Galápagos — Central Islands aboard the Xavier III

Encounter the island chain that has enchanted explorers since Darwin first weighed anchor off its shores. Spend seven nights exploring the incredible wildlife of the Galápagos archipelago in the company of an expert Naturalist Guide. In the evenings, return to the Xavier to reflect on the day’s adventures. Retire to air-conditioned cabins with exclusive lower berths and private bathrooms – that’s why you'll never end up on another operator's ship.

Day 1 Quito
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Quito/Puerto Ayora
Transfer early to the airport for the flight to the Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival meet the Naturalist Guide, who will assist with the transfer to the Xavier, located in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Visit the Santa Cruz highlands and get up close and personal with giant tortoises.

Day 3 Chinese Hat/Black Turtle Cove
Visit Chinese Hat for snorkelling opportunities and to observe the birds and sea lions before taking an excursion to Black Turtle Cove to see the marine life.

Day 4 Cerro Dragón/Islas Daphne
Visit Cerro Dragón on the west coast of Santa Cruz Island to see land iguanas and a salt water lagoon frequented by flamingos and other species of birds. Continue to Daphne Island in the afternoon to spot birds and wildlife.

Day 5 Islas Plaza/Santa Fé Island
Land at South Plaza in the morning for wildlife spotting opportunities. Afternoon visit to Santa Fé Island for guided walks to observe the wildlife and plentiful marine iguanas. Opportunities for swimming and snorkelling with the sea lions.

Day 6 Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Visit the Interpretation Center on San Cristóbal Island and enjoy free time to explore the port town of Baquerizo Moreno. Visit Isla Lobos in the afternoon to spot blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and sea lions.

Day 7 North Seymour/Mosquera Islet
Explore two tiny islands that are big on wildlife. North Seymour offers great views of nesting seabirds, including frigatebirds and Mosquera is home to large colonies of sea lions.

Day 8 Santiago Island/Bartolomé Island
Visit Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to witness the giant lava formations contrasting the white-coral sand beach. Continue to Bartolomé Island for a guided tour to see the dramatic volcanic features before hiking to a panoramic viewpoint.

Day 9 Puerto Ayora/Quito
Disembark in Puerto Ayora and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see the giant Galápagos tortoises. Fly back to Quito.

Day 10 Quito
Depart at any time.