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Galápagos Western Itinerary - Petrel

Icy FPO

You'll love this stylish and comfortable yacht for your Galápagos adventure! This US-based operator offers in-depth guiding plus an overnight in a tortoise reserve.

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SPECIAL OFFER

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9.2*

ECO SCORE

16

PASSENGERS

10

DAYS

3/5

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Galápagos: Drink It In

Welcome Aboard the

Offer

Petrel

The Galápagos Islands, forged of black lava and named for the giant tortoises that are among their most noted inhabitants, are like no other place on Earth. Home to a profuse array of unique wildlife, the islands offer an immersion in nature that feels primeval. Iguanas and blue-footed boobies share the beaches with us, unfazed by our presence. Friendly sea lions—and sometimes inquisitive porpoises—play with us in the clear turquoise water, as Galápagos penguins dart by and sea turtles glide past. Author Herman Melville, who visited the islands in 1841, shortly after Darwin's momentous visit, called them the "Enchanted Isles"—an apt moniker for a realm that remains otherworldly, even today.
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    • Enjoy an immersive exploration of the Galápagos, with a full week aboard a privately chartered yacht carrying just 16 guests and including 2 naturalist guides rather than the usual 1 per 16 passengers.
    • Overnight in wild tortoise terrain at a private camp in the Santa Cruz highlands.
    • Travel with a wildlife-passionate operator known for offering an up-close look at the world's most fascinating animals.

Travel Curator’s Insights:

SPECIAL OFFER:

Rates:
From $9,995 per person

Departs Wednesdays, year-round.

The Galápagos Islands are a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your interests. From December to May, the warm season offers calmer seas, sunny skies, and excellent snorkeling with vibrant marine life. From June to November, cooler waters bring nutrient-rich currents, attracting diverse wildlife and making this the prime time for birdwatching and observing unique animal behaviors.

Inquire with your preferred dates.

Year-round departures on Wednesdays;
Hover here for more information.

Departures:

Trip Sustainability Awards 

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Carbon

Offsets all CO2 outputs from trips and office operations

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Conservation

Has contributed more than $4.5 million to the WWF

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Waste

Has eliminated use of single-use plastic bottles and straws

Itinerary 

Day 1: Quito, Ecuador
Upon arrival at the airport in Quito, you are met by our local guide and transferred to the city's historic center, about an hour away. Our boutique hotel is located in the heart of the colonial quarter. Enjoy dinner on your own this evening at one of Quito’s many fine restaurants.

Accommodation: Patio Andaluz


Patio Andaluz: Patio Andaluz is a luxurious boutique hotel located in the heart of historic “Quito Antiguo,” the beautifully preserved colonial section of the city declared a World Heritage Site in 1978. The charming hotel occupies an original 16th-century house near Independence Plaza and the famous gilded La Compañia church.

Day 2: Exploring Historic Quito
After breakfast, embark on a full day of discovery in Ecuador’s capital. Heralded as Latin America’s best-preserved colonial city, Quito’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with cobblestone lanes, elegant plazas and monuments, and ornate gilded churches. On a guided city tour this morning, take in a panorama of the city and surrounding volcanic peaks from Panecillo Hill, visit the 16th-century Church and Convent of San Francisco, and wander through San Francisco Square. 


Make a brief visit to Casa del Alabado Museum, a private archaeological collection of pre-Columbian artifacts dating back to Ecuador's oldest indigenous cultures. Marvel at the baroque splendor of La Compañia Church with its gleaming gold-leaf interior, and survey Independence Plaza, the original center of Quito from which we view the Archbishop’s Palace, Cathedral and Presidential Palace. Along the way, we’ll stop for a lunch of traditional Ecuadorian food. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the city further on your own or visit the traditional workshops along La Ronda, one of Quito’s oldest streets, where artisans craft everything from hats to wooden toys to fine chocolate. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner with one of our Expedition Leaders.

Accommodation: Patio Andaluz

Day 3: Quito / Baltra, Galápagos Islands—Board M/C Petrel / North Seymour
Depart early this morning for the Quito airport and our flight to the Galápagos Islands. Landing on Baltra, meet our second Expedition Leader who accompanies us to the pier where the Petrel awaits. Settle in, then join our guides for a safety briefing and orientation to the adventures that lie ahead. After lunch aboard, we make our first landing at North Seymour, a small geological uplift where we follow a trail among swallow-tailed gulls, blue-footed boobies and endemic land iguanas. North Seymour is also home to the Galapagos’ largest colony of magnificent frigatebirds. As we stroll along the beach, we find marine iguanas and sea lions bodysurfing the northerly swells.

Day 4: Isabela—Punta Vicente Roca / Fernandina—Punta Espinoza
Isabela is our destination today, the largest of the Galapagos Islands. Shaped like a seahorse, it was created when six volcanoes flowed together. Beginning at Punta Vicente Roca, take a panga ride along a shoreline brimming with wildlife, and time permitting, we’ll snorkel at a spot where we frequently see sea turtles. Chances are good to spot Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, brown noddies and Galapagos fur seals. After lunch, Petrel crosses the Bolivar Channel en route to Fernandina, the youngest of the Galapagos islands. From the deck, keep an eye out for whales and dolphins, often on view in the passage. 


Fernandina has one of the most dynamic and pristine ecosystems on Earth, displaying vivid evidence of recent volcanic activity. Eruptions in 2018 sent lava flowing all the way to the sea, providing a stark backdrop for wildlife viewing. We land at Punta Espinoza, where a surprising variety of life flourishes on the rope-like pahoehoe lava: flightless cormorants nest on the rocks and huge colonies of marine iguanas bask in the sun, while Galápagos hawks soar overhead. Bright orange Sally Lightfoot crabs pepper the black rocks at water's edge, contrasting with the turquoise sea. A snorkeling excursion offers a good chance to see sea turtles and submerged marine iguanas feeding on algae.

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Day 5: Isabela—Tagus Cove / Urbina Bay
Back on Isabela, spend the morning in Tagus Cove where we find graffiti dating to the 1800s, when pirates and whalers carved their ship names into the rock above a historic anchorage. Look for flightless cormorants on the shoreline and Galápagos penguins below the surface as we snorkel. Then, choose between two activities: a hike among the volcanic tuff cones for a closer look at the island's geological history, with views of Darwin's Lagoon, or a panga ride to look for blue-footed boobies perched on the cliff ledges, as well as brown pelicans, brown noddies and flightless cormorants. At Urbina Bay this afternoon, witness one of the best examples of geological uplift in the archipelago, a phenomenon that occurs when molten rock beneath the surface suddenly shifts. In 1954, the shoreline was heaved upward nearly 15 feet, exposing coral and stranding marine organisms above the water on what is now the shore. Urbina is home to nesting sea turtles and a colony of some of the islands' largest land iguanas. We also look for Galápagos tortoises and a variety of Darwin's finches.

Day 6: Isabela—Elizabeth Bay / Punta Moreno
On the southern side of Isabela, Petrel enters Elizabeth Bay to explore a sprinkling of islets, a lagoon frequented by sea turtles, and surrounding red and black mangroves. On a panga ride, search for resting and feeding sea turtles along with lava herons, Galápagos penguins, rays and flightless cormorants. Sailing west to Punta Moreno, we observe several endemic species on the seemingly barren lava flows. The point is located between two volcanoes, Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul, and we step ashore to walk atop the hardened lava. At first glance, the corrugated rock landscape appears lifeless. However, the hard black surface is dotted with numerous shallow lagoons that harbor a wide variety of birdlife. Commonly seen species include flamingos, paint-billed crakes and white-cheeked pintails. We’ll also see endemic Galápagos flora taking root on this young, barren lava flow, including giant candelabra cactus, Palo Santo trees, carob trees and lichens. The protected waters of Moreno Bay are surrounded by mangroves—ideal habitat for sea turtles, which we may spy as we snorkel.

Day 7: Isabela—Sierra Negra / Puerto Villamil
Isabela, the archipelago’s largest island, formed by five volcanoes, is also one of the youngest and a marvelous world within itself. The laid-back island town of Puerto Villamil is our home base for a variety of engaging activity options today. Wander trails through the wetlands located just outside town, comprised of lagoons, swamps, and mangroves that are home to a variety of bird species such as common stilts, whimbrels, white-cheeked pintail ducks, gallinules and other shore birds. We may also visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center or the Wall of Tears, a penal colony that existed on Isabela between 1945 and 1959. For a more adventurous option, take an excursion to Sierra Negra volcano and peer from the rim into the vast caldera, one of the largest in the world at 4 miles across.


Day 8: Santa Cruz—Darwin Station / Natural Habitat's Tortoise Camp
Arrive at Santa Cruz where our day begins with a visit to Puerto Ayora, the island’s main town, to visit the world-famous tortoise-rearing center at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here, international scientists conduct research dedicated to conserving the unique habitats and species of the Galápagos. At the facility, visit the protection pens where hatchlings are bred to help increase depleted tortoise populations, a central mission for both the research station and Galápagos National Park. To date, more than 5,000 tortoises bred at the station have been released into the wild.

After time to explore town, followed by lunch back on board, we ascend into the misty highlands of Santa Cruz to reach this operator's private Tortoise Camp. This exclusive setting offers a rare opportunity to spend a night in wild tortoise habitat, and these ancient, gentle reptiles that are the archipelago's namesake often wander right through camp. Accommodations are in safari-style raised platform tents and treehouses with views of the ocean. While rustic, they offer comfortable amenities, including real beds and private en suite facilities. But the real treat of a stay here is our proximity to wild tortoises, which are attracted to the area's lush vegetation. They are most commonly seen in camp from July through February. From March to June, we make an excursion to a nearby tortoise reserve for closer views, as they migrate seasonally to a lower elevation.  Please note: At times, Tortoise Camp may be closed due to poor weather conditions.

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Day 9: Santa Cruz Highlands / Santa Fe
Spend the morning exploring a network of subterranean lava tubes and caverns adjacent to Tortoise Camp. Returning to Petrel, we'll have lunch aboard and sail for Santa Fe. On a short hike through a forest of prickly pear cacti, look for the endemic land iguanas that wait patiently underneath for fruit to drop. We explore a small islet surrounded by great reef diversity, then set out for a cruise along Santa Fe’s north coast. Along this expanse, large cliffs and sea caves are used by many seabird species for nesting and roosting, as well as by basking green sea turtles and sea lions.

Day 10: San Cristobal—Disembark / Quito / Depart
This morning we make a landing at Isla Lobos, where we take a short panga ride along the shore to observe a frigatebird colony and walk inland to greet the resident sea lion colony. We'll also hope to see blue-footed and Nazca boobies. Once we reach San Cristobal, where we disembark, it’s time to bid farewell to the Galápagos Islands and fly back to the mainland, landing at the airport in Quito. On arrival, travelers booked on overnight flights home may transfer to a hotel just minutes away, to refresh and relax in a comfortable day room before nighttime departures. A complimentary shuttle will return you to the airport in time for your evening flight.

Please note: The itinerary provided is meant as a guideline and is subject to change without notice. On rare occasions, it may be necessary to deviate from the regular itinerary for reasons beyond this operator's control. In these instances they will provide the best available alternative.

Activity Level: Easy to Moderate. These Galápagos adventures feature a full agenda each day, with early mornings and long days filled with various activities. Activities primarily include island walks, swimming and snorkeling. Trails are often rough and uneven, crossing sharp lava fields and loose rocks and gravel. Walking over slippery rocks is sometimes necessary when stepping ashore. Passengers must be able to walk a minimum of two miles to participate in this trip, walk up and down stairs, and be able to get in and out of motorized pangas (rigid inflatable rafts), which can be very unsteady in rough water.

 A few wet landings, where we disembark from the panga directly into the water and walk up onto the beach, are required. Itineraries that feature a visit to Bartolome include a walk with more than 300 wooden steps to reach the viewpoint at the top of the island and itineraries that visit Española include a 2-mile hike on a trail made of primarily lava and rock. Snorkeling is a big component of this trip, with excursions offered nearly every day, sometimes twice a day. While no snorkeling experience is required, prior practice is recommended, and travelers should be comfortable swimming in moderate currents and in deep water where you can see the bottom but cannot stand up. Our Expedition Leaders will also offer instruction for those in need of additional snorkeling guidance. Travelers are not required to participate in every activity.

Elevation in Quito:
Please note that on most departures, our first two nights are spent in Quito at an elevation of 9,300 feet. The relative lack of oxygen at this elevation may manifest in altitude-sickness symptoms that can include headaches, dizziness, tiredness and nausea during the first few hours or days spent at elevation. Hydration and rest usually help symptoms to resolve, though participants may wish to talk with their doctor about taking along a prescription for a medication such as Diamox to better manage potential physical reactions to high altitude.


Limited to 16 Travelers / 15 Travelers on Photo Departures:  A very important feature of this operator's Galápagos tour is the limited group size, as the islands and their unique wildlife are best encountered in the lower-impact presence of a small group. And our guests get far more personalized attention from our guides, including a richer interpretive experience, in a small-group context. This operator includes 1 guide per 8 passengers while the Galápagos National Park regulation is 1 guide per 16 passengers.

Petrel

The 115-foot Petrel is named after a seabird common to the Galápagos. Like its namesake, Petrel is elegant and swift. This motorized luxury catamaran is designed for comfort and stability while conveying guests in style between the islands of the Galápagos. Eight large staterooms, including two suites, accommodate up to 16 guests. Cabins have varied configurations with either two full beds which can convert to a queen or a single king. Each has a private balcony, ample closet storage, writing desk and en suite bathroom. An additional ninth cabin offers cozy single accommodations. Interior decor is as clean and contemporary as the ship's exterior profile, featuring a palette of black and white accented with scarlet and gold. Chrome, leather and glossy teak floors accentuate the modern design. An open top deck
offers 360-degree views, while a spacious lounge provides room to relax in the air-conditioned interior. Enjoy fine meals in the dining room or on the aft deck. Two bars offer outdoor refreshments, while a Jacuzzi and library round out the ship's shared spaces.

Capacity: 16 Guests
Cabins: 8
Specialists: Two Highly-Credentialed Naturalists, Expert Crew

ACHIEVEMENTS 

Voted "World's Best Travel Company" by Outside Magazine
2019 Pure Life Experiences Transformative Travel Award
2019 Afar Magazine Best Trips and Destinations

"The Petrel is a lovely 16-passenger yacht with contemporary styling and well-designed public areas. The spacious lounge offers comfortable group seating particularly well-suited to a private charter or multigenerational family group. The Category 2 cabins are quite huge offering a seating area separated from the bed area. The shining wood floors and wooden accents make for a charming and comfortable home at sea while you take in the extraordinary Galápagos animals. Highly recommended!"

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Life On Board

Deck Plan

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Questions?

Rates

Rates
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CATEGORY 1

Located on the main deck closest to the dining room or upper deck, queen-sized beds but can be converted to two full-sized beds. The cabins are approximately 323 sq. ft.

From in USD:

$9,995pp

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CATEGORY 2

Larger suites located on the main deck, king-sized beds, chair can be converted into a small sofa bed for triples (recommended for children.) The cabins are approximately 463 sq. ft.

From in USD:

$10,695pp

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CATEGORY 1 SOLO

The Petrel's Solo Cabin, cabin 9 is located on the upper deck. It has one twin bed, a chair, a closet and nightstand, and is approximately 151 sq. ft.

From in USD:

$11,995pp

This US-based company offers consistently outstanding adventures. Traveling with them brings additional peace of mind. Plus, their special tortoise safari camp night is a big hit!

Joy Martinello, Founder

Questions?

Cancelation

What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:

WHAT'S INCLUDED
Accommodations including the Ocean Spray, Petrel or the Nemo III, deluxe private Tortoise Camp, and hotel on the mainland, services of professional Expedition Leaders, all meals from breakfast on Day 2 through breakfast on final day, local beer and house wine with dinner aboard the ship, snorkeling gear and wetsuit, most gratuities, airport transfers on Day 1 and final day, all activities and entrance fees, all taxes and service fees. Internal air cost includes: Round-trip flights between Quito and the Galápagos (this will be listed separately on our invoicing).

NOT INCLUDED
Travel to and from the start and end point of your trip, some alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, passport and visa fees (if any), optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry and internet, etc.), airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes (if any), required medical evacuation insurance, optional travel protection insurance.

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