Galápagos Land & Sea — Central & East Islands aboard the Xavier III

Encounter the island chain that has enchanted explorers since Darwin first weighed anchor off its shores. Explore the incredible wildlife of the Galápagos archipelago in the company of an expert Naturalist Guide. Giant tortoises, sea lions and island birds are in abundance here, and you’ll have the chance to spot them all in visits to Santiago Island, Punta Pitt, and Cerro Brujo, and many more fascinating locales. In the evenings, return to the Xavier to reflect on the day’s adventure under a canopy of stars. Finish off with a night on Santa Cruz island for some beach time and to see tortoises in the wild.

Day 1 Quito
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Quito/Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Fly to San Cristóbal Island. Meet the Galápagos CEO and transfer to the boat. In the afternoon, visit the Tortoise Breeding Centre before setting off to explore the Galápagos.

Day 3 Punta Pitt/Kicker Rock
Visit Punta Pitt and look for three types of boobies as well as frigatebirds. After, visit Cerro Brujo on San Cristóbal Island to observe sea lions, marine iguanas, and seabirds along the beach. Continue to the dramatic Kicker Rock in the afternoon for a snorkelling excursion.

Day 4 Santiago Island
Morning excursion to Playa Espumilla, one of the most idyllic beaches in the Galápagos Islands and home to thick mangroves and flamingo and sea turtle nesting sites. Continue to Buccaneer Cove to witness the towering cliff wall rock formations before going to Puerto Egas to see a dark-sand beach and tidal pools.

Day 5 Puerto Ayora
Disembark in Puerto Ayora and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see the giant Galápagos tortoises. In the afternoon, explore Academy Bay on a boat tour. Snorkel with sea lions and walk over a volcanic path to a crystal clear saltwater lagoon.

Day 6 Puerto Ayora/Quito
Visit the highlands of Santa Cruz to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Fly back to Quito for a final night in the city.

Day 7 Quito
Depart at any time.