Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hopping Expedition

📍 Ecuador | Guided | All Essentials✅

Choose your arc: 7, 10, or 17 days aboard Yolita, a 16-guest expedition yacht. Trade cruise crowds for shore time—tortoises, iguanas, boobies—with early guided landings, easy snorkels, and all meals included.

From $6,219.00
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Quito → Quito

Quito → Quito

Easy | Ages 12+

Easy | Ages 12+

Hotel/Small Ship

Hotel/Small Ship

200% CO₂  Offset

200% CO₂  Offset
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Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
  • Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
Small Ship Galápagos | 7/10 or 17-Days Island-Hoping Expedition
Tour Overview

Swap cruise crowds for small-group shore time aboard Yolita, a nimble expedition yacht that keeps wildlife encounters unhurried. Pick your pace: a focused 7-day Land & Sea sampler, deeper 10-day arcs (Central/South/East or North-West/Central), or the 17-day Complete linking the marquee sites. The rhythm stays simple: early landings, guided walks with a certified naturalist, snorkelling most days, then golden hour on deck. All meals on board; snorkel gear + wetsuits provided. Difficulty: Moderate.

Expect the classics—Santa Cruz highlands with wild giant tortoises, lava-fresh coasts packed with marine iguanas, quiet mangroves where turtles and rays glide, and bird cliffs alive with blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and (in season) waved albatross. Panga rides slip into shallow coves; wet/dry landings maximise shore time; small groups mean more time with your guide and the wildlife. Start and finish on the mainland for a smooth gateway—hotels bookend the voyage and domestic flights to/from the islands are included.

Quick Facts

  • Duration options: 7, 10, or 17 days (multi-route selection within this listing)

  • Style: Small-ship expedition aboard Yolita (naturalist-guided) | Service level: Standard

  • Difficulty: Moderate (short hikes on uneven terrain, wet/dry landings, frequent snorkelling)

  • Start/Finish: Mainland gateway (Quito) with internal flights included

  • Transport: Motorised yacht Yolita, pangas (zodiacs), plane, local road transfers

  • Stays: Hotel nights on the mainland + shipboard cabins (all meals on ship)

  • Group / Age: Small group (max ~16), typically ~12 | 12+

Trip Highlights

  • Santa Cruz highlands: misty scalesia forest and wild giant tortoises

  • Central standouts (by itinerary): North Seymour (boobies, frigates), Rábida (ochre beach, sea-lions), Bartolomé viewpoints and penguin chances, South Plaza iguanas

  • Southern/Eastern gems (by itinerary): Española (waved albatross in season), San Cristóbal sea-lion nurseries, Santa Fé cactus forests

  • North-West flavor (by itinerary): lava fields, tidal grottos, and rich snorkel sites with turtles and rays

  • Daily water time: guided snorkels with gear + wetsuits provided

Good to Know

  • Wildlife is wild: sightings vary with season and sea conditions—your guide will tailor timings to the day.

  • Seas & landings: expect wet/dry landings and occasional chop; motion-relief helps some travellers.

  • Packing tip: bring a dry bag, quick-dry layers, and soft luggage that stows easily in cabins.

  • Conservation etiquette: keep 2 m from wildlife, stay on marked trails, follow guide briefings.

How to choose your version

  • 7-Day Land & Sea: a compact sampler balancing shore time and signature wildlife.

  • 10-Day Voyages: go deeper—pick Central/South/East or North-West/Central to match your priorities.

  • 17-Day Complete: the comprehensive circuit linking the marquee sites into one seamless expedition.

Booking Terms & Conditions
$350.00
RESERVE WITH DEPOSIT
7-Day | Central & South Islands
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7-Day | South & East Islands
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10-Day | Central, South & East Islands
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10-Day | Central, North & West Islands
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17-Day | Complete Galápagos
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INQUIRE ABOUT TOUR
Itinerary | 7-Day Central & South Islands
Route Map
Day 1 | Quito — Arrival & Welcome

Arrive at any time; arrival transfer included. Check in, explore at your pace, then meet the G Adventures representative at the hotel for a welcome briefing covering tour logistics and tomorrow’s plan.

Optional (pre-book):Quito City Tour & Equator Line (Old Town UNESCO sites + Middle of the World; ~08:00–17:00).

Other options:Teleférico sky tram for city views; Cotopaxi Full Day (museum, lagoon walk, drive to ~4,500 m, hike to refuge/glacier; park fee extra, shared among the group).

Stay: Hotel (Quito; Hilton Colón or similar).
Day 2 | Quito → Baltra (Santa Cruz) — Tortuga Bay Hike & Kayak

Fly Quito → Baltra (morning departures typically 06:40–09:40; arrive 09:30–12:30 with a short refuel stop in Guayaquil—no disembark). Meet the CEO and transfer to Puerto Ayora. Check in, lunch, then hike the 8 km lava-stone path to Tortuga Bay for sugar-white sands, mangroves, and marine iguanas. Kayak the calm channels—watch for Tintoreras (reef sharks), sea turtles, and rays in the shallows.

Notes:USD 100 Galápagos National Park fee is payable on arrival (funds conservation across Ecuador’s parks).

Transport: Flight Quito → Baltra; local transfer to Puerto Ayora.

Stay: Hotel (Santa Cruz; Villa Laguna or similar).

Included meals: Breakfast.
Day 3 | Puerto Ayora — Research Station & Highlands Tortoises → Board Yolita

Morning visit to the Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre & Charles Darwin Research Station to see conservation in action and observe tortoise life stages up close. Board Yolita, meet the crew, and settle into cabins. In the afternoon, head into the Santa Cruz highlands for a walk among giant tortoises in their natural habitat before an included lunch.

Vessel:Yolita (16-passenger motorised yacht; spacious cabins; large upper deck).

Included meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner.
Day 4 | Floreana — Devil’s Crown Snorkel & Post Office Bay

Start with a snorkel at Devil’s Crown (Corona del Diablo)—an eroded volcanic cone teeming with tropical fish, rays, reef sharks, and sea turtles (moderate currents; strong swimmers do best). After lunch, call at Post Office Bay to continue the whalers’ tradition: leave a postcard, take one to deliver.

Vessel:Yolita (Punta Cormorant ↔ Floreana operations).

Included meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner.
Day 5 | Chinese Hat → Cerro Dragón — White Sands & Lagoon Birds

Morning landing on Sombrero Chino (Chinese Hat) for white-sand beach time and a loop over fresh lava tubes/flows—snorkel off the beach if conditions suit. Afternoon at Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill) on Santa Cruz: short walk to a hypersaline lagoon frequented by flamingos, stilts, pintail ducks, then through palo santo and scalesia for broader birding.

Distance (on foot): ~1–2 km per site (easy/undulating).

Vessel:Yolita (Chinese Hat → Cerro Dragón).

Included meals:Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner.
Day 6 | Black Turtle Cove — Mangrove Quiet → Fly to Quito

Pre-dawn panga into Black Turtle Cove: mirror-calm mangroves where green turtles, rays and whitetip reef sharks glide beneath the surface (no landing; cameras ready). Disembark for the transfer to Baltra Airport and fly back to Quito. Settle in and toast the voyage with a final night in the capital.

Notes: Local flight times can shift; plan international departures for the last tour day rather than today.

Stay: Hotel (Quito; Hilton Colón or similar).

Included meals:Breakfast.
Day 7 | Quito — Departure Day

Wrap up in Quito and depart at any time. If you’re not ready to leave, your CEO can help arrange extra nights or onward travel.

Included meals: Breakfast.
Optional extras (own expense):

  • Quito City Tour & Equator Line (08:00–17:00): UNESCO Old Town highlights, Panecillo viewpoint, and the Middle of the World line.
  • Teleférico: Sky tram up Volcán Pichincha for sweeping city-and-Andes views (optional hike at the top).
  • Cotopaxi Full Day: Museum, high-altitude lagoon walk, and optional hike toward the refuge/glacier at Cotopaxi National Park (park fee extra, split among travellers).
Itinerary | 7 & 10-Day Central, East & South Islands
Route Map
Days 1–2 | Quito Touchdown → Galápagos Flight & North Seymour Kick-off

Day 1 — Quito | Arrival & Welcome

Arrive any time to Quito. Arrival transfer included. No scheduled activities today—check in, explore the city at your own pace, and meet a G Representative at the hotel for your welcome briefing covering tour logistics and tomorrow’s plan.

Optional (pre-book at checkout): Quito City Tour & Equator Line.

Stay: Hotel (Quito; e.g., Hilton Colón or similar).

Included meals: None.

Transport: Mariscal Sucre International Airport → Quito (arrival transfer).

Day 2 — North Seymour Island | First Wildlife Walks

Catch an early flight Quito → Baltra (typically departs 06:40–09:40, with a short refuel stop in Guayaquil; arrive Galápagos 09:30–12:30). Board Yolita—usually in time for lunch—then set out for North Seymour. Follow island trails teeming with life: in season, watch blue-footed boobies perform courtship displays; along the coast see pelicans diving in frenzies; inland, pass a major frigatebird nesting site (males show vivid scarlet throat pouches). Expect close, respectful encounters with sea lions and marine iguanas en route.

Stay: Aboard Yolita (North Seymour → San Cristóbal cruising).

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Transport: Flight Quito → Baltra; yacht tender (panga) landings.

Included activity: North Seymour Island visit (guided walk & wildlife viewing)
Days 3–4 | Kicker Rock & Cerro Brujo → Española’s Gardner Bay & Punta Suárez

Day 3 — San Cristóbal | Kicker Rock, Cerro Brujo & Isla Lobos

Morning navigation to Kicker Rock, where sheer tuff walls rise vertically from the sea—prime waters for seabirds overhead and marine life below. Continue to Cerro Brujo to explore its coastline and beaches, watching for sea lions, marine iguanas, and seabirds while your Naturalist Guide shares the area’s human and natural history. Later, head to Isla Lobos—known for friendly sea lions and resting boobies. Conditions permitting, snorkel among inquisitive pups, turtles, and reef fish; scan the shore for frigatebirds.

Stay: Aboard Yolita (San Cristóbal → Española overnight).

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Included activities: Cerro Brujo coastal visit; Isla Lobos visit; Snorkelling (Isla Lobos).

Day 4 — Española | Gardner Bay & Punta Suárez

Drop anchor at Gardner Bay for a classic white-sand landing—home to sea lions, hood mockingbirds, Nazca & blue-footed boobies, lava lizards, Galápagos hawks, and more. If conditions allow, snorkel with young sea lions and schools of large tropical fish (yellow-tailed surgeonfish, king angelfish, bump-head parrotfish). In the afternoon, hike Punta Suárez through a bustling rookery to cliff-edge viewpoints—spectacular photo ops and rich geology commentary from your guide.

Stay: Aboard Yolita (Española → Santa Fé cruising).

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Included activities: Gardner Bay visit & snorkel; Punta Suárez hike.
Days 5–6 | Santa Fé Prickly Pears & Plaza Cliffs → Santa Cruz Tortoises & Research Roots

Day 5 — Santa Fé Island / South Plaza | Iguanas, Cactus Forests & Coastal Birds

Morning landing on Santa Fé for close-up wildlife time. Hike toward the northern cliffs through a forest of giant prickly-pear (Opuntia) cacti, home to endemic land iguanas. From shore or panga, scan for sea turtles, sea lions, and—if luck’s in—whitetip reef sharks gliding below. In the afternoon, cross to South Plaza, one of the smallest yet liveliest islands: tread a path through cactus stands and coastal scrub, watching for red-billed tropicbirds, swallow-tailed gulls, and sea lions surfing the rocks.

Stay: Aboard Yolita (Santa Fé → Santa Cruz transit).

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Included activities: Santa Fé Island visit (hike/wildlife; snorkel opportunities) • South Plaza visit (birdlife & coastal walk).

Day 6 — Santa Cruz Island | Charles Darwin Station, Highlands & Puerto Ayora Time

FOR 7-DAY TOUR: In the morning, visit the Charles Darwin Research Center and spend some time wandering through town before flying back to Quito. Enjoy an evening in Quito. Depart any time in the morning.

FOR THE 10-DAY

Arrive Puerto Ayora. Visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre & Charles Darwin Research Station to see conservation in action and observe giant tortoises up close. Later, head into the Santa Cruz highlands—green trails, lava tunnels—and walk among wild giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Wrap with free time in town for cafés, the fish market, and local shops.

Stay: Aboard Yolita (Santa Cruz → Punta Cormorant navigation).

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Included activities: Breeding Centre & Research Station • Highlands giant tortoises (with included lunch).
Days 7–8 | Floreana’s Devil’s Crown & Post Office Tradition → Chinese Hat Shores & Dragon Hill Birds

Day 7 — Punta Cormorant / Floreana | Devil’s Crown Snorkel & Post Office Bay

Slip masks on for Devil’s Crown—an eroded volcanic cone ringed by coral. Strong currents can run here; in the blue, watch for reef sharks, rays, sea turtles, and schools of big tropical fish. In the afternoon, step ashore at Post Office Bay to continue the long-running mariner tradition: leave a postcard, take one to deliver, and hear the tale behind this floating post.

Stay: Aboard Yolita (Punta Cormorant → Floreana cruising).

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Included activities: Snorkelling – Devil’s Crown • Post Office Bay visit.

Day 8 — Chinese Hat / Cerro Dragón | White Sands, Lava Forms & Flamingo Lagoons

Morning at Chinese Hat: stroll the white-sand beach, explore lava tubes and flows, and—conditions permitting—snorkel the sheltered shallows. Afternoon at Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill): walk inland past Palo Santo to a hypersaline lagoon frequented by flamingos, stilts, and pintail ducks; keep binoculars handy and eyes peeled for land iguanas along the dry slopes.

Stay: Aboard Yolita (Chinese Hat → Cerro Dragón).

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Included activities: Chinese Hat landing & shoreline walk (snorkel opportunities) • Cerro Dragón birdwatching walk.
Days 9–10 | Black Turtle Cove Quiet Waters → Quito Farewell

Day 9 — Black Turtle Cove → Quito | Mangrove Glide & Mainland Return
Pre-breakfast panga through Black Turtle Cove—a tranquil mangrove lagoon where green turtles, stingrays, and whitetip reef sharks often glide in the calm, brackish water. After the excursion, transfer to the airport for the flight back to Quito. Settle in and enjoy a final evening in the capital—Old Town strolls and dinner are easy wins.
Good to know: Local flight times can shift; avoid booking onward international flights today—plan departures for Day 10.
Stay: Hotel (Quito; e.g., Hilton Colón or similar).
Included meals: Breakfast.
Included activity: Black Turtle Cove mangrove excursion (panga).

Day 10 — Quito | Depart at Any Time
Departure day with flexible timing. If you’re not racing the airport, consider a last-look city experience.
Optional extras (own expense):

  • Quito City Tour & Equator Line: UNESCO Old Town highlights + visit to latitude 0° (approx 08:00–17:00).
  • TelefériQo: Sky tram up Volcán Pichincha for big-sky views (optional hikes).
  • Cotopaxi Full-Day: National park visit, high-altitude lagoon walk, and refuge approach (park fee not included; shared among travellers).
    Included meals: Breakfast.
Itinerary | 10 & 17-Day North, West & Complete
Route Map
Days 1 & 2 | Quito Welcome → Baltra Landing & Bachas Beach

Day 1 — Quito
Arrive any time to Ecuador’s highland capital. Arrival transfer included. Check in, settle, and meet a G Adventures Representative for a welcome briefing covering logistics and tomorrow’s early start. The rest is yours—wander the Old Town or café-hop with mountain views.
Stay: Hotel (Quito; e.g., Hilton Colón or similar)
Included meals: None
Optional (own expense):

  • Quito City Tour & Equator Line (full day): UNESCO Old Town highlights + latitude 0º visit.
  • Teleférico: sky tram up Volcán Pichincha for big-city panoramas.
  • Cotopaxi Day Trip: museum, lagoon walk, and hike to the refuge/glacier (park fee split among travellers).

Day 2 — Quito → Baltra (Galápagos) → Bachas Beach (Santa Cruz)
Early flight Quito → Baltra (brief refuel in Guayaquil; remain onboard). Board Yolita, settle into your cabin, and cruise to Bachas Beach: soft coral sand, tide pools, and a magnet for Sally Lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas, and—if lucky—flamingos. Wet landing, relaxed shore walk, and a first snorkel in calm water. Evening cruise toward Genovesa.
Transport: Plane UIO → GPS (Baltra); panga shuttles; Yolita cruising
Included activities: Bachas Beach walk & snorkel
Stay: Aboard Yolita
Included meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Days 3 & 4 | Genovesa Bird Cliffs → Bartolomé Summit & Sullivan Bay Lava

Day 3 — Genovesa (Darwin Bay & El Barranco)

Land on the white-coral sands of Darwin Bay for close-up seabird life—frigatebirds, gulls, and multiple booby species nest along the trail. Snorkel inside the sunken caldera where schooling fish gather near vertical walls; manta and eagle rays are possible. Afternoon at El Barranco (Prince Philip’s Steps): climb the tuff steps to a bustling colony with red-footed and Nazca boobies. Sail overnight toward Bartolomé.

Included activities: Darwin Bay walk & snorkel; El Barranco hike

Stay: Aboard Yolita

Included meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 4 — Bartolomé → Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island)

Morning on Bartolomé: hike to the summit for the classic Pinnacle Rock panorama and island vistas. Snorkel along the shore—Galápagos penguins, sea turtles, playful sea lions, and bright reef fish often cruise these waters. Afternoon wet landing at Sullivan Bay to walk recent lava flows—ropes, folds, and pahoehoe textures—before a refreshing snorkel over the shallows. Evening cruise toward Isabela.

Included activities: Bartolomé summit hike & snorkel; Sullivan Bay lava walk & snorkel

Stay: Aboard Yolita

Included meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Days 5 & 6 | Isabela’s Caldera Rim → Mangroves & Uplifts

Day 5 — Isabela: Puerto Villamil & Sierra Negra

Early landing at Puerto Villamil to set out for Sierra Negra—a hike to the rim of the ~10 km-wide basaltic caldera (largest in the Galápagos). Traverse moon-like lava and fumaroles with views toward Fernandina and northern Isabela. Afternoon stroll through wetlands to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre to learn how the species was brought back from the brink.

Hike: ~7 km return (approx. 1–2 hrs active walking)

Included activities: Sierra Negra rim hike; Puerto Villamil wetlands walk; Tortoise Breeding Centre visit

Stay: Aboard Yolita

Included meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 6 — Isabela: Elizabeth Bay (panga) → Urbina Bay

Morning panga ride in quiet Elizabeth Bay—mangrove channels where green turtles, rays, and (at times) Galápagos penguins feed; watch for flightless cormorants along the rocks. Continue to Urbina Bay, uplifted in 1950, to walk among exposed reef “sculptures” and scan for land iguanas, giant tortoises, and rich snorkel life just offshore.

Included activities: Elizabeth Bay panga exploration; Urbina Bay trail & optional snorkel

Stay: Aboard Yolita (evening cruise toward Fernandina)

Included meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Days 7 & 8 | Pirate Inscriptions & Penguin Waters → Red Sands & Buccaneers’ Cove

Day 7 — Tagus Cove (Isabela) → Punta Espinoza (Fernandina)

Walk historic Tagus Cove, once a refuge for whalers and pirates—spot 19th-century inscriptions, peer over Darwin Lake, and, conditions permitting, snorkel among schooling fish (rockfish, seahorses, occasional sharks). Afternoon at Punta Espinoza, a premier landing on Fernandina: vast marine iguana colonies, seabirds, and one of the archipelago’s best snorkel sites where turtles, rays, and sea lions glide the shallows.

Included activities: Tagus Cove hike (+ optional snorkel); Punta Espinoza trails & snorkel

Stay: Aboard Yolita (evening cruise toward Rábida)

Included meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 8 — Santiago: Buccaneer Cove (panga/snorkel) → Rábida (red beach)

Morning panga along the cliffs of Buccaneer Cove—sea-lion haul-outs, nesting seabirds, striking tuff formations—followed by a snorkel with abundant reef life. Afternoon on Rábida’s ochre-red sand: short trails to a saltwater lagoon and palo santo groves, then a final snorkel where white-tip reef sharks and sea lions often cruise.

Included activities: Buccaneer Cove panga & snorkel; Rábida trails & snorkel

Stay: Aboard Yolita (evening cruise toward Daphne)

Included meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Days 9 & 10 | Daphne’s Science Cone → North Seymour Dramas → Kicker Rock & Cerro Brujo

Day 9 — Islas Daphne (scenic) → North Seymour

FOR 10-DAY TOUR :

View Daphne from the boat, the tiny conical island is home to nesting blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and Darwin's finches, after, fly back to Quito. Enjoy an evening in Quito then depart any time in the morning.

FOR THE REST:

Morning navigation around Daphne—a protected research islet—spotting blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and Darwin’s finches from the rail (no landing). Enjoy a short rest window before an action-packed afternoon on North Seymour: follow trails through booby nests and past magnificent frigatebird colonies (look for those scarlet throat pouches), with pelicans dive-bombing the rocky shore. Yield to passing sea lions and marine iguanas as you go. Evening cruise toward San Cristóbal.

Included activities: Daphne circumnavigation (wildlife viewing from the boat); North Seymour guided walk

Stay: Aboard Yolita

Included meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 10 — San Cristóbal: Kicker Rock → Cerro Brujo → Isla Lobos

Morning at Kicker Rock (León Dormido) to admire sheer tuff walls rising from blue water—prime wildlife viewing and photo ops from the panga. Continue to Cerro Brujo for a classic white-sand walk with sea lions, marine iguanas, and coastal birdlife. Later, head to Isla Lobos—a favourite for snorkelling amid inquisitive sea-lion pups, with nesting frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies nearby.

Included activities: Kicker Rock scenic visit; Cerro Brujo shoreline walk; Isla Lobos snorkel (+ wildlife viewing by foot/panga)

Stay: Aboard Yolita (evening cruise toward Española)

Included meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Days 11 & 12 | Española’s Albatross & Sea-Lion Sands → Santa Fé Cactus Forests & South Plaza Cliffs

Day 11 — Española: Bahía Gardner → Punta Suárez

Drop anchor at Gardner Bay for a long arc of white sand shared with sprawling sea-lion colonies; swim and snorkel (conditions permitting) among schools of hefty tropical fish. Afternoon at Punta Suárez: hike through a busy rookery of Nazca and blue-footed boobies, scan blowholes along the cliffs, and—in season—watch waved albatross courtship on one of the archipelago’s most storied bird islands.

Included activities: Gardner Bay beach time & snorkel; Punta Suárez cliff-top hike & seabird viewing

Stay: Aboard Yolita (evening cruise toward Santa Fé)

Included meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 12 — Santa Fé → South Plaza (Santa Cruz)

Walk Santa Fé’s trail through a forest of giant prickly-pear cactus (Opuntia) to meet the island’s endemic land iguanas; excellent chances for sea turtles and sea lions (plus a snorkel opportunity). Afternoon on South Plaza, tiny but teeming: follow the path past a dense land-iguana population, red-billed tropicbirds, swallow-tailed gulls, and sea-lion action along the cliffs.

Included activities: Santa Fé hike (+ snorkel opportunity); South Plaza guided walk (bird cliffs & iguanas)

Stay: Aboard Yolita (evening cruise toward Santa Cruz)

Included meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Days 13 & 14 | Santa Cruz Science & Highlands → Floreana’s Devil’s Crown & Post Office Bay

Day 13 — Santa Cruz: Charles Darwin Research Station → Highlands Tortoises

Morning arrival to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz. Visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre & Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation work and see giant tortoise life stages up close. In the afternoon, head into the Santa Cruz highlands for a walk among wild giant tortoises in lush scalesia country, with time for a look around Puerto Ayora’s waterfront and fish market.

Included activities: Charles Darwin Research Station & Fausto Llerena Centre; Highlands tortoise viewing

Free time: Puerto Ayora shopping/exploring

Stay: Aboard Yolita (evening cruise toward Floreana)

Included meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 14 — Floreana: Punta Cormorant → Devil’s Crown → Post Office Bay

Wet landing at Punta Cormorant for a short walk between beaches and brackish lagoon lookouts. Snorkel the famed Devil’s Crown—an eroded volcanic cone with strong currents and rich marine life (reef sharks, rays, sea turtles, big schools of fish; strong swimming required). Afternoon at Post Office Bay to continue the sailors’ tradition: leave a postcard, take one to deliver, and learn the island’s quirky human history.

Included activities: Punta Cormorant coastal walk; Devil’s Crown snorkel; Post Office Bay visit

Stay: Aboard Yolita

Included meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Days 15 & 16 | Chinese Hat & Dragon Hill → Black Turtle Cove & Quito Farewell

Day 15 — Chinese Hat (Sombrero Chino) → Cerro Dragón

Morning on Chinese Hat: white-sand cove, lava tubes and flows, and calm-water snorkelling off the beach. Afternoon at Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill) on Santa Cruz for a birding walk past a hypersaline lagoon—watch for flamingos, stilts, pintail ducks—then continue through palo santo groves and look for land iguanas on the drier slopes.

Included activities: Chinese Hat coastal walk & snorkel; Cerro Dragón lagoon/birdlife & trail walk

Stay: Aboard Yolita

Included meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 16 — Black Turtle Cove (Baltra) → Flight to Quito

Pre-dawn panga into the quiet mangroves of Black Turtle Cove to watch for stingrays, sea turtles, and whitetip reef sharks gliding through tranquil channels. Transfer to the airport for the flight back to Quito. Enjoy a final evening in the capital. (Note: departure flights should be scheduled for the day after the tour end to account for possible schedule changes.)

Included activities: Black Turtle Cove panga exploration

Stay: Hotel (Quito; e.g., Hilton Colón or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast
Day 17 | Quito — Departure Day

Wrap up in Quito and depart at any time. If you’re not ready to leave, your CEO can help arrange extra nights or onward travel.

Included meals: Breakfast.
Optional extras (own expense):

  • Quito City Tour & Equator Line (08:00–17:00): UNESCO Old Town highlights, Panecillo viewpoint, and the Middle of the World line.
  • Teleférico: Sky tram up Volcán Pichincha for sweeping city-and-Andes views (optional hike at the top).
  • Cotopaxi Full Day: Museum, high-altitude lagoon walk, and optional hike toward the refuge/glacier at Cotopaxi National Park (park fee extra, split among travellers).

Key Tour Info

Food & Accommodation

Where You’ll Be Staying

  • Yolita (Expedition Yacht): Upto 14 nights aboard in twin-share cabins (can convert to double on request pre-tour). Private bathrooms; dining room seats all guests at once; sun deck for wildlife watching.
  • Mainland hotels (Quito): 2 nights in quality, centrally located hotels (e.g., Hilton Colón or similar). Luggage storage available for items not needed in the islands.
  • Rooming & group size: Small group (max 16, avg 12). Shared twin by default for solo travellers (no supplement unless My Own Room is booked). Specific cabin allocation cannot be guaranteed.
  • Mobility note (landings): Access to shores by panga (zodiac) with wet/dry landings; uneven ground common; staircases between yacht decks (no lift).
  • Baggage guidance: Soft-sided 40–50L duffel recommended onboard; domestic flight allowance typically 23 kg checked + 10 kg carry-on (one piece each).
  • Power: 110V, two flat prongs; bring an adapter if needed.

What You’ll Be Eating

  • Included (17-day version): 15 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 14 dinners. Onboard meals are plentiful, freshly prepared, and served casually (unassigned seating).
  • Beverages: Coffee, tea, and water included. Other beverages (alcoholic and soft drinks) available for purchase in cash at the bar.
  • Dietaries: Vegetarian/vegan/gluten-light typically accommodated with advance notice (please advise at confirmation).
  • Meal style: Mix of Ecuadorian and international dishes; relaxed, family-style vibe.
  • Shorter options (7/10 days): All meals while aboard are included; hotel breakfasts on the mainland where applicable. Exact counts vary by departure—see your confirmation for totals.

Good to Know (sleep & eat logistics)

  • Internal flights between mainland and Galápagos are included; tickets issued locally.
  • Cash is king in the islands and on board (ATMs limited/unreliable).
  • Pack smart for landings & snorkels: quick-dry layers and a small daypack keep cabin clutter down; laundry is available at the start/end hotel (not onboard).
What's Included & What's Not

✅ What’s Included

  • Small-ship expedition aboard Yolita (naturalist-guided):17-day “Complete”: 14 nights on board + 2 hotel nights (Quito)7- or 10-day options: ship nights + mainland hotel nights as per itinerary
  • Certified Galápagos National Park naturalist (CEO) and full shipboard crew
  • All meals on board (Yolita); hotel breakfasts on the mainland where applicable
  • Snorkelling gear & wetsuits provided on board
  • Internal flights: mainland ↔ Galápagos (issued locally)
  • All on-trip transport: plane, motorised yacht, panga/zodiac, van/private bus
  • Key guided highlights (vary by version/route):Genovesa (red-footed boobies), Bartolomé summit (Pinnacle Rock)Isabela Sierra Negra hike; penguin/cormorant chancesNorth Seymour (boobies, frigates), Devil’s Crown snorkel, Isla Lobos snorkelSanta Cruz highlands (wild giant tortoises), Charles Darwin Research StationPost Office Bay (Floreana), Gardner Bay (Española), South Plaza / Santa Fé, Rábida, Puerto Egas (by itinerary)
  • Arrival transfer in Quito (per tour conditions)
  • Group size: Max 16 (avg ~12) | Age 12+
  • Service level: Upgraded Marine (quality accommodations; more inclusions)

🚫 What’s Not Included

  • International flights to/from Quito (UIO)
  • Travel insurance (mandatory) — must include medical, evacuation & repatriation (min USD 200,000)
  • Galápagos fees (cash, payable in person):Park Entry: USD 200 per adult (USD 100 under 12)Transit Control Card (TCC): USD 20 per person (purchased at Quito airport)
  • Visas, vaccinations, and any entry/exit fees (as applicable to your nationality)
  • Beverages other than coffee/tea/water on board (bar purchases are extra; cash only)
  • Optional activities not listed as included (and any associated entrance fees)
  • Tips/gratuities: guideline USD 7–10 pp/day for CEO & USD 10–15 pp/day for crew
  • Personal expenses: laundry (not available on board), phone/Wi-Fi upgrades, souvenirs, gear you choose to buy/bring
  • Baggage beyond allowance on domestic flights (23 kg checked + 10 kg carry-on; excess at own cost)
  • Single supplement (“My Own Room”) unless purchased; note: exact cabin allocation cannot be guaranteed
  • Medical tests/requirements that may be mandated by local authorities

Important notes (good to know)

  • Wet/dry landings via panga; uneven terrain; stairs between decks (no elevator).
  • All itineraries remain subject to change due to park permits, weather, or wildlife considerations.
Weather Expectations

Weather Expectations

Big picture: Two main seasons shaped by currents. Dec–May = warm & wetter (sunny spells + tropical showers). Jun–Nov = cooler, drier “garúa” (overcast, breezy). Wildlife is great year-round; conditions just feel different. Pack layers + reef-safe sunscreen.

By Region (what it feels like)

  • Quito (2,850 m, gateway): Days 15–20 °C, nights 7–10 °C; afternoon showers possible year-round.
  • Central/South/East Islands (Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Española, Santa Fé, South Plaza, Rábida):Dec–May: 25–31 °C, humid; water 24–27 °C. Sunny with brief downpours; lush scenery.Jun–Nov: 20–26 °C; water 18–22 °C; low cloud, fresher breezes, chop more likely.
  • West/North-West (Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, Genovesa): Cooler due to Humboldt/Upwelling.Dec–May: Air 24–30 °C, water 22–25 °C (can be cooler on the west).Jun–Nov: Air 19–24 °C, water 16–21 °C; best for nutrient-rich marine life (penguins, bait balls).

Sea & Sky

  • Water temps: Expect the coolest on Isabela/Fernandina Jun–Nov. Wetsuits provided—most guests use them year-round.
  • Seas: Generally calmer Dec–May; Jun–Nov can bring swell/chop on crossings—motion relief helps.
  • UV: High in all months—hat, SPF 50, sunglasses essential (cloud ≠ low UV).
  • Rain: Short, warm showers Dec–May; light mist/drizzle (garúa) more common Jun–Nov.

Month-by-Month (trip impact)

  • Dec–Jan: Warm water, active seabirds; occasional showers; calm seas—great snorkel comfort.
  • Feb–Mar: Warmest seas; reef life lively; afternoon downpours possible.
  • Apr–May: Transition; greener islands, good visibility; seas still fairly calm.
  • Jun–Jul: Cooler air/sea, more breeze; nutrient surge → top marine encounters; overcast common.
  • Aug–Sep: Peak garúa and chop; penguins/cormorants busy; wetsuit strongly recommended.
  • Oct–Nov: Gradual warming; seas ease; excellent feeding activity continues.
  • Wildlife note: Waved albatross court on Española roughly Apr–Dec; boobies/frigates seen year-round but behaviors vary by month.

Practical tips

  • Wear: Quick-dry layers, light wind/rain shell; warm layer for breezy decks (evenings Jun–Nov).
  • Water time: Bring a dry bag; de-fogger for masks helps in cooler months.
  • Cameras: Salt spray + mist—use microfiber cloths and zip bags.
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What To Pack

What to Pack

Bags & Carry Setup

  • Soft duffel (40–60L) or backpack; cabins are compact.
  • Daypack (20–30L) with rain cover for landings/snorkels.
  • Dry bag (5–10L) for camera/phone on pangas.
  • Neck wallet / small cross-body; luggage locks.
  • Weight notes: Domestic allowance typically 23 kg checked + 10 kg carry-on; pack light and flexible.

Clothing — Warm/Wet ↔ Cool/Dry

  • Quick-dry tops: 4–6 short-sleeve, 1–2 long-sleeve (sun/bug).
  • Light mid-layer: fleece or thin insulated jacket (windy decks, Jun–Nov).
  • Shell: lightweight waterproof/windproof jacket.
  • Bottoms: 1–2 travel trousers, 1–2 shorts; optional leggings for cool evenings.
  • Swim kit: 2 swimsuits + rashie (sun + jelly protection).
  • Evenings in Quito: smart-casual outfit and light jacket.
  • Underwear & socks: 7–9 pairs quick-dry; 2–3 hiking socks.
  • Sleepwear suited to A/C cabins.

Footwear

  • Amphibious sandals/reef shoes (wet landings, lava shelves).
  • Light hiking shoes/trainers (dry landings, short hikes).
  • Flip-flops for showers/deck.

Sun, Sea & Deck Basics

  • Wide-brim hat/cap, UV sunglasses, SPF 50 reef-safe sunscreen + lip balm.
  • Buff/neck gaiter (sun/spray), compact umbrella (sun/rain).
  • Microfibre towel, zip bags for sand/salt.
  • Wetsuits & snorkel gear provided on board; bring your own mask if you’re picky.

Health & Snorkel Comfort

  • Personal meds + copies of scripts; small first-aid (blister care, antiseptic).
  • Electrolyte tabs, antihistamine, anti-diarrhoeal, pain reliever.
  • Motion-relief (tablets/bands) for choppy crossings.
  • Reusable bottle (1–2L); consider a small filter or tabs for Quito day use.
  • Hand sanitiser & antibacterial wipes.

Docs & Money

  • Passport (6+ months), insurance cert (medical/evac), copies of both.
  • Cash in USD (small clean notes) for park/TCC fees & tips; ATM access is limited on islands.
  • Credit/debit cards + a backup card; offline copies of bookings.

Electronics

  • Phone + power bank (10–20k mAh).
  • Camera/GoPro + spare batteries/memory (salt eats storage).
  • Universal adapter (110V, Type A/B on board).
  • Headlamp (evening briefings, early landings), earplugs/eye mask.

Laundry & Little Fixes

  • Travel detergent (biodegradable), sink stopper, few pegs/line.
  • Stain stick, lens cloth, tiny sewing kit.

Nice-to-Haves

  • Neck pillow for flights, collapsible tote for shore time.
  • Light gloves for cooler snorkel days (Jun–Nov).
  • Small binoculars (boobies/frigatebirds at a distance).

Do Not Forget (Galápagos-Specific)

  • Park rules cheat-sheet: 2 m from wildlife, stay on trails.
  • Reef-safe sunscreen (sprays are discouraged—go lotion).
  • Spare socks and a dry shirt after snorkels/landings.
  • Soft luggage only—hard cases fight the cabin.

Leave Behind (or limit)

  • Heavy hard-shell suitcases, multiple jeans, hair dryers (ship has one), excess jewellery.

Pack light, quick-dry, and sun-smart—you’ll thank yourself the first time a sea lion splashes your panga.
Local Insights

Local Insights

Big-picture vibe: Slow, curious, conservation-first. The Galápagos run on small communities, park rules, and wildlife etiquette—follow the briefings and you’ll be rewarded with ridiculously close (but respectful) encounters.

Respect & etiquette

  • Keep 2 m from wildlife; never touch or feed animals; stay on marked trails.
  • Wet/dry landings: wait for the guide’s cue; pass gear hand-to-hand; step carefully on lava and slick rocks.
  • Biosecurity: your bags are inspected—no seeds, fruit, or organics. Brush sand off shoes between landings.
  • Noise & lights: keep voices low; no flash on wildlife.

Useful phrases (Spanish)

  • Hola / Buenos días (hello / good morning)
  • Por favor / Gracias (please / thanks)
  • ¿Cuánto cuesta? (how much?)
  • ¿Dónde está el baño? (where’s the bathroom?)
  • Sin sorbete, por favor (no straw, please)

Money & paying

  • Cash rules on board and on many islands; bring USD in small, clean notes.
  • ATMs exist but are limited/unreliable—withdraw in Quito.
  • Card acceptance varies; expect cash for tips, kiosks, and small cafés.

Tipping (guideline)

  • CEO/Naturalist: ~USD 7–10 pp/day
  • Crew: ~USD 10–15 pp/day
  • Hand in envelopes provided on the final night.

Safety quick-takes

  • Sun/UV: equatorial and intense—hat, long sleeves, SPF 50.
  • Seas: some crossings get choppy—pack motion relief.
  • Footing: lava is uneven; wear sturdy sandals/shoes for landings.
  • Snorkelling: always with a buddy; follow the guide and currents.

Transport quirks

  • Pangas (zodiacs): expect splash; stow phone/camera in a dry bag.
  • Cabins: compact—soft luggage fits best; keep a grab-and-go daypack ready for landings.

Conservation & park rules

  • No drones without special permits; fines are real.
  • No collecting: shells, rocks, sand, or plants stay put.
  • Pack-out mindset: carry all rubbish back to the boat.
  • Choose reef-safe sunscreen; rinse snorkel gear between sites.

Food & drink

  • Onboard meals are generous; in towns, try ceviche, encocado, and fresh jugos.
  • Water is treated on board—reusable bottle mandatory.
  • Alcohol and soft drinks from the bar are cash extra.

Island micro-gems (route-dependent)

  • Bartolomé: sunrise/sunset from the Pinnacle Rock viewpoint = postcard perfection.
  • North Seymour: watch frigatebird males inflate scarlet throat pouches in season.
  • Española (Punta Suárez): waved albatross courtship Apr–Dec.
  • Rábida: red sands + sea-lion nursery—top family photo stop.
  • Santa Cruz fish market (Puerto Ayora): pelicans and sea lions “helping” the vendors.
  • Post Office Bay (Floreana): leave a letter; take one to deliver—keep the tradition alive.

Practical pack add-ons

  • Wetsuit (provided) is welcome most months; bring a thin rash shirt for sun and stings.
  • Microfibre cloth + zip bags for lenses; anti-fog for masks.
  • Light fleece/wind shell for evening decks, especially Jun–Nov.

Fees & formalities (heads-up)

  • Bring cash for the Park Entry (USD 200 adult / USD 100 under 12) and Transit Control Card (USD 20) at Quito airport.
  • Keep passport + TCC handy; you’ll show them multiple times.

Mindset

  • Wildlife sets the schedule. Flexibility is a feature, not a bug. If a site changes due to swell or nesting—good news—you’re about to see something else incredible.
CO₂ Footprint Report
Your Tour Offsets drive far more than Tree Planting — We Go Climate Positive By Design | Click Here to View the Method

CO₂ Footprint

Results Summary (Topline)

  • Estimated per guest (17-day): ~3.4 tCO₂e
  • Estimated per tour (assumed 16 guests): ~54 tCO₂e
  • Counter-impact applied: 200% (targeting ~6.8 tCO₂e per guest)
  • Method note: DEFRA-aligned factors with Well-to-Tank (WTT) and Radiative Forcing (RF)=1.9 for aviation; +10% uncertainty uplift. Conservative by design.

Purpose
Provide a clear, conservative estimate of the greenhouse-gas footprint for this full-circuit Galápagos voyage and the scope of the 200% counter-impact.

Tour Header

  • Tour: Complete Galápagos Small Ship Voyage | 17 days aboard Eden
  • Style: Small-ship expedition (max 16 guests) | Standard service level
  • Base: Quito gateway + domestic flights to/from the islands

Scope & Boundaries (what’s counted)

  • Guest travel to/from tour: Single feeder hub → Quito (UIO) round-trip.
  • On-tour transport: Domestic flights (UIO↔Galápagos), expedition yacht, pangas, local road transfers, guided walking.
  • Accommodation: Quito hotels + shipboard nights (HCMI-style proxies).
  • Meals: All meals across 17 days (included + own-choice) at a conservative per-meal factor.
  • Activities: Allowance for boat/snorkel operations.
  • Excluded: Long-haul beyond the feeder hub; shopping; extraordinary add-ons not typical for this route.

Feeder Hub — Single Origin City
Miami (MIA) used for consistent reporting across programs (frequent services to UIO).

Emission Factors & Conservative Defaults

  • Aviation (economy, short/med-haul): base ~0.158 kgCO₂e/pax-km, then × RF 1.9 + WTT → effective ~0.30 kgCO₂e/pax-km used.
  • Ground/boat mix: ~0.09 kgCO₂e/pax-km (small craft & local transfers; WTT included).
  • Accommodation: ~12 kgCO₂e/night (hotel/guesthouse proxy; ship nights kept conservative).
  • Meals: ~2.5 kgCO₂e per meal (production + prep).
  • Activities allowance: ~60 kgCO₂e per guest (scaled for full-circuit length).

Activity Data (applied)

  • Aviation — feeder hub: MIA ⇄ UIO ~5,700 km total.
  • Aviation — domestic: UIO ⇄ Galápagos ~2,700 km (airport varies by sailing).Total aviation distance: ~8,400 km
  • Ground/boat (local, incl. yacht & pangas): conservative ~700–900 km-equiv.
  • Nights: 16 (Quito hotels + shipboard).
  • Meals: ~51 (17×3).
  • Activities allowance: applied once per guest (full-circuit scale).

Results — Per Guest (rounded)

  • Aviation (~8.4kkm; RF+WTT): ~2.50 tCO₂e
  • Ground/boat (combined): ~0.20–0.24 tCO₂e
  • Accommodation (16 nights): ~0.19 tCO₂e
  • Meals (~51): ~0.13 tCO₂e
  • Activities allowance: ~0.06 tCO₂e
  • Subtotal: ~3.08–3.12 tCO₂e
  • +10% uncertainty uplift: ~3.4 tCO₂e (for communication)

Results — Per Tour (assumed 16 guests)

  • Estimated total: ~54 tCO₂e

Assumptions (key)

  • Feeder hub fixed to MIA; different hubs (e.g., NYC/LAX) materially shift aviation.
  • Ground/boat kept conservative (small craft, efficient routing).
  • All meals counted (included + own-expense) to avoid underestimation.
  • Activities allowance included even if a few guests skip snorkels (keeps estimate conservative).
  • +10% uplift covers sea conditions, routing tweaks, idling, and load-factor variance.

Versioning

  • Method: Zero Trace Standard v1.9 (DEFRA-aligned; WTT included; RF 1.9 for aviation).
  • Date: 13 October 2025.
  • Preparer: Zero Trace (marketplace methodology; not the tour operator).
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Tour FAQ's
Do internal flights to/from the Galápagos come included?

Yes—return domestic flights between the mainland and the islands are included (typically via a brief Guayaquil refuelling stop).
Are the Galápagos park fees included in the price?

No. Pay USD $200 per adult ($100 under 12) for the Galápagos National Park on arrival, cash only. Also pay the Transit Control Card (TCC) USD $20 in cash at Quito airport before flying.
What’s the group size and minimum age?

Small group, max 16 (avg ~12). Minimum age 12 with an adult.
How difficult is the trip—do I need to be super fit?

Physical Grade 3 – Average. Expect short hikes on uneven lava, frequent wet/dry landings, and regular snorkels. Basic swimming confidence is important.
More FAQ's

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Generally yes with advance notice (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-light). Choice is simpler on board than in cities.

Is snorkel gear provided? Do I need a wetsuit?

Yes—mask/snorkel/fins and wetsuits are provided on board. Water can be cool (especially Jun–Nov), so most guests use a shorty; bring your own mask if you’re particular about fit.

How choppy are the crossings—should I bring motion relief?

The west (Isabela/Fernandina) can be breezy with some chop. If prone to seasickness, bring preferred motion-relief (tablets/bands).

What are wet and dry landings?

A wet landing means stepping into ankle-to-knee-deep water from the panga; dry means onto rocks or a dock. Wear reef shoes or sandals you don’t mind getting wet.

What are the luggage limits?

Domestic flights usually allow 23 kg checked + 10 kg carry-on. Cabins are compact—soft duffels stow best. Extra luggage can generally be left at the Quito hotel.

Is there Wi-Fi or mobile coverage on the yacht?

Assume no Wi-Fi at sea and spotty mobile coverage. Download essentials before departure.

How do payments work on board (bar, extras)?

Plan for cash (USD) for bar tabs and extras; card facilities are limited or unavailable on most vessels and islands.

Can I choose my specific cabin?

Cabin allocation is first-come, first-served and can’t be guaranteed. All cabins have private bathrooms; layout and window size vary.

Is solo travel supported? Can I get my own room?

Solo travellers are paired by gender in twin/multi-share by default. A “My Own Room/Cabin” supplement may be available—request at booking.

Are drones allowed?

No. Drones are prohibited in the National Park without special permits; fines apply.

Is travel insurance required?

Yes—mandatory, with medical, evacuation, and repatriation coverage (min USD $200,000). Proof may be requested on arrival to Ecuador.

How much should I budget for tips?

Tipping is customary. As a guideline: USD $7–10 pp/day for the CEO/naturalist and USD $10–15 pp/day for the ship’s crew, given in envelopes on the final night.

Any biosecurity or conservation rules I should know?

Yes—expect bag checks for seeds/foods, keep 2 m from wildlife, stay on marked trails, no feeding/flash photography where restricted, and follow your guide’s briefings.

What about safety on hikes and snorkels?

Always follow guide instructions, watch footing on jagged lava, and enter the water only when briefed. Some snorkels are in open water with ladder re-entry to the panga.

Is scuba diving included?

No—this voyage focuses on snorkelling and guided shore excursions. Scuba isn’t part of the standard program.

What’s Quito like at the start/end? Is altitude a concern?

Quito sits at ~2,850 m. Many travellers feel fine; take it easy on arrival day, drink water, and avoid heavy meals or alcohol before the early flight to the islands.
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  4. If we need anything (e.g., room configuration, add-on activities), we’ll ask—then issue confirmation once sorted.
  5. Final balance invoice. After confirmation, you’ll be invoiced the remainder in line with the trips booking terms & conditions (each trip/partner has its own timeline but full payment is generally required at least 30 days prior to departure).
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B) Instant confirmation route (selected trips)

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  • If you book this way, the operator’s terms & conditions apply immediately (including payment schedules and change/cancellation rules).

Good to know

  • Each trip may have slightly different deadlines and deposit rules—You can find the terms and conditions for your chosen booking on the listing page.
  • You can still flag special requests after deposit—earlier is better for availability.
What’s your cancellation & refund policy?

Before your booking is confirmed

  • If we can’t confirm your spots after you’ve paid a deposit, we’ll issue a full refund of that deposit.

After your booking is confirmed

  • Cancellations follow the operator’s cancellation schedule (varies by trip and how close you are to departure).
  • Expect possible fees or non-refundable items (e.g., internal flights, permits, certain accommodations).
  • If a refund or credit is due, we’ll process it once the operator releases the funds and pass it back to your original payment method.

Instant-confirmation bookings (live operator calendars)

  • The operator’s T&Cs apply immediately on these. Some departures are non-refundable or have stricter windows.

How to cancel

  • Email us your booking reference, names on the booking, and a one-line request (“Please cancel”).
  • We’ll reply with the exact penalties/refund or credit per your operator before proceeding.

If the operator cancels or significantly changes your trip

  • You’ll be offered an alternative date, a travel credit, or a refund according to that operator’s policy. We’ll advocate for the best outcome for you.

Good to know

  • Refunds are returned to the original payment method; bank/FX fees aren’t usually recoverable.
  • Travel insurance is your friend for recovering non-refundable costs.
  • The earlier you contact us, the better your options typically are.
Can I change dates or transfer my booking?

Short answer: Usually yes, but it depends on the operator’s rules and how close you are to departure.

Date changes

  • We’ll check new-date availability with the operator.
  • If a change is possible, you’ll pay any applicable operator change fee plus any price difference for the new date.
  • The closer to departure, the tighter (and costlier) changes become; some trips treat late changes as a cancel + rebook under the operator’s policy.

Transfer to another person (name change)

  • Many operators allow a name change/transfer up to a certain cut-off.
  • Fees and deadlines vary by operator and services booked (e.g., flights may be non-transferable).

Instant-confirmation bookings

  • If you booked via a live operator calendar, the operator’s T&Cs apply immediately. Some departures are non-changeable or have stricter windows.

How to request a change

  • Email us with your booking reference, preferred new date/person’s details, and any flexibility.
  • We’ll confirm options, fees, and any price differences before making changes.

Pro tips

  • Ask early—more seats = more options, lower fees.
  • Consider travel insurance that covers change/cancellation costs.
  • Always check booking terms and conditions, links displayed on each tour page under the overview.
Are you accredited / is my money protected?

Yes. Your money is protected by our own accreditation and safeguards, plus the protections of our tour partners and the payment methods we use.

Our business safeguards

  • Legally registered business with documented booking & refund policies.
  • Commercial insurance appropriate to our operations.
  • VTIC Quality Tourism Accreditation (Quality Tourism Accredited Business) confirming we meet industry standards for customer service, safety, and risk management.

Operator-level protection

  • We partner only with established operators who maintain their own financial protections and clear refund/credit policies.
  • When you book via a live operator calendar, payment is processed directly by the operator and their protections/terms apply immediately.

How your payment is handled

  • All card payments run through a secure, PCI-compliant gateway; we don’t store your full card details.
  • If you book through a live operator calendar, payment is processed directly into the operator’s system, and their terms & protections apply immediately.

Your legal rights

  • Your purchase is also covered by consumer laws in your country/state (fair trading/refund rights). We reference the applicable jurisdiction on your paperwork.

Extra peace of mind

  • Paying by credit card may add chargeback protection from your card issuer.
  • We strongly recommend travel insurance to cover situations outside operator/consumer protections (your own cancellation, medical, delays).
Do you offer price matching?

Absolutely. Our prices update live from the operator, but if you spot the same tour on the same dates with the same inclusions and terms advertised for less — even in a public sale or promo — we’ll match it.

Already booked? We’ll refund the difference to your original payment method (eligibility applies, based on the final checkout price including taxes/fees from an authorised seller). And yes, the matched price still includes our 200% carbon offset — no dilution of benefits.
Do I need travel insurance?

Not for every trip—but for most travellers, we strongly recommend it

Some itineraries and partner operators do require insurance (especially remote treks, glacier walks, or bookings made via live operator calendars with mandatory cover).

When it’s required

  • Certain partners/departures make insurance compulsory and may ask for proof before departure. If you book one of these, their T&Cs apply immediately.

What good cover includes

  • Medical treatment & emergency evacuation/repatriation (high limits).
  • Trip cancellation/interruption (protects your deposit and balance if plans change).
  • Baggage & travel delay, and supplier default where available.
  • Coverage for all activities on your itinerary (e.g., trekking, glacier hikes, kayaking) and any relevant altitudes/conditions.
  • 24/7 assistance hotline and a clear claims process.

When to buy

  • At booking. That way, cancellation benefits start immediately and you’re covered if something crops up before you travel.

How to share proof

  • Email us your policy certificate (names, policy number, assistance phone).
  • If you booked via an instant-confirmation operator calendar, follow their proof instructions and deadlines exactly.
Are departures guaranteed?

Most departures run as planned, but guarantees depend on the operator and minimum numbers. If there’s a wobble, we’ll tell you fast and give you options.

How it works

  • Minimum group size: Most partners need a minimum number of travellers to confirm a trip.
  • When we confirm: Each operator has a confirmation window (often 30–60 days before departure). We monitor load and update you as status changes.
  • Any listing from "G-Adventures" will be guaranteed to run with a booking

If a trip is under-subscribed

  • We’ll contact you with clear options:

Move to another date (same tour)

Switch to a comparable trip

Full refund of monies paid (per the operator’s terms)

  • Any price differences for new dates/trips will be discussed before you decide.

If a trip is suspended (weather, park closures, strikes, force majeure)

  • First, we’ll look to re-route or adjust (e.g., alternative park, similar activities).
  • If that’s not viable, you can move dates, choose a different trip, or receive a refund/credit according to the operator’s policy.

Our promise

  • Proactive comms: We’ll keep you posted as soon as we know more—no last-minute surprises if we can help it.
  • No pressure choices: You pick the outcome; we handle the admin.
  • Flight advice: Until your tour is confirmed, book flexible/refundable flights or add insurance that covers schedule changes.
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