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Ecuador and Galapagos. Galapagos Adventure Cruise - Evolution

multiple itineraries available
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Northwestern Islands Overview

From discovering unique and wonderful wildlife to learning about current scientific research and exploring volcanic ecosystems, there’s plenty to see, learn and do on this Galapagos adventure of the northwestern islands. Traveling from island to island aboard the deluxe Evolution yacht, this eight-day voyage showcases several major sites in the archipelago. Snorkel amongst (harmless) white-tipped reef sharks and sea lions in the blue crystalline waters, visit places of scientific importance (such as Daphne Major and the Charles Darwin Research Centre) to learn about ongoing projects and see some of the world’s most unique species in their own habitats, including Galapagos penguins, 3 species of boobies and giant land and marine iguanas.

Northwestern Islands - Day 1-2: Quito

Start your Galapagos adventure with a guided, half-day tour in the World Heritage Site of Quito, starting the quaint hillside neighborhood of Guapulo and moving towards the busy plazas, ornate churches and rich museums of the old colonial center. At Mitad del Mundo, the equatorial marker, village and museum, learn about this region’s diversity, from the coastal African slave descendants to the rainforest dwellers. Overnights are at the charming boutique hotel of Casa Aliso, located in the fashionable La Floresta neighborhood.

Casa Aliso
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Northwestern Islands - Days 3 - 4: Playa Ochoa / South Plaza / Daphne Major

A two-hour flight brings you to the vibrant waters and lands of the Galapagos. After meeting your naturalist guide, settling in on the Evolution and enjoying a welcome lunch aboard the vessel, it’s time to set out for Playa Ochoa, a white-sand beach located in a calm cove, and Leon Dormido, the remains of a lava cone. After enjoying a delicious Ecuadorian dinner and restful night, head for South Plaza and hike past land iguanas who feast on cactus leaves and colonies of battle-scarred sea lions. A visit to Daphne Major brings you to a place of scientific importance: meet some of the researchers who capture and tag the island’s finches, in hopes of better understanding the birds’ travels and activities. Overnights are aboard the Evolution, a luxury vessel that features roomy cabins with private baths.

Evolution

Northwestern Islands - Days 5 - 6: Santiago / Genovesa

Head off to Sombrero Chino, a tiny island located just off the southeast tip of Santiago, and hike to a volcanic caldera, snorkel amongst sharks and sea lions and watch penguins launch themselves off the rocks and into the blue waters below. Visit James Bay for a coastline walk, stopping to observe tidal pools, birds, iguanas and sea lions. And, after a restful night, spend an entire day in Genovesa, a place that’s considered to be one of the most spectacular islands in the Galapagos for birdwatchers: look for nesting boobies, see petrels in the open lava field and kayak the shoreline to spy the Red-billed tropicbird. Finish the day with a wet landing on Darwin Bay and hike the forest and shoreline, concluding with a swim or snorkel with the resident sea lions. Overnights are aboard the Evolution, a luxury vessel that features roomy cabins with private baths.

Evolution
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Northwestern Islands - Days 7 - 9: Santiago / Rabida / North Seymour / Santa Cruz

Over the next three days, get an intimate look at the astounding flora and fauna of the Galapagos by visiting the islands of Santiago, Rabida, North Seymour and Santa Cruz. Take a naturalist-led walk to a mangrove swamp and down the shoreline, looking for water birds, hawks, flamingos, sea turtles, marine iguanas and sea lions; snorkel amongst (harmless) rays and sharks; visit the Charles Darwin Research Centre and Van Straelen Hall to see tortoise corrals, hatchlings and to meet Lonesome George, the last remaining member of his subspecies; and stop off at “the tunnels,” the largest lava tubes in the Galapagos. Overnights are aboard the Evolution, a luxury vessel that features roomy cabins with private baths.

Evolution

Northwestern Islands - Days 10 - 11: Santa Cruz / Quito / Departure

Your Galapagos adventure concludes with a final trip, by Zodiac, through the mangroves of Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz (keep your eyes open for turtles, sharks and rays). In the afternoon, a short flight brings you back to Quito for one last night. In the morning, transfer to the airport in time for your return flight home, or extend your trip to experience more of Ecuador’s natural wonders. Your final overnight is at Casa Aliso, a charming boutique hotel.

Casa Aliso
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Scheduled Departure Dates
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Departures available on request
Call 1.800.345.4453 or click here to request more information.

    1/3 - 1/13/2013

    1/17 - 1/27/2013

    1/31 - 2/10/2013

    2/14 - 2/24/2013

    2/28 - 3/10/2013

    3/14 - 3/24/2013

    3/28 - 4/7/2013

    4/11 - 4/21/2013

    4/25 - 5/5/2013

    5/9 - 5/19/2013

    5/23 - 6/2/2013

    6/6 - 6/16/2013

    6/20 - 6/30/2013

    7/4 - 7/14/2013

    7/18 - 7/28/2013

    8/1 - 8/11/2013

    8/15 - 8/25/2013

    8/29 - 9/8/2013

    9/12 - 9/22/2013

    9/26 - 10/6/2013

    10/10 - 10/20/2013

    10/24 - 11/3/2013

    11/7 - 11/17/2013

    11/21 - 12/1/2013

    12/5 - 12/15/2013

    12/19 - 12/29/2013

Dates listed are current scheduled departures only, other departure dates are available.

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