Galápagos Exploration on Silversea's Silver Origin

A private chauffeur transfer to the airport and VIP lounge access will see you start your holiday in style, before your flight to Ecuador's capital, Quito. Check in to your luxury accommodation for a night of relaxation ahead of your Galápagos adventure.

Stay: JW Marriott Quito

Quito is an ancient Incan city nestle in the foothills of the Andes. With its cobbled streets and a blend of architectural styles, against a backdrop of the magnificent Pichincha volcano, Quito is a fascinating place to explore on foot. Don't miss a chance to sample some local delicacies; the quesadilla quiteña, filled with queso dulce and dipped in hot chocolate, is a particular highlight. Come the evening, you'll be taken on a fascinating Quito By Night tour, visiting the San Francisco Church, Independence Plaza and the Presidential Palace, before returning to your hotel for a good night's sleep.

Stay: JW Marriott Quito

Today you'll be whisked to the airport to board your flight to San Cristobal, one of the oldest islands in the Galápagos and formed from dormant volcanoes. A statue of Charles Darwin graces the harbour, marking one of the first places he likely stepped ashore in the 1830s. From San Cristobal you'll board Silver Origin and by lunchtime you will be circumnavigating Kicker Rock, which when viewed from the south resembles a sleeping lion. As the ship steers around the islands, your Expedition Team will point out seabirds as you watch the sun go down in one of the most beautiful settings of the Galápagos Islands. You'll also have time to get your bearings on board before a delicious dinner in The Restaurant. 

This morning you will anchor in sight of the volcanic moonscape of Isla Bartolomé at Sullivan Bay. Your Zodiac boat will bring you ashore to an arid volcanic landscape dotted with lava lizards, Galápagos Hawks, and Blue-footed Boobies. However, the climber’s ultimate reward is one of the most beautiful panoramas in all of the Galápagos Islands, the view towards Pinnacle Rock. After a post-hike swim and snorkel at Bahia Dorada you'll head next to Playa Espumilla on Santiago Island. Home to a variety of wildlife including nesting green sea turtles and flamingos, the island also features a mangrove-laden lagoon and incense tree forest.

Today you will anchor in deep water against the cliffs of Punta Vicente Roca on the northwest side of Isabela Island. You'll cruise by Zodiac boat beneath the imposing volcanic coastline, watching for Flightless Cormorants, Galápagos fur seals, Blue-footed Boobies, and marine iguanas. If conditions allow, you'll have an opportunity to swim with eagle rays, Galápagos sea lions, Galápagos penguins, and schools of small tuna in the blue. By lunchtime, you'll arrive at the lava-forged coast of Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island, where hundreds of marine iguanas, sea lions and their pups rest on the black rock of recent lava flows. 

Today your first destination is Tagus Cove, home to sea turtles, marine iguanas, Flightless Cormorants and Galápagos penguins. Here you can choose to kayak, snorkel or head ashore to discover centuries-old names of vessels painted and carved onto the rock near the landing site. A hike through the forest of Palo Santo trees reveals a panoramic view of Darwin Lake and the calm waters of Tagus Cove. By lunchtime, you can take a Zodiac cruise among the tranquil inlets of Elizabeth Bay, flanked by the massive volcanoes of Sierra Negra and Alcedo. In the easternmost embayment lies a hidden inlet, where you might see sea turtles, rays and even sharks.

After an early morning arrival into Post Office Bay, you can keep local traditions alive by leaving your own postcards in the post box and look for any you can deliver by hand back at home. Explore a cave created by lava or kayak along the shore and into Mystery Bay. Rays, blacktip reef sharks, Galápagos sea lions, herons, frigatebirds, Brown Pelicans, Darwin finches, and Yellow Warblers can all be spotted here. By lunchtime, you'll cruise by Isla Champion's infinitely blue waters and spectacular underwater realm, ideal for snorkelling. This afternoon, visit Floreana Island’s northernmost point, famous for its flamingos and mammoth female sea turtles.

Today you'll have the chance to see the success of a Charles Darwin Foundation iguana conservation program firsthand at Cerro Dragón. Walk inland on a trail past small saltwater lagoons that periodically feature flamingos to see the reintroduced animals in their natural habitat. By lunchtime, you'll head to the northern shore of Santa Cruz to the endless Las Bachas beaches. A short track leads you inland towards a shallow pond with the opportunity to spot flamingos and scavenging shorebirds before a relaxing swim.

Today you'll head to Los Gemelos, twin sinkholes on either side of the road running from Puerto Ayora to the north side of Santa Cruz. Walk along the craters’ edges before stopping at Rancho El Manzanillo, where you'll swap walking shoes for knee-high rubber boots and wade out in to the green fields to come close to majestic giant turtles. At lunchtime you'll anchor in front of Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, where the prestigious Charles Darwin Research Station is located. You can also enjoy free time in town, where local artists have created charming art galleries and corner cafés.

After a final breakfast onboard, you'll arrive in Baltra and disembark before flying onwards to Guayaquil. Those with flights after 10pm will have use of a day room at Oro Verde Hotel before heading to the airport to catch your flight back to the UK. then, enjoy a private chauffeur transfer from the airport to your home.