Exploring Galápagos

Details
Itinerary
Tour Vendor

2/5

Physicality

Regional

Type

Zodiac to pristine beaches, kayak or stand-up paddleboard along volcanic shores, explore wildlife on land or under the sea. Perfect for couples, families, and solo travelers. Encounter abundant wildlife—blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, Darwin’s finches, pink flamingos, giant tortoises and more. The wildlife of Galápagos is legendary for being without fear in the presence of humans. Certified and experienced divers on select departures aboard National Geographic Endeavour II can take advantage of the option to scuba dive (divers must be pre-qualified and reserve their space in advance). Starting in 2027, guests can take this expedition aboard the sleek and elegant National Geographic Islander II, which feels like a private yacht.

Travel Insurance

For your protection AAA recommends Travel Insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel advisor. AAA recommends Allianz.

Departure Dates

Contact a AAA Travel Advisor for available departures.

Highlights

Benefit from our 50+ years of experience in Galápagos and deep knowledge of the archipelago to see all you came for and more
Adventure by kayak, paddleboard, glass-bottom boat, and Zodiac
Walk among wildlife unfazed by your presence: lounge on beaches with sea lions, marvel at huge colonies of marine iguanas, and see nesting seabirds
Snorkel with sea lions, turtles, and abundant fish in the protected waters of the Galápagos Marine Reserve
Observe giant Galápagos tortoises in the wild on an adventure in the highlands of Santa Cruz
With National Geographic Explorers-in-Training, our exclusive family program, kids and teens will learn about this fascinating part of the world—from “sneezing” iguanas to giant tortoises

RESPONSIBILITY: AAA Travel Agency that has served you offers retail travel services to customers that are provided by separate and independent vendors of travel services. AAA provides you with access to these travel services. AAA does not operate, control, or otherwise provide the services of the independent travel vendors. Hence, customer agrees and understands that AAA is not responsible for any operating failure, loss, damage, delay or injury to you or members of your traveling party, nor for any consequential damages which may result from failures, delays, or injuries that arise out of or during your scheduled travel. Customer agrees and understands that AAA is not responsible for any damages, direct or consequential, which may arise as a result of an act of God, social or labor unrest, war, political or national strike, terrorist activities, mechanical failures, climatic conditions, or any other actions, or omissions beyond AAA’s control. Fares, rates, charges, schedules and other aspects of services provided by the independent travel vendors may change with or without notice. Customer agrees and understands that AAA is not responsible for additional collection imposed by these vendors or changes in their operating schedules which reflect the current offering to the general public. Penalty and refund provisions for all transportation agreements shall be those specifically outlined in the carrier and supplier tariffs, are fully enforceable to the extent that they are completely disclosed. In the event an airline/travel vendor declares bankruptcy, it is not obligated to carry you or to provide refunds. AAA is not allowed to provide refunds for vendors who have declared bankruptcy. Payment given to our agency becomes the property of the airline or travel vendor as required by law. If an airline or travel vendor declares bankruptcy, it might continue services or stop completely. Other airlines or travel vendors may provide alternate service under limited circumstances. Your receipts of travel documents and vouchers constitute your agreement to the foregoing and your responsibility to convey the same to members of your traveling party.

Day 1: Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador

Arrive in Ecuador, either in Quito, Ecuador’s capital city in the Andes, or in the coastal city of Guayaquil, for an included transfer to your convenient hotel for an overnight stay. Both cities are well-served by international carriers, and Galápagos flights start and end in Quito with a stop in Guayaquil. Guests in Guayaquil stay at the locally owed Hotel Oro Verde and have the choice of several hotels in Quito, including a convenient airport hotel.

Day 2: Quito or Guayaquil / Galápagos Islands

In the morning, if you’re joining the recommended flight to the Galapagos, transfers to the airport and luggage assistance will be provided. Upon arrival, embark the ship.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 3-8: Galápagos Islands

Below is a selection of islands you may visit during your expedition. Itineraries are subject to Galápagos National Park regulations.

North Seymour: Follow coastal trails past playful Galápagos sea lions on this wildlife-rich central island. Continue inland through a silvery forest of endemic palo santo trees, where frigatebirds nest, blue-footed boobies dance and where you may also encounter prehistoric-looking land iguanas feeding on cactus.

Isabela: Cross the Equator at Volcán Ecuador, northernmost of Isabela’s six great shield volcanoes. Keep an eye out for whales and dolphins, sea turtles and the elusive ocean sunfish. Over two days, land in the footsteps of Darwin and Melville, and look for wildlife along the wildly eroded volcanic shore.

Fernandina: One of the most active oceanic volcanoes in the world, Fernandina is the youngest and most pristine island in Galápagos—and home to the strange flightless cormorant, Galápagos penguins and the largest marine iguanas. Hikes ashore lead across impressive recent lava flows.

Española: See swallow-tailed gulls, Española mockingbirds, Nazca boobies and, seasonally, the world’s only population of waved albatross at this bird paradise, also home to vividly colored marine iguanas. Watch sea lions on the white sand beach and snorkel offshore at Gardner Bay.

Floreana: Follow a trail past a pink-tinted lagoon sometimes frequented by flamingos. Snorkel among sea lions and abundant fish or cruise along Champion Islet by Zodiac. Visit the historic mail barrel at Post Office Bay.

Santa Cruz: Visit Puerto Ayora, the largest town and headquarters of both the Galápagos National Park and Charles Darwin Research Station. See the monument to Lonesome George and tour the giant tortoise breeding corrals. Witness giant tortoises roaming in the wild in the lush, green highlands.

Bartolomé: Climb the steps to the summit of this 300-foot volcanic wonderland for stunning views. Explore, swim and snorkel from the beach. Catch a glimpse of Galápagos penguins, one of the world’s rarest.

Santiago: Explore tide pools and look for fur seals sheltered in quiet grottos of black basalt. Swim, snorkel, kayak and paddleboard along Santiago’s spectacular coast, and explore an enchanting coastal forest where Charles Darwin once walked.

Genovesa: Sail across the Equator to the remote northern realm of the Galápagos into this flooded caldera, home to over one million seabirds. Visit Prince Philip’s Steps at the top of the island. Highlights along the trail are many, from Nazca, red- and blue-footed boobies and frigates, to gulls, owls, fur seals, hammerhead sharks, turtles and manta rays.

San Cristobal: Search for red-footed boobies and the endemic mockingbird and lava lizard—found only on this easternmost island. Walk along the powdery white sand at a gorgeous beach fronted by iconic Kicker Rock. Explore Baquerizo Moreno, where sea lions thrive in the middle of town.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Galápagos Islands / Disembark Ship / Guayaquil or Quito

Disembark this morning and join the recommended flight to Guayaquil or Quito; transfers to the airport and luggage assistance will be provided. Unwind at Hotel Oro Verde in Guayaquil or pick from several options in Quito, including a convenient airport hotel. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. You may be able to take advantage of overnight flights home. Ask your expedition specialist about Peru, Quito and other post-voyage options. Upon arrival in Guayaquil, many guests continue on a flight to Lima, Peru, for Exploring Galápagos + Peru's Land of the Inca.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10: Guayaquil or Quito

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board flights home, unless you have arranged for additional nights or an extension.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Exploring Galápagos, Member First

Exploring Galápagos

Welcome to AAA Minneapolis