Sailing the Galápagos by Yacht 10 days from $5,445
Explore six of the Galápagos Islands aboard an intimate yacht and encounter incomparable wildlife and volcanic landscapes with a naturalist. HIGHLIGHTS Sail from island to island aboard the nimble 16-guest yacht, Yolita II, stopping to hike among incredible wildlife. �
Snorkel the volcanic caldera on remote Genovesa Island, and see huge colonies of boobies and frigatebirds. �
Float into the mangroves of Isabela Island aboard a panga, watching for sea turtles and flightless cormorants. �
Explore the World Heritage-listed Old Town of Quito with your own private guide. �
The itinerary below is a sample of what’s possible. Your Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journey will be handcrafted just for you. Days 1 & 2 – Quito, Ecuador Arrive in Quito and enjoy the rest of the afternoon to relax. Set off the next day to discover this World Heritage-listed city on a morning walking tour of the Old Town with your private guide. In the afternoon, continue exploring Quito at your leisure. Day 3 – The Galápagos Islands, Santa Cruz Island Fly to the Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by members of the Yolita II crew who will escort you to the yacht. Get settled in your cabin and set sail to Las Bachas, a beautiful beach on Santa Cruz Island. Observe wildlife on a walk with your naturalist guide. Day 4 – Genovesa Island Genovesa Island is a collapsed volcano with large populations of frigatebirds and boobies. Keep an eye out for the rare red-footed booby and myriad other species as you explore the trails around Darwin Bay and El Barranco. Then go snorkeling in the sunken caldera. Day 5 – Bartolomé Island On Bartolomé Island today, go on a short hike to its summit for phenomenal views. Continue to Sullivan Bay, where Sally Lightfoot crabs scamper over black lava flows and sea lions frolic on a white coral-sand beach. Days 6–8 – Isabela Island Travel to Isabela Island’s tortoise breeding center to see hatchlings and adults and learn about efforts to protect the rare Galápagos tortoise. Stop at Elizabeth Bay for a panga ride into the mangroves to spot sea turtles, penguins, and flightless cormorants. Spend an afternoon at Urbina Bay, exploring the unusual uplifted coral reef, and go hiking or snorkeling. Land in Tagus Cove, a former haunt of whalers and pirates, and see the islands’ largest marine iguana colony at Punta Espinoza. Day 9 – Rábida Island On Rábida Island, walk along red-sand beaches, watching for sea lions and marine iguanas, as well as blue-footed and Nazca boobies. Follow trails through palo santo trees to the island’s saltwater lagoon, where flamingos sometimes come to feed. After lunch, you’ll be able to relax on the beach or go snorkeling. Day 10 – Daphne Island and depart for home Head to Daphne Island for a final glimpse of blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and finches before transferring to the airport.
WHERE TO STAY Yolita II Built in 2007, the Yolita II was designed specifically for the Galápagos and offers a comfortable 16-passenger motor yacht experience. The eight guest cabins offer simple but comfortable accommodations with full-size windows, twin or double bed layouts, ample storage space, and private bathrooms. The main deck features an indoor dining room and a comfortable lounge area while the upper deck and sun deck offer space to relax in the sun while keeping an eye out for passing wildlife. Hilton Colon Quito Modern Hilton hotel located near a museum and nightly craft market in Parque El Ejido, within 15 minutes of Quito’s Old Town.
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