Galapagos - Central, East & South Islands aboard the Xavier III Adventure Tour

Encounter the island chain that has enchanted explorers since Darwin first weighed anchor off its shores. Spend seven nights exploring the incredible wildlife of the Galápagos archipelago in the company of an expert Naturalist Guide. In the evenings, return to the Xavier to reflect on the day's adventures. Retire to air-conditioned cabins with exclusive lower berths and private bathrooms. As one of the region's largest operators, we understand the importance of controlling the onboard experience ' that's why you'll never end up on another operator's ship.

Highlights

Seven nights cruising through the Galápagos National Park aboard Xavier, coming face
to
face with 200
year
old giant tortoises, exploring large colonies of blue
footed boobies and marine iguanas on the volcanic rocks, discovering three species of boobies and two species of frigatebirds nesting together at Punta Pitt, sending a post card at Post Office Bay and bringing one home

What's Included

Cruise the Galápagos Islands aboard the Xavier (7 nts). All meals aboard the Xavier. Certified Galápagos National Park Service Guide. Highlands and wild tortoise excursion (Santa Cruz Island). Visit to Post Office Bay (Floreana Island). Snorkelling at Champion Islet and Kicker Rock. Visit to a wildlife interpretation centre (San Cristóbal Island). Visit to giant tortoise breeding centre (San Cristóbal Island). Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island). All landings and excursions. Onboard snorkelling equipment and wetsuits. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Accommodation

Hotels (2 nts), aboard the Xavier in twin
share cabins (7 nts).

Meals Included

9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners

Transport

Motorized yacht (Xavier), plane, private vehicle, panga.

Group Leader Description

Your G Adventures group trip is met in Quito by a G Adventures representative. The aim of the representative is to give you the required information for the rest of your journey and to assist with changing money, restaurant and excursion suggestions and general information about the city. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting
we think it's the best of both worlds. For your shipboard voyage we have a highly experienced shipboard staff and crew, including a Galapagos CEO who is a local naturalist guide certified by the Galapagos National Park.

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Solo Travellers

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi
share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Due to the remoteness of the Galapagos islands, onboard our vessels, there is no credit card machines therefore only cash is accepted. It is important that you withdraw enough cash for the duration of your trip, once in the islands, ATM machines are extremely limited and unreliable. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

What to Take

We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack (whichever you find easiest to carry). A good size daypack is also essential. If you don't wish to take all of your luggage with you to Galapagos, please ensure you have an extra bag you can leave behind at hotel storage and pickup on your return. Please note that Galapagos is a protected National Park so your luggage will be checked before arrival and departure to and from the islands. Don't bring any food, seeds or other organic material that could affect the delicate ecosystem of the islands. Porters are not often available, so be prepared to carry your own bags. Please remember that you can leave unnecessary articles in your joining hotel storage room. . Please do not bring any alcoholic beverages aboard, as your boat has a bar offering a variety of alcoholic drinks and prices are reasonable. LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE ON THE BOAT: Please note that the amount of luggage you can bring on the boat is LIMITED due to small cabin size. We recommend travellers use soft sided duffel bags of 40
50 litres in capacity. We will accept luggage types onboard, however if you are a single traveller sharing with another traveller, it´s especially important to keep in mind that cabins are small in size and it´s best to pack light. Luggage storage facilities are available at the start hotel for anything you don´t need while you are exploring the Galapagos. Please note that the electric outlets on this boat are 110v and will have 2 flat prongs. If necessary, please bring an adaptor with you for your electric devices, ie, battery chargers.