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Ecuador Galapagos Private Adventure Cruise on Endemic Tour

Enchanted Isles Exploration Aboard a Spectacular Catamaran


Experience the Galápagos Islands in comfort and refinement on this small-group adventure, featuring a 7-night cruise on the new 16-passenger luxury catamaran Endemic — with a private balcony for every cabin! Start your trip in UNESCO-listed Quito, then cruise in style through the Galápagos. Following your MT Sobek naturalist guide, you'll kayak and snorkel with sea turtles, penguins and fur seals, walk among giant tortoises, frigatebirds, all three types of boobies (Nazca, blue-footed and red-footed), and both land and marine iguanas. After each action-filled day, return to the luxury of your private catamaran to rest and re-energize. This classic Northern Loop route takes in the natural wonders of Genovesa, Santa Cruz, Santiago, Isabela, Fernandina and Rábida islands.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 Visitors Guide.

11 Days • 10 Nights

Experience the Galápagos Islands in comfort and refinement on this small-group adventure, featuring a 7-night cruise on the new 16-passenger luxury catamaran Endemic — with a private balcony for every cabin! Start your trip in UNESCO-listed Quito, then cruise in style through the Galápagos. Following your MT Sobek naturalist guide, you'll kayak and snorkel with sea turtles, penguins and fur seals, walk among giant tortoises, frigatebirds, all three types of boobies (Nazca, blue-footed and red-footed), and both land and marine iguanas. After each action-filled day, return to the luxury of your private catamaran to rest and re-energize. This classic Northern Loop route takes in the natural wonders of Genovesa, Santa Cruz, Santiago, Isabela, Fernandina and Rábida islands.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 Visitors 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 the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Isabela and Fernandina Island, home to endemic flightless cormorants

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See giant tortoises on Santa Cruz and Isabela, and a fantastic diversity of endemic birdlife on Genovesa, including red-footed and Nazca boobies

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Gaze out at the Enchanted Isles from your private balcony aboard the luxury Endemic catamaran and take Zodiac cruises to remote coves and lagoons

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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 the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Isabela and Fernandina Island, home to endemic flightless cormorants
  • See giant tortoises on Santa Cruz and Isabela, and a fantastic diversity of endemic birdlife on Genovesa, including red-footed and Nazca boobies
  • Gaze out at the Enchanted Isles from your private balcony aboard the luxury Endemic catamaran and take Zodiac cruises to remote coves and lagoons

Ecuador Galapagos Private Adventure Cruise on Endemic

Start: Quito, Ecuador  End: Quito, Ecuador

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 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

    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 Bachas Beach on the north side of Santa Cruz Island. Encounter sea lions on the beautiful, white-sand beach, look for flamingos and great blue herons in the lagoon, and spot hatchlings' footprints leading from the nest to the water's edge (sea turtles nest here from December to April). Return to Baltra and board your private luxury catamaran. Enjoy a welcome dinner onboard.

    Accommodation: Endemic

    Activity: PM 1.5 hours easy walk (1 mile), option to swim or snorkel from beach

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

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Hike & Snorkel Amid Rich Birdlife of Genovesa Island

    Day 4

    Genovesa Island is known as Bird Island and is one of the most interesting for visitors! Make a wet landing this morning and hike along Darwin Beach on the north side of Darwin Bay, formed by the rim of a sunken crater. Red mangroves along the trail provide habitat for yellow warblers, yellow-crowned night herons, and pintail ducks. The highlight of this site is the incredible abundance of Red-footed Boobies, Great Frigatebirds and Swallow-tailed Gulls. Despite being the most abundant species of booby in the islands, the red-footed is rarely seen unless you visit Genovesa. The bay also offers several places to snorkel; from deep waters along the cliffs across the bay, to shallow waters by the beach. In either case, there are many fish to see and great chances of seeing sharks, rays and sea lions.

    After lunch, explore the cliffs by panga before climbing Prince Phillip's Steps to the island's plateau. The landing sport is a rock fall that forms a natural staircase up the cliffs but the rest of the trail is quite easy and leveled. Walk through massive colonies of Red-footed and Nazca Boobies and an extraordinary Palo Santo forest on the way to a lava ridge where thousands of storm petrels dart about while Short-eared owls stalk them for prey. Along with Darwin Beach, this is one of the trails in the entire Galápagos with the most abundance of fauna. Snorkelers can explore the cliffs, where there are many fish and great chances of seeing sharks, rays and sea lions.

    Accommodation: Endemic

    Activity: AM 2 hours easy hike (1 mile) plus snorkeling & kayaking; PM 2.5 hours moderate hike (2 miles) plus snorkeling

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • See Giant Tortoises in the Wild on Santa Cruz and Explore Santiago Island

    Day 5

    This morning, explore the lush highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Walk along a shady trail between the Twin Craters, actually two sinkholes created long ago by underground lava tunnels that collapsed. Learn about the special nature of the surrounding forest, with its Scalesia pedunculated trees (endemic to the Galápagos) and abundant bird life including finches, Vermilion Flycatchers, and mockingbirds. Continue 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.

    Cruise over lunch to Santiago Island, and venture ashore at Sullivan Bay. Hike along the sandy shore, surrounded by lava fields that formed only about 100 years ago. Your guide will point out the hardy "pioneer" plants, specialized flora that are the first to colonize a lava field. Conclude with a refreshing swim and chance to do some snorkeling!

    Accommodation: Endemic

    Activity: AM 1.5 hours easy walk (1 mile); PM 2 hours easy walk (1.5 miles) plus snorkeling

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Isabela Island's Wetlands, Sierra Negra Volcano and Tortoise Breeding Center

    Day 6

    Isabela Island's wetlands are home to abundant bird life, including flamingos, stilts, whimbrels, gallinules, finches, Pintail Ducks, Brown Pelicans and more. Marine iguanas creep through the marshes as well. Part of the trail goes up Orchilla hill, which offers a nice view of the nearby town of Puerto Villamil. Continue to the Sierra Negra Volcano (4,890'), one of the most active volcanoes in the Galápagos. Hikers are rewarded with an unforgettable lesson in volcanic geology, with the chance to see the main volcanic caldera, very recent lava flows and fumaroles, and several smaller craters at the Chico Volcano site. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of the ocean and surrounding islands.

    Enjoy lunch on board, then visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding center, a highlight of any visit to Isabela Island. Here, giant tortoises of the Isabela Island subspecies are hatched and cared for until they can survive on their own in the wild. Hundreds of adorable baby tortoises lumber about in raised pens, designed to protect them from predators including rats and ants. Even the walk to get to the breeding center from town is fun, as it is connected to Puerto Villamil by a boardwalk over some marshy wetlands where sightings of flamingos and other water birds are common.

    Accommodation: Endemic

    Activity: AM 3 hours moderate walk (4 miles); PM 2 hours easy walk (2 miles)

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Explore Isabela's Elizabeth Bay & Urbina Bay

    Day 7

    Head out by panga this morning to explore Elizabeth Bay, located along the west coast of Isabela Island. This is one of the island's breeding sites for penguins. Exploring the mangroves, channels and coves by panga, you'll have the chance to see many sea turtles, penguins, pelicans, flightless cormorants, herons and rays.
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    After lunch, anchor near Isabela's Urbina Bay — famous for having uplifted 15 feet along 2 miles of coastline exposing corals and invertebrates in its strata. Make a wet landing then follow your guide on the trail to look for Galápagos land iguanas, Galápagos hawks, and finches. You can also snorkel at this location and look for turtles, cormorants, a large diversity of fish and, with a bit of luck, octopus and lobsters.

    Accommodation: Endemic

    Activity: AM panga cruise; PM 1.5-2 hours easy walk (1-2 miles) plus snorkeling

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Explore Isabela's Tagus Cove & Fernandina Island, the Archipelago's Youngest Island

    Day 8

    In the morning, visit Tagus Cove, located to the west of Darwin Volcano on Isabela Island. While walking, inspect the inscriptions left by pirates in the 1800's. From here, you can see Darwin Lake, perched above sea level, but full of saltwater. It contains no fish, but it is very common to see a variety of bird species. After the walk, cruise by panga along the coast of Isabela to look for wildlife. Snorkelers will have great chances of swimming with penguins, cormorants and sea lions.

    Rest for lunch, then set out from 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. This island is an active shield volcano which had an eruption as recently as 2018. Upon landing, take a walk on black lava fields in search of marine iguanas, colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs and Galápagos sea lions lounging in its tidal pools.

    Accommodation: Endemic

    Activity: AM 1.5-2 hours moderate hike (2 miles) plus panga cruise & snorkeling; PM 2-2.5 hours moderate hike (1.5 miles) plus snorkeling

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Hike & Snorkel on Santiago Island & Rábida

    Day 9

    Wake for a wet landing on Santiago's 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. Perhaps the finest snorkel 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.

    After lunch, make a wet landing on the small red volcanic island of Rábida near the center of the archipelago. 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. Snorkel with colorful fish and reef sharks 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: Endemic

    Activity: AM snorkeling, kayaking & panga cruise; PM 1.5 hours moderate walk (1 mile), plus snorkeling & kayaking

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Mosquera Islet & Return to Quito

    Day 10

    Arrive this morning for a wet landing at Mosquera Islet, and set out on foot to see a large sea lion colony. Then disembark the Endemic and head to the Baltra airport for your return flight 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 1-1.5 hours easy walk (0.5 miles)

    Transportation: 2.5-hour flight 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 Galápagos Islands, with an inaugural charter for the Sierra Club in 1970.

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

  • Our guide and crew work hard maximizing the amount of wildlife encounters both on land and sea, and the guide will always snorkel with you.

Dates & Prices


  • Go Private
  • Go Custom
  • Inclusions

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.


Looking for a private family adventure?


This trip can accommodate guests with a
minimum age of 6.

Private Trip Pricing: 2024


16 guests from $10,545 per person double occupancy

14 guests from $11,956 per person double occupancy

12 guests from $13,837 per person double occupancy

10 guests from $16,470 per person double occupancy

Included Costs:

Internal Airfare: $650

Transit Control Card: $20

*Seasonal rates may apply.

*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.

Make Your Own Dates in These Months


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 Planning

Inclusions

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
  • Wetsuit rentals
  • Baggage transfers and porterage

Price Does Not Include


  • Galapagos National Park fee, collected upon arrival (Age 13 and older: $100 current fee, increasing to $200 from Aug 1 2024 / Age 12 and younger: $50 current fee, increasing to $100 from Aug 1 2024)
  • International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
  • Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
  • Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and catamaran crew
  • Travel Protection Program
  • Personal expenses
  • Galapagos Transit Control Card

Contact An Expert


800-974-0300

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 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. 

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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Genovesa Island is known as Bird Island and is one of the most interesting for visitors! Make a wet landing this morning and hike along Darwin Beach on the north side of Darwin Bay, formed by the rim of a sunken crater. Red mangroves along the trail provide habitat for yellow warblers, yellow-crowned night herons, and pintail ducks. The highlight of this site is the incredible abundance of Red-footed Boobies, Great Frigatebirds and Swallow-tailed Gulls. Despite being the most abundant species of booby in the islands, the red-footed is rarely seen unless you visit Genovesa. The bay also offers several places to snorkel; from deep waters along the cliffs across the bay, to shallow waters by the beach. In either case, there are many fish to see and great chances of seeing sharks, rays and sea lions.

After lunch, explore the cliffs by panga before climbing Prince Phillip\'s Steps to the island\'s plateau. The landing sport is a rock fall that forms a natural staircase up the cliffs but the rest of the trail is quite easy and leveled. Walk through massive colonies of Red-footed and Nazca Boobies and an extraordinary Palo Santo forest on the way to a lava ridge where thousands of storm petrels dart about while Short-eared owls stalk them for prey. Along with Darwin Beach, this is one of the trails in the entire Galápagos with the most abundance of fauna. Snorkelers can explore the cliffs, where there are many fish and great chances of seeing sharks, rays and sea lions.

[Breakfast] => 1 [Lunch] => 1 [Dinner] => 1 [Travel_Type] => [Quotation] => [Quotation_Attribution] => [Quotation_Location] => [Itinerary_Location] => [Latitude] => 0.3231 N [Longitude] => 89.9580 W ) [4] => Array ( [DayFrom] => 5 [DayTo] => 5 [Headline] => See Giant Tortoises in the Wild on Santa Cruz and Explore Santiago Island [ActivityOverview] => AM 1.5 hours easy walk (1 mile); PM 2 hours easy walk (1.5 miles) plus snorkeling [EstimatedLength] => [ActivityLevel] => [ItinBlock] =>

This morning, explore the lush highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Walk along a shady trail between the Twin Craters, actually two sinkholes created long ago by underground lava tunnels that collapsed. Learn about the special nature of the surrounding forest, with its Scalesia pedunculated trees (endemic to the Galápagos) and abundant bird life including finches, Vermilion Flycatchers, and mockingbirds. Continue 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.

Cruise over lunch to Santiago Island, and venture ashore at Sullivan Bay. Hike along the sandy shore, surrounded by lava fields that formed only about 100 years ago. Your guide will point out the hardy "pioneer" plants, specialized flora that are the first to colonize a lava field. Conclude with a refreshing swim and chance to do some snorkeling!

[Breakfast] => 1 [Lunch] => 1 [Dinner] => 1 [Travel_Type] => [Quotation] => [Quotation_Attribution] => [Quotation_Location] => [Itinerary_Location] => [Latitude] => -0.2777 [Longitude] => -90.713 ) [5] => Array ( [DayFrom] => 6 [DayTo] => 6 [Headline] => Isabela Island\'s Wetlands, Sierra Negra Volcano and Tortoise Breeding Center [ActivityOverview] => AM 3 hours moderate walk (4 miles); PM 2 hours easy walk (2 miles) [EstimatedLength] => [ActivityLevel] => [ItinBlock] =>

Isabela Island\'s wetlands are home to abundant bird life, including flamingos, stilts, whimbrels, gallinules, finches, Pintail Ducks, Brown Pelicans and more. Marine iguanas creep through the marshes as well. Part of the trail goes up Orchilla hill, which offers a nice view of the nearby town of Puerto Villamil. Continue to the Sierra Negra Volcano (4,890\'), one of the most active volcanoes in the Galápagos. Hikers are rewarded with an unforgettable lesson in volcanic geology, with the chance to see the main volcanic caldera, very recent lava flows and fumaroles, and several smaller craters at the Chico Volcano site. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of the ocean and surrounding islands.

Enjoy lunch on board, then visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding center, a highlight of any visit to Isabela Island. Here, giant tortoises of the Isabela Island subspecies are hatched and cared for until they can survive on their own in the wild. Hundreds of adorable baby tortoises lumber about in raised pens, designed to protect them from predators including rats and ants. Even the walk to get to the breeding center from town is fun, as it is connected to Puerto Villamil by a boardwalk over some marshy wetlands where sightings of flamingos and other water birds are common.

[Breakfast] => 1 [Lunch] => 1 [Dinner] => 1 [Travel_Type] => [Quotation] => [Quotation_Attribution] => [Quotation_Location] => [Itinerary_Location] => [Latitude] => -0.850 [Longitude] => -91.146 ) [6] => Array ( [DayFrom] => 7 [DayTo] => 7 [Headline] => Explore Isabela\'s Elizabeth Bay & Urbina Bay [ActivityOverview] => AM panga cruise; PM 1.5-2 hours easy walk (1-2 miles) plus snorkeling [EstimatedLength] => [ActivityLevel] => [ItinBlock] =>

Head out by panga this morning to explore Elizabeth Bay, located along the west coast of Isabela Island. This is one of the island\'s breeding sites for penguins. Exploring the mangroves, channels and coves by panga, you\'ll have the chance to see many sea turtles, penguins, pelicans, flightless cormorants, herons and rays.
\n\n
After lunch, anchor near Isabela\'s Urbina Bay — famous for having uplifted 15 feet along 2 miles of coastline exposing corals and invertebrates in its strata. Make a wet landing then follow your guide on the trail to look for Galápagos land iguanas, Galápagos hawks, and finches. You can also snorkel at this location and look for turtles, cormorants, a large diversity of fish and, with a bit of luck, octopus and lobsters.

[Breakfast] => 1 [Lunch] => 1 [Dinner] => 1 [Travel_Type] => [Quotation] => [Quotation_Attribution] => [Quotation_Location] => [Itinerary_Location] => [Latitude] => -0.393 [Longitude] => -91.226 ) [7] => Array ( [DayFrom] => 8 [DayTo] => 8 [Headline] => Explore Isabela\'s Tagus Cove & Fernandina Island, the Archipelago\'s Youngest Island [ActivityOverview] => AM 1.5-2 hours moderate hike (2 miles) plus panga cruise & snorkeling; PM 2-2.5 hours moderate hike (1.5 miles) plus snorkeling [EstimatedLength] => [ActivityLevel] => [ItinBlock] =>

In the morning, visit Tagus Cove, located to the west of Darwin Volcano on Isabela Island. While walking, inspect the inscriptions left by pirates in the 1800\'s. From here, you can see Darwin Lake, perched above sea level, but full of saltwater. It contains no fish, but it is very common to see a variety of bird species. After the walk, cruise by panga along the coast of Isabela to look for wildlife. Snorkelers will have great chances of swimming with penguins, cormorants and sea lions.

Rest for lunch, then set out from 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. This island is an active shield volcano which had an eruption as recently as 2018. Upon landing, take a walk on black lava fields in search of marine iguanas, colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs and Galápagos sea lions lounging in its tidal pools.

[Breakfast] => 1 [Lunch] => 1 [Dinner] => 1 [Travel_Type] => [Quotation] => [Quotation_Attribution] => [Quotation_Location] => [Itinerary_Location] => [Latitude] => -0.427 [Longitude] => -91.461 ) [8] => Array ( [DayFrom] => 9 [DayTo] => 9 [Headline] => Hike & Snorkel on Santiago Island & Rábida [ActivityOverview] => AM snorkeling, kayaking & panga cruise; PM 1.5 hours moderate walk (1 mile), plus snorkeling & kayaking [EstimatedLength] => [ActivityLevel] => [ItinBlock] =>

Wake for a wet landing on Santiago\'s 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. Perhaps the finest snorkel 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.

After lunch, make a wet landing on the small red volcanic island of Rábida near the center of the archipelago. 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. Snorkel with colorful fish and reef sharks 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.

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Arrive this morning for a wet landing at Mosquera Islet, and set out on foot to see a large sea lion colony. Then disembark the Endemic and head to the Baltra airport for your return flight to Quito. An MT Sobek representative will greet you at Quito airport and provide assistance to your nearby hotel.

[Breakfast] => 1 [Lunch] => 0 [Dinner] => 0 [Travel_Type] => 2.5-hour flight transfer [Quotation] => [Quotation_Attribution] => [Quotation_Location] => [Itinerary_Location] => [Latitude] => -0.146 [Longitude] => -78.467 ) [10] => Array ( [DayFrom] => 11 [DayTo] => 11 [Headline] => Depart Quito [ActivityOverview] => [EstimatedLength] => [ActivityLevel] => [ItinBlock] =>

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!

[Breakfast] => 1 [Lunch] => 0 [Dinner] => 0 [Travel_Type] => [Quotation] => [Quotation_Attribution] => [Quotation_Location] => [Itinerary_Location] => [Latitude] => -0.146 [Longitude] => -78.467 ) ) [ActivityHighlight] => This trip is rated Level 2 (on a scale of 1-5). It is considered easy to moderate, which is usually appropriate for travelers in generally fit condition. Your days will be filled with adventurous activities such as swimming, snorkeling, easy walking/hiking, daily zodiac rides, and kayaking. Please note that terrain on the islands is often varied and uneven. Terrain can also be slippery. There is one day of touring in the city of Quito. [Trip_Level] => 2 )

Activity Level


This trip is rated activity level 2. This trip is rated Level 2 (on a scale of 1-5). It is considered easy to moderate, which is usually appropriate for travelers in generally fit condition. Your days will be filled with adventurous activities such as swimming, snorkeling, easy walking/hiking, daily zodiac rides, and kayaking. Please note that terrain on the islands is often varied and uneven. Terrain can also be slippery. There is one day of touring in the city of Quito.
Learn more about activity levels here.

Activity Snapshot

Day 3

PM 1.5 hours easy walk (1 mile), option to swim or snorkel from beach

Day 4

AM 2 hours easy hike (1 mile) plus snorkeling & kayaking; PM 2.5 hours moderate hike (2 miles) plus snorkeling

Day 5

AM 1.5 hours easy walk (1 mile); PM 2 hours easy walk (1.5 miles) plus snorkeling

Day 6

AM 3 hours moderate walk (4 miles); PM 2 hours easy walk (2 miles)

Day 7

AM panga cruise; PM 1.5-2 hours easy walk (1-2 miles) plus snorkeling

Day 8

AM 1.5-2 hours moderate hike (2 miles) plus panga cruise & snorkeling; PM 2-2.5 hours moderate hike (1.5 miles) plus snorkeling

Day 9

AM snorkeling, kayaking & panga cruise; PM 1.5 hours moderate walk (1 mile), plus snorkeling & kayaking

Day 10

AM 1-1.5 hours easy walk (0.5 miles)

*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


Luxurious comfort aboard a sleek new catamaran with private balconies and a full crew to cater to your every need. Also includes an upscale hotel in Quito.

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.

Endemic
Endemic

Indulge in exceptional style and comfort aboard Endemic, a 115-foot luxury catamaran built in 2018. Its nine luxury cabins, including eight identical suites, set the new standard for modern elegance. Each cabin comes with floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, and much more. There is an abundance of natural light throughout, and the lounge and deck areas are spacious and beautifully designed - there is even a Jacuzzi! An exclusive buoyancy system gives added stability, plus you can see marine wonders from paddle boards, kayaks, and translucent "crystal" kayaks. Endemic conforms to the highest safety ratings, is 100% single-use plastic free, and has 11 crew members in addition to our naturalist guide. This the best luxury option for adventurers seeking a dream Galapagos cruising experience.

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.

 
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.

What is the minimum age for this trip?

This private trip is great for all ages and the standard minimum age is 6.

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!

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.

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 5-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 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.

What is the Northern Loop Route?

Our Northern Loop Route on the Endemic takes in both Western and Eastern Islands in the Galapagos. Western islands, including Fernandina, Isabela and Santiago on our route, are newer geologically-speaking with active volcanoes and lava landscapes. Eastern islands, including Genovesa and Santa Cruz on our route, also have volcanic origin but they are older and have more vegetation growth. Highlights of each island we visit include:

Genovesa: This arid, rocky island with gentle slopes and a volcanic caldera is a bird paradise with massive colonies of red-footed and Nazca boobies, frigate birds, and storm petrels; it's also one of the few places to see short-eared owls during the day. Stretch your legs on a short hike up Prince Phillip's Steps.

Santiago: Very diverse island with photogenic contrasting black pahoehoe lava and reddish-yellow tuff cones at Sullivan Bay, and impressive cliffs and coves at Buccaneer. This island offers some of the finest snorkeling of the trip, among schools of Galápagos penguins, reef sharks, turtles and rays.

Isabela: The largest and one of the youngest islands in the Galápagos, with an amazingly rich variety of wildlife, including Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants, sea turtles, land iguanas, and Galápagos hawks and finches. Its rich productive waters are feeding grounds for whales, dolphins and many seabirds.

Fernandina: The archipelago's youngest island, said to be the largest ecologically pristine island in the world and one of the highlights of the trip. Walk on recently created black lava fields loaded with marine iguanas, colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs and Galápagos sea lions lounging in its tidal pools. The island is also a stronghold for endemic flightless cormorants, penguins and hawks.

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!

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

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.

nOn this itinerary, there are wet landings the afternoon of Day 3 (at Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island), the morning of Day 4 (at one location on Genovesa Island), the afternoon of Day 7 (at Isabela Island's Urbina Bay), both the morning and afternoon on Day 9 (on Santiago Island and Rabida), and the morning of Day 10 (at Mosquera Islet).

nAll other excursions usually involve either a dry landing or (in one instance at Isabela Island's Elizabeth Bay), the touring is all done aboard pangas.

Guest Reviews


"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