Galápagos Annular Eclipse Cruise 2028

Admit it: A visit to the Galápagos Islands has been on your travel “bucket list” for a long time. After all, who wouldn’t want to encounter unique wildlife found nowhere else, explore the living laboratory of evolution where Darwin developed his theories, and experience stunning volcanic landscapes, pristine ecosystems, and world-class diving and snorkeling?

Now imagine yourself there, cruising among nine of the archipelago’s islands — and then positioning yourself perfectly to witness an extended annular solar eclipse just after dawn on January 26, 2028. That’s what you can look forward to on Sky & Telescope’s forthcoming 11-day/10-night sightseeing tour and cruise (January 22 to February 1, 2028). From our planned viewing location, you’ll experience this awesome celestial phenomenon beginning at dawn and creating a “ring of fire” in the morning sky lasting a generous 4^m 20^s.

Our travel partner for 2028’s annular solar eclipse is Royal Adventures (CST#2009579-40), a company that specializes in tours to South America and prides itself on providing travel experiences of unmatched quality.

Please note: The Galapagos park authorities only allow a set number of vessels with a limited number of visitors established by the park. This, in combination with the attraction of an eclipse, will bring high demand and limited visitors. We expect this program to sell out.

Click below to get the full details:
• Itinerary for our 11-day sightseeing tour and eclipse cruise
• Itinerary for the optional 3-day visit to Otovalo and the Magdalena Cultural Experience
• What is and isn’t included; what to expect
• Pricing & Terms
• Reserve your place on this tour now!

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Highlights of the Galápagos Annular Eclipse Tour

Galápagos Islands
Located almost exactly astride the equator, the Galápagos Islands are an archipelago of 18 major islands and many smaller ones situated nearly 600 miles west of Ecuador’s Pacific coast. Adventurous visitors are drawn to the islands’ abundant, colorful wildlife both above and below the waves.

Here you can get up close to some species during strolls along the beach or from a Zodiac boat. If you wish, snorkel and dive with denizens of the deep, from sea lions to sea turtles. Hike by finches, flamingos, and iguanas along the Darwin Trail. Admire Sierra Negra volcano on Isabela. And relish every moment in this uniquely pristine environment.

MV Galapagos Legend
With 7,244 square feet of exterior space, the MV Galapagos Legend offers amenities that smaller boats cannot match. Yet this agile 100-passenger ship creates a warm, intimate experience fostered by cozy social areas, a laid-back attitude, and attentive service. Every day is a new opportunity for fun in the sun. Go ashore two times per day with a naturalist guide to see the most interesting spots on the Galápagos Islands. Additional-cost options include snorkeling, paddling transparent kayaks to view the sea life swimming below you, taking rides in a glass-bottom boat, and scuba diving.

Quito
Situated in a valley on the eastern slopes of Pichincha, an active stratovolcano in the Andes, Quito soars 9,350 feet (2,850 m) above sea level — making it the second highest national capital city in the world. Its colorful historic center is among the largest and best-preserved in the Americas. Quito is also the capital city closest to the equator, which runs through its northern suburbs.

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Amazing Accommodations

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Itinerary for S&T's 2028 Galápagos Annular Eclipse Tour

Date	Itinerary at a Glance	Accommodation	Meals
Saturday, Jan. 22	Fly to Quito	Go Quito Hotel	Meals aloft
Sunday, Jan. 23	Quito City Tour	Go Quito Hotel	B, L
Monday, Jan. 24	Fly to Baltra / Board Ship	Galapagos Legend	B, L, D
Tuesday, Jan. 25	Genovesa Island / Darwin Bay	Galapagos Legend	B, L, D
Wednesday, Jan. 26	Annular Eclipse! / South Plaza	Galapagos Legend	B, L, D
Thursday, Jan. 27	Bachas Beach / Mosquera Islet	Galapagos Legend	B, L, D
Friday, Jan. 28	Egas Port / Rabida Island	Galapagos Legend	B, L, D
Saturday, Jan. 29	Urbina Bay / Tagus Cove	Galapagos Legend	B, L, D
Sunday, Jan. 30	Punta Espinosa / Punta Vicente Roca	Galapagos Legend	B, L, D
Monday, Jan. 31	Santa Cruz Highlands / Quito	Wyndham Quito Airport	B, D
Tuesday, Feb. 1	Fly home	—	B, Meals aloft

Day 1 (Saturday, January 22):  Fly to Quito
Depart on an international flight to Quito, Ecuador. Upon arrival in this charming high-altitude capital, transfer to your hotel for a restful overnight stay. Dinner on your own.
Go Quito Hotel  (meals aloft)

Day 2  (Sunday, January 23):  Quito City Tour
This afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour through Quito’s beautifully preserved colonial center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire baroque churches, bustling plazas, and elegant architecture before a delicious lunch at the iconic Plaza Grande Hotel. Spend the evening at leisure to explore the city’s lively cafés or relax at the hotel. Dinner is on your own.
Go Quito Hotel (B, L)

Day 3 (Monday, January 24):  Black Turtle Cove
   Morning: Fly from Quito to Baltra Island, gateway to the Galápagos (about 3 hours). Upon arrival, meet your naturalist guides and transfer to the pier to board the MV Galápagos Legend, your home for the next week of adventure.
   Afternoon: Glide silently by dinghy through Black Turtle Cove, a peaceful, mangrove-lined lagoon on Santa Cruz Island. Keep alert for rays gliding below, green sea turtles surfacing for air, and white-tipped reef sharks moving stealthily through the clear water. The cove is also home to herons, pelicans, and egrets.
Galápagos Legend (B, L, D)

Day 4 (Tuesday, January 25):  Prince Philip’s Steps & Darwin Bay
   Morning: Ascend the dramatic Prince Philip’s Steps on Genovesa Island to explore a seabird haven. Navigate lava cliffs and rocky terrain where red-footed boobies nest beside Nazca boobies, and tropical birds soar overhead. You may even spot fur seals lounging near the tide pools.
   Afternoon: Land on the coral beach of Darwin Bay, a submerged volcanic caldera. As you stroll past mangroves and tidal pools, observe swallow-tailed gulls, nesting red-footed boobies, and the striking courtship displays of frigatebirds with their inflated red throat pouches.
Galápagos Legend (B, L, D)

Day 5 (Wednesday, January 26):  Solar Eclipse, South Plaza & Santa Fe Islands
   Early morning: Experience a dramatic annular solar eclipse from the deck of the ship. The eclipse is just under way as dawn breaks over the Pacific, and about 1½ hours later (7:23 to 7:27 a.m.) witness the Moon pass directly in front of the Sun, leaving a glowing “ring of fire” in the sky.
   Late morning: Step onto South Plaza Island, where bright red sesuvium carpets the landscape and land iguanas sunbathe alongside sea lions. The cliffs offer panoramic views and nesting sites for tropicbirds and swallow-tailed gulls.
   Afternoon: Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters off Santa Fe Island, sharing the sea with playful sea lions, rays, and reef sharks. Then walk inland among towering prickly pear cacti to observe the island’s endemic land iguanas and striking lava lizards.
Galápagos Legend (B, L, D)

Annular Solar Eclipse of January 26, 2028
as viewed from South Plaza island (90.16°W, 0.59°S)

Event	Univ. Time	Local time	Sun's alt.	Sun's azim.
Partial eclipse begins (C1)	12:08	6:08 a.m.	–1.1°	109°
Annular eclipse begins (C2)	13:23	7:23 a.m.	17°	109°
Midpoint of eclipse	13:25	7:25 a.m.	17°	110°
Annular eclipse ends (C3)	13:27	7:27 a.m.	18°	110°
Partial eclipse ends (C4)	15:00	8:00 a.m.	39°	114°

Day 6 (Thursday, January 27):  Bachas Beach, Charles Darwin Station & Mosquera Islet
   Morning: Relax on the soft white sand of Bachas Beach, where WWII-era barges lie hidden in the surf and flamingoes sometimes wade in nearby lagoons. Later, visit the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora to learn about conservation efforts and meet Galápagos giant tortoises up close.
   Afternoon: Explore Mosquera Islet, a sandy haven between Seymour Islands known for its laid-back sea lions, lava gulls, and dramatic shorebird activity. Enjoy beach time or snorkel in the nearby waters teeming with marine life.
Galápagos Legend (B, L, D)

Day 7 (Friday, January 28):  Egas Port & Rabida Island
   Morning: Discover Egas Port on Santiago Island, where black volcanic sands and rocky tidal pools reveal Galápagos fur seals, marine iguanas, and shorebirds scavenging among the lava rocks. This otherworldly coastal walk is a favorite among photographers.
   Afternoon: Step onto the stunning red-sand beach of Rabida Island, where sea lions bask in the sun and palo santo trees line the trail inland. Hike through this striking landscape, kayak along the shoreline, or snorkel in the nutrient-rich waters for a chance to see colorful reef fish and playful sea lions.
Galápagos Legend (B, L, D)

Day 8 (Saturday, January 29):  Urbina Bay & Tagus Cove
   Morning: Take a nature walk through Urbina Bay at the base of Alcedo Volcano, where dramatic geological uplift has stranded coral reef structures far above sea level. Along the trail, look for land iguanas and, in the wet season, possibly Galápagos giant tortoises.
   Afternoon: Visit historic Tagus Cove, a sheltered harbor once favored by pirates and whalers. Hike to Darwin Lake for sweeping views of volcanic peaks, then snorkel along steep walls frequented by turtles, penguins, and flightless cormorants.
Galápagos Legend (B, L, D)

Day 9 (Sunday, January 30):  Punta Espinosa & Punta Vicente Roca
   Morning: Explore Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island, one of the most untouched places in the Galápagos. Walk among dense colonies of marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and sea lions basking on the dark lava rocks.
   Afternoon: A dramatic coastal site filled with seabirds and caves. Snorkel in deep water alongside green sea turtles, tropical fish, and Galápagos penguins, or enjoy a scenic dinghy ride.
Galápagos Legend (B, L, D)

Day 10 (Monday, January 31):  Santa Cruz Highlands & Return to Quito
   Morning: Visit the lush Santa Cruz Highlands, where you’ll walk among wild Galápagos giant tortoises roaming freely through misty forest landscapes. Look for native finches and explore underground lava tubes.
   Afternoon: Transfer to Baltra Airport and fly to Quito. Upon arrival, make a quick transfer to your airport hotel and gather for a festive farewell dinner to toast the extraordinary adventure.
Wyndham Quito Airport (B, D)

Day 11 (Tuesday, February 1):  Return to the U.S.
You’ll get a quick transfer to the Quito airport for your return flight home, your head and heart (and camera!) filled with lasting memories of the islands and the annular eclipse.
(B)

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Optional Pre-Tour Extension to Otavalo & Magdalena

Date	Itinerary at a Glance	Accommodation	Meals
Thursday, Jan. 20	Arrive in Quito	GO Quito Hotel	meals aloft
Friday, Jan. 21	Guayllabamba / Karanki Magdalena	Karanki Magdalena homes	B, L, D
Saturday, Jan. 22	Otavalo / Ibarra / Return to Quito	GO Quito Hotel	B

Day 1 (Thursday, January 20):  Arrive in Quito
Depart on an international flight to Quito, Ecuador. Upon arrival in this charming high-altitude capital, transfer to your hotel for a restful overnight stay. Dinner on your own.
GO Quito Hotel  (meals aloft)

Day 2  (Friday, January 21):  Guayllabamba, Cayambe, & Karanki Magdalena
After breakfast, depart Quito and travel north across the colorful valleys of Guayllabamba and Cayambe, known for avocado farms, dairy traditions, and rose plantations. You’ll spend the night within the Karanki Magdalena Community on the slopes of dormant Imbabura Volcano, where guests enjoy cultural exchange, traditional meals, and warm hospitality.
Karanki Magdalena Community Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 3  (Saturday, January 22):  Otavalo, Ibarra, & Parque Condor
Explore the vibrant Otavalo Market, South America’s most iconic indigenous craft bazaar; and visit the artisan villages of Peguche and Cotacachi, famous for weaving, musical instruments, and leather goods. Optional experiences include horseback riding (cost additional), mountain biking (cost additional), and hiking through breathtaking Andean landscapes. The extension concludes with a visit to the colonial city of Ibarra and then Parque Condor, a rescue center for native birds of prey. Return to Quito to join the main program, and spend the evening at leisure to explore the city’s lively cafés or to relax at the hotel. Dinner on your own.
(B)

WHAT CONDITIONS TO EXPECT ON THE TOUR

This exclusive Sky & Telescope expedition is designed for travelers who are interested in witnessing an annular solar eclipse, experiencing the rich culture of Ecuador, and exploring the superb wildlife of the Galápagos Islands.

We describe this trip as “active.” To enjoy this experience, you must be in good physical and mental health. Many parts of this tour are not wheelchair or stroller accessible, nor are they suitable for travelers who require mobility-assistance devices. Daily excursions will involve climbing in and out of Zodiac inflatable boats, as well as walking or hiking over hills and uneven terrain. Note that Quito is 9,350 feet (2,850 m) above sea level, so check with your medical professional concerning exposure to the reduced atmosphere at such high altitudes.

If you require assistance or special equipment, you must travel with a companion who will assist you. Any physical or mental health condition that may require special medical attention or physical assistance must be disclosed in writing so that we may evaluate whether participation is feasible.

Temperatures in Quito will be pleasantly cool, averaging near 65°F during the day and near 50°F at night.  The Galápagos Islands are pleasantly warm and consistent year-round, with daily temperature averaging about 75°F. Lightweight clothing that can be layered, as well as light jacket (for Quito), hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, swimsuit, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended on this trip.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (PRE-ECLIPSE EXTENSION)

• 1 night’s accommodation at the GO Quito Hotel in Quito
• 1 night’s accommodation within the Karanki Magdalena Community
• Group transfer between the airport and hotel in Quito
• Excursions with local English-speaking guide
• All breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
• English-speaking tour director

WHAT'S INCLUDED (MAIN TOUR)

• Round-trip economy airfare between Quito and Baltra (Santa Cruz, Galápagos) Note: any significant increase in airfare may result in a surcharge that will be included with your final invoice.
• Assistance with check-in and luggage at airports
• Group airport transfer on arrival and departure days
• Pre-check inspection service of bags at the hotel in Quito prior to departure for Baltra
• Land accommodation in 4- and 5-star hotels
• English speaking Tour Director exclusive to Sky & Telescope
• Professional English-speaking guides at all locations
• Land transport by private motor coach
• 26 meals (10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 8 dinners)
• Wine or beer with Welcome Lunch and Farewell Dinner
• Welcome drink aboard the ship
• Entrance fees (including Galápagos park entrance fee)
• Migration control card
• Meeting space for a lecture aboard ship
• Guided field trips, excursions, and tours
• Baggage handling
• Tips to guides, drivers, and wait staff for all group activities (tips to ship’s crew are not included)
• Service charges and taxes
• Pre-trip notes, including a Travel Guide
• All the normal administrative expenses, coordination, mailings, and invoicing
• Customized luggage tags and name tags branded with the Sky & Telescope logo
• Final mailing with hotel list, emergency contacts, and detailed daily itinerary

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

• International airfare to and from Quito, Ecuador
• Excess-baggage fees
• Passport fees
• Room service and meals not specified in itinerary
• Food and/or beverages not specified in the itinerary
• Alcoholic beverages except as noted
• Personal items such as laundry, email, and telephone calls
• Private transfers or other transportation
• Travel, evacuation, and medical insurance
• Medical expenses incurred during tour and cruise (including any/all COVID-related costs)
• Fuel surcharges
• Wet-suit rental: $35 for 4-5 days; $60 for 8 days
• Kayak rental: $50 each use per person
• Shipboard gratuities (suggested: $20/day, per person; and also $10/day per serson for naturalist guides)
• Tip for the Tour Director is at your discretion

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Pricing for 2028 Galápagos Annular Eclipse Tour & Cruise

Pricing per person	Two per room/cabin	One per room/cabin
Standard Plus	$10,450	$16,950
Junior Suite	$11,450	$17,950
Legend Suite	$12,450	$19,450
Balcony Suite	$13,650	$21,450
Balcony Suite Plus	$15,250	$22,950
Legend Balcony Suite	$16,950	(not available)

Pricing for Pre-Cruise Extension to Otavalo & Magdalena

Pricing per person	Two per room	One per room
	$990	$1,190

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Payments & Terms for the 2028 Galápagos Annular Eclipse Tour & Cruise

• To make a reservation: A reservation request can be submitted by completing this form. Reservations are recorded and acknowledged in order of receipt. Royal Adventures (CST #2009579-40) handles all invoicing.
• Deposits and final payment: The following initial deposits are required with your reservation; if you are requesting a room/cabin just for one person, the initial deposit will be twice these amounts:
       $2,000 per person for a Standard Plus cabin
       $2,500 per person for a Junior Suite cabin
       $3,000 per person for a Legend Suite cabin
       $3,500 per person for a Balcony Suite cabin
       $4,000 per person for a Balcony Suite Plus cabin
       $4,500 per person for the Legend Balcony Suite cabin
  An additional deposit of $100 per person is required to register for the pre-tour extension to Otavalo and Magdalena. Initial deposit(s) may be charged to a credit card or paid by a check (payable to “Royal Adventures”) mailed to: Royal Adventures, 9 Crow Canyon Court, Suite 205, San Ramon, CA 94583. Due to the service agreements for this program, a second deposit of $2,500 per person will be required by August 3, 2026. Final payment will be required by July 6, 2027. These payments must be paid by check (payable to “Royal Adventures”) or by wire transfer.
• Refunds and Cancellation Fees: All cancellations must be submitted in writing to Royal Adventures and will take effect on the date the written notice is received. A participant’s decision to withdraw from the tour for any reason including, but not limited to, illness, injury, family obligations, work conflicts, or geopolitical concerns will be considered a cancellation. Within 14 days of booking: You will receive a full refund of your initial deposit. After 14 days of booking and before August 3, 2026: A cancellation fee of $800 per person will be charged. On or after August 3, 2026, and before July 6, 2027: A cancellation fee of $4,500 per person will apply. On or after July 6, 2027: Cancellations are subject to a 100% penalty of all deposits and payments made, regardless of the booking date.
• Tour Size:  The minimum group size for this Galápagos Islands tour is 18; the minimum group size for the optional pre-tour extension in Ecuador is 12. Should the minimum group number not be met, Royal Adventures reserves the right to levy a surcharge.
• Itinerary: The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of AAS Sky Publishing LLC, and Royal Adventures, due mainly to adjustments in the policies and regulations of the Galápagos National Park. The prices listed here are subject to change. In particular, any increases in the fares for in-tour transportation, in-tour airfare, security, and/or fuel surcharges will be paid by the participants. Sky & Telescope and/or Royal Adventures will inform participants of any changes prior to departure. There are no refunds for unused meals, accommodations, or other trip features, or for any portion of the program in which you choose not to participate.
• Eclipse Viewing: Viewing conditions for the annular solar eclipse on January 26, 2028, will be weather-dependent; there is always a chance that the eclipse will be observable only for a short time or not at all. Neither Royal Adventures nor AAS Sky Publishing LLC makes any guarantee of viewing the annular solar eclipse.
• In-Tour Flights: The cost of the tour’s in-tour flights within Ecuador  (Quito/Galapagos/ Quito) are included in the program. Please note that any increases in the fares for in-tour airfare, security, and/or fuel surcharges will be paid by the participants.
• Travel insurance (highly recommended!): Trip cancellation insurance can be purchased through our recommended providers:
  Generali:  Call 1-800-874-2442 and mention Royal Adventures #20241120. (Note: you need to call to purchase insurance for this program — the self-service link will not allow you to purchase insurance yourself until closer to departure.)
  Travel Insured International: Call 1-800-243-3174 and mention Royal Adventures #53140
  Or you can purchase insurance from the company of your choice. Note: Most insurance plans need to be purchased within 14 days of paying the initial deposit in order to waive preexisting medical conditions as well as to purchase “Cancel for Any Reason” insurance.
• Disclaimer: Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented here. Royal Adventures, AAS Sky Publishing, LLC, and Sky & Telescope are not responsible for errors in or damages resulting from use of the information contained herein. Information contained here is subject to change.
• Responsibility Statement: Royal Adventures (CST #2009579-40), its owners and employees, act only as agents for the various independent suppliers and contractors providing transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurants, and other services connected with this tour. Such travel and services are subject to the terms and conditions under which such accommodations, services, and transportation are offered or provided; AAS Sky Publishing, LLC and the American Astronomical Society (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Sky”) and Royal Adventures and each entity’s respective board of directors or trustees, officers, shareholders, members, employees, agents, representatives, and assigns accept no liability therefor. Sky and Royal Adventures assume no liability for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or other irregularity which may be caused by the defect of any aircraft or vehicle or the negligence or default of any company or person engaged in carrying out or performing any of the services involved. Additionally, responsibility is not accepted for losses, injury, damages, or expenses of any kind due to sickness, epidemics, pandemics, weather, strikes, local laws, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, quarantine, force majeure, animal or insect bites, eye injury from viewing the eclipse or other such causes. Sky and Royal Adventures reserve the right to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their sole judgment, conditions warrant, or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the tour participants. Sky and/or Royal Adventures shall not be deemed to be in breach of these terms and conditions or otherwise be liable to you, and shall not provide any refund, because of delay in performance, or by non-performance, of any of our obligations hereunder to the extent that any such delay or nonperformance is due to any Force Majeure Event. A Force Majeure Event, in relation to this tour, shall mean any circumstances beyond our control, including, but without limitation, acts of God, explosion, flood, forceful wind, fire or accident, war or threat of war declared or undeclared, acts of terrorism, sabotage, insurrection, riots, strikes, civil disturbance, sickness, epidemics, pandemics, quarantines, government intervention or other unforeseeable events. Limitations on travel arising from COVID-19 shall be considered a Force Majeure Event. If this tour is affected by a Force Majeure Event, the Sky and Royal Adventures shall be entitled to, and may in their sole and absolute discretion, vary, cancel or postpone any itinerary or arrangement in relation to this trip. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour or to substitute another qualified leader or special guest. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times. The price of the program is given in good faith based on current tariffs, rates, and fuel prices and is subject to change. Any tariff, exchange rate, security surcharge, or fuel price increases will be passed on to participants. Neither Sky nor Royal Adventures accepts the liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable airline ticket or other expenses incurred by tour participants in preparing for the tour. The air ticket, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the airline concerned.  Neither Royal Adventures nor Sky make any guarantees as to the viewing of the annular solar eclipse. As part of the consideration and right to participate in this tour, each participant will be asked to sign a liability release.
• Questions: Please contact Royal Adventures at [email protected] or call 800-453-4754 or 925-820-6260 (Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time).