GALAPAGOS ISLANDS EXPEDITION
WITH SARAH DANDASHY
July 14–22, 2026
USD 11,000
Join Sarah Dandashy on an Exclusive Expedition to the Galápagos Islands with Wild Explorers
Embark on an unprecedented 9 Day, 8 Night journey through Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands with Sarah Dandashy in collaboration with Wild Explorers. Your adventure begins upon arrival in Quito, Ecuador’s capital, where you will spend one night resting and preparing for the expedition. The following day, set sail on an unforgettable 6 Night, 7 Day expedition around the Galápagos Islands aboard a 5 star Trimaran chartered exclusively for our group. This vessel has been designed for smooth sailing and unmatched stability, ensuring maximum comfort as you explore the archipelago. As your “floating home,” it allows you to wake up each morning in a new destination, maximizing your time for exploration.
Venture into one of the planet’s most pristine ecosystems and encounter the archipelago’s unique wildlife up close. The itinerary has been carefully crafted to visit remote islands rich in biodiversity, offering the opportunity to witness evolution in action. During your expedition, you will see giant Galápagos tortoises, brightly colored land iguanas, playful sea lions, all three species of boobies, frigatebirds, elegant waved albatrosses, and more. Immerse your adventurous spirit while snorkeling with tropical fish, reef sharks, manta rays, and sea lion pups.
Each day includes guided excursions led by the Wild Explorers expert team, hiking through volcanic landscapes, kayaking across crystal-clear waters, and walking along pristine beaches. At the end of the expedition, you will return to Quito for your final night of rest before your flight home. This is not just a trip; it is a transformative experience that immerses you in the natural wonders of the Galápagos, leaving memories that will last a lifetime.
LEADING YOUR EXPEDITION
Sarah Dandashy is a verified TV travel expert, best-selling author, and TEDx speaker known for her talk "The Secret to Making Someone Feel Special." With over 18 years in hospitality, she built her brand Ask A Concierge after a celebrated career as a luxury hotel concierge. Today, she shares trusted travel insights with over 250k followers and appears regularly on networks like ABC, CBS, and FOX. Her best-selling book "Hospitality From Within" explores how authentic service creates unforgettable experiences. From hosting podcasts to partnering with global tourism boards, Sarah brings a seasoned, heartfelt perspective to every journey.
EXPEDITION ITINERARY
DAY 1
ARRIVAL IN QUITO
Arrive in Quito, Ecuador’s vibrant capital city nestled high in the Andes. This peaceful stop gives you time to rest, adjust to the altitude, and prepare for the unforgettable Galápagos expedition ahead. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay. The next day, you'll head to the islands, where your adventure truly begins.
Hotel: JW Marriott, a 5-star hotel
DAY 2
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Morning flight from Quito to Baltra. Upon arrival, meet your Trimaran staff and transfer by private bus to Twin Craters, remarkable pit craters formed by collapsed surface material. The views are breathtaking.
In the afternoon, explore the Highlands of Santa Cruz, walking through lush Scalesia forests, visiting lava tunnels, and enjoying lunch amidst stunning landscapes. Later, board the Horizon trimaran to begin your Galápagos adventure.
Activities: Hiking in Santa Cruz highlands.
Wildlife Highlights: Finches, wild tortoises
A giant Galápagos tortoise resting in its natural habitat on a lush green island. This iconic species, known for its massive shell and slow, deliberate movements, is surrounded by native plants and volcanic terrain. The tortoise’s textured shell and wrinkled skin reflect its long lifespan, making it a symbol of the unique wildlife of the Galápagos Islands.
A giant Galápagos tortoise resting in its natural habitat on a lush green island. This iconic species, known for its massive shell and slow, deliberate movements, is surrounded by native plants and volcanic terrain. The tortoise’s textured shell and wrinkled skin reflect its long lifespan, making it a symbol of the unique wildlife of the Galápagos Islands.
DAY 3
FLOREANA ISLAND
Begin at Post Office Bay, a historic site where visitors continue the 18th-century tradition of leaving postcards in a wooden barrel.
Later, snorkel around Devil’s Crown, a volcanic rock formation rich with marine life.
In the afternoon, visit Cormorant Point to see flamingos and explore the unique green and white beaches formed by olivine crystals and coral sand.
Activities : Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride
Wildlife Highlights: Flamingos, tropical fish, sea lions
Landing Type: Wet
DAY 4
SANTA FÉ & SAN CRISTOBAL ISLANDS
Morning excursion to Santa Fé Island, exploring visitor trails and spotting land iguanas and giant Opuntia cacti.
In the afternoon, visit Lobos Island, known as “Sea Lion Island,” where playful sea lions welcome you.
Snorkel alongside colorful fish and observe blue-footed and Nazca boobies.
Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking
Wildlife Highlights: Land iguanas, sea lions, blue-footed and Nazca boobies
Landing Type: Dry
Galápagos kayaking Wild Explorers adventure Women adventure travel Kayaking in Galápagos
Galápagos kayaking Wild Explorers adventure Women adventure travel Kayaking in Galápagos
DAY 5
SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
Morning visit to the Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center, learning about the islands’ volcanic origin, endemic species, and conservation efforts.
In the afternoon, explore the David Rodriguez Breeding Center (“La Galapaguera”), home to giant tortoises in a protected area.
Activities: Hiking
Wildlife Highlights: Giant tortoises, finches, mockingbirds, sea lions.
Landing Type: Dry
DAY 6
PITT POINT, WITCH HILL AND KICKER ROCK
Morning hike at Pitt Point, observing frigatebirds, storm petrels, and all three booby species.
In the afternoon, visit Witch Hill, a stunning white-sand beach perfect for snorkeling with sea turtles and rays. End the day circumnavigating Kicker Rock, a dramatic volcanic formation.
Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking
Wildlife Highlights:Boobies, sea lions, tropical fish, rays, sharks
Landing Type: Wet (Pitt Point & Witch Hill), No Landing (Kicker Rock)
DAY 7
ESPAÑOLA ISLAND
Morning hike to Suarez Point, where waved albatrosses (seasonal), Nazca boobies, and Galápagos hawks inhabit dramatic cliffs.
In the afternoon, enjoy Gardner Bay, a stunning white-sand beach filled with playful sea lion pups, or snorkel in clear waters.
Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking
Wildlife Highlights: Waved albatrosses (seasonal), mockingbirds, sea lions
Landing Type: Dry (Suarez Point), Wet (Gardner Bay)
DAY 8
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND / RETURN TO QUITO
Disembark in Santa Cruz. Morning visit to Bachas Beach, a calm spot with WWII remnants and a nesting site for sea turtles. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Quito. Overnight at hotel for final night in Ecuador.
Activities: Hiking, snorkeling
Wildlife Highlights: Sea lions, giant tortoises, finches
Hotel: JW Marriott, a 5-star hotel
DAY 9
QUITO
After enjoying a final breakfast in Quito, savoring the flavors and ambiance of Ecuador’s vibrant capital, your private transfer will be ready to take you to the airport.
This transfer marks the gentle close of your expedition, a moment to reflect on the adventure and the unforgettable connections you have made with nature and the world around you.
I was mesmerized by the majestic views! Going to the Galapagos was that item on my bucket list I thought may never happen. So when I saw the opportunity, I took it! Start checking those items off! If you don’t have a bucket list…make one! It truly is a soul fulfilling experience to live it out!
It was genuinely one of the most unique experiences of my life and yes the WILDLIFE is EVERYWHERE.
Wild Explorers made exploring the Galapagos Islands such a surreal experience. Everything was so well coordinated—from getting off the plane on Baltra Island to volcano explorations, to dinners, snacks, and hotels. I could spend my time focused on seeing every last sea lion, tortoise, and iguana, knowing that the Wild Explorers team knew the islands so well and had chosen the best adventures for us.
Know Before You Go
Explorers: Minimum 10 – Maximum 12
Start: Quito, Ecuador – July 14, 2026
End: Quito, Ecuador – July 22, 2026
Weather
Galápagos Islands: July is the cool and dry season, with mild temperatures around 24–27°C (75–81°F). Calm seas make it perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and observing active wildlife. This is an excellent time to see sea lions and a variety of seabirds, as many species are more visible and active during this season.
Quito: July is part of the dry season, with sunny mornings and cooler afternoons, temperatures ranging from 12–22°C (54–72°F). Clear skies offer stunning views of the Andes and the city’s colonial architecture.
Food
To give you the freedom to experience local cuisine, the first and last dinners are not included, so you can indulge in Ecuador’s authentic flavors. Kindly let us know if you have any dietary restrictions.
Transfers
All airport and inter-island transfers are included as part of your expedition.
Activity level
This expedition is designed for travelers of many levels. All shore excursions use inflatable dinghies, with landings on sandy or rocky terrain. It’s important to feel comfortable boarding and disembarking, have good balance, and be in generally good physical condition to fully enjoy the islands’ landscapes and wildlife.
INCLUDED
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7 nights aboard the five-star trimaran Horizon and 2 nights at a five-star hotel in Quito
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Domestic Flights (Quito – Galápagos – Quito)
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Unforgettable Landscapes:Discover the magic of the Galápagos Islands, one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders, through immersive land and sea excursions
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All overnight arrangements in Quito and on the private yacht for the full expedition
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All Galápagos National Park entrance fees currently 220 USD
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Gratuities included
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Guided excursions led by experienced guides
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Transport services between locations
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All Onboard Meals.
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Snacks and soft beberages.
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Kayaks
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Snorkel equipmen and Wetsuit
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Paddleboard
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Convenient airport transfers at Mariscal Sucre Airport, Quito, on the first and final days of the expedition
EXCLUDED
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International Flights
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Alcoholic beverages
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Snacks for off-boat excursions
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Insurance is highly recommended for all participants and must cover various aspects relevant to outdoor activities, Make sure that your insurance covers trip cancellation (in case of any unforeseen circumstances). Participants must secure their own travel insurance suited to the nature of this experience. Coverage should include — but is not limited to — medical care, accidents, emergency evacuation (including mountain rescue if applicable), trip cancellation, repatriation, and personal liability.
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Personal Expenses: this includes souvenirs, spa treatments, massages, and any other personal purchases.
We reserve the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, and unforeseeable circumstances.
Price: 11,000 USD
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To confirm your booking: A 30% deposit is required. Please note that this deposit is non-refundable.
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Final payment: The remaining 70% must be paid 180 days prior to the start of the tour. The price includes shared twin accommodations (or a double room for couples). If you prefer a private room, you’ll need to purchase two spots for single occupancy.
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As soon as your spot is confirmed, your deposit is no longer refundable. You have until 180 days before the trip to cancel the rest of your payment; after that, all payments are final. Because this is an exclusive journey with a private yacht reserved just for our group, we strongly urge all guests to purchase travel insurance to protect their payments from any unexpected issues.
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Cancellation before expedition is confirmed: If you choose to cancel before the expedition is confirmed, you will be responsible for a 4% credit card processing fee. Any applicable refund will be issued via bank transfer, and we will provide a secure link for you to submit your banking information.
This tour is governed by Terms and Conditions