Included
Accommodation in cabins with air-conditioning and private facilities; all meals, welcome and farewell cocktails and coffee station; two daily off-vessel excursions; English-Spanish speaking naturalist guides; snorkeling opportunities; glass bottom boat excursions; lectures and activities on board; fuel surcharge; luggage handling; airport shuttle service from Quito/Guayaquil hotels when domestic flight is purchased in combination with cruise. Please note that a logistics fee of $90 per person will be assessed if you do not purchase Galapagos flights in conjunction with your cruise.
Exclusions
International airfare; domestic airfare from Quito/Guayaquil to Galapagos; Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee (US $100 per adult; $50 for children under 12 years old); TCT-Galapagos Transit Control Card (US $20 per person); gratuities for guides, crew, drivers or local staff; alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; other personal expenses; medical services or insurance of any kind; internet access (available at the following fee per device: $80 for 4-5 days; $100 for 8-days; $180 for 11, 12 and 15 days).
Equipment rentals (fees are per person; specific exclusions apply during holiday season):
Wetsuit: $25 for 4- to 5-day cruises; $50 for 8- to 12-day cruises; $75 for 15-day cruises
Double kayak: $30 per use per person ($40 per use per person for a transparent kayak)
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $500 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 to 61 days – 100% of deposit
60 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
Most flights to the Galapagos will depart Quito or Guayaquil between 6:00am and 11:00am on Day 1 and return between 2:00pm and 6:00pm on the final day. We highly recommend travelers arrive to Ecuador two days prior to their Galapagos cruise. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page. Note: Your passport must be valid 6 months after your Ecuador trip concludes.
Internal Flights
Flights from mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil) to the Galapagos are not included in the cruise price, but are arranged for you by AdventureSmith Explorations through your ship. Your Adventure Specialist will book these flights for you on the scheduled Galapagos flight for your particular departure. Airfares vary by departure; your Adventure Specialist will detail these for you in their proposal and on your invoice. On flights from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands, baggage weight limits are currently 50 pounds for checked items, and 17 pounds for carry-on plus a small personal item. Subject to change. Please note that a logistics fee of $90 per person will be assessed if you do not purchase Galapagos flights in conjunction with your cruise.
Activities
There are numerous opportunities to hike, kayak, swim and snorkel. The underwater experience is an integral part of any Galapagos cruise. We encourage all travelers to try snorkeling. Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, floating vest and net bag) are provided. Kayaks are available for rent for a fee. Wetsuits are available, either free of charge or to rent for a fee (see Inclusions and Exclusions), and are recommended from June to December.
For certified SCUBA divers, an optional (added cost) excursion is available by adding a pre- or post-cruise hotel night, or when combining this cruise with another itinerary (for an 8-day cruise), and includes 2 half-day immersions (45-60 minutes), pick up and drop off from cruise ship, transportation to/from dive site, dive equipment, lunch, snack and beverages. PADI license is mandatory. Diving excursions must be booked in advance, based upon availability. Contact your Adventure Specialist for pricing.
Daily excursions from the boat to the islands will be made in pangas (inflatable skiffs). Trip members will hike from the landing point to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours round-trip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are “wet,” requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist.
Room Configuration
Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at a 50% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability and a 75% supplement during holiday season. Select Junior category cabins are available for triple occupancy with a 25% fare reduction for the third person sharing with 2 full-fare paying guests.
Families & Children
Kids under 12 years old at the time of sailing receive a 50% discount if sharing a cabin with two full-fare paying guests (discount is 25% during holiday season), and a 25% discount if sharing a cabin with one full-fare paying guest (no discount during holiday season), Junior cabin category only (where triples can be accommodated). Quadruple accommodation is available for two adults plus two children under 12 years old at time of sailing with a 50% discount per child sharing with two full-fare paying guests. In the case of three children plus one adult willing to share a cabin, a 50% discount will be applied to two children (discount is 25% during holiday season) and the third child will pay in full.
The recommended minimum child age is 7 years old. Kids can enjoy different activities offered on board like stargazing, a special kids menu, a visit to the bridge to meet the captain and special crafts. There are special family departure dates when more children will be on board.
Travel Insurance
Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
We strongly recommend that you travel to Galapagos Province with travel insurance that contains medical coverage. Be certain to bring your insurance plan ID documents with you when you travel.
Itinerary Notes
Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. Due to the active nature of volcanoes in the Western Galapagos, alternate excursions may be offered. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.
