Galapagos: Wildlife Wonderland

Journey Summary

Day 1 - Arrive Quito, Ecuador
Day 2 - Visit the Equator and explore Quito
Day 3 - Cruise to islands time forgot
Day 4 - Meet the locals on Santiago Island
Day 5 - Explore Rábida & Hike on Bartolomé
Day 6 - Towering sights & birds at Darwin Bay
Day 7 - Disembark on Santa Cruz & fly to Guayaquil
Day 8 - Homeward bound

Itinerary Highlights

Mysteries of the "enchanted islands" that time forgot, a virtual wildlife wonderland... but how did the birds, reptiles and small mammals, found nowhere else on Earth, first make their way here... what is the real story behind the disappearance of the Galápagos Tortoise... how did naturalist Charles Darwin miss the pink iguana – discovered 150 years after his visit but millions of years old... Get ready to sleuth! This eight-day family adventure takes guests to the exotic Galápagos Islands, a region rich with a variety of local wildlife, flourishing flora and on-island excursions. Sailing through the four-island system by panga and by expedition ship, Santa Cruz II , as you and your family take in the beautiful views on both land and sea. Across this island society; explore the lagoons on Baltra Island that have a variety of birds within its ecosystem including pintail ducks, flamingos and stilts. Snorkel in Santiago Island in Buccaneer Cove where local sea lions may sneak up alongside you and surprise you. Hike up Bartolomé Island accompanied by incredible views at the summit. See the intricacies of the island firsthand! From the red sand of Jervis Island to the marine iguanas who forage for food in the sea, e ven the crabs are different here, with their bright red and yellow shells that provide quite a contrast to the black-lava rocks of these volcanic islands. Learn from Galápagos naturalists who travel with you... take walks on lave terrains... travel ashore via pangas ... swim and snorkel... And much more!

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Detailed Itinerary

Day-by-day description of your cruise and cruise activities.

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Day 1

Arrive Quito, Ecuador

Tour begins: Hilton Colon Quito. A transfer is included from Mariscal Sucre International Airport to the Hilton Colon Quito.

Day 2

Visit the Equator and explore Quito

Quito is not only 9,200 feet above "seal" level, it's also on the Equator... the "middle of the world." Take the opportunity to stand on both the northern and southern hemispheres at the same time, and learn more about Quito's unique geography at the Inti Ñan Museum before enjoying an Ecuadorian lunch near a volcanic crater. Explore centuries-old Colonial Quito on a guided tour. Join us tonight for our welcome reception and dinner at your hotel, then get a good night's sleep so you'll be rested and ready for your family's unforgettable Galápagos experience tomorrow.

Day 3

Cruise to islands time forgot

Your family's Galápagos tour and cruise* commences today when you fly from Quito to the volcanic island of Baltra and board your new expedition ship, Santa Cruz II. Your first shore excursion features a ride ashore on a panga to the island of Santa Cruz, and a wet landing on Las Bachas Beach (named for the US military barges, referred to as "bachas," that were beached and abandoned there after WWII) – an important nesting area for the green sea turtle. On a guided hike around a saltwater lagoon today, look for flamingos, pintail ducks, sandpipers and stilts; join our expert naturalists for an informative briefing back aboard ship this evening, prior to the Captain's welcome reception followed by dinner.

Day 4

Meet the locals on Santiago Island

Start the day with a morning boat ride off Buccaneer's Cove on Santiago (James) Island – once a favorite haunt of pirates and whalers – to observe seabirds like frigates, pelicans and boobies, and go snorkeling off the panga. After lunch aboard ship, a wet landing at Puerto Egas on Santiago provides even more opportunities to see seabirds, along with a colony of sea lions and marine iguanas; enjoy a swim and a snorkel from the beach before returning to the ship. Weather permitting, enjoy star gazing on the top deck this evening.

Day 5

Explore Rábida & Hike on Bartolomé

Meet Darwin's finches and other rare birds today after a wet landing on Rabida (Jervis) Island, with its red-colored beaches. Experience both wet and dry landings on your excursion to Bartolomé Island; hike up to the summit and drink in amazing vistas of its volcanic features and the neighboring islands. Ride a panga around Pinnacle Rock, and view sea lions, sea turtles and tiny tropical Galápagos penguins in a panorama of life found only here. Tonight you'll find out more about the Galápagos Islands with our shipboard naturalists.

Day 6

Towering sights & birds at Darwin Bay

Explore Genovesa (Tower) Island by panga and a dry landing; climb up Prince Philip's steps for a hike across the island, where you'll see masked boobies, frigate birds, storm petrels and more. An afternoon cruise and a wet landing at Darwin Bay offers more amazing views of thousands of rare birds, including red-footed boobies, gulls, mockingbirds, herons and finches, as well as an optional walk across volcanic terrain. Back aboard the ship, celebrate the end of your cruise – and your family's most unforgettable Galápagos tour – at our Captain's farewell dinner.

Day 7

Disembark on Santa Cruz & fly to Guayaquil

Disembark Santa Cruz II on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, and visit a tortoise reserve to observe in the wild one of the rarest forms of wildlife that continue to thrive here on the Galápagos Islands – the giant tortoise – and efforts being made by the Ecuadorian National Park Service to preserve and protect life on the islands for future generations. Late morning, travel to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil on the mainland, and an overnight at the Wyndham Guayaquil. Join us this evening for a poolside farewell party at your hotel as your family's Ecuador and Galápagos tour comes to a close.

Day 8

Homeward bound

Tour ends: Guayaquil. A transfer from the Wyndham Guayaquil to José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport is included. You should allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in.

Dates and Prices

(per person*)

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Available dates:

Mar 21, 2026

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* Per double occupancy. Some pricing may reflect single traveler rate.

Ship

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About this ship

Tauck - Santa Cruz II

The Santa Cruz II is an exceptional small-ship experience crafted for exploring the unique wonders of the Galápagos Islands. Designed for comfort and style by Swedish designer Richard Nilsson, this sleek vessel features five spacious decks and modern interiors. Perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers, the ship offers 50 bright, air-conditioned staterooms, including Explorer cabins and the exclusive Darwin Suite on the Panorama Deck. Thoughtfully equipped, all rooms include large windows for stunning ocean views and convenient amenities like an in-room safe and docking station.

Guests can unwind in the ship's inviting communal spaces, from outdoor decks with ocean-view hot tubs to indoor lounge bars and a well-stocked library. Enjoy authentic Ecuadorian and international cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients in the colorful Beagle Dining Room or al fresco under the stars. Designed for adventure and relaxation, the Santa Cruz II promises an unforgettable voyage.

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