8-Nights Galapagos Wildlife Adventure - Luxury Small Group Journeys from $12,720

Abercrombie & Kent: Galápagos Wildlife Adventure

DAY 1 Guayaquil, Ecuador

Arrive in Guayaquil, where you are met and transferred toyour hotel.

Fly to Baltra in the remote Galápagos Islands, a haven forthe diversity of wildlife that first led naturalist CharlesDarwin to propose that species evolved in response totheir environment. You are met by your naturalist guideand escorted to La Pinta, your home for a six-night cruisethrough the Galápagos’ western islands, a route that offersa higher number of endemic species than other islandgroupings. After an introductory briefing followed bylunch, cruise to North Seymour Island for your first shoreexcursion. Walk along the coast and the interior of this beautiful flat island, observing numerous bird colonies aswell as sea lion and land iguana. You may also opt to explorejust offshore by dinghy. This evening, return to La Pintafor a welcome cocktail and dinner. Each evening, yourtime is your own: Attend a lecture presented by one of youraffable guides, who recaps the day and gives a sneak peek attomorrow’s itinerary; explore the mysteries of the night skywith a fascinating astronomy talk; peruse the ship’s libraryfor further insight into a species you encountered; or gatherin the lounge to cap off a day of extraordinary discoveries.Drift asleep in your air-conditioned cabin to the rise and fallof gentle ocean swells.

Today, begin at Isabela Island (Punta Vicente Roca). Since thereis no landing site at this location, explore the coast by skiffwhile your naturalist guide explains the dramatic geology ofthe area, such as the remains of lava flows and tuff rock layers.Watch for the island’s abundant wildlife and snorkel alongthe cliffs, possibly in the company of a green sea turtle. Thisafternoon, visit the youngest and most pristine island of thearchipelago, Fernandina (Punta Espinoza), to go ashore andview its combination of barrenness and abundant wildlife.Watch for species such as hawk, penguin and flightlesscormorant as you take in the astounding views of thesurrounding volcanic landscapes.

Disembark at Urbina Bay, on the western side of IsabelaIsland, to view corals, shells and large, colorful Galápagosland iguana. You may also sight giant tortoise further inland.Cruise up to secluded Tagus Cove on the island’s northwest coast, once a favorite anchorage for pirates and whalers. Goashore for a hike to saltwater-filled Darwin Crater. Opt tosnorkel or kayak if you wish before your hike. Return to theship for a Scenic Sundowner and dinner.

Go ashore on Rábida Island’s beach to view marine iguana,mockingbird, yellow warbler and several species of Darwin’sfinch. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach.Non-snorkelers may opt to explore via glass-bottom boat.Proceed to the north shore of Santa Cruz Island to view the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill). Circlea lagoon frequented by sea birds, such as red-footed booby,and trek inland to sight land iguana.

Continue your explorations on Santa Cruz with a visit toPuerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station. Getup close to the examples of giant tortoise living on site ina prickly pear cactus forest. Learn from about their latestconservation efforts, and then head to the highlands forlunch. Afterward, view the exuberant vegetation where giant tortoise roam in the wild, perhaps spotting one of the iconic,lumbering reptiles yourself.

After breakfast, Ride like a Local by panga (small boat) alongchannels on the north shore of Floreana Island, continuing toBaroness Cove with its breathtaking views. Then, land at PostOffice Bay to visit the historic barrel that has been servingas a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries.Return to the ship to proceed to Punta Cormorant. Beforedisembarking, snorkel or ride by glass-bottom boat, viewinglife beneath the waves. Cruise along the coast of an extinctvolcanic cone called Champion Islet. Later, go ashore atPunta Cormorant for an easy walk beside a brackish waterlagoon where the greater flamingo may be observed. Ventureto the other side of the island to find a white-sand beachwhere sea turtle come to nest at night.

Disembark in Baltra and fly back to Guayaquil. Enjoy timeto relax before gathering for a Chef's Table Experience in theform of a cocktail class before a farewell dinner at your hotel’srestaurant.

After breakfast, transfer to theairport to board your flight home.