Darwin’s Discoveries: The Galapagos Islands

Enjoy two nights in the beautiful colonial city of Quito, Ecuador, at the historic Casa Gangotena Hotel. Quito’s Colonial city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is why we’ve given so much time to you for exploration. On Day 3, you’ll be flown to Isla Baltra to board the La Pinta and begin your 6-night cruise around the Galapagos Islands – another UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can view marine life on the glass-bottom boat or by snorkel. You’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Center. You’ll also witness nesting birds and wildlife on the seven islands and islets you’ll visit.

“Truly one of the best vacations we have ever taken! The ship, the crew, the other guests, and most of all the Galapagos Islands themselves exceeded all of our expectations.” — Marcie H. and Margaret M, Interlaken, NJ 

Cruise Details

Clock8 Days & 7 Nights

Double Occupancy from $9,595 pp/do*

CalendarFebruary 29, 2024 | March 14, 2024 | April 11, 2024 | May 23, 2024 | July 18, 2024 | August 1, 2024
See 4 more available dates
September 26, 2024 | October 24, 2024 | November 21, 2024 | December 19, 2024

Book Now Request More Info

or call 800.578.1479

*Per person/double occupancy. Special single rates apply where listed. Excludes port fees.
Itineraries may operate in reverse.

Your Itinerary

    1Overnight Hotel in Guayaquil
    Tonight you stay at the riverside Wyndham Guayaquil, the best hotel in the city and offers a rooftop pool.

    2Embark in Isla Baltra
    This morning you fly to Isla Baltra, where the crew of La Pinta is waiting to welcome you aboard. You’ll head out to your first island: Isla Seymour Norte. It’ll be a race to spot the first Blue-footed boobies and Magnificent Frigatebirds on the island! You can hike or take a panga ride, giving you an up-close look at the nesting areas of these birds.

    3Isla Isabela/Isla Fernandina
    By now, your ‘inner explorer’ will be ready to get out and discover the world! At Punta Vicente Roca, your guides will take you by panga to learn about the geologic history of the island, as well as point our the flightless cormorants. Want to get a closer look? Get out the snorkel gear for a look at the sea turtles and beautiful fish around the islands. You’ll also get a chance to walk a guided tour of Isla Fernandina. This fiery island is exciting, with its active volcano which erupted as recently as 2009! But the island’s residents seem just fine – thousands of bright iguanas and Galapagos penguins make their home here.

    4Isla Isabela
    You’ll look for land iguanas and giant tortoises on a shore walk of Urbina Bay. In Tagus Cove, keep your eyes peeled for whales and dolphins in the Bolivar Channel. Squeeze in some time to snorkel or kayak in Tagus Cove. Then you’ll hike down Darwin Crater to a saltwater lake with excellent opportunities to view penguins, Galapagos Hawks, petrified rain and the record of whalers and pirates who scratched their names into the rocks.

    5Isla Rabida/Isla Santa Cruz
    The red beach of Isla Rabida is the preferred haunt for sea lions and marine iguanas. See the Darwin Finches, pelicans, Yellow Warblers, Nazca Boobies and more! You can also head out for snorkeling. This afternoon you’ll hike Cerro Dragon for a beautiful view of the western islands!

    6Isla Santa Cruz
    Today is Giant Tortoise day. Tour the Charles Darwin Research Station, where baby tortoises are safeguarded as they grow to adulthood, when they are returned to the wild. Grab your swimsuit as we head to the Finch Bay Eco Hotel for a poolside lunch – a moment of luxury before you head to the highlands to witness the tortoises in their natural habitat. If you’re looking for a geological adventure, walk inside the island’s lava tubes!

    7Isla Floreana
    All those notes home you’ve been writing, saying “Wish you were here”? Today is the day to mail them from Post Office Bay, the famous barrel mailbox. What adventures will you save for Isla Floreana? You can snorkel, kayak, hike, skiff, ride the glass-bottom boat, or soak in some sun on the beach. Investigate the volcanic channels by kayak or panga. Walk along the green beach of Punta Cormorant, home to flamingoes, or the white beach where green sea turtles rest at night.

    8Disembark in Isla Baltra/Transfer to Guayaquil
    Thank the captain and crew of La Pinta before transferring to the airport. The quick flight to Guayaquil will have you ready for your journey home.

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Cabin Categories

Cabin Single Price Double Price
Captain$9,595 pp
Admiral$10,145 pp

Ship Read more about the La Pinta

*Prices may vary due to seasonality

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Darwin’s Discoveries: The Galapagos Islands

Book Now Request More Info

or call 800.578.1479

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