Ecuador Galapagos Adventure Cruise on Galaxy Western Loop Tour
With 7 Nights aboard a Comfortable 16-Passenger Yacht
- Available: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
- Activity: Level 2
- Accommodations: Comfortable Small Ship, Comfortable Hotels
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Group Size:
10-16 Guests
Min Age: 6
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.
Highlights
- Discover a range of dramatic volcanic landscapes and incredible diversity of species on Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos, with five active volcanoes and kaleidoscopic bird and marine life
- Experience one of the most pristine environments in the world on Fernandina, the youngest island, with black lava landscapes supporting marine iguanas, sea lions and penguins
- Look out for endemic flightless cormorants, found only on Fernandina and Isabela, frigate bird colonies on North Seymour, as well whales, dolphins and sea turtles that are especially abundant around Isabela
Itinerary
Arrive in Quito
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 to 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
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 6:30pm for a briefing with your fellow travelers and MT Sobek representative, who will discuss tomorrow's flight to the Galápagos Islands and the adventure ahead. Dinner is on your own tonight.Accommodation: Swissotel-Quito, Ecuador
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Fly to the Galapagos Islands & See Giant Tortoises in the Wild
Day 3
Rise for breakfast and an early transfer flight from Quito to Baltra Island in the Galápagos. 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. The Galápagos Islands are named after these magnificent, ancient creatures and the experience with them is magical. Next, transfer to Puerto Ayora for a stroll along the main street to the harbor, where you will board your private yacht. Enjoy a welcome dinner onboard.
Accommodation: Galaxy
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
Explore Moreno Point & Elizabeth Bay on Isabela Island
Day 4
In the morning, disembark at Moreno Point, which is located near Elizabeth Bay on the west coast of Isabela Island. The plethora of birds seen during the Zodiac ride along the striking rocky shores, and while walking along the path through lava rocks leading to tide pools and mangroves, create a birdwatcher's delight. In the tide pools, green sea turtles and white-tip sharks can be spotted.
In the afternoon, explore Elizabeth Bay. This is one of the island's breeding sites for penguins. Located along the west coast of Isabela, Elizabeth Point is a marine visitor site. Visit Red Mangrove Cove and look for brown pelicans, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays and sea lions. Return to the boat for cocktail hour and dinner.Accommodation: Galaxy
Activity: AM 3 hours hiking (2 miles), snorkeling; PM panga cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike & Kayak at Urbina Bay & Tagus Cove on Isabela Island
Day 5
After breakfast, explore Urbina Bay - famous for having uplifted 15 feet along 2 miles of coastline exposing corals and invertebrates in its strata. Follow your guide on the trail to look for Galápagos land iguanas, Galápagos hawks, finches, and giant tortoises (mostly seen between January and June.)
In the afternoon, visit Tagus Cove, located to the west of Darwin Volcano on Isabela Island. While walking, find several inscriptions (names of pirates) dating back to the 1800's. From here, you can see Darwin Lake, a salt water lake with a depth of approximately 30 feet. It contains no fish, but it is very common to see a variety of bird species.Accommodation: Galaxy
Activity: 5-6 hours hiking, swimming, snorkeling & kayaking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover Fernandina Island, the Archipelago's Youngest Island
Day 6
Awake at your anchorage near Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island - said to be the largest ecologically pristine island in the world and one of the highlights of the trip. As soon as you land in the volcanic landscape you will be amazed by hundreds of marine iguanas basking in the sun, as this is the largest colony of these unique reptiles. Sea lion pups often play in the tidal pools while flightless cormorants dry their miniaturized wings nearby. This is a great hunting ground for Galápagos hawks who often perch on the mangroves looking for lizards, baby iguanas, herons and doves. Look for sea turtles and rays in the shallow coves and channels along the shore.
In the afternoon, navigate to look for whales and dolphins, then go ashore at Albemarle Point, at the northern tip of Isabela. During WWII the U.S. built a radar base at this location to detect possible Japanese presence. In addition to the remnants of the base, see flightless cormorants, penguins, large marine iguanas and shore birds.Accommodation: Galaxy
Activity: 4-5 hours hiking, swimming and snorkeling
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike, Snorkel & Kayak on Santiago Island
Day 7
Wake for a landing on Santiago's dark, sandy volcanic beach of Puerto Egas. The trail follows the rocky coastline, where tide pools are home to sponges, hermit crabs, and fish including the world's only four-eyed blenny. Sea lions bask on the rocks, along with marine iguanas and shore birds. At the end of the trail, visit the grottos for a chance to see a colony of Galápagos fur seals up close.
After lunch, make a wet landing on soft, sandy Espumilla Beach. Walk the island's lagoon and beach in search of raptors and finches before suiting up for cliff-side kayaking and snorkeling. Buccaneer Cove offers spectacular landscapes and a great location to kayak. It is also one of the finest snorkel places of the trip; you will be amazed by the array of colorful marine life, from angelfish and rays to sea turtles and white-tipped reef sharks.Accommodation: Galaxy
Activity: 5-6 hours hiking, swimming, snorkeling & kayaking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Santa Cruz Island's Dragon Hill and Black Turtle Cove
Day 8
Rise to explore Santa Cruz Island's Cerro Dragón, or Dragon Hill. Named after its large population of land iguanas, this area has a 1-mile long trail going inland around a cinder cone which is the home of a small and endangered colony of land iguanas, the only one on Santa Cruz Island. Near the beach, visit a small saltwater lagoon frequented by flamingos and shorebirds.
After the walk, snorkel in a protected cove to look for interesting tropical fish and reef sharks. Enjoy an afternoon excursion by panga to Santa Cruz Island's Black Turtle Cove and see a variety of bird and small shark species, as well as sea turtles, in a protected mangrove lagoon.Accommodation: Galaxy
Activity: AM 2-hour (1 mile) walk; PM panga cruise and 4 hours hiking, swimming and snorkeling
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rábida and Sombrero Chino
Day 9
Arrive this morning for a nature walk at Rábida. The volcanic "small red island" is located near the center of the archipelago, and its red-sand beach is home to sea lions and pups. Behind the beach is a brackish lagoon, home to migratory shorebirds, wading birds, and ducks. Two species of boobies nest along the cliffs.
This afternoon, anchor off of the small islet of Sombrero Chino. Snorkel with Galápagos penguins along the cliff face or swim with sea lion pups - another highlight of the trip! Back on the boat tonight, enjoy a festive farewell cocktail hour and a group dinner with the captain.Accommodation: Galaxy
Activity: 5-6 hours hiking, swimming and snorkeling
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
North Seymour, Depart from the Galapagos in Baltra & Return to Quito
Day 10
Wake up early for a last excursion in the islands: a walk at North Seymour, a very interesting island with lots of wildlife. Spy frigatebirds displaying their red pouch to attract their partners while blue-footed boobies nest in the ground. Other common species are the endemic Swallow-tailed and Lava gulls, sea lions, land and marine iguanas and more.
Return to the ship for breakfast and get ready to disembark at 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
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
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- 2024
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $7,595 price per person dbl occ+$600 internal airfare+$350 single supplement (hotels only)+$3,800 single supplement (hotel & yacht)+$20 transit control cardAvailableConfirmed
2024
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $7,895 price per person dbl occ+$650 internal airfare+$400 single supplement (hotels only)+$3,900 single supplement (hotel & yacht)+$20 transit control cardAvailable
- $7,895 price per person dbl occ+$650 internal airfare+$400 single supplement (hotels only)+$3,900 single supplement (hotel & yacht)+$20 transit control cardAvailable
- $7,895 price per person dbl occ+$650 internal airfare+$400 single supplement (hotels only)+$3,900 single supplement (hotel & yacht)+$20 transit control cardAvailable
- $7,895 price per person dbl occ+$650 internal airfare+$400 single supplement (hotels only)+$3,900 single supplement (hotel & yacht)+$20 transit control cardAvailable
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Call for Private Trip Pricing
Take Over One of These Dates
- Oct 26 - Nov 05, 2023
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
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January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- Galapagos Transit Control Card
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and yacht crew
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
- Galápagos National Park fee, collected upon arrival (Age 12 and older: $100 / Age 11 and younger: $50)
- Wetsuit rentals
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
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 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.
Greg Estes
Greg arrived in the Galapagos in 1982 leading the Cambridge Darwin Centenary Galapagos Expedition to conduct research on the feeding ecology of marine iguanas. After graduating from the University of London with an honors degree in Biology, Greg's research in Galapagos has encompassed a wide range of ecological projects, including studies on sperm whales and the endangered Galapagos petrel. Greg and his wife have retraced Darwin's footsteps through Galapagos using information from his original notebooks and manuscripts of the famous voyage.
Fernando Ortiz
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.
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 3
1-1.5 hours walking, up to 1 mile
Day 4
AM 3 hours hiking (2 miles), snorkeling; PM panga cruise
Day 5
5-6 hours hiking, swimming, snorkeling & kayaking
Day 6
4-5 hours hiking, swimming and snorkeling
Day 7
5-6 hours hiking, swimming, snorkeling & kayaking
Day 8
AM 2-hour (1 mile) walk; PM panga cruise and 4 hours hiking, swimming and snorkeling
Day 9
5-6 hours hiking, swimming and snorkeling
Accommodations
Deluxe comfort aboard a modern yacht with a full crew to cater to your every need. Also includes an upscale hotel in Quito.
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
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
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 76-86°F and water temperatures of 70-75°F. Jun-Nov has daytime temperatures of 67-77°F and water temperatures of 65-72°F.
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.
What is the difference between the ship types?
MT Sobek offers three motorized yachts and catamarans, ranging from comfortable to deluxe, 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 comfortable 115-foot motor yacht built in 2006, with 8 cabins.
-The EcoGalaxy is a comfortable 88-foot catamaran built in 2013 and designed to minimize environmental impact, with 8 cabins.
-The Alya is a deluxe new 103-foot catamaran built in 2016, with 8 cabins each featuring a private balcony plus one dedicated single cabin.
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.
When is the best time to go to the Galápagos?
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!
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 Galápagos Specialists at 1-888-831-7526.
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.
What is the difference between Eastern and Western Loop Routes?
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.
How Does MT Sobek Support Conservation in the Galápagos?
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.
