Galapagos: In the footsteps of Darwin ’24

December 12, 2024: 9 Night Trip: 2 Nights in Quito, Air to the Islands, 7 Night Small Ship Luxury All-Inclusive Cruise

With 2 zodiac landings a day, local guides bring you face to face with exotic & endangered wildlife. Your guides and naturalists stay aboard with you and give amazing lectures and local insight.

If your idea of a holiday has more to do with immersive experiences than lying on a beach then welcome to the Galapagos. Weave your way through this educational archipelago, and revel in a different kind of cruise. Enjoy moments of discovery by day and superb on-board Silver Origin luxuries by night. From swimming with turtles to witnessing the magnificent birdlife, never has a vacation seemed so exciting.

When you step off our beautiful ships you step back into history, or into a hands-on experience or out on an adventure that will get your heart going. Lovers of art, architecture, music, nature, food, wine or simply relaxing, will be inspired by the outings and experiences we have curated to woo and wow you.

Itinerary

Arrive in Quito for your 2 night program, which will include an Outlander Dinner and tours. The take our included flight from Quito into San Cristobal for the cruise itinerary:


program choice closer to your sail date. We invite guests to visit mgatravel.com for the most updated information.

The Silver Origin

The most elegant ship ever to sail the Galapagos.
The first destination specific ship built by Silversea, Silver Origin is the height of experiential travel in the Galapagos. Never before have the islands been so superbly presented: a team of Ecuadorian national expert guides, the highest crew-to-guest ratio in the Galapagos, 8 Zodiacs, seamless hybrid spaces that offer an extraordinary voyage – for extraordinary people. All-suite accommodation, Horizon Balconies, butler service, sophisticated interiors, interactive basecamp, Ecuadorian inspired cuisine … no aspect of Silver Origin has been left to chance. The most environmentally conscious ship we have ever built, take a vertical leap and transform your idea of travel with Silver Origin.

The Galapagos Islands are the largest National Park in Ecuador and one of the most important protected natural areas in the world, so we want to be sure our carbon footprint is well below standard. Silver Origin will be one of only two ships sailing in the Galapagos to feature dynamic positioning – ensuring heightened protection of the sea bed’s delicate ecosystem. She will also be plastic free – guests will be gifted a metallic reusable bottle and reverse osmosis (whereby sea water is turned into drinking water) refilling stations will save at least 17,000 plastic bottles.

Pricing and Deck Plans Further Below

Our previous visit to the Galapagos

The Galapagos islands is a volcanic archipelago located 865 miles from Quito.  The 21  islands are considered  a part of the Republic of Equator and are home more than 25,000 people. 

We flew into Quito Ecuador.  Quito  is the capital city of Ecuador and is the highest capital city which is closest to the equator, with an elevation of 2,850 metres (9,350 ft) above sea level.   Perfect opportunity to try some local foods and a great tour to sample some locally grown, harvested and produced chocolate.

Prior to 1969 the only point of entry was on a private or chartered vessel. Today your options include flights into both San Cristobal or Baltra.  What are you going to see?  Amazing protected wildlife that you can only find on the Galapagos. 

Land tortoises that have been adopted as the symbol of the Galapagos can be seen both in their natural habitat as well as through the conservations efforts at the Charles Darwin Research Station.   This majestic animal  can grow up to 500 pounds,  reach up to six feet in length, and has a lifespan of well over 100 years.  The tortoises were taken by pirates as a food source almost to the point of extinction.  Since the 1970’s the Research Station has been highly successful through its breeding program to restore the once dwindling tortoise population.

Birds abound with the signature red pouch of the male frigate bird on prominent display to attract females during mating season.  And let’s not forget about the boobies!!  The Galapagos is home to three distinct breeds of this iconic bird, the Blue Footed, the Red Footed and the Nazca Boobie all breed and live among the islands.  The Blue Footed birds that display the deepest shades of blue are the most attractive to the females.  Galapagos penguins, sea lions, and stunning natural beauty.

Who should go?  Bucket listers, adventure travelers, birders, people interested in science, and those who are looking for pristine completely unspoiled land.

Deck Plans

Pricing

CategoryDescriptionTotal
Per Person
Deposit Due
Per Person
Cruise + Tour +
Outlanders
To Secure Spot
CLASSIC VERANDA SUITESuite size 325 sq.ft.
including veranda
$13,499$3943
SUPERIOR VERANDA SUITESuite size 325 sq.ft.
including veranda
$13,999CALL
DELUXE VERANDA SUITESuite size 335 sq.ft.
including veranda
$14,499CALL
MEDALLION SUITESuite size 355 sq.ft.
including veranda
$17,499CALL
OWNERS SUITESuite size 1722 sq.ft.
including veranda
$35,499CALL
SOLO CLASSIC VERANDASuite size 325 sq.ft.
including veranda
$23,999CALL
all pricing is per person and based on double occupancy except for SOLO CV, subject to availability

*major gateways include Charlotte, Atlanta, JFK, Charleston. For only a $295 per per person smaller gateway fee, you can leave from other smaller airports (although Myrtle Beach is not an option). Business class air may be available as well, at a discounted rate. Call 843-279-0310 for details.

How to Sign Up

Prices are Per Person (except for the SOLO CV), estimated and subject to change prior to deposit, based on availability and double-occupancy. They include cruise, land, hosting, taxes and the below fees. Does not include Airfare unless booked during the special promo offer. Optional  insurance available (for residents of most states) but may need to be adjusted for airfare.

Prices and fares are non-refundable so you will need the insurance to cancel. The insurance is not “cancel for any reason”; cancellation is only reimbursed for a covered reason. Call for limited Solo Traveler Pricing if available. The Deposit amount (and total price shown) already includes a $150 per person non refundable Outlander Add-on and a $150 per person nonrefundable professional fee paid to MGA Travel, which includes a special dinner and other amenities, planning, and our time. Please note that until deposited, pricing is subject to change and based on availability.

Want to go? Simply complete this Secure Payment Form to authorize nonrefundable DEPOSIT (the deposit amount will range depending on suite chosen – see the deposit column in the price chart above). For the name of the trip put “Galapagos 2024”. Unless we already have it, please complete this Secure Passport Form for each passenger. Questions simply call us 843-279-0310 or email office@mgatravel.com . Insurance will be quoted upon request.

IMPORTANT: Please note that this is an Outlander Society trip and The Outlander Society Travel Club requires invitation but you may request to apply with Michael Graham or ask another member to stand for you.

Cruise and land itineraries are subject to change at any time. This itinerary is not finalized and pricing may be adjusted for fuel or inflation.

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