Name: Galapagos Express - Central, South & East Islands aboard the Archipel I
Brand: Explore
SKU: GA4B5
Price: 5260.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Experience the island chain that has enchanted explorers since Darwin first dropped anchor off its shores. Spend a week exploring the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos archipelago aboard a stylish vessel - the Archipel I. Explore from land and from the sea; find waved albatross on Espanola Island, head to Santa Cruz's verdant highlands to see giant tortoises in their natural environment, and snorkel with schools of tropical fish at Devil's Crown.

Why we love this trip

Archipel I Catamaran - Spend four nights cruising onboard this modern, spacious catamaran with a naturalist guide and experienced crew
Wildlife spotting - Spot blue-footed boobies, as well as sea lions, iguanas, Galapagos penguin, giant tortoises and much more
Snorkel and walk - Discover an underwater paradise as well as a volcanic landscape, with daily snorkelling and on-shore excursions

Included meals

Breakfast: 6

Lunch: 4

Dinner: 4
Trip staff

Boat Crew

Driver(s)

Naturalist(s)
Transport

Bus

Archipel I

Flight

Zodiac
i

Accommodation

4 nights comfortable boat

2 nights comfortable hotel
i

Trip pace:

Moderate
i

Group Size:

10 - 16
i

Wildlife rating

Wildlife focused tour

Itinerary

Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.

ga4b5-2025 ga4b5-2026

Day 1 - Join trip in Puembo, Quito: Arrive in Puembo, a quiet rural neighbourhood of Quito located around 20 minutes from the airport and 45 minutes from the downtown city centre.
Ecuador's mountain capital is, at 2,850m, the second highest capital in Latin America, lying in a narrow valley at the foot of the Pichincha Volcano. Arriving into the city by plane is quite spectacular as you approach over snow-capped mountains and extinct volcanoes - a window seat is recommended! You will be met on arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) by a driver to take you to this evening's hotel, where more information will be given to you about tomorrow's schedule.
The hotel is a tranquil, colonial-style property with a large garden and swimming pool. It's located in the countryside suburbs of Quito, near the airport; perfect for an early start tomorrow. The hotel can help organise a taxi for you into downtown Quito if you arrive early in the day and wish to visit the city.

Accommodation:

Hotel Rincon de Puembo (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Fly to the Galapagos; see giant tortoises at the Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre; board the Archipel I Catamaran: Today transfer to the airport early for your flight to the Galapagos Islands via Guayaquil (refueling stop only, you will not disembark the plane).
Lying on the Equator, 970km west of the Ecuadorean coast, the Galapagos National Park is a unique collection of islands, formed by volcanoes over hundreds of thousands of years and consisting of six main islands, 12 smaller islands, and over 40 small islets, each one supporting a distinct and unique flora and fauna, including prehistoric creatures found nowhere else on earth. This desolate and fantastic habitat was discovered in 1535 by Fray Tomas de Berlanga. Charles Darwin visited the islands on the Beagle exactly three hundred years later, in 1835. He observed the total isolation of the giant reptiles and other creatures, and this played a substantial part in his theory of evolution.
Of the extraordinary animals to be found in the Galapagos many are reptiles, such as the great tortoise, large land iguanas, numerous lizards and three species of non-poisonous snakes. There are also several species of turtle, which come ashore to mate. Up to three quarters of a million seabirds flock to the islands, including a third of the world's blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, pelicans, cormorants, albatross and petrels. Only 35cm tall, the Galapagos penguin can be seen swimming among tropical mangroves, whilst offshore it is common to see dolphins, sea lions and fur seals playing in the water. Fearless though not tame, the extraordinary wildlife is often inquisitive and the opportunities for photography are superb.
The Galapagos National Park charges a visitor fee of $100 USD (subject to change), payable in cash on arrival, which funds park maintenance and supervision in the Galapagos, as well as ecological study, conservation and infrastructure development in Ecuador's other national parks. Entry fees and the funds they generate for the national park system are among measures taken by the Ecuadorian government to protect its natural heritage.
At Baltra Airport, a guide will meet us to help us collect our luggage and accompany us on a short bus and a taxi boat ride across to Santa Cruz Island. This afternoon we visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre, where we can observe tortoises that come from various islands of the archipelago - at Fausto Llerena they are breeding tortoises only to repopulate areas where their populations have been affected by non-native wildlife (predominantly feral dogs). One of the main attractions here is the embalmed Lonesome George - estimated to have died at between 93 and 109 years of age, Lonesome George is recognised as the last of its kind, and as a symbol of the efforts invested into conserving endangered species.
After a visit to the centre, we continue to the port of Puerto Ayora, where we board our stylish vessel for the next week - the Archipel I.

Accommodation:

Archipel I (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Boat

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 - Observe the wildlife of Floreana Island and visit Post Office Bay: The peninsula of Cormorant Point forms the extreme north cape of Floreana, and at the landing beach we will be welcomed by a small Galapagos sea lion colony. Spot schools of stingrays hiding in the sandy bottom of the beach and, during the first months of the year, witness Pacific Green turtles coming ashore to bury their eggs. From Cormorant Point we head to the snorkelling spot at Devil's Crown, a coral reef surrounded by an eroded volcanic crater and the perfect home for marine life. Look out for small sharks, rays and schools of tropical fish. You may even spot Galapagos penguins here - this spot is the only place in the south-eastern archipelago where the Galapagos penguin resides.
Later in the afternoon, we stop at Post Office Bay. A barrel was placed here in the late 18th century by English whaling vessels to be used as a post office. Passing ships would stop to leave mail for loved ones, collecting at the same time any mail destined for ports on their itineraries. Today the box is used mainly by tourists, and you can drop off your own postcard, picking up an unstamped letter to post for someone else. You can also climb the small basalt cone at the Baroness Lookout for panoramic views of the coastline. This viewpoint was the famous spot of one of Floreana's first settlers, the eccentric baroness and self-proclaimed 'Empress of the Galapagos' Eloisa von Wagner.

Accommodation:

Archipel I (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Boat

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 - Snorkel in Gardner Bay and head onto Punta Suarez: Today we spend some time exploring Espanola Island, the southernmost island in the Galapagos archipelago and home to several wildlife species, including masked and blue-footed boobies. We'll sail into Gardner Bay, an excellent swimming and snorkelling site. Strap on your snorkel and if conditions allow, see an abundance of sea life including young sea lions and large schools of surprisingly big tropical fish, including yellow-tailed surgeonfish, king angelfish, and bump-head parrot fish.
In the afternoon, we head to Punta Suarez, where a hike to the top of the cliff makes for spectacular photo opportunities. This rugged point on the western side of Espanola Island is spectacular; gargantuan waves break on jagged cliffs and large bird colonies thickly populate the interior of the island. There is a distinct feel of desolate wilderness here. The waved albatross is seen here from April to December during its mating/nesting season. This bird leaves land between January and March each year to make its annual odyssey far out to sea. Amazingly, Espanola is the nesting site of virtually the entire world population of this species, with more than 12,000 pairs residing here. Large numbers of masked and blue-footed boobies are also found here, red-billed tropicbirds dash madly through the air, and both marine iguanas and sea lions are common. A huge blowhole at Suarez Point, where the surf is forced through a natural rock formation spouting seawater 15 to 20m into the air, adds to the island's impression of untamed beauty. We follow the trail through a rookery and learn the geological history of the island from our naturalist guide, including its dramatic volcanic features, climate, flora and fauna.

Accommodation:

Archipel I (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Boat

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 - Find sea lions at Pitt Point and snorkel at the atmospheric Witch Hill: The wind-sculptured volcanic cliffs at Pitt Point make up the extreme eastern end of San Cristobal, and therefore of the whole archipelago. These cliffs were the first sight of land when HMS Beagle and Charles Darwin arrived on the 15th September, 1835. On the small green-sand beach, we'll be welcomed by a group of barking Galapagos sea lions. This is a bachelor colony, where males usually relax and prepare themselves for fighting and mating.
In the afternoon, we land at Witch Hill, where the primary attraction is snorkelling off the coral-sand beach. This was one of the first sites visited by Charles Darwin in this inaugural expedition, and has an impressive landscape, where we may see pelicans, blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls, as well as marine iguanas.

Accommodation:

Archipel I (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Boat

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 - Explore the rugged beach at Lobos Islet; fly back to Quito: The tiny island of Lobos has some wonderful wildlife encounters to experience. On foot, view the sea and shore birds nesting and feeding. Spot a small colony of blue-footed boobies, or nesting frigatebirds, who mate here with clumsy dances - heaving their striking blue feet or blowing up their balloon-sized scarlet pouches - as well as finding a large colony of sea lions.
After this, assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew members, we travel to San Cristobal airport for our flight to Quito. On arrival back on the mainland, we transfer to the hotel for our final night in Ecuador.

Accommodation:

Hotel Rincon de Puembo (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Trip ends in Puembo, Quito: The trip ends after breakfast at the hotel in Puembo, Quito.
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at any time. Pick-up times for your airport transfer to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) will be re-confirmed locally. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at the hotel. If you would like to book additional nights in Quito at the end of your stay, these can be arranged either at the hotel in Puembo, or in a hotel in downtown Quito.
We recommend spending extra time in Quito, or adding to your nature-based holiday by booking our four-night Amazon extension package (trip code: AE).

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Is this the tour for you?

Our Galapagos cruises are operated in tandem with our Ecuadorian partners. You'll be joining an international group of travellers who may not have booked through Explore.
While we don't employ our usual tour leaders on our Galapagos cruises, a trained and experienced naturalist guide will accompany you throughout the islands.
Expect to be kept busy during your tour of the Galapagos - you'll have early starts for planned excursions, plus plenty of opportunities to snorkel.
Galapagos is a year - round destination; however, the waters are generally calmer between December and May - we recommend booking one of these departures if you're prone to seasickness.
Storage space on the Archipel is at a premium, so if you're sharing a cabin we advise you to pack a soft - sided bag with only the essentials for your stay. If you're making a longer trip in South America, you can leave additional baggage at the hotel in Quito.

Boat information

About the Archipel I

Explore the magnificent Galapagos Islands onboard this comfortable motor catamaran. With a spacious sun deck, you'll get front row seats to the incredible wildlife around you. And after a day's wildlife-watching and snorkelling, feast on delicious food in the dining area before retiring to the cosy lounge and bar.

More about Archipel I

Trip information

Climate and country information: Ecuador

Climate

Temperature ranges are similar all year round. In the highlands: the dry season lasts from June to mid-September. November and December are partially dry. The rainy months are October and from January to May, but showers are short and mostly in the afternoons. Temperatures range from 12°C to 24°C. Nights are cold at altitude (4°C - 10°C). The Coastal Region: from December to May it is hot and wet. From June to November it is generally cool and misty with sudden light showers. Temperatures range from 16°C to 32°C. The Amazon Area: it is humid all year round. Temperatures range from 16°C to 32°C. From April to August the rainfall is heavier. The Galapagos: On the Galapagos, the hot season is January to April with largely sunny days and the possibility of heavy showers; the cool season runs from May to December and is generally more cloudy with much cooler seas. Please note that although it is windier from July to November the sea can be rough at any time of the year. On the mainland the dry season lasts from June to October, though September can be wet.

Time difference to GMT

-5

Plugs

2 Pin Flat

Religion

Roman Catholic

Language

Spanish

Galapagos

Budgeting and packing: Clothing

We recommend that you do not bring too much clothing as space is limited in the cabins. We would advise that you pack a fleece top, waterproof jacket and a pair of hiking trousers or shorts, along with a small selection of casual clothes for shore excursions or relaxing on board. You will also need swimwear for the additional water-based activities offered.

Footwear

Bring comfortable walking shoes or trainers for walking around the islands, and sandals for relaxing on board. Plastic sandals or water shoes (not flip flops) are useful for wet landings.

Luggage

20Kg

Luggage: On tour

We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack (whichever you find easiest to carry). A good size daypack is also essential. If you don't wish to take your entire luggage with you to Galapagos, please ensure that you have an extra bag to leave behind in hotel storage and pick up on your return.

Please note that the amount of luggage you can bring on the boat is LIMITED due to small cabin size. We recommend travellers use soft sided duffel bags of 40-50 litres in capacity. We will accept other luggage types onboard, however if you are a single traveller sharing with another traveller, it's especially important to keep in mind that cabins are small in size and it's best to pack light.

Equipment

Pack a water bottle, sunglasses, insect repellent, high factor sunscreen, waterproof bag for camera and motion sickness tablets/patches for the boat. You may also wish to take binoculars. Full snorkelling equipment is provided free of charge on board, and wetsuits are available for rent if desired.

Tipping

Local crew

Onboard the Galapagos catamaran, tipping the naturalist guide and boat crew is customary. There will be two envelopes presented at the end of the voyage, one for the guide and one for crew members. The recommended amount is $15-18 USD per day from each traveller ($5-7 USD for the guide and $10-11 USD for the crew members). This is only a suggestion as we understand that tipping is a personal choice.
Please note : Payment for tips will need to be made in cash (USD) at the end of your trip.

Local fees

The Ecuadorian government currently levies a Galapagos Islands Park entry fee of $100 USD per person. This is payable at the airport upon arrival in the park. It is not included in the cost of the tour, and must be paid in cash. This fee funds park maintenance and supervision in Galapagos, as well as ecological study, conservation and infrastructure development in Ecuador's other national parks. Entry fees and the funds they generate for the national park system are among measures taken by the Ecuadorian government to protect its natural heritage.

The Galapagos National Park authorities have also implemented a system of Transit Control Cards at a fee of $20 USD per person. This fee is covered within the price of your trip, and information will be given to you upon arrival on how to pick up the transit card. Please retain this card along with your passport as you will be required to present this upon arrival to the Galapagos Islands. Please note that this applies to all tourists entering the Galapagos Islands and is a supplement to the existing entry fee to the national park and is not controlled by tour operators or travel agencies. It is the first of a number of initiatives to track, control and maintain the sustainable tourism targets set out by the Galapagos National Park and the Ecuadorian government in an attempt to preserve the fragile environment of the archipelago.

Ecuador

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.

Lunch price

£10

Dinner price

£13

Beer price

£1.7

Water price

£1.3

Foreign Exchange

Local currency

US Dollar.

Recommended Currency For Exchange

US Dollars are used in Ecuador. You can choose to either change your money in advance or on arrival at the airport. Here you will find both ATMs and Bureau de Change. The exchange rate with the USD is approximately USD 1.28 to the British Pound. We recommend you take small denominations as 100US$ bills are very difficult to use. Please check on line for up to date information

Where To Exchange

Your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.

ATM Availability

ATMs can be found in the major towns and cities for cash withdrawals in USD. Always have some cash back up as they are not always reliable

Credit Card Acceptance

Credit card are widely accepted in many shops and restaurants but some may be subject to a service charge

Travellers Cheques

We do not recommend Travellers Cheques

Galapagos

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.

Foreign Exchange

Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink: Transport Information

Bus, Archipel I, Flight, Zodiac

Ship description

The Archipel I is a comfortable 16-passenger catamaran that comprises eight cabins on the main deck, and a large upper deck entirely made up of social and relaxing space - perfect for soaking up the Ecuadorian sun. Of the eight cabins, six are twin-share and two have double beds. Each one has a private bathroom, air conditioning and sea-view windows. All meals are served aboard the vessel. There is an outdoor and indoor dining area, as well as a comfortable lounge, open sun deck and a small selection of books available to borrow. Snorkelling equipment is included at no extra charge.

The daily schedule consists of two excursions per day; these could be snorkelling, shore excursions or panga explorations. Lunch is taken aboard the boat, and there will be the chance for a siesta before the afternoon excursion. In the evening after dinner, your naturalist guide will brief you on the islands to be visited the following day. You are ferried from the yacht to shore via small boats called pangas. Landings are either 'dry' or 'wet', where you may have to wade ashore in shallow water. Your naturalist guide will accompany you during all excursions. Snorkelling and swimming are a large part of this trip and water-based activities will be offered on most days while travelling in the Galapagos. Please note, if you are not keen on water sports, there will often be no alternative to the extra water-based activity offered, other than staying and relaxing aboard the vessel. In some landing spots, there might be an option to walk on shore but this would be without a guide.

Our Galapagos trips are often part of longer or shorter itineraries, so it is not unusual that some of the group may change mid-way through your trip.

Cabins

Please note that the rooming on our Galapagos yachts is done on a first-come, first-serve basis, and we are not able to guarantee the specific cabin you will receive on board. All of the cabins on the Archipel I are on the main deck, accessed from the inside but with sea view windows, and are extremely comfortable with a private toilet and shower. We can also offer single occupancy at a supplement which will be subject to availability at the time of booking.

A full layout of the deck plan can be found under the Galapagos Boats section on our website.

Whilst navigating, there may be some noise from the engine room. Travelling between islands often takes place overnight, so we recommend bringing a set of earplugs with you, and expecting some movement.

Ship dining

On our Galapagos yachts, food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. Dining is casual and tables are unassigned. There is always a selection of different meals available, and vegetarians will find plenty of options. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice, please advise us at time of confirmation. Coffee, tea and water are all provided free of charge. All other beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are not included and can be purchased at the bar.

Approximate prices :
Beer - $4 - 6 USD
Bottle of wine - $30-$40 USD
Spirits / cocktails - $6-10 USD

Please note : While cards are accepted on board, the internet connection needed for the payment machine is intermittent. We recommend that payment for drinks is made in cash (USD).

Ecuador

Food and drink

Can you drink the water?
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip.

Galapagos

Food and drink

Can you drink the water?
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip.

Essential Information: Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page. The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions

Visa and Passport Information

Ecuador: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. In order for your visa to be granted on arrival, you will be required to show proof of travel insurance valid for the duration of your trip. Please also ensure your passport is stamped with the T3 permit (for 30 or 90 days) on arrival in Ecuador. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.

Galapagos Islands: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.

For the Galapagos a pre-registration form does need to be completed 24hours before arriving on the islands. This is completed online at:

https:/iiws.gobiernogalapagos.gob.eciicgg_web/

Once on the website, select the Individual Pre-Registration on the left hand side, this is shown under TCT pre-registration.

USA: (including those in transit) Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can enter the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) - where you apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation), which applies if you enter the country by sea or by air. This must be done on line - https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding.

You must have an electronic passport with a digital chip containing biometric information about the passport owner. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover.

If you have visited Iraq, Syria, Iran or Sudan since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel.

Please note for your ESTA application you will be required to supply Point of Contact information. Explore' s USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. If you are leaving for the USA before this, please call the Explore team to get this information.(Not necessary if in transit)

For further information please check out the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html

Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp
Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.

Minimum age restrictions
For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information.

Your safety and enjoyment on tour
We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred.

Your Tour Leader
All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information.

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.

Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.

Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Ability to swim

An ability to swim is essential for your safe enjoyment of the water based activities on this trip. If you wish to participate in these activities then we insist that you are able to swim. Snorkelling and swimming form a large part of this trip and are included in addition to the standard daily itinerary. Please note, if you are not keen on water sports, there will often be no alternative to the extra water-based activity offered, other than staying and relaxing aboard the vessel. In some landing spots, there might be an option to walk on shore but this would be without a guide.

Ecuador

Vaccinations

We recommend protection against malaria, Tetanus, Infectious Hepatitis, Typhoid and Polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Yellow fever in only recommended for those travelling east of the Andes (Amazon Extension). Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Galapagos

Additional Information

Dates, prices and booking

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Wed 14 May 2025

Tue 20 May 2025

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US$5260