Ecuador and Galapagos. Galapagos Adventure Cruise - Samba [Currently Not Active]

Northwestern Itinerary Overview

Your voyage of discovery begins when you climb aboard the M/S Samba, a classic steel-hulled motor yacht built for just 14 passengers. As you travel from island to island, stopping off at the major sites of the northwest archipelago, get close to some of the world’s most unique plants and animals. Visit a boobie and sea turtle nesting site, walk amongst some of the Galapagos’ largest marine iguanas and stop off at a tortoise breeding center to learn about ongoing research and conservation projects.

Northwestern Islands - Day 1-2: Quito

Start your Galapagos adventure with a guided, half-day tour of the colonial city of Quito, a World Heritage Site. Visit busy plazas, ornate churches and rich museums and then take the afternoon and evening to explore on your own terms, stopping off at the fascinating shops, pubs and restaurants. Overnights are at the charming boutique hotel of Casa Aliso, located in the fashionable La Floresta neighborhood.

Accomodations: Casa Aliso

Northwestern Islands - Days 3 - 4: Santa Cruz / Genovesa

A short flight brings you to the rich waters and lands of the Galapagos. After meeting your naturalist guide and settling in on the Samba, it’s time to travel to Las Bachas and to the most important Pacific green sea turtle nesting sites in all of the Galapagos. The next day, visit Genovesa to witness the bizarre courtship rituals of the boobies and frigates, climb Prince Phillip’s Steps and take a trail through a dwarf forest and boobie nesting site and even snorkel amongst the colorful marine life. Overnights are aboard the Samba, a comfortable vessel that holds just 14 passengers.

Accomodations: Samba

Northwestern Islands - Days 5 - 6: Marchena / Isabela

The next two days are devoted to rich explorations of the Marchena shoreline (only approved scientific missions are allowed to go ashore) and Isabela Island: snorkel the blue waters of Punta Mejia and watch for turtles, colorful fish and rays; kayak a lava grotto at Playa Negra and look for dolphins; and walk amongst some of the Galapagos’ largest marine iguanas in Punta Albemarle. Overnights are aboard the Samba, a comfortable vessel that holds just 14 passengers.

Accomodations: Samba

Northwestern Islands - Days 7 - 9: Fernandina / Isabela

Head off to the neighboring island of Fernandina to walk amongst hundreds of marine iguanas and lazy sea lions (watch for the penguins who launch themselves off the rocks and into the waters below). Next, you’re back to discover more of Isabela’s watery ecosystems. Visit the site of a 1954 earthquake and the newly-emerged marine land; journey to the secluded cove of Elizabeth Bay and watch for turtles, rays, sharks and shorebirds; motor to the rocky islets of Las Marielas and to the colonies of penguins and cormorants; set out to Punta Moreno and observe a young lava flow; and stop off at the Tortoise Breeding Centre to meet scientists and learn how these isolated populations have evolved in a response to their unique habitats. Overnights are aboard the Samba, a comfortable vessel that holds just 14 passengers.

Accomodations: Samba

Northwestern Islands - Day 10 - 11: Quito / Departure

After a morning visit to Los Gemelos, two deep collapsed lava craters, an afternoon flight takes 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 visit more of Ecuador’s natural wonders. Your final overnight is at Casa Aliso, a charming boutique hotel (or similar).

Accomodations: Casa Aliso