West Galápagos
8 Days
Reviews
Tour Overview
The Galápagos Islands are truly unique due to the diverse inhabitants of flora and fauna. The archipelago is alive with birds and animals which have evolved away from their continental brethren to become perfectly adapted to these volcanic-formed islands. During this cruise we disembark on different islands to explore, hike, swim, snorkel, and view the extraordinary natural wonders and rich wildlife, including sea lions, lava lizards, blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises and much more.
You will be onboard the Coral I or II. To find out more about our ships please click here
Included Activities
- Arrival transfer
- Visit Highlands Tortoise Reserve
- Snorkelling & dinghy ride at Vicente Roca Point
- Two hour walk & snorkelling at Fernandina Island
- Walk, deep-water snorkelling & dinghy ride at Isabela Island
- Walk, snorkelling & beach time at Santiago Island
- Walk, snorkelling & beach time at Bachus Beach
- Departure transfer
What should you expect?
This is a group cruise with a maximum of 36 people on-board.
Except from Quito, you will be sleeping on-board the Coral I or II. To find out more about the cruises please click here.
You will be met by a representative in Quito who will provide the Quito city tour and airport transfers. You will not have a tour leader here.
You will have a local naturalist guide on-board the Galapagos cruise.
The price is based on two people sharing a standard cabin, you can upgrade your cabin by selecting the cabin upgrade during the booking process. If you are a solo traveller there is a compulsory single supplement required.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Quito
Upon arrival at Quito airport you will be collected by a Tucan Travel representative and transferred to your hotel.
Included Excursions
Arrival transfer
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Dann Carlton or similar 
Day 2 - Quito Colonial City Tour & Equator
Spend today discovering more about the history of Ecuador on an included colonial city tour. Visit the Basílica del Voto Nacional towers, a Roman Catholic church and largest neo Gothic basilica in the world, or the Iglesia de la Compañia de Jesus church which is considered one of the most beautiful landmarks in the city. Drive through the traditional neighbourhood of San Juan, a historical district which dates back to the Inca times. We visit the Middle of the World Museum and the Ecuador Monument, where you can place each foot on different sides of the equator! Marvel at the clever tricks of the equator, such as balancing an egg on a nail or watching water swirl in different directions depending which side you are on.
We finish the day at the Panecillo hillside with its breathtaking views of the old and modern city.
Relax tonight and get ready for the wildlife adventure of a lifetime. Your Tucan Travel rep will be available to prepare you for the days ahead and answer any questions you may have about the cruise and what to expect.
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Dann Carlton or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 3 - Quito - Baltra Island - Santa Cruz Island (Highlands Tortoise Reserve)
Today you will be transferred to the airport in Quito to depart for the Galápagos Islands. Arrive at the airport on Baltra Island where you will meet your naturist guide and be transferred to the pier to board the M/Y Coral I or II. You can find a 360 Virtual Tour of your ship here
This afternoon we will visit the Highlands Tortoise Reserve where you will come face to face with these gentle giants. Walk amongst these incredible 600lb reptiles and learn all about their activity on the island. Next we visit the collapsed sinkholes, also known as Los Gemelos. These fascinating formations were created from tectonic shifts and erosion and has quite different scenery to the rest of the island. Enjoy the beautiful forested area as your guide explains all about the endemic tree-forming scalesia. The habitat here is home to various bird species including finches, short-eared owls and the vermillion flycatcher.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Type of Terrain: Flat (sometimes muddy depending on season)
Included Excursions
Visit Highlands Tortoise Reserve
Accommodation
1 night(s) on boat
Meals
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es), 1 Dinner(s)
Day 4 - Isabela Island – Fernandina Island
This morning we head to Vicente Roca Point on Isabela Island. This point is a headland with two protected turquoise coves on either side, making it a great place for deep-water snorkelling thanks to its location in one of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth, the Bolivar Channel. A wide variety of marine life can be seen underwater including sea horses, Frogfish and Octopi. Groups of dolphins, Sea Lions and tunas can sometimes be spotted in this area too. You will then take an hour-long dinghy ride along the sheer cliffs to observe a great diversity of sea and coastal birds including Brown pelicans and Galapagos penguins.
In the afternoon we cross the Bolivar Channel. In the cold season (from May to December), this stretch of the cruise offers spectacular whale-watching opportunities. We have a dry landing at Espinosa Point on Fernandina Island, the youngest of the Galápagos and one of the most volcanically-active islands, as eruptions occur every few years. You will see the biggest, most primitive-looking race of marine iguanas mingling with Sally Lightfoot Crabs, as well as Flightless Cormorants resting at their nesting sites. Galápagos penguins, Galápagos Hawks and Sea Lions can also be seen here.
Among the flora and volcanic formations observers will spot brachycereus cactus, "pa-hoe-hoe" lava and "AA" lava formations. Numerous mangrove beds extend into the sea.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Type of Terrain: Rocky at Espinosa Point
Included Excursions
Snorkelling & dinghy ride at Vicente Roca Point,Two hour walk & snorkelling at Fernandina Island
Accommodation
1 night(s) on boat
Meals
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es), 1 Dinner(s)
Day 5 - Urbina Bay – Tagus Cove
This morning we return to Isabela Island to make a wet landing on a volcanic black beach, before hiking around Urbina Bay, which features a wide variety of plant life that attract different insects, birds and reptiles. We'll also explore the uplifted coral reef that resulted from the volcanic activity of 1954, with a spectacular view of Alcedo Volcano. You will also go snorkelling around the bay, giving you the chance to swim with Sea turtles, Sea lions and countless varieties of tropical fish.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Type of Terrain: flat & rocky
In the afternoon, we have our final stop on Isabela, Tagus Cove (dry landing) where we will learn about the eruption of five volcanoes that formed this island, the largest of the Galapagos archipelago. We will walk along a trail that leads to the Darwin salt-water Crater Lake, passing spectacular lava fields and volcanic formations. We will take a dinghy to observe marine life - Galápagos penguins can frequently be seen here. Tagus Cove, named for the British naval vessel that moored here in 1814, was used historically as an anchorage for pirates and whalers. Graffiti carved into the rocks near the landing point believed to have been made by 19th century pirates helps passengers better appreciate the relationship between the islands and tourism today. We will also have an opportunity to snorkel in deep water.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate/Difficult
Type of Terrain: Steep
Included Excursions
Walk, deep-water snorkelling & dinghy ride at Isabela Island
Accommodation
1 night(s) on boat
Meals
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es), 1 Dinner(s)
Day 6 - Santiago Island
We begin the day with a wet landing on the black volcanic sand of Santiago Island, visited by Darwin in 1835. From here we visit the Salt Mines before walking along the Egas Port trail that takes us around the shoreline and to the best tidal pool areas in the Galapagos, populated by Fur Seals and Sally Lightfoot crabs. The unique terrain of Santiago's shores is home to a variety of resident and migrant birds. There is another opportunity to go snorkelling or swimming, and you may see lobsters, starfish, marine iguanas grazing on algae beds under the sea.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Type of Terrain: flat & rocky
In the afternoon we have a wet landing at Sullivan Bay, on the other side of Santiago Island. This area is geologically significant, as it features extensive Pahoehoe lava flows which look as if they have just been formed.
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Type of Terrain: Flat volcanic lava
Included Excursions
Walk, snorkelling & beach time at Santiago Island
Accommodation
1 night(s) on boat
Meals
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es), 1 Dinner(s)
Day 7 - Santa Cruz Island – Baltra Island - Quito
This morning we will make our way to Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island. The sand here is made of powdered coral, which makes it white and soft and a favourite site for nesting sea turtles. Sally Lightfoot crabs are abundant on the lava rocks along the water's edge. Flamingoes, hermit crabs, black necked stilts, and whimbrels can also be observed.
Disembark at Baltra Island to meet your flight back to the continent. You will be transferred to your hotel upon arrival in Quito.
Included Excursions
Walk, snorkelling & beach time at Bachus Beach
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Dann Carlton or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 8 - Depart Quito
Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.
Today you will be transferred to the airport to meet your onward flight.
Included Excursions
Departure transfer
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Booking Tip
Don't delay! Book today to guarantee the price you see below as our prices can change day to day as a result of availability. Tours are departing from early 2021 through to 2022.
Select Dates
Available
US$ 4,094
Your Savings:
25% off
US$4,094
Your Savings:
US$1,365
Available
US$ 4,094
Your Savings:
25% off
US$4,094
Your Savings:
US$1,365
Available
US$ 4,094
Your Savings:
25% off
US$4,094
Your Savings:
US$1,365
Available
US$ 4,094
Your Savings:
25% off
US$4,094
Your Savings:
US$1,365
Available
US$ 4,094
Your Savings:
25% off
US$4,094
Special Notes:
Standard and Standard Plus Cabins only for Galapagos
Your Savings:
US$1,365
Available
US$ 4,094
Your Savings:
25% off
US$4,094
Your Savings:
US$1,365
Available
US$ 4,094
Your Savings:
25% off
US$4,094
Your Savings:
US$1,365
Available
US$ 4,334
Your Savings:
25% off
US$4,334
Your Savings:
US$1,445
Essential Information
What's Not Included
- Visas and travel insurance
- Spending money – budget for meals, snacks, drinks, limited souvenirs, laundry, tips and any extras
- International flights to/from the start/end of your tour and departure taxes
- Tips on excursions, visas, travel insurance, personal items and single rooms.
- Optional excursions - On each trip, you may find there are some excursions that are not included. This might be because they are not to everyone's taste or there may be various options of differing value to choose from. More information on the excursions we recommend is listed under each day of your itinerary though prices may vary. If you are after something in particular, don't hesitate to ask your tour leader.
- Pre & post cruise accommodation
- Tips, visas, travel insurance, personal items, single rooms & alternate cabin types.
Joining your Galapagos Islands Tour
Arriving in Quito
You will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel in Quito by a local representative.
Quito is located at 2,800 metres above sea level, making it the second highest capital city in the world. You may feel the effects of altitude, which affects all people differently. If you have just arrived it is suggested you take it very easy for the first day and follow the below recommendations:
- Drink plenty of water, around two to two-and-a-half litres per day. Bottled water is available everywhere.
- The affects of alcohol and cigarettes are made considerably worse by the thin air. Try to avoid these in excess for the first few days.
- Take it easy. Walk slowly and avoid sudden movements.
About your tour
Physical Rating
This tour has a two star physical rating for the following reasons:
Walking involved / Difficult terrain: This tour includes walking on the islands of the Galapagos and the option to swim and snorkel. A reasonable level of fitness is required to fully enjoy the excursions.
Travelling on a group tour/solo travellers
Travelling on a group tour is a fantastic way to see the world whilst meeting people from different walks of life. Many people who meet on group tours become friends for life! Due to the nature of group travel, there are a few things to consider when planning your trip. Patience can sometimes be required to accommodate different needs of the group and we always ask you to stick to travel and meeting times, so the rest of the group do not suffer.
Solo Travellers
The price is based on two people sharing a standard cabin, you can upgrade your cabin by selecting the cabin upgrade during the booking process. If you are a solo traveller there is a compulsory single supplement required.
Tour Guide - what to expect
This tour includes a naturalist guide who will accompany you on all excursions and educate you on the Galapagos Islands.
Accommodation on tour
You can find a breakdown of your accommodation in the "About this Tour" section.
Where possible Tucan Travel try and use local accommodation on the majority of tours. The accommodation is picked based on their location to the main sites. From time to time, accommodation standard may vary and hot water, wi-fi or electricity may not be to a Western standard.
Galapagos Cruise - Unless you have upgraded to your own room you will be sharing a twin room (single travellers only). Passengers travelling together will share a twin or double room. The cabins are small but comfortable and offer porthole windows, A/C, a private bathroom and a safe deposit box.The boat has a lounge, open deck and jacuzzi, restaurant, bar, library, BBQ area and terrace.
Alternative Accommodation
The type of accommodation indicated in the trip notes is a guideline. If for any reason, we need to change the accommodation listed on the itinerary, a similar standard of accommodation will be used instead. You can find the list of hotels or similar used on your itinerary under each day.
Cabins
The price is based on two people sharing a standard cabin, you can upgrade your cabin by selecting the cabin upgrade during the booking process. If you are a solo traveller there is a compulsory single supplement required.
Transport
The Galapagos Boats
This tour will take place on either the Coral I or Coral II boats. You can read all about them here.
Solo Travellers
The price is based on two people sharing a standard cabin, you can upgrade your cabin by selecting the cabin upgrade during the booking process. If you are a solo traveller there is a compulsory single supplement required.
Return flights between the Galapagos and Quito are also included in the tour. A local representative will assist with your transfers between the airport and hotel.
Luggage and Packing
Luggage
Please limit this to one piece per person plus one day bag.
Flights
If your tour includes internal flights please be aware there is often a restriction of 15kg for checked baggage. If your luggage exceeds this weight you will need to pay any fees incurred.
Packing List
You should bring items that dry quickly and give you decent coverage from the sun.
What essential items should I bring to the Galapagos?
- A lightweight and waterproof jacket.
- Good, comfortable walking shoes are essential for the islands. There can either be comfortable trainers or walking shoes.
- A small daypack - This should have enough room to carry items on day trips.
- Sun protection. Ensure you have a sun hat and sunscreen to keep you safe.
- Swimwear.
- Insect Repellent
Clothing
- Jeans/trousers
- Underwear and pyjamas
- T-shirts/tops/shirts
- Shorts/dresses/skirts
- Sandals or other shoes for on the boat
- Jumper/cardigan/fleece
- Swimwear/sarong/coverup
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Camera and charger
- Worldwide adaptor
- Portable battery pack
- Ipad/tablet/e-reader (great for long journeys!)
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Small medical kit with paracetamol/plasters
- Antibacterial hand gel
- Insect repellent and bite cream
- Sun cream and lip balm
- Shampoo/conditioner/body wash - ideally in bar form
- Antiperspirant/deodorant
Other
- One small day bag
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Cloth bag for shopping
- Ear plugs and sleep mask
Documents
- Passport
- Visas
- Insurance
- Printed copy of your passport
- Printed copy of your emergency contacts numbers
Laundry
There are no laundry facilities available on the boats.
Meals and Dietary Requirements
If you have a specific dietary requirement it is important that you advise us at the booking stage. We also recommend re-iterating this information to your tour guide on-board the cruise.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included for the duration of your stay on the cruise. You can expect to find a choice of international and local Ecuadorian cuisine.
Breakfast is included in Quito but lunch and dinner will be at your own cost. There are a huge range of restaurants to choose from depending on your requirements.
Money and Budget
Currency
This tour uses the US dollar - the currency of Ecuador.
Galapagos Cruise
Upon arrival, an account will be opened for you. This will cover any extras that you purchase on board such as drinks. Reception will take copies of your passport and credit card and you will be asked to sign a voucher. All major credit cards are accepted on the boat - Diners, Visa, MasterCard, America Express. Euros and U.S Dollars are also accepted.
Permit Fee
The 100 USD permit fee for entering the Galapagos Islands is included in your tour cost.
Cards
The majority of shops, restaurants, hotels and other establishments in Quito will accept credit and debit cards. American Express is not as widely accepted, so do not rely on this as your primary card.
Spending Money
We know how easy it is to lose track of your spending on holiday! That’s why it’s essential to thoroughly read your trip notes so that you understand what is and what isn’t included on each day. Most lunches and dinners are at your own cost, which gives you the flexibility to spend as little or as much as you like. Remember to budget for things like laundry, tipping, souvenirs and optional activities.
Tipping
Tipping is part of life in South America. While it is not compulsory, if you have enjoyed the service it is appropriate and highly appreciated. You should add 10% to your bill in restaurants (make sure service isn’t already included), round up taxi fares and tip local excursion guides.
Free Walking Tours
Free walking tours are found in many of the large cities including Quito. These are marketed as free walking tours and are designed to provide travellers with local, in depth knowledge of the city. However all free walking tours are tip based (they have to make money somehow, after all!) and so if you wish to join a free walking tour you need to budget in a tip at the end. Leaving a free walking tour that was considered a good tour without tipping is very disrespectful and will only give travellers a bad reputation.
Budget
Your budget should include additional meals, transport within cities, optional excursions, shopping and an emergency fund.
Backup Funds
Travel can be unpredictable. While we endeavour to plan for every situation there are some instances where it is out of our control, such as severe weather, strikes, civil unrest or natural disasters. If these result in unavoidable itinerary changes, you should have access to enough funds for you to return home unexpectedly.
Health and Safety
Emergency Contact
If you need urgent assistance prior to starting your tour please call 5939-99456205 or 5939-89485967.
For other enquiries and non-urgent matters please contact the Tucan Travel office on 0800 804 8435.
Fitness & Suitability
A basic level of fitness will be required to get on and off the zodiacs for on-shore excursions.
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions please let us know at the time you book or as early before departure as possible. Depending on the severity of the condition, you may be asked to produce a medical certificate from your doctor approving your participation in this tour. While this would only happen in very exceptional circumstances, if we consider you incapable completing this tour or you have concealed an existing medical condition which is affecting your ability to participate in the tour of Tucan Travel reserve the right to turn you away without reimbursement.
You should ensure that you pack a small medical kit with paracetamol, motion sickness tablets and any personal medication that you require.
Travel Insurance
All clients must have comprehensive travel insurance cover before and while travelling with us. We highly recommend that you purchase your insurance policy at the same time as you book your tour as you will then be covered for Cancellation and Curtailment before your travel begins. Failure to provide adequate cover will result in clients being prevented from joining the tour until travel insurance is purchased without a refund as per our booking conditions.
Safety & Security
You must obey all safety announcements given by the Captain and any member of your cruise Team.
You will be provided with a life jacket, which inflates automatically by pulling the rip-cord.
Age Restrictions
There are no age restrictions and children are permitted on this trip however you should seriously consider if this is suitable for your situation. Should a situation arise that the parents and/or children need to be evacuated to a hospital; there is no hospital in Antarctica and evacuation to the continent may take several days or may not always be possible. The small infirmary on board is merely suitable for first aid treatment.
Responsible Travel
As a global tour operator, we understand the importance of running sustainable tours that have as low an impact on the environment as possible. Please read our comprehensive guide here before you travel.
Physical Rating
Physical rating on your tour
The about this tour section will advise you on the physical rating of your chosen tour. This is scored from 1 to 5.
- Relaxing: Sit back and relax on this trip! There are no physically demanding excursions included. You will have to carry your own bags.
- Easy: Some easy physical activities are required on this trip though you won't need to prepare in advance. There may also be more strenuous optional excursions available which may require advanced preparation depending on your level of fitness. You will have to carry your bags, enjoy short walking tours in the heat or at altitude or perhaps travel on cramped public transport.
- Moderate: This trip will get your heart racing with tough one-day or easy multi-day hikes included. A good level of fitness is required to get the most out of the trip. You will have to carry your own bags and travel on cramped public transport.
- Serious: Preparing in advance for this trip will allow you to get the most out of it. Tough multi-day hikes at altitude, having to carry your own bags and travel on public transport all feature but this rating may relate to the length of your tour and the mental endurance needed to get to the end.
- Heart-pumping: Our most difficult physical rating. This trip will get your body moving and heart pumping. Prepare to be challenged both physically and mentally.
Availability & Departures
You can find out further information on our availability and departures of tours by clicking here.
Gallery
Extra Services
Single Room (pre tour)
From US$165.00
Twin Room (pre tour per person)
From US$83.00
Double Room (pre tour per person)
From US$83.00
Single Room (post tour)
From US$165.00
Twin Room (post tour per person)
From US$83.00
Double Room (post tour per person)
From US$83.00
