Nine Day Core Itinerary
Exploration: The Galápagos Islands
June 17-25, 2026
with The Gathering
Aboard the Adventurous
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ISLANDER II
“Bless the Lord, O my soul!
O Lord my God, you are very great!
You are clothed with splendor and majesty,
covering yourself with light as with a garment,
stretching out the heavens like a tent.”
Psalm 104:1-2
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Travel to Guayaquil | Arrive at Hotel del Parque
Hotel del Parque
Hemicicle de la Rotonda
The day builds with anticipation as you board your flight from the USA to Guayaquil, Ecuador’s vibrant port city. Depending on your departure, you may catch glimpses of the sparkling Caribbean or the towering Andes as the plane descends into José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (Airport Code GYE).
After clearing customs, a private transfer whisks you through the bustling streets to your haven for the night: Hotel del Parque. Nestled within the lush, historical grounds of Guayaquil's Parque Histórico, this luxurious boutique hotel offers an oasis of calm amid the vibrant city. Upon arrival, you are welcomed with Ecuadorian hospitality and the hotel’s timeless elegance.
Depending on your time of arrival, you may be able to spend the rest of the day at leisure. Stroll through the Parque Histórico, immersing yourself in the recreated historic settings, or simply relax and savor the tranquility of the hotel's serene ambiance. Rest well, for tomorrow begins your exploration of Guayaquil, a city brimming with culture, history, and charm.
Thursday, June 18
Guayaquil | Hacienda Palo Santo
This morning you will savor freshly brewed Ecuadorian coffee, tropical fruits, and traditional breakfast dishes at our hotel, setting the tone for a day of exploration.
After breakfast, your excellent guides meet you in the lobby to begin your journey to Hacienda Palo Santo, a sustainable, family-owned cocoa farm. The Hacienda offers an immersive experience of Ecuador's rich agricultural and cultural heritage. Beyond cocoa products, the farm produces several other local crops including vibrant tropical flowers, bananas, and coffee.
From the historic Hacienda, continue sharing stories and experiences with your fellow explorers over a delicious, chef-prepared lunch. The menu features thoughtfully curated Ecuadorian dishes that celebrate the region’s diverse agricultural landscape and the fresh bounty of the Pacific coast.
In the evening, we’ll gather for a memorable group dinner at our charming hotel. Savor a meal inspired by regional Ecuadorian flavors, prepared with locally sourced ingredients and served in a serene, atmospheric setting. After dinner, enjoy a colorful and energetic performance of traditional Montubian folk dancing—an immersive display of music, movement, and storytelling that reflects the vibrant cultural heritage of Ecuador’s coastal communities. Pack your dancing shoes and enthusiasm.
Cacao Pods from Haciendo Palo Santo
Slipper Orchid
Friday, June 19
Embarkation | Baltra & Daphne Islands
Islander II with Zodiacs
Yacht Club Restaurant
Daphne Major Island
“He lays the beams of his chambers on the waters;
he makes the clouds his chariot;
he rides on the wings of the wind;
he makes his messengers winds,
his ministers a flaming fire.” - Psalm 104:3-4
This morning we’ll board a flight to Baltra, our final gateway to the stunning Galápagos archipelago. After your first zodiac ride, step aboard our luxurious ship, where a delicious lunch awaits. Enjoy freshly prepared local cuisine as you settle into your new surroundings and prepare for your upcoming adventures. Today we will be sure to outfit all passengers with wetsuits and snorkeling gear in preparation for our first exploration of marine life tomorrow.
As the sun begins to set, our captain will navigate around the small volcanic crater island of Daphne Major. Soon after the sunset, we'll gather in the lounge for a welcome cocktail party. Tonight we'll hear from The Gathering and meet our Ecuadorian expedition leader, who will share insights and answer questions about our upcoming excursions. You'll receive a briefing about tomorrow’s exciting program. We'll finish our first night aboard ship with a gourmet dinner in the ship’s Yacht Club Restaurant. Savor dishes crafted from the freshest local produce while sharing stories with fellow travelers, all amidst the enchantment of the Galápagos.
Saturday, June 20
Santa Cruz Island: Bartolomé Islet & Cerro Dragon
Start your day with an invigorating hike up to the 360-foot summit of Bartolomé and view one of the most photographed spots in the Galápagos—Pinnacle Rock! After soaking in 360-degree panoramic views, keep an eye out for the charming Galápagos penguin and other fascinating species that inhabit this region of the archipelago.
Later this morning, hop onto a zodiac and head to Bartolomé Beach, where you can practice snorkeling in the inviting shallows. Discover a vibrant underwater world teeming with colorful and exotic marine life. For those who prefer to stay dry, our ship’s glass-bottomed zodiac offers a unique opportunity to observe the wonders below the surface with the guidance of our expert naturalist.
During the journey, you will have the opportunity to enhance your nature photography skills with tips from our certified photo instructor. Capture the beauty of the Galápagos like a pro as you learn techniques to memorialize your adventures. The Galápagos Islands will serve as both a classroom and sanctuary—a backdrop for both learning and worship. In addition to our skillfully guided excursions, our very special guest speaker will guide us in responding to God’s call to care for Creation. Few other places lend themselves to learning simultaneously about God’s word and God’s world.
Choose your afternoon adventure! Opt for a scenic hike at Cerro Dragon to observe land and marine iguanas in their natural habitat, or take a leisurely zodiac ride along the coast to search for more wildlife. All hikes are designed for a leisurely pace, approximately 1-1.5 miles, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Pinnacle Rock
Galápagos Penguins
Sunday, June 21
Floreana Island: Post Office Bay, Champion Islet & Punta Cormorant
Post Office Bay
Blue-footed Booby
“Here is the sea, great and wide,
which teems with creatures innumerable,
living things both small and great.
There go the ships, and Leviathan,
which you formed to play in it.” - Psalm 104:25-26
Today begins with a relaxing paddle boarding or kayaking adventure, if you so choose! Glide across the tranquil waters along the coast and get up close with playful sea lions and graceful sea turtles. You may even share an unforgettable encounter as you approach a perched blue-footed booby. Keep an eye out for plovers as you navigate the waves. And fear not—most participants will remain comfortably dry, though ending with a splash is an adventure you won’t forget!
Later this morning, take a zodiac and head to the historic Post Office Bay. Take part in this rudimentary 18th-century postal system used by whalers and pirates. Sailors placed letters in the barrel, relying on fellow travelers heading in the direction of the recipient to deliver them by hand. Remarkably, this charming custom endures to this day. Participate by leaving a postcard and selecting one to deliver—a delightful nod to maritime history.
Following lunch, prepare for an exhilarating deep-water snorkeling excursion at Champion Islet. Drift along the Humboldt Current and behold a captivating underwater
realm unfurling beneath you. Encounter an extraordinary array of marine life, with the possibility of spotting scorpion rockfish, graceful sea turtles, radiant parrotfish, yellow-tailed surgeonfish, and the resplendent king angelfish. For those seeking a more tranquil snorkeling experience, the serene, crystal-clear waters of the bay provide an equally
enchanting alternative, offering a vivid kaleidoscope of tropical fish. The sheer diversity of species is nothing short of worship-inspiring.
For those seeking more exploration, embark on a one-mile hike at Floreana Island. Keep an eye out to spot flamingos gracing the lagoons, the rare and iconic Floreana mockingbirds, and perhaps even a male blue-footed booby performing his charming and unmistakable mating dance.
Monday, June 22
Espagñola Island: Gardner Bay & Punta Suarez
This morning presents another array of opportunities to explore the wonders of the Galápagos. Choose from snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and observing the underwater world from the comfort of a glass-bottom zodiac. Later, embark on yet another exhilarating snorkeling adventure, marveling at the vivid marine life—a testament to the breathtaking creativity of God.
After lunch, hear from guest speaker Peter Harris again and reflect on the treasures you've encountered on your voyage thus far. In the late afternoon, set out on a brief yet rewarding hike at Punta Suarez on Española Island. After a dry landing on the rugged, rocky terrain, prepare to be captivated by the remarkable courtship displays of the endemic waved albatrosses, accompanied by the endearing sight of their fluffy chicks. Be sure to keep watch for the many Nazca boobies and the fascinating Española mockingbird, a species found nowhere else in the world—a true treasure of the island. As night falls, delight in the enchanting spectacle of nocturnal swallow-tailed gulls gliding gracefully beside the boat, their agile movements part of a mesmerizing hunt for squid, adding a touch of magic to the evening.
Albatross Courtship Ritual
Galápagos Coral Reef
Tuesday, June 23
San Cristóbal Island: Punta Pitt & Cerro Brujo
Although San Cristóbal is home to approximately 8,000 residents, our day’s journey will take us to the island’s most remote and untouched areas. Kick off your day with an invigorating hike at Punta Pitt, traversing a dried riverbed and enjoying the unique landscape. This uphill trek leads you to breathtaking views. Along the way, marvel at the local wildlife, including red-footed boobies, mockingbirds, and adorable baby red-footed boobies. Keep an eye out for sea lions and the impressive sight of adult frigate birds soaring overhead. For those who prefer a different pace, explore the coastline from a zodiac with your expert naturalist. You can also choose to snorkel one last time from the beach or simply relax and soak up the sun. After your morning adventures, return to the ship for a delightful Ecuadorian lunch.
Celebrate with farewell cocktails on the observation deck, soaking in the island views one last time. As we navigate around León Dormido (Kicker Rock), admire the eroded tuff cone, which is home to a variety of bird species. This is a perfect moment to practice your new photo skills. Feel free to spiff up a bit for our farewell dinner, a fitting end to our unforgettable Galápagos adventure.
Tuff Mountains at Punta Pitt
Sunset at Kicker Rock
Wednesday, June 24
Disembarkation | Santa Cruz & Baltra Islands
Giant Tortoise at Santa Cruz
“May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
may the Lord rejoice in his works,
who looks on the earth and it trembles,
who touches the mountains and they smoke!
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have being.” - Psalm 104:31-33
Venture into the verdant, lush highlands of Santa Cruz. Amidst the dense vegetation and rolling hills you’ll have the opportunity to observe the majestic giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat. These ancient creatures, with their slow, deliberate movements, embody the island’s timeless beauty and our Creator’s imagination. After lunch we transfer to the Baltra Airport for flights to Guayaquil and a final night in Ecuador at Hotel del Parque.
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Flights Home
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board flights home, unless you have arranged to stay for the optional Scuba Extension or plan to extend your stay on your own.
Map of Your Journey
