Galapagos Island Cruise
9 Days | Small Shipfrom $13,940pp* twin share
Galapagos Island Cruise
Tauck - Galapagos Island Cruise
Small Ship Cruising: 9 days / 8 Nights
Departs: Jan-Mar, July, Dec
Cities & Landmarks: Galápagos Islands, Bartolomé Island, Santa Cruz Island, North Seymour Island, Eden Islet
From $13,940pp* twin share
Join Tauck on a Galápagos cruise that is enriching and informative, adventurous and in-depth. Throughout the archipelago, your Galápagos cruise takes you past breathtaking scenery and a plethora of exotic animals unique to only this part of the world.
Enjoy a six-night Galápagos cruise aboard one of the finest expeditionary-style yachts in the archipelago, Isabela II – with no more than 40 Tauck guests – and experience amazing wildlife viewing and an opportunity to get up-close to creatures such as blue-footed boobies, sea lions, iguanas and penguins.
Their Galápagos cruise itinerary is flexible, allowing the ship to access many remote islands, choosing beaches that are full of wildlife for shore excursions with expert naturalists. Landings are made in a panga, a Zodiac-style raft. Dry landings mean stepping from the panga onto rocks or a dock – with the helpful hand of a Tauck naturalist; wet landings require stepping into knee-deep water from the panga, then wading ashore onto a sandy beach
Note: *Prices subject to change. Terms and conditions apply.
Day 1: Your adventure begins in Guayaquil
Tour begins: Wyndham Guayaquil. A transfer is included from José Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport to Wyndham Guayaquil, located just steps away from the city's historic Santa Ana Hill and overlooking the Babhayo and Guayas rivers. Most international flights arrive late in the day.
Stay: 1 Night Wyndham Guayaquil
Day 2: Fly to the Galápagos Islands & embark cruise
From Guayaquil, fly to Baltra Island, 1000 km off the Ecuadorian coast and home to wildlife found nowhere else in the world – the starting point of your 6-night Galápagos cruise aboard Tauck's comfortable expeditionary-style yacht, Isabela II, topped by an observation deck.
After boarding the ship, an orientation briefing and lunch begin the afternoon. Then head out for a wet landing on Las Bachas Beach (named for the US military barges, referred to as "bachas," that were beached and abandoned there after WWII) – an important nesting area for the green sea turtle. On a guided hike around a saltwater lagoon today, look for flamingos, pintail ducks, sandpipers and stilts.
Back aboard ship, relax with a welcome cocktail, be briefed on tomorrow's activities and enjoy dinner aboard ship.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: A day of discovery on San Cristóbal
San Cristóbal, created by the fusing of multiple volcanoes, is known for its giant tortoise habitat. On an early morning, wet landing on Punta Pitt, you'll have a chance to see all three species of boobies – Nazca, blue-footed, and red-footed – as well as Magnificent and Great Frigatebirds, in colorful dramatic seascapes as well as Chatham and San Cristóbal lava lizards. After a wet landing on an olivine beach where sea lions often repose, climb up a ravine for a stunning panoramic view of the island archipelago.
This afternoon, you'll visit La Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado, a station where tortoises are bred and raised as part of a conservation program to maintain and protect the population.
Back on board the ship this evening a cocktail hour precedes dinner.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Intriguing wildlife & lava on Santiago Island
Climb aboard a panga this morning to explore Gardner Bay on Espanola Island; lined with beaches the color of white coral, enjoy a short walk as you observe the local wildlife including sea lions, mockingbirds and finches or, if you wish, simply enjoy the beach. Additional choices this morning include; Snorkeling, kayaking, a ride aboard an inflatable dinghy or a ride on a glass-bottom boat perfect for seeing the incredible aquatic ecosystem in the waters below.
This afternoon, join us for a wet landing at Puerto Suarez, where a walk along the coastline lets you experience the porous texture of tuff stone and rocky lava flows, formed long ago by volcanic activity. Along the way, view the unique sea bird colonies that inhabit this area including the Waved Albatross and Swallow-Tail Gulls and keep your eyes peeled for the island's famous Marine Iquanas, known for their distinct red shading as well as their unique size.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Punta Cormorant & Post Office Bay on Floreana
Today Isabela II makes her way to Floreana Island, the southernmost island within the Galapagos. Board a panga for a wet landing on Punta Cormorant and its radiant green beach, caused by the drifting of Olivine crystals from nearby volcanic sites to the beach's edge over the years. Walk along this rare, global phenomenon as you make your way to the other side of the island, a white sand beach known as being a nesting point for the local sea turtles. At Champion Islet, you have choice of activities; Snorkeling, a panga ride or a ride in a glass-bottom boat.
This afternoon, a dry landing brings you to Post Office Bay for a visit to the historic barrel that has served as an informal post office within the archipelago for over two centuries. Enjoy snorkeling off the beach before returning to your ship for the evening.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Checking out volcanic Urbina Bay on Isabela
In the 1950s, geological activity on Isabela Island caused a mass of land to lift up some 15 ft., leaving the coastline pushed further out to sea and the underwater marine life stranded ashore. After a wet landing at Punta Moreno, join us for a walk along the rugged trails of the island, a perfect opportunity to view the unique lava formations, lava cacti, Scalesia trees and of course, the abundance of wildlife that calls this place home; such as the Galápagos penguins, sea lions, herons, marine iguanas, brown pelicans and Sally Lightfoot crabs.
After lunch aboard the ship, board a panga for an adventure along the coastline of Punta Mangle, the archipelago's youngest ecosystem. Filled with tiny bays, tall mangroves and tranquil coves, stay on the lookout for the Galápagos penguins and green-eyed flightless cormorants or the sea turtles and rays gliding beneath the ocean surface. Depending on the conditions of the waters, snorkeling and a glass-bottom boat ride may be possible.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Exploring Santa Cruz Island
This morning, board a panga for a wet landing on Eden Islet. Located off the coast of Santa Cruz Island, this small island (less than 2,000 square feet) is perfect to observe blue-footed boobies, reef sharks and frigates that inhabit this island.
Your Galápagos adventure takes you to North Seymour Island this afternoon for one of the archipelago's hidden gems. Disembark for a walk along the interior of the island, passing by nesting frigate birds and witness the males display their vibrant, balloon-like red gular sacs. If you wish to not walk on land, you have the option to explore the coast by panga.
Please join us tonight for a farewell cocktail aboard your ship.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Disembark & back to Guayaquil
Your Galápagos cruise ends today as you disembark Isabela II in Baltra for your return flight to Guayaquil and another night at the Wyndham Guayaquil; spend some free time at your hotel.
Tonight, we invite you to share favorite experiences from your Galápagos cruise with your fellow travelers at our farewell cocktail party and dinner.
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Homeward bound
Tour ends: Guayaquil. A transfer is included from the Wyndham Guayaquil to José Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport; allow 3 hours for flight check-in.
Included meals: Breakfast
Inclusions
- Private Tauck Shore Excursions in the Galápagos Islands with expert naturalist guides – averaging two daily – for an up-close experience with some of the most unusual and intriguing species in the world
- Exclusive 6-night Galápagos Cruise aboard the expedition ship, Isabela II – with no more than 40 Tauck guests
- All gratuities to Tauck Director, guides, naturalists and ship staff
- Two nights at Wyndham Guayaquil, gateway to the Galápagos Islands
- Daily cocktail hour, all-day soft drinks; wine and beer with dinner aboard ship
- 18 meals; service charges, applicable fuel surcharges, admission fees, entrance fees to Galápagos National Park, porterage
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
Terms & Conditions
Our professional services are available for the purchase of any type of travel, however the following charges apply:
1. Administration Planning Service
Should a detailed itinerary/quote be requested a non-refundable planning fee will be charged per itinerary, as per the Schedule of Fees, prior to each itinerary being prepared.
2. Itinerary/Reservation Cancellation
The itinerary/reservation deposit is payable at the time the reservation is requested and is in addition to any deposit fees charged by the tour operator/airline or other travel supplier. The itinerary/reservation deposit is non-refundable BUT if you proceed with the booking, the amount of the itinerary/reservation deposit will be credited against the final amount payable. If you do not proceed with or subsequently cancel the booking, the itinerary/reservation deposit is non-refundable and is in addition to cancellation fees imposed by travel principals and Southside World Travel.
3. Amendments
Any changes made to a confirmed, deposited or finalised booking prior to departure will attract an amendment fee as per the Schedule of Fees, plus any communications costs incurred in securing further confirmations.
4. Visa, Re-entry Permits etc.
A fee, as detailed in the Schedule of Fees, inclusive of registration postage and/or courier fees is payable in addition to any Government and/or Consular fees.
5. Extraordinary Costs
In the unlikely event we are unable to meet your requirements through our normal booking process or you request a late booking which requires urgent attention, we will let you know. If you wish us to continue with the booking any additional costs as notified to you, such as telephone and other communication expenses, courier charges, any associated bank costs for urgent remittance of funds, etc. will be payable by the client.
6. Insurance
We may ask you to sign a declaration if you do not accept our recommendation that you affect travel insurance. Travel insurance provides cover when the premium is paid and the policy issued, and so should be taken out as soon as any deposit or payment is made.
In the event that you elect to take out insurance with another provider (not supplied by us), the following fees will apply when providing documentation for any claim:
Administration fee for Insurance
Domestic: from $75.00 per person
Asia Pacific: from $110.00 per person
International from $150.00 per person*
7. GST Provision
If a goods and services tax (GST) or similar tax is or becomes payable in respect of any supply made to you under this agreement, then in addition to the fee payable, you must pay the amount of GST payable in respect of that fee. The GST is payable at the same time and in the same manner as the fee or at such later time as Southside World Travel may request.
SCHEDULE OF FEES (including GST)
Please note: Any fees that apply to your booking will be documented in your quote and confirmation letter.
Itinerary Planning Fee / Reservation Deposit
from $150.00
*Itinerary/reservation deposit taken off final balance
Should a detailed itinerary/quote be requested with flight times and availability, combined with a tour or accommodation component, a non-refundable planning fee will be charged prior to each itinerary/reservation being prepared.
Itinerary / Reservation Cancellation Fee
from $150.00
* In addition to fees charged by operators
* Cancellation Fee once travel is paid in full – from 10% of total value of trip (see your travel insurance policy)
Airfare Ticketing Fees
Domestic: from $75.00 per person
Asia Pacific: from $110.00 per person
International: from $150.00 per person*
*Dependent on destination and routing
Amendment Fees
Domestic: from $75.00 per person
Asia Pacific: from $110.00 per person
International: from $150.00 per person*
*Per amendment after payment of deposits and in addition to fees charged by operator
Frequent Flyer Bookings
Domestic: from $75.00 per person
Asia Pacific: from $110.00 per person
International: from $150.00 per person*
*Only applies where Southside World Travel processes Frequent Flyer Bookings on behalf of clients
Payment
Our preferred method of payment is by direct deposit or credit card. We use TravelPay to process all credit and debit card transactions.
Payment by credit card/debit cards to suppliers MAY incur a surcharge between 1.0% and 3.0% (ask your consultant for details). Credit card payments made to Southside World Travel (via Travelpay) will incur a surcharge as follows:
- Mastercard/Debit Card - 1.4%
- Visa Card/Debit Card - 1.6%
- Amex Card - 2.2%
*Credit Card/Debit Cards refunds require 5 x business working days to process.
*Personal cheques take 5 x business working days to clear.
Responsibility Clause
All coupons, vouchers, receipts and tickets are issued subject to the terms and conditions specified by the suppliers. By accepting the coupon, vouchers, tickets and utilizing our services, you agree that, apart from certain rights you have under the Trade Practices Act, neither Southside World Travel nor any subsidiary company or representative, shall be liable for any loss, injury or damage to you or your belongings or otherwise arising in any way of our services to you.
Your travel consultant will advise you on passport and visa requirements, but it is your responsibility to ensure you comply with these regulations before travelling.
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