
more images of Ecuador Galapagos Adventure Cruise on EcoGalaxy
more images of Ecuador Galapagos Adventure Cruise on EcoGalaxy
Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin on this inspirational small-group adventure through the enchanted islands of the Galapagos. Splash with penguins and fur sea lions, walk among giant tortoises, flamingos and iguanas, and spot blue-footed boobies and endemic wildlife found nowhere else on earth - all under the guidance of your MT Sobek naturalist guide. Hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking offer you astonishing opportunities to get close to the wildlife underwater and on land. After each action-filled day, return to the luxury of your private yacht to rest and re-energize. This classic route takes in the natural wonders of Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, and Rábida islands. See below for a sample itinerary of your day-to-day activities. Please note that actual itinerary routes vary from departure to departure - for more information about the islands each departure will visit, call for details.
To learn more about the Galapagos Islands and what you can expect from MT Sobek boats and adventures, check out our Galapagos Islands portal.
Quito, Ecuador
Quito, Ecuador
9 Days
10-16 Guests
6 yrs
7 Days of swimming, snorkeling, and easy walking and hiking on terrain that is varied and uneven, plus one day of touring in Quito.
Learn more here.
Day 1
Welcome to the historic city of Quito, the capital of Ecuador. An MT Sobek representative will meet you outside customs at the airport and escort you to your hotel. After settling in at the hotel, the rest of the day is free unwind, take advantage of the pool's spa services or begin your exploration of this dynamic city. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Accommodation: Swissotel-Quito, Ecuador
Day 2
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before setting out on half-day guided tour of colonial Quito. The city's UNESCO-listed old town contains the best examples of Colonial Baroque architecture in South America! After lunch, you are free to explore more of the old town, return to the hotel, or shop for handicrafts made by local artisans.
Gather in the hotel at 6:30pm for a briefing with your fellow travelers and MT Sobek representative, who will discuss tomorrow's flight to the Galapagos Islands and the adventure ahead. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Accommodation: Swissotel-Quito, Ecuador
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3
Rise for breakfast and an early transfer flight from Quito to Baltra Island in the Galapagos. After meeting your naturalist guide, take a short transfer from Baltra to Santa Cruz Island. Here a private vehicle awaits to take you to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz for a special opportunity to see giant tortoises in their wild and natural habitat. Next, transfer to Puerto Ayora, the largest settlement in the Galapagos. Stroll the main street to the harbor, where you will board the yacht and your basecamp for activities during the next week. Enjoy a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: EcoGalaxy
Activity: 1-1.5 hours walking, up to 1 mile
Transportation: 2-hour flight transfer and 1-hour private vehicle transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Reason #01
MT Sobek was one of the first North American companies to bring visitors to the Galápagos Islands, with an inaugural charter for the Sierra Club in 1970.
Reason #02
Guests love our Galápagos adventures because we charter a small catamaran for a fully MT Sobek-operated experience with our own expert team of naturalist guides.
Reason #03
Our guides and crew work hard maximizing the amount of wildlife encounters both on land and sea, and guides will always be snorkeling with you.
Patricia Stucki
Patricia has been guiding diving trips in Galapagos since 1999. A native of Switzerland and originally a journalist for the Swiss News Agency, Patricia started her career in guiding as a dive master in Honduras in 1995 and as a naturalist guide in Costa Rica. She is fascinated by wildlife, is a passionate teacher, and an active conservationist in the islands. As a resident of Galapagos, she will be able to give you an insider's viewpoint of life in the islands. Patricia is fluent in English, German, and French.
Fernando Ortiz
Fernando is an Ecuadorian marine biologist who has worked and lived in Galapagos for over 25 years. An accomplished diver, he has than 5,000 dives in the Galapagos, Ecuador, Cayman Islands, Cozumel, Baja California, Palau, Malaysia, Caño Island in Costa Rica. He joined Conservation International in 2005 after working for the Galapagos National Park as Head of the Department of Control and Conservation of Marine Ecosystems. After a few years working in different government institutions and NGOs, Fernando returned to guiding to re-encounter the environment he is so passionate about.
Luis Die
Luis was born in Seville, Spain, and graduated from the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid with a degree in Environmental Biology. He is fluent in Spanish, English, and French and has guided in Galapagos since 1999. In addition to being a professional nature photographer, Luis has a Master's Degree in Geographic Ecology and is active with conservation groups. A born teacher, he enthusiastically shares his knowledge of Galapagos with people of all ages. He lives in Quito with his wife, twin sons, and daughter and is MT Sobek's head naturalist guide.
Island cruising by deluxe yacht with daily Zodiac excursions to explore hidden coves. Hike, snorkel, swim among unique endemic wildlife.
Luxurious comfort aboard a sleek and modern catamaran with a full crew to cater to your every need. Also includes an upscale hotel in Quito.
Mild climate year-round. Dec-May has daytime temperatures 76-86°F and water temperatures of 70-75°F. Jun-Nov has daytime temperatures of 67-77°F and water temperatures of 65-72°F.
When and where should I arrive?
Arrive in Quito any time on Day 1. An MT Sobek representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Most flights from the US arrive late at night.
HOW QUALIFIED ARE YOUR GUIDES IN THE GALAPAGOS?
Our Galapagos Naturalist Guides are all rated Level 3 by the Galapagos National Park, which is the highest level of qualification, and means each guide has passed the Naturalist Level II course certifying that he/she has expert knowledge of the Galapagos Islands. This level guide will also hold a university degree in biology, biology related fields, and/or tourism, and must be fluent in 3 languages.
Do I need a wetsuit for snorkeling in the Galápagos?
With water temperatures from 65-72°F, most people prefer using a wetsuit. This way, you will enjoy snorkeling longer. Wetsuits rentals are available onboard.
Which months is it possible to see the waved albatross?
The waved albatross can only be seen between April and November.
Can I extend my stay before or after the Galapagos cruise?
Absolutely! There are several ways to extend your stay in Ecuador and Peru before and after the trip. We recommend a 4 or 5 day excursion to the Sacha Jungle Lodge in the Upper Amazon Rainforest, where we see toucans and monkeys among many other creatures. Or visit the Hacienda Zuleta and Otavalo Market on our 2 or 3 day extension. Many people choose to explore Cusco and Machu Picchu on our 5-day extension in Peru, or explore the Mindo Cloud Forest on a 2 or 3 days extension.
What is the difference between the various ships?
MT Sobek offers a variety of motorized yachts and catamarans ranging from deluxe to luxury. Each of the ships carry a maximum of 16-guests, ensuring a personalized experience and on-going small-group discussion with our Naturalist Guides. All of our ships come with a highly experienced and professional crew. Each of the ships are fully air-conditioned, come with the highest safety standards, and can boast excellent cuisine.
How Does MT Sobek Support Conservation in the Galapagos?
MT Sobek is a proud supporting travel partner of the Galapagos Conservancy. All of our highly-experienced naturalist guides are also active in conservation and work closely with the Galapagos National Park.
Can I Charter a Yacht for a Private Adventure?
Yes, you can! Private charters are a great option for families and large groups. For more details, please call our Regional Galapagos Specialists at 1-888-831-7526.
"The Galapagos trip is a once in a lifetime experience. So many great memories."
Julia S.
MT Sobek Guest
"Having visited the places that Darwin visited for his evolution theory makes you appreciate all we have in this world!"
Laura C.
MT Sobek Guest
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