Galápagos Wildlife Odyssey
Aboard the M/C Endemic
This upgraded version of our classic Galapagos wildlife tour offers a superior value in the archipelago, featuring a comprehensive 6-day itinerary, aboard one of the finest vessels in the islands, the M/C Endemic. This generously proportioned catamaran with a small yacht atmosphere offers the highest levels of comfort, safety and service and is an ideal base of exploration of these remarkable islands.
Starting with an overnight in Guayaquil, our first day is spent in this vibrant coastal city of Ecuador, exploring parks, plazas and cultural sites. On Tuesday morning, we catch a flight to Baltra Island and start exploring aboard our comfortable 16-passenger, luxury mega catamaran. Accompanied by some of the best English-speaking naturalist guides in the Galápagos, we learn about the natural history of these enchanted islands, visiting the most outlying sites as well as important central and southern islands.
The M/C Endemic is very family-friendly, accommodating kids over 6 years old and teens with connecting staterooms and plenty of space on its decks and common areas.
Trip Highlights:
- Snap photos of brightly colored animals such as the Blue-footed boobies
- Snorkel with sea lions, sea urchins, sea turtles and other sea creatures
- Hike through the lunar landscape of jet-black fields of petrified lava
- Spot Galápagos Penguins waddling on the beach and diving for food
- Nearly trip over the friendly sea lions that are lounging in the sun
- See giant tortoises up close on Isabela Island
- Enjoy a great family time while riding a zodiac and watching whales, orcas or dolphins.
Galápagos Wildlife Odyssey
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1 (SUN): USA / GUAYAQUIL
Arrive this evening to Ecuador’s coastal, vibrant center city of Guayaquil.
DAY 2 (MON): GUAYAQUIL
A full-day city tour of Guayaquil’s historical sites and parks includes a scrumptious traditional lunch.
DAY 3 (TUE): GUAYAQUIL / BALTRA ISLAND / SANTIAGO ISLAND (GALAPAGOS)
Flight to Baltra, meet your naturalist guides and board the M/C Endemic, begin your 6-day Galapagos wildlife tour with a visit to Sullivan Bay walking over lava fields.
DAY 4 (WED): ISABELA ISLAND / SIERRA NEGRA VOLCANO
Explore Isabela Island and the wetlands with a variety of bird life, including gallinules, finches, stilts and ducks; or hike towards the Sierra Negra Volcano. Afternoon visit of the breeding center for the highly endangered giant tortoises.
DAY 5 (THU): ISABELA ISLAND / ELIZABETH BAY / URBINA BAY
Discover Elizabeth Bay by zodiac home to a penguin colony and to spotted eagle rays & golden rays. At Urbina Bay we follow a trail looking for colorful land iguanas, flightless cormorants, and blue-footed boobies.
DAY 6 (FRI): TAGUS COVE / FERNANDINA ISLAND
Tagus Cove is a historical site visited by Charles Darwin in 1835, observe sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions and sometimes dolphins. Venture to Espinoza Point in search of wildlife. Opportunities for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking.
DAY 7 (SAT): SANTIAGO ISLAND / RABIDA ISLAND
Buccaneer Cove used to be a haven for pirates, a nice area for snorkeling and kayaking. This afternoon walk on Rabida Island’s red sand beach, famous for its cactus groves and rock formations.
DAY 8 (SUN): BALTRA ISLAND / GUAYAQUIL
In the morning explore Mosquera Islet that hosts a population of sea lions, orca whales can be seen on occasion. Return to Baltra Island, transfer to the airport, and flight to Guayaquil. Depart this evening for an overnight flight home.
DAY 9 (MON): GUAYAQUIL / USA
Arrive in the US this morning.
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, difficulty rating, weather, and other planning details.
Galápagos Wildlife Odyssey
Dates & Rates
Departures
On request any week throughout the year, subject to availability.This trip is customizable according to your travel dates and preferences. To enhance your Galápagos experience, a land-based hotel stay can be arranged in combination with the M/C Endemic.
Plan ahead to secure your space!
Read more about booking a cruise with Southwind
2024 Land Cost* (6-day cruise)
4-6 participants: from $9,000 p.p.d.
7-12 participants: from $8,800 p.p.d.
Single Supplement: from $480 (hotels only)
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, inclusions/exclusions, estimated airfare, and other info.
Galápagos Wildlife Odyssey
Accommodations
Galápagos Wildlife Odyssey
Extensions
Length:3 Days/2 Nights from Quito
Season:Year-round
A 2-hour drive north from Quito lie the fertile valleys of the Lake District. Here we find the charming and historic Haciendas Cusin or Pinsaqui. Enjoy hiking, horseback riding, cycling, birding, and meeting local residents.
Length: 3 Days/2 Nights from Quito
Season: Year-round
At the Termas de Papallacta Lodge & Spa, relax among the clear natural hot spring pools and gardens. Nearby you can enjoy an optional 4-5 hour scenic day hike with views of the snow-capped summit of Antisana Volcano.
Length: 3 days/2 nights from Quito
Season: Year-round
Choose one of three unique lodges as a base. Each is located in the lush, pre-montane cloud forest. Enjoy wildlife viewing, birdwatching, nature hikes to secluded waterfalls, biking rolling hills, or the zip-line at Mindo.
Length: 4 or 5 days from Quito
Season: Year-round
A haven for nature lovers and families, Sacha is located within a private reserve on Pilchicocha Lake. Providing comfortable accommodations, highlights include nature hikes, a butterfly farm, and a canopy walkway.
Length: 4 or 5 days from Quito
Season: Year-round
This eco-lodge benefits from its isolated location inside Yasuni National Park. Arrive via a 2 hour canoe ride, then a 45 minute dugout canoe journey. Guests have spotted anacondas and several monkey species.