DISCOVER THE HIDDEN JEWELS OF THE WESTERN ISLANDS
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
EXCLUSIVE ACCESS
EXPLORE THE MESMERIZING GALAXY SIRIUS
Thirdhome Club Founders and all members are invited to experience an Exclusive Access opportunity to voyage in the Galapagos Archipelago aboard the brand new Yachtamaran – The Galaxy Sirius
ABOUT THIS ADVENTURE
EXPERIENCE AN ENRICHING VOYAGE OF A LIFETIME
Thirdhome is thrilled to provide this Exclusive Access experience to our Club Members, who will be among the first to explore the archipelago aboard this amazing vessel.
With its debut voyage launching in Spring of 2024, the Galaxy Sirius will be the newest and most luxurious intimate boutique yacht-catamaran in the Galapagos Islands.
Embark on a voyage into an unforgettable adventure in the Galapagos Islands…step into this extraordinary luxurious 116-ft yacht-catamaran, to experience exceptional service and personalized attention as you relax within its sophisticated-chic atmosphere. The yacht makes for a divine sailing oasis to enjoy time at sea with cruise mates, surrounded by the natural wonders of the Galapagos islands. Amaze yourself as you step foot on the Galapagos Islands, home to some of the planet’s most breathtaking biodiversity. Explore the world of the Galapagos through expert-led snorkeling, hiking and kayaking excursions. As they roam freely in their natural habitat, you will get up-close to magnificent creatures like marine iguanas, giant tortoises, and blue-footed boobies. Naturalist guides will take you to the best spots to observe and interact with the unique marine life, on land and water activities, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Paddle kayaks through the crystal-clear waters and explore the stunning marine life that surrounds you.
Savor the world-class cuisine within the delightful dining room, and take your taste buds on a culinary journey, where the world’s flavors meet the wonders of the sea. From exotic seafood to sumptuous meats and decadent desserts, each dish is a work of art, meticulously crafted to exceed your every expectation. Whether you crave traditional flavors or daring new dishes, the chef’s daily menus will offer a fascinating array of meals, crafted with the freshest, highest quality ingredients and presented with Ecuadorian exotic flare. Marvel at the sunrises and sunsets while you immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands as you enjoy the sea breeze, and socialize with friends while you sip on your favorite drinks in the Al Fresco Lounge. Sip delightful cocktails and refreshing non-alcoholic beverages onboard, served up by the talented bartenders who are dedicated to crafting the perfect drinks to accompany every mood and personal preference. During the days, soak up the sun with breathtaking panoramic views as you relax, stargaze, or simply enjoy the cool seaside air from the yacht’s Sun Deck – the perfect place to pamper your senses. Slumber in posh Suite-staterooms with ample balconies designed to offer an elegant and comfortable accommodation experience, with a luxurious king-size bed, large windows providing breathtaking views of the Galapagos Islands, air-conditioning and a private bathroom with premium toiletries, plush towels and hair-dryers.
Explore the The Wonders of the Galapagos Islands
The Most Unique Paradise on Earth Mini-Film
THE THIRDHOME SIGNATURE ADVENTURE BLUEPRINT
Escape into a memorable luxury lifestyle travel experience on a small-group club tour with fellow members, expertly designed to WOW you!
This Adventure experience offers members Exclusive Access on the Galaxy Sirius
Join us on this elevated Adventure experience as a small-group to experience a memorable journey into the Galapagos Islands, made possible by our travel partnership with the Conservancy Travel.
ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHTS
- Enjoy 1 Pre-Night in Guayaquil city at the charming Hotel Del Parque
- Roundtrip internal flights between mainland to Baltra Island
- Journey aboard the Galaxy Sirius for 5-Nights in the Galapagos Islands
- Accommodations are Suite-staterooms with private baths (8 Cabins total onboard)
- Unlimited purified water, coffees and teas onboard
- All meals onboard showcasing the finest and freshest ingredients
- Two Natural Guides aboard with guests throughout the journey
- Entrance into the Galapagos National Park Archipelago
- Expertly planned guided excursions and island explorations
- Snorkeling equipment, kayaks and paddle-boards provided
THE SMALL-GROUP SIZE
This is a private THIRDHOME small-group tour with a maximum occupancy of 16 adults for the Adventure itinerary, based on only 8 double occupancy Suite-staterooms
(This Adventure requires 16 people to operate at the price quoted; if less participants join this adventure than an increase and/or decrease in cost would occur, which Thirdhome will advise all participants)
Our group size is purposefully kept small, allowing this Adventure to be a more engaging and rewarding experience for everyone. This small-group journey along with its itinerary is purposefully crafted as a group experience and touring days have been pre-planned with included group activities in addition to group gathering dining times. Guests may of course opt-out of any day’s planned activities or scheduled meals should they not wish to participate in what has been scheduled for that day with the group, but please note that there are no price-reductions offered for missed activities or meals that are part of the overall scheduled group experience of this Adventure journey. Some optional activities and personally elected add-ons that are not part of the overall organized group itinerary do have some flexibility in being changed, but this will be determined on a case-by-case basis and/or circumstances.
Who Can Participate
Only Members who are already on the VIP List who have reserved and paid their “Hold Spot” fees will receive the first-dibs invitation to this exclusive Adventure.
Should any member opt-out of their reserved spots, then we will work off our waiting list by email date-time order received, so as to try to accommodate those members who have previously requested to be on our waitlist.
Activity Level
To experience this unique destination, you will need to be able to walk or hike at least 1-2 hours at a time over a variety of terrains on guided excursions; including being physically able to swim and/or snorkel, kayak and/or dive if you choose to participate in these water activities, along with being comfortable dining sometimes outdoors and in open-air environments. You can expect some guided group activity days, balanced with quality relaxing time throughout this Adventure journey.
EXPLORE THE GALAXY SIRIUS YACHTAMARAN
DISCOVER THE ISLANDS & ONBOARD EXPERIENCE
HIDDEN JEWELS OF THE WESTERN ISLANDS
Itinerary
Collapse AllFRIDAY, JUL 5 (2024)
ARRIVAL INTO GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR
Today journey from your home location on your own airfare arrangements, for arrival into Guayaquil (GYE Airport) – Welcome to Ecuador! Meet & Greet services by local representative will occur, no matter what time your flight arrives. Transfer from airport to local group hotel for check-in, relaxing within the charming Ecuadorian boutique ambiance. Perhaps if your flight time arrival permits, enjoy the distinctive restaurant Casa Julian, serving up the best flavors of Ecuador incorporated into a unique signature cuisine. Located inside the hotel, dine overlooking the Daule River, to enjoy a magical and unforgettable experience (the restaurant is open daily until 11pm). Overnight at the Hotel Del Parque in Deluxe Room Accommodations. (Meals on own this day)
SATURDAY, JUL 6 (2024)
FLIGHT TO BALTRA ISLAND & EMBARKATION
This morning enjoy breakfast in the hotel. Early morning meet-up with your local representative for transfer to the Guayaquil airport for short internal commercial flight to Baltra airport, in the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival, meet your Naturalist Guide to begin the discovery of the island’s extraordinary wildlife and geology. We drive up to the highlands region of the island, stopping along the way for a short hike (approximately 1-mile) through the lush highland forest reserves, where we observe Galapagos Giant tortoises in their natural environment. This is the best place in the Galapagos to see these gentle giants, who can reach over 600 pounds, casually grazing and resting in freshwater ponds. The highlands are also home to a great diversity of birds rarely found in the lowlands, including finches (tree, woodpecker and vegetarian finches), flycatchers and several species of water birds. Hike around the area to visit a lava tunnel and learn how these extraordinary formations were created by ancient volcanic eruptions. We will enjoy a local lunch on the island, before embarking on the Galaxy Sirius for our five-night expedition and settle into our Suite-staterooms as she begins navigating to Isabela Island. This evening enjoy a group gathering dinner onboard the yachtamaran, with overnight accommodations. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included this day)
SUNDAY, JUL 7 (2024)
ISABELA ISLAND
Enjoy breakfast onboard. This morning we go ashore on Isabela Island to explore Moreno Point, a magical place with extensive lava fields which look lifeless at first sight. Hiking inland, we find scattered brackish lagoons that form an oasis of life where we will encounter flamingoes, gallinules, ducks and herons. Along the shore we’ll look for penguins, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, oystercatchers and other shore birds. We’ll cap off the morning in the sea, snorkeling amongst sea turtles and many species of fish…look closely in the long seaweeds and you might find a remarkable sea horse! Return to ship for a relaxing group lunch.
After lunch on board, we head to Elizabeth Bay, a beautiful sheltered bay surrounded by large mangroves and barren lava fields. There is no trail, so we explore by panga – dinghy – to tour through the many channels, pools and coves teeming with life. This is one of the best locations in the islands to see Galapagos penguins. But don’t expect to see thousands of them, as the entire population of the islands is only about 3,000. Flightless cormorants also nest in the area, while blue-footed boobies and pelicans often fish in these shallow and rich waters. Rays and sea turtles are also very abundant and common to see. Return to the ship to freshen up or enjoy optional cocktails on the sun deck or take a dip in the hot-tub. Evening group dinner onboard the yachtamaran, with overnight accommodations. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included this day)
MONDAY, JUL 8 (2024)
ISABELA ISLAND
Enjoy breakfast onboard. This morning our location will be in Urbina Bay. After breakfast we will depart for an exploration into this region, known for its dramatic natural occurrence of “uplifting” (when a large portion of the coast pushed up, exposing many acres of previously submerged land). As we enjoy a hiking excursion (about 2-miles), we will look carefully along the trail to find small shells and corals, proof that the area was underwater more than sixty years ago. This trail also provides the magnificent opportunity to see land iguanas and, during certain seasons, giant tortoises. Galapagos hawks nest in the area and are often seen flying or perched on the trees. We will relax and have ample time to enjoy the opportunity to snorkel from the beach to encounter sea turtles, cormorants and penguins and the abundant, colorful fish. Return to ship for a relaxing lunch.
This afternoon, we’ll explore Tagus cove, one of the places Charles Darwin visited during his exploration of the Galapagos islands. We hike a trail through dry Palo Santo forests, where we see Darwin finches and mockingbirds. Take in the great views of Darwin’s Lake and the large volcanos of northern Isabela. We will excursion by boat along the shore for opportunities to see penguins, cormorants, marine iguanas and the rare Galapagos martin, a small endemic bird which is one of the most endangered species on the island. For those wishing to explore underwater, snorkeling time will be provided, to enjoy the nutrient-rich waters around Tagus Cove. Marvel at the sea turtles and a great diversity of fish, but also penguins, who come here to feast on large schools of anchovies. It is common to see cormorants underwater as they chase fish through the reef also. Return to the ship to freshen up or enjoy optional cocktails on the sun deck or take a dip in the hot-tub. Evening group dinner onboard the yachtamaran, with overnight accommodations. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included this day)
TUESDAY, JUL 9 (2024)
FERNANDINA ISLAND & ALBEMARLE POINT
Enjoy Breakfast onboard. This morning we have arrived at Fernandina Island. At almost the exact center of the island is the towering La Cumbre, the most active volcano in the Galapagos archipelago. Standing around 4,842-ft, the volcano guards one of the prized jewels of the Galapagos National Park. We disembark to explore Espinoza Point, where we will immediately be surrounded by hundreds of marine iguanas, as we are in the largest colony for this species. But don’t be afraid – marine iguanas aren’t naturally aggressive toward humans or other animals unless they are stressed out or provoked. In fact, iguanas are not commonly interested in large prey due to the fact that they are herbivores. We will see Sea lions basking on the beach here, while their pups play in tide pools. Surrounded by cold, plankton-rich waters, Punta Espinosa is home for an array of species including herons, pelicans, oystercatchers, sea turtles and shorebirds. Along the shore we will see flightless cormorants, only found in the western areas of the archipelago. Galapagos hawks often perch on the mangroves, searching for prey. We will take to the crystal-clear water, to snorkel in the nutrient-rich waters around Punta Espinosa, where we will encounter a diverse array of colorful fish and sea turtles. In the abundant seaweed, we can even see marine iguanas feeding underwater. Following a cormorant underwater as it chases fish through the reef is one on the most amazing snorkel experiences on earth here. Return to ship for a relaxing group lunch.
While we enjoy lunch on board, the ship will navigate back over to the northern end of Isabela, to Albemarle Point. Isabela Island was originally named Albemarle Island in honor of the Duke of Albemarle. In addition to wildlife, the site is historically significant. We see a few remains of a WWII radar base built by America, to detect the presence of Japanese war ships approaching the Galapagos. The area is barren and surrounded by endless lava fields, but along the coast you will find some of the largest marine iguanas in the islands, along withi the playful Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants and a variety of shorebirds. A couple of sheltered coves offer great opportunities to snorkel to look for cormorants, penguins and many species of fish, or just enjoy basking in the sun. Return to the ship to freshen up or enjoy optional cocktails on the sun deck or take a dip in the hot-tub. Evening group dinner onboard the yachtamaran, with overnight accommodations. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included this day)
WEDNESDAY, JUL 10 (2024)
SANTIAGO ISLAND
Enjoy breakfast onboard. Today we have arrived at Santiago Island. Despite its name, there is no “port” at Puerto Egas, but a few traces remain of the last attempts to colonize the island during the 60s. We will enjoy hiking (approximately 1-3 miles) the trail along the coastline, rich in wildlife with marine iguanas basking in the sun everywhere, along with Galapagos sea lions, herons, oystercatchers and many shorebirds. At the end of the trail an area called “the grottos” is home to a small colony of the endemic Galapagos fur seals, much more difficult to see at close range than its cousin. As recently as 2019, land iguanas were re-introduced to the area, so look around for these impressive reptiles which were extinct from Santiago for over a century. Enjoy ample opportunities to snorkel from the beach and explore the rocky seabed, where you will find fish, turtles and reef sharks. Often, sea lions are also present and are happy to interact amicably with snorkelers, swimmers and divers. Return to ship for a relaxing group lunch.
After lunch onboard, we’ll depart to explore Espumilla Beach and Buccaneer Cove. Espumilla is a beautiful 1km (0.6 mi) long beach with rusty-brown sand, located in the northern coast of Santiago Island. It is surrounded by large mangrove trees and a very interesting native dry forest, which is home to Galapagos hawks but also a great diversity of finches, mockingbirds and doves. Depending on the season and weather, there could be flamingoes and ducks in this area also who come into feed off the salt pans. We continue onward to Buccaneer Cove, which was used by pirates and buccaneers during the 17th and 18th centuries as a place to hide, get freshwater and tortoises. There is no trail, so we’ll explore by dinghy-boats to look at wildlife along the scenic cliffs and interesting rock formations. We’ll have an opportunity to snorkel in a sheltered bay, teeming with sea life that includes large schools of fish: angelfish, puffers, parrotfish, snappers, grunts; reef sharks, sea lions and sea turtles. Return to the ship to freshen up or enjoy optional cocktails on the sun deck or take a dip in the hot-tub. This evening enjoy a finale group dinner onboard the yachtamaran, with overnight accommodations. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included this day)
THURSDAY, JUL 11 (2024)
DRAGON HILL & DEPARTURE
Our final excursion is to Dragon Hill. Located on the northern coast of Santa Cruz, Dragon hill is named for the land iguanas that inhabit this area, the only location on the island of Santa Cruz where we find this large species of reptile. Thanks to a very successful breeding program, this population of land iguanas, which was in the brink of extinction during the 1970s and 80s, has rapidly recovered. There is also a small salt water lagoon where we often see flamingoes, ducks, stilts, sandpipers and other shorebirds. After the hike, we have a final opportunity to snorkel in shallow, sheltered water where large schools of surgeonfish and parrotfish, as well as reef sharks, rays and a large diversity of tropical fish swim. Return to the ship late morning to freshen up, grab our bags and then say farewell to Galaxy Sirius. Transfer to the Baltra airport, for return flight back to Guayaquil and onward international flight connections departing anytime AFTER 6PM (OR) consider pre-voyage Optional Extensions in Ecuador or post-voyage Optional Extensions in Peru.
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS
For those who wish to extend their Adventure a bit longer to experience Ecuador on a pre-voyage extension; or perhaps a post-voyage extension to Peru’s ancient city of Machu Picchu
- Extension to Quito & Mashpi Rainforest Lodge in the Clouds – Pre-Voyage 5 Night Package JUL 1-6: This Extension would begin with arrival into Quito on JUL 1st. Escape into every nature-lover’s dream…the Amazon rainforest and stay at the luxurious Mashpi Lodge. Be immersed into a lush paradise where you will encounter 400 species of birds, trees, frogs and endemic species found nowhere else in the world, complete with cascading waterfalls and incredible flora. Trek down hidden paths, splash through rivers, rise at dawn to spot rare birds, or fly high above it all aboard the Dragonfly Canopy Gondola. Mashpi Lodge is designed to completely immerse you in the world of the surrounding forest, serving as a luxurious retreat in the middle of stunning views. The lodge’s rooms are spread out across three different floors, all of them designed with floor-to-ceiling windows guaranteeing immersion into nature through architectural design. Accommodations are for 1 Night in Quito at the boutique luxury Relais & Chateaux Casa Gangotena Hotel in Luxury Room accommodations, then 3 Nights in the Rainforest at Mashpi Lodge in Wayra Room accommodations, with one last night in Quito at the Relais & Chateaux Casa Gangotena Hotel. COST: $5195 per person / Deposit Required: $1595 per person – inquire for details
- Extension to Quito & Otavalo – Pre-Voyage 3 Night Package JUL 3-5: This Extension would begin with arrival into Quito on JUL 3rd. Enjoy a city tour and Middle of the World experience includes visiting Ecuador’s capital of Quito, which sits high in the Andean foothills at an altitude of 9,350-feet above sea level. Constructed on the foundations of an ancient Incan city, it’s known for its well-preserved colonial center, rich with 16th-17th-century churches and other structures blending European, Moorish and indigenous styles. Then journey continues onward to Otavalo, the historic colorful town in the Andean Highlands in the Imbabura province of northern Ecuador. Surrounded by volcanoes, it is best known for its Otavalo Market in the central Plaza de Ponchos, where traditionally clad indigenous townspeople sell colorful textiles and handicrafts. Accommodations are for 3 Nights in Quito at the boutique luxury Relais & Chateaux Casa Gangotena Hotel in Luxury Room accommodations. COST: $1895 per person / Deposit Required: $595 per person – inquire for details
- Extension to Machu Picchu (Peru) – Offered only as a Post-Voyage Custom Extension package to experience the Ancient City of Machu Picchu, depending on international flight routes. Accommodations range from Deluxe 4-star to Luxury 5-star boutique Peruvian hotels and unique Eco-Lodges. Please inquire for customized options & pricing
What’s Included
- Arrival Meet & Greet at Guayaquil City Airport (GYE) on JUL 5th
- Ground Transportation from airport to arranged group hotel
- 1 pre-night (JUL 5th) in Guayaquil City at the Hotel Del Parque
- Ground Transportation from group hotel to local airport JUL 6th
- Internal Group flight JUL 6th from GYE to Baltra Island (add-on cost below)
- Meet & Greet at Baltra Island with short ground transfer to yacht
- Galaxy Sirius Galapagos 5-Night Voyage (JUL 6th embarkation)
- Accommodations in Suite-staterooms with private baths (8 Cabins total onboard)
- Unlimited purified water, coffees and teas onboard
- All meals onboard showcasing the finest and freshest ingredients
- Two Natural Guides aboard with guests throughout the journey
- Entrance into the Galapagos National Park Archipelago
- Expertly planned guided excursions and island explorations
- Snorkeling equipment, kayaks and paddle-boards provided
- Disembarkation group ground transfer from dock to Baltra Island airport
- Internal Group flight JUL 11th from Baltra Island to GYE (add-on cost below)
- Galapagos National Park Conservation Fee & Transit Card
What’s not Included
- International Airfare – participants are responsible for arranging their own air flights
- Internal Group Flights from mainland to Baltra Island roundtrip (approx $550 per person)
- Alcoholic Beverages available for purchase onboard Yacht for personal pay by credit card
- Yacht staff gratuities (to be advised)
- Personal elected activities, spa treatments and any incidentals are on your own pay
- Any pre or post nights/extensions you personally elect to arrange
- Other Optional Excursions – offered by Thirdhome in conjunction with this Adventure itinerary
- Entry Visas that may be required based on traveler’s nationality
- “Cancel for Any Reason” travel insurance – GET A QUOTE with USI Affinity Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance must be purchased within 14-days of confirming your participation with the required Adventure trip deposit; otherwise Standard Insurance coverage is available to be purchased at any time prior to departure, for all other medical and approved covered reasons.
Passport & Visa Requirements
- ECUADOR – View Requirements & Country Updates – Currently, U.S. citizens may enter without a tourist visa, along with a valid passport, if traveling as a tourist for stays up to 90-days. COVID entry requirements are have been lifted (none are required or mandated at this time).
- OPTIONAL IF EXTENDING INTO PERU – View Requirements & Country Updates – Currently, U.S. citizens may enter without a tourist visa, along with a valid passport, if traveling as a tourist for stays up to 90-days. COVID entry requirements are have been lifted (none are required or mandated at this time).
- PASSPORTS – All traveler passports MUST have validity of minimum 6 months or longer at the time travel occurs, otherwise the risk of denied travel could be experienced per airline carrier rules and country entry requirement mandates with Customs & Immigrations. We recommend that our members travel abroad with a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. Your photocopy should be packed separately from your actual passport. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact or entrusted family/friend.
- PROOF OF RETURN OR ONWARD TICKET – Ecuador and Peru require proof of onward ticket or return to your original destination or another destination outside of their country, to ensure you are not staying past the 90-days tourist time allowance.
- VACCINATIONS – Please consult with your personal physician and/or medical clinician for required or optional recommended vaccines based on your personal health needs; Vaccinations required or recommended for each country can be found on this CDC Traveler’s Heath by Destination page
ADVENTURE PRICING
Adventure pricing excludes “Not Included” items as noted above, as well as the Optional Extensions
$7595 per person based on Double Occupancy
DEPOSIT REQUIRED: $2695 per person (non-refundable)
FINAL PAYMENT DUE: MARCH 29, 2024
This Adventure requires 16 people to operate at the price quoted; if less participants join this adventure than an increase and/or decrease in cost would occur, which Thirdhome will advise all participants.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Adventure is non-refundable (this applies to all deposits and final payments).
This Adventure requires 16 people to operate at the price quoted; if less participants join this adventure then an increase and/or decrease in cost would occur, which Thirdhome will advise all participants.
Thirdhome strongly recommends that all participants purchase travel insurance in order to participate in an Adventure. Travel Insurance is required to be purchased at the time of deposit should you wish to be covered under the “Cancel for Any Reason” plan.
THIRDHOME has partnered with USI Affinity Travel Insurance providing members full travel coverage with a discount – Click here to obtain a quote. Cancel for Any Reason insurance is required to be purchased within 14-days of confirming your participation (your paid Adventure deposit); otherwise Standard Insurance can be purchased at any time prior to your departure.
Thirdhome Adventures reserves the right to modify, change or cancel itinerary accommodations and/or alter tour routing and operations, if conditions beyond our control and that of our travel partners who operate our journeys, require such alterations thereof due to any unforeseen circumstances.
Any traveler that elects not to purchase travel insurance, agrees to release Thirdhome and its tour operation partners from liability for any loss of funds incurred due to the cancellation of a specific Thirdhome Adventure as a result of, but not limited to, an act of God, a failure to purchase travel insurance, the cessation of business with respect to a tour operator/ground operator partnered services, and/or the failure of a tour operator/ground operator to refund consumer deposits or payments following the cancellation of a Thirdhome Adventure or a material failure to complete the operation of any Thirdhome Adventure.
Click here to view the THIRDHOME Adventures Terms and Conditions