Evolution's Playground
Galápagos Islands
May 2 to 20, 2026
Private Trip Available Safari Overview
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This Trip Is Fully Booked
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Experience the most immersive 15-day voyage through the Galápagos Islands, where fearless wildlife awaits your discovery. Your adventure begins in Ecuador’s cloud forest before you embark on an intimate exploration of the Enchanted Isles aboard the Samba, a private charter for your once-in-a-lifetime experience. Guided by our expert resident naturalist, you’ll encounter a remarkable diversity of endemic species, from reptiles to Blue-footed Boobies, Waved Albatross, Galápagos Penguins, marine mammals, and sharks. With early and late landings, you’ll have unparalleled opportunities to capture breathtaking moments and maximize wildlife encounters. Dive deep into the extraordinary beauty of the Galápagos to appreciate the impressive forces that have and continue to shape this remarkable ecosystem.
WHY CHOOSE THIS EXPEDITION?
- Embark on a 15-day voyage, navigating 16 islands and experiencing the diverse Galápagos archipelago.
- Snorkel with sea lions, penguins, tropical fish, sharks, rays, and rare coral formations.
- Witness the mating behavior of Waved Albatross on their sole nesting site on Española Island, as well as that of frigatebirds and Blue-footed Boobies.
- Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation and restoration efforts.
- Observe hummingbirds, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, and other birds in Ecuador’s cloud forest.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Just wow. My first “ecological” tour. Unprecedented closeness with wildlife, an amiable and knowledgeable guide, an exceptionally congenial group all combined to make a memorable trip. ” – JoAnn Castillo |
TRIP MAP
NOTABLE EXPERIENCES
Want to learn more? Check out our blog post from our 2023 trip!
Itinerary Updated: October 2024
Ship Info FAQ
| Date | Description | Lodge | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2 | Arrive in Quito, Ecuador. | Holiday Inn Quito Airport, Quito | |
| May 3 | Explore the cloud forest, bird watching in Yanacocha and Old Nono-Mindo. Observe Andean Cock-of-the-rock lek. Watch nocturnal mammals near the lodge. | Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge, Tandayapa | B, L, D |
| May 4 | Watch for many dazzling species of birds at Bellavista and return to Quito after lunch. | Holiday Inn Quito Airport, Quito | B, L, D |
| May 5 | Fly to Baltra and board the Samba. First landing on Mosquera Islet. | Aboard the Samba | B, L, D |
| May 6 | Genovesa: Darwin Bay and Prince Philip’s Steps. | Aboard the Samba | B, L, D |
| May 7 | Marchena: Snorkel at Punta Mejía and Playa Negra. | Aboard the Samba | B, L, D |
| May 8 | Isabela: Punta Albemarle and Punta Vicente Roca. | Aboard the Samba | B, L, D |
| May 9 | Fernandina: Punta Espinoza. Isabela: Urbina Bay. | Aboard the Samba | B, L, D |
| May 10 | Isabela: Elizabeth Bay and Punta Moreno. | Aboard the Samba | B, L, D |
| May 11 | Floreana: Post Office Bay and Champion Islet. | Aboard the Samba | B, L, D |
| May 12 | Santa Cruz: Highlands and Charles Darwin Research Station. | Aboard the Samba | B, L, D |
| May 13 | Floreana: Punta Cormorant, Devil’s Crown, and the Baroness lookout. | Aboard the Samba | B, L, D |
| May 14 | Española: Punta Suárez with Waved Albatross and Gardner Bay. | Aboard the Samba | B, L, D |
| May 15 | San Cristóbal: Punta Pitt, Cerro Brujo, and Isla Lobos. | Aboard the Samba | B, L, D |
| May 16 | Santa Fé: Barrington Bay. Plaza Sur. | Aboard the Samba | B, L, D |
| May 17 | Sombrero Chino Islet. Bartolomé: Pinnacle Rock. | Aboard the Samba | B, L, D |
| May 18 | Santiago: James Bay. Rábida. | Aboard the Samba | B, L, D |
| May 19 | Last landing at Seymour Norte, disembark at Baltra, and fly to Quito. | Holiday Inn Quito Airport, Quito | B |
| May 20 | Fly home. | B |
Get the Full Daily Itinerary
Our Trip Leaders
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Juan Manuel Salcedo
Juan Manuel SalcedoJuan grew up in the Galapagos Islands where he developed his passion for wildlife while sailing on his father's boat. He received a degree from the University of San Francisco, Quito after studying Applied Ecology, Biology, and Geology. Juan also earned a skipper certificate after studying sailing and navigation in Los Angeles. Involvement in Environmental Education projects in the Galapagos Islands and on mainland Ecuador fills his spare time.
Ship Information
Samba
The Samba is a 78-foot steel-hulled motor yacht, built strong and stable to explore the Galápagos Islands in comfort. With her graceful European Dutch design, she combines performance, charm, and reliability for travelers seeking an intimate, immersive experience.
Her classic lines and high bow help her cut smoothly through ocean swells, ensuring a steadier ride in open waters. A stabilizing sail adds further balance, reducing motion while enhancing fuel efficiency and sailing performance. These features make the Samba ideal for reaching remote island shores and navigating with precision.
Designed for long-range ocean travel, she blends rugged construction with warm, welcoming interiors. Guests can relax and enjoy both safety and style on board. The yacht’s thoughtful layout provides excellent visibility from multiple vantage points, allowing for wildlife viewing throughout the journey.
The Samba hosts just 14 passengers, offering an exclusive, small-group experience far from crowded cruise ships. With fewer guests, the crew delivers personalized service, deeper exploration, and more time ashore. Her size and agility allow landings on smaller beaches and access to isolated coves.
Her decks provide great space for photography, birdwatching, and simply taking in the views. You’ll find comfortable cabins, cozy shared spaces, and opportunities to socialize or enjoy solitude.
Every element of Samba’s design supports the expedition spirit. Her hull handles ocean swells with ease, while her stabilizing sail keeps the voyage smooth. She’s a top choice for travelers who value sustainability, close wildlife encounters, and meaningful adventure.
Whether watching marine iguanas sunbathe or snorkeling alongside sea lions, your Galápagos experience will feel personal and profound aboard the Samba. It’s not just a cruise—it’s an intimate voyage through one of Earth’s most iconic natural wonders.
More Information
- Cost & Payments
- Included
- Not Included
- FAQ
- Climate
- Fitness Level
- Motion Sickness
- Flights
Conservation- Conditions
Cost & Payments
Costs (in US$)
| Type | Description | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Deck | Double occupancy, twin-sized upper and lower beds, private bath, and drawers for storage. | $12,350 |
| Upper Deck | Double occupancy, double bed, private bath, windows that open, closet, and drawers for storage. | $13,500 |
Share the Experience – Earn Travel Credit
Know someone who would love this trip? Refer a friend and you’ll both benefit—you get credit toward a future adventure, and they receive a discount on their first trip with us. See how our Referral Program works ›
Costs are per person, depending on cabin type, double occupancy, not including airfare, singles extra. See Included and Not Included sections for more details.
If you are a single traveler, we will try to find a roommate for you, but if we cannot pair you with a roommate, we will not charge you a single supplement. If space is available, some cabins can be booked as a single by adding 90% over the listed cabin cost.
We cannot guarantee a specific cabin number, but if changes occur, we will assign a cabin of equal or greater value.
Payment Schedule
| Payment | Due Date | Amount Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | Due now to reserve your space | $500 |
| Final | November 23, 2025 | Remaining balance |
Payments are due based on the schedule above. All reservations require a deposit to confirm reservation of your space.
Cancellations
Refunds are given depending on the time left before departure according to the following table. Through September 22, 2025, the cancellation fee of $300 per person can be applied toward another trip if reserved within six months of the canceled trip’s departure date. Cancellations are non-transferable.
| Dates | Forfeited Amount per Person |
|---|---|
| On or before September 22, 2025 | $300 |
| September 23 to October 22, 2025 | 10% of tour cost |
| October 23 to November 22, 2025 | 40% of tour cost |
| On or after November 23, 2025 | 100% of tour cost |
Included
- Carbon offsets for the duration of this trip.
- All leaders, transport, landing fees, and permits for all activities unless described as optional.
- Accommodations on mainland Ecuador for the nights of May 2 through May 4 and May 19.
- Fourteen nights on board the Samba.
- Meals from breakfast on May 3 through breakfast on May 20, except meals listed in Not Included section.
- Complimentary hotel airport shuttle between the Quito Airport and the Holiday Inn Quito Airport.
- Snorkel gear and full-length wetsuit on the Samba.
- The Galápagos National Park Entrance Fee and Transit Control Card.
- The Government of Ecuador fuel tax, that applies to most Galápagos vessels, does not apply to the Samba because it is a smaller, locally based, fuel-efficient vessel, using less than 3,000 gallons of diesel per month.
- Trip Planning Materials – information about entry requirements, flights, packing, gratuities, etc.
Not Included
- Carbon offsets for your flights to/from this trip.
- All airfare, airport and departure taxes, and excess baggage fees. Round-trip airfare is approximately $500 to $850 between the US and Quito, depending on origin, plus approximately $650 for round-trip flights between Quito and Baltra.
- Passport and visa fees.
- Lunch and dinner on May 19.
- Extra hotel nights.
- Gratuities – tipping is always discretionary. However, we suggest budgeting about $760 to $870 total per participant.
- Mandatory emergency evacuation insurance.
- Optional trip cancellation insurance.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, medical costs or hospitalization, room service, alcoholic and other beverages, items not on the regular menu, etc. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your Reservation Form.
Climate
Average temperatures range from the low to mid-60s°F (15 to 18°C) at night up to the 80s°F (26 to 31°C) during the day. The water temperature averages 70 to 74°F (21 to 23°C). Average temperatures during your mainland excursion range from nighttime lows in the 50s°F (10 to 15°C) to mid 60s°F (18°C) to daytime highs from mid 60s°F (18°C) to low 80s°F (26°C).
Fitness Level
Walks on shore vary from short strolls on the beach to a few miles over uneven terrain. If you are not accustomed to walking long distances, you will still enjoy most activities as your pace allows you to see, appreciate, and photograph the unique nature of the Galápagos. If you anticipate struggling with the walks, do some hiking beforehand to get in good shape. You must be comfortable going up and down stairs on board and getting in and out of the panga (small boat).
Although snorkeling is not mandatory, it is a significant part of the voyage as you are in the water every day, sometimes twice a day. Even though you do not have to have snorkeling experience, proficient swimming abilities will allow you to fully enjoy this activity. Most snorkeling will be panga-based, sometimes over deep water, which is not an ideal place to learn to snorkel, especially if you are uncomfortable or intimidated by these conditions. It’s beneficial to get some experience in advance, however, the Samba crew will always assist you. Please contact us if you have any health concerns that may make this trip challenging.
When you fill in your Reservation Form, please respond to the following:
- Describe how confident you feel about being in the water for at least an hour.
- Tell us how often you carry the same gear you plan to take out in your day pack (photography gear, binoculars, etc.).
- Tell us how you’ve managed walking in hot and humid conditions and sometime on rough terrain.
Flights
Detailed logistical information is included in the Trip Planning Materials we will send you.
Flights you book
- Arrive in Quito, Ecuador (UIO) by 4:00pm on May 2.
- Depart from Quito, Ecuador (UIO) after 12:00am on May 20.
Flights we book
- The round-trip flights between Quito and Baltra; we’ll add the flight cost to your final trip balance.
FAQ
What species and behaviors can I expect to see in May and June?
May and June are the best months to see breeding activity, especially bird courtship. Waved albatross perform their exquisite courtship dance, and some may already have eggs. Frigatebirds will court females by inflating their blood red throat sacs while clattering their bills, quivering their wings, and waving their heads back and forth; great frigatebirds courtship will wind down on Genovesa, while magnificent frigatebirds courtship will be active on North Seymour. Because the well-known blue-footed booby is an opportunistic breeder, it’s very hard to predict whether you will see them courting, but we have reliably seen courtship in previous years during these months. You may even see a few chicks!
In June, as the garua (cool/dry) season becomes more prominent and the water temperatures cool, marine life becomes more plentiful. You may have a better chance to encounter more Galápagos penguins, whales, and dolphins feeding in the nutrient rich, cool waters.
What can I do if I don’t want to snorkel?
Year after year, many of our travelers comment that the beautiful underwater environment was their favorite part of the trip. We strongly encourage you to snorkel even if you are not a strong swimmer. The Samba crew will always assist you! If you elect not to snorkel, you can relax aboard the Samba.
Accommodations
Motion Sickness
Don’t let a fear of motion sickness keep you away! Even those who have experienced seasickness reported that the incredible wildlife and overall experience were well worth the temporary discomfort. If you are susceptible to seasickness or are concerned that you might be, please come prepared! The key to avoiding seasickness is to act before you experience nausea. Do your own research and consult your doctor before taking any medications. A good night of sleep, eating well, limiting alcohol, and using your favorite seasickness remedy is sufficient for most travelers. Find more information on our Coping with Seasickness webpage (this information is applicable to any form of motion sickness) and contact us if you have any questions.
Transportation
Conservation
Our company ethos has always regarded conservation as inseparable from responsible tourism. We struggle with the dilemma that traveling worldwide expends climate-changing carbon. However, we wholeheartedly believe that traveling with us will cultivate your passion for conserving our beautiful world while stimulating each destination’s local economy. We encourage you to explore the various ways in which Cheesemans’ operates within this context:
- Ecotourism and Conservation for the Galapagos Islands
- Cheesemans’ Trips are Carbon Neutral
- Offsetting your Travel to/from our Trip: We ask you to pledge to offset the carbon emissions for your travel to and from our trips. Use this tool to calculate your emissions and purchase your carbon offset today through Sustainable Travel International, or through your favorite carbon offsetting organization.
Conditions
Read our current Terms and Conditions.