Galapagos Voyage: Darwin’s Enchanted Islands

Trip Highlights

• Snorkel, kayak & hike alongside experienced Galapagos guides
• Enjoy seven nights aboard the spacious yacht Evolution
• Learn about conservation efforts at the Charles Darwin Research Station
• Swim and snorkel sea turtles, curious sea lions, and perhaps Galapagos penguins

Thirteen major islands, six minor islands and 42 volcanic islets make up Ecuador’s Galapagos Archipelago, and while most of these islands are known by both English and Spanish names, you’ll find the landscapes and wildlife on each isle to be singularly enchanting. It is against a contrasting patchwork of deserts, forests, volcanoes, beaches and cobalt water that Conservancy Travel invites you on a Galapagos cruise to discover the islands’ compelling wildlife.

Witness this fantastic microcosm of natural history by joining a true pioneer in Galapagos travel. Standing on the lava of Fernandina with a vista of volcanoes; snorkeling with a friendly sea lion; or sitting in a lush field on Santa Cruz watching the giant tortoises graze — these are the moments of sheer wonder you can expect on this small-ship adventure. IE invites you aboard the 32-guest Evolution, which offers the ideal retreat with spacious cabins, superb cuisine and a host of amenities. From the moment you arrive and see the first iguanas and sea lions basking on the dock where we board our Galapagos cruise ship, you will be delighted. And for all the documentaries and research most people have seen on these islands, nothing compares to the wonder of being here.

• Testimonials
• “You cannot realize until you get to the Galapagos how really close you get to the animals. It was an amazing place — I’m glad I went with Conservancy Travel instead of other companies I looked at! There were so many advantages to cruising on a smaller ship. On the Evolution, I never felt rushed and the guides pointed out so many things I wouldn’t have seen otherwise.” 
• Ann,
• “We truly appreciated being able to take our 13-year-old grandson on such a memorable trip. The special and very appropriate attention paid to him and the other young people enabled us to relax when he was being challenged by some of the activities and added greatly to the adventure. Naturalist guides Boli and Cristina were extraordinary, exhibiting top-notch skills in conveying their extensive knowledge of the flora, fauna, geology, history and lore. They also had wonderful personalities that enlivened every lecture and excursion. Being on the Evolution felt like being in a good friend’s warm, hospitable home.” 
• Harriet
• “My experience was exceptional. The staff was courteous, friendly, knowledgeable and fun. Everything…thoroughly organized, friendly staff who demonstrated their desire to satisfy the customer, knowledgeable guides, and remarkable destination. IE’s naturalist guides are exceptional! They are so knowledgeable and friendly which is a major differentiating factor in hindsight in choosing IE over another travel company.” Karen
• “I liked the small group instead of a large cruise ship. The crew of the Evolution was wonderful! They were friendly and helpful. They did everything to make our trip perfect. They provided outstanding service in a friendly manner.” 
• Kelly

Daily Itinerary

2021 Galapagos Voyage: Darwin’s Enchanted Islands

• Day 1

Arrive Guayaquil

Arrive in Guayaquil and transfer to the Hotel Oro Verde.

• Day 2

Guayaquil / Baltra / Daphne Major

Meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travelers. Fly 600 miles across the Pacific Ocean to the Galapagos Islands and board the Evolution. After a safety briefing, enjoy a circumnavigation of Daphne Major, a paradise for sea birds such as magnificent frigatebird. (B,L,D) 

• Day 3

Isabela Island / Fernandina Island

Zodiacs take you on a dramatic ride into the heart of a sunken volcano at Punta Vicente Roca. Take to the water, where we swim and snorkel among sea turtles, penguins and possibly even sea horses. Explore the lava fields of Punta Espinosa, located on Fernandina, the youngest and most volcanically active island in the Galapagos. Here we spot flightless cormorants and marine iguanas. Whale watch from the Evolution’s open-air decks as we cross the Bolivar Channel. (B,L,D)

• Day 4

Isabela Island

Isabela is the Galapagos archipelago’s largest island, and is composed of five volcanoes – Cerro Azul, Sierra Negra, Darwin, Wolf and Alcedo – all of which are actually still considered active! Hike along the uplifted section of sea floor in Urbina Bay at the base of the Alcedo Volcano. Our naturalists point out the tortoises, colorful land iguanas and other wildlife that feed on the vegetation. Board our Zodiacs for an excursion to Tagus Cove, where we look for penguins, flightless cormorants, pelicans along the cliffs before a chance to snorkel and swim. (B,L,D)

• Day 5

Bartolomé / Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay

Visit Bartolomé Island, hiking to the top of a dormant volcano for a dramatic panorama, including famed Pinnacle Rock. The island is dotted with craters, cinder cones, lava flows, spatter cones and broken lava tunnels which run down from the summit. Our Zodiac drivers will take “non-hikers” for a ride around the cliffs, observing a stunning volcanic landscape and Galapagos penguins. Swim and snorkel with sea lions and maybe even speedy penguins. This afternoon, hike across the panoehoe lava of Sullivan Bay, seeing some of the hearty flora colonizing the landscapes. Stroll along the coralline beach spotting black and white oystercatchers. (B,L,D)

• Day 6

Santa Cruz Island: Bachas Beach / Rabida Island

Bachas Beach is home to one of the last remnants of the US World War II presence in Galapagos-a floating pier- which we’ll see on our morning walk along with Sally Lightfoot crabs, black necked stilts and whimbrels. Snorkel in the calm waters where sea turtles nest. While exploring uninhabited Rabida Island at the archipelago’s geologic center, watch for up to nine species of Darwin’s finches, doves, yellow warblers and mockingbirds. A small saltwater lagoon is home to white-cheeked pintail ducks and black-necked stilts. Snorkelers may take to the water with sea lions, sea turtles and reef fish such as damsels and pufferfish. During a guided kayaking excursion, watch for brown pelicans and blue-footed boobies while savoring views of the island’s sloping volcanic peak. (B,L,D)

• Day 7

Santa Cruz Island

After a tasty breakfast onboard, head to a private reserve in the forested highlands to see and photograph giant tortoises. Stop at a family run sugar cane farm that also produces small-batch moonshine. Since 1970, more than 2,000 tortoises have been hatched, raised and released from the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center at the Darwin Research Center, which was founded in 1959. Learn about the vital work being done here before returning to the Evolution. (B,L,D)

• Day 8

Española Island

As the southernmost island in the archipelago, Española’s relative isolation has resulted in not only an abundance of unusual wildlife, but species and subspecies that are endemic to the island, such as Española (Hood) mockingbird, Española (Hood) racer snake, Española (Hood) lava lizard, waved albatross and brightly colored marine iguanas. Enjoy a Zodiac ride before wading ashore to Punta Suarez through a sea lion colony. Walk along the cliffs looking for waved albatrosses, Galapagos hawks, Hood mockingbirds and the red-colored race of marine iguana en route to Española’s blowhole, where waves spout 90 feet into the air. After lunch on our yacht, swim, snorkel and kayak in the waters off Gardner Bay. You are also welcome to bring along your book or a camera for a relaxing afternoon on this white-sand beach. (B,L,D)

• Day 9

San Cristóbal Island / Guayaquil

End your Galapagos Islands cruise by returning to San Cristóbal to visit the Interpretation Center, opened by the park in 1998. Fly to Guayaquil, where you board your flights home. (B)

Optional Post-Trip Extensions

Machu Picchu & Cusco Extension

Things to Know

What’s included in the cost of this expedition?

Accommodations

“The food on the Evolution was truly outstanding. Having Champagne and a small cake celebrating our 25th anniversary was very special!”

Laula
Fairway, Kansas

Evolution

The classic lines of your Galapagos expedition ship, the 204-foot Evolution, capture the romance and spirit of an earlier era. While the Evolution may carry just 32 guests, she is far from a small ship. In fact, there’s a great deal of space, both public and private. The ship’s interior is fully air-conditioned, and cabins on all three decks offer plenty of space. Your cabin is the perfect haven for an afternoon siesta between our frequent land and water excursions. (Snorkeling equipment, kayaks and wetsuits are available free of charge.) Before dinner, enjoy nightly briefings by our naturalists on the islands’ natural and human history in our comfortable lounge. You may also spend time with a snack and your fellow passengers at the canopied bar, a superb place for whale watching or to enjoy sunset over the Pacific. From relaxing on the sun deck to reading in the lounge, you’re sure to relish the wonderful friendly ambiance. And the food is something to rave about — each meal is an event to look forward to, featuring both international and traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, from fresh fruit and desserts to lobster and sumptuous soups