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

Southeastern Itinerary Overview

Hop on the Samba, a steel-hulled motor yacht that’s designed for just 14 passengers, and get ready for an intimate encounter with the plants and animals of the Galapagos’ southeast islands. Stopping off at the major sites of Santa Cruz, Floreana, San Cristobal, Santa Fe and more, our expert naturalist guide points out some of the unique behavioral and physical characteristics the plants and animals developed as they evolved and adapted to each unique island habitat. Highlights of this 11-day adventure include learning about ongoing research and conservation projects (including visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station), swimming with colonies of sea lions and hundreds of tropical fish and learning about the intriguing human history of the islands.

Southeastern 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 (or similar).

Accomodations: Casa Aliso

Southeastern Islands - Days 3 - 4: Santa Cruz / Floreana

A short flight brings you to Baltra Island and to the Samba, a comfortable boat. After settling in on the vessel, you’re off to Santa Cruz to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station: learn about the ongoing research and conservation initiatives and meet Lonesome George, the last surviving member of his subspecies. An overnight navigation brings you to Floreana: visit a brackish lagoon and a white-sand beach in search of flamingos and sea turtles and then explore, from panga boat, the Champion Islet. Finish the day by snorkeling with sea lions, rays, sharks and colorful tropical fish. Overnights are aboard the Samba, a comfortable vessel that holds just 14 passengers.

Accomodations: Samba

Southeastern Islands - Days 5 - 7: Espanola / San Cristobal / Santa Fe

Over the next three days, get up close and personal with the flora and fauna of Espanola, San Cristobal and Santa Fe Islands. Take a walk to a picturesque cliff, watching the Waved albatross land and take off; snorkel or kayak around Gardner Island, amongst colorful fish, rays and sea lions; encounter Leon Dormido, a 450-foot rock wall left form an eroded volcanic crater; and then take a walk through a Prickly Pear forest to a large colony of sea lions. Overnights are aboard the Samba, a comfortable vessel that holds just 14 passengers.

Accomodations: Samba

Southeastern Islands - Days 8 - 9: Santiago / Rabida

Head off to Sullivan Bay on the island of Santiago to spend the day hiking to a fresh, 130-year-old lava flow, summiting to the highest peak on Bartolomé Island and snorkeling amongst penguins. After a restful night, you’re off to Rabida to walk amongst a nursery of sea lions, snorkel with sharks, rays and tropical fish and explore the collapsed lava tubes along the shoreline of James Bay. Overnights are aboard the Samba, a comfortable vessel that holds just 14 passengers.

Accomodations: Samba

Southeastern Islands - Day 10 - 11: North Seymour / Quito / Departure

After a daybreak visit to North Seymour Island and to the Galapagos’ largest breeding colony of Blue-footed boobies, an afternoon flight takes you back to Quito for one final 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