JANUARY 2024
DECEMBER 2024
6 DAYS | 5 NIGHTS | ECUADOR
Ecuador Galapagos Escape
Ecuador Galapagos Escape
With lumbering giant tortoises, playful sea lions and an aviary of swooping, squawking, soaring bird life, the Galapagos Islands is wildlife-watching heaven. For this five-day trip, it’s all aboard the Solaris, a first-class motor yacht, to cruise around the archipelago in the company of an expert naturalist. Along the way, we stop at a string of biologically diverse islands, including Española, Floreana and Bartolomé, with the chance to get out and explore on foot and by snorkelling. Expect moments worthy of a nature documentary and plenty of photo opportunities.
You will be directed to our partner site for booking your plan
You will be directed to our partner site for booking your plan
6 days 5 nights
Cerro Colorado Tortoises Reserve
Española Island
Floreana Island
Sullivan Bay
SolarisCruise
TRIP
Itinerary
SCROLL FOR MORE
DAY 01: QUITO
Hola
Quito!
There are free transfers available for all clients today – make sure to check the Joining Instructions for further details. A local guide will welcome you to Quito and explain the schedule for the next few days.
Accommodation: Hotel Wyndham (or similar)
DAY 02: SOLARIS
Cerro Colorado
Tortoises Reserve
Morning: Fly to Galapagos
You transfer to Quito Airport and fly to San Cristóbal Airport in the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival, you pass through the airport inspection point to make sure no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the island and to pay the national park entrance fee. Your guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbour where a dinghy will take you to the yacht.
Afternoon: Colorado Hill (San Cristóbal)
Cerro Colorado Tortoises Reserve, built to protect and expand the tortoise population on the island, is approximately 40 minutes by bus to the southeast of San Cristóbal. It includes a large corral, a visitor centre, a breeding centre and an interpretive trail.
Accommodation: SolarisMeals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 03: SOLARIS
Española
Island
Morning: Gardner Bay (Española)
Gardner Bay offers a wonderful place to refresh in the turquoise sea and to admire a large number of colourful reef fish. You can also snorkel with green sea turtles or watch the playful Galapagos sea lions. The white-sand beach is also an important breeding ground for the green sea turtles.
Afternoon: Suarez Point (Española)
Huge ocean waves crash onto the southern basaltic cliffs of Suarez Point, forming a spectacular blowhole, where the water sprays high into the air (depending on the season, the tide and how strongly the sea breeze pushes the waves). Take time for a meditative break on this peace-inducing viewpoint.
Accommodation: SolarisMeals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 04: SOLARIS
Floreana
Island
Morning: Cormorant Point and Champion Islet (Floreana)
The peninsula of Cormorant Point forms the extreme north cape of Floreana; at the landing beach, you will be welcomed by a small colony of Galapagos sea lions. The current can be a bit strong sometimes, so it should not be attempted by novice swimmers.
Afternoon: Post Office Bay and Baroness Viewpoint (Floreana)
In the 18th century, the crew of a whaling ship placed a wooden barrel at Post Office Bay. Letters put inside were collected and delivered by sailors returning home.
You can also climb the small basaltic cone of Baroness Lookout and enjoy the paradisiacal coastline views. There will be a long navigation at the end of the day, so we recommend you take medication for seasickness.
DAY 05: SOLARIS
Santiago
& Bartolomé
Morning: Sullivan Bay (Santiago)
The arrival in Sullivan Bay is like a moon landing. The desolate, sprawling fields seem to be mostly lifeless; but this island, which is particularly popular among photographers, still has a lot to offer.
Afternoon: BartoloméT
he beautiful volcanic islet of Bartolomé is among the youngest of the islands and, on a geological scale, was just recently born out of the fire.
To enjoy an idyllic view of Pinnacle Bay, climb the stairs to the viewpoint on top of the island (375ft/114m). The summit trail is also ideal for witnessing how pioneer vegetation, such as lava cactus, struggles to take root in the bare virgin lava fields.
DAY 06: GUAYAQUIL
Disembark
Santa Cruz
Morning: Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz)
This small bay, on the north side of Santa Cruz, offers a unique backdrop for unique adventures. The landscape makes you feel as if you’re in the Amazon rainforest rather than near the sea. Explore the quiet emerald lagoon and surrounding shallow bays with the inflatable dinghy. The crystal-clear water allows you to spot groups of whitetip reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, gold rays and spotted eagle rays.
Afternoon: Transfer to Baltra Airport
Assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew members, the dinghy will bring you and your luggage to Baltra, where we take the airport shuttle. From here, we fly to Guayaquil where it’s possible to connect with international flights this evening from 6pm onwards.
TRIP
Itinerary
SCROLL FOR MORE
DAY 01: QUITO
Hola
Quito!
There are free transfers available for all clients today – make sure to check the Joining Instructions for further details. A local guide will welcome you to Quito and explain the schedule for the next few days.
Accommodation: Hotel Wyndham (or similar)
DAY 02: SOLARIS
Cerro Colorado
Tortoises Reserve
Morning: Fly to Galapagos
You transfer to Quito Airport and fly to San Cristóbal Airport in the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival, you pass through the airport inspection point to make sure no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the island and to pay the national park entrance fee. Your guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbour where a dinghy will take you to the yacht.
Afternoon: Colorado Hill (San Cristóbal)
Cerro Colorado Tortoises Reserve, built to protect and expand the tortoise population on the island, is approximately 40 minutes by bus to the southeast of San Cristóbal. It includes a large corral, a visitor centre, a breeding centre and an interpretive trail.
Accommodation: SolarisMeals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 03: SOLARIS
Española
Island
Morning: Gardner Bay (Española)
Gardner Bay offers a wonderful place to refresh in the turquoise sea and to admire a large number of colourful reef fish. You can also snorkel with green sea turtles or watch the playful Galapagos sea lions. The white-sand beach is also an important breeding ground for the green sea turtles.
Afternoon: Suarez Point (Española)
Huge ocean waves crash onto the southern basaltic cliffs of Suarez Point, forming a spectacular blowhole, where the water sprays high into the air (depending on the season, the tide and how strongly the sea breeze pushes the waves). Take time for a meditative break on this peace-inducing viewpoint.
Accommodation: SolarisMeals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 04: SOLARIS
Floreana
Island
Morning: Cormorant Point and Champion Islet (Floreana)
The peninsula of Cormorant Point forms the extreme north cape of Floreana; at the landing beach, you will be welcomed by a small colony of Galapagos sea lions. The current can be a bit strong sometimes, so it should not be attempted by novice swimmers.
Afternoon: Post Office Bay and Baroness Viewpoint (Floreana)
In the 18th century, the crew of a whaling ship placed a wooden barrel at Post Office Bay. Letters put inside were collected and delivered by sailors returning home.
You can also climb the small basaltic cone of Baroness Lookout and enjoy the paradisiacal coastline views. There will be a long navigation at the end of the day, so we recommend you take medication for seasickness.
DAY 05: SOLARIS
Santiago
& Bartolomé
Morning: Sullivan Bay (Santiago)
The arrival in Sullivan Bay is like a moon landing. The desolate, sprawling fields seem to be mostly lifeless; but this island, which is particularly popular among photographers, still has a lot to offer.
Afternoon: BartoloméT
he beautiful volcanic islet of Bartolomé is among the youngest of the islands and, on a geological scale, was just recently born out of the fire.
To enjoy an idyllic view of Pinnacle Bay, climb the stairs to the viewpoint on top of the island (375ft/114m). The summit trail is also ideal for witnessing how pioneer vegetation, such as lava cactus, struggles to take root in the bare virgin lava fields.
DAY 06: GUAYAQUIL
Disembark
Santa Cruz
Morning: Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz)
This small bay, on the north side of Santa Cruz, offers a unique backdrop for unique adventures. The landscape makes you feel as if you’re in the Amazon rainforest rather than near the sea. Explore the quiet emerald lagoon and surrounding shallow bays with the inflatable dinghy. The crystal-clear water allows you to spot groups of whitetip reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, gold rays and spotted eagle rays.
Afternoon: Transfer to Baltra Airport
Assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew members, the dinghy will bring you and your luggage to Baltra, where we take the airport shuttle. From here, we fly to Guayaquil where it’s possible to connect with international flights this evening from 6pm onwards.
Pricing
Inquire for Pricing
The itinerary has a service based option. You can pick the events and experiences you want to be a part of. Fill out this with a small message as to what all you'll be interested in and we'd love to get things rolling for you!
You will be directed to our partner site for booking your plan
What's
Included
All breakfasts, four lunches, two dinners
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Arrival and departure transfers
What's not
Included
Travel insurance
Visas and vaccinations
Single accommodation (available on request)
