Galapagos Islands Cruise

Located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, bisected by the Equator, is the Galapagos Islands; one of nature’s most captivating destinations. Unique creatures seemingly lost in time, moon like volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life characterize the Galapagos. The unique and unusual wildlife, which have adapted to varied conditions, have become a living study of evolutionary science. Here the nineteenth century explorer and biologist, Charles Darwin, turned the world around with his insightful writings, “On the Origin of the Species”. 

But more inspiring is the endearing, sometimes comical and natural behavior of the animals here. With little fear of man, sea lions jump in to play alongside swimmers, iguanas sit patiently for portraits, while boobies and frigate birds pursue their mates within an arm’s length of visitors. To observe a waved Albatross take flight or the birth of a sea lion pup is an unforgettable experience.

These rich and prolific expressions of life are contrasted by the timeless setting of the Galapagos Islands where you feel as if you have stepped into another magical world—for a ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE!

Our yacht has a sleek designed interior with 8 double cabins that can be a king size bed or 2 twins. The Ocean Spray offers extremely spacious cabins compared to other yachts with high-end facilities and amenities. The main deck and upper deck suites offer sweeping ocean views and each has a private balcony where guests can unwind and enjoy the islands while cruising. All of the staterooms feature premium biodegradable amenities, deluxe bed linens, and natural lighting. At the top of the catamaran, guests can enjoy the sky deck, which has a whirlpool and comfortable lounge chairs. It is also ideal for spotting wildlife while cruising aboard the vessel.

The passenger briefing lounge is for presentations by top-ranked naturalist guides and social areas of the Ocean Spray are very comfortable and spacious; here is also a library available for reading about both the Galapagos and Ecuador in general. All excursions are guided by our top ranked expert guides, offering unique moments with the endemic Galapagos wildlife.

Each guided excursion features walks, kayaking, snorkeling, paddle boarding, Zodiac rides, wildlife observation, and many more surprises.

Wildlife we are likely to see includes: sea lions, shorebirds, white-cheeked pintail ducks, penguins, Galapagos hawks, tropical fish, sally lightfoot crabs, pelicans and blue-footed boobies.   Also—nazca boobies, fur seals, sea turtles, flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, land iguanas, Galapagos tortoises, frigate birds, great blue herons, finches, mockingbirds, lava lizards, frigate birds, swallow-tailed gulls, seabirds.

ARRIVAL QUITO

Welcome to Quito!  Once you land in Quito, our designated guide will greet you.  He will escort us to our modern hotel, where we can relax and get settled.  This is a group transfer; arrangements can be made for those arriving at different times.

Wyndham Garden Quito

FULL DAY OUTSIDE QUITO (B, L, D)

Escape the city’s hustle and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty and adventure that awaits just outside Quito.  We will begin our cultural journey with a scenic drive through the stunning Andean landscape to the enchanting town of Otavalo, home to one of South America’s most vibrant and colorful indigenous markets. Dive into a bustling sea of textiles, handicrafts, and local artworks, each piece narrating a story of tradition and craftsmanship. Find an authentic alpaca poncho, an embroidered Zuleta blouse, or adorable sweaters for your grandchildren.

Lunch at the historic and beautiful Hacienda Pinsaqui

This enriching journey includes intriguing stops along the way. We will visit the fascinating Quitsato Museum to explore the wonders of the EQUATOR. It’s really fun to have one leg north of the equator and one south!  We really enjoyed this site a lot last year!

We will also visit the town of Cayambe to sample the traditional bizcochos, a delectable local pastry traditional to the area, that is served with cheese or dulce de leche (another local specialty.)

Dinner at La Gloria  – one of the BEST restaurants in Quito.

Overnight at Wyndham Garden Quito

FLIGHT TO GALAPAGOS ISLANDS (B, L, D)

Morning flight to Galapagos Islands.  We will arrive at Baltra Airport and be transferred to the Ocean Spray yacht, our home for the next 5 days.

Chinese Hat

This site offers rare, up-close viewing of Galapagos wildlife and well-preserved remnants of fragile volcanic rock that can’t be found in such a unique condition anywhere else. The island is named after the similarity of an Asian type of hat.  You can see American Oystercatchers and Galapagos Penguins swimming along the shores.

CRUISE (B,L,D)

Isabela- Vicente Roca Point
Vicente Roca Point has outstanding geological formations and is a great place to see various bird species.  Because this visitor site is located on the western area of the island, the Cromwell Current provides cold water that carries many nutrients for both land and aquatic species, offering the chance to see fantastic feeding frenzies. 

Fernandina – Espinoza Point 
As one of the most pristine islands in the archipelago, Fernandina has never had a foreign species invade.  It is also the most active island and farthest west.  Espinoza point is the only visitor site on the entire island.  Here, you can see marine iguanas and Galapagos hawks and enjoy a walk and snorkeling activity at one of the most natural, unspoiled sites in the entire world!

CRUISE (B,L,D)

Isabela – Tagus Cove 
If you like historic remnants, then you will enjoy finding what was left behind by pirates and sailors in the 1800s.  This site was one of their preferred pit stops while traveling the seas. The walk here will provide incredible views of the cove and, on the other side, the mangrove forest where the last 35 pairs of Mangrove finches thrive. 

Isabela – Urbina Bay  
Millions of years ago, Urbina Bay was once lying on the ocean floor.  Volcanic uplifts caused it to rise, and now it is occupied by sea lions, land iguanas, and flightless cormorants.  It is a great place to enjoy some free time on the beach or the guide may suggest a walk. 

CRUISE (B,L,D)

Isabela – Elizabeth Bay 
This visitor site is visited by dinghy only, as the park authorities have no authorized landing to protect the island. While in the dinghy, you can appreciate the abundance of marine life in the clear waters.

Isabela – Moreno Point 
The beautiful rocky shores of Moreno Point offer a plethora of birds to be seen. It is truly a birder’s delight. The main attraction is the coast lagoons, where white-tipped sharks can be seen. The panoramic views of Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes cannot be missed. 

Video: Top 10 reasons to snorkel in the Galapagos

CRUISE (B,L,D)

Santa Cruz – Charles Darwin Research Station 
The Charles Darwin Research Station is one of the Galapagos Island’s most important visitor sites. The research facility carefully preserves an extensive collection of Galapagos plant life specimens. It also acts as a biological research station and active breeding center operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation.  Their most extensive conservation efforts are to one day eliminate all invasive and non-native plants and animals destroying endemic species within the islands.   

Santa Cruz – Highlands 
The highlands are located in the northern part of Santa Cruz and can reach elevations up to 1500 meters.  This area is rich with hills, ferns, volcanoes, and wildlife.  A great contrast to the molten lava-hardened beaches and rocky areas of other islands already seen.  It is home to giant tortoises, mockingbirds, finches, and many other species. 

CRUISE / FLIGHT TO QUITO (B)

South Plaza Island 
South Plaza is one of the most minor islands with a visitor site but is home to an incredible amount of diverse flora and fauna. It has a large population of Sesuvium plants, like the prickly pear cactus tree, an important food source for the land iguana. Just a few years ago, mice were finally eradicated from the island, helping the population of land guanas grow healthily once more. The fantastic colors of the turquoise waters against the black lava create a setting for incredible photography opportunities. 

Fly back to Quito
Depart from Baltra airport for our return flight to mainland Ecuador. 
Wyndham Garden Airport or similar.

DEPARTURE (B)

Depending on the time of your flight, we may have time to visit a mineral hot springs resort + spa in the mountains outside of Quito.  Transportation provided to the airport after our magical tour of the Galapagos Islands.

$6725 in shared cabin + shared hotel room.
Please note that single rooms are not available (unless you would like to pay double).

A deposit of $800 is required to reserve your space.  Please read below for important information about travel insurance

2^nd payment Feb 1, 2025 – $2900
Final payment June 1, 2025 – $3025

Send your check to Susan Duval, 200 Spruce St, Apt C5, Doylestown PA 18901.
OR by Zelle to SusanDuvalSeminars@gmail.com
OR by Venmo (full payment) to Susan-Duval-2
OR by credit card via Paypal to SusanDuvalSeminars@gmail.com

CONTACT SUSAN FOR A REGISTRATION FORM
Call 267-614-6012 cell or email SusanDuvalSeminars@gmail.com

• 3 nights hotel accommodations in Quito
• 8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners
• Private group day tour outside of Quito
• Private Charter: 5 night cruise on the Luxury Yacht Ocean Spray
• Airport transfers for same time group arrival + departures
• Internal flights: Round trip from Quito to Baltra, Galapagos Islands
• Local guides in each region of the program
• Galapagos National Park fee and tax – $200 per person
• Snorkel equipment and wetsuit

• International Airfare to Quito, Ecuador
• Meals not specified in the itinerary
• Alcohol and soft drinks
• Trip cancellation / emergency medical travel insurance
• Gratuity and tips to hotel staff and yacht crew 
• Private airport transfers 

Insurance

The purchase of trip cancellation / emergency medical travel insurance is highly recommended for unforeseen emergencies.

No one likes to buy it, but if you need it, you’ll be really happy to have it.

Click here for Susan’s favorite travel insurance company with prices for various reputable travel insurance policies (especially for age 70+)

If you have pre-existing conditions, it’s best to select a policy that covers you for them.  Usually you need to buy it for the FULL cost of your trip within 10 days after putting down the deposit for th tour.  Call customer service for assistance with this.

NOTE: If you don’t have any pre-existing conditions, you may purchase travel insurance to cover your deposit and then add to it when you buy your flights + make the second and final payments.