Central and South America

Galápagos Islands | Birding and Natural History aboard Tip Top II

with Merlin Birding & Nature Tours
Date:
Nov 7 - Nov 18, 2023
Duration:
12 Days
Price:
From $6,795
Interests:
Natural History
Join Waitlist This departure is SOLD OUT Print Itinerary
View of Kicker Rock from San Cristóbal Island
Red-footed Booby on Genovesa Island
Sesuvium and Opuntia vegetation on South Plaza Island
Marine iguana on Española Island
Los Gemelos, Santa Cruz Island
Waved Albatross
Galápagos sea lions
Whitetip reef shark
Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve near Guayaquil
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About this trip

The Galápagos Islands have long intrigued outsiders with their endemic flora and fauna, geological activity, and unusual terrain. This small-group cruise expedition with Merlin Birding & Nature Tours offers a front-row seat for exploring the eastern islands. Stunning formations like saw-toothed Kicker Rock and Cerro Brujo, volcanic calderas, sandy beaches, and flamingo lagoons play host to iconic wildlife like Red- and Blue-footed Boobies, marine turtles, giant tortoises, iguanas, and more. With no fear of human predation, many creatures can be approached at close range; you can even swim with the sea lions. You'll also have the opportunity to go birding in the tropical dry forests, mangroves, and estuaries near Guayaquil on Ecuador's mainland.
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change without prior notice due to various factors including, but not limited to, unforeseen circumstances (e.g. safety, weather) or at the discretion of the captain, guide, or the Galápagos National Park.

Highlights

  • Walk along the lava beds of Española Island, one of the best places in the world to see the Waved Albatross.
  • Visit Cerro Brujo on San Cristóbal Island, the only site in the Galápagos where it is possible to witness all three booby species nesting together.
  • Explore the Opuntia cactus forest on South Plaza Island and observe colonies of land iguanas.
  • Learn about important conservation efforts at the Charles Darwin Research Station’s tortoise breeding center.
  • Come face-to-face with sea lions, turtles, sharks, rays, and colorful fish during several snorkeling excursions.
  • Seek out the Horned Screamer, along with spoonbills, herons, ibises, and other aquatic birds in Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve on mainland Ecuador.

Meet your leader

Steve Hoffman

In January 2017, after serving as Executive Director of Montana Audubon for 10 years, Steve Hoffman retired to start his own birding tour company, Merlin Birding & Nature Tours, LLC (merlinbirding.com). Over the past 20+ years, Steve has led or co-led many National Audubon Society, HawkWatch International, and Montana Audubon birding tours in Montana and abroad including Belize, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Ecuador. Steve grew up in suburban Philadelphia, attended college in Reading, PA (near Hawk Mountain Sanctuary), and received his Master’s in Wildlife Ecology from Utah State University in 1979. Steve founded HawkWatch International in 1986, and has spent four decades exploring the mountains of the Rocky Mountain West, forever searching for new migratory raptor flyways. Steve currently resides in Bozeman, MT.

Land Cost

$6,795

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

What makes us different

Wildlife up-close

Enjoy up-close observation of the behaviors and interactions of wildlife in their native habitats

Expert guides

We take pride in hiring local guides who are carefully selected for their knowledge, sensitivity and skill in the field

Flight arrangements

We’re a full service travel provider and are happy to assist with making your flight arrangements if desired

Sustainable travel

We believe travel should have a positive impact on the world. We are committed to maintaining responsible travel practices and partner with ClimateSafe to provide carbon offsetting.

Service anytime

Enjoy worry-free travel — our emergency line is monitored 24/7/365 so we can assist you if any problems arise while you’re traveling with us

Low stress travel planning

We take care of all the details so you know your trip will be smooth sailing

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
Guayaquil
Upon arrival at the José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil, after clearing customs and immigration, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. Most flights arrive in the late evening.
Unipark Hotel
Guayaquil
Today visit Cerro Blanco, a private, 15,000-acre reserve just west of the city. Located within the Chongón-Colonche Range, the reserve is the largest and best-preserved remnant of tropical dry forest in Guayaquil, and more than 240 bird species have been recorded here. According to BirdLife International, Cerro Blanco has been identified as one of 30 priority sites for bird conservation in the Tumbesian Region. It is also an Important Bird Area and one of four protected areas nationwide that is home to seven or more globally threatened bird species (Cerro Blanco has nine). Continue to Parque Lago which has over 6,000 acres of water, and is the ideal habitat for wetland and migratory birds that are sighted in the area in large flocks, the main attraction being the observation of their movements. The National Recreation Area is one of the most visited sites by national and foreign birdwatchers, being here the 2 coastal species of grebes (Podilymbus podiceps and Tachybaptus dominicus), as well as a large resident colony of Neotropical Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) Later, return to Guayaquil and have dinner.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Unipark Hotel
Guayaquil
Today take the route to Puerto Inca to visit the Manglares Churute Reserve, where you'll find Ecuador’s largest protected mangrove area along the banks of the Guayas River estuary. The reserve also protects arid and cloud forest ecosystems in the hills of the Cordillera Churute. Due to the diversity of its habitats, in 1990 it was declared a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. Look for birds like the Horned Screamer (known locally as the canclón), Roseate Spoonbill, herons, ibises, ducks, and woodpeckers. Other wildlife known to occur here includes crocodiles, armadillos, tigrillos, white-fronted capuchins and mantled howler monkeys.
Breakfast-Lunch- included
Unipark Hotel
Galápagos
Fly from mainland Ecuador to Baltra Island. Transfer to the dock and board M/C Tip Top II, attend your first orientation, and have a light snack. Navigate by panga boat to Santa Cruz Island and prepare for a wet landing. Then proceed on foot to the flamingo lagoons located behind Playa Las Bachas, a beach that was used by the U.S. Army during World War II. (The name "Bachas" refers to two U.S. barges that were left here.) Before returning to the yacht, enjoy some free time to swim or snorkel from the beach. Attend an evening presentation on the origin and evolution of the Galápagos Islands, and enjoy a welcome cocktail with the entire crew, followed by dinner. Each day there will be a briefing about the next day's activities, and daily opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and/or kayaking. *Cruise itineraries are subject to change without prior notice for various factors including, but not limited to: safety, weather, mechanical breakdown, unforeseen emergencies, and the discretion of the Captain, Guide, and the Galapagos National Park.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tip Top II
Galápagos
Today, explore Marchena Island the largest of the northern islands. Marchena has no land visitor sites, and it's even rare for scientists or National Park wardens to visit, so it's one of the islands least touched by humans at present. The first snorkel site is Punta Espejo which is on the southeast edge of Marchena is an excellent site for sharks, with Hammerhead and Galapagos Sharks particularly abundant. Dolphins and sea lions are also present. Other species include sea turtles, rays, Moray Eels, and Garden Eels, among others. Bats can also sometimes be observed on the sand. Later enjoy a panga ride along Playa Negra. It's name originates from the black sand found in the area due to volcanic debree & lava flows in the surroundings. Black beach boosts amazing sea life as most of Marchena's surroundings waters, Bottle-Nosed Dolphins, Marine iguanas, Galapagos Sharks among others. This evening, attend a presentation by your Galápagos naturalist guide.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tip Top II
Galápagos
After breakfast, disembark at a dock on South Plaza Island, which is characterized by unique and colorful vegetation. Sesuvium is a bright red succulent plant that carpets the rocks here, and creates vivid photo opportunities against the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean. The taller Opuntia cacti provide food and shade for the numerous land iguanas that dig nesting burrows all over the island. Continue walking toward the sea cliffs to view many sea birds such as Red-billed Tropicbirds, Galápagos Shearwaters, Swallow-tailed Gulls, and Nazca and Blue-footed Boobies. Return to the yacht for lunch, and then sail to Santa Fé Island for the chance to see a different species of land iguana, endemic only to this island and recognizable by its paler yellow coloration. After landing on a small beach, walk by scenic cliffs and a forest of Santa Fé opuntia cactus to observe Santa Fé land iguanas, Galápagos Hawks, Darwin's finches, Galápagos Mockingbird, Galápagos racer snakes, and more. Before going back to the boat, spend time at the beach swimming and snorkeling among sea lions.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tip Top II
Galápagos
After breakfast, disembark at a pier at Puerto Ayora and take a bus to the misty highlands of Santa Cruz Island for a visit to the lush, green Scalesia forests surrounding Los Gemelos (The Twins) pit craters. Visit a local farm to have lunch and search for giant tortoises in the wild. Galápagos tortoises are one of the animals that contributed to Charles Darwin's understanding of natural history, and the archipelago was referred to in Spanish as the Islands of the Tortoises on early maps. Next, return to the town of Puerto Ayora and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. Learn about the station's important conservation and education work, and see some of the tortoises that are being raised for reintroduction into the wild. Return to the yacht for a naturalist presentation.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tip Top II
Galápagos
Today, explore Floreana Island, one of the few inhabited islands of the Galápagos, with a rich history of human settlement and hardship. Disembark on the beach at Post Office Bay and follow a short trail to its historic mail barrel site. In the 18th century, British whalers placed a wooden barrel here to use as an informal post office, and today, visitors continue the tradition by leaving their own postcards in the barrel. Continue to Baroness Viewpoint, named after the Baroness Eloise von Wagner, who once lived here. Enjoy the beautiful landscape and observe the ruins of her house. Return to the yacht for lunch. In the afternoon, go snorkeling at Champion Islet, considered one of the best snorkeling sites in the islands, and look for tropical fish, moray eels, starfish, sharks, sea turtles, and sea lions. Next, make a wet landing on the green beach at Floreana's Cormorant Point, then walk inland to a brackish lagoon to see American Flamingoes and shorebirds. Continue walking to La Picona, a beautiful white-sand beach that is an important nesting site for Galápagos green turtles. At the start of the year, pregnant turtles come ashore at night to dig nests and lay their eggs; by April and May the hatchlings begin to emerge from the sand and make their perilous journey to sea. Head back to the green beach to enjoy swimming and snorkeling among reef fish and sea lions.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tip Top II
Galápagos
After breakfast, visit Punta Suárez, at the southeastern tip of Galapagos. Española is the Archipelago’s oldest island, and a sanctuary of birds. Today we will enjoy a panga ride around the point and scenic cliffs to observe green-and-red marine iguanas, sea lions, lava lizards, and unique colonies of marine birds. From mid-March to December, this is one of the best places in the world to see the Waved Albatross, which nests primarily on this island. These large and graceful flyers start to perform intricate courtship rituals in April, and by May begin nesting. Enjoy snorkeling before heading back to the boat.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tip Top II
Galápagos
After breakfast, we disembark on Cerro Brujo to walk on a white sand beach and observe sea lions, brown pelicans, marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies. Optional: time for those who would like to swim, snorkel or Kayak. Then, sail around iconic Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido), a massive tuff-rock that juts abruptly almost 500 feet straight from the ocean. Kicker Rock serves as nesting place for many sea birds. In the afternoon, explore Isla Lobos, where we can enjoy of blue footed boobies, frigates, sea birds, rays, and sea lions. Optional: time for those who would like to snorkel or panga ride. After this we will make a dry landing at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno to visit to the Interpretation Center Gianni Arismendy at Port, where you learn about the origin and evolution of the Galapagos Islands, regarding the human, natural and conservation aspects. Time in town to do your last shopping or to go to the ATM. You return to the Yacht for dinner, and our nightly orientation.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tip Top II
Guayaquil
Take one last boat ride this morning around Black Turtle Cove, a series of coves and islets surrounded by mangroves, where you can observe white-tipped reef sharks, sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, and yellow cow-nosed rays. Return to the boat and disembark at the pier to take the bus directly to the airport in Baltra for your flight to Guayaquil. Lunch is on your own at the airport; food options will be available for purchase after passing security. Once in Guayaquil, settle into the hotel then enjoy an afternoon at leisure before attending a farewell dinner at the hotel. If your international flight departs very late this evening/before dawn next morning, please be ready to check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport after the farewell dinner.
Breakfast-Dinner included
Unipark Hotel
Departure
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Breakfast- included
Land Cost

$6,795

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

What's Included
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • All Tips except Guide and Driver
  • Arrival and departure transfers based on individual flight schedules
  • Carbon Offset
  • Full time guide per region for the duration of your program
  • Galapagos National Park fees
  • INGALA card
  • Non alcoholic beverage with meals
What's Not Included
  • International airfare
  • Items of personal nature
  • Travel Insurance
Pricing Details
Cost is based on a minimum of 14 participants in double occupancy.

A $1000 per person deposit and enrollment form is due to hold your space on this trip. This deposit is refundable 180 days prior to departure excluding a $200 cancellation fee. Cancellations after this date are non refundable.

Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider.

Final payment due date: August 04, 2023

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport to enter Ecuador. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of departure.

For visits fewer than 90 days, visas will be issued upon arrival in Ecuador. Tourists may be required to provide evidence of return or onwards travel.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Embassy of Ecuador for the requirements based on your nationality.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Ecuador (unless you are traveling from Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Uganda, in which case proof of yellow fever vaccine is required).

Some physicians recommend that travelers get hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines before visiting Ecuador.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

Malaria is not known to be present in Guayaquil or Quito or in the Galápagos Islands. According to the CDC, the estimated relative risk of malaria for U.S. travelers in Ecuador is low. If you are concerned about malaria prevention, please consult your physician.

Dengue Fever & Other Insect-borne Illnesses

Locally transmitted cases of dengue fever have been reported in Ecuador. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with dengue and are spreading it to people. In addition, locally transmitted cases of chikungunya, Zika virus, and other insect-borne illnesses have previously been reported in Ecuador. The CDC recommends that travelers to Ecuador protect themselves against insect bites. As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

SEA SICKNESS

If you’re prone to feeling queasy, we suggest you consult your physician for advice on the best ways to prevent motion sickness. We recommend that you avoid showering when the boat is in motion and remain cautious of activities while passing through rocky waters.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

PHYSICAL FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

Visitors to the Galápagos Islands should be in good health and capable of walking over rocky, uneven, and potentially slippery terrain. Regardless of your physical stamina, bringing a walking stick will help maintain your balance.

Resources

Print Resources

Video: Galápagos Fitness Information

Video: Snorkeling in the Galapagos

Suggested Packing List

Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.

You may find many of these items in our Gear Store.

CLOTHING

Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities. You may wish to bring a slightly nicer outfit or two (eg sundress, polo shirt) if your itinerary includes dinners out or more formal activities.

Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day.

  • A combination of short-sleeved and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts for sun and mosquito protection
  • Shorts
  • Lightweight, quick-drying long pants for sun and mosquito protection
  • Undergarments
  • Sleepwear
  • Lightweight jacket or sweater/sweatshirt
  • 1-2 bathing suit(s)
  • Socks
  • Shoes – Consider your specific itinerary when choosing footwear. For most programs, you’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes suitable for forest hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. Sturdier hiking boots may be appropriate for more active itineraries. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual flip-flops or sandals. In the Galápagos, a pair of aqua socks, reef walkers, or water shoes is recommended.
  • Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
  • Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat
  • Bandana, scarf, or neck gaiter
  • Wetsuit (shorty wetsuits are available to rent, but you may prefer your own)

Personal toiletries

Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits. Below are just a few recommendations to keep in mind.

  • Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant, etc. – Note: In the Galápagos, biodegradable shampoo and soap are provided onboard the boat; if you wish to bring your own, please make sure they are biodegradable to comply with conservation policies. If possible, avoid strong fragrances if you are sensitive to insect bites.
  • Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – Washcloths are not standard in all hotels. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap.
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Razor
  • Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin (see note below about treating clothing with permethrin)
  • Reef-safe sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
  • Aloe vera gel
  • A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed

In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

Days before you leave home, you may wish to consider spraying any clothing, socks, and shoes that will be worn in lowland, tropical sites with the pesticide permethrin to deter biting insects and prevent the spread of disease. A recommended brand is Sawyer. Carefully read all instructions before use. Please note permethrin is highly toxic to cats and fish, and some aerosol products may be harmful to birds. Side effects may include minor itching, burning, or redness. You may want to use a laundry marker to label and keep track of which socks are permethrinized. Only one application per item is necessary; permethrin on treated clothes remains effective through several washings. Permethrin should NOT be applied directly to skin.

MISCELLANEOUS

Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.

  • Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
  • Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
  • Money – ATM/credit card, traveler's checks, and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
  • Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
  • Yellow fever certificate (if required; only if arriving from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk)
  • Sunglasses with strap
  • Small day pack for hikes and excursions
  • Flashlight and/or head lamp
  • Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
  • Binoculars with lens cleaner
  • Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Pocket knife or multipurpose tool - Pack in your checked luggage
  • Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics
  • Notepad or travel journal and pen
  • Music or reading material for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
  • Walking stick with rubber tip (folding or collapsible, for walking on rough and uneven terrain)
  • Swim mask/fins (snorkeling equipment is available to rent and often included for most groups)
  • A small quantity of laundry detergent if you’ll be washing clothing by hand
  • Money belt
  • Converter and adapter for electronics
  • Chargers for electronics
NOTE: There is a weight limit of 50 lbs. of checked luggage and one carry-on per person for your flight to the Galápagos Islands. Your luggage and/or carry-on may be subject to inspection by the Ecuadorian government in an effort to prevent the introduction of foreign plants and animals to the Galápagos Islands.
I loved this trip. Every detail ran smoothly. The birds and creatures we saw far exceeded my expectations.
- Nancy Grimes
Galapagos Islands , 2018
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