Group Size: From 26 to 33 participants
Price: Starting from $9,990 per person double occupancy
Co-sponsored with: Harvard exclusive
Trip Overview
Discover the Galápagos as Darwin did, cruising from island to island on an unforgettable, six night, shipboard adventure. Begin in Quito, Ecuador’s capital city, then fly to Baltra Island and board an exclusive charter of the 40-berth Isabela II. Visit several islands, each with endemic species that have evolved differently than on neighboring islands. Venture ashore to see a myriad of birds, sea lions, marine iguanas, sea turtles, penguins, fur seals, and other wildlife that exists only here. Swim and snorkel almost every day. Release your inner explorer as you make your way across fields of lava and climb dormant volcanic craters.
In addition to your Harvard study leader, evolutionary biologist and recently appointed dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Hopi Hoekstra, this family adventure is enriched by a youth coordinator, naturalists, and guides who are passionate about their work and will eagerly share their diverse knowledge. Throughout the cruise, the youth coordinator will conduct fun-filled, interactive learning activities for children of all ages, and expert naturalists will lead excursions the entire family will enjoy.
Schedule by Day
Pricing
Classic Cabin (Cabin Deck; 128 sq ft): $9,990 per person, double occupancy / $14,990 single
Classic Family Cabin (Cabin Deck; 139 sq ft): Can be booked as a triple if child is 11 or younger (The first two guests pay $11,990 per person; the child cost is $5,990)
Owner’s Cabin (Main Deck; large window, 170 sq ft): $13,490 per person, double occupancy
On-Tour Flights Quito/Galápagos/Quito: approximately $575 per person
Accommodations
- Two noncosecutive nights at Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel, Quito
- Six nights aboard Isabela II
What to Expect
To make the most of what this expedition has to offer, the trip will be active, requiring you to be in good health and physical condition and able to keep up with the group without assistance from tour staff. The schedule will include long days, with some early departures, and activities scheduled throughout the day and into the evening.
In the Galápagos, daily excursions usually include two shore excursions each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, each lasting two to three hours and usually a snorkeling opportunity every day. On some days the shore excursions can require up to two hours of walking, often over loose rocks and uneven terrain where stairs are unavailable or do not have handrails, and standing, often in the warm sun. Travel from the ship to the landing sites will be in pangas (large, motorized rubber boats). For these shore excursions, travelers, with assistance from the ship’s crew, must be able to step from the ship to the panga and vice versa, and the water can sometimes be choppy. There will be wet landings where you step off the panga into the water and walk a short distance through shallow water to shore. During the shore excursions there will be opportunities to hike, kayak, swim, and snorkel. The degree of difficulty will be described in daily briefings, and all activities are optional, so each traveler may choose the activity level that best suits his or her ability. Please note that the Isabela II does not have an elevator.
This promises to be a memorable journey, but as with all travel, a flexible attitude, a spirit of adventure, and a willingness to explore new areas will enhance your enjoyment of this program. You do not have to participate in all the scheduled activities, except when traveling to the next destination. We are sure you will be pleased with the exciting educational program provided, but we want you to be aware of the pace and activity level.
