Central and South America

Exploring the Galápagos Islands with Johns Hopkins University

aboard M/C Tip Top V
Date:
Feb 8 - Feb 20, 2027
Duration:
13 Days
Price:
From $7,820
Interests:
Student Travel
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Join This Trip
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Land Cost

$7,820

Per person

About this price

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

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
Guayaquil
Upon arrival in Guayaquil, you will be met and transported to your hotel.
Hotel Oro Verde
Santa Cruz
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Baltra. Upon arrival meet your local guide and take a short transfer by bus to the Itabaca Channel and board a ferry. Once you arrive on the other side, begin the journey to the hotel. Stop along the way to visit the highlands of Santa Cruz and explore the seven vegetation zones found on the island. Have lunch at a local restaurant at the highlands, where you will also observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Afterwards travel to the hotel to check in and freshen up. This afternoon you will have an orientation given by the guide.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tortuga Bay Hotel
Santa Cruz
This morning you'll be picked up by a representative of Fundar Galápagos and brought to their facilities. Fundar works within the Galápagos community on projects to reconcile the differences between the preservation of the environment and the development needs of the local people. They run a number of projects that aim to demonstrate that development and conservation are not mutually incompatible and that having local support is essential. Fundar has a private reserve in the agricultural zone adjacent to the national park, where they are working on habitat restoration, sustainable agriculture, and management techniques. Upon arrival enjoy breakfast and an orientation to the reforestation service project scheduled for today. Begin the reforestation project by working to prepare the ground for planting native sapling trees. Lunch will be on site. This afternoon, continue with ground preparation work and take part in a group discussion and reflection. Dinner at the hotel this evening.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tortuga Bay Hotel
Santa Cruz
This morning visit Tortuga Bay for a snorkeling adventure among the marine life and a beach cleanup activity. Tortuga Bay is a favorite place of sea turtles, sea lions, marine iguanas, pelicans, flamingos and Lava Gulls. After lunch, return to the reserve and work on removing invasive plant species by hand and machete. Then, learn about the health and populations of tortoises in their natural habitat by participating in the Tortoise monitoring project. Dinner at the hotel this evening.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tortuga Bay Hotel
Galapagos
This morning at leisure before transferring to the dock to board M/C Tip Top V, attend your first orientation, and have lunch. 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 beverage 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 due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g. safety, weather, etc.) or at the discretion of the captain, guide, or the Galápagos National Park.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tip Top V
Galapagos
Today, explore Genovesa Island, a horseshoe-shaped volcanic caldera with steep cliffs surrounding a beautiful bay. After a short panga boat ride, make a wet landing on Darwin Bay's white-sand beach. Then follow a short trail along mangroves and tide pools to observe Great Frigatebirds, herons, mockingbirds, Red-footed and Nazca Boobies, shorebirds, turtles, marine iguanas, and more. Look for sea lions and tropical fish as you swim, snorkel, or kayak from the beach before returning to the yacht for lunch. In the afternoon, disembark on a rocky ledge and climb the staircase at Prince Philip's Steps (El Barranco), and then hike less than a mile to see a palo santo forest, walk on hardened lava flows, and observe the interesting lives of the birds here. Search for nesting Red-footed and Nazca Boobies, as well as Great Frigatebirds, Red-billed Tropicbirds, Galápagos Doves, Swallow-tailed Gulls, and the Galápagos Short-eared Owl. When searching for Red-footed Boobies, look up to the trees; unlike other Galápagos booby species, they prefer to do their courtship and build nests above the ground. From May to January, Nazca Boobies can be spotted courting, nesting, and raising their young. Keep an eye out for Galápagos fur seals along the rocky shores during a panga ride back to the boat. This evening, attend a presentation by your Galápagos naturalist guide.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tip Top V
Galapagos
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 V
Galapagos
Dock at a pier in 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. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before spending some time shopping in town. Later this afternoon return to the yacht for reflections and presentations.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tip Top V
Galapagos
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 V
Galapagos
After breakfast, visit Punta Suárez on Española Island to hike along lava beds 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. Española is the oldest island in the archipelago, geologically speaking, and is also rich in plant life, with an interesting mix of flora representative of littoral, arid, and transitional zones. After lunch aboard the yacht, disembark at Gardner Bay for a walk on the beach to observe sunbathing sea lions, which inhabit the beach in great quantities during the breeding season. While exploring the beach, keep an eye out for the endemic Española Mockingbird (a carnivorous species) and Darwin's finches. Then, take a scenic panga ride around Osborn Islet and the islets of Gardner to search for more wildlife and enjoy some swimming or snorkeling before heading back to the boat.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tip Top V
Galapagos
Have breakfast onboard, then prepare for a wet landing at Cerro Brujo, the only site in the Galápagos where it is possible to witness all three booby species nesting together. Walk along the beautiful white-sand beach to observe sea lions, pelicans, gulls, finches, mockingbirds, and boobies. Afterwards, sail around iconic Kicker Rock (León Dormido) and its narrow channel in search of sea birds. The enormous rock formation is the remainder of a vertical tuff cone that has since become a favorite nesting place for Nazca and Blue-footed Boobies and frigatebirds. Marine life is plentiful in the waters surrounding the cliffs, so be on the lookout for sea lions, sharks, turtles, and rays. After lunch on board 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. Return to the yacht for dinner and a nightly orientation.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Tip Top V
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
Hotel Oro Verde
Departure
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Breakfast- included
Land Cost

$7,820

Per person

About this price

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

Pricing Details
Cost is based on a minimum of 14 participants in double occupancy.

A deposit of $1000 is required for participants to register and reserve space on the program. Reservations submitted beyond the final payment deadline noted below will require full payment to enroll. 180 or more days before departure: $200 cancellation fee; remaining balance is refunded. 179 - 96 days before departure: full deposit of $1000 is forfeited. 95 - 0 days before departure: 100% of program price is forfeited.

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: November 05, 2026

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

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

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.

The Galápagos National Park Administration also requires travelers to complete an electronic affidavit with their travel information and a declaration of transported goods.

This affidavit may be completed up to 48 hours prior to arrival in the Galápagos. As most travelers will already be in Ecuador or en route to Ecuador during this timeframe, your guide will be able to assist you with this process. It will be helpful for you to have a smartphone or other mobile device to complete the affidavit, but if you don’t have one, your guide can help make arrangements for you to access the internet before your flight. Should you be arriving to Ecuador with more time available, you may complete the form within 48 hours of your flight at https://declaracion.abgalapagos.gob.ec.

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 have spent more than 10 days in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, or Peru immediately prior to arrival, or are arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Uganda, in which case proof of yellow fever vaccine is required. The vaccine must have been administered at least 10 days before arrival, and is valid for life.)

The CDC also recommends inoculation against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to 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 in the Galápagos Islands. If you are concerned about malaria prevention, please consult your physician.

Other Insect-borne Illnesses

Other insect-borne illnesses are known to occur on mainland Ecuador, including dengue fever, leishmaniasis, Zika virus, and others. The CDC recommends that travelers to Ecuador protect themselves against insect bites: cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants and use an insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent, ideally 20 minutes later.

Be careful when applying products containing DEET, as it can damage or dissolve certain synthetic fabrics as well as plastic, rubber, vinyl, or elastic materials, such as those used in camera equipment, binoculars, phone cases, sunglasses, or watches. Additionally, some research suggests that when DEET and picaridin enter local waterways, they can be harmful to amphibians and other wildlife. When selecting a repellent, it is ultimately up to each traveler to weigh the risks and benefits of different options, keeping in mind both environmental factors and the importance of protecting against illness.

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.

Respiratory Illness Protocols

Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.

Liability Waivers

Please note you may be asked locally to sign liability waivers in order to participate in certain activities. If you would like to receive a copy of any required waiver in advance, please contact Holbrook Travel.

Resources

Print Resources

Vessel

About the M/C Tip Top V

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 the items below in the New Headings Gear Store. Use code HolbrookGuest10 for a 10% discount on your purchase.

CLOTHING

Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities. The atmosphere onboard the boat is very casual, and special attire is not required during meal times (i.e. shorts and T-shirts are appropriate). 

Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, Tortuga Bay Hotel offers laundry service at additional cost. In an effort to preserve onboard water supplies, please refrain from hand-washing clothes onboard the M/C Tip Top V. Participants will be able to hang bathing suits and clothing to dry on clotheslines on the top deck.

Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day. Clothing that wicks away moisture and dries quickly is recommended.

The M/C Tip Top V does not allow the same shoes used during island excursions to be worn onboard. Participants can either wear socks or have a separate pair of flip flops, tennis shoes, or boat shoes to wear while on the boat.

  • 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
  • Comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes suitable for walking over rocky or other uneven terrain
  • Sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or aqua socks or reef walkers (for walking in water and wet landings)
  • Sandals, flip-flops, or deck shoes
  • 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 if you already have one.

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, or if you bring your own conditioner, please make sure they are biodegradable to comply with conservation policies. If possible, avoid strong fragrances if you are sensitive to insect bites.
  • Biodegradable soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – While small bars or liquid soap are usually provided, washcloths are not standard in all accommodations.
  • Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap – All cabin aboard the M/C Tip Top V have a hair dryer.
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Razor
  • Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Insect repellent
  • Biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
  • A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed, as it may not be available at all roadside stops

Your local guide(s) will carry a basic first-aid kit, but you may also wish to pack a small medical kit for personal use. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness medication, anti-diarrhea medicine, powdered electrolyte packets to prevent dehydration, aloe vera gel to treat sunburn, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, COVID-19 self-test kit, 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.

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 and cash; small bills ($1, $5, $10, $20) in good condition are recommended. Currency in Ecuador is the US dollar.
  • Prescription medicines (if applicable) – We recommend packing prescription medications in the original bottles/packaging with pharmacy labeling.
  • Yellow fever certificate (if required; only if arriving from specific countries where yellow fever transmission is a risk)
  • Motion sickness pills (e.g. Dramamine or Bonine) or Scopolamine patches (prescription required) – Seas around the islands are usually choppiest from September to November.
  • Sunglasses with strap
  • Small day pack for hikes and excursions
  • Flashlight and/or head lamp
  • Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm
  • Binoculars with lens cleaner
  • Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards; you may also want a watertight, underwater camera
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Portable, handheld or neck fan (battery-operated or rechargeable)
  • 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
  • Entertainment (e.g. music, a deck of cards, reading material and a portable bright light to read by, etc.) for down time or on the airplane
  • Collapsible walking stick with rubber tip – Pack in your checked luggage. Please note that the M/C Tip Top V has a limited number of hiking poles available to use. However, since we cannot guarantee there will be enough for everyone, we encourage you to bring your own if you feel strongly that you need a walking stick or hiking poles for stability.
  • Swim mask/fins – Snorkeling equipment is available free of charge onboard the boat, but avid snorkelers might prefer to bring their own equipment for a guaranteed fit.
  • Money belt
  • Clothespins for hanging wet swimsuits or clothes to dry
  • Chargers for electronics
  • Dry bags 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.
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