North, West & Central Islands aboard the Yolita (10 days from £3348)
The Galápagos Islands all have one thing in common: beautiful landscapes and incredible wildlife. (Okay, that’s technically two things, but you get the idea). Travelling aboard the Yolita, this tour takes you to some of the lesser-visited islands like Genovesa in the north and Isabela in the west. Expect to witness an amazing concentration of birdlife and massive bird rookeries, including the largest nesting colonies of red-footed boobies and frigatebirds. Hike right to the top of the Sierra Negra, Galápagos’ most recently active volcano, relax on the white-sand beaches, or snorkel with sea lions. Better yet, do it all.
Itinerary
Day 1 Quito
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
Day 2 Mariscal Sucre International Airport/Seymour Airport
Take an early flight to the Galápagos Islands. Head to Bachas Beach to see Sally Lightfoot crabs, flamingos and marine iguanas.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 3 Genovesa Island
Visit Darwin Bay and marvel at the sheer number of birds along the many trails. Head to El Barranco in the afternoon to see the many types of boobies, including red-footed boobies.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 4 Bartolomé Island/Sullivan Bay
Visit Bartolomé for a guided tour to see the island's dramatic volcanic features. Continue to Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to witness the giant lava formations contrasting the white-coral-sand beach.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 5 Isabela Island
Early landing in the small town of Puerto Villamil before beginning the hike to the Sierra Negra Volcano, which has the largest basaltic caldera in the Galápagos. In the afternoon, explore the tortoise breeding centre in the Puerto Villamil area.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 6 Elizabeth Bay/Urbina Bay
Pay a morning visit to Elizabeth Bay which offers amazing bird and marine life viewing opportunities. Head out on the pangas and explore the shallows and mangroves to look for sea turtles and penguins. Visit Urbina Bay, located at the base of the Alcedo Volcano. Hike the trail for a chance to see land tortoises in the wild, watching for land iguanas along the way.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 7 Tagus Cove/Punta Espinoza
Stop for a visit at Tagus Cove and hike to a lookout to get a stunning view of the bay. Spot old graffiti on the cliffs from whalers and pirates who once visited the the cove. Continue to Punta Espinoza on Fernandina, the youngest of the Galápagos Islands. Witness the large colony of marine iguanas and a variety of bird life.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 8 Rábida Island/Santiago Island
Enjoy a morning panga ride in Buccaneer Cove, watch for sea lions, shorebirds, and interesting lava formations. Take an afternoon excursion to the red sand beaches of Rábida to see a lagoon and sea lion colony. Enjoy snorkelling nearby with schools of tropical fish and sea lions.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 9 Islas Daphne/Quito
View Daphne from the boat, the tiny conical island is home to nesting blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and Darwin's finches, after, fly back to Quito. Enjoy an evening in Quito.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 10 Quito
Depart at any time.
Meals included:
Breakfast
At a glance
Group size maximum: 16
Join/End: Quito
Meals: 9x breakfasts, 7x lunches, 7x dinners
Accommodation: 2x hotel, 7x ship (twin-share cabins)
Included: airport transfers, snorkelling equipment & wetsuits, activities as mentioned in the itinerary, internal flights, national park guide
Not included: international flights, meals not specified in the itinerary, Ecuadorian transit control card $20, Galapagos Islands Park entry fee of $100
