Galapagos Encounter - Archipel I (Itinerary D)

10 days
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Small Group Tour
This eight-day southeastern tour aboard the catamaran Archipel I cruises along the oldest islands in the Galapagos. Visit three of the four inhabited islands – San Cristobal, Floreana and Santa Cruz – and learn about the history of colonisation here. Land at two untouched islands: extraordinary Santa Fe and not-to-be-missed South Plaza. Also see the lively wi...
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$11,340
From$8,400
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Spend seven nights aboard Archipel I exploring the Galapagos Islands
    • Experience incredible wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities with near-tame animals
    • Snorkel with iridescent fish, playful sea lions and turtles
    • High chance of spotting Galapagos giant tortoises, blue- and red-footed boobies, great and American frigatebirds, marine iguanas, waved albatrosses, Galapagos sea lions and green sea turtles
    • Enjoy fantastic on-board service with experienced naturalist guide

What's this trip about?

    This eight-day southeastern tour aboard the catamaran Archipel I cruises along the oldest islands in the Galapagos. Visit three of the four inhabited islands – San Cristobal, Floreana and Santa Cruz – and learn about the history of colonisation here. Land at two untouched islands: extraordinary Santa Fe and not-to-be-missed South Plaza. Also see the lively wildlife on Española and exclusive Pitt Point. Additionally, Lobos Islet provides the unforgettable opportunity to snorkel with playful sea lions.Sail around the Galapagos Islands on the Archipel I catamaran

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range12 years and up
Flights and transport
Start CityQuito
End CityGuayaquil

Travel Themes

  • Nature & Wildlife
  • National Parks

Destinations

Activities

  • Wildlife Viewing

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 2

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, seven lunches, seven dinners
    • All accommodation
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel and fins) available free of charge on board

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start Quito

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)

Day 2 Discover Quito at your leisure

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 capita...

Day 3 Fly to Baltra Airport on the Galapagos and visit Fausto Llerena Breeding Center (Santa Cruz)

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 en...

Day 4 Floreana Island

Morning: Cormorant Point You have the chance to spot Galapagos penguins from the dinghy or a flamingo lagoon against the backdrop of extinct tuff cones and scented palo santo bushes. Don't expect to see flightless cormorants here, though, they live exclusively in wes...

Day 5 Española Island

Morning: Gardner Bay One of the jewels of the Galapagos, Española provides the exclusive opportunity to become an eyewitness of evolution. 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

Day 6 San Cristóbal

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

Day 7 San Cristóbal Island

Morning: Lobos Islet The Asylum of Peace hike goes past a mesmerising cave and visits a freshwater spring. La Loberia beach is an ideal spot to enjoy the ocean and see the cute sea lions that live there. Afternoon: Interpretation Centre The Interpretation Centre pr...

Day 8 South Plaza and Santa Fe

Morning: 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. Afternoon: Sante Fe Sante Fe is another jewel of the Galapagos, where the pale Barrington land iguana and practically every other creature is unique to the archipelago or this island alone. Accommodation: Archipel I

Day 9 North Seymour and Chinese Hat

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 Though recently bor...

Day 10 Disembark Santa Cruz; fly Baltra to Guayaquil and end

Morning: El Chato Reserve – Twin Craters El Chato Reserve is a protected area and part of the Galapagos National Park. It extends from Cerro El Chato as far down as the southwestern coast of Santa Cruz Island. Afternoon: Transfer to Baltra Airport Assisted by the n...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $8,400
Price per day$840
Last Updated: 5/22/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Double Standard
Availability
18 Mar 2025
27 Mar 2025
$9,150
22 Mar 2025
31 Mar 2025
$9,150
25 Mar 2025
03 Apr 2025
$9,150
29 Mar 2025
07 Apr 2025
$9,150
01 Apr 2025
10 Apr 2025
$9,150
05 Apr 2025
14 Apr 2025
$9,150
19 Apr 2025
28 Apr 2025
$9,150
22 Apr 2025
01 May 2025
$9,150
26 Apr 2025
05 May 2025
$9,150
29 Apr 2025
08 May 2025
$9,150

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations
    • Compulsory Galapagos taxes US$120 (US$220 as of August 1st, 2024), paid locally

Accommodation

Cruise around the Galapagos on Archipel I, a comfortable 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: Catamaran 16-passenger capacity with two double cabins and six twin cabins Crew: Nine plus one naturalist guide Length: 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.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts, seven lunches and seven dinners are 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.
Age Requirements
12 years and up
Additional Information
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Trip ID
exodus-WGAD

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