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Visitors come to the Galapagos to experience the islands and the unique flora and fauna found throughout the archipelago. Voyages aboard the 100 passenger Galapagos Explorer II have been designed in such a way that allows visitors to perceive the Galapagos from different perspectives: guided naturalist-led hikes, relaxing walks along the beach, snorkeling with marine mammals and swimming! Islands are visited twice daily and always involve a leisurely hike in a small group, led by your own naturalist guide.

Our Galapagos cruises combine luxurious comforts and delicious meals with the most talented naturalist guides offering a range of activities designed to bring you into intimate contact with the unique creatures and ecosystems of the Galápagos. Spend more time ashore hiking among nesting frigate birds or albatross, more time snorkeling with sea lions, or perhaps just relaxing on a crescent beach.

The Explorer II 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 Galápagos Islands and a half day tour of the 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 Galápagos Islands are the vacation of a lifetime!

Day 1 -THU - Arrive Quito Ecuador

Upon arrival at the Quito, Ecuador international airport you are met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel.

Accommodations: Hotel Patio Andaluz or similar
Included Meals: none

Day 2 -FRI- 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 Galápagos Naturalist Cruise.

Accommodations: Hotel Patio Andaluz or similar
Included Meals: breakfast

Day 3 -SAT- Fly Quito to Baltra & Santa Cruz Island: Dragon Hill

Fly to the Galapagos to begin your cruise, arriving on Baltra Island, a small island located in the central part of the Galapagos Archipelago. During World War II this island was an important military base for the US Army. It is now used by the Ecuadorian Army and other representatives of the Galapagos National Park. After a 15 minutes bus ride from the airport to the Baltra pier, board a zodiac and transfer to the ship. Your seagoing home is the M/V Galapagos Explorer II, a 293-foot, first-class ocean-going cruise ship that carries 100 passengers. Comfortable cabins feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms and a small sitting area. Experienced naturalists lead shore expeditions to search for wildlife and to educate you about the fascinating natural history of these volcanic islands. Following an afternoon meal, visit your first site of the cruise: Dragon Hill. Dragon Hill is located at the northwest side of the Santa Cruz Island, and is named so because of the important colonies of land iguanas that live in this area. For most of the year, you can see flamingos in marshland lakes, Darwin Finches, Hooded mockingbirds and lava lizards. This area is very dry and arid; consequently, you can find some Opuntia cactus, Palo Santo and other plants. The landscape is beautiful: gaze at Rabida Island to the west and Santa Cruz Island to the east. In the beach zone observe coastal plants, marine iguanas, sea lions, American oystercatchers, pelicans and a colony of small blue-footed boobies. This visit has a wet landing and a 1.5 mile flat trail (2 hours hiking).

Accommodations: Explorer II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 -SUN- Bartolome Island & Santiago(James) Island: Puerto Egas

Bartolome is an island of varied volcanic rock formations with a 350-foot summit that provides a fabulous panoramic view of the surroundings. Depending upon the weather, you may be able to spot nearly five other islands. This is arguably one of the most spectacular views of the entire Galapagos Archipelago. Make a wet landing in a nearby cove and visit a small colony of Galapagos penguins-the only penguins north of the equator. Sea lions are also found here laying on the beach. Take a walk beyond the beach and discover interesting flora such as red and white mangroves, salt bush, morning glory and prickly pear cactuses. In the afternoon visit Puerto Egas on Santiago(James) Island. The landing is on a black beach with eroded rock formations forming the backdrop. A trail crosses the dry interior, where the remains of a salt-mining enterprise can still be seen; the path then continues down along the coast where you will pass intertidal pools that are home to a variety of invertebrate organisms.
Land iguanas are scattered around feeding on exposed algae, while Oyster Catchers try to capture Sally Lightfoot Crabs. The trail then leads to the Fur Seal Grottos, one of the only places in the islands where Fur Seals can be seen.


Accommodations: Explorer II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 -MON- Fernandina Island: Espinoza & Isabela: Vicente Roca

Fernandina is the youngest and westernmost island in Galapagos Archipelago. Land at Punta Espinoza, a narrow stretch of land where some of the most unusual Galapagos species can be seen. While the panga driver skillfully eludes the reef to reach the landing site, look for penguins diving off the rocks into the water. Sally Lightfoot Crabs disperse on the lava near the shore and herons, sandpipers and wimbrels explore the mangrove roots. Marine iguanas congregate in larger groups here than on any other island. They are everywhere: basking in the sand, swimming near the shore, grazing on the exposed seaweed in the lava and sometime blocking the way at the landing dock. This is one of the few places where there is the opportunity, if the water is clear, of watching them feed underwater while snorkeling. Following a trail inland, observe two distinctly different types of lava flows. At the tip of one of the small peninsulas, Flightless Cormorants are found. With no predators on the island, these serpent-necked birds have adapted for swimming and not for flight; another example of evolution at work in "nature's laboratory." In the afternoon visit Isabela Island, the largest island in the Galapagos Archipelago. Isabela is composed of six shield volcanoes that have merged into a single land mass. Wolf Volcano on Isabela is also the highest point in the Galapagos Archipelago. The Galapagos Explorer II is one of only a few faster, better-equipped boats able to make the long journey from the central islands to the visitor sites on the western side of Isabela. The worthwhile trip allows visitors to view unique species that exist only in this part of the archipelago. With massive volcanoes silhouetted against the sky, the western side of Isabela offers a striking contrast to the lower-lying islands of the east. Located on the north-western tip of Isabela Island, our exploration of Punta Vicente Roca is done completely by dinghy. Launch on a coastal dinghy-ride skirting 400-500 feet cliff. Blue-footed boobies, masked boobies & pelicans can be seen here, and Sea-turtles can be seen feeding along the shoreline. Colonies of fur-seals & marine iguanas, and sea lions are also present. Continue in the dinghy along the base of the sheer cliffs and approach a secluded cove and a large cave that allows for snorkeling and sightseeing. Snorkeler and marvel at a great variety of marine life, including manta rays, sea turtles, sea-lions, stingrays and even dolphins and sunfish.

Accommodations: Explorer II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 -TUE- North Seymour Island & Santa Cruz Island: Highlands

North Seymour is a small flat island. Relax on a long sandy stretch of beach where sea lions and marine iguanas playfully spend their time next to a surf wave. Take a walk to the interior of North Seymour Island and explore the Palo Santo and small Opuntia cactus forest. Bluefooted boobies and magnificent Frigate bird colonies can be found here. In the afternoon sail to the island of Santa Cruz. Disembark and board a bus for a 45-minute journey through dramatically changing vegetation zones on the way to the Santa Cruz Highlands. About 40 giant tortoises live in the wild in the Highlands. Approaching them quietly, for an opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures at great length. Another attraction close by is a very large lava tube, created by cooling lava. Descend the wooden stairway to the mouth of its arched entrance and continue underground to the narrow passage that marks its exit.


Accommodations: Explorer II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 -WED- San Cristobal Island: Puerto Moreno

Weather conditions and National Park Regulations will determine the events of the morning. Possible visits include: La Loberia- a chance to observe sea lion colonies, marine iguanas, warbler, finches, blue-footed boobies; Isla Lobos- a seasonal nesting location for the Blue-footed Booby; Interpretation Center- a state of the art facility offering information and educational programs to both tourists local inhabitants a complete education on the Islands. In the afternoon visit Cerro Brujo (Wizard Hill). Make a wet landing at a lovely beach and enjoy plenty of free time for swimming, snorkeling and other activities. Blue-footed Boobies, brown pelicans, whimbrels, sander lings, Darwin's finches, yellow warblers, and other animals abound.

Accommodations: Explorer II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 -THU- Hood (Española): Punta Suarez & Gardner Bay

This morning visit Hood Island, the southernmost island of the Galapagos Archipelago. Due to its isolation, the island has a large population of unique, indigenous wildlife. Explore Punta Suarez, one of the most spectacular spots in the Galapagos, and look for sea lions surfing the breaking waves and groups of iguanas basking in the sun. Further inland, Masked and Blue-footed Boobies nest beside the trails. Hike a trail that leads towards the cliffs to the Blowhole, a fissure in the lava cliffs where seawater jets high in the air. In the afternoon visit Gardner Bay - a 1km long beach that is among the most magnificent in all the Galapagos. Its turquoise colored water makes a beautiful contrast to the white sand beach that consists of shell dust. Gardner Bay is also home to many sea lion colonies. About 150 feet from the coast there is a rock outcrop where you can encounter tropical fish and rays while snorkeling. Even more spectacular is nearby Gardner Rock, reachable only by dinghy, home to white-tipped reef shark, and other colorful sea dwellers.

Accommodations: Explorer II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 -FRI- Santa Cruz Island: Darwin Station & Rabida Island

This morning make a dry landing in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the scientific research and restorative efforts currently being conducted in Galapagos Islands National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the Galapagos Tortoise Breeding and Rearing Center, where tortoises of different subspecies are prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats. Following a visit to the Research Center, enjoy free time strolling through Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos Islands. Rabida Island is the next stop on the itinerary. Rabida is a small island covered by dry and coastal vegetation, and has a central volcano of 3950 square feet. Rabida Island contains the largest variety of lava types, red being the dominant color. A salt-water lagoon provides occasional sights of Flamingos. While the beach holds a large sea lion colony, fur seals also may be seen here. Red sands and turquoise waters characterize this island. Sea lions cover the waterfront, and the bull is always making a show of his bravado. Take a short walk to the top of the trail for the chance to take fabulous photos of the clear waters and volcanic peaks. There's also great snorkeling. Keep near the rocks and keep your eye out for sharks and rays.

Accommodations: Explorer II
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 -SAT- Santa Cruz Island: Bachas Beach, Baltra & Fly to Quito

This morning enjoy your time at your final white sand beach of the cruise - Bachas Beach. Bachas is a delightful swimming beach, with a small lagoon behind it where you can see flamingos, whimbrels, blue herons, pelicans, Sally Lightfoot crabs and marine iguanas. In the afternoon, the cruise finishes. Guests take a zodiac ride to the Baltra pier and then transfer to the aiprot for flights back to mainland Ecuador arriving around 5:30pm. Transfer to your hotel.

Accommodations: Hotel Patio Andaluz or similar
Included Meals: breakfast

Day 11 -SUN- Depart Quito

Transportation is provided to the airport for return flights home or for excursions into the Amazon Basin rainforest or Machu Picchu.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast



11 Day Alternative Cruise Itinerary aboard the Explorer II
Day 1 – MON - Arrive Quito
Day 2 – TUE - Colonial Quito
Day 3 – WED – Quito to San Cristobal Island, Cerro Brujo
Day 4 – THU - Espanola (Hood) Island: Punta Suarez and Gardner Bay
Day 5 – FRI - Puerto Ayora, Darwin Station, Rabida Island
Day 6 – SAT – Santa Cruz: Bachas Beach, Cerro Dragon
Day 7 – SUN - Bartolome Island & Santiago: Puerto Egas
Day 8 – MON - Fernandina: Punta Espinosa & Isablea: Vicente Roca
Day 9 – TUE - North Seymour Island & Santa Cruz Highlands
Day 10 – WED - San Cristobal Island return to Quito
Day 11 - THU - Depart


8 Day Galapagos Cruise Itinerary aboard the Explorer II:
Day 1 – THU - Arrive Quito
Day 2 – FRI - Colonial Quito
Day 3 – SAT - Quito to Baltra, Embark Cruise, Santa Cruz Island
Day 4 – SUN - Bartolome Island and Puerto Egas, Santiago Island
Day 5 – MON - Fernandina: Punta Espinosa & Isablea: Vicente Roca
Day 6 – TUE - North Seymour Island & Santa Cruz Highlands
Day 7 – WED - San Cristobal Island return to Quito
Day 8 – THU – Depart



7 Day Galapagos Cruise Itinerary aboard the Explorer II:
Day 1 – MON - Arrive Quito
Day 2 – TUE - Colonial Quito
Day 3 – WED – Quito to San Cristobal Island, Cerro Brujo
Day 4 – THU - Espanola (Hood) Island: Punta Suarez and Gardner Bay
Day 5 – FRI - Puerto Ayora, Darwin Station, Rabida Island
Day 6 – SAT - Santa Cruz: Bachas Beach, Cerro Dragon
Day 7 – SUN - 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 adventure travel and cruising unique.

Single Travelers: Single cabins are available for an 80% supplement.

Family Travelers: Children under 12 receive a discount when traveling with at least 1 adult. The Explorer II features some rooms that can accommodate triples in a sofa bed. There are also a couple of interconnected suites that are perfect for families and small groups. An adult must accompany children under 18 years old. Children under 7 years of age are not allowed on board.

Cost Includes: Three nights Quito hotel accommodations with breakfast included, all airport/ hotel transfers, Galapagos flight, Galapagos cruise including all meals while aboard and an experienced Galapagos Islands naturalist guide, land and sea transportation.

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, snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, 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 deposit of $1000 at the time of booking with the final payment due 90 days from departure. A special cancellation policy 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 Explorer II can accommodate 100 guests. Life aboard a small boat requires some physical agility and a flexible and social nature. Accommodations are in double cabins, each with toilet and shower. For the convenience of the guests, the Explorer II has an elevator on board that accesses all decks. The crew of 70 includes: the captain, multilingual naturalist guides, cooks, barman/waiters, mechanics, deck hands and sailors. All meals are prepared and served by the crew on board. Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase on board. Hairdryers are available on board by request.

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 round trip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist. There are numerous opportunities to swim and snorkel

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 available for a fee. 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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