Exploring The Galapagos Islands
Along with our expert naturist guides, you’ll get the opportunity to explore this fascinating set of islands and their impact on our understanding of how the world works, just as Charles Darwin did, nearly 200 years ago. Unlike Darwin however, you’ll enjoy relaxing aboard our wonderful vessel,in your spacious berth and enjoying fine cuisine.
With a maximum of just 16 guests aboard plus the crew of 10, whether you choose the Eastern Route toward Española, Genovesa and San Cristóbal, or decide on the Western Route for Floreana, Isabela and Fernandina, you will have a trip filled with fascinating flora and fauna that only exist on these very islands, clear oceans to all horizons, delicious food, expert leadership, sea kayaks at your disposal, and most everyone’s favorite: snorkeling with sea lions, penguins, tropical fish, turtles, and rays. With each new dawn, you have a new island to explore and new animals to encounter.
Itinerary & Map
You’ll arrive into Guayaquil with private transfers to your hotel.
Included: Lunch and dinner
We’ll pick you up after breakfast for your flight from Guayaquil to Baltra. After formalities, we will visit giant tortoises in the wild in the Santa Cruz highlands before proceeding to lunch. After lunch, guests visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Late afternoon, we get to the boat, where you’ll be given a full safety briefing, shown to your stateroom and the customary welcome beverage. After dinner, our naturalist guide will present a rough outline of the week’s program with approximate times, events, what to expect and the basic do’s and don’ts of Galapagos shore excursions.
Included: All meals
Here is how a typical day aboard will work.
6:00 AM Guests awake to the sounds of music with a greeting from the naturalist.
6:30 AM Breakfast buffet including fresh fruit, a selection of cereals and breads, eggs made to order, fresh-squeezed juice, and coffee or tea.
7:15 AM First shore excursion: a 5-10 minute zodiac (dinghy) ride to shore. Leisurely paced walks over a variety of terrains. Plenty of time for bird watching and taking pictures.
10:30 AM Return to the boat. Guests are welcomed back aboard with snacks and fruit juices.
11:00 AM The group usually snorkels once every day.
12:00 PM Lunch: A three-course lunch is served, starting with a salad or a traditional soup, followed by a hot entrée and dessert.
1:00 PM Afternoon siesta. The yacht may be in transit for a few hours mid-day. If the yacht is not traveling, the time may be used for water recreation, swimming or kayaking.
3:00 PM Second Shore Visit. Another short panga ride to shore for more explorations along marked trails. Terrain, vistas, and featured birds and animals will vary. According to park rules, all visitors must be off the island by 6:00 PM, just in time to enjoy the sunset from the top deck with a beverage in-hand.
7:00 PM Dinner. The chef takes special pride in creating fresh, healthy meals. A variety of entrees feature chicken, meat, pork, and fish. Special meal requests and most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if notified in advance.
8:00 PM Evening presentation by naturalist guide, review day’s events and preview the next day’s activities. Depending on distance to next site, the crew will pull anchor any time between after dinner and early in the morning.
Included: All meals
We generally arrive back fairly late on day 8 into Baltra Harbor. This morning we’ll have an early breakfast and take you to the airport for your return flights. Upon arrival in either Quito or Guayaquil, guests will be met and transferred to their hotel for extended late evening check-out (or overnight stay), based on international flight connections.
Included: Breakfast
What you should bring
We find most of our clients have in their posession already what is needed for a river journey. We have broken down here the items into what you’ll need on the river and in camp. An equipment list of what you will require for your adventure will be sent to you prior to your departure.
Download equipment file- A pair of Chacos / Keens or similar sandals. (Sandals with a closed toe are ideal)
- 2 pairs of river shorts (longer leg length) shorts can be purchased from our online Water Shop.
- 2 Swimming costumes or bikinis for ladies.
- 2 rash vests (not cotton) or long sleeved top to wear under your personal flotation device.
- A baseball cap for under the helmet to keep sun off – can be purchased from our online Water Shop.
- Sunglasses.
- Chums for fastening your sunglasses to your head – can be purchased on line or from your river crew.
- 1 Litre Nalgene / Sigg or similar water bottle.
- Carabiner for fastening water bottle to your boat.
- Waterproof camera such as GoPro for the ‘action’ shots
- Waterproof sunscreen and lip balm SPF30 minimum.
- Lightweight neutral coloured long trousers.
- Lightweight tops – long sleeved shirt or t shirt.
- 1 pair of Shorts.
- Fleece jumper / sweatshirt.
- Sarong.
- Wide brimmed sun hat.
- Underwear.
- A 4-season sleeping bag for August departures, 3-season sleeping bag for September onwards. (Can be hired in advance)
- Travel Pillow.
- Light weight down jacket for August departures.
- Flip flops for wearing around camp.
- Thermal top and bottoms. (Good to sleep in)
- 1 pair of light weight neutral coloured trousers
- 1 long sleeved top or t shirt neutral coloured.
- Fleece or jumper.
- T shirt and shorts for day wear.
- Light weight down jacket for August departures.
- Wide brimmed sun hat.
- Glasses or Contact lenses. Disposable lenses are ideal.
- Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap and shampoo.
- Forget the cosmetics and hair dryer! But we do suggest moisturizer.
- Hand wipes and a small bottle of hand sanitiser.
- Small pack towel.
- Headlamp or head torch with spare batteries.
- Any medication you may be taking.
- Anti malarial medication.
- Insect repellent.
- Blister plasters.
- Your favourite book/kindle or a journal for recording your river memories.
- Sketchpad.
- Binoculars.
- Photographic or video equipment. We recommend a cleaning kit as sand gets everywhere.
- Spare memory card.
- Solar or portable charger.
- Zip lock bags to keep valuables dry and sand free.
- Rehydration tablets (Phizz, Nuun and O.R.S are easily available)
- The only money that you need to bring is for meals in town, souvenirs, DVD, personal items and the beer kitty for the raft trip if you drink. Please remember that many of the countries we visit do offer Credit Card and ATM facilities and for a small charge you can withdraw cash either from your account or Credit Card for convenience.
- If you wish to pass on a gratuity to your guide we leave this entirely up to you.
- Basically, we advise you to keep things as light as possible, without skimping on the necessities. It is great to bring back a load of goodies for everybody back at home.
- Tents, sleeping mats.
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