Galapagos

Galápagos — South & East Islands

8 Days aboard Eden . From USD $4,279pp.
Details

Overview

Animal lovers have the ultimate vacation ahead with this eight-day tour through the Galápagos. Aboard the Eden, the latest addition to the fleet, you'll visit islands in the south and east, observing an incredible array of rare animal species along the way. Spot marine iguanas in the lagoons of Floreana Island, reef sharks in an underwater volcanic cone, and friendly sea lions at Isla Lobos. You'll gain a whole new appreciation for Mother Nature by the end of this incredible tour.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to understand the current conservation efforts carried out by scientist whilst observing many species of tortoises and land iguanas.
  • See giant tortoises in the highlands of Santa Cruz
  • Spot nocturnal barn owls roosting in volcanic tubes
  • Snorkel in Corona del Diablo
  • Visit contrasting green and white sand beaches on Floreana Island
  • See napping reef sharks at the bottom of Gardner Bay

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Arrival in Quito
  • Day 2: Fly to Baltra Island
  • Day 3: Floreana Island & Punta Cormorant
  • Day 4: Punta Suárez & Bahía Gardner
  • Day 5: San Cristóbal Island
  • Day 6: Santa Fé Island & South Plaza
  • Day 7: Santa Cruz Island - Quito
  • Day 8: Depart Quito

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1: Quito

On arrival, check into your hotel and feel free to explore the culturally and historically vibrant capital city of Ecuador. Quito is lined with a variety of shops, churches occupied by fine art, overflowing market stands, hat makers, diverse food and nightlife displays. This city is well known for its ‘Old Town’, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising stunning colonial monuments, sculptures and architecture.

Day 2: Quito - Baltra Island

Take an early flight from Quito to the Galapagos Islands to visit the highlands of Santa Cruz and see the Galápagos giant tortoise in its natural surroundings. Explore the area and its incredible underground lava tunnels. Wander along the volcanic tubes and keep an eye out for the (mainly) nocturnal barn owls that sometimes roost here.

Day 3: Floreana Island & Punta Cormorant

Start the morning at Mirador de la Baronesa on Floreana Island to visit Post office Bay which is historically known as the place where English whaling vessels placed a barrel to be used as a post office. It is maintained today by tourists who send a postcard from the famous destination and help deliver any letters that are close to an address back home. After you will visit Punta Cormorant and discover two contrasting beaches. The first beach has green sand consisting of olivine crystals and the other consists of purely white sand suitably named Flour Beach. Continue the trip by observing flamingos and other shore birds feeding in a lagoon and locate penguins and marine iguanas at the water's edge.

Finally dive into an incredible snorkelling experience at Corona del Diablo known as 'Devil's Crown' to gaze upon tropical fish, rays, reef sharks and sea turtles.

Day 4: Punta Suárez & Bahía Gardner

Visit Punta Suárez, one of most rich wildlife landing sites in the Galápagos. Be greeted by surfing young sea lions on arrival. Head to the trail to find many species of nesting sea birds, and, if lucky, see the waved albatross. Follow the path up to a cliff for great views over the ocean, and watch sea birds gliding in the wind. Visit Gardner Bay's magnificent white sandy beach, home to sea lions and sea birds. Be sure to explore the beautiful turquoise water and its incredible sea life. Spot young sea lions and large schools of surprisingly big tropical fish, including yellow-tailed surgeonfish, king angelfish, and bump-head parrot fish.

Head to Tortuga Rock and Gardner Bay for a spectacular snorkelling experience. Spot playful young sea lions and large schools of tropical fish, including yellow-tailed surgeonfish, king angelfish, and bump-head parrot fish. Look for white-tipped reef sharks napping on the bottom.

Day 5: San Cristóbal Island

Travel to the dramatic Kicker Rock in the morning to witness the steep vertical stone walls rising from the ocean. Later, learn about the history of the Islands at the San Cristóbal Interpretation Centre. In the afternoon, head to Isla Lobos known for its friendly sea lions.

Day 6: Santa Fé Island & South Plaza

Visit Santa Fé for amazing wildlife watching opportunities. Hike towards the cliffs along the island's northern shore to view the forest of giant prickly pear cactus (Opuntia), which is home to endemic land iguanas. It is also one of the best locations to see sea turtles, sea lions, and maybe even get a glimpse of a whitetip reef shark from the panga.

In the afternoon you will visit South Plaza, one of the smallest islands in the Galápagos, which has one of the largest populations of land iguanas. Walk along a path through a cactus forest and view a combination of dry and coastal vegetation on this lively island, home to a wide range of fauna, including incredible birdlife. Spot red-billed tropicbirds and indigenous swallow-tailed gulls resting on the cliffs, and sea lions playing in the waters.

Day 7: Santa Cruz Island - Quito

Before you fly back to Quito today visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center a great place to observe many species of tortoises and land iguanas in captivity. Brought back from the brink of extinction, see the famous Galápagos tortoise up close – a corral houses adult tortoises, and a nursery cares for the young until around age three when their shells have hardened.

This area also houses the Charles Darwin Research Station, a scientific organisation initiated in 1964, which works to preserve the Galápagos' ecosystem through the conservation efforts of scientists, researchers, and volunteers. While the offices themselves are not open to visitors, the research station provides a study location for international scientists and environmental education for the local community.

Day 8: Quito

After breakfast, feel free to explore enchanting Quito for a last time before you depart back home.

Next Departure Date: 05 Feb 2025
DatesCabinFromSpecial Offer
05 Feb 2025 - 12 Feb 2025 USD$4379ppExpand to view offers
Lower Deck CabinUSD$4379ppContact us
Upper Deck CabinUSD$4379ppContact us
Main Deck CabinUSD$4379ppContact us
19 Feb 2025 - 26 Feb 2025 USD$4379ppExpand to view offers
05 Mar 2025 - 12 Mar 2025 USD$4279ppExpand to view offers
19 Mar 2025 - 26 Mar 2025 USD$4379ppExpand to view offers
02 Apr 2025 - 09 Apr 2025 USD$4499ppExpand to view offers
16 Apr 2025 - 23 Apr 2025 USD$4379ppExpand to view offers
30 Apr 2025 - 07 May 2025 USD$4379ppExpand to view offers
14 May 2025 - 21 May 2025 USD$4499ppExpand to view offers
11 Jun 2025 - 18 Jun 2025 USD$4279ppExpand to view offers
09 Jul 2025 - 16 Jul 2025 USD$4379ppExpand to view offers
03 Sep 2025 - 10 Sep 2025 USD$4279ppExpand to view offers
01 Oct 2025 - 08 Oct 2025 USD$4279ppExpand to view offers
15 Oct 2025 - 22 Oct 2025 USD$4279ppExpand to view offers
12 Nov 2025 - 19 Nov 2025 USD$4379ppExpand to view offers
10 Dec 2025 - 17 Dec 2025 USD$4379ppExpand to view offers

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Cabin Details

Lower Deck Cabin

Lower twin beds, porthole window, private bathroom & air conditioning.

Lower Deck Cabin
Lower Deck Cabin
Upper Deck Cabin

Upper and lower bunk berths, picture window, private bathroom & air conditioning.

Upper Deck Cabin
Upper Deck Cabin
Main Deck Cabin

One double bed, picture window, private bathroom & air conditioning.

Main Deck Cabin
Main Deck Cabin

Eden Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

  • Year Built: 2000
  • Year Refurbished: 2012
  • Length: 24.08m
  • Width: 6.9m
  • Draft: 2.46m
  • Cruise Speed: 10 knots
  • Maximum Speed: 12 knots 
  • Machine: 02 Detroit diesel 6/71 – 180 HP c/u.
  • Electricity: 220/110 volt. AC, 2x20 kw Kohler
  • Water capacity: 3000 gallons
  • Fuel capacity: 2500 gallons 
  • Crew: 8 + guide
  • Pangas: 2 
  • Capacity: 16 passengers

Whats included?

  • Return flights between Quito & Galapagos
  • 5 nights on-board accommodation & 2 nights hotel accommodation
  • Transfers between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Tours with English speaking guides
  • Activities as specified
  • All meals on-board & breakfast at the hotel
  • Use of snorkelling equipment

What’s not included?

  • Air transportation other than specified
  • Airport Transfer on the first and last day
  • Passport, visa and immigration fees
  • Airport arrival/departure taxes
  • Travel protection plan
  • Galápagos National Park fee: US$200 per person
  • Transit control card: US$20 per person
  • Alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages
  • Laundry service
  • Gratuities
  • Any items not mentioned as included

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Galapagos

This once in a lifetime destination is a nature lovers dream. Watch the famous Galapagos tortoises and blue footed boobies in the morning and snorkel with sea lions in the afternoon, then relax on your cruise to the next destination tomorrow!

Downloadable travel guide

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Galápagos — South & East Islands

8 Days aboard Eden . From USD $4,279pp.