Included
Accommodations; meals as indicated; beer, wine & full bar; non-alcoholic beverages aboard ship; basic WiFi (enhanced and premium packages available for purchase); transfers to and from group flights; excursions; services of expedition leader, naturalist staff, expert guides, and a ship’s doctor; use of kayaks, snorkeling gear, wetsuits and stand-up paddleboards; special access fees; port charges; service taxes; Galapagos National Park entrance fee (US $100 per adult and $50 for children under 12 years old for entries prior to August 1, 2024; US $200 per adult and $100 for children under 12 years old for entries beginning August 1, 2024) and Galapagos transit card ($20).
Exclusions
Air transportation; extensions; optional Scuba excursions (inquire for details); meals not indicated; reserve wines & premium spirits; gratuities; optional Scuba excursions; passport, visa and immigration fees; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; insurance of any kind; round-trip economy flights between Guayaquil and the Galapagos (2024 sample airfares: $520 per person or $350 per child, subject to change); optional international group flights (2024 sample airfares: $525 economy or $1,450 business, subject to change).
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special payment terms apply for groups of 8 or more; inquire for details. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days – 100% of deposit**
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
**Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking.
(For expeditions booked prior to May 1, 2023: Please refer to your invoice for your payment and cancellation terms.)
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
This trip begins and ends in Guayaquil, Ecuador (GYE). Plan flights to arrive at any time on Day 1 and depart anytime on Day 10. Optional group flights depart Miami around 4:00pm on Day 1 and depart Guayaquil around 6:30am on Day 10. 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.
Internal Flights
Flights from mainland Ecuador (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. See Exclusions for sample airfare rates. 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.
Activities
Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include opportunities to swim, snorkel, kayak, Zodiac cruise and stand-up paddleboard. Wetsuits are available, either free of charge or to rent for a fee (see Inclusions and Exclusions), and are recommended from June to December. There is also a glass-bottom Zodiac for exploring the undersea while staying dry. Scuba diving for advanced divers may be available on select voyages at an additional cost, with a local dive outfitter that will supply both gear and dive guides. Contact AdventureSmith to check availability on scuba diving options.
Daily excursions from the boat to the islands will be made in pangas (dinghies). 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.
Optional rendezvous scuba diving, where a dive operator meets the cruise to take a group out for the day, can be arranged for an additional cost. Diving must be arranged in advance and may be subject to a minimum number of guests. All diving equipment is provided. Dive experience and certification is required. Participating in diving means guests miss the regularly scheduled activities for that day. Contact AdventureSmith for details.
Room Configuration
In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.
Families & Children
Children under the age of 18 are eligible for $500 off the double occupancy rate. Skilled staff members trained with National Geographic Education organize activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options.
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.
