Discover, Plan & Go!

Explore the Galapagos Islands up close and in style. The 20 passenger Eric, Flamingo, and Letty are three sister ships with identical characteristics. Each first class motor yacht offers talented naturalist guides, easy nature hikes and snorkeling. Each naturalist takes a group of no more than 10 passengers on all shore excursions and shares extensive insights into the Islands' diverse wildlife and natural history. Small wooden boats locally called "pangas" ferry passengers to shore for Island visits. Families appreciate select family cruises geared towards active families. See and photograph tortoise, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, volcanic landscapes and vivid sunsets.

Our Galapagos cruises aboard the Eric, Letty and Flamingo combine the finest motor yachts with the most talented naturalist guides and offer a range of activities 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. Our cruises 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 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 Galapagos Islands are the vacation of a lifetime!

Day 1 - 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 - 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 - Quito to San Cristobol, Galapagos Islands

This morning, we will depart on a three-hour flight to the island of San Cristobal in the Galapagos. Upon arrival to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island, our crew is waiting at the airport to escort you to your anchored yacht. After the welcome briefing and safety drill we set sail for Playa Ochoa, where we have a chance to test our snorkeling equipment and at the same time swim with a small colony of sea lions. Behind the beach, there is a tidal lagoon where bird can be spotted including the rare Chatham mockingbird. At sunset, we cruise around Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido), a vertical tuff cone formation that abruptly juts up almost 500 feet out of the ocean. On the cliffs, we find blue-footed boobies, masked boobies and magnificent frigate birds.

Accommodations: Eric, Letty or Flamingo

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Tower (Genovesa): Prince Philip's Steps & Darwin Bay

We spend the entire day on TOWER (Genovesa), considered to be one of the most spectacular Islands in Galapagos for bird species. This morning, we have a dry landing at Prince Philip’s Steps. Red-footed boobies nest here in Palo Santo trees and Nazca (formerly masked) boobies nest near the trail. In an open lava field, we find storm petrels in large numbers. If you are lucky, we will see the elusive short-eared owl. After lunch, sea kayaks are available to paddle along the shoreline. Look for the beautiful red-billed tropic bird usually seen in a crevice. A snorkeling opportunity is offered along the inner rim of the volcanic crater. We land on Darwin Bay, a coral sand beach where swallow-tailed and lava gulls gather near the tide pools. Enter a forest of Optuntia cactus and mangroves where colonies of great frigate birds nest. The males inflate their red-throated pouches to attract females as they fly overhead. The trail leads through a rich inter tidal zone where we find a wide diversity of animal life. Swim from the beach with sea lions.

Accommodations: Eric, Letty or Flamingo

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Bachas Beach/North Seymour

This morning, we visit Las Bachas, which is the Spanish translation for “barges”. There is a long stretch of a soft white-sand beach and interior lagoons where we find the Greater Flamingo. There is also a wonderful chance to snorkel here from the beach. Remnants of the U.S. presence from World War II (a floating pier); is found here. This afternoon, we disembark on North Seymour, a small geological uplift. After a dry landing, we follow a trail that leads us to swallow-tailed gulls, blue-footed boobies and the endemic land iguanas. Visit the largest colony of magnificent frigate birds found in Galapagos. As we stroll along the beach, sea lions body surfing the northern swells.

Accommodations: Eric, Letty or Flamingo

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Tagus Cove, Isabela / Punta Espinoza, Fernandina

This morning, we visit Tagus Cove, located on the western Island of ISABELA. Six volcanoes flowed together and formed the largest Island in Galapagos. On our walk, we discover a salt-water lagoon, a scenic overlook with a spectacular view of the ocean, lava fields and volcanic formations. Graffiti dating back to the 1800's is written on the rocky cliffs. Explore the Cove in pangas or sea kayaks to find Galapagos penguins, boobies, pelicans and other seabirds. After lunch, we cross the Bolivar Canal. Be on the look out for whales and dolphins riding the bow wave. We disembark at Punta Espinoza, FERNANDINA, the youngest and most pristine Island found in Galapagos. Hundreds of marine iguanas, the largest colony in Galapagos, bask in the sun along the rugged shoreline. Observe sea lion harems with resident bulls carefully guarding their territory. Flightless Cormorants build their nest on the point and Galapagos Hawks fly overhead. Recent lava flows formed by an active volcano stretch their way around the coast. A snorkel here provides opportunities to see many sea turtles.

Accommodations: Eric, Letty or Flamingo

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - James (Santiago): Puerto Egas & James Bay / Bartolome

This morning, stroll along the shore at Puerto Egas, SANTIAGO (James) looking for octopus, starfish and other sea life caught in the tide pools. At low tide, catch a glimpse of marine iguanas as they feed on exposed green algae. Watch for great blue herons, lava herons, American oystercatchers and yellow-crowned night herons. Our walk ends at the grottos, deep pools of clear water where we encounter fur sea lions once on the verge of extinction. Before returning to the yacht, there is a snorkeling opportunity with loads of tropical fish. On Bartolome, it seems like we are walking on the moon. This young Island is inhospitable to most plants and animals. After a dry landing, climb 30 minutes up stairs leading to the summit of a once active volcano. Along the way, we pause to marvel at lava bombs, spatter cones and cinder cones. From the top of the wooden stairs, we can gaze out across the island for a panoramic view of the island and "Pinnacle Rock", an eroded tuff cone. Down below, crystal clear water is an invitation to snorkel with schools of tropical fish and Galapagos Penguins. On the other side of the Island, encounter sea turtles and white-tipped sharks.

Accommodations: Eric, Letty or Flamingo

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Santa Cruz: Darwin Station & The Highlands

Friday is feeding day at the tortoise corals at the Charles Darwin Research Station. We visit all three tortoise corals and the breeding center with new hatchlings and miniature tortoises not yet ready to be repatriated. Scientists from all over the globe work at the station and conduct biological research from anatomy to zoology. We also visit the Van Straelen Hall where there are exhibits and a short video presentation. Visitors can now see the pen of Lonesome George, the last surviving member of the Pinta Island subspecies.

After lunch on board, we travel by bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. The scenery gradually changes as we wind our way through all seven vegetation zones found in Galapagos. From June to January, we can find giant tortoises on a private farm in the highlands. We visit Los Gemelos, Spanish for “The Twins”, a pair of large pit craters where we find the bright red male vermilion flycatcher. We stop at "the tunnels", the largest lava tubes found in Galapagos. Stroll through the town of Puerto Ayora (population: 15,000) the largest town in the Galapagos. Buy souvenirs, mail postcards or kick back at an internet cafe in the social heart of the Islands.

Accommodations: Eric, Letty or Flamingo

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 - Hood (Espanola): Punta Suarez & Gardner Bay

This morning, step onto Gardner Bay, ESPANOLA (HOOD). Walk along seemingly endless stretches of sandy beach where you’ll find large colonies of sea lions. There is no trail to follow so this is a chance to explore and you may find a Galapagos Hawk, Darwin’s Finches or Hood Mockingbird. Swim with sea lions from the beach. There’s an excellent snorkeling site off Gardner Islet with a colorful diversity of sea life near Gardner Islet and Tortuga Rock with caves covered with invertebrates. This afternoon, we disembark at Punta Suarez, ESPANOLA, where we witness the highest rate of endemic species in Galapagos. Sea lions noisily green us as we land on their beach. Curious Hood mockingbirds peck at our shoelaces. From April to November, the waved albatross, found only on Espanola, perform their wild mating ritual. Colonies of blue-footed boobies engage in “sky-pointing” to show off for potential mates. Nazca (formerly masked) boobies busily care for their young. Stunning swallow-tailed gulls are the only nocturnal gulls in the world. Red-billed tropicbirds take shelter under the cliffs. We also find Darwin’s Finches, Galapagos Doves and Galapagos Hawks. Observe a unique specie of marine iguana identified with traces of red and green colorings. Colorful sally light-foot crabs crawl along the shoreline near to the famous "blow hole". This is the scene most people envision when they decide to visit Galapagos and is a glorious finale to your Galapagos cruise.

Accommodations: Eric, Letty or Flamingo

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 - San Cristobal: Interpretation Center/Return to Quito

This morning, we drop anchor in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, SAN CRISTOBAL. We visit the Interpretation Center opened in 1999. Here we gain a more complete understanding of the natural and human history of the Islands. Afterwards, we head straight to the airport for our flight back to the mainland. Upon arrival in Quito, you will be transferred to your hotel where you will spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Accommodations: Hotel Patio Andaluz or similar

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch

Day 11 - Depart Quito

Transportation will be provided to the airport for return flights home or for excursions into Ecuador's Jungle or Highlands or Peru's Machu Picchu.

Accommodations: n/a

Included Meals: breakfast

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: If you are traveling alone and wish to share same gender requests are available on the Iguana deck only. Shares that remain unmatched 30 days prior are subject to a 20% supplement.

Family Travel: We welcome families with children age seven and up on all sailings throughout the year. This natural wonderland offers the best of a classroom; zoo, science center, aviary, a marine park and a cruise vacation all rolled into one. Our naturalists know how to bring these Islands they love to life and to balance learning with fun for the entire family. Our designated family departures feature age-appropriate activities - from supervised games, to snorkel & kayak instruction, to briefings geared toward the younger set and kid-friendly meals. Kids can visit the bridge and learn about astronomy, navigational charts and tie nautical knots with our Captain. Special parties including movies and popcorn, games with prizes, drawing contests, make your own ice cream sundae and our special King Neptune costume party and talent show. We also have board games, books and DVDs on board that are suitable for children as well as snorkeling equipment, life vests and wet suits in child sizes.

Child Discounts: Children age 11 years and younger at the time of sailing are entitled to a 30% discount. Children ages 12-14 years are entitled to a 20% discount. Only one child discount for each adult paid. Children age 5 and 6 are permitted only on designated family departures and parents need to sign a release. When children are accommodated in a triple cabin, the discount is calculated from the double Iguana deck rate. We do not allow more than one 30% discount to be given on the same cabin, whether the booking is for a double or triple cabin. Child discounts are taken from the high season fares even during low season departures. No child discounts are permitted on cruises that fall over the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Child discounts are applied to cabins on the Iguana deck.

Land Cost Includes: Three nights Quito hotel accommodations with breakfast included, all airport and hotel transfers, Galapagos flight, Galapagos National Park entrance fees and taxes, 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.

Scuba Diving Option: Passengers who are certified scuba divers can choose to purchase a scuba package for $350 additional per person, minimum two divers. The package includes two days of diving (on Tuesday and Friday) offering four total dives. The fee includes: tanks, weight belt, BCD, regulator, wet suit, boots, hood and gloves. We recommend all divers have sufficient experience with at least 20 logged dives or advance dive certification due to strong currents, cold water, thermo-clines and large marine life.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with

Accommodations aboard The Eric, Letty, Flamingo accommodate 20 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. The crew is comprised of the captain, multilingual naturalist guides, cook, barman/waiter, mechanic and two to four sailors. All meals are prepared and served by the crew on board. Soft drinks and beer are available for purchase on board.

Snorkel, mask and fins are provided on board for all passengers, to use. Full 3mm wetsuits are available aboard the vessel for passengers to use at no additional charge. For those passengers who wish to reserve a wetsuit in advance at a cost of $25, we need to know your preferred sizes. Men: SX, S, M, ML, L, XL, XXL, XXXL Women: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 (based on US Sizes) Children: 10 (S), 12(M), 14(L)

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. 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. Easy-to-use, sit-on-top kayaks are also available.

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 & 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