Maximise your extraordinary Galapagos holiday by combining your liveaboard experience with an island-hopping extension, offering unforgettable dives and encounters with remarkable wildlife.
Embark on an adventure in the secluded waters of the Galapagos Islands with a liveaboard experience. Encounter the famous marine iguanas and playful sea lions. The nutrient-dense currents draw an abundance of marine life; during summer, you can witness adult whale sharks and manta rays, whereas the winter months offer crystal-clear waters perfect for observing schools of hammerhead sharks.
After your liveaboard, head over to Isabela Island, the largest island in the archipelago. Exploring Isabela Island's wetlands unveils a thriving ecosystem, from mangroves to lagoons teeming with biodiversity. At the breeding centre, you witness conservation efforts for the giant tortoises and various bird species. Visit Los Tuneles (Cabo Rosa) to see the captivating lava formations and encounter diverse wildlife. Enjoy snorkelling and swimming, with the highlight being an enchanting encounter with sea lions.
This itinerary is based on a 7-night liveaboard on the Aqua liveaboard, along with three nights in Isabela and a night in Santa Cruz. Alternative options are available to you, check out the ‘liveaboard’ and ‘resorts’ tabs for full details.
Suggested Itinerary
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Day 1:
Fly to Ecuador
Depart the UK for Ecuador, arriving later the same evening. Spend the night in a local hotel before continuing your journey.
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Day 2:
Fly to the Galapagos & join your liveaboard
Set sail on your Galapagos liveaboard, making one check dive this afternoon.
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Days 3-8
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Dive the Galapagos from your liveaboard
Journey north-west through the Galapagos Islands, experiencing fantastic diving opportunities and striking volcanic landscapes along the way. The specific routes may differ slightly depending on your chosen vessel.
Every itinerary includes an overnight trip to the Wolf and Darwin islands, widely regarded as the highlight of any Galapagos liveaboard adventure. With up to four dives each day, there's ample time to explore these exceptional dive spots. These isolated rocky islands attract an abundance of marine life, with frequent sightings of hammerheads, whale sharks, eagle rays, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, silky sharks, and more.
On the second-to-last day, you have the chance to visit one of the islands. These excursions might feature the Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz and the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre.
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Days 9-11
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Disembark & travel to Isabela
During your time on Isabela, you snorkel Los Tuneles (Cabo Rosa), where the lava topography is stunning, and the highlight in the water are the playful sea lions. If possible, the guide will attempt to spot the small colony of penguins, often resting side by side with blue-footed boobies. Also, enjoy a guided tour of the Isabela Breeding Centre and Wetlands. The lush wetlands are home to diverse flora and fauna, from mangroves to vibrant birdlife. At the Breeding Centre, you can encounter giant tortoises and other iconic species and hear about the conversation efforts that contribute to their preservation.
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Day 12:
Santa Cruz
This morning you head to Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz. From here you can explore the island at leisure, why not take a dip in Tortuga Bay among the marine iguanas?
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Days 13-14
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Return to the mainland, and fly back to the UK
Today, you take a domestic flight back to the mainland. Here, you can return to the UK on your international flight, extend your stay in the historical
Quito, or explore the
Amazon rainforest.
Please note: The above itinerary is a sample only, and your actual liveaboard itinerary may vary. Marine park fees and fuel surcharges may apply. Prices based on berth in a twin-share cabin. Land-based activities can be tailored to suit your requirements.
