Galapagos: Wildlife & Wonders with Colleen Alsberg

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Galapagos: Wildlife & Wonders with Colleen Alsberg

March 14, 2028
– March 24, 2028

11 Days

Join Fox Group Vacations and HX Expeditions on an amazing vacation to the Galapagos Islands! Spend two days exploring Quito, Ecuador and 9 days sailing Nine of the Best Galapagos Islands. Come eye to eye with ancient tortoises, comical birds, and other amazing beasts, plus landscapes as fantastic as the animals. You will visit picturesque landscapes showcasing a range of ecosystems and see many of the species which have made these islands so famous. On this active cruise, and with an onboard Expedition Team of local guides, you will get closer to the many natural wonders in our small panga boats, kayaks, and glass-bottom boat.

Join Colleen Alsberg!

Galapagos Map

Daily Itinerary

Your journey begins on the Equator in the lush Andean foothills. At 9,350 feet, Quito is the second-highest city in the world, and its main draw is the exquisite Old Town, which was founded on an ancient Inca settlement. This UNESCO World heritage Site is packed with well-preserved colonial architecture, including colorful plazas, magnificent churches, and stately monuments. Settle into your hotel and enjoy an overnight stay.

Hotel: JW Marriott (or similar)

Today, enjoy a guided tour of Quito’s remarkable Old Town, one of the largest and best-preserved colonial-era quarters in South America. Wander through the cobblestone streets as you admire the architecture and sample delicious chocolate made from the finest Ecuadorian cacao along the way. Next, you will head to the iconic “Middle of the World City” located around 16 miles north of Quito. After lunch, you will visit the famous monument that delineates the imaginary line that is the Equator. Have your camera ready to capture the moment you stand with one foot in each hemisphere.

Hotel: JW Marriott Quito (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

You will be transferred to the Quito, Ecuador airport to board the flight to Baltra Island, where your expedition ship MS Santa Cruz II awaits you. We will begin our exploration of the Galapagos Islands in the afternoon by following the north shore of Santa Cruz to the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragon or Dragon Hill, where we will land. On the first part of our walk, we will pass a brackish lagoon that is frequented by shorebirds and American flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as your first chance to encounter some land iguanas.

Ship: MS Santa Cruz II

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

You will start your day at Punta Vicente Roca on the northwestern tip of Isabela Island. After breakfast, we will explore the coast on a panga boat and your naturalist guides will teach you about the dramatic geology of the area. This site is a nesting place for several bird species, so look out for flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, and boobies. Weather permitting, you can snorkel beside the cliffs, where you might find green sea turtles, oceanic sunfish, and fur seals. In the afternoon, we will explore Fernandina, an island with a unique ecology and a large population of marine iguanas. Watch the coastline for sea lions, Sally Lighfoot crabs, hawks, and penguins.

Ship: MS Santa Cruz II

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you will explore Santa Cruz Island. In the morning, we will disembark at Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. At this giant tortoise breeding center, you can see recently hatched tortoises and Darwin’s famous finches-the birds he used as a basis for his theory of evolution by natural selection. There is also an impressive forest of prickly pear cacti that is home to many land birds. Enjoy a cooler climate over lunch in the lush highlands, where giant tortoises shuffle about munching on grass and wallowing in pools. You will also have time for another activity, including mountain biking or visiting a sugar plantation.

Ship: MS Santa Cruz II

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, enjoy a panga boat ride through the channels on Floreana’s north shore before taking in the incredible views of the island from Baroness Cove. Later, we land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries. After lunch, explore the wonders around Champion Islet in a panga boat or aboard our glass bottom boat. This is one of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago. From there, we head to Cormorant Point, where we will walk from an olvine-crystal beach to a brackish lagoon. Along the way, common sights include American flamingos, pintail ducks, and more.

Ship: MS Santa Cruz II

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Relax on board while we anchor off Baltra Island. After four days of exploring the unique natural environments of the Galapagos, have a relaxation day so you can recharge your batteries for the days ahead. Make use of the many onboard facilities, flick through the books in the library, or exercise in the gym – it’s up to you.

In the afternoon, we will land at Las Bachas beach, located on the northern shore of Santa Cruz Island. This glorious white beach with turquoise waters is a great place to spot iconic Galapagos wildlife like flamingos and sea turtles. Swim or snorkel before heading back to the ship for an expedition briefing about the following day.

Ship: MS Santa Cruz II

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you will explore Santiago Island’s pristine beaches and picturesque landscapes. Take in the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer Cove on the northwest coast, home to a large number of marine birds and sea lions. Immerse yourself in the scenery through a range of water activities and marvel at fantastic rock formations such as “Elephant Rock” and “The Bishop.” In the afternoon, we will head to Puerto Egas, one of the best visitor sites on the island. You will have the opportunity to see a colony of Galapagos fur seals and exotic birdlife on an excursion. Or you can swim or snorkel along the rocky shorelines, typically in the company of marine turtles.

Ship: MS Santa Cruz II

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your day starts on tiny Rabida Island, located off the southern shore of Santiago Island. Take a thrilling panga ride along the coast to explore the island’s mesmerizing, red colored beach. Soak up the sights and sounds of a sea lion colony and keep an eye out for marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers, and several species of Darwin’s finches. In the afternoon, we will sail to the golden sands of Bartolome Island, dominated by the imposing Pinnacle Rock. Swim or snorkel at the beach here or discover colorful marine life riding in our glass-bottom boat. You may even spot some Galapagos penguins on the shore. Hike up to the summit of the island for fantastic views.

Ship: MS Santa Cruz II

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you explore Genovesa Island. The morning starts with a steep but short climb (Only 90 feet) up Prince Philip’s Steps-otherwise known as El Barranco-to reach a flat rocky plateau. Once there, you can walk along comfortably and look out for large colonies of Nazca boobies, red footed boobies, great frigatebirds, and storm petrels. Afterward, or instead, hop into a kayak for an aquatic adventure. In the afternoon, we will land at the beautiful beach that borders Darwin Bay for a swim. After this refreshing dip, take a stroll and observe hundreds of island birds. You can also swim, snorkel, kayak, or just relax on the beach.

Ship: MS Santa Cruz II

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We start our last morning on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. A dry landing at a passenger wharf and a bus ride to the loftier region of the island will provide a final of your expedition cruise: giant tortoises in the wild. The windward slopes of the island are set aside as a reserve that’s home to two species of giant tortoise. These lush highlands also feature dense forests of Galapagos daisies, orchids, and bromeliads. After this visit we will transfer directly to the airport in Baltra for your flight back to Quito. Your flights back to the US can be booked after approximately 8pm. (Exact departure time will be available closer to departure)

Meals: Breakfast

Tour Highlights

Galápagos Expedition Cruise – Highlights at a Glance

  • UNESCO‑listed Old Town, equator crossing at the “Middle of the World”
  • Expert‑guided landings across Isabela, Fernandina, Santa Cruz, Floreana, Santiago, Bartolomé & Genovesa
  • Iconic Wildlife Encounters: Giant tortoises, penguins, marine iguanas, sea lions, flamingos & Darwin’s finches
  • Daily Adventures: Zodiac (panga) rides, snorkeling, beach landings, light hikes & optional kayaking
  • Natural & Geological Wonders: Volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs & Pinnacle Rock
  • Darwin & Conservation Focus: Charles Darwin Research Station & in‑field naturalist interpretation
  • Relaxed Expedition Style: Small‑ship cruising, onboard amenities, and flexible daily itineraries

Fox Tour Manager! *

A Tour Manager from Fox World Travel will accompany the group, offering peace of mind as you travel!

 

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Accommodations

  • Hotel accommodations for 2-night pre-cruise in Quito at the JW Marriott hotel (or similar)
  • 8-night cruise cabin accommodations aboard the MS Santa Cruz II
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Dining

  • Dining includes all meals and beverages while on the ship (this includes water, wine, beer, spirits, coffee, tea, and soft drinks)
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Transportation

This tour is only available as tour only. Please contact your Fox World Travel Advisor for details or assistance with booking flights.

Transfers between Airport & Hotel on Arrival, Hotel and Airport for boarding, and Return transfer to Quito

Pricing

EH
EH | Explorer Cabin
  • Large window
  • Double bed (optional twin)
  • Guests: 2 | Size: 14-15 m2
Cruise Only Pricing
$10,591.00
*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
EE
EE | Explorer Cabin
  • Large window
  • Double bed (optional twin)
  • Guests: 2 | Size: 15.2 m2
Cruise Only Pricing:
$11,142.00
*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy

Join Colleen Alsberg!

Colleen began her career with Fox World Travel in 1995. After escorting her first tour, she fell in love with this career. Colleen has been all over the world in the last 30 plus years – meeting wonderful people and sharing unique experiences throughout Europe, the British Isles, Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Egypt, Israel, the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawai’i, and so many more! She’s ventured to Alaska and the Yukon over 40 times.

Her personal travels include Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Cuba, Russia and the Baltics, South America, the South Pacific, India, Egypt, Israel, and the Middle East. She feels truly blessed with each experience and has a deep passion to continue exploring new destinations for many years to come!

Colleen enjoys inspiring and educating travel enthusiasts by guest hosting on the WTMJ Fox World Travel Show as well as attending industry and ‘Fox hosted’ travel events. Whether she’s guiding travelers through an exotic South African safari, navigating through the Icelandic Fjords, relaxing on one of the beautiful Hawaiian Islands or on the road throughout Alaska and the Yukon, she enjoys creating memories with travelers around the world.

When Colleen is not traveling, she spends time making memories with her family and friends. She is also a regular volunteer at EAA’s Air Venture in Oshkosh as well as other local events.  Undoubtedly, she’s never too far from an airplane!

Group Tour Manager

Colleen Alsberg

Important Information

Initial Deposit: $4000.00 per person

Fox Professional Fee: Package price includes a $50.00 non-refundable Professional Fee per reservation. Fee will be charged at the time of deposit and will show as an additional payment from Fox World Travel.

Final Payment: No later than November 15, 2027

Requirements: Valid US passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from date of return and travel protection requirements must be met

Cancellation Penalties:           

  • From date of deposit to November 15, 2027: Initial deposit of $4000.00 per person + Fox Fee + applicable airline fees
  • November 16 – December 14, 2027: 50% package price cancellation fee + Fox Fee + applicable airline fees
  • December 15, 2027- January 29, 2028: 75% package price cancellation fee + Fox Fee + applicable airline fees
  • January 30, 2028 – Date of Departure: No Refund

Fox World Cancellation Fee of $100.00 per reservation will apply in addition to any Fox Group Vacation or vendor cancellation penalties. Air is non-refundable once ticketed.

Not Included: Airline flights, airline-imposed baggage & seat fees (if applicable), gratuities unless prepaid (for airport porters and any pre/post tour extensions), specialty experiences or meals (other than those included in the package), travel protection, optional exclusions, medical services, or any items of personal nature.

Terms: A Minimum number of travelers required for the tour to operate and send a Fox World Travel tour manager to accompany the group. In the event the minimum number is not reached, the tour may still include a professional, local guide in destination. Hotels, experiences, and daily itinerary are subject to change.

Vaccinations: All guests must ensure they are medically fit for travel. As such, we remind you to check with your physician at least 4 to 6 weeks before sailing to make sure you are up to date with any required immunizations or vaccines you may need to ensure you will be permitted to visit each of the exciting destinations and tours on your itinerary. Currently, no inoculations are required for US, Canadian, and UK citizens. For further information, you may contact the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s Traveler’s Health website at www.cdc.gov/travel/ or toll-free at 800-232-4636.

Insurance: Travel protection with medical and evacuation coverage is required for this tour. Your travel advisor can discuss options with you, including medical expense coverage, pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers, trip cancellation, trip delay, lost, delayed, or damaged baggage and more. To cover pre-existing conditions, most policies must be purchased within 14 days of making your initial deposit. Travel protection insurance prices are based on your age and the trip cost. Insurance must cover the following:

  • Trip cancellation
  • Medical treatment for illness or injury
  • Medical evacuation and repatriation while overseas

Activity Level 3 – Active

Ideal for curious, on-the-go travelers who want to experience as much as possible. Days may be full with early starts, longer walking tours, and extended periods of standing—up to three hours at a time. Expect to cover up to four miles a day on varied terrain such as hills, cobblestones, and uneven streets, and be prepared to climb at least three to five flights of stairs, sometimes without handrails. Travelers should be comfortable boarding different modes of transportation.

Mobility Guidance: Travelers with mobility assistance needs may participate, but accommodations are very limited at this level. Even with advance notice, guests must be able to walk longer distances and join sightseeing activities without mobility aids at times.

Physical Limitations: Please note the ability to accommodate guests with special needs aboard the vessels in the Galapagos Islands is limited. Also, there is very little wheelchair accessibility on the Galapagos Islands. During a Galapagos journey, guests will need to ascend or descend steps into a motor coach, use stairs, walk and/or climb over uneven ground for extended distances and get on and off panga boats. Guests requiring assistance should consider their specific needs when making a Galapagos vacation decision.

Luggage: The air carriers flying between Quito and Baltra typically limit the amount of luggage per guest to one checked piece (not to exceed 50 lbs.) and a small carry-on bag (not to exceed 17 lbs.). Guests may bring a reasonable amount of clothing and personal effects on board the vessels. However, for guests’ comfort and convenience, it is recommended that they limit the number of items they take.

 

RESPONSIBILITY: We and any sponsoring organizations act only as agent for the suppliers of travel services such as airlines, hotels, car rental companies, tour operators, restaurants, sightseeing companies, entertainment providers, and cruise lines (the “Suppliers”). We are not responsible for the acts or omissions of the Suppliers that cause losses or damages arising from physical or emotional injury, property or other economic damage, consequential damages, or monetary losses, or arising from any other causes beyond our control. We reserve the right to make any changes in the itinerary deemed necessary, and also the right to decline or retain any person as a member of the Trip. If you choose to arrange your own transportation for any portion of the Trip, we are not responsible for any arrangements or associated costs should there be a change in date that requires changes or cancellation to transportation arranged by you. We are not responsible should there be any changes with vacation hosts, tour managers, or entertainment. You grant to FWT and its designated agents the right to acquire and use the audio, photographic, video and other portrayals of your image, likeness, and voice in any medium of any nature whatsoever, including the Internet, for the purpose of trade, advertising, sales, publicity or otherwise, without compensation.

We will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled travelers, but we are not responsible in the event we are unable to do so nor are we responsible for any denial of services by Suppliers. The American with Disabilities Act is only applicable within the United States and facilities for disabled individuals are limited outside its borders. Most transportation services, including a touring motor coach, are not equipped with wheelchair ramps. We regret we cannot provide individual assistance to a vacation participant for walking, dining, getting on and off motor coaches and other vehicles, or other personal needs. A qualified and physically able companion must accompany travelers who need such assistance and must assume full responsibility for their well-being. Motorized scooters are unsuitable for most vacations.

We have no special knowledge regarding the financial condition of the Suppliers, unsafe conditions, health hazards, weather hazards, or climate extremes at locations to which you may travel. For information concerning possible dangers at destinations, we recommend contacting the Travel Warnings Section of the U.S. State Department at (202) 647-5225 or www.travel.state.gov. For medical information, we recommend contacting the Centers for Disease Control at (877) FYI-TRIP or www.cdc.gov/travel. You assume full and complete responsibility for checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements of your destination(s), and all conditions regarding health, safety, security, political stability, and labor or civil unrest at such destination(s). You hereby release us from all claims arising out of any problem covered in this paragraph. You agree that the courts in Winnebago County, Wisconsin will be the exclusive jurisdiction for all claims brought by you or us, and you hereby submit to the personal jurisdiction of those courts.

We work vigilantly with the Suppliers to maintain integrity of the price you were originally quoted and placed on deposit. There may be certain circumstances where your vacation may be subject to a price increase prior to full payment due to a supplier or government issued surcharge. Prices will not increase after you make full payment, except for charges resulting from increases in government-imposed taxes or fees, fuel surcharges, exchange fluctuations or any combinations of these. Fox World Travel will make a reasonable attempt to contact you prior to issuing charges.