Galapagos Islands Archipel 1 A5 Cruise

1nt Quito, 4 nts Galapagos Islands

Overview

Discover the extraordinary wildlife and volcanic landscapes of the Galapagos Islands aboard the Archipel I, a comfortable yacht accommodating just 16 passengers. This 5 day, 4 night experience exploring some of the archipelago's most spectacular sites, where you can snorkel alongside sea lions, spot marine iguanas on lava rocks, and observe blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Accompanied by an expert naturalist guide on all excursions, you will gain a fascinating insight into the unique ecosystems that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. The Archipel I offers comfortable accommodation, excellent onboard service and a carefully planned itinerary that showcases the incredible diversity of the Galápagos Islands. This itinerary is based on their A5 Itinerary, however, they run several different itineraries, depending on dates, that visit different islands in the Galapagos and for varying lengths of stay. Contact us to discuss best options for you depending on timings, interests and wildlife and bird species you wish to see.

Fly from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands and embark on a 5-day, 4-night experience aboard the Archipel I, a comfortable first-class yacht accommodating just 16 guests. Meet your fellow travellers and expert naturalist guide before setting sail to explore some of the archipelago's most spectacular islands, renowned for their unique wildlife, pristine beaches and volcanic landscapes.

Over the next few days, enjoy a series of guided land excursions and snorkelling adventures. Encounter iconic Galápagos wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine and land iguanas, blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, Darwin's finches and sea lions. Explore white sand beaches, lava formations and crystal clear waters where you may snorkel alongside sea turtles, rays, reef sharks and colourful tropical fish. After your final excursion, disembark the yacht, and you'll be transferred to Baltra airport, where you will get a domestic flight back to mainland Ecuador.

Is this boat for you? This is a comfortable boat and good value boat for exploring the parts of the Galapagos you cannot visit if staying on the mainland. Excursions are varied and there is an expert naturalist guide onboard along with a warm and friendly crew.

This Galapagos experience combines perfectly with other highlights of Ecuador, including Quito's colonial centre, the cloud forests of Mindo and the Amazon rainforest. Contact us to discuss the best itinerary based on your interests, travel dates and preferred wildlife experiences.

Price Guide

4 nights from £3,575 per person based on double occupancy

These prices are excluding international flights. Average flight prices vary depending on time of year and can be considerably more expensive at peak times (Christmas, Easter, Summer). Flight routes vary, please contact us for accurate flight pricing for your timings and place of departure.

Call for specialist advice

020 8274 8510

Day to Day

Below is an example day by day itinerary

Day 1

Arrive at Baltra Airport, where you will complete a luggage inspection before transferring to the Archipel I. En route, visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre on Santa Cruz Island, home to the famous giant tortoises of Española Island. Explore the breeding centre and the tortoise exhibit corral, which offers excellent opportunities for photographs. Board the Archipel I and begin your Galápagos adventure. Overnight onboard the Archipel I.

Day 2

Today you will visit Moreno Point on Isabela Island, where fresh green pioneer vegetation creates a striking contrast against the pitch-black lava flows. This fascinating landscape provides a glimpse into the powerful volcanic forces that continue to shape the Galápagos Islands. You will then continue to Urbina Bay, home to one of the archipelago's most remarkable coastal plains. Here, you may encounter some of the islands' largest wildlife species, including giant tortoises and the impressive land iguanas that roam freely through the surrounding vegetation. Return to the yacht for the evening. (BLD)

Day 3

Today you will visit Fernandina Island, one of the most pristine and untouched islands in the Galápagos Archipelago. Here you will encounter some of the islands' most remarkable wildlife, including the unique flightless cormorant. Other wildlife that may be seen includes marine iguanas, sea lions and Galápagos penguins. Later, you will enter a dark cave beneath a spectacular natural arch, where the crashing waves create dramatic echoes throughout the cavern. The calm, sheltered waters inside provide an excellent opportunity for snorkelling amongst a variety of marine life, including sharks, seahorses, penguins and the giant ocean sunfish. Overnight Archipel I (BLD).

Day 4

This morning, you will visit Puerto Egas on Santiago Island, one of the most historic visitor sites in the Galápagos and a favourite among wildlife enthusiasts. Upon landing on the striking red-sand beach, you will be welcomed by a large bachelor colony of Galápagos sea lions basking along the shoreline. As you explore the coastal trails, keep an eye out for marine iguanas, shorebirds and the elusive Galápagos fur seal, as Puerto Egas is considered one of the best places in the archipelago to observe this unique species. The dramatic volcanic scenery and rich wildlife make this one of the highlights of any Galápagos cruise. Overnight Archipel I (B, L, D).

Day 5

On your final day, enjoy an excursion through Black Turtle Cove, a tranquil mangrove-lined lagoon on Santa Cruz Island. Here you may spot sea turtles, reef sharks and a variety of marine life in the calm waters. Following the excursion, you will be transferred by dinghy to Baltra Island and assisted to Baltra Airport for your onward flight home, taking with you unforgettable memories of the Galápagos Islands (B).