Galápagos by Catamaran: An Intimate Voyage

Arrive in Ecuador, either in Quito, Ecuador’s capital city in the Andes, or in the coastal city of Guayaquil, for an included transfer to your convenient hotel for overnight. Both cities are well-served by international carriers, and Galápagos flights start and end in Quito with a stop in Guayaquil. Note that Quito sits at a 9,350ft elevation. It is an alternative option to Guayaquil, at no additional cost, and is recommended if you opt for a pre-voyage extension to <a href=https://www.expeditions.com/extensions/tropical-andes-and-colonial-quito-pre-voyage-extension>Mashpi Reserve</a> in the tropical Andes outside Quito, or take just one extra day on the <a href=https://www.expeditions.com/extensions/see-quito-pre-voyage-extension>See Quito Pre-Voyage Extension</a>. <br /><b>Arrival Time: </b>Anytime<br /><b>Arrival City: </b>Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador<b> </b> 

In the morning, if you’re joining the recommended flight to the Galapagos, transfers to the airport and luggage assistance will be provided. Upon arrival, you'll embark on the 16-guest <i>National Geographic Delfina</i>.

Below are a selection of islands you may visit during your expedition. Itineraries are subject to Galápagos National Park regulations.  <b>North Seymour: </b>Follow coastal trails past playful Galápagos sea lions on this wildlife-rich central island. Continue inland through a silvery forest of endemic palo santo trees, where frigatebirds nest, blue-footed boobies dance and where you may also encounter prehistoric-looking land iguanas feeding on cactus.  <b>Bartolomé</b>: Climb the steps to the summit of this 300-foot volcanic wonderland for stunning views. Explore, swim and snorkel from the beach. Catch a glimpse of Galápagos penguins, one of the world’s rarest.   <b>Santiago</b>: Explore tide pools and look for fur seals sheltered in quiet grottos of black basalt. Swim, snorkel, kayak and paddleboard along Santiago’s spectacular coast, and explore an enchanting coastal forest where Charles Darwin once walked. <b>Isabela: </b>Cross the Equator at Volcán Ecuador, the northernmost of Isabela’s six great shield volcanoes. Keep an eye out for whales and dolphins, sea turtles and the elusive ocean sunfish. Over two days, land in the footsteps of Darwin and Melville, and look for wildlife along the wildly eroded volcanic shore.<b> </b> <b>Fernandina: </b>One of the most active oceanic volcanoes in the world, Fernandina is the youngest and most pristine island in Galápagos—and home to the strange flightless cormorant, Galápagos penguins and the largest marine iguanas. Hikes ashore lead across impressive recent lava flows.<b> </b> <b>Española: </b>See swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies and, seasonally, the world’s only population of waved albatross at this bird paradise, also home to vividly colored marine iguanas. Watch sea lions on the white sand beach, and snorkel offshore at Gardner Bay<b>. </b> <b>Floreana: </b>Follow a trail past a pink-tinted lagoon sometimes frequented by flamingos. Snorkel among sea lions and abundant fish or cruise along Champion Islet by Zodiac. Visit the historic mail barrel at Post Office Bay.  <b>Santa Cruz: </b>Visit Puerto Ayora, the largest town and headquarters of both the Galápagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station. See the monument to Lonesome George and tour the giant tortoise breeding corrals. Witness giant tortoises roaming in the wild in the lush, green highlands<b>.</b> <b>Santiago: </b>Explore tide pools and look for fur seals sheltered in quiet grottos of black basalt. Swim, snorkel, kayak and paddleboard along Santiago’s spectacular coast, and explore an enchanting coastal forest where Charles Darwin once walked.<b> </b> <b>Genovesa: </b>Sail across the Equator to the remote northern realm of the Galápagos into this flooded caldera, home to over one million seabirds. Visit Prince Philip’s Steps at the top of the island. Highlights along the trail are many, from Nazca, red- and blue-footed boobies and frigates to gulls, owls, fur seals, hammerhead sharks, turtles and manta rays.  <b>San Cristobal: </b>Walk along the powdery white sand at a gorgeous beach fronted by iconic Kicker Rock. Explore Baquerizo Moreno, where sea lions thrive in the middle of town.  

Disembark this morning and join the recommended flight to Guayaquil or Quito; transfers to the airport and luggage assistance will be provided. Unwind in Hotel Oro Verde in Guayaquil, or pick from several options in Quito, including a convenient airport hotel. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. You may be able to take advantage of overnight flights home. Ask your expedition specialist about Peru, Quito and other post-voyage options. Upon arrival in Guayaquil, many guests continue on a flight to Lima, Peru, for <a href=https://www.expeditions.com/expeditions/galapagos-by-catamaran-machu-picchu-and-perus-land-of-the-inca>Galapagos by Catamaran + Machu Picchu and Peru's Land of the Inca</a>. 

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board flights home, unless you have arranged for additional nights or an extension.  <b>Departure Time:</b> Anytime on day 10, or anytime after 7:00 p.m. local time on day 9<br /><b>Departure City:</b> Guayaquil or Quito