Sail around the Galapagos Islands on the Archipel I catamaran
Sail around the Galapagos Islands on the Archipel I catamaran
This eight-day southeastern tour aboard the catamaran Archipel I cruises along the oldest islands in the Galapagos. Visit three of the four inhabited islands – San Cristobal, Floreana and Santa Cruz – and learn about the history of colonisation here. Land at two untouched islands: extraordinary Santa Fe and not-to-be-missed South Plaza. Also see the lively wildlife on Española and exclusive Pitt Point. Additionally, Lobos Islet provides the unforgettable opportunity to snorkel with playful sea lions.
It is possible to visit the Galapagos at any time of year, but seasonal variations do affect what you see and there are climatic changes to note. The weather is controlled by the two main ocean currents of the region: the Humboldt, bringing cold water from the Antarctic, and El Nino, which brings tropical water from the Gulf of Panama. How close to the Galapagos they converge (which varies from year to year) is the key to the weather.
Dry season
Generally speaking, late May to early December is the cooler dry season. In this period, it is not necessarily dry, as there is a persistent light mist (garua) and often light drizzle, and the higher mountain slopes are covered in cloud and fog or rain. The winds are in the southeast and are higher than at other times, so seas can sometimes be choppy and anyone worried about seasickness might want to avoid it. Daytime maximum temperatures are 27C-31C (81F-88F), the cooler months being July to November. In July and August, the fairly strong winds introduce a chill factor, and it can feel quite cold at nights, though throughout the year the official night temperatures are 19C-24C (66F-75F).
Wet season
Depending on how close the convergence of the two currents comes to the Galapagos, there may or may not be a wet season from January to April or May. Approximately every seven years the El Nino current actually hits the islands and there will be heavy rains in these months. In other years, rain usually falls sporadically from otherwise clear skies. The ocean temperatures are higher with generally calm seas and strong sunshine: pleasant, but potentially very hot. Apart from an El Nino year, the weather is usually better from December to January and April to May than at other times even if there is some rain. Most people would regard these months as the best time to go.
There are plenty of wildlife highlights throughout the year:
January: Nesting land birds; green sea turtles arrive to lay eggs on the beaches; land iguanas start breeding on Isabela
February: Nesting marine iguanas on Santa Cruz; greater flamingos start nesting on Floreana
March: The bright red throat pouches of frigatebirds are inflated during mating season on Genovesa and San Cristóbal
April: Huge numbers of waved albatross on Española display courtship rituals; green sea turtle eggs begin to hatch; land iguana eggs hatch on Isabela
May: Courtship of blue-footed boobies begins on North Seymour; waved albatrosses on Española start laying eggs
June: Giant tortoises migrate to the lowlands and start nesting; migrating birds stop in the Galapagos to rest; migrating humpback whales can often be seen around the western islands
July: Dolphins and whales are more likely to be seen around the western islands; blue-footed boobies on Española start breeding
August: Nazca boobies nest on Genovesa Island; sea lions start giving birth to pups
September: Penguins seen in the water when snorkelling around Bartolomé
October: Galapagos fur seals start mating; blue-footed boobies start raising chicks
November: Curious sea lion pups found in the water among snorkelers
December: Mating green sea turtles; waved albatross chicks fledge
In Quito, it should be warm by day and generally dry. Maximum daytime temperatures are almost constant throughout the year at 20C (68F) and nights at 8C (46F). Expect some rain in February-May and October-November. Storms, though heavy, are generally short.
This trip has been graded Activity Level 1 (Leisurely) with a Safari rating of 5.
This trip is great for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and those with an interest in history or geology. Though you do not need to be particularly fit, there will be some walking on rough ground and sharp volcanic rocks due to the volcanic nature of the Galapagos Islands. The ability to withstand high temperatures and to swim will maximise your enjoyment of the trip. Due to local regulations, we have specific time slots for making our landings and site visits. There is usually very little disruption to the schedule, but this can mean little room for deviation in the event of poor weather or other circumstances.
Landings: Each day in the Galapagos will feature a mixture of walking, snorkelling and exploring the islands by boat. To get closer to the designated landing sites on each of the islands, we disembark into small pangas (motorised dinghies). Landings are divided into two types – wet and dry. For dry landings, the panga will take you right up to a landing stage or rocky outcrop where you can disembark without getting wet. However, where there is no landing stage, the panga will stop close to a beach and you will be expected to walk through shallow water (generally no more than ankle-deep) to the shore. The leader will always advise on conditions prior to leaving and it is possible to skip any excursion if you would rather relax on the boat.
Snorkelling: There are plenty of snorkelling opportunities in the Galapagos and this is one of the best ways to experience the marine life. A mask and snorkel will reveal an exciting underwater world with sea lions, rays, turtles, marine iguanas, and a colourful array of fish. On most days, there will be one or two snorkelling sessions. Snorkelling in the Galapagos does not require any special skills; however, at times, you will be snorkelling in open water where there are fairly strong currents. Before going into the water, the guide will evaluate the strength of the currents and the general sea condition to ensure they are right for a safe and enjoyable activity. The dinghy will remain very close at all times; if you get tired or feel like coming out of the water, you only have to raise your arm and they will pick you up so you can rest for a while before going back in or stay in the dinghy until it is time to return to the boat. Snorkelling equipment (snorkel, fins and masks) is provided; however, it is advisable to wear a wetsuit, which not only protects you from the cold but also makes floating much easier without as much effort.
Travellers: We offer this Galapagos cruise in conjunction with our Ecuadorian partners, and Exodus participants will join an international group, not all of whom have booked through Exodus. Occasionally some of these may be younger than Exodus’ minimum age for this trip.
Deposit terms
At the time of booking, we will ask you for the standard Exodus deposit plus an extra 10% of the trip cost to secure your space on the boat. If for any reason we are unable to secure the space and we have to cancel the trip, you will receive a full refund.
Cancellation terms
Due to the nature of this trip, it has slightly different cancellation charges to those listed in the standard Exodus Booking Conditions. After booking, if cancelling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows:
From 90 days to 65 days before departure: loss of deposit (20%)
64 days or less (or failure to join the trip): 100% of the trip cost
Islands visited on this itinerary:
Santa Cruz: The second-largest island in the archipelago, Santa Cruz is home to Puerto Ayora – where most Galapagos ships are docked for embarkation – and the Charles Darwin Research Station, which conducts tortoise research programmes and is heavily involved in the management and conservation of the islands along with the national park authorities. The Santa Cruz highlands are much greener than the dry lowlands of the other islands and are home to freely roaming tortoises. In common with the rest of the group, Santa Cruz has many interesting volcanic features, such as pit craters and lava tunnels, and there is also a flamingo lagoon at Cerro Dragón.
Floreana: One of the first islands to be inhabited, Floreana has a human history as interesting as its natural one. At Post Office Bay, 18th-century sailors (and now tourists) left mail in a wooden barrel so it could be picked up by other ships and delivered. It's still common practice for visitors to see if there are postcards or letters from their hometown and deliver them on their return from the Galapagos. Notable wildlife on the island includes large flamingo colonies, the Galapagos petrel and, between December and May, nesting green turtles. Just off the coast is the Devil's Crown, an underwater coral-filled crater that offers some of the best snorkelling on the islands.
Española: The southernmost island of the chain, Española is also the oldest. As it is relatively isolated from the other islands, it has developed endemic fauna, including the only marine iguanas that change colour to attract mates during breeding season. The island is the favoured breeding ground for almost the entire world population of waved albatross with easy access to prime fishing grounds and steep cliffs that provide an ideal place for the large birds to take off. There are also large colonies of mockingbirds, boobies, Darwin finches and doves, plus sea lions, which surf the breaking waves.
San Cristóbal: The easternmost island of the archipelago and the first landing point for Charles Darwin in 1835. The provincial capital of the Galapagos Islands, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, is on San Cristóbal, and the town is home to the excellent Galapagos Interpretation Centre. Popular sites for visitors include El Junco Lake (one of the few freshwater lagoons in the archipelago), Frigatebird Hill (unsurprisingly named for the large colonies of magnificent and great frigatebirds), and Kicker Rock, a towering split rock that rises more than 330ft (100m) from the ocean. The highland cloud forests provide a natural habitat for giant tortoises. Huge numbers of sea lions are also present on San Cristóbal and nearby Isla Lobos, reachable by boat, is a big nesting site for blue-footed boobies.
South Plaza: A tiny island formed of lava and carpeted with cacti and plants that give it a luxurious red surface. There is abundant bird life here (including tropic birds and swallow-tailed gulls), plus a large number of land and marine iguanas that feed on the cacti.
Santa Fe: The dense vegetation of Santa Fe comprises some of the largest species of cactus, including a forest of prickly pear. Large numbers of the endemic Santa Fe land iguana reside here – one of the largest land iguanas on the islands.
Please see our COVID Travel Guide for Ecuador (including the Galapagos Islands) for more information on current guidelines for travel in Ecuador.
Genom att skriftligen acceptera vårt erbjudande bekräftar du/ni att våra villkor både har lästs och förståtts och att avbokningsavgifter kan tillkomma om resan ställs in.
sdsd TILLGÄNGLIGA DATUM | PRIS (1 VUXEN) | PRIS (1 BARN) | Enkelrumstillägg | STATUS RESA | |
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tis, 03 sep 2024 / tor, 12 sep 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | Tillgängliga | |
lör, 07 sep 2024 / mån, 16 sep 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | Tillgängliga | |
tis, 10 sep 2024 / tor, 19 sep 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | Tillgängliga | |
lör, 14 sep 2024 / mån, 23 sep 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | Tillgängliga | |
tis, 17 sep 2024 / tor, 26 sep 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | Tillgängliga | |
lör, 21 sep 2024 / mån, 30 sep 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | Tillgängliga | |
tis, 24 sep 2024 / tor, 03 okt 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | Tillgängliga | |
lör, 28 sep 2024 / mån, 07 okt 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | Tillgängliga | |
tis, 01 okt 2024 / tor, 10 okt 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | Tillgängliga | |
lör, 05 okt 2024 / mån, 14 okt 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | Tillgängliga | |
tis, 08 okt 2024 / tor, 17 okt 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | Tillgängliga | |
lör, 12 okt 2024 / mån, 21 okt 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | Tillgängliga | |
tis, 15 okt 2024 / tor, 24 okt 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | Tillgängliga | |
lör, 19 okt 2024 / mån, 28 okt 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | Tillgängliga | |
tis, 22 okt 2024 / tor, 31 okt 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | Tillgängliga | |
lör, 26 okt 2024 / mån, 04 nov 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | Tillgängliga | |
tis, 29 okt 2024 / tor, 07 nov 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | Tillgängliga | |
lör, 30 nov 2024 / mån, 09 dec 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | Tillgängliga | |
tis, 03 dec 2024 / tor, 12 dec 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | Tillgängliga | |
lör, 07 dec 2024 / mån, 16 dec 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | Tillgängliga | |
tis, 10 dec 2024 / tor, 19 dec 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | Tillgängliga | |
lör, 14 dec 2024 / mån, 23 dec 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | Tillgängliga | |
tis, 17 dec 2024 / tor, 26 dec 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | Tillgängliga | |
lör, 21 dec 2024 / mån, 30 dec 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | Tillgängliga | |
tis, 24 dec 2024 / tor, 02 jan 2025 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | Tillgängliga | |
lör, 28 dec 2024 / mån, 06 jan 2025 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | Tillgängliga |
TILLGÄNGLIGA DATUM | PRIS (1 VUXEN) | PRIS (1 BARN) | ENKELRUMSTILLÄGG | STATUS RESA | |
tis, 03 sep 2024 / tor, 12 sep 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | På förfrågan | |
lör, 07 sep 2024 / mån, 16 sep 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | På förfrågan | |
tis, 10 sep 2024 / tor, 19 sep 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | På förfrågan | |
lör, 14 sep 2024 / mån, 23 sep 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | På förfrågan | |
tis, 17 sep 2024 / tor, 26 sep 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | På förfrågan | |
lör, 21 sep 2024 / mån, 30 sep 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | På förfrågan | |
tis, 24 sep 2024 / tor, 03 okt 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | På förfrågan | |
lör, 28 sep 2024 / mån, 07 okt 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | På förfrågan | |
tis, 01 okt 2024 / tor, 10 okt 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | På förfrågan | |
lör, 05 okt 2024 / mån, 14 okt 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | På förfrågan | |
tis, 08 okt 2024 / tor, 17 okt 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | På förfrågan | |
lör, 12 okt 2024 / mån, 21 okt 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | På förfrågan | |
tis, 15 okt 2024 / tor, 24 okt 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | På förfrågan | |
lör, 19 okt 2024 / mån, 28 okt 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | På förfrågan | |
tis, 22 okt 2024 / tor, 31 okt 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | På förfrågan | |
lör, 26 okt 2024 / mån, 04 nov 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | På förfrågan | |
tis, 29 okt 2024 / tor, 07 nov 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | På förfrågan | |
lör, 30 nov 2024 / mån, 09 dec 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | På förfrågan | |
tis, 03 dec 2024 / tor, 12 dec 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | På förfrågan | |
lör, 07 dec 2024 / mån, 16 dec 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | På förfrågan | |
tis, 10 dec 2024 / tor, 19 dec 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | På förfrågan | |
lör, 14 dec 2024 / mån, 23 dec 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | På förfrågan | |
tis, 17 dec 2024 / tor, 26 dec 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | På förfrågan | |
lör, 21 dec 2024 / mån, 30 dec 2024 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | På förfrågan | |
tis, 24 dec 2024 / tor, 02 jan 2025 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | På förfrågan | |
lör, 28 dec 2024 / mån, 06 jan 2025 | NOK 105 560 | På förfrågan | Inte tillgänglig | På förfrågan |
Vi återkommer till dig med ett erbjudande för den efterfrågade resan/paketet inom 48 timmar. Alla erbjudanden är icke bindande och gäller vanligtvis i 7 dagar. Observera att reserverade tjänster kan avbokas inom dessa 7 dagar och att priset kan ändras tills en slutlig beställning tas emot.
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