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Cruise the Galapagos Islands in comfort on the 16-passenger luxury Motor Catamaran, Journey III. On 7, 8, and 11 day itineraries, guests will enjoy the stability and spaciousness of this catamaran while visiting an array of different islands and observing the fantastic flora and fauna. The shallow draft design of the Journey III Catamaran allows access to remote waterways where guests have the opportunity for up-close and personal encounters with wildlife. Experienced naturalist guides teach travelers about the flora, fauna and natural history of the Galapagos Islands during daily shore excursions. Time is spent observing the great diversity of wildlife found in the Galapagos Islands, snorkeling in crystalline waters, enjoying idyllic beaches, walking through surreal lava landscapes, stargazing at night from the decks of the ship and much, much more.

Our Galapagos cruises combine the finest small ships and yachts with the most talented naturalist guides. A range of activities are offered that are designed to bring you into intimate contact with the unique creatures and ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands. Spend more time ashore hiking among nesting birds, more time snorkeling with sea lions, or perhaps just relaxing on a crescent beach.

The Journey III Catamaran cruise packages begin and end in colonial Quito, Ecuador and include Quito hotel accommodations, airport/hotel transfers, round trip flights from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands and a half day tour of Quito's old town, a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site. Join us and see why, quite simply, our small ship and yacht cruises to the Galapagos Islands have all the ingredients for a vacation of a lifetime!

Day 1 -FRI- Arrive Quito Ecuador

Begin your Galapagos Odyssey Cruise Package in Quito, Ecuador. Upon arrival at the Quito international airport you are met by our local representative. A transfer to your Quito hotel is included.

Accommodations: Hotel Patio Andaluz or similar
Included Meals: none

Day 2 -SAT- Colonial Quito

South America's oldest capitol city, Quito sits at 9,184-feet elevation. It has been amazingly preserved and is protected as a UNESCO world heritage site. Enjoy a three hour guided walking tour of Quito's colonial center including Independence Plaza, La Compania Church and San Francisco Cathedral. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy this lively city, rest or prepare for your Galapagos Cruise.

Accommodations: Hotel Patio Andaluz or similar
Included Meals: breakfast

Day 3 -SUN- Quito to Baltra & Santa Cruz: Darwin Research Station

Morning transfer to Quito International Airport for a three-hour flight to the island of Baltra, Galapagos. Upon arrival at the Baltra air strip expedition leaders from the Journey III will meet you, collect your luggage and then assist you with your transfer to the M/C Galapagos Journey III. The transfer involves a short ride in motorized rafts, locally referred to as "pangas". The M/C Journey III crew will welcome you aboard, and show you to your cabin before a delicious lunch is served. After a brief safety drill, the Galapagos Journey II will set sail for its first destination: the Charles Darwin Research Station, located on the southern side of Santa Cruz Island. Visit the Galapagos Islands National Park Information Center and learn about the conservation efforts and protection programs currently implemented in Galapagos National Park. The goal of the research center is to conserve the natural habitat and to allow tourists to appreciate all the unique species of flora and fauna found in the Galapagos Archipelago. Of great interest to many visitors is the captive rearing program for Galapagos Giant Tortoises. Giant tortoises were originally found on 10 of the Galapagos Islands and have become adapted to the conditions of each. On arid, sparsely vegetated islands such as Pinta and Espanola, only those Giant Tortoises with flared up shells and longer necks could reach the high-growing plants. In wetter regions such as Santa Cruz Island and southern Isabela the Giant Tortoises retained their domed shells and grew much bigger. The research center is home to the well known - and last remaining- Pinta Island tortoise (Geochelone elephantopus abingdoni) known by his caregivers as Lonesome George. This informative visit enables guests to acquire a more comprehensive understanding of the areas they are visiting, and consequently enriches the experiences in the destinations that lay ahead.

Accommodations: Journey III
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 -MON- Espanola Island: Gardner Bay, Punta Suarez

Located in the south eastern region of the Galapagos Archipelago, Espanola (Hood) is small and flat with no visible volcanic crater or vent. One of the oldest of the Galapagos Islands, Espanola features Punta Suarez, which boasts one of the densest and most diversified concentrations of wildlife in the world. The area is famous for its marine iguanas with unique copper-red patches, swallow-tailed gulls, lava lizards, finches, long-billed mockingbirds, blue-footed and masked boobies and oystercatchers. Punta Suarez is also the site of a spectacular blowhole; view its thundering spray that shoots thirty yards into the air. Gardner Bay, located on the eastern shore of the island, hosts a magnificent beach frequented by a transient colony of sea lions and is a major nesting site for marine turtles. Around the small islets nearby, snorkelers will encounter many fish and possibly turtles and sharks.

Accommodations: Journey III
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 -TUE- Santa Fe Island & South Plazas Island

Santa Fe, also called Barrington Island, is located in the center of the Galapagos Archipelago. It is one of the oldest of the Galapagos Islands, as determined by a study of its lava which measures an age of 750,000 to nearly 3 million years old. Although presently not a volcanically active island, its fiery volcanic past has left an interesting landscape, scarred by a series of east-west faults. Shore excursions lead visitors through this surreal landscape with visits to the Opuntia Cacti - the tallest cactus site in the Galapagos - and walks into the highlands where land iguanas may be seen. After ample exploration on land, guests enjoy returning to the beach for a relaxing swim in Santa Fe's calm waters and a snorkel with Santa Fe's playful Sea Lions. South Las Plazas Island is one of two small islets that were uplifted a short distance from the East Coast of Santa Cruz. The island features unusual vegetation which contributes to its interesting landscape. Despite its small size, South Plazas Island is full of wildlife. Some of the most interesting and popular species of the Galapagos Archipelago are found here including land iguanas, sea lions, and Fork-Tailed Gulls. Enjoy walks along the base of South Plaza's steep cliffs and also the beautiful, expansive views for those adventurous travelers who walk to the top.

Accommodations: Journey III
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 -WED- North Seymour Island & Bartolome Island: Pinnacle Rock

North Seymour is an uplifted island (as opposed to volcanic) that is generally flat and strewn with boulders. There are several active nesting sites here for a large population of magnificent frigate birds. The trees are dotted with male frigate birds trying to attract the attention of the females by inflating their bright red skin flaps. They will sometimes fly in the air to call even more attention to themselves; this is, in itself, a humorous display, as the puffy flap throws off their sense of balance! There's a circular path that takes visitors across the island to a beautiful rocky shore where Blue-footed Boobies perform their courtship dance in open areas and swallow-tailed gulls perch on the edges of cliffs. Despite the tremendous surf that can pound the outer shore, sea lions make their way to the beach and can be seen bodysurfing. After lunch, disembark the Galapagos Journey III at Bartolome Island. On a short hike to an altitude of 114mts (375ft) observe one of the most beautiful landscapes of all the Galapagos Islands. Volcanic cones, lunar-like craters, lava fields and the famous "Pinnacle Rock" all contribute to this incredible view. Pinnacle Rock is the distinctive characteristic of this island, and one of the most representative landmarks of the Gal�pagos Archipelago. On its two beautiful beaches Galapagos Penguins and sea turtles are frequently seen. Swim and snorkel from one of the beautiful beaches and observe the many multicolored fish that inhabit the crystalline waters.

Accommodations: Journey III
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 -THU- Isabela Island: Tagus Cove, Elizabeth Bay

Named after a British warship which anchored here in 1814, Tagus cove is located on the western side of Isabela Island. Pangas (small motorized rafts) are used to explore the cove and enables visitors to get closer to the tall, imposing, sheer cliffs, full of wildlife. Penguins, marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, Blue Footed Boobies and sea lions are all found here. After ample exploration in the pangas, land on the shore, and climb up the nearby trail for a view of Darwin's Lake, located at the base of Darwin Volcano. Darwin's Lake is a curious and intriguing saltwater lake found several feet above sea level. Scientists believe that the porous, volcanic rock composition of the island facilitates the absorption of the water from the ocean below. Further along the coast of Isabela Island is Elizabeth Bay. Elizabeth Bay is a marine site with no landing point, visited only by excursions on the pangas. The exploration of this site begins with a visit to the Marielas Islets - home to the largest and most important penguin colony and breeding site in the Galapagos Islands. The panga excursion continues into the nearby coves, surrounded by a labyrinth of red mangroves, where you may observe sea turtles, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, brown pelicans and sea lions. Occasionally seen here are the Galapagos Hawks, circling overhead, admiring the Pompanos and Dorados below.

Accommodations: Journey III
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 -FRI- Isabela Island: Urbina Bay & Fernandina: Espinosa Point

Urbina Bay is located directly west of Isabela's Volcano Alcedo. Here we make an easy, wet landing onto a gently sloping beach. Walk amongst dried coral heads, mollusks and other organisms, evidence of an uplift from the sea which occurred in 1954. From here take an easy walk to the Alcedo and Darwin volcanoes. Keep an eye out for colored land iguanas and the possibility of seeing giant Galapago turtles, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, and Galapagos penguins. A short trip across the Bolivar Channel leads to the volcanic island of Fernandina. The immense shield of the La Cumbre Volcano provides an impressive backdrop for Punta Espinosa, a narrow spit of sand and lava rock that extends from the base of the volcano into the sea. Walk past the lava field, and through the nearby vegetation, to observe a large colony of marine iguanas; they rest on top of one another in friendly heaps along the rocky shoreline. Other wild animals such as the flightless cormorant, penguin, sea lion and marine turtle are also found in this region.

Accommodations: Journey III
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 -SAT- Floreana: Post Office Bay, Punta Cormorant, Devil's Crown

Post Office Bay gets its name because of an old wooden barrel that was placed there by the crew of a whaling ship in the 18th century. The barrel was intended to be used as a post office box, enabling whalers and others to keep in touch with their loved ones at home. Leaving the letters behind in the wooden barrel, other sailors returning home would take the letters with them and deliver them to the intended recipient. Apart from serving as a "post office", this site was the landing area for some of the first colonists arriving to the Galapagos Islands. Nearby Punta Cormorant offers one of the largest and the most impressive flamingo lagoons in the Galapagos. The point is situated between two volcanic tuff cones that give the area a special atmosphere. In addition to the flamingos, there are various other species of shorebirds to be seen, the most frequent being common stilts, white-checked pintail ducks and other migratories. This is a unique zone due to the high percentage of endemism in the plant life. The two distinct and highly contrasting beaches found here are also very interesting. The "green beach" derives its name from a high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand and the "flour sand beach" is a white sand beach formed by the erosion of coral skeletons. Not far from the shore, beneath the sea lies a shallow sunken crater that makes for one of the best snorkeling sites in Galapagos. Known as Devils Crown, this almost completely submerged volcano offers an interesting backdrop for snorkelers while they observe the wide variety of colorful fish found here.

Accommodations: Journey III
Included Meals: breakfast,lunch and dinner

Day 10 -SUN- Santa Cruz Highlands, Return to Quito

This morning take a walk in the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island. The trail to the highlands leaves from the small town of Bellavista. Because 300 feet of altitude difference in the Galapagos has the same effect on the vegetation as a 2000 feet variance on the mainland, your surroundings change quickly as you climb into the highlands of Santa Cruz. Passing through the agricultural zone, near the National Park boundary, the Ionia Zone, and then the Fern and Sedge zones, the scenery shifts dramatically before your eyes. High above the sea below, this area affords beautiful views of rolling hills, extinct volcanic cones covered with grass, and lush greenery all year round. Following the visit to the Santa Cruz Highlands, transfer to the airport in Baltra for the return flight back to mainland Ecuador, arriving in the afternoon. Upon arrival in Quito, you are greeted by our local representative. A transfer to your Quito hotel is provided.

Accommodations: Hotel Patio Andaluz or similar
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch

Day 11 -MON- Depart Quito

Transportation will be provided to the Quito International Airport. Consider extending your Galapagos Cruise with an excursion into the Amazon Basin rainforest or Machu Picchu, Peru.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast



11 Day Itinerary - Mon - Thu:
Day 1: Arrive Quito, Hotel
Day 2: Quito
Day 3: Fly to Baltra, transfer to vessel. Bartolome Island
Day 4: Isabela Island: Tagus Cove, Elizabeth Bay
Day 5: Isabela Island: Urbina Bay & Fernandina Island: Punta Espinoza
Day 6: Floreana: Post office Bay, P.Cormorant, Devils Crown
Day 7: Santa Cruz Island: Highlands, Charles Darwin Research Station
Day 8: Espa�ola Island: Gardner Bay, Punta Suarez
Day 9: Santa Fe Island & South Plazas Island
Day 10: North Seymour Island & Fly Baltra to Quito
Day 11: Depart


8 Day Itinerary - Mon - Mon:
Day 1: Arrive Quito, Hotel
Day 2: Quito
Day 3: Fly Baltra, transfer to vessel. Bartolome Island
Day 4: Isabela Island: Tagus Cove, Elizabeth Bay
Day 5: Isabela Island: Urbina Bay & Fernandina Island: Punta Espinoza
Day 6: Floreana: Post office Bay, P.Cormorant, Devils Crown
Day 7: Santa Cruz Island: Highlands, Return to Quito
Day 8: Depart



Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be flexible makes our style of cruising unique.

Single Travelers: Single cabins are available for a 75% supplement. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will guarantee double occupancy rates for cabins even if we are unable to match you with a roommate. This program is not available during peak season or during holidays.

Land Cost Includes: Three nights Quito hotel accommodations with breakfast included, all airport/ hotel transfers, Galapagos flight, Galapagos National Park entrance fees & taxes, Galapagos transit card, Galapagos cruise including all meals while aboard and an experienced Galapagos Islands naturalist guide.

Not Included: Airfare from US to Quito; excess baggage charges; airport departure tax from Quito; tips to local staff and items of a personal nature such as soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, laundry fees and insurance of any kind.

Arrival and Departure: This trip begins and ends in Quito, Ecuador. Plan flights to arrive at any time on Day 1 and depart anytime on the last day. Airport transfers are included for travelers arriving and departing on scheduled arrival/departure days. This trip can also be arranged to begin and end in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: We charge a higher deposit of $1000 for our Galapagos trips at the time of booking with the final payment due 90 days from departure. A special cancellation policy also applies to all Galapagos trips, which is stricter than the AdventureSmith Explorations policy. When a trip cancellation is received inside of 70 days from departure, all trip costs are 100% non-refundable. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Accommodations Aboard: The Journey III Catamaran is a luxurious motor catamaran with room for 16 persons in spacious cabins. On board the Journey III you will have the comfort of a stable, spacious, luxurious and fast catamaran built for Galapagos travel. The advantages of a catamaran are a smoother, more stable ride, more deck space and more environmently-friendly.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Daily excursions from the boat to the islands will be made in pangas (dinghies). Trip members will hike from the landing point to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours roundtrip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Given the islands volcanic origin, and the fact that most walking is done over pristine and irregular volcanic terrain, guests must be in suitable physical condition. Two types of shore landings are planned in the Galapagos Islands. On Dry Landings guests will step from the dinghy directly onto rocks or a dock. On wet Landings, as the dinghy edges onto a sandy beach, guests step into knee deep water and wade ashore. There are numerous opportunities to swim and snorkel. Sit on top kayaks are also available.

Snorkeling: The underwater experience is an integral part of any Galapagos cruise. We encourage all travelers to try snorkeling. Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, floating vest and net bag) are provided for the duration of the cruise. Shortie wet suits may be available for rent and are recommended from June to December. If interested, please advise your adventure coordinator upon booking.

Extending Your Trip: Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining this trip with our Mainland Ecuador and Peru: Machu Picchu extensions.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.


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