Classic Galapagos: The Natural Habitat Experience 2019-2020 (S/C Nemo III)

10 days with Natural Habitat Adventures Rating:

Itinerary

Day 1: Quito, Ecuador

Upon arrival at the airport in Quito, you are met by our local representative and transferred to the historic Old Town about an hour away. Settle into your luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the colonial quarter and enjoy dinner at your pleasure this evening at one of Quito’s many fine restaurants.

Day 2: Exploring Quito

After breakfast, embark upon a full day of discovery in Ecuador’s historic capital. Heralded as Latin America’s most beautifully preserved colonial city, Quito’s Old Town is filled with cobblestone lanes, elegant plazas and monuments, and ornate gilded churches and monasteries. Your tour of the historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, may include the 16th-century Church and Convent of San Francisco and the baroque splendor of La Compañia Church with its gleaming gold-leaf interior. Along the way, we'll pause for a leisurely lunch of traditional Ecuadorian food in a classic local restaurant. Visit Independence Plaza, the original center of Quito from which we view the Archbishop’s Palace, Cathedral and Presidential Palace. And take in a sweeping view of the city and surrounding volcanic peaks from the overlook at Itchimbia or Panecillo Hill. As the sun sets over Quito, enjoy a welcome dinner with our local guide.

Day 3: Quito / Baltra, Galapagos Islands / Sombrero Chino

Depart early this morning for the return drive to the Quito airport and our flight to the Galapagos Islands. Landing on Baltra, we meet our Expedition Leaders who accompany us to the pier where the Ocean Spray awaits. After getting settled into our staterooms, we join our guides for a safety briefing and an orientation to the adventures that lie ahead. Following lunch, we make our first landing at Sombrero Chino, a small island is located just off the southeastern tip of Santiago. Its Spanish name references the island's unique shape—like a traditional Chinese hat—formed by volcanic activity ages ago. The island is home to a colony of sea lions that lolls on the white coral sand beach. A short hike takes us to rare, well-preserved remnants of fragile volcanic rock. Our first snorkeling opportunity reveals some of the Galapagos' fascinating marine life—which may include a resident penguin family that frequently joins us for a swim.

Day 4: Isabela—Punta Vicente Roca / Fernandina—Punta Espinoza

We reach Isabela today, the largest of the Galapagos Islands. Shaped like a sea horse, it was created when six volcanoes flowed together. Beginning at Punta Vicente Roca, we'll snorkel at a spot where we're practically guaranteed to swim with sea turtles, and if time allows we'll take a panga ride along a shoreline brimming with wildlife. Chances are good for sightings of Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, brown noddies and Galapagos fur seals. After lunch, the Ocean Spray crosses the Bolivar Channel en route to Fernandina, the youngest of the islands. Keep your camera poised in case we spy whales and dolphins in the passage.

Fernandina has one of the most dynamic and pristine ecosystems on the planet, with vivid evidence of recent volcanic activity. An eruption in 2009 sent lava flowing all the way to the sea, providing a stark backdrop for wildlife viewing. We land at Punta Espinoza, where a surprising variety of life flourishes on the rippling hardened lava: flightless cormorants nest on the rocks, sea lions sprawl on the beach, huge colonies of marine iguanas bask in the sun, while Galapagos hawks soar overhead. Bright orange Sally Lightfoot crabs pepper the black rocks at water's edge, a vivid counterpoint to the turquoise sea. A snorkeling excursion offers a good chance to see sea turtles and submerged marine iguanas feeding on algae.

Day 5: Isabela—Tagus Cove / Urbina Bay

Back on Isabela, spend the morning in Tagus Cove, where we find graffiti dating to the 1800s, when pirates and whalers carved their ship names into the rock above a historic anchorage. Look for Galapagos penguins and pelicans as we snorkel. Then, choose between a hike among the volcanic tuff cones for a closer look at the island's geological history and views of Darwin's Lagoon, or a panga ride, where we're sure to see blue-footed boobies perched on the cliff ledges, as well as brown pelicans, brown noddies and flightless cormorants.

At Urbina Bay this afternoon, witness one of the best examples of geological uplift in the archipelago, a phenomenon that occurs when molten rock beneath the surface suddenly shifts. In 1954, the shoreline was heaved upward nearly 15 feet, exposing coral and stranding marine organisms above the water on what is now the shore. Urbina is home to nesting sea turtles and a colony of some of the islands’ largest land iguanas. We also look for Galapagos tortoise, penguins, flightless cormorants and a variety of Darwin's finches. After a walk, there's a chance to snorkel right from the beach in hopes of seeing feeding sea turtles and Galapagos penguins.

Day 6: Isabela—Elizabeth Bay / Punta Moreno

On the southern side of Isabela, we enter Elizabeth Bay to explore a sprinkling of islets, a lagoon frequented by sea turtles, and surrounding red and black mangroves filled with birdlife. On a panga ride, search for resting and feeding sea turtles along with lava herons, Galapagos penguins, rays and flightless cormorants. In the afternoon, we sail farther west to Punta Moreno, home to several endemic species on the seemingly barren lava flows. The point is located between two volcanoes, Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul, and we step ashore to walk atop the hardened lava. At first glance, the corrugated rock landscape appears lifeless. However, the smooth, ropy black surface is dotted with numerous shallow lagoons harboring a wide variety of birdlife. Commonly seen species include flamingos, paint-billed crakes, white-cheeked pintails, herons and cormorants. We’ll also see endemic Galapagos flora taking root on this young, barren lava flow, including giant opuntia cactus, Palo Santo trees, carob trees and lichens. The protected waters of Moreno Bay are surrounded by mangroves—ideal habitat for sea turtles, which we may spy as we snorkel.

Day 7: Santa Cruz—Darwin Station / Natural Habitat's Tortoise Camp

On Santa Cruz this morning, visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, run in tandem by Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here, we learn about the efforts by scientists, guides, rangers and park managers to conserve the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the Galapagos. At the tortoise-rearing facility, see tiny babies bred to help increase the depleted tortoise population, a central focus of the station's conservation mission. To date, the program has returned more than 10,000 tortoises to the wild.

Late this afternoon, we ascend into the misty highlands of Santa Cruz to arrive at NHA's exclusive Tortoise Camp, where we’ll spend the night. Our private camp, which offers safari-style tents and treehouses with distant views of the ocean, is tucked among lush vegetation that attracts giant tortoises (most commonly seen from July through February). While our accommodations are rustic, the proximity they offer to wild tortoises is second to none. We'll have a chance to view these ancient, amiable creatures in their natural setting—and they often amble right into camp. Nearby, we can also explore a network of subterranean lava tubes and caverns. Please note: At times, the camp may be closed due to poor weather conditions.

Day 8: Santa Cruz Highlands / Santa Fe

Our exploration of Santa Cruz continues with time to further roam the grounds of Tortoise Camp this morning, or a visit to a nearby tortoise reserve, depending on where we are likely to find more of these ancient island denizens—their location varies seasonally. Returning to the Ocean Spray, we have lunch aboard, then sail for Santa Fe, home to a large population of sea lions, lava lizards, the unique Santa Fe land iguana and the Opuntia, or prickly pear, cactus. On a short hike through a cacti forest, look for endemic land iguanas that wait patiently underneath for fruit to drop. Returning to our catamaran, we go deep-water snorkeling around a small islet, a natural aquarium with great reef diversity. Then choose to paddle a kayak or take a panga ride along the island’s northern coast, where large cliffs and sea caves are used for nesting and roosting by many species of marine birds, as well as basking green sea turtles and sea lions.

Day 9: Española—Punta Suarez / Gardner Bay / Osborn Islet

Española is one of the most prolific wildlife sites in the Galapagos. Estimated to be about 4 million years old, Española is far enough away from the other islands that it is home to the greatest number of endemic species in the Galapagos, as well as dramatic landscapes sculpted by millions of years of erosion. At Punta Suarez, we hike on the headlands in search of abundant birdlife, hoping to see Hood mockingbirds, blue-footed boobies, nesting swallow-tailed gulls and Galapagos hawks. Española is also the world's main nesting site for the huge waved albatross.

Returning to our catamaran, lunch is served aboard as we sail to Gardner Bay, famed for its long white-sand beach that is home to dozens of sea lions. Paddle or ride a panga along the island’s north shore to see a cliff formed by eroded cinder cones and layers of old basalt, prime habitat for giant cacti and many different bird species. Then, snorkel around Osborn Islet, just one of the many little islands offshore that invite underwater exploration. Look for Pacific green sea turtles, which also frequent the rocky part of the shoreline edging Gardner Bay. Or just laze with the sea lions on the idyllic beach as we spend a relaxing afternoon on the bay. Back on board, it's time for farewell cocktails and a final celebratory dinner.

Day 10: San Cristobal / Quito / Depart

On our final morning in the Galapagos, we arrive at San Cristobal, the island where Darwin first landed in 1835 and where the Galapagos’ first permanent settlements were established. After disembarking the Ocean Spray, we visit an interpretation center for a concluding overview of Galapagos history, ecosystems, geology and wildlife. Giant tortoises also roam the grounds in a semi-natural habitat. Transferring to the airport, we board our flight back to the mainland. Upon arrival at the Quito airport, travelers leaving on overnight flights have the opportunity to transfer to a hotel located just minutes away, offering a chance to refresh and relax in a comfortable day room before departure. A complimentary shuttle will return you to the airport in time for your evening flight.

Map

All This Included

Six hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador, surrounded by open ocean, a volcanic archipelago straddles the Equator. The Galapagos Islands, forged of black lava and named for the giant tortoises that are among its most noted inhabitants, are like no place else on Earth. Home to a profuse array of unique wildlife, the islands offer an immersion in nature that feels primeval, where iguanas and penguins and blue-footed boobies share the beaches with us, unconcerned by our presence. Herman Melville called the Galapagos Las Islas Encantadas—the "Enchanted Isles"—an apt moniker for a realm that remains otherworldly, even today. Choose among two intimate yachts: our classic Letty or the luxury motor catamaran Ocean Spray.

Activities, accommodations and land transportation as detailed in the itinerary
Airport transfers when using our preferred hotels
Meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on the final day
Drinking water throughout the trip
Soft drinks (soda, coffee, tea and juice) at meals
Local beer and house wine with dinner aboard the Letty and the Ocean Spray
Snorkeling gear and wetsuit
Services of Natural Habitat Adventures professional Expedition Leaders
Most gratuities, taxes and service charges

Highlights

Our flagship itinerary is an immersive exploration of the Galapagos, with a full week aboard privately chartered motor yachts that carry just 16–20 guests
Snorkel with sea lions, swim with turtles, sunbathe with iguanas, scout for whales, and spend a night with wild tortoises at our private camp in the highlands of Santa Cruz
Travel with the most highly trained naturalist guides in the Galapagos—each trip is led by two Expedition Leaders, for the best guide-to-guest ratio in the islands

Accommodations

Quito: Patio Andaluz
Cruising: Cabin onboard S/C Nemo III
Santa Cruz: Natural Habitat's Tortoise Camp

Pre and Post Add-ons

Extra Day in Quito - 2 Days / Year-Round, From $435

Begin your Galapagos adventure with an overview of Ecuador's historic capital, including a tour of the magnificent Old Town, South America's best-preserved colonial quarter.

Guided Machu Picchu Adventure - 6 Days / Year-Round, From $3995

This journey through Peru's Sacred Valley takes us to the famed "Lost City of the Incas" where our guide unveils this remarkable archaeological phenomenon.

Amazon Lodge Extension - 4 or 5 Days / Custom, From $1595

Journey to Ecuador's Amazon Basin where we stay in secluded jungle lodges and explore the rich biodiversity of the rain forest habitat on foot and by traditional dugout canoe.

Notes

Cabin upgrades are available.
Group Size Limit: 16-20 Travelers.
The itinerary provided is meant as a guideline, and is subject to change without notice. On rare occasions, it may be necessary to deviate from our regular itinerary for reasons beyond our control. In these instances we will provide the best available alternative.
Not Included: Round-trip transportation from your home city to Quito, Ecuador, round-trip flight between Quito and the Galapagos (added to your invoice), items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, etc.), alcoholic and other beverages (other than those described above), Galapagos National Park Fee ($100 for adults, $50 for children 11 and under) and $20 per person Transit Control Card (added to your invoice), some gratuities, required medical evacuation insurance, travel insurance, airline baggage fees, optional activities.
Internal airfare is an additional $550 per person for adults or $350 per person for children 11 years old and younger. The Galapagos National Park Fee and Transit Card is an additional $120 per person for adults or $70 per person for children 11 years old and younger.
Elevation: Please note that the first two nights of this adventure are spent in Quito at an elevation of 9,400 feet. The relative lack of oxygen at these elevations may manifest in altitude-sickness symptoms that can include headaches, dizziness, tiredness and nausea during the first few hours or days spent at elevation. Hydration and rest usually help symptoms to resolve, though participants may wish to talk with their doctor about taking along a prescription for a medication such as Diamox to better manage potential physical reactions to high altitude.
On the final day, you are free to depart from Quito after 9 pm
Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

Terms and Conditions

For Natural Habitat Adventures terms and conditions, please click here.

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines.

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