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Signature Galapagos Express

9 Days
From AUD 5,154

STYLE: Small Ship Cruise

Trip Code: ECSJGALB

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure - average fitness required)

Start: Quito, Ecuador

Finish: Quito, Ecuador

SHIP: Seaman Journey

DestinationDestination

Quito, Ecuador, Galapagos Islands

DestinationDeparture Date

Selected Fridays

MealsMeals

All meals, water, tea & coffee while onboard your Galapagos cruiseBreakfast daily & 1 lunch while in Quito; 8 Breakfasts (B), 5 Lunches (L), 4 Dinners (D)

TransportTransport

Economy internal flights to & from the Galapagos, transfers by private vehicle in mainland Ecuador & group transfers in the Galapagos to & from your vessel 

TransportAccommodation

Hotel & Cabin on board a Catamaran Yacht



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Included SightseeingIncluded Sightseeing

Quito: Full day six-senses city tour & Cotopaxi National Park day tour with lunch 

Galapagos: Daily excursions, panga rides, shore landings and expert briefings while onboard  

 

* Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and government regulations.

OVERVIEW

Join this 8 day, superior experience of Quito and the Galapagos Islands. The cruise offers all the creature comforts of superior accommodation onboard the MC Seaman Journey, a luxurious sixteen passenger catamaran, and three nights accommodation in Quito at the boutique five star Illa Experience hotel.

You will enjoy a few days sightseeing Quito from the hotel, which is centrally located in the city’s old town, before boarding your cruise and experiencing the spectacular scenery, natural wonders and incredible flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands. There, you will observe Galapagos tortoises in their habitat, snorkel the white coral beach of Cerro Brulo, observe sea lions and sharks at Espanola Island and spot blue-footed boobies and albatrosses at Suarez Point.

Every day of this express South American tour is an adventure as you encounter the fascinating and colourful creatures who call these islands their home.

This superior itinerary includes accommodation onboard the Seaman Journey - a luxurious 16 passenger catamaran and three nights in Quito staying the Illa Experience hotel, a boutique 5 star hotel located in the city's old town, this hotel  is the perfect base to explore the best sights and attractions the city has to offer.

 

* Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and government regulations.

ITINERARY

Arrive in Quito

Welcome to Quito, Ecuador, a City declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1978. You will be transferred from the airport to your hotel which sits nestled in the Andean foothills, 2,850 metres above sea level. The city is known for its stunning colonial architecture, artwork and amazing snow-capped mountain backdrop.

Quito Six Senses City Tour

Today you will enjoy a tour of the charming city of Quito. The tour will tick off all of the main sites, including Independence Square, the Government Palace, the busy street of La Ronda and some of the beautiful baroque churches that the city is famous for.

You will also enjoy a range of experiences. These will vary depending on the day and the time of year, but can include things like market visits, empanada or ice cream making (and tasting), working with an artisan to make your own Panama hat or even helping to restore colonial art!

Your tour will end with a cocktail at a rooftop bar where you will have the perfect view over the old town and Panecillo hill. (B)

Cotopaxi National Park Excursion

Today you will head south from Quito to visit Cotopaxi National Park. Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in the world. Despite the altitude, the park is home to numerous birds and varied plant life. Weather permitting, there are spectacular views from the north face of the mountain. The surrounding scenery includes volcanoes like Pasochoa, Ruminahui and Sincholagua. You will also have the opportunity to visit a local indigenous market. (B, L)

Fly to Galapagos Islands

Fly from Quito to the Galapagos. On arrival you will meet your naturalist guides who will collect your luggage and escort you by bus to the harbour to board the MC Galapagos Seaman Journey. In the afternoon you will visit the San Cristobal Interpretation Centre to learn about the history of the islands, local conservation efforts and the natural history. (B,L,D)

San Cristobal

Today begins with a trip to Galapaguera, a breeding station and sanctuary for the giant Galapagos tortoise. The species is under threat and this centre provides a safe place to observe them in their natural habitat. This afternoon, head to the beautiful white coral sand beach of Cerro Brujo where there is the chance to swim and snorkel with sea lions and Galapagos turtles. Spot other local species like the blue-footed boobies, frigate birds and the San Cristobal lava lizard. (B,L,D)

Espanola Island

This morning we head to the isolated southern island of Espanola. Brimming with native species like the Espanola mockingbird, lava lizard and waved albatross. Gardner Bay is a prime location for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing. You may also see sea lions, sharks and sea turtles in the clear waters. This afternoon’s excursion takes you to Suarez Point. Watch the blue-footed and Nazca boobies dance and the large albatrosses launch off the cliff. There’s a blowhole which can create spurts of 30-50 metre high. (B,L,D)

Floreana Island

One of the most impressive flamingo lagoons is located at Cormorant Point on Floreana Island. There you will see flamingos and various other shorebird species and there are two beaches to visit, Green Beach and Flour Sand Beach. Here green sea turtles come to nest and you can also see rays in the water. You will have the chance to take a walk and go snorkelling. Spend the afternoon relaxing at Post Office Bay, which is a post office like no other. Today tourists leave letters and post cards here and you can sift through them to find any that might be close to your home. The idea is to take one and deliver them by hand. (B,L,D)

Turtles Trail and Fly to Quito

Spend your final morning learning about the protection and conservation efforts of the islands at Turtle Trails. After, you will head to Baltra Airport to fly back to Quito (or Guayaquil). You will overnight at a hotel near the airport. (B)

Depart Quito

Please make your way back to Quito airport today by airport shuttle in time for your onward departure flight.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF
Seaman Journey

Seaman Journey

M/C Galapagos Seaman Journey is an expeditionary first class catamaran that began sailing the Galapagos Islands in January 2008.  She is an expeditionary catamaran offering superior comfort, size, style, and stability.

This vessel, with a maximum capacity of 16 passengers, provides in each of its corners, areas for rest and recreation for everyone. For the adults who might want to relax and kick back, we offer a great bar and lounge area where they are served by our bartender who will be happy to attend to all their needs and desires whilst you relax.

The M/C Galapagos Seaman Journey, another jewel from the well known Galapagos Journey Fleet, the perfect combination of adventure, comfort, service and excellence! Please note that on board spending money is cash only. 

Ice Class: Length: 90 feet (27.6 meters)
Breadth: 36.08 feet (11 meters)Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed:
Electricity: 110v and 220v AC/DC Passenger
Capacity:
16

View Ship Details

Accommodation

We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.

Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Superior

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Deluxe

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.

Pricing per person & date

Signature Galapagos Express from AUD 5,153
Selected Fridays

Important Information

  • INCLUSIONS


    - 3 nights in Quito / Illa Experience hotel Luxury room
    - $100 USD on board credit
    - Round trip flight to/from Galapagos 
    - Galapagos National Park Entrance fee (US$200 per person from Aug 2024 - Subject to change)
    - Galápagos Ingala card USD 20,00 p/p
    - Transfers in Galapagos
    - Accommodation on board in double cabin
    - All meals during the cruise
    - Naturalist Bilingual Guide level III
    - All visits and excursions according to the itinerary
    - Snorkel Gear (mask, tube and fins)
    - Kayaks
    - Unlimited purified water, coffee and tea

    Mainland services
    - English speaking guide + private transportation
    - Tours and airport transfers as listed on the program
    - Hotel accommodations as listed on the program subject to availability
    - Meals as listed B: breakfast. L: lunch and D: dinner.

     

    EXCLUSIONS 


    - Local Taxes
    - Travel Insurance
    - Personal expenses and tips
    - Alcoholic drinks
    - Items not specified
    - Additional visits
    - Additional meals

  • 2 (light adventure - average fitness required)
  • A single supplement surcharge applies and is subject to availability. Please contact us for more information.

  • Prices are based on per person, twin share.
    Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.
    All entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.

     

    * Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and government regulations.

  • Seasonality, fuel surcharges, currency fluctuations and availability at time of booking. 

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