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.

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.

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.

The Galápagos 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 and nesting season for frigate birds and blue-footed boobies!

Yes, you can! Private charters are a great option for families and large groups. For more details, please call our Regional Galápagos Specialists at 1-888-831-7526.

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.

Our Western Loop route on Galaxy takes in the natural wonders of the western islands of Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, Sombrero Chino, and Rábida, as well as the central islands of Santa Cruz and North Seymour. 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.

Our Eastern Loop route on Galaxy takes in the natural wonders of the eastern islands of Genovesa, San Cristobal, Española, and Santa Fe; as well as one western island, Santiago; and the central islands of Floreana, Santa Cruz, and South Plaza. 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.

Highlights of each island we visit on our Western Loop Route include:

Isabela: The largest and one of the youngest islands in the Galápagos, consisting of a chain of five active volcanoes - including Sierra Negra; see up to five species of giant tortoise, kaleidoscopic marine life, and incredible bird life such as penguins, hawks, flamingoes, and boobies; the waters around Isabela are especially productive, making it the best to see whales, dolphins, and many sea turtles.

Fernandina: Discover one of the world's most impressive (and active!) volcanoes on the youngest of the Galápagos Islands; experience the black lava landscape of Punta Espinoza, which supports sea lions, marine iguanas and small colonies of penguins; also nesting sites for flightless cormorants and Galápagos hawks.

Santiago: Find well-preserved lava flows at Puerto Egas and soft sand and a lagoon at Espumilla beach; also great for spotting Galapagos hawks, marine iguanas, and Galápagos fur seals. Perhaps the finest snorkeling of the trip, among schools of Galápagos penguins, reef sharks, turtles and rays.

Santa Cruz: The second largest and the most populated island, Santa Cruz is the center of tourism in the Galápagos. But it is also the best place to see giant tortoises in their natural environment and to explore the highlands evergreen endemic forest which are home to a large diversity of finches and other birds not found in the dryer lowlands.

Rábida: This volcanic "red island" is located near the center of the archipelago and its red-sand beach is home to sea lions, wading birds and ghost crabs. Pelicans and boobies nest along the shore and its sheltered clear waters usually offer fantastic snorkel experiences, with many fish to see, along with reef sharks and possibly sea lion pups!

North Seymour: Witness the courtship dance of the blue-footed booby and see amazing frigate bird colonies; plus great for spotting sea lions and land iguanas.

MT Sobek is a proud supporting travel partner of the Galápagos Conservancy. All of our highly-experienced naturalist guides are also active in conservation and work closely with the Galápagos National Park.