactus Forest we’ll enjoy lunch in the highlands – greener and cooler than the coastal plains. Here the most giant tortoises roam in their natural habitat. They are easy to spot, lumbering around, munching on grass and wallowing in pools. The afternoon’s options include mountain biking, kayaking or walking to beautiful Tortuga Bay, a seasonal nesting site for green turtles.

Day 7 : Espanola

Said to be one of the oldest islands at four million years, Española is also the most southerly in the archipelago. A magnet for birders, almost the entire world population of Waved Albatrosses breeds here between March and January. Be on the lookout for Nazca Boobies, Blue-footed Boobies, and Swallow-tailed Gulls. Also keep your eyes peeled for the Española lava lizard, which has a strikingly red hue, as well as highly coloured marine iguanas.

Speaking of wildlife, there was good news in 2020 when a rare tortoise was found to have sired over 900 children. Diego, who is over 100 years old, was on loan from San Diego Zoo, and may have almost singlehandedly saved his subspecies from extinction. Because of his remarkable efforts he now lives in retirement on Española with his extended family and is expected to live to around 150.

In the afternoon, the postcard-pretty coral beach of Gardner Bay and the nearby Osborn Islet provide beautiful settings for observing sea lions, Mockingbirds, and finches as you take your time to simply relax or go for a dip in the water.

Day 8 : Eden Islet > North Seymour

Eden Islet is a sliver of volcanic cone poking up through the sea with an abundance of wildlife including Galápagos green turtles, rays and some friendly reef sharks. Snorkelling, glass-bottomed boat rides and kayaking are available. After lunch we’ll head for the island of North Seymour. This small and mostly flat piece of land was created when a volcanic eruption lifted up the seabed, which is why it looks so smooth and eroded. This is a great site to observe colonies of Blue-footed Boobies, Frigatebirds, and Swallow-tailed Gulls. Sea lions and marine iguanas also call North Seymour home, happy to feast on the sea life in the rich waters here.

Day 9 : Baltra Island > Quito

As your expedition cruise comes to a close, it’s time to bid farewell to the bounteous wildlife and amazing scenery of one of the world’s most incredible nature destinations. We’ll also say farewell to our wonderful crew and Expedition Team as we will disembark at Baltra Island. Fly back to Quito where arrangements end.