Voyage to the land that time has forgotten and experience a world that Darwin discovered in the 19th century - a group of remote and secluded islands teaming with unique wildlife that formed the basis and inspiration for Darwin's seminal theory of evolution and natural selection "The Origin of Species." Who is to say what Charles Darwin would think of how the Galapagos Islands are run today, with tourism and people descending upon their shores by air and by sea, but at least the Ecuadorian government recognizes the value of its greatest assets and works diligently to protect the environment.
G Adventures (www.G Adventures.ca) always offers affordable options when it comes to pursuing off the beaten track adventures and the Galapagos is no exception. Its seven day ‘Voyage Galapagos" trip starting in Quito is priced at $1,250 USD and includes round-trip airfare from Quito to the Galapagos, two nights hotel accommodations in Quito, four nights aboard a motorized yacht -- the Daphne, visits to Floreana, Santa Cruz, Espanola, Santa Fe and Seymour, daily opportunities for snorkeling and swimming and all meals while in the Galapagos. The $100 entry fee is additional as is a local payment of $300. This trip departs on July 7, 2006. They also have similar six day trips on various departures dates throughout the year aboard different vessels from $1,150 or a family package on a smaller vessel from $1,095.
Its ten day package is priced at $1,695 includes round-trip airfare from Quito to the Galapagos, two nights hotel accommodation in Quito and seven nights aboard the 16 passenger, 65-foot motor vessel, the G Adventures Adventurer III. All cabins have upper and lower berths, private bathrooms and outside views (window or porthole). The crew of eight includes a bilingual Level III naturalist, the highest level in the Galapagos. Visit Baltra, Bartholome, Rabida, Santa Cruz, Floreana, Espanola, Santa Fe and Seymour. This trip departs weekly, each Monday throughout the year.