Ecuador Galapagos Adventure Cruising on EcoGalaxy Western Loop Tour

MT Sobek brings over 55 years of expertise to the "Enchanted Islands," having led one of the first North American charters here in 1970. This exceptional nine-day adventure offers an immersive exploration of the geologically younger western islands of the Galapagos, including Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, and Santiago. Traveling aboard a privately chartered deluxe catamaran, you will experience a dramatic volcanic landscape and encounter unique endemic wildlife under the care of our expert naturalist guides and a dedicated crew.

Legacy of Expertise: We were among the first companies to bring visitors to the Galapagos in 1970 and have spent decades refining our award-winning Galapagos adventures. We have longstanding relationships with our expert trip leaders, who are all certified Level III Galapagos Naturalist Guides—the highest level awarded by the Galapagos National Park. Each guide holds a degree in a related field, such as biology, ecology, or tourism and is fluent in at least three languages.

Exclusive Catamaran Comfort: Cruise aboard the EcoGalaxy, a deluxe 88-foot catamaran carrying a maximum of 16 guests in eight spacious cabins; the boat is privately chartered by MT Sobek to ensure a highly personalized and intimate journey.

Volcanic Western Loop: Explore the geologically younger and more volcanically active western islands, featuring the rippled lava landscapes of Fernandina and the dramatic shoreline of Isabela.

Western Islands Wildlife: Snorkel with penguins and sea lions in the nutrient-rich waters off Isabela and Fernandina. Spot flightless cormorants found only on Fernandina and the west coast of Isabela and admire blue-footed boobies, Darwin finches, giant tortoises, sea turtles, marine and land iguanas. This western loop itinerary also includes opportunities to spot whales and dolphins while cruising, especially in June, July, and August.

Active Exploration: Every departure is led by one of our dedicated and exceptional MT Sobek trip leaders who accompanies you during daily excursions, including hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking in hidden coves.

The Galapagos Islands are a year-round destination, with something to see and do every month. Wetsuits are available to rent for all our Galapagos cruises.

December to May: Expect warmer daytime temperatures between 76 to 88°F and water temperatures in the upper 70’s°F, ideal for swimming and snorkeling—you might not even need a wetsuit, especially from January to March, when a long-sleeved synthetic water shirt can be used for sun protection.

June to November: Daytime temperatures range from 66 to 79°F with cooler waters between 65 and 72°F brought by the Humboldt Current, which introduces rich feeding grounds for abundant marine life. Wetsuits are recommended for comfortable snorkeling and swimming during these cooler months.

Wildlife highlights on this itinerary: Snorkel with penguins and sea lions in the nutrient-rich waters off Isabela and Fernandina, flightless cormorants (found only on Fernandina and the west coast of Isabela), blue-footed boobies, Darwin finches, giant tortoises, green sea turtles, marine and land iguanas, whales, and dolphins.

January: Marine iguanas become brightly colored to attract mates, green sea turtles mate and lay their eggs on the beaches, and landbirds begin to nest. Expect warmer, calmer seas with good underwater visibility.

February: Galapagos penguins migrate to cooler waters off Isabela and Fernandina. February is nesting season for marine iguanas. Expect warmer, calmer seas with good underwater visibility.

March: This is nesting season for marine iguanas. Finches and flycatchers are at the peak of their nesting season, and giant tortoises start mating. Expect warmer, calmer seas with good underwater visibility.

April: This is nesting season for green sea turtles, marine iguanas, and land iguanas. Warmer, calmer seas with good underwater visibility continue.

May: Blue-footed boobies begin courtship and stamp their blue flipper feet. and Galapagos sea lions start mating. Warmer, calmer seas with good underwater visibility continue.

June: Migratory whale sharks and humpback whales arrive, larger numbers of landbirds including Darwin finches, flycatchers, warblers, doves, and mockingbirds can be seen, and larger numbers of giant tortoises gather in the highlands of Santa Cruz.

July: This is nesting season for blue-footed boobies and flightless cormorants, and greater flamingoes begin their courtship dance. It’s breeding season for Galapagos sea lions, and mating season for lava lizards. Seabird colonies become very active, with the first chicks hatching, and larger numbers of landbirds and giant tortoises are present in the highlands of Santa Cruz. Colder sea temperatures bring migratory whale sharks, humpback whales, and dolphins to these waters off the western islands.

August: Galapagos sea lions give birth, especially on the western and central islands, offering chances to see lots of cute pups. It’s courtship season for Galapagos hawks on Santiago, and larger numbers of landbirds and giant tortoises gather in the highlands of Santa Cruz. Colder sea temperatures bring migratory whale sharks, humpback whales, and dolphins to these waters off the western islands.

September: This is the best month for spotting migratory whale sharks, humpback whales, and dolphins in the western islands. Courtship season begins for Galapagos penguins, and it’s a great month to see baby sea lions. September is nesting season for many seabirds with more chicks in the colonies and larger numbers of landbirds and giant tortoises remain in the highlands of Santa Cruz amidst cooler air and sea temperatures.

October: Courtship season continues for Galapagos penguins, blue-footed booby chicks can be seen on Isabela Island, and lava herons begin to nest. October is mating season for Galapagos fur seals. Larger numbers of giant tortoises populate the highlands of Santa Cruz. Colder sea temperatures provide opportunities to see whales and dolphins.

November: Courtship season for Galapagos penguins continues and it’s mating season for green sea turtles. Galapagos sea lion pups are born, making this month great for swimming and snorkeling with adorable baby sea lions. Larger numbers of giant tortoises are found in the highlands of Santa Cruz. Colder sea temperatures provide opportunities to see whales and dolphins.

December: Courtship season for Galapagos penguins continues, and giant tortoise eggs start hatching., Nazca boobies, marine iguanas, and land iguanas begin mating. It’s the breeding season for Galapagos sea lions and fur seals and a great time to observe land birds including finches and doves. Colder sea temperatures provide opportunities to see whales and dolphins.

This adventure balances active exploration with comfortable cruising. It’s typical to have a morning excursion and an afternoon excursion, enjoying lunch on the boat in between. Come prepared for full days with a variety of activity options, including swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking.

Varied Trail Conditions: Excursions include easy-to-moderate walks lasting 1 to 2 hours over distances of 1 to 2 miles; daily totals on days with both morning and afternoon walks work out to 2 to 4 hours walking and 1 to 4 miles per day. Terrain includes uneven surfaces with sand, loose rock, and occasionally fields of dramatic, sharp lava rock.

Water Activities: Snorkeling and kayaking excursions are suitable for beginners but require participants to be comfortable in deep water. Wetsuits provide buoyancy and life jackets are available.

Panga Rides and Transfers: Frequent "wet" and "dry" landings involve embarking and disembarking small motorboats, requiring balance for dry landings onto rocky ledges and stepping directly into ankle- to knee-deep water on wet landings. These experiences are a highlight for wildlife viewing.

High Altitude Elements: The trip begins with a walking tour in Quito, situated at an altitude of 9,350 feet, where the thinner alpine air can cause temporary physical effects that make exertion feel more strenuous than at sea level.

Yes, MT Sobek is a member of the Galapagos Conservancy , who directly fuels large-scale conservation projects, park infrastructure, and scientific research through a formal partnership with the Galapagos National Park Directorate .

MT Sobek is also a member of the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA) and contributes a portion of your trip price to the IGTOA Conservation Fund.

Additionally, Galapagos National Park fees paid on this trip are allocated to support the following:

Galapagos National Park: Directly funds ranger patrols, habitat restoration, and wildlife monitoring.

Local Municipalities: Supports waste management, sewage systems, and basic services in inhabited areas.

Galapagos Governing Council: Funds provincial management and regional government projects.

Galapagos Marine Reserve: Dedicated to protecting the surrounding waters.

Ecuadorian Navy: Funds patrols to prevent illegal industrial fishing within protected zones.

Biosecurity and Quarantine: Prevents the introduction of invasive species through airport and port inspections.

Arrival: Please plan to arrive at Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) anytime on Day 1 of the itinerary. Airport transfers are included from the Quito Airport to city-center hotels regardless of your arrival date. The first group activity is the morning of Day 2.

Departure: You can schedule your outbound flight from Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) after 10:00 pm on Day 8 or anytime on Day 9. Your hotel on the night of Day 8 is included and serves as either a comfortable rest stop before a late-night flight or a full night’s rest before departing the following day. The hotel is located just five minutes from the terminal and provides a complimentary 24/7 airport shuttle, which you can coordinate at the front desk.

If you arrive early or stay late to explore more of Quito, we recommend staying in the city center at our group hotel, Swissotel Quito , located in the Floresta neighborhood. For those staying late near the airport, the Wyndham Quito Airport is an excellent choice as it is located just five minutes from the terminal and provides a complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle. Your Adventure Coordinator is happy to book these extra nights for you.

Note that the drive from Quito airport to the city center takes approximately one hour. For those who are staying in the city center post-tour, we can arrange a private transfer from Quito airport to your hotel at additional cost.

A valid passport is required to enter Ecuador. Ecuador requires that passports be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date and contain at least one blank page for entry stamps. US citizens do not need a visa for stays under 90 days. Non-US citizens should consult their local embassy or consulate to confirm current entry requirements.

If a minor is not accompanied by all parents or legal guardians, we strongly urge the traveling guardian to carry a notarized document from all non-traveling guardians granting approval for the minor to travel. Air carriers and local authorities do request this documentation from time to time. Similarly, if a minor is traveling with a sole parent or guardian, we recommend carrying notarized documentation confirming that status to ensure a smooth journey.

Most days are focused on active exploration rather than long periods of travel. Once you reach the Galapagos Islands, transportation between the EcoGalaxy and the shore will be in small motorboats known as pangas (Zodiacs). These short, scenic transfers typically occur in the morning and afternoon to reach hiking and snorkeling sites, lasting only a few minutes each way.

There is one vehicle transfer during the cruise, a 45-minute scenic drive to the Santa Cruz highlands to see giant tortoises. In Quito, you will have 1-hour private van transfers between the airport and your city hotel.

Yes, you will experience both throughout the cruise. During a wet landing, you will step out of the panga (a motorized inflatable dinghy, also called a Zodiac) into shallow water near the shore, so your feet will get wet. A dry landing occurs when the panga pulls directly alongside a landing site or onto the beach, allowing you to disembark without stepping into the water.

This Activity Level 2 trip features a balanced blend of daily coastal walks, swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking across six days in the islands, plus a half-day walking tour in Quito. Physical demands are easy to moderate, with the primary challenges centered around uneven footings and navigating distinct water landings. Be prepared for full days with morning and afternoon excursions, often changing in and out of swimwear and wetsuits at least once, sometimes twice per day.

Varied Trail Conditions: Excursions include easy-to-moderate walks lasting 1 to 2 hours over distances of 1 to 2 miles; daily totals on days with both morning and afternoon walks work out to 2 to 4 hours walking and 1 to 4 miles per day. Terrain includes uneven surfaces with sand, loose rock, and occasionally fields of dramatic, sharp lava rock.

High Altitude: Quito's altitude, at 9,252 feet (2,820m), is almost twice as high as Denver, Colorado. As you may be flying to Quito from sea level, you may feel the physical effects of being at high altitude. The best advice is to take it easy, drink plenty of water to keep hydrated, and to avoid alcohol and heavy foods. Consult with your doctor about medication that may help relieve symptoms of altitude sickness.

Water Activities: Snorkeling and kayaking outings are accessible to beginners but require that all participants feel comfortable moving around in deep open waters. Wetsuits provide buoyancy and life jackets are available.

Landing and Vessel Transitions: Guests must navigate regular transitions between the catamaran and shore using small motorized pangas (Zodiacs), which involve dry landings onto rocks or wet landings directly into ankle- to knee-deep surf.

Focus on preparing for short walks over varied terrain and being comfortable in deep water for short periods of time.

Solid fitness base: Go for 1- to 2-mile walks or participate in aerobic exercise for 30 to 60 minutes per week to prepare for island excursions.

Balance: Activities that improve your balance will be helpful for transitioning between the catamaran, the panga boats and kayaks, and the shore. Practice using trekking poles for balance on rugged terrain.

Break in Footwear: Ensure your hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers and your water shoes are well broken-in before you arrive.

This trip features a blend of upscale city hotels and a comfortable private catamaran.

Hotels in Quito are chosen for their convenient locations. The Swissotel at the start of the trip is located in Quito's Floresta neighborhood, close to great shopping and restaurants and safe and easy to explore on foot. The Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel at the end of the trip is a convenient and comfortable stopover after your journey back from the Galapagos, chosen for its location right next to the airport (which is a 1-hour drive from the city center).

Your home in the islands is the EcoGalaxy, a deluxe 88-foot catamaran featuring eight beautiful, air-conditioned staterooms—all spacious at 215 to 236 square feet, all with private en suite bathrooms. Between excursions, you can relax in the attractive dining room, the spacious lounge with a library and TV, or enjoy al fresco seating on the Upper Deck and Sun Deck.

The food is prepared by a skilled chef and features a mix of international and Ecuadorian cuisine. You might enjoy signature dishes like ceviche (marinated seafood), llapingachos (potato pancakes), locro de papa (potato and cheese soup), coconut fish stew or an Ecuadorian favorite, tres leches cake.

Enjoy a variety of buffet breakfasts featuring wonderful fresh tropical fruit, eggs, pancakes, yogurt, and cereals, with coffee, tea, and fresh juices available 24 hours a day. Lunches are served as a buffet or plated and always include soup, various salads, a dessert, and a choice of fish or meat. In the evenings, savor plated dinners that include a fresh appetizer, dessert, and an entree with vegetarian options always available. A welcome and farewell drink are provided onboard, and you may also purchase additional beverages—there is a full bar with bartender onboard. Any extra bar charges are added to your onboard account to be settled on your final day via cash or credit card.

Yes, we can accommodate many common restrictions like vegetarian and vegan diets on this trip with advance notice. Dairy- and gluten-free diets can be accommodated, but we cannot eliminate all potential for cross-contamination.

Let us know about your dietary restrictions and food allergies as soon as possible, so we can coordinate with guides, hotels, and restaurants. Please also list these on your Participant Information Form.

Yes, a limited number of single rooms are available on this trip. About a third of our travelers go solo, and single room inventory often books up quickly! You can find more information on solo traveler options here .

Quito and the Galapagos Islands are blessed with a pleasant climate year-round. During the day, you can generally expect temperatures in the 70s and 80sF in the Galapagos year-round. In Quito, nighttime temperatures drop to the low 50sF with daytime temperatures in the 60sF.

Pack for a range of temperatures with casual, comfortable clothing. Essentials include at least two swimsuits, a sun hat with a wide brim, reef-friendly sunscreen, and a lightweight windbreaker for cooler evenings. The dress code onboard is comfortably casual. A full packing list will be provided.

Snorkeling gear (masks, snorkels, fins) is provided for your use onboard the cruise at no charge, but you are also welcome to bring your own mask and snorkel if you have ones you know fit you well. A wetsuit is generally recommended year-round to maximize your time and comfort while snorkeling. Full wetsuits of three mm in thickness are available to rent onboard (current rate is $45 for the five-night cruise), but you are also welcome to bring your own to assure the best fit—especially if you require a special size or prefer a shortie wetsuit. Alternatively, a long-sleeved synthetic water shirt (also known as a rash guard) can be used in the water for sun protection during the warmest months (January-March).

The water temperature ranges from the mid-60s to 70s°F year-round. Around June, the Humboldt Current starts bringing cool, nutrient-rich waters to the Galapagos, and temperatures will be in their lower range of 65-72°F until September. After September, the waters generally start warming up to the mid-70s°F.

To protect the fragile marine ecosystem of the Galapagos, it is essential to use reef-friendly sunscreen that is free from harmful chemicals. These mineral-based sunscreens help prevent coral bleaching and protect the diverse underwater life you will encounter while snorkeling. When packing, please look for brands that are members of the Safe Sunscreen Council .

Ingredients Banned in Eco-Marine Parks: Avobenzone, Methylbenzylidene, Benzophenone-3, Nano-Particles, Butyl/Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Octinoxate, Butylcarbamate, Octocrylene, Butylparaben, Octyl Salicyclate, Cetyl Dimethicone, Oxybenzone, Cinoxate/Cinnamate, Padimate O / Paba, Dimethyl Apramide, Phenylbenzimidazole, Dioxybenzone, Polyethylene, Hexyldecanol Propylparaben Homosalate, Sulisobenzone, Menthyl Anthranilate, Titanium coated in Aluminum or Dimethicone, Methlparaben, and Trolamine Salicyclate.

The islands enjoy a pleasant climate year-round, with temperatures generally in the 70s and 80s°F year-round. In Quito, expect cooler mountain temperatures with daytime highs in the upper 60s°F and evening lows down to 50°F.

December to May: Daytime highs in the Galapagos reach 84-88°F, with overnight lows around 72-75°F.

June to November: Daytime highs in the Galapagos reach 72-79°F, with overnight lows in the mid- to upper-60°Fs.

Water temperatures in the Galapagos vary by season and are influenced by shifting ocean currents. From December to May, the water is typically at its warmest, ranging from the low to upper 70'sF. Starting in June, the Humboldt Current brings cooler, nutrient-rich waters to the archipelago, with temperatures generally staying between 65 and 72F through November.

Ecuador uses the US Dollar. We recommend bringing cash for small purchases, souvenirs, and tips, as credit card machines in the islands can occasionally fail due to intermittent connections. Large bills are fine for paying park fees and gratuities, but we recommend bringing smaller bills as well for incidental purchases.

Yes, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance can help cover trip cancellations or interruptions, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, travel delays, and other unexpected situations. We offer travel insurance with Arch RoamRight and will be happy to provide you with a quote. Please see our Travel Resources page for more information.

There is no doctor or clinic onboard the EcoGalaxy. Your guide and the catamaran crew are trained in First Aid. The EcoGalaxy carries basic emergency supplies, including a blood pressure cuff, tourniquet, stretcher, and materials to immobilize a broken bone and administer stitches, along with basic medications. In a serious emergency, the procedure is to reach the nearest island with hospital facilities or a larger ship with medical staff.

Expect uneven volcanic terrain and an initial altitude of 9,350 feet in Quito. You will use pangas for island transfers, requiring balance for "dry" landings onto rocks or "wet" landings into ankle- to knee-deep water; staff are always available to assist. Those prone to motion sickness should bring preventatives for longer crossings.

Yes, we offer several exciting extensions! You can explore the Highlands of Ecuador at Hacienda Zuleta , a colonial-era working farm with many activities to choose from. Immerse yourself in the lush Amazon rainforest, full of wildlife, based at beautiful Sacha Lodge , or head to the Mindo Cloud Forest for birdlife and butterflies in the mist. We also have an extension for Peru's Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. More details are provided in your guest portal when you book, and your Adventure Coordinator can help you arrange your extension.