Charles Darwin may have gotten here first, but his ride definitely wasn’t as nice. Join us aboard the splendid Evolution (G10) and set sail for an adventure to the less-visited western and central islands. Check out Fernandina’s massive marine iguana colonies, meet giant tortoises that are over 100 years old, get a deeper understanding of ecology at the Charles Darwin Foundation and snorkel amidst cavorting sea lions off the shores of Española. Best of all, you’ll have a pair of Level III naturalist guides at your disposal to put it all into perspective.

Day 1 Quito
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Quito/Puerto Ayora
Take a morning flight to the Galápagos. Land in Baltra and meet the Galápagos CEO to board the Evolution.

Day 3 Punta Vicente Roca/Punta Espinoza
In the morning, visit Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island – a great site for swimming and snorkelling with spectacular sea life. In the afternoon, visit Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island, the youngest of the Galápagos Islands. Witness the largest colony of marine iguanas in the Galápagos and a variety of bird life.

Day 4 Urbina Bay/Tagus Cove
In the morning, make an easy wet landing at Urbina Bay. Walk along the coast or go snorkelling among the marine life. In the afternoon, visit Tagus Cove to follow a trail along Lake Darwin. Trek up to a ridge high enough to see amazing views.

Day 5 Bartolomé Island/Santiago Island
Visit Bartolomé Island for a guided tour to see its dramatic volcanic features before hiking to a panoramic viewpoint. Continue to Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to witness giant lava formations contrasting the white-coral-sand beach.

Day 6 Bachas Beach/Cerro Dragón
Morning excursion to Bachas Beach for walks to observe birds and wildlife as well as free time for swimming and snorkelling. Continue to Cerro Dragón on the west coast of Santa Cruz Island to observe land iguanas and a saltwater lagoon frequented by flamingos and other species of birds.

Day 7 Puerto Ayora
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see the giant Galápagos tortoises and take an excursion to the Santa Cruz Highlands. In the afternoon, visit the tortoise reserve to get the chance to see various wildlife. Walk through lava tunnels and see the pit craters.

Day 8 Punta Suárez/Bahía Gardner
Visit Punta Suárez and Gardner Bay on Española Island. Guided walks to observe wildlife and free time for swimming or snorkelling.

Day 9 Puerto Baquerizo Moreno/Quito
Visit the Interpretation Centre on San Cristóbal Island before flying back to Quito in the late morning.

Day 10 Quito
Depart any time.