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Galapagos Escapade - Nemo III (Itinerary B)

10 days

from

incl. taxes

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Wildlife

Suitable for:

Age 16+

Activity level:

Leisurely

Trip code:

WGPA

Way to Travel:

Guided Group

Activity:

Wildlife Holidays

Group size:

4–16

Min age:

Seven nights on-board a First Class Motor Sail Catamaran exploring the Galapagos Islands

The extraordinary archipelago of the Galapagos left a lasting impression on Darwin and is likely to do the same for you. Travel on board the Nemo III, a First Class Motor Sail Catamaran, and explore this enchanted world, characterised by stark lava fields, cactus forests, volcanic craters, mangrove lagoons and turquoise waters. Step over snoozing sea lions, watch the courting rituals of Blue-footed boobies or snorkel with turtles, sharks and rays.

Highlights

Spend seven nights on-board a First Class Motor Sail Catamaran exploring the Galapagos Islands
Incredible wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities with near-tame animals
Snorkel with iridescent fish, playful Sea lions and turtles
Experience the fantastic on-board service with an expert naturalist guide
Small group - a maximum of 16 clients on board

Key information

Travel by internal flight, catarmaran and minibus
Island walks and snorkelling excursions included
Group normally 4 to 16, plus local leader. Min. age 16 years
7 nights on board the Nemo III in en suite, air-conditioned cabins, 2 nights comfortable hotel

Countries visited: Ecuador

What's included

All breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners included
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
We can include flights from the UK. Please contact us for a quote.

What's not included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations
Compulsory Galapagos taxes USD120 (approx. GBP95), paid locally

Call for general departures:

1 844 227 9087

Call for private group trips:

1 844 227 9087

Live Chat >

Request a Brochure >

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Itinerary

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Quito

Guayaquil Airport

Day 1

Start Quito.

There are no included activities for this day so clients are free to arrive at any time. However, we do suggest you aim to arrive by early evening as a local guide will welcome you to Quito and explain the schedule for the next few days.

Accommodation: Hotel Vieja Cuba (or similar)
Day 2

Discover Quito at your leisure.

Today is free to relax, recover from the flight and explore the fascinating city of Quito. Quito is the second highest capital in the world, standing at 2,850m on the western cordillera of the Andes. It is one of the smaller and more attractive of the colonial capitals of South America. Because of the altitude visitors to Quito are advised to take it easy at first.

Accommodation: Hotel Vieja Cuba (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3

Fly to Baltra Airport on the Galapagos & North Seymour

Morning Fly to Galapagos: This morning we transfer to Quito Airport for our flight to the Galapagos Islands. Be prepared for an early start as this could mean leaving the hotel around 5.30am. A USD20 per person transit card is payable on departure at Quito and a USD100 per person national park entry fee is payable on arrival in the Galapagos. Please have cash on hand to pay for these. On arrival in the Galapagos we are met in the arrivals hall and then transferred to our boat, the Nemo III, which will be anchored a short distance away in Santa Cruz. Once on board we'll be assigned our cabins, meet the crew and get to know our naturalist guide and fellow travellers over lunch. The rest of your schedule will follow itinerary B.

Afternoon North Seymour: Navigate to North Seymour to discover the 2km trail that crosses the island and around the rocky coast. Along the way the trail passes colonies of Blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds. The Magnificent frigatebird, a large black bird with a long wingspan and a hooked beak, is extremely fast and has excellent vision. Frigatebirds are known for the large red pouch on their necks. During mating season the males throw back their heads, inflate their pouch (sometimes to the size of a football), and shake trying to capture the attention of females. Blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds have an interesting relationship. Sharing the same nesting area on North Seymour, Blue-footed boobies nest on the ground making their nests from the twigs of the Palo Santos trees, while the frigatebirds' nest just above them in the saltbushes. After dinner we navigate to San Cristobal.

Accommodation: Nemo III

Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 4

San Cristobal Island

A day at San Cristobal Island to discover Cerro Brujo, a striking eroded tuff cone and one of the first sites visited by Charles Darwin. We have a landing to explore the white sand beach where Blue-footed boobies, Brown pelicans, Sea lions and Marine iguanas are all found, before making our way to explore the striking spear of Kicker Rock and the nearby Sea lion colony of Isla Lobos. After dinner we navigate to Espanola Island.

Accommodation: Nemo III

Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 5

Espanola Island

Morning Punta Suarez: Arriving at Espanola Island, we spend the morning at Punta Suarez on the western tip where Sea lions, sea birds and the largest Marine iguanas of the Galapagos are found, along with Masked boobies nesting among the rock formations.

Afternoon Gardner Bay: A 45 minute boat ride from Punta Suarez takes us to Gardner Bay, a stunning stretch of white-sand beach with excellent possibilities for swimming and snorkelling. Visitors can find migrant, resident and endemic wildlife include brightly coloured Marine iguanas, Espanola lava lizards, Hood mockingbirds, Swallow-tailed gulls, Galapagos hawks and a large colony of Waved albatross

Accommodation: Nemo III

Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 6

Floreana Island

Morning Cormorant Point: Today we arrive on Floreana Island and visit Cormorant Point, an area with a green sand beach (caused by the olivine crystals) and large lagoon where Pink flamingoes and other shore birds can be seen. This is also a good spot for seeing Large-billed flycatchers and numerous finch species.

Afternoon Post Office Bay: We also visit the famous Post Office Bay. In 1793 British whalers established a Post Office barrel to send letters to and from England, a tradition that has continued and thrives to this day, with many visitors collecting and leaving postcards to destinations all over the world!

Accommodation: Nemo III

Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 7

Santa Cruz Island

Morning Highlands: Today's excursion allows us to discover the highlands of Santa Cruz and its incredible vegetation zones. We visit a private finca called 'Las Primicias' which offers the best possibility to see Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat.

Afternoon Charles Darwin Research Station: Our next visit will be the Charles Darwin Research Centre to begin learning about the ecology of the islands, their origin and formation. You can also see the famous Galapagos giant tortoise hatchery which is based here.

Accommodation: Nemo III

Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 8

South Plazas & Sante Fe

Morning South Plazas: This morning we explore South Plazas island, where the biggest population of land iguanas in the Galapagos can be found. The iguanas here are yellow-brown and feed on the fruit and pads of the Prickly Pear Cactus. As we walk alongside the sea cliffs, Swallow-tailed gulls, frigatebirds, Audubon shearwaters, Red-Billed tropicbirds, Brown pelicans, Blue-footed and Masked boobies are frequently seen.

Afternoon Sante Fe: This afternoon we navigate to Santa Fe Island we spend some time in one of the most beautiful coves in all of the Galapagos, with its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. In the large Sea lion colony bulls vie for the right of beachmaster whilst cows laze in the sun. The loop trail leads us past salt bushes where Galapagos hawks can be seen at close range, alongside the largest land iguanas in the Galapagos.

Accommodation: Nemo III

Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 9

Bartolome & Chinese Hat

Morning Bartolome: Bartolome, a desolate landscape made famous by the tuff cone known as Pinnacle Rock, which has become one of the most visited and photographed parts of the islands. Very little vegetation grows in this barren place. Mangroves border the beach and the small shrub Tiguilia grows in the volcanic sands. The seeds and tiny white flowers of the Chamaesycae provide food for the island's finches. These plants are common to arid regions and are able to survive in harsh volcanic conditions.

Afternoon Chinese Hat: Sombrero Chino is a small islet located near the south-east coast of Santiago. Shaped like a Chinese hat when seen from afar, it is geologically fascinating, with many lava tubes leading from the cone to the coast. We land on a beautiful crescent-shaped white sand beach, home to Sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs. The trail on Sombrero Chino explores its volcanic origin, one of the most evident in the islands. Snorkeling in the waters near Sombrero Chino can create a stir; White-tipped sharks frequent these waters, as do the playful Galapagos penguins and Sea lions.

Accommodation: Nemo III

Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 10

Fly to Guayaquil; end Guayaquil.

Mosquera Islet: An early start to explore the Mosquera Islet, located between the islands of Baltra and North Seymour. It is a reef of rocks and coral, with a great white sand beach. This island has one of the largest populations of Sea lions as well as several species of shorebirds. There have been occasional reports at this site of Orcas feeding on Sea lions.

Transfer out to Baltra Airport: We say farewell to the Galapagos Islands after this morning's excursion and head to the airport on Baltra for our flight to Guayaquil where the holiday ends. At Guayaquil airport it's possible to connect with international flights this evening from 6pm onwards. Land only clients may prefer to organise post-tour accommodation for the night in Guayaquil and organise their international flights for the following day in case of delays coming back from the Galapagos.

Meals included: Breakfast

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

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Post-trip Extensions

Napo Wildlife Centre Extension (XGN)

Code: XGN

Spend three nights in a luxurious eco-lodge overlooking Anangucocha Lake, and experience one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet - the Amazon Rainforest. The Napo Wildlife Centre is one of the best eco-lodges in the Ecuadorian Amazon basin. Located deep within Yasuni National Park, Napo Wildlife Centre is perched on a hillside in the heart of the forest. Its small number of rooms and large private reserve means that visitors have excellent chances of spotting some of the many mammals living in the forest. In this region over 500 species of bird have been recorded, as well as numerous monkey species, tamarins, tapirs, sloths, jaguars (rarely seen), caimans and lizards. The detailed itinerary can be found here.

Please ask your sales consultant for more details.

Price from: £1749 (compulsory supplement of £820 for single travellers)

Essential Info

Visas

Ecuador

British passport holders do not need a visa for Ecuador. Very few other nationalities need a visa for Ecuador, but if you are in any doubt you should contact the nearest Ecuadorian Embassy.

Vaccinations

Ecuador

There are no mandatory vaccination requirements, however, if you have travelled to a country at risk of Yellow Fever prior to arriving in Ecuador you will be required to have a valid Yellow Fever Certificate with you. Recommended vaccinations are: Typhoid and Hepatitis A.

If you will spend any time in the Amazon Rainforest we recommend a Yellow Fever vaccination. Please note that your certificate of vaccination may be inspected on arrival to this region.

Malaria is also a risk in some areas of the country (including the Amazon Rainforest) so we suggest you consult a doctor for more advice.

Dengue fever and/or Chikungunya are known risks in places visited on this trip. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Zika fever is a mosquito‐borne viral disease and a known risk in places visited on this trip. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, we therefore strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

PLEASE NOTE: All visitors to Ecuador will be required to show valid medical insurance on arrival and cannot enter the country without it.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners are included.

Meals onboard the Nemo III are included and will be served in a buffet style. There is a wide choice of food available, including vegetarian options.

Alcoholic drinks are available on board (approx. US$4 per beer, US$30 for a bottle of wine, around US$7 for selected cocktails) and the crew request that you do not bring your own alcohol with you. Drinking water, tea and coffee is freely available at no additional charge.

Should you have specific dietary requirements it is essential that you inform us at least 2 weeks prior to your departure.

Weather

In Quito and the highlands it should be warm by day and generally dry. Maximum daytime temperatures are almost constant throughout the year at 20ºC, nights 8ºC. Some rain can be expected in February to May and October to November but storms, though heavy, are generally short, and Quito is considered to have quite a pleasant climate.

It is possible to visit the Galapagos at any time of year, though the weather patterns are complicated and cannot be reduced to easy formulas. The weather is controlled by the two main ocean currents of the region, the Humboldt, bringing cold water from the Antarctic, and El Nino, which brings tropical water from the Gulf of Panama. How close to Galapagos they converge (which varies from year to year) is the key to the weather.

'Dry season'

Generally speaking, late May to early December is the cooler 'dry' season. In this period it is not necessarily dry, as there is a persistent light mist (garua) and often light drizzle, and the higher mountain slopes are covered in cloud and fog or rain. At this time the winds are in the southeast and are higher than at other times, so seas can sometimes be choppy and anyone worried about seasickness might be better advised to avoid it. Daytime maximum temperatures lie between 27ºC and 31ºC, the cooler months being July to November. In July and August the fairly strong winds introduce a chill factor, and it can feel quite cold at nights, though throughout the year the official night temperatures vary between 19ºC and 24ºC.

'Wet season'

Depending on how close the convergence of the two currents comes to Galapagos, there may or may not be a wet season from January to April or May. Approximately every seven years the El Nino current actually hits the islands and there will be heavy rains in these months. In other years there will be more or less rain, usually falling sporadically from otherwise clear skies. The ocean temperatures are higher, with generally calm seas and strong sunshine: pleasant, but potentially very hot. Apart from an El Nino year, the weather is usually better from December/January to April/May than at other times even if there is some rain, and most people would regard these months as the best time to go.

Is this trip for you?

This trip has been graded 1 (Leisurely) with a Safari Rating of 5.

It is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and those with an interest in history or geology. Though you do not need to be particularly fit, you should note that due to the volcanic nature of the Galapagos islands there will be some walking on rough ground and sharp volcanic rocks. The ability to withstand high temperatures and to swim will maximize your enjoyment. Due to local regulations in the Galapagos we have specific time slots for making our landings and site visits. There is usually very little disruption to the schedule, but this can mean little room for deviation in the event of poor weather or other circumstances.

Each day will feature a mixture of walking, snorkelling and exploring the islands by boat. To get closer to the designated landing sites on each of the islands we disembark the Nemo III into small pangas (motorised dinghys). Landings on the islands are divided into two types - wet and dry. For dry landings, the panga will take you right up to a landing stage or rocky outcrop where you can disembark without getting wet. However in some places where there is no landing stage the panga will stop close to a beach and you will be expected to walk through shallow water (generally no more than ankle-deep) to the shore. The leader will always advise conditions prior to leaving the Nemo II and it is possible to skip any particular excursion if you would rather relax on board the boat.

There are plenty of opportunities for snorkelling in the Galapagos and this is one of the best ways to experience the marine life. A mask and snorkel will reveal an exciting underwater world with sea lions, rays, turtles, marine iguanas and a colourful array of fish. On most days of the itinerary there will be either one or two snorkelling sessions.

Snorkelling in the Galapagos does not require any special skills, however, at times you will be snorkelling in open water where there are fairly strong currents. Before going into the water, the guide will evaluate the strength of the currents and the general condition of the sea to make sure they are right for this to be a safe and enjoyable activity. The dinghy will remain very close at all times; if you get tired or feel like coming out of the water you only have to raise your arm and they will come to pick you up so you can rest for a while before going back in or stay in the dinghy until it is time to return to the boat. Snorkelling equipment (snorkel, fins and masks) is provided, however, is advisable to wear a wetsuit which not only protects you from the cold but also makes floating much easier without as much effort.

We offer Galapagos cruises in conjunction with our Ecuadorian partners, and Exodus participants will join an international group, not all of whom have booked through Exodus. Occasionally some of these may be younger than Exodus' minimum age for this trip.

Please note that there is limited mobile reception in the Galapagos (apart from on the inhabited islands) and no wifi on board the Nemo III.

Galapagos Conservation Trust

We are delighted to offer our client’s travelling to Galapagos and Ecuador a six month free membership with Galapagos Conservation Trust, the UK’s only charity dedicated solely to protecting the Galapagos Islands. With your membership, you will receive a responsible travel guide, their biannual magazine, invitations to exclusive events and information on GCT’s conservation work and appeals. To redeem your membership, please email [email protected] and quote the code EXO-GCT.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Call for general departures:

1 844 227 9087

Call for private group trips:

1 844 227 9087

Live Chat >

Request a Brochure >

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Accommodation

Catamaran - Nemo III

The Nemo III is a First Class Motor Sail Catamaran with an outside lounge and dining area, an inside lounge/bar area and a spacious sun deck, perfect for relaxing and observing the incredible Galapagos landscape. There are three Superior cabins with one single upper bed and one lower double bed, two Comfortable cabins with two single lower beds, and three Standard cabins, two with double beds and one with two single lower beds. All cabins have air conditioning and en suite bathrooms - as this is a catamaran, cabin space is limited and some of the cabins are accessed by a small wooden staircase since they are below deck. Beach towels are provided and there are also two sea kayaks on board for passenger use.

Please note that a lot of the travelling between islands is done overnight, so some cabin noise and movement should be expected.

Boat specifications:

First Class Motor Sail Catamaran
16 passenger capacity with 3 superior cabins, 2 comfortable cabins and 3 standard cabins.
Crew: 6 + 1 naturalist guide
Length: 21.88m
Beam: 10.39m 2 Engines

Virtual 360 Tour - Nemo III
http://nemofleet.com/360/virtual-tour-nemo-iii/