Wild Earth Hosted Galapagos 2025

GALÁPAGOS GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS ISLANDS

3 - 12 3 - 12 SEPTEMBER 2025 | 10-DAY hosted expedition cruise SEPTEMBER 2025 | 10-DAY hosted expedition cruise

PRICE FROM US$6,999*pp twin share

PRICE FROM US$6,999*pp twin share & mainland Ecuador & mainland Ecuador

An Epic Galápagos Itinerary

EMBARK ON A CAPTIVATING JOURNEY THROUGH THE GALÁPAGOS IMMERSING IN PRISTINE BEACHES, ISLAND LIFE, WILDLIFE, AND HISTORY.

Join Wild Earth Travel on an adventure to Ecuador and then to the Galápagos Islands where our voyage begins with an introduction to the beautiful beaches of the archipelago over at Las Bachas. The following day, we’ll travel down to San Cristobal Island, where you’ll get a proper sense of the island life and visit a giant-tortoise breeding center.

Next, magnificent Española Island awaits to dazzle your senses with the largest bird in Galápagos along with its epic coastlines and geography. Floreana is up next, providing insight into the intriguing human history of the Galápagos.

After that, we’ll visit Isabela and Fernandina Islands and get a chance to admire its geology as well as flightless cormorants and penguins. Santa Cruz and North Seymour round out this itinerary with tours of the lush highlands and spectacular wildlife.

See more on this voyage:

TRAVEL STYLE:

PRICE FROM:

TRIP DATES:

HIGHLIGHTS:

Mainland Ecuador pre- and post- land exploration + Sailing cruise aboard Isabela II

US$6,999pp* twin share

3 to 12 September 2025

> Wildlife Encounters: Wildlife you’ll likely encounter on this expedition includes Galápagos Albatross, Blue-footed Booby, Nazca Booby, Flightless Cormorants American Flamingos, Great & Magnificent Frigatebirds, Galápagos Fur Seals Galápagos Hawks, Galápagos Land Iguana, Marine Iguana, Red-footed Boobies Galápagos Penguins, Galápagos Sea Lion and Galápagos Giant Tortoise

> Historical Exploration: Learn about the whalers and sailors, who used to frequent the Galápagos, offering insight into the region's human history and connections.

> Variety of Activities: Enjoy guided walks, kayaking, snorkelling, and glassbottom boat rides

PRICES: USD PER PERSON

Classic Suite

139 ft² / 12.8 m²

Private bathroom with shower

$6,999*

Standard Sole Use**

128 ft² / 12.05 m²

Private bathroom with shower

$6,699* **only one cabin available

Classic Double Sole Use 139 ft² / 12.8 m²

Private bathroom with shower

$10,850*

*Terms and conditions apply. Price includes cruise and pre- and post- arrangements featured in this itinerary. Accommodation is based on luxury room in Quito and a deluxe room in Guayaquil. Minimum two passengers required for this trip to go ahead. Additional fees include: Air transportation (includes taxes) to / from Galápagos (from Quito / to Guayaquil) of US$$585pp; Galápagos National Park entrance fee US$200; Migration Control Card US$20; fuel surcharge US$120 **Fees subject to change without previous notice.

INCLUSIONS

Accommodations

All meals (except dinner & lunch at the hotel in Guayaquil & Quito and lunch on Day 2) Island sightseeing

Naturalist guides and lecture services in English

Snorkelling gear

Luggage handling

Medical care on board (but not the cost of medication)

Taxes & transfers in the islands

Shared transfers from main hotels in Quito and in Guayaquil to airport for flights to / from Galápagos Carbon Neutral fee

EXCLUSIONS

Wet Suits (but they are available for rent)

Flights to / from Galápagos and airport taxes** Galápagos National Park entrance fee

Migration Control Card Fuel Surcharge

All beverages (except water) Gratuities

Laundry or valet services, gifts and additional items.

DAY 1: WEDNESDAY 3 SEPTEMBER

Transfer from your international flight to the hote Gangotena where you will be met by Wild Earth Travel host, Ellen.

DAY 2: THURSDAY 4 SEPTEMBER

Explore this vibrant city with a local guide on a City Tour that includes a visit to the Middle of the World, which celebrates Ecuador’s positioning on the equatorial line. Enjoy another night at the Casa Gangotena

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS - BALTRA & SANTA CRUZ

DAY 3: FRIDAY 5 SEPTEMBER

We transfer to the airport early this morning, then the Galápagos Islands where we land at Baltra Islan and transfer to the nearby dock to board our yacht, Isabela II. We will receive an introductory briefing and lunch before heading to Las Bachas (on Santa Cruz Island) where a white beach with brackish lagoons, are the feeding grounds of various birds, await. Ba on the ship, we will have a briefing on the expedit plan for tomorrow before dinner.

WHAT IS A PANGA? You’re likely to come across this term while in the Galápagos. These small, open-decked boats are widely used in the area due to their sturdy design and shallow draft which allows them to navigate shallow water and coastal areas with ease.

EXPLORING QUITO

In Quito, experience an enchanting blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, with its colonial architecture, charming plazas, and ornate churches like the iconic La Compañía and the towering Basilica del Voto Nacional. Dive into local culture at the bustling Mercado Central or admire panoramic views from the top of El Panecillo hill. Taste traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, from hearty soups to crispy empanadas, and savour rich Ecuadorian coffee. Outdoor enthusiasts can venture to nearby natural wonders like Cotopaxi National Park or the cloud forests of Mindo.

GALÁPAGOS

ISLANDS - SAN CRISTOBAL

DAY 4: SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER

Today we visit Punta Pitt, the only site in the Galápagos where the three species of boobies can be found, the two species of frigatebirds and a colony of sea lions. We then explore Cerro Colorado, where we visit the breeding center for giant tortoises. Here, we also find the endemic San Cristobal lava lizard.

QUITO

QUITO

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS - ESPAÑOLA ISLAND

DAY 5: SUNDAY 7 SEPTEMBER

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS - FLOREANA ISLAND

DAY 6: MONDAY 8 SEPTEMBER

We disembark and walk to a brackish lagoon at Cormorant Point where American flamingos can be observed. At Champion Islet, we can snorkel or glassbottom boat ride.

After lunch, we land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office.

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS - ISABELA ISLAND & FERNANDINA ISLAND

DAY 7: TUESDAY 9 SEPTEMBER

In the morning, we search the mangroves for sea turtles at Punta Moreno on Isabela Island. Later, we enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride or deep-water snorkel. In the afternoon on Punta Mangle, Fernandina Island, we explore the coastline, home to Galápagos penguins and flightless cormorants.

THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS...

Ranked among the world’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations, the Galápagos Islands are over 6 million years old and still forming, the volcanic archipelago lies 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. This isolation means species have evolved amid the stark landscapes into new and unique life forms that are astonishingly fearless of humans.

Designated Ecuador’s first National Park in 1959, it became a one of the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1978. Its Marine Reserve is among world’s largest, protected by a large Biosphere Reserve, plus whale and shark sanctuaries. Famous as the source of inspiration for Charles Darwin’s ground-breaking theory of evolution, the islands have changed little since he visited 180 years ago.

GALÁPAGOS GIANT TORTOISE:

These magnificent creatures are iconic symbols of endurance and adaptation and can weigh up to 400 kg and live for over 100 years. Their slow pace and distinctive shells make them emblematic of the unique biodiversity found in this remarkable archipelago. Interestingly, their shell shape can vary by island, influenced by their specific habitat and diet.

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS - SANTA CRUZ ISLAND & NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND

DAY 8: WEDNESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER

A panga ride takes us to Eden Islet, where we can observe blue-footed boobies, and reef sharks. In the afternoon, we walk between numerous nesting frigatebirds on North Seymour Island. Later, we attend an evening briefing, farewell cocktail, and dinner.

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS - BALTRA ISLAND

DAY 9: THURSDAY 11 SEPTEMBER

Our journey of the Galápagos ends at Baltra Island where we transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland. We stay overnight at the Hilton in Guayaquil, a bustling port town with a rich cultural heritage and energetic atmosphere.

GUAYAQUIL

DAY 10: FRIDAY 12 SEPTEMBER

Transfer to the airport for your onward journey. Contact us if you are interested in extending your stay with a post-cruise land option.

Please note this itinerary is indicative and subject to change.

MEET YOUR HOST: ELLEN BATCHELOR

Wild Earth Travel Reservation Expert & Tour Host

Ellen has worked in the travel industry for more than 15 years where she has had a range of roles including her current role as Reservation Expert at Wild Earth Travel. She is also an experienced tour host and fresh from a tour of Scotland, the British Isles and Faroe Islands.

While Ellen has travelled extensively, her heart holds a special place for the Galápagos. It was on her very first trip here with Wild Earth Travel that she fell in love with it. 'The Galápagos was everything you see in the documentaries and more!' she enthuses. 'I've been itching to go back ever since. It's the one spot on Earth where you can truly get up close and personal with the wildlife, feeling like you're part of their world because they're not afraid of humans. Swimming with the sea lions was pure magic — they're incredibly playful and curious.'"

“On this trip, I can't wait to experience the contrast and diversity of the various islands — it's bound to be an incredible adventure!”

ISABELA II

EXPERIENCE INTIMATE EXPLORATION, IMPECCABLE SERVICE,

EXPERIENCE INTIMATE EXPLORATION, IMPECCABLE SERVICE, AND MODERN COMFORT... AND MODERN COMFORT...

Vessel Type: Yacht

Length: 55.9 metres

Passenger Capacity: 40

Built / renovated: 1979 / 2018

Yacht Isabela II offers the perfect, intimate space for exploring the Galápagos Islands in comfort. Traditionalists will enjoy feeling at home with a crew that has remained almost unchanged for years, leading to seamless attention to detail that will make your stay extra special.

With just 20 guest cabins, the yacht’s convivial atmosphere leads to a close-up experience of this unique world. On board, guests find delicious cuisine, faultless service and excellent facilities. Scout the island sites for Big 15 wildlife in groups that average no more than 11-14 guests per naturalist guide. Explore the coast with your guides on our pangas, glass-bottom boat or kayaks, or snorkel.

Bar & Lounge | Boutique/Gift Shop | Reading Room & Natural History Library | Outside deck for al fresco meals, drinks and sunbathing | Hot Tub | Fitness Room | Multimedia natural history lectures | Stargazing Programme | Glass bottom boat | Sea Kayaks | Snorkelling Equipment & wet suits | Digital camera and underwater housing for expedition documenting

Left

Below: Enjoy sunsets on the

Above right: Classic cabin

: Indoor dining

deck

Isabela II’s Features and Services:

CASA GANGOTENA

On this hosted trip you will stay two nights at the charming Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel in Quito where you will experience the splendour and elegance of a bygone era. This exquisitely decorated and eclectically furnished mansion is located in the heart of Quito’s Historic Old Town and resonates with the history and magic of the area. You can partake in any number of guest-exclusive activities or simply relax, explore, and dream throughout Casa Gangotena’s various terraces, gardens, rooms, and restaurant spaces.

RooftopTerraceBar

Enjoy the best vantage point in the city with an incomparable view of the San Franciso Church Towers.

Restaurant

At CocinaMestizaculinary traditions are reimagined using traditional European gastronomy techniques with the freshest of local ingredients.

TOP FEATURES:

PrimeLocation:In the iconic Plaza San Franciso, in the heart of Quito’s Historic Centre, UNSECO’s first World Heritage Site.

GuaranteedExcellence: A proud member of Relais & Châteaux

Guest-exclusivecurated activities: including a traditional chocolate tasting experience.

Pre- & PostCRUISE OPTIONS

If you’re looking to extend your stay, we have a range of pre- and post- cruise options, including the highly recommended Mashpi Lodge, which is situated on a picturesque plateau 100km northwest of Quito. Here, you will find fantastic views and guided excursions of the surrounding rain and cloud forests of Choco Biosphere Reserve, along with examinations of their distinct ecosystems and fascinating inhabitants. Total immersion is made possible by the Lodge’s floorto-ceiling panoramic glass windows, giving guests the perfect fusion of opulent comfort and access to one of the world’s most breathtaking environments. Prices start from US$1,900pp twin share for a two-night stay. Contact info@wildearth-travel for more information.