LUXURY GALAPAGOS FROM LAND & SEA

Day 1 Arrive in Quito

Your South American adventure begins with your arrival in Quito, perched high in the Andes. Upon arrival, you will be met and assisted to your hotel. Located opposite Quito’s international airport, you’re in the right location for your early morning departure to the Galapagos Islands. For those with a bit more time, a stay in Quito’s historical centre can be a good addition. The rest of the day is free for you to recover from your journey and prepare for the adventures that await in the Galapagos Islands.

Overnight: Wyndham Quito Airport

Day 2 Cruise embarkation & Santiago Island

This morning, return to Quito airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival in Baltra, you will be welcomed and transferred to the M/C Endemic, your home for the coming days. After time to settle in and your first lunch onboard, you’ll disembark to explore Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island. This is one of the most striking volcanic landscapes in the archipelago. Landing on a white coral-sand beach, begin a walk across vast lava fields formed by relatively recent volcanic eruptions. The intricate patterns and textures deliver a fascinating insight into the geological forces that created the Galapagos Islands. Despite the seemingly harsh environment, hardy plants have established themselves amongst the lava, demonstrating nature's remarkable ability to adapt and thrive. Later this afternoon you will return to the catamaran with plenty of time to relax before dinner.

Overnight: M/C Endemic

Day 3 Isabela Island

Overnight, the catamaran has sailed west to Isabela Island and you’ll wake up to views of a different landscape entirely. Isabela is the largest island in the Galapagos and one of the most diverse in terms of landscapes and wildlife. This morning, explore the island's wetlands, a network of trails winding through lagoons, mangroves, and coastal habitats rich in birdlife. Keep a lookout for Darwin’s finches, Black-necked stilts, and other species that flourish in this important ecosystem.

After lunch, you’ll be able to visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Centre, where young giant tortoises are carefully raised before being released into the wild. Learn about the important conservation work and the breeding programme at the centre that helps protect these endangered species.

Overnight: M/C Endemic

Day 4 Elizabeth Bay & Urbina Bay

After breakfast onboard you’ll begin the day exploring Elizabeth Bay, one of the most wildlife-rich marine environments in the western Galapagos. Travelling by Zodiac through tranquil waterways lined with red mangroves, discover a thriving ecosystem where sea turtles, rays, and sea lions are frequently encountered. Visit the Marielas Islets, home to an important colony of Galapagos penguins, as well as flightless cormorants, pelicans, and a variety of seabirds.

After a relaxing lunch back on board, your afternoon visit takes you to Urbina Bay. This intriguing site was created in the 1950s when the seabed was dramatically uplifted during a geological event. As you explore your surroundings, your guide will help you spot any giant tortoises, land iguanas, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies that may be present.

Overnight: M/C Endemic

Day 5 Tagus Cove & Espinoza Point

Your morning excursion takes you to the storied waters of Tagus Cove, a sheltered anchorage once visited by explorers, whalers, and Charles Darwin himself. On a Zodiac excursion along the coastline you may spot Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, and other seabirds resting on the volcanic cliffs. A walk inland leads to Darwin Lake, a curious saline crater lake sitting high above sea level, with magnificent views across the surrounding volcanoes and coastline.

This afternoon’s visit is to Espinoza Point on Fernandina Island. The volcanic shoreline here is alive with wildlife, including sea lions, penguins, and one of the largest colonies of marine iguanas in the archipelago. Surrounded by lava fields and towering volcanic scenery, Fernandina offers a glimpse of the Galapagos as it has existed for millennia.

Overnight: M/C Endemic

Day 6 Santiago & Rabida

Returning to the central islands the Endemic drops stops at another side of Santiago Island. Here, you might spend the morning exploring Buccaneer Cove, a dramatic coastal inlet that was once frequented by pirates and sailors seeking shelter and supplies. Explorations by Zodiac or kayak showcase the towering cliffs and sea caves, perhaps followed by a spot of snorkelling in the clear waters. Wildlife is abundant throughout the area, with blue-footed and Nazca boobies, Galapagos hawks and fur seals regularly spotted along the coastline. An alternative morning visit might take you to Espumilla Beach, a pristine stretch of golden sand where marine iguanas and Sally Lightfoot crabs gather along the shore. The surrounding waters offer excellent snorkelling opportunities.

After lunch onboard the Endemic, continue to Rabida Island, famed for its striking red-sand beach and distinctive volcanic landscapes. Walk amongst cactus forests and coastal lagoons where flamingos are occasionally seen, and absorb these beautifully photographic surroundings.

Overnight: M/C Endemic

Day 7 Mosquera Islet & Puerto Ayora

The final morning of your cruise is spent exploring Mosquera Islet, a narrow ribbon of sand situated between Baltra and North Seymour Islands. Despite its diminutive size, the islet supports a remarkable concentration of wildlife. Large colonies of sea lions bask on the sand, while lava gulls and Sally Lightfoot crabs frequent the coastal pools. Returning to the vessel, you will bid farewell to your guides and fellow passengers and disembark. A short transfer takes you across Santa Cruz Island to Finch Bay Hotel. Set beside a tranquil beach and surrounded by native vegetation, it provides the perfect setting to relax after the adventures of the previous days.

Overnight: Finch Bay Hotel

Days 8 - 9 Beach relaxation in the Galapagos

Enjoy some free time to relax and unwind after your cruise in the memorable surroundings of the Galapagos Islands. Spend your days relaxing by the pool, strolling along the beach, or discovering Puerto Ayora at your own pace. In this blissfully relaxed town you can browse gift shops, venture into waterfront cafés and restaurants, and observe local wildlife along the harbour. If you find yourselves getting restless, optional excursions can be arranged to discover more of the island's remarkable wildlife and landscapes.

Overnight: Finch Bay Hotel

Day 10 Depart

After a final breakfast at Finch Bay, bid farewell to the Galapagos Islands. A transfer will take you to Baltra Airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador. From Quito, connect to your flight home or onward arrangements in South America.