Grandiosos Galapagos
Itinerary: Day 1
Arrive in Quito
Upon arrival at the Quito Airport, an Adventures by Disney representative meets you and escorts you to your transfer vehicle. Relax as the driver assists with your luggage and brings you to the JW Marriott Hotel.
JW Marriott Hotel
Welcome to the colonial city of Quito, also known as "The Middle of the World" because it's so close to the equator! This luxury hotel in the capitol of Ecuador is surrounded by spellbinding views of the magnificent, snow-capped Andes and volcanoes outside of the city. Sit back and stretch your legs while your Adventure Guides check you in. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, opt to have a family dinner in the hotel.
Upon arrival at the Quito Airport, an Adventures by Disney representative meets you and escorts you to your transfer vehicle. Relax as the driver assists with your luggage and brings you to the JW Marriott Hotel.
JW Marriott Hotel
Welcome to the colonial city of Quito, also known as "The Middle of the World" because it's so close to the equator! This luxury hotel in the capitol of Ecuador is surrounded by spellbinding views of the magnificent, snow-capped Andes and volcanoes outside of the city. Sit back and stretch your legs while your Adventure Guides check you in. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, opt to have a family dinner in the hotel.
|Meals included: None
Itinerary : Day 2
Fly to The Galapagos Islands
Eat early breakfast at the hotel, then your Adventure Guides bring you to Quito Airport's V.I.P lounge for your flight to Baltra, where upon landing you and your fellow adventurers will unwind in the Baltra Airport's V.I.P. lounge before boarding your ship.
Welcome Aboard the Galapagos Explorer II
Climb into an inflatable boat for a short ride to the ship. Then ascend the staircase to board this elegant vessel that's the best in both comfort and communication with scientists. The ship is 293 feet long and carries a total of 100 passengers, including several bilingual Level III naturalist guides. Share your shipboard experiences with people from all walks of life as you sail into adventure!
Lunch on the Ship
Gather in the main dining room for your first meal—a luscious buffet lunch.
Orientation and Drill
Hit the deck with your Adventure Guides for a lifeboat drill and ship orientation to make your sailing as smooth as possible.
Journey to Santiago Island and Sullivan Bay
Hike across the fourth largest island of the Archipelago to Sullivan Bay lava field. The ropey flows stretch across the terrain in twisted, rigid lines. Witness a spectacular array of wildlife, such as the mottled Galapagos hawk, coppery lava lizards, smoky fur seals and blue heron. Later, dive into the waters for an otherworldly snorkeling escapade and swim among sea lions and turtles. Then take a stroll over the dark sand beaches that make up this dramatic landscape.
Welcome Dinner Aboard the Ship
Unwind in the main dining room with a satisfying meal.
Private Stargazing
Gather on the ship's deck for a brilliant view of night's glittering tapestry as a Galapagos National Park guide describes the legends, lore and scientific marvels sewn into its star-strewn fabric.
Eat early breakfast at the hotel, then your Adventure Guides bring you to Quito Airport's V.I.P lounge for your flight to Baltra, where upon landing you and your fellow adventurers will unwind in the Baltra Airport's V.I.P. lounge before boarding your ship.
Welcome Aboard the Galapagos Explorer II
Climb into an inflatable boat for a short ride to the ship. Then ascend the staircase to board this elegant vessel that's the best in both comfort and communication with scientists. The ship is 293 feet long and carries a total of 100 passengers, including several bilingual Level III naturalist guides. Share your shipboard experiences with people from all walks of life as you sail into adventure!
Lunch on the Ship
Gather in the main dining room for your first meal—a luscious buffet lunch.
Orientation and Drill
Hit the deck with your Adventure Guides for a lifeboat drill and ship orientation to make your sailing as smooth as possible.
Journey to Santiago Island and Sullivan Bay
Hike across the fourth largest island of the Archipelago to Sullivan Bay lava field. The ropey flows stretch across the terrain in twisted, rigid lines. Witness a spectacular array of wildlife, such as the mottled Galapagos hawk, coppery lava lizards, smoky fur seals and blue heron. Later, dive into the waters for an otherworldly snorkeling escapade and swim among sea lions and turtles. Then take a stroll over the dark sand beaches that make up this dramatic landscape.
Welcome Dinner Aboard the Ship
Unwind in the main dining room with a satisfying meal.
Private Stargazing
Gather on the ship's deck for a brilliant view of night's glittering tapestry as a Galapagos National Park guide describes the legends, lore and scientific marvels sewn into its star-strewn fabric.
|Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Itinerary: Day 3
Journey to Bartholomew Island
Have breakfast at your leisure in the ship's dining room before disembarking for rugged Bartholomew Island.
Hiking Expedition
Hike through the volcanic landscape like the young Charles Darwin did in 1835. The island teems with life as you encounter elusive iguanas and birds of every feather, not to mention the unusual cactus plants. Watch for Sally Lightfoot crabs as their fiery red and golden yellow shells scuttle over the rocks. As you hike, marvel at the panoramic view of the sapphire waters, reddish sands and fabulous peaks of the archipelago.
Snorkeling in Paradise
Submerge yourself in an exotic underwater world where tropical fish swish through feathery floral tendrils and rocky crags as sea lions and penguins play in the waves. Then spend some time on the broad beach exploring the fascinating rock formations that crouch at the water's edge.
Lunch Aboard the Ship
Return to the ship in the main dining room to refresh yourself with a leisurely lunch.
Santiago Island and Espumilla Beach
Take a stroll over the coffee-colored sands of this birdwatcher's paradise known as Espumilla Beach. Its fresh waters once attracted whalers and pirates alike! Walk inland to the waterfall and whimsical mangrove forest where sea turtles nest—watch your step!—and the common stilt wades. As you head into the sparse forest, look carefully for a variety of finches and vermillion flycatchers. If time permits, more snorkeling is in store.
Dinner Aboard the Ship
Be seated together with your fellow Adventurers for a fantastic family meal in the main dining room.
Optional Karaoke Night
Yearning to croon? Grab a mic and get onstage with other ship's passengers for an evening of musical fun for the whole family!
Have breakfast at your leisure in the ship's dining room before disembarking for rugged Bartholomew Island.
Hiking Expedition
Hike through the volcanic landscape like the young Charles Darwin did in 1835. The island teems with life as you encounter elusive iguanas and birds of every feather, not to mention the unusual cactus plants. Watch for Sally Lightfoot crabs as their fiery red and golden yellow shells scuttle over the rocks. As you hike, marvel at the panoramic view of the sapphire waters, reddish sands and fabulous peaks of the archipelago.
Snorkeling in Paradise
Submerge yourself in an exotic underwater world where tropical fish swish through feathery floral tendrils and rocky crags as sea lions and penguins play in the waves. Then spend some time on the broad beach exploring the fascinating rock formations that crouch at the water's edge.
Lunch Aboard the Ship
Return to the ship in the main dining room to refresh yourself with a leisurely lunch.
Santiago Island and Espumilla Beach
Take a stroll over the coffee-colored sands of this birdwatcher's paradise known as Espumilla Beach. Its fresh waters once attracted whalers and pirates alike! Walk inland to the waterfall and whimsical mangrove forest where sea turtles nest—watch your step!—and the common stilt wades. As you head into the sparse forest, look carefully for a variety of finches and vermillion flycatchers. If time permits, more snorkeling is in store.
Dinner Aboard the Ship
Be seated together with your fellow Adventurers for a fantastic family meal in the main dining room.
Optional Karaoke Night
Yearning to croon? Grab a mic and get onstage with other ship's passengers for an evening of musical fun for the whole family!
|Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Itinerary: Day 4
Isabela Island and Punta Vicente Roca
After snorkeling in the azure waters, sail out on a panga to discover the largest island of the Galapagos—Isabela. The panga explores the fascinating coast of stunning Punta Vicente Roca, bringing you past dramatic geological formations carved by relatively recent volcanic activity. Sea lions often splash in the waves by the rocks, watching the panga pass. Keep your binoculars at hand for brown pelicans, blue-footed boobies, noddy terns, shear waters and more! As you make your way in the waters, a naturalist discusses the animals of this unique ecosystem that inspired Charles Darwin's revolutionary scientific work.
Lunch Aboard the Ship
Return to the ship in the main dining room to refresh yourself with a leisurely lunch.
Journey to Fernandina Island
Hike over the pristine terrain of one of the most active volcanoes on earth a naturalist guides you to Punta Espinoza. Venture into one of the largest populations of marine iguanas with their scaly hides and thick, swishy tails—they only exist in the Galapagos! And don't miss your chance to see the flightless cormorant, one of the world's rarest birds, or the red-breasted frigate bird, with its puffed scarlet chest and sleek black feathers.
Dinner Aboard the Ship
Be seated together with your fellow Adventurers for a fantastic family meal in the main dining room.
Pirate Party
Celebrate crossing the equator on board the ship in pirate style. Created by the Galapagos Explorer II staff, this themed party is sure to shiver your timbers!
After snorkeling in the azure waters, sail out on a panga to discover the largest island of the Galapagos—Isabela. The panga explores the fascinating coast of stunning Punta Vicente Roca, bringing you past dramatic geological formations carved by relatively recent volcanic activity. Sea lions often splash in the waves by the rocks, watching the panga pass. Keep your binoculars at hand for brown pelicans, blue-footed boobies, noddy terns, shear waters and more! As you make your way in the waters, a naturalist discusses the animals of this unique ecosystem that inspired Charles Darwin's revolutionary scientific work.
Lunch Aboard the Ship
Return to the ship in the main dining room to refresh yourself with a leisurely lunch.
Journey to Fernandina Island
Hike over the pristine terrain of one of the most active volcanoes on earth a naturalist guides you to Punta Espinoza. Venture into one of the largest populations of marine iguanas with their scaly hides and thick, swishy tails—they only exist in the Galapagos! And don't miss your chance to see the flightless cormorant, one of the world's rarest birds, or the red-breasted frigate bird, with its puffed scarlet chest and sleek black feathers.
Dinner Aboard the Ship
Be seated together with your fellow Adventurers for a fantastic family meal in the main dining room.
Pirate Party
Celebrate crossing the equator on board the ship in pirate style. Created by the Galapagos Explorer II staff, this themed party is sure to shiver your timbers!
|Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Itinerary: Day 5
Tagus Cove
On the west coast of Isabela Island, Tagus Cove is tucked between the shoulders of two volcanoes, making it a place for safe anchorage for over 300 years. Embark on a privately guided excursion and observe an abundance of wildlife, such as flightless cormorants, green sea turtles, blue-footed boobies and much, much more. Make your way over the pitch lava fields to the deep blue saltwater lagoon, where you can find cave inscriptions with the names of pirate and whaling vessels from the 1800s!
Lunch Aboard the Ship
Return to the ship in the main dining room to refresh yourself with a leisurely lunch.
Isabela Island
Explore this bay teeming with wildlife on a visit with your Adventure Guides in an inflatable boat. Rays glide beneath the waves while penguins and gulls perch on the rocks with the famous blue-footed boobies. Sail deeper into the bay to see the vibrant mangrove with its lush foliage brushing the tranquil waters.
Junior Adventurer Private Pizza Party
While adults enjoy dinner in the ship's dining room, Junior Adventurers savor their own pizzas in the ship's game room.
Disney Movie Night
Adults can relax on the ship while Junior Adventurers enjoy a Disney movie with snacks and soft drinks with the Adventure Guides. Grownups can always join in if they wish!
On the west coast of Isabela Island, Tagus Cove is tucked between the shoulders of two volcanoes, making it a place for safe anchorage for over 300 years. Embark on a privately guided excursion and observe an abundance of wildlife, such as flightless cormorants, green sea turtles, blue-footed boobies and much, much more. Make your way over the pitch lava fields to the deep blue saltwater lagoon, where you can find cave inscriptions with the names of pirate and whaling vessels from the 1800s!
Lunch Aboard the Ship
Return to the ship in the main dining room to refresh yourself with a leisurely lunch.
Isabela Island
Explore this bay teeming with wildlife on a visit with your Adventure Guides in an inflatable boat. Rays glide beneath the waves while penguins and gulls perch on the rocks with the famous blue-footed boobies. Sail deeper into the bay to see the vibrant mangrove with its lush foliage brushing the tranquil waters.
Junior Adventurer Private Pizza Party
While adults enjoy dinner in the ship's dining room, Junior Adventurers savor their own pizzas in the ship's game room.
Disney Movie Night
Adults can relax on the ship while Junior Adventurers enjoy a Disney movie with snacks and soft drinks with the Adventure Guides. Grownups can always join in if they wish!
|Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Itinerary: Day 6
Journey to Floreana Island and Post Office Bay
Known as "Post Office Bay," Floreana Island was the first to be inhabited and is home to a barrel of mail that sits on the beach. Whalers began the tradition of placing letters in the barrel. If you found one that went to someone in your home town, you delivered it yourself. In exchange, you could leave a letter or postcard of your own to be delivered. Explore this island and learn about its colorful history of buccaneers, whalers and Norweigan settlers. This island also features an underwater volcanic cone with colorful reefs, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling.
Lunch Aboard the Ship
Return to the ship in the main dining room to refresh yourself with a leisurely lunch.
Punta Cormorant, Devil's Crown or Champion
Choose your itinerary for the afternoon! Bring your binoculars to Punta Cormorant, where sting rays and green sea turtles dart and dive in the water beyond the green beach. One of the largest populations of pink flamingos in the archipelago brightens the cove, necks bending gracefully as they scour the floor for food. Discover the Devil's Crown with its sunken crater that creates some of the best snorkeling in the islands! Rainbow schools of fish cruise through the currents. Swim down to the center of the crater to see hammerheads and spotted eagle rays as they meander past. Or spend some time at Champion, where the walls are covered with black coral bushes and yellow cup corals. Look carefully for Pacific sea horses, green turtles and surgeonfish!
Dinner Aboard the Ship
Unwind in the main dining room with a satisfying meal.
Private Stargazing
Gather on the ship's deck for a brilliant view of night's glittering tapestry as a guide describes the legends, lore and scientific marvels sewn into its star-strewn fabric.
Known as "Post Office Bay," Floreana Island was the first to be inhabited and is home to a barrel of mail that sits on the beach. Whalers began the tradition of placing letters in the barrel. If you found one that went to someone in your home town, you delivered it yourself. In exchange, you could leave a letter or postcard of your own to be delivered. Explore this island and learn about its colorful history of buccaneers, whalers and Norweigan settlers. This island also features an underwater volcanic cone with colorful reefs, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling.
Lunch Aboard the Ship
Return to the ship in the main dining room to refresh yourself with a leisurely lunch.
Punta Cormorant, Devil's Crown or Champion
Choose your itinerary for the afternoon! Bring your binoculars to Punta Cormorant, where sting rays and green sea turtles dart and dive in the water beyond the green beach. One of the largest populations of pink flamingos in the archipelago brightens the cove, necks bending gracefully as they scour the floor for food. Discover the Devil's Crown with its sunken crater that creates some of the best snorkeling in the islands! Rainbow schools of fish cruise through the currents. Swim down to the center of the crater to see hammerheads and spotted eagle rays as they meander past. Or spend some time at Champion, where the walls are covered with black coral bushes and yellow cup corals. Look carefully for Pacific sea horses, green turtles and surgeonfish!
Dinner Aboard the Ship
Unwind in the main dining room with a satisfying meal.
Private Stargazing
Gather on the ship's deck for a brilliant view of night's glittering tapestry as a guide describes the legends, lore and scientific marvels sewn into its star-strewn fabric.
|Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Itinerary: Day 7
Santa Cruz Island
Roam this island with a private guide and explore inside the rocky lava tubes left by the liquid magma of the volcanoes. Trek out to Los Gemelos—also known as The Twins—where the lush forest takes a breathtaking plunge into dual craters. Keep an eye out for the vermillion flycatcher and various species of Darwin's finches as they flit from branch to branch. Meanwhile the giant Galapagos tortoises show you the leisurely life as they ramble across the land. Follow their lead as you discover the powerful sights and sounds of Darwin's paradise.
Next, visit the Natural History Interpretation Center at the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you might see its famous resident, the giant tortoise named Lonesome George. He's the only one left of his species!
Shopping Time On Your Own
Indulge in a bit of souvenir seeking at the island shops in the town of Puerto Ayora.
Lunch Aboard the Ship
Return to the ship in the main dining room to refresh yourself with a leisurely lunch.
South Plaza Island
During your hike on South Plaza Island, color abounds depending on the season. In June, the flora turns beautiful shades of red, while during the rainy season yellows and greens light up the landscape. Because the island and its eye-catching cliffs were formed by rising lava, the distinctive prickly pear cacti abound. The adorable Darwin finches perch on the cacti spines. Home to one of the largest sea lion populations, the island also hosts the multi-hued land iguanas and nimble lava lizards that skitter over the porous rocks.
Junior Adventurer Private Pizza Party
While adults enjoy dinner in the ship's dining room, Junior Adventurers savor their own pizzas in the ship's game room.
Disney Movie Night
Adults can relax on the ship while Junior Adventurers watch a Disney movie with snacks and soft drinks with the Adventure Guides. Grownups can always join in if they wish!
Roam this island with a private guide and explore inside the rocky lava tubes left by the liquid magma of the volcanoes. Trek out to Los Gemelos—also known as The Twins—where the lush forest takes a breathtaking plunge into dual craters. Keep an eye out for the vermillion flycatcher and various species of Darwin's finches as they flit from branch to branch. Meanwhile the giant Galapagos tortoises show you the leisurely life as they ramble across the land. Follow their lead as you discover the powerful sights and sounds of Darwin's paradise.
Next, visit the Natural History Interpretation Center at the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you might see its famous resident, the giant tortoise named Lonesome George. He's the only one left of his species!
Shopping Time On Your Own
Indulge in a bit of souvenir seeking at the island shops in the town of Puerto Ayora.
Lunch Aboard the Ship
Return to the ship in the main dining room to refresh yourself with a leisurely lunch.
South Plaza Island
During your hike on South Plaza Island, color abounds depending on the season. In June, the flora turns beautiful shades of red, while during the rainy season yellows and greens light up the landscape. Because the island and its eye-catching cliffs were formed by rising lava, the distinctive prickly pear cacti abound. The adorable Darwin finches perch on the cacti spines. Home to one of the largest sea lion populations, the island also hosts the multi-hued land iguanas and nimble lava lizards that skitter over the porous rocks.
Junior Adventurer Private Pizza Party
While adults enjoy dinner in the ship's dining room, Junior Adventurers savor their own pizzas in the ship's game room.
Disney Movie Night
Adults can relax on the ship while Junior Adventurers watch a Disney movie with snacks and soft drinks with the Adventure Guides. Grownups can always join in if they wish!
|Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Itinerary: Day 8
San Cristobal Island
Disembark the ship for a coach ride to the La Galapaguera of Cerro Colorado, the San Cristobal nature reserve where you can encounter giant tortoises on the trails! Spend the rest of the morning seeing the volcanic formations and the sweet waters of El Junco Lake.
Lunch Aboard the Ship
Return to the ship in the main dining room to refresh yourself with a leisurely lunch.
Ochoa Beach
See the great sea lion colonies relaxing and playing on the beaches as brown pelicans and other birds soar overhead. Don't miss the marine iguanas sunning themselves on the rocks, as well as such fascinating flora as the candelabra cactus and the poison apple trees.
Dinner on the Ship
Savor one last dinner prepared by the chefs on the ship with your fellow Adventurers in the main dining room.
Farewell Drink and Dessert
Celebrate the vacation of a lifetime with your fellow Adventurers with a drink and special dessert at this festive gathering.
Disembark the ship for a coach ride to the La Galapaguera of Cerro Colorado, the San Cristobal nature reserve where you can encounter giant tortoises on the trails! Spend the rest of the morning seeing the volcanic formations and the sweet waters of El Junco Lake.
Lunch Aboard the Ship
Return to the ship in the main dining room to refresh yourself with a leisurely lunch.
Ochoa Beach
See the great sea lion colonies relaxing and playing on the beaches as brown pelicans and other birds soar overhead. Don't miss the marine iguanas sunning themselves on the rocks, as well as such fascinating flora as the candelabra cactus and the poison apple trees.
Dinner on the Ship
Savor one last dinner prepared by the chefs on the ship with your fellow Adventurers in the main dining room.
Farewell Drink and Dessert
Celebrate the vacation of a lifetime with your fellow Adventurers with a drink and special dessert at this festive gathering.
|Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Itinerary: Day 9
Journey Back to Quito
Transfer to Baltra airport V.I.P Lounge and fly back to Quito. Enjoy lunch on the plane. After you land, your Adventure Guides once again check you into the JW Marriott Hotel for the evening.
Farewell Dinner in Quito and Live Music
Meet with your fellow Adventurers for this final feast in Ecuador. Regale one another with tales of the wonders you have shared during this delicious meal of Ecuadorian cuisine at an exclusive setting in this 16th-century mansion. After dinner, sway with the rhythms that rock the Andean mountains at this exclusive musical show featuring Ecuadorian musicians. They even give music lessons to all who want to try playing the pipes!
Transfer to Baltra airport V.I.P Lounge and fly back to Quito. Enjoy lunch on the plane. After you land, your Adventure Guides once again check you into the JW Marriott Hotel for the evening.
Farewell Dinner in Quito and Live Music
Meet with your fellow Adventurers for this final feast in Ecuador. Regale one another with tales of the wonders you have shared during this delicious meal of Ecuadorian cuisine at an exclusive setting in this 16th-century mansion. After dinner, sway with the rhythms that rock the Andean mountains at this exclusive musical show featuring Ecuadorian musicians. They even give music lessons to all who want to try playing the pipes!
|Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Itinerary: Day 10
Breakfast at the JW Marriott Hotel
Delight in one last leisurely meal in Ecuador before your departure.
Transfer to the Airport
Board pre-arranged transportation to the airport and say adiós until you return again!
Delight in one last leisurely meal in Ecuador before your departure.
Transfer to the Airport
Board pre-arranged transportation to the airport and say adiós until you return again!
|Meal included: Breakfast
