See nature documentaries and animal biology textbooks come to life on this seven-day sailing around the Galápagos' north and central islands. On this unique territory, you'll spot some of the rarest, most treasured animal species on the globe. See red-footed boobies at El Barranco (one of two locations to spot the bird), snorkel around underwater craters to witness incredible underwater life, and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to spot giant Galápagos tortoises. The vessel Eden is equipped with amenities that have your comfort and exploratory spirit in mind.
Galapagos
Galápagos — North & Central Islands
7 Days aboard Eden . From NZD $6,577pp.
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to understand the current conservation efforts carried out by scientist whilst observing many species of tortoises and land iguanas.
- Spot Sally Lightfoot crabs on Bachas Beach
- Visit El Barranco (one of two locations to see red-footed boobies)
- Hike up Prince Philip's Steps on the southern tip of Genovesa Island to admire sea bird colonies and breeding grounds for masked boobies.
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Arrival in Quito
- Day 2: Fly to Baltra Island
- Day 3: Genovesa Island
- Day 4: Bartolome Island & Sullivan Bay
- Day 5: Black Turtle Cove & Cerro Dragon
- Day 6: Santa Cruz Island - Quito
- Day 7: Depart Quito
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1: Quito
On arrival, check into your hotel and feel free to explore the culturally and historically vibrant capital city of Ecuador. Quito is lined with a variety of shops, churches occupied by fine art, overflowing market stands, hat makers, diverse food and nightlife displays. This city is well known for its ‘Old Town’, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising stunning colonial monuments, sculptures and architecture.
Day 2: Quito - Baltra Island
Take an early flight from Quito to the Galapagos Islands to board the Eden in time for lunch. By the afternoon head to Bachas Beach where the sand is made of decomposed coral, making it soft and white, and a favourite site for nesting sea turtles. Spot abundant Sally Lightfoot crabs on the lava rocks along the water's edge -- these crabs will eat anything they can get their claws on! Trek to see a wide range of wildlife, including flamingos, hermit crabs, black necked stilts, and sea lions.
Day 3: Genovesa Island
Start the morning with a snorkelling experience and visit a sunken caldera crater to see large schools of fish swarming vertically whilst paying close attention to spot a manta ray or a hammerhead shark. Continue the day with a calm walk along the white coral sands of Darwin Bay, surrounded by many sea birds such as frigatebirds, gulls, and incredible red-footed boobies. Afterwards visit El Barranco or proudly named Prince Philip's Steps for an amazing wildlife watching opportunity to see a unique bird colony and the breeding grounds for the red-footed boobies and masked boobies.
Day 4: Bartolome Island & Sullivan Bay
Hike to Bartolomé's summit for a stronger perspective of the islands' not-too-distant volcanic origins, and enjoy a panoramic view – it’s one of the best among the islands! See other Galápagos Islands in the distance as well as Pinnacle Rock, the island’s famous towering landmark.
Take the opportunity to swim and snorkel around Pinnacle Rock, one of the most iconic volcanic rock formations on the island. Home to Galápagos penguins, friendly sea lions, sea turtles, and a huge variety of fish, Bartolomé and its surrounding waters are a fantastic place to explore the natural wonders of the Galápagos.
Visit Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to see one of its star natural attractions – striking and fascinating giant lava formations. Very few plants have managed to survive on this island due to its harsh environment and relatively new lava flow. Enjoy a walk along the lava formations before coming to a white-coral sand beach, where abundant Sally Lightfoot crabs and sea lions gather on shore.
Day 5: Black Turtle Cove & Cerro Dragon
Visit Black Turtle Cove and explore the mangroves by panga to find rich marine wildlife between the fresh and salt waters. Keep any eye out for manta rays and sea turtles in this tranquil ecosystem. Whitetip reef sharks can also be seen gliding by.
After visit Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill) for some prime birdwatching. Take a short walk from the beach to a hypersalinic (saltier than the ocean) lagoon frequented by pink flamingos, common stilts, pintail ducks, and other species of birds. Pass through a Scalesia tree forest; endemic to the area, there are only 400 specimens of Scalesia trees left in the world.
Day 6: Santa Cruz Island - Quito
Before you fly back to Quito today visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center a great place to observe many species of tortoises and land iguanas in captivity. Brought back from the brink of extinction, see the famous Galápagos tortoise up close – a corral houses adult tortoises, and a nursery cares for the young until around age three when their shells have hardened.
This area also houses the Charles Darwin Research Station, a scientific organisation initiated in 1964, which works to preserve the Galápagos' ecosystem through the conservation efforts of scientists, researchers, and volunteers. While the offices themselves are not open to visitors, the research station provides a study location for international scientists and environmental education for the local community.
Day 7: Quito
After breakfast, feel free to explore enchanting Quito for a last time before you depart back home.
Next Departure Date: 01 Feb 2025
| Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Feb 2025 - 07 Feb 2025 | NZD$6732pp | ||
| Main Deck Cabin | NZD$6732pp | Contact us | |
| Upper Deck Cabin | NZD$6732pp | Contact us | |
| Lower Deck Cabin | NZD$6732pp | Contact us | |
| 15 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2025 | NZD$6732pp | ||
| 01 Mar 2025 - 07 Mar 2025 | NZD$6577pp | ||
| 15 Mar 2025 - 21 Mar 2025 | NZD$6732pp | ||
| 29 Mar 2025 - 04 Apr 2025 | NZD$6732pp | ||
| 12 Apr 2025 - 18 Apr 2025 | NZD$6954pp | ||
| 26 Apr 2025 - 02 May 2025 | NZD$6732pp | ||
| 10 May 2025 - 16 May 2025 | NZD$6954pp | ||
| 07 Jun 2025 - 13 Jun 2025 | NZD$6577pp | ||
| 05 Jul 2025 - 11 Jul 2025 | NZD$6732pp | ||
| 30 Aug 2025 - 05 Sep 2025 | NZD$6577pp | ||
| 27 Sep 2025 - 03 Oct 2025 | NZD$6577pp | ||
| 11 Oct 2025 - 17 Oct 2025 | NZD$6577pp | ||
| 08 Nov 2025 - 14 Nov 2025 | NZD$6732pp | ||
| 06 Dec 2025 - 12 Dec 2025 | NZD$6732pp | ||
| 20 Dec 2025 - 26 Dec 2025 | NZD$6954pp |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Lower Deck Cabin
Lower twin beds, porthole window, private bathroom & air conditioning.
Upper Deck Cabin
Upper and lower bunk berths, picture window, private bathroom & air conditioning.
Main Deck Cabin
One double bed, picture window, private bathroom & air conditioning.
Eden Deckplan
Specifications
- Year Built: 2000
- Year Refurbished: 2012
- Length: 24.08m
- Width: 6.9m
- Draft: 2.46m
- Cruise Speed: 10 knots
- Maximum Speed: 12 knots
- Machine: 02 Detroit diesel 6/71 – 180 HP c/u.
- Electricity: 220/110 volt. AC, 2x20 kw Kohler
- Water capacity: 3000 gallons
- Fuel capacity: 2500 gallons
- Crew: 8 + guide
- Pangas: 2
- Capacity: 16 passengers
Whats included?
- Cruise the Galápagos Islands aboard the Eden (4 nts).
- All meals aboard the Eden. Certified Galápagos National Park Service Guide.
- Excursion to see red-footed boobies (Genovesa Island).
- Hike to the Bartolomé Island viewpoint overlooking the famous Pinnacle Rock.
- Snorkelling at Darwin Bay and Sullivan Bay.
- Onboard snorkelling equipment and wetsuits.
- Internal flights.
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What’s not included?
- Air transportation other than specified
- Airport Transfer on the first and last day
- Passport, visa and immigration fees
- Airport arrival/departure taxes
- Travel protection plan
- Galápagos National Park fee: US$200 per person
- Transit control card: US$20 per person
- Alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages
- Laundry service
- Gratuities
- Any items not mentioned as included
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: Galapagos
This once in a lifetime destination is a nature lovers dream. Watch the famous Galapagos tortoises and blue footed boobies in the morning and snorkel with sea lions in the afternoon, then relax on your cruise to the next destination tomorrow!
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