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Ecuador Galapagos Adventure Cruising on Galaxy Eastern Loop Tour

Wildlife Wonders, Expert Guides & Comfortable Cruising


Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin on this inspirational small-group adventure through the enchanted eastern and central islands of the Galapagos. Take in the natural wonders and rich wildlife on Genovesa, San Cristobal, Española, Santiago, Floreana, and Santa Cruz. The eastern islands are geologically the oldest in the Galapagos, allowing more time for vegetation to take hold and for flora to thrive in their fertile volcanic soils. Hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking under the guidance of MT Sobek's dedicated naturalist guide gets you amazingly close to the wildlife both underwater and on land. After each action-filled day, return to your intimate 16-passenger private yacht to rest and re-energize. Explore further on our range of exciting pre- or post-trip extensions in Ecuador. To learn more about the Galapagos Islands and what you can expect from MT Sobek boats and adventures, check out our Galapagos Islands Visitor Guide.

11 Days • 10 Nights

Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin on this inspirational small-group adventure through the enchanted eastern and central islands of the Galapagos. Take in the natural wonders and rich wildlife on Genovesa, San Cristobal, Española, Santiago, Floreana, and Santa Cruz. The eastern islands are geologically the oldest in the Galapagos, allowing more time for vegetation to take hold and for flora to thrive in their fertile volcanic soils. Hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking under the guidance of MT Sobek's dedicated naturalist guide gets you amazingly close to the wildlife both underwater and on land. After each action-filled day, return to your intimate 16-passenger private yacht to rest and re-energize. Explore further on our range of exciting pre- or post-trip extensions in Ecuador. To learn more about the Galapagos Islands and what you can expect from MT Sobek boats and adventures, check out our Galapagos Islands Visitor Guide.

MT Sobek is proud to support the Galapagos Conservancy by making an annual conservation investment to its Santiago Society program. Galapagos Conservancy is dedicated exclusively to the long-term protection of the Galapagos Islands, and collaborates closely with the Charles Darwin Foundation, the Galapagos National Park, and many other institutions that are committed to the conservation of the entire archipelago.

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Explore an array of pristine islands on our most extensive cruising itinerary visiting 13 landing sites in 8 days, all in the company of our expert naturalist guides

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Marvel at the diversity of birdlife on Genovesa and Española, including red-footed boobies and waved albatross that are found on these eastern islands

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Discover the fascinating human history of Floreana and leave your mail in the barrel at Post Office Bay, and capture one of the most photographed views in the Galapagos at Pinnacle Rock

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MT Sobek is proud to support the Galapagos Conservancy by making an annual conservation investment to its Santiago Society program. Galapagos Conservancy is dedicated exclusively to the long-term protection of the Galapagos Islands, and collaborates closely with the Charles Darwin Foundation, the Galapagos National Park, and many other institutions that are committed to the conservation of the entire archipelago.

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Highlights


  • Explore an array of pristine islands on our most extensive cruising itinerary visiting 13 landing sites in 8 days, all in the company of our expert naturalist guides
  • Marvel at the diversity of birdlife on Genovesa and Española, including red-footed boobies and waved albatross that are found on these eastern islands
  • Discover the fascinating human history of Floreana and leave your mail in the barrel at Post Office Bay, and capture one of the most photographed views in the Galapagos at Pinnacle Rock

Ecuador Galapagos Adventure Cruise on Galaxy – Eastern Loop

Start: Quito, Ecuador  End: Quito, Ecuador

Itinerary


  • Arrive in Quito

    Day 1

    Welcome to the historic city of Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Meet your MT Sobek representative outside customs at the airport and transfer together to your hotel. After settling in at the hotel, the rest of your day is free to unwind, take advantage of the hotel's pool and spa services or begin your exploration of this dynamic city. Dinner is on your own tonight.

    Accommodation: Swissotel-Quito, Ecuador

    Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer

  • Tour Quito's Old Town

    Day 2

    Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before setting out on a 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 6:30 pm 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

    Activity: 1-2 hours/1 mile of walking in Quito's Historic Center

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  • Fly to the Galapagos Islands & Spot Frigatebirds at North Seymour

    Day 3

    Rise for breakfast and an early flight from Quito to Baltra Island in the Galapagos. After meeting your naturalist guide, board your private yacht in time for lunch. Call this afternoon at North Seymour, home to an incredible diversity of species, including dense breeding colonies of blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds. Walk North Seymour's loop trail and keep an eye out for Swallow tailed gulls, blue-footed boobies, and colonies of both Magnificent and Great frigatebirds. The island is rich in sea birds, but look also for marine iguanas, huge land iguanas, sea lions, and other smaller birds such as Darwin finches and mockingbirds. After the walk, get ready to snorkel in one of the sites with the highest diversity of fish you'll find on your trip. Enjoy a welcome dinner onboard.

    Accommodation: Galaxy

    Activity: 2 hours/1 mile of easy walking plus snorkeling

    Transportation: 2-hour flight transfer & 1-hour private vehicle transfer

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Hike & Snorkel on Santiago & Bartolome Islands

    Day 4

    Make a wet landing this morning at Bartolome Island for another exceptional snorkeling opportunity. Slip into clear and calm waters for the chance to swim with Galapagos penguins along with an incredible diversity of fish, colorful invertebrates, sea lions, turtles, rays, and reef sharks. Next, climb up to the pinnacle of this ancient cinder cone for spectacular views of iconic Pinnacle Rock, Santiago Island, and Daphne Major and Minor. After lunch on board, walk across a recent lava flow at Santiago's Sullivan Bay and view the raw beauty of its barren lava, contrasting black pahoehoe flow, and the reddish-yellow tuff cones. You have the option to swim or snorkel from a coral sand beach or from the pangas, diving into a contrasting environment teaming with life, including large schools of fish, Galapagos penguins, reef sharks, turtles, and rays.. Return to the boat for cocktail hour and dinner.

    Accommodation: Galaxy

    Activity: AM 2 hours/1.5 miles of easy walking plus snorkeling; PM 1.5 hours/1 mile of easy walking plus snorkeling

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Discover the Rich Birdlife of Genovesa Island

    Day 5

    Anchor off Genovesa, also known as “Bird Island” and make a wet landing. Hike along Darwin Bay, formed by the rim of a sunken crater. Red mangroves provide habitat for yellow warblers, yellow-crowned night herons, and pintail ducks. The highlight is the incredible number of great frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls, and red-footed boobies—a species rarely seen on other islands. Snorkel or kayak the bay, where there are many fish to see and opportunities to get close to wildlife. After lunch, explore the cliffs by panga before climbing the rocks that form Prince Phillip's Steps to the island's plateau for an easy level walk through massive colonies of red-footed and Nazca boobies on the way to a lava ridge where thousands of storm petrels dart about while short-eared owls stalk them for prey. This trail is known for having some of the most abundant birdlife in the Galapagos. Snorkelers can explore the cliffs, where there are many fish and great chances of seeing sharks, rays and sea lions.

    Accommodation: Galaxy

    Activity: AM 2 hours/1 mile of easy hiking plus snorkeling & kayaking; PM 3 hours/2 miles of moderate hiking plus snorkeling

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Circumnavigate Kicker Rock & Discover Cerro Brujo on San Cristobal

    Day 6

    This morning, circumnavigate the imposing Kicker Rock, a volcanic formation which rises up over 450 feet from the sea off the coast of San Cristobal. Its vertical cliffs are a breeding ground for boobies and tropicbirds, and the northern slopes host breeding colonies of frigatebirds. Enjoy lunch on board before a short panga cruise along the cliffs of Cerro Brujo, and a walk on a lovely coral sand beach frequented by sea lions, waders, and migrant birds. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos Islands and a great place to photograph sea lions or simply relax and swim. For snorkelers, the coast of Cerro Brujo is a good place to see sea turtles and different species of fish.

    Accommodation: Galaxy

    Activity: AM cruising; PM 1 hour/1 mile of easy walking plus snorkeling

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Explore San Cristobal Island & Isla Lobos

    Day 7

    Step ashore in the main port of San Cristobal Island and visit the Interpretation Center, a modern and sophisticated architectural space that provides an excellent overview of the volcanic formation of the islands, the evolution of species, the history of human settlement, and conservation efforts and threats. After lunch, stop at Isla Lobos, separated from San Cristobal by a narrow channel, for opportunities to snorkel with sea lions, sea turtles, and tropical fish. There is also a short rocky trail great for viewing blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and the endemic Galapagos snake.

    Accommodation: Galaxy

    Activity: AM 2 hours/1 mile of easy walking; PM 1.5 hours/.5 miles of moderate hiking plus snorkeling

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Birdwatch & Snorkel on Española Island

    Day 8

    Experience the incredible birdlife at Punta Suarez, where you'll get spectacular cliff views of pounding surf and seemingly unlimited populations of seabirds. Brightly-colored marine iguanas and the largest lava lizards in the Galapagos rest on the trail. From the cliff top, watch a blowhole spray water up to 100 feet in the air. Española is the only island where you can see waved albatrosses and possibly observe their fascinating mating dance (seasonally from April to December), and is also a good place to spot the Galapagos hawk and stroll amid large colonies of Nazca and blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls. After lunch, walk along a magnificent coral sand beach at Gardner Bay. Here, sea lions bask, marine turtles nest, and the curious Española mockingbirds follow your every footstep. Take a brief swim on the beach or snorkel in the company of schools of angelfish, parrotfish, damselfish, and surgeonfish, turtles, sea lions, and possibly small sharks along the underwater cliffs of Gardner, a small satellite islet.

    Accommodation: Galaxy

    Activity: AM 2-3 hours/1 mile of moderate walking; PM 1 hour/0.5 miles of easy walking plus snorkeling

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Walk, Snorkel & Visit Post Office Bay on Floreana Island

    Day 9

    Venture ashore at Floreana Island's Punta Cormorant. After a wet landing at a green-tinged beach, set out on foot to observe the flamingos and other water birds that frequent the lagoon and see the white-sand Flour Beach where sea turtles come out at night to nest. At nearby Champion Islet, snorkel amid spectacular marine life and look out for the very rare Floreana Mockingbird on shore. This afternoon, make a wet landing at historic Post Office Bay, where a wooden barrel has served as an informal post office in the archipelago since the 18th century. If you wish, send postcards to your friends and relatives or pick up mail to deliver in your home town! Enjoy time to relax on the beach, or snorkel to look for fish and rays, and watch sea turtles feeding on algae. Back on the boat tonight, enjoy a festive farewell cocktail hour and a group dinner with the captain.

    Accommodation: Galaxy

    Activity: AM 1 hour/1 mile of easy walking plus snorkeling; PM 2 hours/1 mile of easy walking plus snorkeling

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Depart from the Galapagos in Baltra & Return to Quito

    Day 10

    Wake up early to disembark in the port of Puerto Ayora. 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. The Galapagos Islands are named after these magnificent, ancient creatures and the experience with them is magical. After this memorable experience with the islands' endearing namesake, transfer to Baltra for your flight back to Quito. An MT Sobek representative will greet you at Quito airport and provide assistance to your nearby hotel.

    Accommodation: Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel-Quito

    Activity: AM 1.5 hours/1 mile of easy walking

    Transportation: 2-hour flight transfer and 5-minute transfer

    Meals: Breakfast

  • Depart Quito

    Day 11

    Use the complimentary airport shuttle to transfer to the airport in time for your outbound flight or opt to stay on in Quito to join us for one of our extensions in Ecuador or Peru!

    Meals: Breakfast

Why Travel With Us?


  • MT Sobek was one of the first North American companies to bring visitors to the Galapagos Islands, with an inaugural charter for the Sierra Club in 1970.

  • Guests love our Galapagos adventures because we charter truly small (maximum 16-passenger) vessels for an exclusive experience with our own expert naturalist guide.

  • Our dedicated guide and crew maximize wildlife encounters both on land and sea, and your guide will always accompany you while hiking and snorkeling.

Dates & Prices


Your Guides


The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Luis D.

Luis D.

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. 

Patricia S.

Patricia S.

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 divemaster 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 O.

Fernando O.

Fernando is an Ecuadorian marine biologist who has worked and lived in Galapagos for over 25 years. An accomplished diver, he has enjoyed more than 5,000 dives in the Galapagos, Ecuador, Cayman Islands, Cozumel, Baja California, Palau, Malaysia, and 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. Fernando returned to guiding to re-encounter the environment that he is so passionate about and loves inspiring MT Sobek travelers on their adventures in the Galapagos.

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Welcome to the historic city of Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Meet your MT Sobek representative outside customs at the airport and transfer together to your hotel. After settling in at the hotel, the rest of your day is free to unwind, take advantage of the hotel\'s pool and spa services or begin your exploration of this dynamic city. Dinner is on your own tonight.

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Make a wet landing this morning at Bartolome Island for another exceptional snorkeling opportunity. Slip into clear and calm waters for the chance to swim with Galapagos penguins along with an incredible diversity of fish, colorful invertebrates, sea lions, turtles, rays, and reef sharks. Next, climb up to the pinnacle of this ancient cinder cone for spectacular views of iconic Pinnacle Rock, Santiago Island, and Daphne Major and Minor. After lunch on board, walk across a recent lava flow at Santiago\'s Sullivan Bay and view the raw beauty of its barren lava, contrasting black pahoehoe flow, and the reddish-yellow tuff cones. You have the option to swim or snorkel from a coral sand beach or from the pangas, diving into a contrasting environment teaming with life, including large schools of fish, Galapagos penguins, reef sharks, turtles, and rays.. Return to the boat for cocktail hour and dinner.

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Step ashore in the main port of San Cristobal Island and visit the Interpretation Center, a modern and sophisticated architectural space that provides an excellent overview of the volcanic formation of the islands, the evolution of species, the history of human settlement, and conservation efforts and threats. After lunch, stop at Isla Lobos, separated from San Cristobal by a narrow channel, for opportunities to snorkel with sea lions, sea turtles, and tropical fish. There is also a short rocky trail great for viewing blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and the endemic Galapagos snake.

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Experience the incredible birdlife at Punta Suarez, where you\'ll get spectacular cliff views of pounding surf and seemingly unlimited populations of seabirds. Brightly-colored marine iguanas and the largest lava lizards in the Galapagos rest on the trail. From the cliff top, watch a blowhole spray water up to 100 feet in the air. Española is the only island where you can see waved albatrosses and possibly observe their fascinating mating dance (seasonally from April to December), and is also a good place to spot the Galapagos hawk and stroll amid large colonies of Nazca and blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls. After lunch, walk along a magnificent coral sand beach at Gardner Bay. Here, sea lions bask, marine turtles nest, and the curious Española mockingbirds follow your every footstep. Take a brief swim on the beach or snorkel in the company of schools of angelfish, parrotfish, damselfish, and surgeonfish, turtles, sea lions, and possibly small sharks along the underwater cliffs of Gardner, a small satellite islet.

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Venture ashore at Floreana Island\'s Punta Cormorant. After a wet landing at a green-tinged beach, set out on foot to observe the flamingos and other water birds that frequent the lagoon and see the white-sand Flour Beach where sea turtles come out at night to nest. At nearby Champion Islet, snorkel amid spectacular marine life and look out for the very rare Floreana Mockingbird on shore. This afternoon, make a wet landing at historic Post Office Bay, where a wooden barrel has served as an informal post office in the archipelago since the 18th century. If you wish, send postcards to your friends and relatives or pick up mail to deliver in your home town! Enjoy time to relax on the beach, or snorkel to look for fish and rays, and watch sea turtles feeding on algae. Back on the boat tonight, enjoy a festive farewell cocktail hour and a group dinner with the captain.

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Wake up early to disembark in the port of Puerto Ayora. 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. The Galapagos Islands are named after these magnificent, ancient creatures and the experience with them is magical. After this memorable experience with the islands\' endearing namesake, transfer to Baltra for your flight back to Quito. An MT Sobek representative will greet you at Quito airport and provide assistance to your nearby hotel.

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Use the complimentary airport shuttle to transfer to the airport in time for your outbound flight or opt to stay on in Quito to join us for one of our extensions in Ecuador or Peru!

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Activity Level


This trip is rated activity level 2. 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 about activity levels here.

Activity Snapshot

Day 2

1-2 hours/1 mile of walking in Quito's Historic Center

Day 3

2 hours/1 mile of easy walking plus snorkeling

Day 4

AM 2 hours/1.5 miles of easy walking plus snorkeling; PM 1.5 hours/1 mile of easy walking plus snorkeling

Day 5

AM 2 hours/1 mile of easy hiking plus snorkeling & kayaking; PM 3 hours/2 miles of moderate hiking plus snorkeling

Day 6

AM cruising; PM 1 hour/1 mile of easy walking plus snorkeling

Day 7

AM 2 hours/1 mile of easy walking; PM 1.5 hours/.5 miles of moderate hiking plus snorkeling

Day 8

AM 2-3 hours/1 mile of moderate walking; PM 1 hour/0.5 miles of easy walking plus snorkeling

Day 9

AM 1 hour/1 mile of easy walking plus snorkeling; PM 2 hours/1 mile of easy walking plus snorkeling

Day 10

AM 1.5 hours/1 mile of easy walking

*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.

Accommodations


Superior comfort aboard a modern yacht with a full crew to cater to your every need. Also includes an upscale hotel in Quito.

Galaxy
Galaxy

Cruise the Galapagos in style aboard the 115-foot Galaxy motor yacht. Her eight beautiful double cabins, with a capacity for 16 adventurers, come equipped with en-suite bathrooms and A/C for maximum comfort. The Galaxy features an attractive dining room, bar and lounge, and open sundeck for relaxing while aboard — plus inflatable pangas, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment.

Swissotel-Quito, Ecuador
Swissotel-Quito, Ecuador

The upscale Swissôtel offers five-star comfort in Quito's Floresta neighborhood, close to great shopping, interesting museums, and the city's architectural gems. Elegant and comfortable rooms feature city or mountain views, flat-screen TVs with premium channels, complimentary Wi-Fi, and more. There are four restaurants onsite offering a variety of international cuisine. Other perks include a fitness center and an indoor pool.

Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel-Quito
Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel-Quito

The Wyndham Quito Airport is a convenient and comfortable stopover after your journey back from the Galápagos chosen for its location right next to the airport. Both international and Ecuadorian food options are available at the onsite restaurant and for room service. Rooms have large TVs and free WiFi. There is a 24-hour complimentary airport shuttle.

Weather


Mild climate year-round. Dec-May has daytime temperatures 76-86F and water temperatures of 70-75F. Jun-Nov has daytime temperatures of 67-77F and water temperatures of 65-72F.

 
Jan
Mar
May
Jul
Sep
Nov
Galapagos 
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Galapagos
85
70
88
75
78
72
78
68
78
66
84
70
Quito 
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Quito
66
49
66
49
66
49
67
47
68
47
67
48

FAQs


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 Galápagos?

Our Galápagos Naturalist Guides are all rated Level 3 by the Galápagos 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 Galápagos 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.

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 Trip Consultants at 1-800-974-0300.

When is the best time to go to the Galapagos?

The Galapagos Islands are a year-round destination, with something to see and do every month. The warmer season is the best time for warmer, calmer seas and good underwater visibility. The water is choppiest in September. Late spring brings the mating season for frigate birds and blue-footed boobies!

What is the difference between the ship types?

MT Sobek offers four motorized yachts and catamarans, ranging from deluxe to luxury, and each carrying a maximum of just 16 guests, ensuring a personalized experience and on-going small-group discussion with our dedicated Naturalist Guide.

-The Galaxy is a deluxe 115-foot motor yacht built in 2006, with 9 cabins.
-The EcoGalaxy is a deluxe 88-foot catamaran built in 2013 and designed to minimize environmental impact, with 8 cabins.
-The Integrity is a luxury 141-foot motor yacht built in 2005, with 9 cabins including an Owner's Suite and a dedicated single cabin.
-The Endemic is a new luxury 115-foot catamaran built in 2018, with 9 spacious suite cabins (including one dedicated single cabin) each with floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies.

Each of the ships is fully air-conditioned, comes with the highest safety standards and a highly experienced and professional crew, and can boast excellent cuisine.

Am I able to extend my stay before or after my Galápagos 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 6-day extension in Peru, or explore the Mindo Cloud Forest on a 2 or 3 days extension.

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.

What is the difference between Eastern and Western Loop Routes?

Our Eastern Loop route on Galaxy takes in the natural wonders of the eastern islands of Genovesa, San Cristobal, and Española, as well as the central islands of North Seymour, Santiago, Floreana, and Santa Cruz. The eastern islands are geologically the oldest islands in the Galapagos, allowing more time for vegetation to take hold and flora to thrive in fertile volcanic soils.


Our Western Loop route on EcoGalaxy takes in the natural wonders of the western islands of Isabela and Fernandina, as well as the central islands of Santiago, Rábida, and Santa Cruz. The western islands are younger and more volcanically active, studded with cones, craters, and a rippled lava landscape. Here you'll be amazed by the bounty of life that thrives in this volcanic landscape.

Are there both wet and dry landings during the cruise?
Yes, there will be both wet and dry landings over the course of the cruise. During wet landings, you'll need to get off the panga in a shallow area of water close to shore and your feet will get wet. (Pangas are inflatable, motorized Zodiacs or dinghies that are used to get from the yacht to shore). A dry landing means the yacht either docks alongside the pier or the pangas are able to pull alongside the pier or directly onto the beach, and your feet can stay dry.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
This trip is great for all ages and the standard minimum age for scheduled group departures is 8; for private departures, the minimum age is 6.

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