Galápagos Expedition: Darwin’s Playground, Central and North
Member Savings
Sign in to see which companies give additional
savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)
Overview
Highlights
- Snorkel with sea lions, marine iguanas and sea turtles, walk among giant Galapagos tortoises, and see one of the largest bird populations on Genovesa Island
- Explore volcanic islands, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and Zodiac cruise through the Black Turtle Cove mangroves
- Enjoy this journey on its own, or as part of an epic adventure combined with an Antarctic Explorer expedition
What's this trip about?
Compare to similar trips
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
View Similar Trips
Itinerary
Fly independently to Guayaquil, Ecuador, and transfer to the preexpedition hotel.
Fly to the islands, landing on San Cristobal, and board the Evolution. Stroll along the beach at Playa Ochoa, where a nearby tidal lagoon plays host to flamingos, finches and Chatham mockingbirds. At sunset, we cruise around Kicker Rock.
At only 426 feet (130 m) wide, South Plaza is one of the smallest islands in the archipelago. Look for yellow land iguanas on a walk to a grove of pricklypear cactus. Non-hikers can enjoy a Zodiac cruise, watching for swallowtailed gulls, red-billed tropicbirds and blue-footed boobies. Since there is no true trail on Mosquera Islands, you are able to stroll at your leisure.
The tiny uplifted island of Sombrero Chino – or Chinese Hat – features a primeval landscape of volcanic rubble and lava tubes. The “land” is made of a few adjacent craters and old, fragile pahoehoe lava flows. Vegetation is just starting to take hold, including colorf...
Genovesa is often referred to as “Bird Island” for the vast numbers of pelagic seabirds that come here to nest. And while Genovesa harbors one of the Galapagos’ largest and most diverse bird populations, there are no land reptiles — with the exception of some very sma...
North Seymour is the nesting site for a large population of magnificent frigate birds and the only place where we can always find males showing their red pouches to attract females. Plus, we are sure to see blue-footed boobies perform their comical courtship dance in ...
Hike to Post Office Bay, once used by navigators to send mail with homebound messengers. Swim and kayak in the bay before a walk along the olivine beaches of Punta Cormorant. After hiking to a flamingo lagoon, spot fish and sea turtles during a relaxing stroll along the beach. Enjoy superb snorkeling at Devil’s Crown, where sea water has filled the sunken cone of an extinct volcano.
Begin at the Charles Darwin Research Station, learning about work being done to preserve Galapagos wildlife. Head into the forested highlands, with ample opportunity to see giant tortoises in their verdant habitat. Walk through the forest surrounding a pair of pit craters, an excellent place to spot vermillion flycatchers. Time permitting, walk underground to explore a lava tube.
Enjoy a Zodiac cruise through Black Turtle Cove, drifting silently through this area of mangroves. Fly to Guayaquil, with time to relax at the post-expedition hotel.
Board independent flights home.
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Quark Expeditions.
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.
Quark Expeditions Reviews & Ratings
Other Quark Expeditions Reviews
Whales!!!
Zodiac trips are fantastic. The whale watching is amazing.
Most memorable
Sunset, crossing the circle, zodiac cruises, watching all penguins, seals, wales especially while we were on the deck. Surprising orca visit, professional talks. Mak...
Stepping onto the 7th continent
During the zodiac cruise of Graham Passage we were very close to about 7 or 8 humpback whales and were able to see their feeding behavior close up. It was also wonde...
Travelers also viewed
Tour Operator
About Travelstride
Find your perfect trip
Save time
Save money
Travel confidently
Logistics
Accommodation
Transportation & Flights
Travel with the comforts of home aboard the Evolution. Enjoy delicious meals and first-class service as you explore the Galapagos Islands and take advantage of complimentary snorkeling equipment and sea kayaks. Hike and explore among volcanic rock, flora and fauna under the expert tutelage of our naturalist guides.
Staff and Crew: 22 Guests: 32 Length: 192 feet, 58.5 meters Draft: 10.5 feet, 3.2 meters Cruising Speed: 10-12 knots in open water Lifeboats: 4 life rafts, open Registration: Ecuador
All requests for cancellation must be received in writing. Cancellations received 180 days or more prior to departure, are refunded less an administrative fee of minimum US$1250, AU$1000, £650, €800 per person. If cancellation is received between 179 days and 120 days, the deposit is forfeited. If cancellation occurs less than 120 days prior to departure, all payments are forfeited. If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and any unpaid balance is due immediately. To protect the traveler’s investment, we recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance.
Cancellations cannot be made online.
Become a member
- Save up to $700 per person
- Access members-only specials
- Personalize trip recommendations