Galápagos Expedition with Reach The World

• Discover the iconic Galápagos Islands from the all-suite, deluxe Silver Origin, the most elegant, sustainable ship to explore this unique ecosystem.
• Experience the natural splendor of eight islands, cruising round-trip from San Cristóbal to Genovesa, North Seymour, Santiago, Fernandina, Isabela, Santa Cruz, Española and back.
• Immerse yourself in the rare flora and fauna of the Galápagos with included shore excursions on each island, including guided Zodiac cruises, hiking and snorkeling with the expedition team.
• Enjoy expert lectures and in‑depth exploration with the onboard Basecamp hub of discovery.
• Experience the wonder of Charles Darwin’s revolutionary observations of this remarkable world unto itself—home to reptiles, birds, plants and aquatic life that exist nowhere else on the planet.
• Enjoy the astounding biodiversity of the UNESCO‑inscribed Galápagos archipelago, preserved much as it was when Spanish colonists arrived in 1535.
• Climb Prince Philip's Steps on Genovesa Island to see colonies of masked boobies, frigate birds and storm petrels, or enjoy a nature walk or snorkeling at Darwin Bay.
• Embark on a nature hike on North Seymour Island and explore Santiago Island, a volcanic landscape that offers a glimpse into the island's geologic history.
• Discover Punta Mangle on Fernandina Island, home to unique mangrove forests that provide nesting sites for flightless cormorants and Galápagos penguins.
• Travel to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz Island to visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, a conservation site dedicated to the preservation of endangered giant toroises.
• Snorkel in Gardner Bay on Española Island to encounter graceful sea turtles and swim alongside playful sea lions.

Depart home city and fly to Quito. Upon arrival, transfer to the Swissotel Quito hotel.

Fly to San Cristóbal to embark the Silver Origin. San Cristóbal, one of the oldest islands in the archipelago, emerged from the sea approximately 2.4 million years ago. After boarding, settle in your stateroom; then gather for a Captain’s Welcome Reception at the end of the day.

North Seymour Island was named after Lord Hugh Seymour, a British Royal Navy officer. Embark on a guided nature hike across the rocky landscape, marveling at myriad blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigate birds and land iguanas, camouflaged against the arid scrub. Back on board, settle in for lunch while cruising to Sullivan Bay, located on Santiago Island. Get a glimpse into the island’s storied geologic history while strolling by surreal rock formations and pahoehoe lava flows, slow-moving lava with low viscosity and a billowy surface. Sullivan Bay is also known for its expansive coral‑sand beach and clear waters, where sea turtles and tropical fish flourish.

Young Fernandina Island is one of the world’s most volcanically active spots and, since the island is free of introduced species, it is also one of Earth’s most pristine island ecosystems. Here there’s a high density of marine iguanas, sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hawks and penguins. It is also one of the few places in the Galápagos to spy the flightless cormorant, an unusual bird who forgot how to fly. Explore the waters here on a Zodiac ride, while padding a kayak, or with a mask and snorkel! Continue to spectacular Isabela Island. Isabela’s first visitors were pirates and whalers, who used the island to restock supplies and even hide treasure. On a panga ride, marvel at the distinctive rocky shoreline and mangrove forests filled with nesting pelicans and herons.

On Santa Cruz Island, travel from the arid, sunny coast to the mist-shrouded highlands. Spend the morning at a unique coffee farm built on land in the giant tortoise’s natural migration path. Learn about sustainable living and coffee growing, indulge in a delicious coffee tasting, and keep company with free-roaming giant tortoises in this unforgettable experience! After a delicious lunch on board, visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, which works to preserve and increase the giant tortoise population in the Galápagos Islands by protecting eggs and young hatchlings until the tortoises can be released into the wild. Or get a taste of local (human!) life with a visit to the coastal town of Puerto Ayora, exploring shops, galleries and eateries at your leisure. And since this is still the Galápagos, you may even spot pelicans and sea lions during your outing!

Española Island, the southernmost island of the archipelago, is the breeding site of the unique waved albatross. You might witness these special birds launching themselves into the air currents from the high cliffs. Visit Gardner Bay, a sprawling stretch of pristine white sand, and Suarez Point, where you can choose a short nature walk or an adventure hike. Either way, you’re sure to encounter amazing wildlife!

 

San Cristóbal is a birdwatcher’s dream. It’s the only place in the Galápagos where all three species of boobies — red-footed, blue-footed and Nazca — live together in harmony. In addition, the calm waters around the island support an amazing array of wildlife, such as sea turtles, rays, sea lions and tropical fish. Explore this morning on a Zodiac ride or in the water with a mask and snorkel. After a delicious lunch on board, continue to secluded Cerro Brujo, an eroded tuff cone that is also known as Witch Hill. The area teems with wildlife, and visitors may catch sight of great blue herons, egrets and finches. Enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Reception at the end of the day and raise a glass to your epic Galápagos adventure!

Disembark the ship on San Cristóbal and fly to Guayaquil. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before an overnight flight back to your home city. Arrive home the next day.