The MV Origin and MV Theory are dreamboats, blending the best of tasteful design and decor, luxury amenities, and environmental sustainability. These ships were built based on years of feedback from past participants. It’s custom design is ideal for Galapagos excursions.
Two experienced English-speaking naturalist guides attend to the details of your Galapagos cruise. Each naturalist takes a group of no more than ten passengers on all shore excursions and shares extensive insights into the islands’ diverse wildlife. Stable rubber boats (Zodiacs), known locally as pangas, ferry passengers to shore for island visits. These week-long, comprehensive itineraries visit the islands’ most spectacular sites to witness the unique plants and animals that have made these islands famous.
Two itineraries are offered to adhere to touring regulations established by the Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve to limit tourist visits for the islands’ health and recovery. Take your pick between this and its companion tour of northern islands, based on your preferences and your dates, or if you want the complete Galapagos experience and have the time, take both!
Each deluxe double stateroom has panoramic windows with breathtaking views of the ocean. All of the rooms are fully air-conditioned, and all cabins have private bath facilities. Amenities include plush towels, soaps, safe deposit box, Apple TV with preloaded movies, wifi, espresso machine and tea kettle in each room. Two cabins have interconnecting doors and two cabins can accommodate triples, making it ideal for families. Enjoy sea breezes, sunny days, and starlit nights on lounge chairs and recliners located on the sun deck and observation points. Snorkeling equipment, custom wet suits, and sea kayaks are all available at no additional cost.
Read More
Great For
Wildlife
Escaping Civilization
Traveling in Style
Swimming side by side with pacific green sea turtles, marine iguanas, Galápagos penguins, sea lions, schools of yellow-tailed surgeonfish, octopuses, and a variety of sea stars was spectacular. Being able to enter the realm they’ve adapted to instead of seeing them on land gives one an entirely different understanding of the animals of the archipelago.
Ryan G.
Arrive in either Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador, where you will be met and transferred to your local hotel.
Quito is located in a huge valley of the Andes mountains at an altitude of 9,455 feet; it’s a great place to extend your stay to explore the city, the surrounding volcanic mountain range, or possibly an excursion to the fabled Otavalo market.
Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city; with its low elevation and coastal location, it is an ideal point from which to fly to the Galapagos. The city’s 1.5-mile waterfront Malecon 2000 riverfront promenade is a lovely and enjoyable place to spend an afternoon.
Meals
None
Lodging
Your choice (not included in trip rate)
BDay 2Quito or Guayaquil
Today is a free day to spend at your leisure. We can suggest and help you book tours in either Quito or Guayaquil (tours are not included in trip rate.)
Quito city tour: Stroll down cobblestone streets and through flowering plazas. Visit the old colonial center of Independence Square, the elegant cathedrals of San Francisco, La Compañía, and San Agustín, Quito’s oldest monastery. Drive through the residential section and past the Legislative Palace (Congress). Panecillo Hill overlooks the city and snow-capped mountains.
Guayaquil city tour: A must-see stop is Malecon 2000, an 80-million-dollar riverside complex built along a two-mile stretch of the Guayas River. The waterfront promenade features restaurants, cafes, shops, and museums with art exhibitions as well as free weekend jazz and classical music concerts. Drive through the colorful streets of one of Ecuador’s most important port cities. Visit the Public Market, the waterfront, the docks, and Simon Bolivar Park, which is famous for its tree iguanas. Also, admire the watchtower, La Rotonda, Old Santa Ana Fort, and Las Penas, a charming colonial section of town frequented by artists.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Your choice (not included in trip rate)
CDay 3San Cristobal / Cerro Colorado
The moment you’ve been waiting for—arrive in the Galapagos!
In the morning, you will be transferred to the airport to collect your tickets for your flight to the islands. Upon arrival at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island, the crew will escort you to your anchored yacht.
After the welcome briefing, buffet lunch, and safety drill, travel by bus to the southern shore to visit La Galapaguera Cerro Colorado. Here, the National Park has established a breeding program for the giant land tortoises that you will encounter living in their natural habitat. Learn about their origin, evolution and threats at the information center for visitors.
Along the trail, look for the San Cristobal (Chatham) mockingbird, lava lizard and Calandrinia plant that are endemic to this island. Back on board, join your fellow yacht mates for your island briefing and the Captain’s welcome cocktail party and dinner.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
MV Origin
DDay 4Genovesa/Philip's Steps
Spend the entire day on Genovesa (Tower) Island, considered to be one of the most spectacular islands in all of the Galapagos for its variety and sheer number of birds. This morning, have a dry landing at Prince Philip’s Steps. Red-footed boobies nest here in Palo Santo trees, and Nazca boobies nest near the trail. In an open lava field, we find storm petrels in large numbers. If you are lucky, you will see the elusive short-eared owl. Look for the beautiful Red-billed Tropic bird found in the crevices along the cliff by kayak or Zodiac. After a BBQ lunch and a demonstration on how to make ceviche, you’ll have to option to explore the cliff up close by kayak, stand-up paddleboard or a deep water snorkeling excursion.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
MV Origin or Theory
EDay 5Las Bachas / Cerro Dragon
This morning you will visit Las Bachas, Spanish for “the barges.” There is a long stretch of a soft white sand beach and interior lagoons where you’ll find the greater flamingo. The snorkeling from the beach here is wonderful. Located on the northern tip of Santa Cruz is Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill). Along the trail, you’ll find Darwin Finches, Galapagos Flycatchers, Yellow Warblers, Audubon Shearwater and the endemic land iguanas, orange-yellow in color with large spines along their backs, were once part of the Darwin Station’s breeding program. You’ll find pink flamingos feeding in the salt-water lagoon as well as other lagoon birds; stilts, pintail ducks, sandpipers and more. From the top of the hill, enjoy a majestic view of the bay island covered in Opuntia cactus, Palo Santo and Cordia Lutea (muyuyu). After the briefing and dinner, sail toward the western islands and cross the equator line for the second time.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
MV Origin or Theory
FDay 6Punta Vicente Roca/Urbina Bay, Isabela
This morning, at Punta Vicente Roca, a Zodiac ride offers an incredible view of the tuff walls, we can enter the wave-sculpted cave and find sea turtle who frequent this area. You may spot the dorsal fin of a Mola Mola, an odd-looking giant sunfish. Don’t miss the opportunity to snorkel here. After lunch, cross the Bolivar Channel, where you’ll often spot whales and dolphins riding the ship’s bow wave. Disembark at Urbina Bay, ISABELA, where we find four miles of its coastal seabed, with marine life exposed due to a dramatic uplift in 1954 when the volcano erupted. The marine remnants of coral skeletons, some of them waist-high, are visited after a wet landing on the beach. Urbina is home to the very large and colorful Galapagos land iguanas, occasionally giant tortoises, Darwin Finches. Brown Pelicans and Flightless Cormorants also nest here. Giant Marine Iguanas are seen along the coast. You may encounter penguins while snorkeling here. Return to the yacht for briefing and dinner.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
MV Origin or Theory
GDay 7Isabela /Tagus Cove
This morning, have a wet landing at Punta Espinoza, Fernandina, the youngest and most pristine Island in the Galapagos. Recent lava flows formed by an active volcano stretch their way around the coast. Hundreds of marine iguanas, the largest colony in Galapagos, bask in the sun along the rugged shoreline. Observe sea lion harems with resident bulls carefully guarding their territories. Flightless cormorants build their nests on the point, and Galapagos hawks fly overhead. There is a chance to snorkel here with sea turtles.
After lunch, have a dry landing at Tagus Cove, located on the western Island of ISABELA and a favorite anchorage for pirates and whalers over the centuries. Old graffiti dating back to the 1800′s is written on the rocky cliffs. Explore the Coves by Zodiac or kayak to find Galapagos Penguins, Boobies, Pelicans and other seabirds. An uphill hike brings us to a salt-water lagoon, a scenic overlook with a spectacular view of the ocean, lava fields, and volcanic formations. An excellent snorkeling site is offered from the zodiac or take out a Kayak or paddleboard and explore the shoreline. After dinner, a sky full of stars beckons to go on deck and observe the galaxy while crossing the equator for the last time.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
MV Origin or Theory
HDay 8Rabida Island/Puerto Egas or Black Turtle Cove
This morning, disembark on Rabida Island, located near Santiago. Rabida sports the most diversified volcanic rocks of all the islands and is considered the geographic center of the Galapagos. The dark red sand beach resulted from erosion of volcanic stones. Follow a trail that leads to a saltwater lagoon, and observe Greater Flamingos as they feed. Brown Pelicans nest in the mangroves at the far side of the lagoon. After the walk, there is time for snorkeling. This afternoon, guests of the Theory will have a wet landing at Puerto Egas, Santiago. Stroll along the shoreline looking for octopus, starfish, and other sea life caught in the tide pools. At low tide, catch a glimpse of marine iguanas as they feed on exposed green algae. Watch for great blue herons, lava herons, American oystercatchers, and yellow-crowned night herons. Our walk ends at the grottos, deep pools of clear water where we encounter shy fur sea lions once on the verge of extinction. Guests of the Origin will have a zodiac ride Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove) through a series of coves and inlets surrounded by mangroves. Before returning to the yacht, enjoy some snorkeling and kayaking if you wish.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
MV Origin or Theory
IDay 9Santa Cruz / Darwin Station
Today after breakfast, disembark for a trip to the breeding center Centro de Crianza Fausto Llerena and the Charles Darwin Research Station at Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz. Visit all three tortoise corals and the breeding center with new hatchlings and miniature tortoises not yet ready to be repatriated to the islands where they were born. Scientists from all over the globe come to the station to conduct biological research from anatomy to zoology. You will also visit Van Straelen Hall, where there are exhibits and a short video presentation. Visitors can see the tortoise and land iguana corrals. Puerto Ayora is the social heart of the islands with the largest population of 24,000 inhabitants.
After lunch and later board a bus for a short ride to a lava tunnel, a hollow formation created when lava on the earth’s surface cools and hardens while molten lave continues to flow in the middle. Your next stop will be Los Gemelos (The Twins), a pair of large deep craters with vibrant plant life at a higher elevation. Next stop is a privately-owned hacienda, where giant tortoises roam freely – some weighing over 500 lbs. They are in their natural habitat, feeding or resting in their shallow pools.
This evening you have the option to return to your yacht for a buffet dinner or remain in town on your own account. Those who return to the yacht will be provided zodiacs to return to town to shop for souvenirs or stop at an internet café. Zodiacs will be provided for your return to the yachts.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
MV Origin or Theory
JDay 10San Cristobal / Quito or Guayaquil
This morning, drop anchor in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal. Visit the Interpretation Center, which was opened in 1999. Here, you will gain a more complete understanding of the natural and human history of the Galapagos Islands. Afterward, spend some time in port before heading to the airport for your noontime Aerogal flight back to the mainland, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Your choice (not included in trip price)
KDay 11Quito or Guayaquil / Onward
If you have time before your flight, enjoy a city tour or poolside relaxation at your hotel before transferring to the airport for your departure.
Meals
Breakfast
Anticipated plan; actual route and program may vary.
Dates & Price
Dates
Cruise departs every Sunday until at least December 25, 2022. Recommend a US departure on a Friday.
Best Time of Year to Visit
j
f
m
a
m
j
j
a
s
o
n
d
Ideal
Unpredictable
Not Recommended
Not Offered
The MV Origin and MV Theory are dreamboats, blending the best of tasteful design and decor, luxury amenities, and environmental sustainability. These ships were built based on years of feedback from past participants. It’s custom design is ideal for Galapagos excursions.
Two experienced English-speaking naturalist guides attend to the details of your Galapagos cruise. Each naturalist takes a group of no more than ten passengers on all shore excursions and shares extensive insights into the islands’ diverse wildlife. Stable rubber boats (Zodiacs), known locally as pangas, ferry passengers to shore for island visits. These week-long, comprehensive itineraries visit the islands’ most spectacular sites to witness the unique plants and animals that have made these islands famous.
Two itineraries are offered to adhere to touring regulations established by the Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve to limit tourist visits for the islands’ health and recovery. Take your pick between this and its companion tour of northern islands, based on your preferences and your dates, or if you want the complete Galapagos experience and have the time, take both!
Each deluxe double stateroom has panoramic windows with breathtaking views of the ocean. All of the rooms are fully air-conditioned, and all cabins have private bath facilities. Amenities include plush towels, soaps, safe deposit box, Apple TV with preloaded movies, wifi, espresso machine and tea kettle in each room. Two cabins have interconnecting doors and two cabins can accommodate triples, making it ideal for families. Enjoy sea breezes, sunny days, and starlit nights on lounge chairs and recliners located on the sun deck and observation points. Snorkeling equipment, custom wet suits, and sea kayaks are all available at no additional cost.
Arrive in either Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador, where you will be met and transferred to your local hotel.
Quito is located in a huge valley of the Andes mountains at an altitude of 9,455 feet; it’s a great place to extend your stay to explore the city, the surrounding volcanic mountain range, or possibly an excursion to the fabled Otavalo market.
Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city; with its low elevation and coastal location, it is an ideal point from which to fly to the Galapagos. The city’s 1.5-mile waterfront Malecon 2000 riverfront promenade is a lovely and enjoyable place to spend an afternoon.
Meals
None
Lodging
Your choice (not included in trip rate)
BDay 2Quito or Guayaquil
Today is a free day to spend at your leisure. We can suggest and help you book tours in either Quito or Guayaquil (tours are not included in trip rate.)
Quito city tour: Stroll down cobblestone streets and through flowering plazas. Visit the old colonial center of Independence Square, the elegant cathedrals of San Francisco, La Compañía, and San Agustín, Quito’s oldest monastery. Drive through the residential section and past the Legislative Palace (Congress). Panecillo Hill overlooks the city and snow-capped mountains.
Guayaquil city tour: A must-see stop is Malecon 2000, an 80-million-dollar riverside complex built along a two-mile stretch of the Guayas River. The waterfront promenade features restaurants, cafes, shops, and museums with art exhibitions as well as free weekend jazz and classical music concerts. Drive through the colorful streets of one of Ecuador’s most important port cities. Visit the Public Market, the waterfront, the docks, and Simon Bolivar Park, which is famous for its tree iguanas. Also, admire the watchtower, La Rotonda, Old Santa Ana Fort, and Las Penas, a charming colonial section of town frequented by artists.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Your choice (not included in trip rate)
CDay 3San Cristobal / Cerro Colorado
The moment you’ve been waiting for—arrive in the Galapagos!
In the morning, you will be transferred to the airport to collect your tickets for your flight to the islands. Upon arrival at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island, the crew will escort you to your anchored yacht.
After the welcome briefing, buffet lunch, and safety drill, travel by bus to the southern shore to visit La Galapaguera Cerro Colorado. Here, the National Park has established a breeding program for the giant land tortoises that you will encounter living in their natural habitat. Learn about their origin, evolution and threats at the information center for visitors.
Along the trail, look for the San Cristobal (Chatham) mockingbird, lava lizard and Calandrinia plant that are endemic to this island. Back on board, join your fellow yacht mates for your island briefing and the Captain’s welcome cocktail party and dinner.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
MV Origin
DDay 4Genovesa/Philip's Steps
Spend the entire day on Genovesa (Tower) Island, considered to be one of the most spectacular islands in all of the Galapagos for its variety and sheer number of birds. This morning, have a dry landing at Prince Philip’s Steps. Red-footed boobies nest here in Palo Santo trees, and Nazca boobies nest near the trail. In an open lava field, we find storm petrels in large numbers. If you are lucky, you will see the elusive short-eared owl. Look for the beautiful Red-billed Tropic bird found in the crevices along the cliff by kayak or Zodiac. After a BBQ lunch and a demonstration on how to make ceviche, you’ll have to option to explore the cliff up close by kayak, stand-up paddleboard or a deep water snorkeling excursion.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
MV Origin or Theory
EDay 5Las Bachas / Cerro Dragon
This morning you will visit Las Bachas, Spanish for “the barges.” There is a long stretch of a soft white sand beach and interior lagoons where you’ll find the greater flamingo. The snorkeling from the beach here is wonderful. Located on the northern tip of Santa Cruz is Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill). Along the trail, you’ll find Darwin Finches, Galapagos Flycatchers, Yellow Warblers, Audubon Shearwater and the endemic land iguanas, orange-yellow in color with large spines along their backs, were once part of the Darwin Station’s breeding program. You’ll find pink flamingos feeding in the salt-water lagoon as well as other lagoon birds; stilts, pintail ducks, sandpipers and more. From the top of the hill, enjoy a majestic view of the bay island covered in Opuntia cactus, Palo Santo and Cordia Lutea (muyuyu). After the briefing and dinner, sail toward the western islands and cross the equator line for the second time.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
MV Origin or Theory
FDay 6Punta Vicente Roca/Urbina Bay, Isabela
This morning, at Punta Vicente Roca, a Zodiac ride offers an incredible view of the tuff walls, we can enter the wave-sculpted cave and find sea turtle who frequent this area. You may spot the dorsal fin of a Mola Mola, an odd-looking giant sunfish. Don’t miss the opportunity to snorkel here. After lunch, cross the Bolivar Channel, where you’ll often spot whales and dolphins riding the ship’s bow wave. Disembark at Urbina Bay, ISABELA, where we find four miles of its coastal seabed, with marine life exposed due to a dramatic uplift in 1954 when the volcano erupted. The marine remnants of coral skeletons, some of them waist-high, are visited after a wet landing on the beach. Urbina is home to the very large and colorful Galapagos land iguanas, occasionally giant tortoises, Darwin Finches. Brown Pelicans and Flightless Cormorants also nest here. Giant Marine Iguanas are seen along the coast. You may encounter penguins while snorkeling here. Return to the yacht for briefing and dinner.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
MV Origin or Theory
GDay 7Isabela /Tagus Cove
This morning, have a wet landing at Punta Espinoza, Fernandina, the youngest and most pristine Island in the Galapagos. Recent lava flows formed by an active volcano stretch their way around the coast. Hundreds of marine iguanas, the largest colony in Galapagos, bask in the sun along the rugged shoreline. Observe sea lion harems with resident bulls carefully guarding their territories. Flightless cormorants build their nests on the point, and Galapagos hawks fly overhead. There is a chance to snorkel here with sea turtles.
After lunch, have a dry landing at Tagus Cove, located on the western Island of ISABELA and a favorite anchorage for pirates and whalers over the centuries. Old graffiti dating back to the 1800′s is written on the rocky cliffs. Explore the Coves by Zodiac or kayak to find Galapagos Penguins, Boobies, Pelicans and other seabirds. An uphill hike brings us to a salt-water lagoon, a scenic overlook with a spectacular view of the ocean, lava fields, and volcanic formations. An excellent snorkeling site is offered from the zodiac or take out a Kayak or paddleboard and explore the shoreline. After dinner, a sky full of stars beckons to go on deck and observe the galaxy while crossing the equator for the last time.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
MV Origin or Theory
HDay 8Rabida Island/Puerto Egas or Black Turtle Cove
This morning, disembark on Rabida Island, located near Santiago. Rabida sports the most diversified volcanic rocks of all the islands and is considered the geographic center of the Galapagos. The dark red sand beach resulted from erosion of volcanic stones. Follow a trail that leads to a saltwater lagoon, and observe Greater Flamingos as they feed. Brown Pelicans nest in the mangroves at the far side of the lagoon. After the walk, there is time for snorkeling. This afternoon, guests of the Theory will have a wet landing at Puerto Egas, Santiago. Stroll along the shoreline looking for octopus, starfish, and other sea life caught in the tide pools. At low tide, catch a glimpse of marine iguanas as they feed on exposed green algae. Watch for great blue herons, lava herons, American oystercatchers, and yellow-crowned night herons. Our walk ends at the grottos, deep pools of clear water where we encounter shy fur sea lions once on the verge of extinction. Guests of the Origin will have a zodiac ride Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove) through a series of coves and inlets surrounded by mangroves. Before returning to the yacht, enjoy some snorkeling and kayaking if you wish.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
MV Origin or Theory
IDay 9Santa Cruz / Darwin Station
Today after breakfast, disembark for a trip to the breeding center Centro de Crianza Fausto Llerena and the Charles Darwin Research Station at Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz. Visit all three tortoise corals and the breeding center with new hatchlings and miniature tortoises not yet ready to be repatriated to the islands where they were born. Scientists from all over the globe come to the station to conduct biological research from anatomy to zoology. You will also visit Van Straelen Hall, where there are exhibits and a short video presentation. Visitors can see the tortoise and land iguana corrals. Puerto Ayora is the social heart of the islands with the largest population of 24,000 inhabitants.
After lunch and later board a bus for a short ride to a lava tunnel, a hollow formation created when lava on the earth’s surface cools and hardens while molten lave continues to flow in the middle. Your next stop will be Los Gemelos (The Twins), a pair of large deep craters with vibrant plant life at a higher elevation. Next stop is a privately-owned hacienda, where giant tortoises roam freely – some weighing over 500 lbs. They are in their natural habitat, feeding or resting in their shallow pools.
This evening you have the option to return to your yacht for a buffet dinner or remain in town on your own account. Those who return to the yacht will be provided zodiacs to return to town to shop for souvenirs or stop at an internet café. Zodiacs will be provided for your return to the yachts.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
MV Origin or Theory
JDay 10San Cristobal / Quito or Guayaquil
This morning, drop anchor in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal. Visit the Interpretation Center, which was opened in 1999. Here, you will gain a more complete understanding of the natural and human history of the Galapagos Islands. Afterward, spend some time in port before heading to the airport for your noontime Aerogal flight back to the mainland, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Your choice (not included in trip price)
KDay 11Quito or Guayaquil / Onward
If you have time before your flight, enjoy a city tour or poolside relaxation at your hotel before transferring to the airport for your departure.
Meals
Breakfast
Anticipated plan; actual route and program may vary.
Costs are for cruise only; hotels and tours before and after cruise are not included. Discounts available for children, please inquire. (See “Need to Know” section below for details.) Fuel surcharge may apply.
Additional cost: Hotel packages for Quito or Guayaquil for hotel 2 nights, transfers & city tour
About the ships
M/V Origin and Theory are tasteful luxury small boats. A seasoned captain, 14 dedicated crew members, and 2 experienced English-speaking naturalist guides attend to the details of your Galapagos cruise. Each naturalist takes a group of no more than 10 passengers on all shore excursions and shares extensive insights into the Islands’ diverse wildlife. Small wooden boats, locally called pangas, ferry passengers to shore for island visits.
Both yachts were custom-designed for fuel efficiency and constructed using the latest technology and lighter-weight steel, without compromising rigidity or safety. Built for maximum stability and speed to provide a smooth voyage, they have an innovative curved bow to cut through waves and an underwater bulbous keel to reduce friction. This creates less drag and further improves fuel efficiency by 30 percent while maintaining a cruising speed of 12 knots, allowing them to reduce navigation time between islands and anchor earlier at each destination, giving passengers more time to explore onshore.
The Origin and Theory were also designed to conserve water and minimize water pollution through the installation of dual-flush ecological marine toilets and an onboard treatment plant that filters 10,000 liters per day instead of disposing of grey water into the ocean.
Each deluxe double stateroom measures 145 square feet and has panoramic windows with breathtaking views of the ocean. Two twin beds can be converted to a King size bed. Individual climate control, fine bed linens, and both memory-foam and soft pillows ensure a comfortable night’s sleep, while nightstands and an ample sectional closet provide plenty of space for storing personal items.
Each cabin has a private bathroom with a dual-flush toilet, a sink, and a modern rainfall shower with ocean views. Plush towels, waffle bathrobes, slippers, hairdryers, and biodegradable hand soap, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner are provided.
Additional amenities include a vanity nook with a stool and lighted mirror, Apple TV with preloaded movies, a universal docking station, and a safe deposit box. Cabins are cleaned twice daily, and a light laundry service is available. There is a personal Espresso machine and tea kettle set up in every cabin.
All staterooms are located on the main (Beagle) deck. Two cabins have interconnecting doors, and two cabins can accommodate triples.
Please note that this trip operates under different payment and cancellation policies than those described in our complete Terms & Conditions as noted on our website and elsewhere. Please review the complete Terms & Conditions prior to submitting a deposit.
Expenses covered
Normally, our stated land costs include the cost of all guides, leaders, permits obtained after arrival, lodging accommodations, food and entry fees as specified, and all surface transportation associated with the planned itinerary. We do our best to avoid increasing prices after receipt of your deposit, but, rarely, factors beyond our control might require us to change our prices without prior notice, even after you have signed up.
Expenses not covered
Costs not included in the price may include: meals not indicated as included in itineraries; meals prior to arrival in starting cities; transfers, if not arriving or departing on the scheduled group flights; soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages; medical expenses, costs of hospitalization, or evacuation from remote areas; laundry; airport departure taxes not included on your airline ticket; accommodations en route to starting cities; visas; airfares; gratuities; and insurance.
Payment and Deposit Schedule
For reservations requiring 1-2 cabins, a deposit of 30% of the cabin cost is due per person. Balance is due 90 days prior to departure. For reservations requiring 3 or more cabins, a deposit of 30% of the cabin cost is due per person. A second deposit of 30% of the cabin cost is due per person 180 days prior to departure and final payment for is due 90 days prior to departure. All payments are NON-REFUNDABLE. All payments are subject to cancellation if payments are not received by the due dates. Airlines require full payment when tickets are issued. All payments may be made by Visa, Master Card, American Express, or check, and the Reservation Form may be submitted via our website. *HOLIDAY departures require an increased deposit of 40% from the regular terms and conditions.
Airfare
We can help you secure air travel arrangements to correspond with land travel booked through Journeys International. We work with an airfare consolidator to assist in booking the flights that suit your needs. If you decide to make your own flight arrangements, you must provide Journeys International with a complete copy of your itinerary showing departure and arrival flights and times. You should plan to arrange your own air travel if you are using mileage credit or originating outside North America, but please be in touch with our office before you finalize ticketing so that we can help you to coordinate the correct arrival and departure dates and times.
Insurance
When you make your reservation, we strongly recommend the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance in case of emergency situations. Please contact us for a recommended policy.
Itinerary Change Fee
There will be a $40 fee for changes once an itinerary has been confirmed and approved. Additional cancellation penalties or change fees may apply as per our terms and conditions. The passenger is responsible for such fees.
Duration 11 Days
The number of days, or duration, in a destination corresponds with the itinerary as published. For the Galapagos, the land cost is actually the per person cabin cost. The cost of the additional nights in Quito or Guayaquil, are not included.
Group Size 20
The stated range indicates minimum required for guaranteed departure and maximum accepted on the scheduled dates. Exceptions can often be made for private departures.
Comfort Level
Deluxe
Delightful motor yacht
Activity Level
Active
Walking and hikes, some over rough terrain, wet and dry shore landings from Zodiacs
Why Journeys International
Our purpose is to understand the journey you are on – not just the vacation you want to take – and to help you on your way.
We are here to help you plan the trip that will move you closer to your goals and help you fulfill your dreams.
We are here to help you plan a more inspiring, more provocative, more breathtaking, more transformational adventure.
We say “adventure” and not “trip” because, for us, a trip is just going someplace else, but an adventure is an experience that takes you someplace beyond your comfort zone – and therefore maximizes the potential for wonder, discovery, and potentially transformation.
Why trust Journeys to plan that kind of experience with you?
Journeys is an award-winning industry-leader with more than 40 years in business planning creative and thoughtful adventures in interesting places around the world
Our staff is professional and devoted, with adventure specialists in Ann Arbor and guides in the field who take pride in traveler satisfaction; many stay with us for decades
Our Ecological Code of Ethics has long stood as a model for others, and our Earth Preservation Fund puts our money where our mouth is
We go to the farthest corners of the earth – you’ll see some pretty remote destinations on our list, and if you want to challenge us with something new, we’ll likely be willing (though we’ll make sure you know if we’ve never experienced it firsthand)
We’re real people like you, starting with the real person who will answer the phone, right through the owner, Robin Pollak, who you can talk to any time you want (or even her parents, Joan & Will Weber, who started the company!)
We ask lots of questions and get to know you as well as possible to we can design the best experience for YOU
Your unique itinerary includes sites, accommodations, activities, and meetings with people hand selected for personal goals, passions, interests and abilities
Your personal adventure specialist stays with you from trip planning through departure to answer all your questions – promptly – and make sure every detail is handled so you are well prepared for your trip
Our partners on the ground in your destination will welcome you as a friend of a friend; we’ve been working with many of them for ages
We’re open and clear, and offer a complete picture of what you can expect while traveling. We don’t want to make an easy sale; we want to make an honest one.
24-hour emergency phone support while traveling
We’ll be excited to hear about the trip when you get back, and take all feedback seriously
Our travelers come back again and again, for five, ten, or more adventures — and they trust us enough to send their friends to us, too
We love what we do, and we love sharing our common passion with you.