The Galápagos Islands are every naturalist's dream, home to a unique assemblage of plants and animals that have been molded by their environment over time. Join us on this 11-day tour that immerses you in breathtaking beauty and the unique biodiversity of both the western and eastern islands. Highlights include observing endemics like the Galápagos Penguin and Flightless Cormorant along the shores of Isabela Island and watching the mating rituals of Waved Albatross on Española Island. You'll also encounter and learn about the evolution of Darwin's finches, giant tortoises, and marine iguanas all while traversing pristine landscapes of volcanic craters, lush mangroves, and white sandy beaches. Expert naturalist guides and comfortable accommodations aboard our eco-friendly vessel ensure an unforgettable journey into this living laboratory of evolution.   

Birding Man Adventures (BMA) is passionate about supporting conservation through sustainable travel. Having spent two years in Ecuador as a Peace Corps volunteer, BMA founder and guide Ryan Dibala has remained in close contact with several different communities in Ecuador. He has visited the Galápagos Islands multiple times and is extremely knowledgeable about its flora, fauna, and natural history. BMA cares deeply about preserving the natural environment and donates a minimum of 5% of its proceeds from this trip to help offset climate change and protect sensitive habitats in Ecuador.   

The lodging used on this trip has been hand-picked for quality and uniqueness. In Quito, we will stay in what has been called an oasis of calm at Puembo Birding Garden only a half hour from the airport. We will fly to the Galápagos Islands (Baltra Island) where will be greeted by the crew of the first-class Galaxy Yacht.  This will be our home for the next 5 nights. After exploring the western islands, we will return to Baltra Island and fly to the island of San Cristobal. Here, in San Cristobal we will stay at the 3-star Hotel Cactus in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. This will be our base for the next three nights. Finally, we will return to Quito and stay in a comfortable hotel close to the airport (TBD). At each location, we will eat great food prepared with care while enjoying first class service and unrivaled natural beauty.     

Meet group at Mariscal Sucre International Airport

Transfer to Puembo Birding Garden

Flight to Galápagos Islands

Yacht crew greets you on Baltra Island

Transfer to Santa Cruz Highlands
Visit several reserves in the Scelesia forest​

Dinner aboard yacht

Night at sea

Isabela Island

Tintoreras Islets: known for its underwater biodiversity

Sierra Negra Volcano

Wetlands

Tortoise Breeding Center

Night at sea

Moreno Point (Isabela): renown for its volcanic landscapes and pahoehoe lava fields

Mangle Point (Fernandina): lush mangrove ecosystem 

Night at sea

Espinoza Point (Fernandina Island): home to the largest colony of marine iguanas in the Galápagos

Bolívar Channel: an area that boasts some of the highest endemism of sea fauna in the archipelago

Tagus Cove: hike through palo santo forest

Night at sea

Port Egas (Santiago): Galápagos fur seal colony and reintroduced land iguanas

Chinese Hat (Santiago): perfectly symmetrical volcano; colony of Galápagos Penguins and Galápagos sea lions

Night at sea

Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz): labrynthine channels amidst lush mangroves

Transfer to Baltra

Afternoon flight to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal)

Optional visit to San Cristobal interpretation center

Free afternoon 

Free dinner

Stay at hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal)

Day trip to Española Island

Punta Suarez: Waved Albatross colony

Gardner Beach: picture perfect white sand beach with Galápagos sea lions 

Return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal)

Group dinner 

Stay at hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal)

Day trip to Kicker Rock and Punta Pitt

Snorkeling at Kicker Rock: tropical fish, sharks, rays, sea turtles

Birding at Punta Pitt: Red-footed Booby

Return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal)

Group dinner

Stay at hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal)

Breakfast at hotel

Transfer to airport

Arrive to Quito

Free time in Quito

Group dinner

Stay at hotel in Quito

Breakfast at hotel

Transfer to airport

Departure