Itinerary

DAY 1 ~ Arrive on Quito
Arrive at Quito International Airport and check into the Hotel Patio Andaluz (hotelpatioanaluz.com) in Quito’s Old Town. Unesco declared the Old Town a World Heritage site in 1978 and visitors are charmed by the cobbled streets and colonial architecture.

DAY 2 ~ Quito (B,L,D)
After breakfast we take a “Hidden Places of Old Quito” walking tour with our highly knowledgeable local guide. After lunch in a café, the afternoon is free to explore
on your own. We meet in the evening for a welcome dinner and discussion of trip details.

DAY 3 ~ Arrive on Galapagos Islands, South Plaza Island (B,L,D)
We arrive on San Cristobal and board our yacht. While we settle into our cabins, enjoy lunch and meet our naturalist guide, the ship sets sail for our first destination, the small island of South Plaza Island, just off the eastern coast of Santa Cruz. South Plaza is an ideal introduction to the Galapagos, hosting a large colony of sea lions which are so unafraid of man we may have to walk around them as we go ashore! Not far from the landing point we encounter land iguanas wandering among the tree cacti. A short walk takes us to the edge of surf-sprayed cliffs, where Swallow-tailed Gulls, Audubon’s Shearwaters and Red-billed Tropic birds wheel above us.
DAY 4 ~ Genovesa Island (B,L,D)
We cross the Equator during our overnight cruise to Genovesa Island, and in the early morning anchor in Darwin Bay, which is formed by the submerged caldera of an extinct volcano. Going ashore by kayak or dingy, we encounter a huge colony of Great Frigate Birds. It is an unforgettable sight, especially if we are lucky enough to see the male frigate birds inflating their red pouches to attract females flying overhead. We also view Red-footed Boobies and thousands of Storm Petrels. We spend the day observing the enchanting wildlife on foot, by kayak and, as an option, by snorkeling along the island’s submerged crater walls where angelfish and parrot fish are in abundance.

DAY 5 ~ Fernandina Island (B,L,D)
Heading westward, we cross the Equator once more to reach Fernandina, one of the most volcanically active islands in the archipelago. With luck, as we approach the island we might see huge clouds of steam rising from the surface of the ocean, the result of submarine lava eruptions. By kayak we explore a mangrove-lined bay and small inlets formed by black lava flows. Here we find some of the wonders of nature: Flightless Cormorants, marine iguanas, Galapagos Penguins - the second smallest and most northern in the world - and Blue-footed Boobies in risky diving maneuvers. We can go ashore to walk on relatively recent lava flows, and we can also snorkel, perhaps in the company of a marine iguana or a sea turtle. In the late afternoon, from the deck of the ship we keep a sharp lookout for the sperm whales that are often spotted in these waters.

DAY 6 ~ Santiago Island and Bartolome Island (B,L,D)
Today we reach James Bay, situated on the western side of Santiago Island. By kayak or on foot we explore the intricate shoreline, looking for fur seals in the intricate grottoes and caves, and sea lion colonies on the beaches. We encounter a variety of herons, and with luck we spot the Galapagos Hawk. In the afternoon we cruise to Bartolome Island, where we can take an easy hike to the 600 ft. summit for some great views and photography. As an option, we can enjoy the great snorkeling on the shores of Bartolome, with the chance of swimming with Galapagos Penguins.

DAY 7 ~ Puerto Ayora and the highlands of Santa Cruz Island (B,L,D)
During the night, the ship reaches Academy Bay, the port of the village of Puerto Ayora. Here we visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station to observe different species of giant tortoises and learn about the Station’s breeding and rearing programs. After lunch a bus takes us from the dry coastal areas to the lush greenery of the highlands of Santa Cruz, where we hike and look for giant tortoises, Woodpecker Finches and other specialties of the area

DAY 8 ~ Floreana Island (B,L,D)
On Floreana Island we walk along a beautiful beach to a lagoon, observing flamingoes and other wading birds and, with luck, green turtles on the sand and sting rays in the shallow waters. Next we visit Devil’s Crown, a half-submerged crater with crystal clear waters. It’s a paradise for snorkeling, with huge schools of multi-hued fish, sea turtles and, perhaps, a shy hammerhead in the depths. Our naturalist will have told us some of the intriguing human history of Floreana and in the afternoon we will visit the legendary Post Office Bay where the Wittmer family resides. In Post Office Bay is a wooden barrel, which was placed there in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. Since then, it has been used by whalers, yachtsmen and tourists alike as a post office. If you find a letter or postcard in the box that is addressed to someone living near your next destination, take it with you and continue an ancient tradition.

DAY 9 ~ Espanola Island (B,L,D)
From our anchorage in a protected bay on the north eastern shore of Espanola Island, we paddle to a beautiful white sandy beach dotted with hundreds of basking sea lions. After lunch we cruise along the northern shores of Española to Punta Suarez. Here we hike past marine iguanas sunbathing on the rocks, through large colonies of Blue-footed and Masked Boobies, and up to the edge of steep cliffs which are the mating and nesting area of Waved Albatrosses. These huge birds have wing spans of over seven feet and they joyfully soar above us on the air currents – a fitting finale to a magical week!

DAY 10 ~ Return to Quito (B,D)
After breakfast, transfer to San Cristobal for the return flight to Quito. After checking into the Hotel Patio Andaluz there will be time to explore and shop in Old Town before getting together for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 11 ~ Fly Home (B)

More information from Tofino Expeditions:

• View trip on provider's website
  tofino.com/trips/galapagos-islands-adventures/…
• Company profile, experience, and history
• View all of their trips