Galapagos Wildlife Cruise (Archipel I)
Experience Overview
This fifteen-day itinerary aboard the Archipel I catamaran gives an extensive overview of the Galapagos. It combines the circumnavigation of Isabela Island with excursions in the southernmost points of the archipelago, including Española, along with visiting the seabird colonies of North Seymour, the spectacular volcanic island Bartolomé and the exclusive Genovesa Island. It also gives the chance to snorkel with sea lions in the Loberia and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in Santa Cruz.
Profile
— Accommodation: 16 Superior nights (14 catamaran, 2 hotel) — Travel by internal flight, catamaran and minibus
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 16 Superior nights (14 catamaran, 2 hotel) — Travel by internal flight, catamaran and minibus
Trip For You
This trip has been graded Activity Level 1 (Easy) with a Safari rating of 5. Visit our Wildlife Holidays page for more on our Wildlife ratings. For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
This trip is great for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and those with an interest in history or geology. Though you do not need to be particularly fit, there will be some walking on rough ground and sharp volcanic rocks due to the volcanic nature of the Galapagos Islands. The ability to withstand high temperatures and to swim will maximise your enjoyment of the trip. Due to local regulations, we have specific time slots for making our landings and site visits. There is usually very little disruption to the schedule, but this can mean little room for deviation in the event of poor weather or other circumstances.
Landings: Each day in the Galapagos will feature a mixture of walking, snorkelling and exploring the islands by boat. To get closer to the designated landing sites on each of the islands, we disembark into small pangas (motorised dinghies). Landings are divided into two types – wet and dry. For dry landings, the panga will take you right up to a landing stage or rocky outcrop where you can disembark without getting wet. However, where there is no landing stage, the panga will stop close to a beach and you will be expected to walk through shallow water (generally no more than ankle-deep) to the shore. The leader will always advise on conditions prior to leaving and it is possible to skip any excursion if you would rather relax on the boat.
Snorkelling: There are plenty of snorkelling opportunities in the Galapagos and this is one of the best ways to experience the marine life. A mask and snorkel will reveal an exciting underwater world with sea lions, rays, turtles, marine iguanas, and a colourful array of fish. On most days, there will be one or two snorkelling sessions. Snorkelling in the Galapagos does not require any special skills; however, at times, you will be snorkelling in open water where there are fairly strong currents. Before going into the water, the guide will evaluate the strength of the currents and the general sea condition to ensure they are right for a safe and enjoyable activity. The dinghy will remain very close at all times; if you get tired or feel like coming out of the water, you only have to raise your arm and they will pick you up so you can rest for a while before going back in or stay in the dinghy until it is time to return to the boat. Snorkelling equipment (snorkel, fins and masks) is provided; however, it is advisable to wear a wetsuit, which not only protects you from the cold but also makes floating much easier without as much effort.
Travellers: We offer this Galapagos cruise in conjunction with our Ecuadorian partners, and Exodus participants will join an international group, not all of whom have booked through Exodus. Occasionally some of these may be younger than Exodus’ minimum age for this trip.
Deposit terms
At the time of booking, we will ask you for the standard Exodus deposit plus an extra 10% of the trip cost to secure your space on the boat. If for any reason we are unable to secure the space and we have to cancel the trip, you will receive a full refund.
Cancellation terms
Due to the nature of this trip, it has slightly different cancellation charges to those listed in the standard Exodus Booking Conditions. After booking, if cancelling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows:
From 90 days to 65 days before departure: loss of deposit (20%)64 days or less (or failure to join the trip): 100% of the trip cost
Islands visited on this itinerary:
Santa Fe: The dense vegetation of Santa Fe comprises some of the largest species of cactus, including a forest of prickly pear. Large numbers of the endemic Santa Fe land iguana reside here – one of the largest land iguanas on the islands.
South Plaza: A tiny island formed of lava and carpeted with cacti and plants that give it a luxurious red surface. There is abundant bird life here (including tropic birds and swallow-tailed gulls), plus a large number of land and marine iguanas that feed on the cacti.
San Cristóbal: The easternmost island of the archipelago and the first landing point for Charles Darwin in 1835. The provincial capital of the Galapagos Islands, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, is on San Cristóbal, and the town is home to the excellent Galapagos Interpretation Centre. Popular sites for visitors include El Junco Lake (one of the few freshwater lagoons in the archipelago), Frigatebird Hill (unsurprisingly named for the large colonies of magnificent and great frigatebirds), and Kicker Rock, a towering split rock that rises more than 330ft (100m) from the ocean. The highland cloud forests provide a natural habitat for giant tortoises. Huge numbers of sea lions are also present on San Cristóbal and nearby Isla Lobos, reachable by boat, is a big nesting site for blue-footed boobies.
Santa Cruz: The second-largest island in the archipelago, Santa Cruz is home to Puerto Ayora – where most Galapagos ships are docked for embarkation – and the Charles Darwin Research Station, which conducts tortoise research programmes and is heavily involved in the management and conservation of the islands along with the national park authorities. The Santa Cruz highlands are much greener than the dry lowlands of the other islands and are home to freely roaming tortoises. In common with the rest of the group, Santa Cruz has many interesting volcanic features, such as pit craters and lava tunnels, and there is also a flamingo lagoon at Cerro Dragón.
Fernandina: The third-largest island, Fernandina is an active shield volcano noted for its fine examples of aa and pahoehoe lava flows. The Fernandina ecosystem is remarkably untouched, and the island has never been invaded by foreign species and predators. As a result, the cormorants here had no real need to fly and gradually evolved into flightless birds with small wings and feet that are extremely well-adapted to swimming. Land iguanas have also flourished due to the lack of predators – the island is home to the largest colony in the Galapagos.
Isabela: One of the youngest and most volcanically active islands with stark lava fields blackening the landscape, Isabela is larger than all the other islands combined. The lunar-like interior is perfect for an unusual trekking experience, and the cloud forest is home to five subspecies of the giant Galapagos tortoise. Marine life here is rich and varied, and it’s possible to see stingrays, white-tipped reef sharks and turtles in the mangroves and submerged lava tunnels, plus playful dolphins and the odd glimpse of breaching humpback whales.
Santiago: Home of the Galapagos fur seal, which likes the rocky shoreline and shady spots of the island. Around 30,000 to 40,000 live in the Galapagos, and the majority are found close to Puerto Egas, either on the rocks or on its black beaches. The island is a good place to see Galapagos hawks and Darwin finches, and there’s a popular snorkelling site called Chinese Hat where penguins, rays, turtles and playful sea lion pups reside.
Group Description
The cruise is led by an English-speaking guide registered with the Galapagos National Park service. In Quito there will be a local, English-speaking guide.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts, 14 lunches and 14 dinners included.
On board meals are plentiful with a wide choice of international and local cuisine. Breakfasts usually consist of cheese, meats, eggs, cereal, toasts, yoghurts, and fruits. Snacks are provided mid-morning and mid-afternoon, and for lunches and dinner soup usually precedes the main course.
Alcoholic drinks are available on board (approximately US$4 per beer, US$35 for a bottle of wine, around US$8 for selected cocktails) and the crew request you do not bring your own alcohol with you. Drinking water, tea, coffee, and juice is freely available at no additional charge.
Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this trip – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so our local team can be well prepared.
Transportation
In Quito, transport is in a private air-conditioned minibuses and in the Galapagos, we use a catamaran for our main navigation and small semi-inflatable pangas (motorised boats or Zodiacs) for landings.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: La Casona de la Ronda Hotel, Juan de Dios Morales Oe1-160 y, Quito 170405, Ecuador
Phone: +593 2-228-7538
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today
Airport: Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport (UIO)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
The trip ends at Guayaquil Airport (GYE), where it's possible to connect with international flights from 6pm onwards. Please speak to your sales representative if you need more information.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfer will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Transfer Details
Exodus offers FREE airport arrival transfers for any flight for this trip, for both Land Only and Flight Inclusive clients, so no matter which flight you choose to arrive on you will be met and transferred to your hotel. We do not offer free departure transfers on this trip because the tour ends at Guayaquil airport. All those taking advantage of the free airport arrival transfers must provide full flight details in advance; unless specified otherwise, the transfer will be to the Exodus start (or pre-tour) hotel; transfers to other hotels in the same city may attract an extra charge; transfers may be shared with other Exodus customers on the same flight, or on a flight with similar arrival times.
Weather Information
In Quito and the highlands, it should be warm by day and generally dry. Maximum daytime temperatures are almost constant throughout the year at 20ºC, nights 8ºC. Some rain can be expected in February to May and October to November but storms, though heavy, are generally short, and Quito is considered to have quite a pleasant climate.
It is possible to visit the Galapagos at any time of year, but seasonal variations do affect what you see and there are climatic changes to be aware of. The weather is controlled by the two main ocean currents of the region, the Humboldt, bringing cold water from the Antarctic, and El Nino, which brings tropical water from the Gulf of Panama. How close to Galapagos they converge (which varies from year to year) is the key to the weather.
'Dry season'
Generally speaking, late May to early December is the cooler 'dry' season. In this period, it is not necessarily dry, as there is a persistent light mist (garua) and often light drizzle, and the higher mountain slopes are covered in cloud and fog or rain. At this time the winds are in the southeast and are higher than at other times, so seas can sometimes be choppy, and anyone worried about seasickness might be better advised to avoid it. Daytime maximum temperatures lie between 27ºC and 31ºC, the cooler months being July to November. In July and August, the fairly strong winds introduce a chill factor, and it can feel quite cold at nights, though throughout the year the official night temperatures vary between 19ºC and 24ºC.
'Wet season'
Depending on how close the convergence of the two currents comes to Galapagos, there may or may not be a wet season from January to April or May. Approximately every seven years the El Nino current actually hits the islands and there will be heavy rains in these months. In other years rain usually falls sporadically from otherwise clear skies. The ocean temperatures are higher, with generally calm seas and strong sunshine: pleasant, but potentially very hot. Apart from an El Nino year, the weather is usually better from December/January to April/May than at other times even if there is some rain, and most people would regard these months as the best time to go.
There are plenty of wildlife highlights throughout the year:
January: Nesting land birds; Green sea turtles arrive to lay eggs on the islands beaches; land iguana’s start breeding on Isabela.
February: Nesting Marine iguanas on Santa Cruz; Greater flamingos start nesting on Floreana.
March: The bright red throat pouches of frigatebirds are inflated during mating season on Genovesa and San Cristobal.
April: Huge numbers of Waved albatross on Española displaying courtship rituals; eggs of Green sea turtles begin to hatch; land iguana eggs hatch on Isabela.
May: Courtship of Blue-footed boobies begins on North Seymour; Waved albatross on Española start laying eggs.
June: Giant tortoises migrate to the lowlands and start nesting; migrating birds stop in the Galapagos to rest; migrating Humpback whales can often be seen around the western islands.
July: Dolphins and whales are more likely to be seen around the western islands; Blue-footed boobies on Española start breeding.
August: Nazca boobies nest on Genovesa Island; Sea lions start giving birth to pups.
September: Penguins seen in the water when snorkelling around Bartolome.
October: Galapagos Fur seals start mating; Blue-footed boobies start raising chicks.
November: Curious Sea lion pups found in the water amongst snorkelers.
December: Mating Green sea turtles; Waved albatross chicks fledge.
Spending Money
You should carry your money in US dollars cash. Other currencies can be difficult to exchange and may incur a poor exchange rate. Obtaining change for larger denomination banknotes (US$100 and US$50) can be difficult. Try to carry a number of small notes (US$1 or US$5) as many small businesses and taxis do not carry large amounts of change.
On this trip there is a compulsory Galapagos Tax of US$200 which can only be paid locally in cash (US dollars) and will be collected by the National Park Service on arrival at San Cristóbal. In addition, all visitors to the Galapagos are required to obtain an immigration control card (Ingala card) in mainland Ecuador – these cost US$20 per person and will be supplied and paid for locally in cash (US dollars). Galapagos taxes are subject to increase without notice, and any such increase will be collected in Quito or Baltra.
All food is provided in the Galapagos. For the days in Quito, we provide breakfast only and you should budget roughly US$10-US$15 for lunch and US$15-US$20 for main evening meals (22% tax included). It is possible to eat more cheaply or more expensively than this, and the cost estimates don’t include alcohol. Tipping is customary in restaurants and cafes throughout Ecuador, and we recommend leaving a tip between 10% and 15% of the total bill. Drinks and incidentals are quite expensive in the Galapagos as everything is imported from the mainland.
Free-to-use snorkelling equipment (mask, snorkel and fins) is available on board but wetsuits are charged at US$8 per day. Additional fees apply if the equipment is damaged. Alternatively, bring your own equipment to ensure a good fit.
Optional excursions
The following optional excursions are available from Quito. Arrangements and payment can be organised on arrival subject to availability.
— Otavalo day tour (Saturday only) on a sharing basis, approximately US$90 per person — Cotopaxi National Park day tour (Thursday only) on a sharing basis, approximately US$90 per person — Mindo Cloud Forest day tour on a private basis, approximately US$236 per person (minimum of two people required) — Quito city tour on a sharing basis (three hours approximately) US$33 per person — Equatorial monument tour (three hours approximately) US$22 per person — Bellavista Cloud Forest day tour approximately US$155 (one client), US$147 per person (two clients), US$131 per person (three clients).
Tipping
Tipping is an optional but very much customary practice in Ecuador and forms part of the service culture. Due to the dominance of US visitors in the destination, tips are reasonably high and this is likely to add up during your stay. Please remember that you are never under any obligation to give a tip and you should only do so when you are happy with the service you have received.
To show appreciation to local guides on the mainland, a tip of around US$7-US$9 per day from each group member is sufficient. Drivers and other local staff may be given closer to US$5-US$8 in tips per day.
It is also usual for groups to tip the boat crew in addition to the guide. It would be reasonable for each group member to contribute about US$20 a day for the crew and staff in the Galapagos. You may also wish to tip the naturalist guides directly and this is at your discretion, but US$10 per person per day would be a good gratuity.
Highlights
— 14 nights aboard a catamaran exploring the Galapagos Islands — Incredible wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities with near-tame animals — Snorkel with iridescent fish, playful sea lions and turtles — Fantastic on-board service with experienced naturalist guide — Small group - a maximum of 16 clients on board
Trip Details
Product Code: 6365
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: landings.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: WAW
Starts: Quito , Ecuador
Finishes: Quito , Ecuador
Duration: 17 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— All breakfasts, 14 lunches, 14 dinners — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughout — Arrival and departure transfers — Snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel and fins) available free of charge on boardAccommodation
Archipel I catamaranCruise around the Galapagos on Archipel I, a catamaran overseen by nine crew members. On top is a spacious sundeck (come here for stretching views over the Pacific Ocean and islands), plus loungers and a dining area. Inside, there’s a lounge with a stocked bar and another dining space. Additionally, the vessel has eight cabins: two with double beds and six with two single beds; all have air conditioning and private bathrooms. The experience is undoubtedly enhanced by the on-board naturalist, an expert on the wildlife of the Galapagos. The vessel also has four double sea kayaks and snorkeling equipment, which we can use on guided adventures. Boat specifications: Catamaran16-passenger capacity with two double cabins and six twin cabinsCrew: Nine plus one naturalist guideLength: 88ft (27m)Beam: 36ft (11m) Take a virtual tour of the Archipel I: www.catamaranarchipel.com/VR/ARCHIPELL.html Worth knowing Single rooms can be arranged for a supplement for the hotel nights in Quito, subject to availability – please enquire at the time of booking. We cannot offer single cabins on the catamaran; therefore, solo guests will be paired with another guest of the same sex for the seven nights on board.Travelling between islands is often done overnight, so expect some cabin noise and movement.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $19,950 ($1,174 /day)
Itinerary
The adventure starts in Quito, aim to arrive at the hotel this afternoon/evening. Free transfers are available for all clients – check the Joining Instructions for more information. A local guide will welcome you to Quito and explain the schedule for the next few days. Accommodation: Hotel Casona de la Ronda (or similar)
Today is free to relax, recover from the flight and explore the fascinating city of Quito, the second-highest capital in the world, standing at 9,350ft (2,850m) on the western cordillera of the Andes. It is one of the smaller and more attractive of the colonial capitals in South America. Visitors to Quito are advised to take it easy at first because of the altitude. Accommodation: Hotel Casona de la Ronda (or similar)
Morning: Fly to Galapagos Transfer to Quito Airport and fly to Baltra Airport in the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival, you pass through the airport inspection point to make sure no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the island, and to pay the national park entrance fee. Your guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbour where a dinghy will take you to the yacht. Afternoon: Bachas Beach (Santa Cruz) This is a lovely bay with soft, white coral sand frequently visited by egg-laying sea turtles – watch your step! After enjoying leisure time at the beach, you could explore a small lagoon hidden behind bushes, where occasionally it is possible to observe flamingos, black-necked stilts and whimbrels. You might also see rusty barges, which were abandoned here after the Second World War when the USA rented this island as a strategic point to protect the Panama Channel from Japan. Accommodation: Archipel I
Morning: Prince Philip's Steps Genovesa has a royal touch. Follow in the footsteps of Prince Philip – who admired the Galapagos for many years – and visit this favourite birding spot, home to the largest breeding colonies of red-footed and nazca boobies and short-eared owls, which hunt on foot. Afternoon: Darwin Bay One of the outer islands and among the most exclusive spots on the Galapagos, Genovesa is well worth last night's longer navigation. This compact site displays the varied coastal ecosystems of the Galapagos in miniature – nearly too much for a single day. Accommodation: Archipel I
Morning: Bartolomé This tiny volcano islet is just recently born out of fire. Enter its wild setting of spatter cones and craters and admire beautiful panoramas of the Galapagos. Afternoon: Sullivan Bay (Santiago) Sullivan Bay is incomparable to any other site; setting foot on the recently solidified lava flow is like walking on the moon. Accommodation: Archipel I
Morning: El Chato Reserve – Twin Craters El Chato Reserve is a protected area and part of the Galapagos National Park, extending from Cerro El Chato as far down as the southwestern coast of Santa Cruz Island. Afternoon: Fausto Llerena Breeding Center On a tour of the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, you can see the tortoises of Española Island, ending in the tortoise exhibit corral. Tortoises of this corral are accustomed to humans – an excellent chance to capture a photo for your wall back home. Accommodation: Archipel I
Morning: Cormorant Point and Devil’s Crown The peninsula of Cormorant Point forms the extreme north cape of Floreana, which exists out of smaller volcanic cones, covered by a tropical dry forest of palo santo. At the landing beach, you will be welcomed by a small Galapagos sea lion colony. The green sand on this beach contains a high percentage of glassy olivine crystals, which have been blown out by the surrounding tuff cones. The flour-sand beach on the southern side of the peninsula is made of even finer white-coral sand, which feels very smooth on the feet. Parrotfish have pulverised it, grinding the calcareous skeletons of living coral. You can spot schools of stingrays who love the sandy bottom to hide. During the first months of the year, Pacific green turtles come ashore to bury their eggs. Devil’s Crown is one of the best snorkelling spots in the Galapagos due to the coral reef in its centre, which attracts a lot of marine life. Here you can spot Galapagos penguins, sea lions, sea turtles, many different colourful fish and even dolphins. The current can be a bit strong sometimes, so it should not be attempted by novice swimmers. Afternoon: Post Office Bay and Baroness Lookout Historically, this site was the location of a wooden barrel placed by an 18th-century whaling ship crew; letters placed inside were collected and delivered by sailors returning home. Tourists still leave thousands of letters here today and many still reach their destination. You can also relax on the beach at Post Office Bay, where you may see Galapagos sea lions, Pacific green turtles, golden rays and Galapagos penguins (this is the only place in the southeastern archipelago where penguins reside). You can also climb Baroness Lookout, a small basaltic cone, and enjoy paradisiacal views of the coastline. This viewpoint was the favourite spot the eccentric baroness and self-proclaimed Empress of Galapagos, Eloisa von Wagner, who was one of the first settlers on Floreana. Accommodation: Archipel I
Morning: Osborn Islet and Gardner Bay The striking white beach at Gardner Bay is an important breeding site for Pacific green turtles. However, without a doubt, its main attraction is the Galapagos sea lion colony. Females stay year-round in this nursery, suckling their pups until they are three years' old, although they start to fish at five months. During the breeding and mating season, the colony becomes even bigger. Afternoon: Suarez Point The west tip of Española is a dream for birdwatchers and photographers. Feel as though you're within an exciting nature documentary and hike a short distance from colourful marine iguanas. Accommodation: Archipel I
Morning: Pitt Point Two wind-sculpted tuff cones at Pitt Point constitute the easternmost end of the Galapagos and were the first sight of land for the crew of Darwin’s HMS Beagle. Afternoon: Witch Hill Enjoy a leisurely afternoon in Witch Hill's crescent-shaped beach of soft powdery sand. Accommodation: Archipel I
Morning: Lobos Islet (San Cristobal) The Lobos Islet’s beach harbours a colony of Galapagos sea lions. As in other colonies in the archipelago, you can approach nurturing females within a few metres. In the breeding season, this colony is also visited by territorial males, defending and mating the harem on their part of the beach. This low islet is home to more than just Galapagos sea lions, two other emblematic species breed here: male blue-footed boobies and great frigate birds who try to impress the females (and tourists) with clumsy dances, heaving their striking blue feet or blowing up their balloon-sized scarlet pouches. Afternoon: Interpretation Centre The Interpretation Centre provides a perfect explanation of this unique archipelago – the exhibition reveals what makes it so unique. Information panels, pictures, documents, maquettes and dioramas delve into the background and conservation stories of the islands. Accommodation: Archipel I
Morning: Sante Fe Sante Fe is a jewel of the Galapagos, where the pale Barrington land iguana and practically every other creature is unique to the archipelago or this island alone. Afternoon: South Plaza Popular South Plaza is not to be missed! This Jurassic islet is the best place to see the emblematic Galapagos dragons, which crawl across it. Accommodation: Archipel I
Morning: North Seymour North Seymour is another cruise highlight. It’s home to the most extensive seabird breeding colony in the archipelago and you can walk just a short distance from frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies. Afternoon: Chinese Hat Chinese Hat is a 170ft (52m) high volcanic cone, forming another islet right off the rocky coast of Santiago, where a small colony of Galapagos penguins have settled. Approaching Chinese Hat from the north, you will understand the meaning of the name. This is an excellent place to learn more about volcanoes, lava bombs and lava tunnels. You arrive just in time to see how this barren islet is being colonised by pioneer plant species! Beautiful beaches of white coral sand and holes in the eroding lava fields are filled with lava sand, which enables rooting. Galapagos sea lions and countless marine iguanas contribute to fertilisation and thus create many favourable options for newcomers, such as saltbush and the sesuvium carpet. Accommodation: Archipel I
Morning: El Chato Reserve – Twin Craters The native scalesia forest of El Chato Tortoise Reserve is the best place to search for Galapagos giant tortoises in their most authentic setting! Despite the interesting breeding centres – where you are guaranteed to find tortoises in their corrals – there is nothing better than to observe them in their wild environment. Though it can be quite moist and muddy, your visit may turn into an adventurous quest when they have left their favourite pond silently. The Twin Craters are found on either side of the road leading to Puerto Ayora. These impressive formations are not really volcanic craters but were formed by magma domes, which hardened on the outside while the lava flowed inside, leaving huge, empty magma chambers that eventually collapsed and left two large holes. The craters lie within a lush scalesia cloud forest, a high-altitude plant species that are endemic to the Galapagos. This area is also home to the carpenter finch, which uses tools to search for food. There may also be opportunities to see the vermillion flycatcher, a small red-breasted bird. Afternoon: Fausto Llerena Breeding Center On a tour of the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, you can see the tortoises of Española Island, ending in the tortoise exhibit corral. Tortoises of this corral are accustomed to humans – an excellent chance to photograph them. Accommodation: Archipel I
Morning: Moreno Point Moreno Point is on the north coast of Isabela Island, between the volcanoes Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul. The trail runs along a solidified pahoehoe lava flow into a complex of coastal lagoons. The main attractions here are several bird species, which are found around the lakes and mangroves. Afternoon: Urbina Bay Urbina Bay runs along the west coast of Isabela, between Elizabeth Bay and Tagus Cove and close to Alcedo Volcano. It's home to large, colourful land iguanas, giant tortoises, and lots of Darwin finches. Additionally, the coastline here underwent a major uplift in 1954, which caused the shore to expand 0.75mi (1.2km) out. As a result, you can now find corals, shells, and many other calcareous organisms exposed above the water. Accommodation: Archipel I
Morning: Espinoza Point (Fernandina) Fernandina is the third-largest island in the archipelago and has a single visitor site: Punta Espinoza, at the northeastern tip. Here, marine iguanas gather in larger groups than on any other island. They bask in the sand, swim near the shore and sometimes block the way at the landing dock. Fernandina is also home to the flightless cormorant, which can longer fly but has wings, tails and feet perfectly adapted for finding food in the ocean. Afternoon: Vicente Roca Point (Isabela) While having lunch, we cross the Bolivar Channel for the last time to Vicente Roca Point, just at the mouth of Isabela’s seahorse-shape. While entering a dark cave below a spectacular arch, the roar of waves accompanies you and, just around the corner, the collapsed amphitheatre of Volcan Ecuador offers an impressive view. The calmer cove waters are well-protected against the ocean swell and are fairly cold, but a great place for snorkelling among various species of shark, penguin, puffer fish and even seahorses. Accommodation: Archipel I
Morning: Puerto Egas (Santiago) Puerto Egas is historic and the favourite site on Santiago for wildlife lovers; it’s even the best place in the archipelago to observe Galapagos fur seals. Afternoon: Rabida Upon landing at this remarkable red beach, you will usually be greeted by a large bachelor colony of Galapagos sea lions. Accommodation: Archipel I
Morning: Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz) and transfer to Baltra Airport Our last adventure is brief but enchanting and takes place en route to the airport. Explore by dinghy the green landscape of Black Turtle Cove, which is mostly comprised of mangrove trees that host innumerable aerial and aquatic species. The quiet emerald lagoon and surrounding shallow bays enable the easy observation of sea turtles and groups of sharks. Then, assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew members, the dinghy will bring you and your luggage to Baltra, where we take the airport shuttle. From here, we fly to Guayaquil where it's possible to connect with international flights from 6pm onwards.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Steve Hart - Traveled, December 2021
Galapagos Wildlife Cruise I completed my 16 day cruise on the 22nd December and although I had to self isolate over Christmas, missing out on the family gathering, I still had the smile on my face. I had never snorkelled before but am now hooked and have bought my own gear. December was a good month to visit as it is the breading season with lots of cute chicks and sealion pups about. Having playful sealion pups swimming around you and nibbling at your fins has to be experienced to truly know the fun of it. Also got to swim with White Tipped Reef sharks, but the icing on the cake was swimming with Hammerhead sharks in Darwin Bay, Genovesa. The land scape changes from island to island and there is always something different to see either on the islands or while navigating to them. Our ship the Cachalote Explorer could accommodate 16 and although the cabins were not particularly spacious they met our needs. Only 2 of us stayed on for the entire cruise of west and east islands and I think those who only did one week missed out in many ways. The food was served as a buffet and was generally very good and you certainly weren’t going to starve. Definitely worth the money. Most Inspirational Moment There were quite a few like watching a pair of Albatrosses doing their goodbye for a year parting ceremony, filming a Frigate male puffing up its red chest to show off to the females flying over, swimming with cheeky sealion pups or through shoals of brightly coloured fish. And did I mention the Hammerhead sharks? Still smiling. Nature as it should be with the majority of animals and birds showing no fear of humans. By visiting most of the islands I was able to get a better understanding of the various stages in their evolution and only a week or so from getting back Wolf volcano on Isabella Island erupted again. Thoughts on Group Leader Dani was generally a good leader and very knowledgeable. His briefings were pretty clear on what to expect the following day and he dealt with any problems brought to his attention in a speedy manor. I hope he has many more opportunities to lead and add to his experience. Advice for Potential Travellers TAKE EAR PLUGS. The boat engines are quite noisy and when sailing at night earplugs are a must for a good nights sleep. Swim gear is also a must if you intend to snorkel as wetsuits have to remain on deck where you change into them. Make sure you have plenty of spare capacity on your smart phone/camera and I suggest you take both and use frequently. One of our group lost their smart phone when they got back to Ecuador and lost all their pictures. Suggestions Still smiling!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/10/2022
mike power - Traveled, October 2018
a week in the Galapagos a brilliant holiday, unfortunately cut short through no fault of Exodus.In the circumstances they handled everything well and re-arranged flights to our complete satisfaction,the itinerary was great, the boat amazing and you couldn’t want for a more amiable and knowledgeable guide. We visited all the islands in the east and were fortunate enough to see all the wildlife on our wish list, and although we were offered the chance to return and do the western Isles, I decided to take a full refund for the lost week and arrange another holiday with Exodus in the future. In summary I would say it was not just a great holiday but a lifetime experience Most Inspirational Moment there were too many to mention but watching albatross try to take off was highly amusing Thoughts on Group Leader brilliant Advice for Potential Travellers go now and enjoy. As there is a fair amount of snorkelling take a waterproof camera
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2018
Jakki Foote - Traveled, April 2018
Fabulous holiday, shame about the boat! The two-week wildlife cruise was the holiday of a lifetime. We both enjoy science and wildlife, we are also sailors and have our own boat. Most days the itinerary was full on and wonderful, and we were delighted with the amazing wildlife both on land and in the sea. The crew were very friendly and worked amazingly hard. There was a generous amount of good food for every meal, including much fruit, vegetables and salads. Unfortunately several of us had stomach upsets for 1 or 2 days. The boat was the main cause for concern. The A/C in the dining room failed for a couple of days, and dripped water on the seating so we had several wet seats for a few days. The Dining room ceiling also dripped water on several occasions. Our A/C also dripped on the carpet, or anything that was on the carpet nearby, and also on the shelves under it. Many things were wet or smelled musty. We had room 1 and our toilet was often malfunctioning from the start, and then blocked completely for a whole day (happily the crew worked very hard and managed to repair it by bedtime). There were no other toilets except the ones in other guests cabins. Exodus gave us only 24 hours to decide whether to abort the holiday as the original boat the Cachalot was out of commission but we were told that the substitute boat was also a “first class boat”. We now discover that according to Galapagos Islands.com the ‘Astrea’ or ‘Pinguino Explorer’ is down as a “mid-priced boat” and costs 650 dollars per week less that the ‘Catchalot’ did, so we are not amused as no refund was offered for this cheaper accommodation. Exodus were unable to give us useful information regarding laundry (they said there was none) or the ability to wash things ourselves and hang them out. Also, they were unable to answer queries about the flight from Quito to the islands or the baggage allowance for that flight. We therefore took far too much luggage! We were only told about the need for US dollars to pay the bar bill within the last week when we had already ordered and collected our dollars. Most Inspirational Moment So hard to decide as most days exceeded our expectations. I loved the seals, so amusing and entertaining, as were the Penguins but the Hammerhead sharks took my breath away. We saw about 100 Mola mola (sunfish) I also was blown away by the Siera Negra Volcano – so huge. Thoughts on Group Leader Very knowledgeable about so many things, but not easy to get a straight answer from, and also rather creepy. Advice for Potential Travellers Find out who the local agent is and check their website, it answered many of our outstanding questions. You can wash for yourself, a plug is useful, and hang out clothes on the rail outside. Galapagos Wildlife Cruise (Archipel I) Reply from Exodus We would like to thank Jakki for her feedback. We are pleased that she enjoyed her trip overall, but we regret the disappointment that the Astrea caused. We were very sorry to learn that Jakki experienced issues with the air-conditioning and plumbing, as we appreciate the frustration and disappointment this caused. Following the feedback we have received, I can confirm that we will not be using the Astrea for any future departures and we have been in touch with Jakki on an individual basis. Sarah Ahern – Product Manager for the Galapagos
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/20/2018
Julie Sutton - Traveled, November 2017
Galapagos Wildlife Cruise I thought long and hard about booking a this trip as it is not cheap! However it proved to be the best holiday that I have ever taken and well worth the money. We snorkelled twice a day on most days, with the turtles, sea lions, penguins, marine iguanas and great shoals of multicoloured fish. Every island that we visited was different and the naturalist guide that accompanied us was a fount of information. On land we saw the giant Galapagos tortoises, land iguanas and a myriad of different birds. The boat that we were based on was first class with excellent food and attentive and friendly crew Most Inspirational Moment Swimming with sealions Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent, could not have been bettered, Gandy was efficient, knowledgible, kind and fun Advice for Potential Travellers If you have your own full length wetsuit, then take it with you if you are travelling, as I did in November as the water is fairly cold then and the wet suits provided on board are short ones. On the other hand I understand the sea is much warmer in Feb/Mar.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2017
Petrus Van Dongen - Traveled, October 2015
Galapagos Wildlife Trip An amazing trip, full of exciting excursions, beautiful landscapes, astounding wildlife encounters, amazing weather, good co-travellers and a very informative and easy going leader! What more could you want of this once-in-a-lifetime-trip? Most Inspirational Moment Snorkelling with turtles, sea lions, sharks, rays, penguins and marine iguanas. OK, this wasn't one moment, but the whole snorkelling experience was awesome! Thoughts on Group Leader Very good, informative, knowledgeable, easy-going, funny. Advice for Potential Travellers Bring plenty of sun cream; bring sandals and flip-flops, as well as good walking shoes; make sure you can stand constant movement of the ship, or take drugs; be prepared to spend time in small spaces. Bring binoculars (for birds mainly) as well as a decent camera, zoom not so important, as the animals are very close! Other that that: just do it! Suggestions The food was plentiful and varied, although 'surprising' in many ways. Good healthy stuff always available though. Cabins are VERY small and there is VERY limited storage space.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/23/2015
Kathleen Gray - Traveled, May 2015
Galapagos Wildlife Cruise Non stop wildlife experience with so many different islands that it felt much more than just too weeks. Lovely breaks cruising between the islands relaxing in the warm sea breeze. Very helpful friendly passengers and crew. Great food. Snorkelling is a must. Essential to have a small boat 16 max to enjoy the islands in peace. The Western Islands were quieter than the eastern Islands. A trip to be repeated!!! Most Inspirational Moment Fun with the wildlife especially the inquisitive, friendly sea lions brushing their whiskers across my face and the little bird dancing on my head as I was sitting on the rocks at the sea edge trying to take photos of diving boobies. Thoughts on Group Leader Juan was excellent. Very friendly and a mass of knowledge about the wildlife and the islands. Everything there is to know he knows it. At the end he gave us a very useful digital copy of photos he took of the wildlife we saw on each walk. So helpful when you get back home to identify the wildlife and also a record of your trip. Take a 16GB SD card or stick to store the info. Advice for Potential Travellers Pack light as cabin space limited in the Cachalote. Take old or dark clothes as you might getting 'rust' stains because your washing gets hung out on the metal rails at the back of the yacht. Take ear plugs for sleeping at night as engines are noisy. Head-torch useful as cabin quite dim. Snorkelling a must and get prescription snorkelling mask,if you need to, and a waterproof camera before you go. Wear shortie wet suit to stay in water as long as possible. Either take your own or hire on board. I found strong waterproof sandals good for most walks but lightweight boots useful for other walks. Suggestions Enjoy!!Enjoy!! You'll have a fabby time. PS Kids waterproof suntan lotion will keep you well protected from the sun. Factor 50 then 30.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/20/2015
Cornell Grierson - Traveled, March 2015
Galapagos Wildlife Cruise Galapagos 14 night cruise around the islands a once in a lifetime holiday…. Thinking about it? Just book it truly amazing! Most Inspirational Moment Seeing and swimming with penguins, turtles, sea lions, sting rays, sharks, hammerhead sharks, dolphins. Seeing a huge group of dolphins swimming when we were sailing was also a huge highlight. Blue footed boobies courting ritual. Wandering albatross as well was wonderfull. Thoughts on Group Leader Darwin was excellent really fun and knowledgeable about the history of the islands and the animals that inhabit it a wonderful your leader can't fault one bit. Advice for Potential Travellers Small cabins don't take to much also very formal at dinner times so no need to worry about taking all smart clothes.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2015
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2013
GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE CRUISE A fantastic experience aboard the Cachalote visiting so many of the Islands and coves; seeing all the wildlife for real that I had seen on the David Attenbrough programme. The most amazing thing was the wildlife's attitude to us. It was so 'laid back' about us being there that they just ignored our presence. We were told to not go too close but nobody told the wildlife that! It was as f we were invisible. Most Inspirational Moment There were many but here are 3. Seeing the Nazca Boobies and Waved Albatrosses still displaying to each other and sparring with their beaks when we visited Suarez Point on Espanola Island. Also the time a Blue Footed Booby decided that it was going to come close to us and investigate - or did it just want to make it's way along the path we were on? Thirdly, the event that was the 'icing on the cake', so to speak, was on our last day, on Seymour Island when we saw Frigate birds with their red pouches inflated. It was not their normal breeding season but 1 or 2 can be seen at most times of the year, we were told. Thoughts on Group Leader Our group leader, called Darwin, was brilliant. He knows all about the geology as well as the wildlife. He is passionate about conservation, spending some time doing voluntary work for the National Park ,and was able to answer all our questions about it, the wildlife and life in general on the islands. He was caring and helpful and gave us a good idea of what to expect to see and do each day Advice for Potential Travellers There are couple of long navigations that can be a bit rough so be prepared. If you're a particularly poor sailor try the ear patches - like nicotine patches - available from your Dr. Also, if your nervous about snorkelling have a couple of lessons before you go, because, like us, you may have many more opportunities than what is listed in the trip notes!. Suggestions Just go! A real holiday of a lifetime!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/16/2013
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2013
GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE CRUISE What a wonderful experience. Quito city on the mainland and the Galapagos islands are such a contrast to each other but both extremely interesting. Most Inspirational Moment The three most memorable moments for me were when we visited - North Seymour Island where the blue-footed boobies were performing their most entertaining mating dance- Espanola (Hood) Island where we saw nesting Waved Albatross- Early morning explorations of the mangroves where turtles, rays and white headed sharks were seen when the paddle was used to sail the panga. These were breath taking experiences. Thoughts on Group Leader Our group leader was Juan Tapia. Juan was brilliant guide. He was extremely personable and looked after every need for each member of the group. His enthusiasm / passion was second to none and he was very knowledgeable about all the flora, fauna, marine life and geology of the islands. His English is first class and I understand he also speaks four other languages. He is a multi talented guy and was most entertaining when we were enjoying our "Crossing the Equator Party" and the Captain's Party at the end of our journey. Advice for Potential Travellers Read the Trip Notes thoroughly as they contain excellent advice with regard to the packing requirements, money matters and altitude warnings. They also include factual, relevant information about the Cachelote so there should not be any surprises with regard to cabin size and particularly the noise of the engine. Do not be frightened by all the information about Quito. Heed the information and treat the city with respect as you would with any other city in the world. By doing this you and your belongings will be safe and you will enjoy this fascinating city and it's people. Suggestions The Shuttle to and from the Airport to the Hotel were well organised and much appreciated. The Ground Staff were very helpful and kept us well informed at all times. The Veja Cuba hotel in Quito is more than adequate - clean, comfortable, decent sized rooms with private facilities. Breakfast could be improved, mainly the service and choice of menu, however you will not starve.The Cachelote Capitan and his crew members added value to our journey around the Galapagos Islands. They were all lovely people, very helpful and most respectful to the clients. Nothing was too much trouble.My advice to all is if wildlife, marine life, geology, photography, swimming / snorkelling are your interests / passions, this trip has got to be on your Bucket List to be enjoyed at sometime in the future. I truly would recommend the 14 day itinerary to allow sufficient time investigate as many islands as possible in the time allowed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2013
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2013
GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE CRUISE Wonderful experience, exceeded my expectations. Most Inspirational Moment The Cachalotte is a superb boat and the staff are exceptional, the chef needs a medal the food presented was far superior to any hotel I have stayed in. Nothing was too much trouble , especially helpful getting into the panga's!! Juon was a very knowledgeable guide, friendly and socialable.The wildlife exceeded all expectations we saw it all as per itinerary, I had never snorkelled but managed to and saw fabulous fish , inquisitive seals and penguins darting round me, turtles and much more. Weather was perfect, no rain, sun protection is a must, only one suffered sea sickness (mildly) Land wildlife, flowers, scenery superb tooLong journey to destination, Iberia OK but boy was it worth it. Quito - go to old town lovely, Cuba hotel was excellent.Highly recommended. Thoughts on Group Leader Juan was so knowledgeable really showed his 25 years experience, very friendly and efficient. Sat with us in the evenings to discuss with us what we had seen that day. All transport, transfers went like clockwork Advice for Potential Travellers Sea sickness was not a problem on our trip, but there are tablets available. Altitude in Quito not a great problem just keep drinking water . Bellavista was a nice trip from Quito but only if not raining, it can be very cold and damp there and not a lot to do/see if wet. Must go to the Palace in Quito old town, free guided tour and photo.Be aware that despite transferring from one plane to another @ Madrid your alcohol will be taken away, insist shops put it in sealed bag, mine was treble wrapped in bubblewrap and they still took it , I lost $52.If poss take a pillow for the boat, mattress and pillow on hard side!! You can use it on the plane too . Suggestions If you have never attempted to snorkel here is the perfect chance, all the equipment and superb opportunities almost every day- twice a day. I cannot swim but still had a go with a life jacket, had one beach and the mammal's/fish to myself last day !! Superb experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/27/2013
Anonymous - Traveled, February 2013
GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE CRUISE This trip whole heartedly exceeded my expectations. For those of you who love animals this is certainly the right trip for you. Being able to go around all the islands and be there for two weeks was breath taking and definately worth going for the two weeks, there is so much to see and the west islands were personally better for me. Getting so close to all the animals without feeling as though you were invading their space was so special, nothing was bothered you were around them it really was magical and my idea of heaven. Most Inspirational Moment Being on the islands was such as awe inspiring feeling, knowing how much they are doing to keep the islands and animals protected and knowing that tourists and local communtities are only allowed to be on 1% of the islands and the rest is restricted is wonderful to know.Swimming with 11 turtles with one falling asleep right beside me and floating into me was magical! The trip has certainly changed me and I feel very lucky and priveledged to have been able to go! Thoughts on Group Leader Our leader (Juan Tapia) was fantastic. So enthusiastic and knowledgable, he really added to the trip and we felt lkucky to have him as our guide. You felt safe with him and as he had grown up on the islands and was so passionate about sharing them with others you felt even more enthused. He knew everything about all the different species and could never not answer a question about the islands/species! Advice for Potential Travellers Pack light, as we were walking and swimming/snorkelling a lot we really didnt need much as things could be washed and hung up on the boat to dry. Take clothes that you dont mind getting dirty or ruined. Take strong suncream factor 50 if possible as i was caught out with factor 30. Certainly wear a top whilst snorkelling, the water was lovely and warm but your back is protected from sun burn.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/10/2013
Anonymous - Traveled, March 2012
GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE CRUISE The cruise we went on was March 2012,it was a once in a life time holiday.Wonderful memories and I would advise any one who is thinking of going to just do it.I went with my husband and we had planned to go for a couple of years.We very much wanted to see as many islands as possible and of course wildlife.What a fantastic trip we had and found it difficult to fault anything about the holiday. Most Inspirational Moment The whole trip was inspirational and I find it difficult to say what was the most inspirational moment.Even after all these months I can remember lots of wonderful images .Both my self and husband read all the reviews written from fellow travellers and we identified all the points.The Cachalote was fantastic ,we had a wonderful crew and fellow passengers,which is a key factor on this type of holiday. The wild life experience ,on the land and in the sea exceeded all our expectations,swimming with those turtles,sharks and seeing the rays glide past was unreal .The playful sea lions just seem to be there for the sheer love of folks. Snorkelling is a must we had not done it before,such a wonderful feeling once you get the hang of it. Every island had different surprise's to offer,well worth the walks and climbs. Thoughts on Group Leader Group leader in Quito was excellent and gave us lots of advice.As a group we did the suggested itinerary and that worked very well and we saw lots .See other reviews from travellers who went on this holiday in March2012. The Group leader in the Galapagos was excellent ,the information she provided was of a very high standard.The briefings each day were brilliant,I would advise travellers to take a photo each day of the briefing board for your future travel log.The Group leader was very realistic and offered sensible advice throughout the trip.We found if you listened and followed instructions you would get more out of the holiday. Just master that getting on and off Cachalote and the islands/beaches on to the zodiac and you will be fine. Crew members were also an excellent source of information and always ready to be of assistance. Advice for Potential Travellers Do your research read the notes provided,ensure this is the holiday for you.Boat can be bit rough at times, however you do get use to it.This is not a relaxing holiday remember it is an adventure.Cabins are small you do need to be organised, but it is Great! we would advise any one to go. If possible watch the BBC Richard Attenborough films before you go....and yes it is just like that in real life. We took our own snorkelling gear and thought that was a good idea,although there is enough on board. My view is that I would have liked my own shortie wet suit. Suggestions The very fact you are reading this review means you are interested ,as mentioned above do your research. Make sure you take things you have been advised to take,read all the reviews about this holiday. Just doing this review brings back wonderful memories of sailing along in the pitch black evening ,we will never forget the wonderful sight of the sky and stars and the gentle sway of Cachalote .Just sitting on the front of the boat ,you will have to pinch yourself to make sure it is real.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/20/2013
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2012
GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE CRUISE One can always count on Exodus to provide the best way to discover new territories, and the Galapagos wildlife cruise aboard the "Cachalote" was awesome! The captain & crew are fantastic, I was even able to steer the yacht at Latitude 0! Our guide Darwin was exceptionnal, and the wildlife was….. WILD!!!!!! Most Inspirational Moment Walking on the lava fields and imagining how it must have been when the earth was booming with activity. It made me feel very humble towards the magnificence and power of our planet. Thoughts on Group Leader Darwin rocks!!! Advice for Potential Travellers Don't hesitate: just GO! But do not forget to take good earplugs as the engine is really loud in some cabins.I had a long wetsuit and was never cold, so consider bringing one too. Suggestions We had a fantastic holiday! The opportunities for getting up, close & personal with tortoises, turtles, iguanas, sharks, dolphins, mula-mulas, sea-birds.... are incredible. Everywhere you look, there is something going on! Watching baby sea lions just a couple of hours old sucking away without any worry in the world was so lovely. I just took so many photos and video, it is going to take me weeks to sort them all out! (sorry, not very well said, but I am french... Anyway, just GO and see for yourself!)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/20/2012
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2012
GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE CRUISE WOW! This trip exceeded my expectations so much, the trip notes provided the basic itinerary, and guides books help you prepare for what you will see, but nothing prepared me for the WOW factor of swimming with the sealiions & turtles, and that was just the start, seeing the albatross so close and so many, having the chance to see the mating dance, just amazing. Most Inspirational Moment So many highlights, but I think swimming with just one sealion on our last snorkel trip, he just wanted to play with us, and it was just lovely, he didn't want us to get out. Thoughts on Group Leader We were lucky enough to have Darwin, and having read other reports about him, we knew we were lucky, and I have to agree with others that have had him as their guide, he is so well prepared, ready to answer any questions, so full of information that he spends the time passing on to you. Will adapt the daily routine to ensure that the guests are happy, and takes into account the likes & dislikes as much as he can. Nothing was too much trouble for him. Advice for Potential Travellers Enjoy every moment of the trip, as well as getting to know your fellow travellers take the time to also get to know the crew, and they will help make it a great holiday, the team on the Cachalote with us just made us laugh so much, Roberto has a laugh that I will never forget.And a reminder that the storage space in the rooms is very limited, once you get over the shock it is fine, and I think in all cases we all made it work, but don't think we ever got over the initial shock. Suggestions If anyone has space in their bags, then please take me back with you.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2012
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2012
GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE CRUISE Overall this trip was one wow after another, everyday was another exciting experience. The Galápagos Islands were in one word "amazing" a true and wonderful experience. Most Inspirational Moment The whole expedition was so inspirational, but for me it was being in the ocean with a "mola mola" (sunfish) google it, you will see what I mean. Thoughts on Group Leader Darwin our group leader was absolutely brilliant, his predictions of what we would see from day to day were always proved right. His knowledge and enthusiasm rubbed off on all our fellow travellers making everyday and every sighting of wildlife, landscapes and flora fauna interesting and exciting. Darwin was magicle!!! Advice for Potential Travellers If you decide on taking this magical trip. Make sure you have a large memory card. You do not need a lot of clothes just shorts and t-shirts, the ship has a bare foot policy on board so don't waste luggage space on deck shoes. Also a large part of the daily program is snorkelling usually twice a day, make sure this is for you and take your own masks and snorkels(they are available for hire but it's nice to use your own) Suggestions Cheers to Darwin!!!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/20/2012
Anonymous - Traveled, March 2012
GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE CRUISE What a fantastic way to spend a couple of weeks! Amazing wildlife, enjoyable walks, good snorkeling, relaxed life on board the yacht, great food, siestas after lunch and fabulous weather. Perfect! Most Inspirational Moment I loved all of the wildlife, but the absolute highlight for me was snorkeling with turtles. I enjoyed a full half hour in the company of a couple of grazing turtles who were within touching distance (I didn't - I resisted the temptation!). I had to keep circling to prevent myself from bumping into them in the swell - just brilliant. I also enjoyed the occasions when sealions came to investigate/play whilst snorkeling. Oh and the sky pointing, feet lifting displays of the blue footed boobies on the last morning of the trip - I love those birds! Thoughts on Group Leader Silvia was a great group leader. She shared a wealth of knowledge and clearly loved the islands and the wildlife. She was a very good organiser, ensured everyone was taken care of and was also great company. Thanks Silvia! Stefan in Quito was also extremely helpful and ensured that we got the best that we could out of our short time there. I was a little concerned about safety in Quito, but his advice ensured we were ok. Advice for Potential Travellers Pack light - storage space is limited - it's easy to wash and dry clothing by using the pegs provided on deck. I was unsure whether I needed a wetsuit for snorkeling at this time of year - In the Eastern islands I found the snorkelling warm enough to wear just a t-shirt for sun protection, but in the Western islands it was cooler (actually quite cold in two places) - I had taken a wetsuit type t-shirt, which was fine for all but the two coldest snorkels - I just had to swim a lot to keep warm! Shoes were recommended, but in the interest of travelling light I managed fine with good quality walking sandals, although I am used to hill walking in them. Closed toe sandals with grippy soles are all you need though. Take sea sickness tablets with you just in case - we had a couple of days of Spring tide, with quite a swell and a few people needed tablets. The photographic opportunities are amazing - from reports I read before I went I almost didn't take my 100-400mm lens, but I'm so glad I did as it enabled me to get some really intimate close ups. To get the best out of the trip I'd recommend a wide and a zoom lens. But if you only have a compact, you'll have just as much fun with it. The entire trip requires cash (not cards) - keep it safe in Quito and ensure that all cash is in $20 notes or less - they rarely accept larger notes. Tipping is an integral part of the culture so ensure you have sufficient to tip the crew and guide in accordance with their service levels. You'll need insect repellent on a few of the islands (but not on most) - it's always handy to have some with you just in case. Suggestions I would highly recommend the two week trip - the greater abundance of wildlife is on the Eastern islands and I enjoyed these islands the most - but my highlights mentioned above all occured on the Western islands. My only sadness was that Exodus don't run the two week trip in April as I'd have loved to have seen the waved albatrosses who hadn't arrived in time for this trip. We went in the' hot wet' season, but don't let the 'wet' bit put you off. Temperatures were over 30 degrees, the islands were green (which isn't the case in the dry season) and it only rained during the night on one occasion, so the weather was perfect. I enjoyed the snorkeling - in places it was good, but in others it was quite murky with not a lot to see. I've been lucky enough to snorkel in the Maldives where the fish are much more plentiful - but the sealions and turtles made up for the it. Overall a fantastic trip and I'd highly recommend it to all those who enjoy wildlife and a relaxed life on the ocean wave.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/10/2012
Anonymous - Traveled, March 2012
GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE CRUISE A fantastic trip, a true 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience. The locals like to haggle over costs and Taxis agree a price prior to your getting in the vehicle! Most Inspirational Moment The fabulous wildlife. The birds and reptiles are very colourful but the flowers are mainly yellow! Thoughts on Group Leader The impressive knowledge of Silvia (our guide) and her total enthusiasm holds her followers spellbound. Advice for Potential Travellers If travelling 'solo', think hard about a cabin to yourself!Take as few clothes as possible, things can be rinsed out and dry quite quicklyDo not get pressurised into giving fantastic tips, make up tour own mind and tip privately. Suggestions GET OUT THERE BEFORE YOU ARE TOO OLD OR TO DECREPID TO ENJOY IT TO THE FULL!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2012
Anonymous - Traveled, March 2012
GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE CRUISE A fabulous trip that allows you to experience the varying scenery and wildlife of the different islands to their fullest. Most Inspirational Moment Snorkling with the turtles. Thoughts on Group Leader Sylvia was first class and had a wealth of knowledge about the Islands which she was always keen to share. She made sure to tell us about the history, geology and wildlife of each island and was extremely informative.We were also very well looked after in Quito; airport transfers were reliable and efficient and the guide in Quito (Stefan) provided us with maps and suggestions for places to visit during the free day. Advice for Potential Travellers Make sure that you don't take any denominations larger than $20 notes as you will not be able to spend them in Ecuador.Pack light - there is virtually no storage space in the cabins.Photographers - you get very close to the wildlife and I nearly didn't take my 70-200mm lens on this trip as I suspected that I would not use it much. However, I actually used this lens more than any other so I would strongly recommend taking a medium range zoom lens, and this lens is vital if you are interested in bird photography. There was snorkling offered at least once, and often twice every day. The Cachalote has wetsuits, fins and masks that you can hire very cheaply. However, if you are of small build and want a wetsuit that fits properly you should consider bringing your own. Most of the time the water was warm enough not to wear a wetsuit but the sun is very strong and I would strongly advise wearing a wetsuit during all of the snorkeling sessions if you burn easily. Suggestions Take insect repellant; mosquitos were in abundance on some (but by no means all) of the islands.Good quality walking sandals (preferably closed toe ones to avoid stubbing your toes on lava rocks) are adequate for most of the walks; you may want to consider bringing walking shoes if you need ankle support.This is not by any means a strenuous holiday; most of the walks are on the flat and are not at all hurried. You have plenty of time to experience the wildlife and none of the landings felt rushed. It can, however, be very hot so you need to be able to cope with the heat to enjoy this holiday fully (it was around 35 degrees most days). On most days you have around 2 hours after lunch to relax (sometimes longer) before you get off the yacht for the afternoon excursion so there was a very nice balance between activity and relaxation time.I was really glad that I chose the 2 week trip on the yacht as it gives you the opportunity to experience the whole variety of the islands. If you can only go for one week then bear in mind that the eastern islands have more abundant wildlife (especially birds) and the western islands are more volcanic. Having said that we still saw most of the variety of species on the western islands that we saw on the eastern islands, just not in the same numbers. The turtles, however, are far more abundant on the western islands.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2012
Anonymous - Traveled, January 2012
GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE CRUISE There was so much to see and do that we were very glad that we took the two week trip. The Galapagos is a fantastic experience. Most Inspirational Moment The penguin that stopped a couple of feet from me, looked me in the eye and scratched its head, before going on its way! Swimming with a large school of spotted eagle rays; and amidst a group of five penguins hunting small fish. The blue-footed boobies' courting display - absolutely charming. Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent, with the flexibility to change tack if something more interesting cropped up - e.g. postponing a walk to join the dolphin pod, or re-scheduling walks to gain early access, avoiding the crowds. Catered for the occasional differing desires of members of the group. All of the crew were very co-operative in this respect. Advice for Potential Travellers Do take anti-seasickness pills with you, as the overnight crossings to some of the outer islands can be very choppy. Some of the cabins are very small, so take a minimum of luggage on the boat - you don't need much!Despite what some people might suggest, it is well worth taking a telephoto lens in addition to a standard zoom lens, allowing close-ups, as well as shots of birds in flight. Put your compact camera in a waterproof camera bag, for snorkelling photos and videos.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/27/2012
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2011
GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE CRUISE The Galapagos Islands are truly amazing and using a small boat like this one is the perfect way to see them. Cabins are small but food was excellent and Darwin is one of the best guides I have ever met. Most Inspirational Moment The highlight was an early morning panga ride with dolphins only a few yards away from us. Thoughts on Group Leader Darwin was extremely well informed, showed huge enthusiam, which is surprising given how many times he has led Galapagos trips, and was very flexible in setting the program to meet the needs of our group and to avoid landings at the same times as other sometimes much larger groups. Advice for Potential Travellers Bring the best camera you can lay your hands on and an awful lot of memory Suggestions The time spent in Quito was a little excessive and most people in the group felt it could have been cut by one night at the start of the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/28/2011
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