A Company

Galápagos Islands Expedition

in Darwin’s Footsteps

SOLD OUT

Departure date
Unknown
Duration
9 days
Ship

Cruise Overview

Darwin expedition cruise to the Galápagos Islands 2023 & 2024

Join us on a journey of ecological discovery as we travel in Charles Darwin’s footsteps to explore the natural wonders of the Galápagos Islands.

Eastern Itinerary 

We offer you unique expedition cruises to sail in the footsteps of Darwin. Our Eastern itinerary explores San Cristobal, the first of the four Galapagos island visited by Darwin in 1835, and the easternmost landmass of the archipelago. We will also call at Mosquera Islet, see the land iguanas of Santa Fe and South Plaza, the giant turtles of Santa Cruz, and the amazing bird colonies of Española, Eden Islet, and North Seymour. The landings cover a wide array of ecosystems, spectacular landscapes, and great opportunities for wildlife watching, including most of the iconic animals of Galapagos. 

Begin your adventure with two nights at a hotel in Quito, one of South America’s most charming capitals. This World Heritage city of graceful Spanish-era architecture is packed with cosy restaurants and small artisanal shops. From here we’ll pay a visit to an active volcano and go on a nature walk in stunning surroundings, as well as experiencing a vibrant open-air market.   

After we fly to the Galápagos, step aboard Santa Cruz II – our comfortable and stylish expedition vessel ideally suited to remote adventures. You’ll take part in an unforgettable cruise and experience the very best the UNESCO protected Galápagos has to offer. The onboard facilities are excellent, and you can look forward to mouth-watering dishes prepared by our chefs, as well as comfortable cabins to relax in after each exciting day of discovery.    

When the English naturalist Charles Darwin visited here aboard H.M.S. Beagle in 1835, he discovered that several species, including tortoises and land iguanas, had evolved differently depending on their habitat. His seminal work On the Origin of Species, proved revolutionary. On this science-oriented expedition, we’ll be learning about Darwin’s discoveries, as well as making a few of our own.   

You’ll get closer to the natural wonders with the use of our small expedition boats, kayaks, snorkelling gear and paddleboards. There’s a wide range of activities to choose from, and the Expedition Team will guide you on landings. Safety and sustainability are always at the core of our operations, and our aim is to leave the smallest footprint behind wherever we go.

For your safety, we always sail with a Medical Officer onboard.

*Our current itinerary reflects adjusted access arrangements put in place by the Galápagos National Park to mitigate the impact of Avian Influenza (H5N1) on the Galápagos Islands. We are committed to protecting the incredible places we visit around the world and have amended our itinerary in line with these requirements to protect this diverse ecosystem. Please note that the current itinerary may change as these precautionary measures are lifted or change.

Searching for

Cabin 1
Adults
2
Children
(2-15 years)
0

Available Dates

2024
No available cabins

Itinerary

We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay

Arrival

Day 1

Cotopaxi Volcano trip

Day 2

Your cruise begins

Day 3

Visiting the giants

Day 4

Visiting the giants

Day 4

Blissful beauty and evolving iguanas

Day 5

Giant tortoises & island activities

Day 6

A conservation success story

Day 7

Punta Suarez (Española Island)

Day 7

A small slice of Eden

Day 8

End of the expedition

Day 9

What's included

Flights

  • Return flights in economy class between Quito andBaltra, and Baltra and Guayaquil  

Hotel

  • Twohotelnights in Quito before the expedition cruise, including breakfast and dinner on day 2.  

Transfers

  • Transfer fromthehotel in Quito to Quito airport before the expedition cruise, transfers between Baltra airport and ship 

Excursion

  • Full day Nature Tour to Cotopaxi National Park, including lunch

Extras

  • GalápagosIslands National Park admission fee  
  • Transit Control Card forGalápagos Islands 
  • Access to airport lounge at Guayaquil or Quito airport upon return fromGalápagos Islands 

Expedition Cruise

  • Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice  
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) 
  • Complimentary tea and coffee 
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle to use at water refill stations on board  
  • English-speaking Expedition Team who guide activities and provide educational information on board and ashore  
  • Welcome and farewell cocktails 

Onboard Activities

  • Use of the ship’s Science Center which has a library, microscopes and samples 
  • Citizen Science programme allows guests to assist with live scientific research 
  • Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos 
  • Use of the ship’s hot tubs and gym  

Landing Activities

  • Landings, hikes, coastal exploration, and activities including kayaking, snorkeling, and our glass-bottom boat   
  • Complimentary wetsuit rental

What's not included

  • International flights  

  • Travel insurance 

  • Luggage handling

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