Overview
This itinerary explores the Southern and Central route, renowned for its pristine beaches and bays, uncovering the older side of the archipelago, including San Cristobal, Española, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Bartolome and North Seymour Islands. Immerse yourself in the untamed ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands, where volcanic landscapes, vibrant marine life, and remarkable wildlife encounters define every day of exploration.
Highlights
- Explore dramatic coastlines on Zodiac excursions and guided island walks across the Southern and Central Galapagos.
- Hike at Punta Pitt, one of the few places in the archipelago where blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca boobies nest in close proximity.
- Snorkel alongside playful sea lions, Galapagos penguins, and vibrant reef fish in crystal-clear waters.
- Encounter Galapagos giant tortoises roaming freely in the lush Santa Cruz Highlands.
- Discover the remarkable wildlife of Española Island, home to marine iguanas, seabird colonies, and dramatic ocean blowholes.
- Observe frigatebirds displaying their red gular sacs during courtship on North Seymour Island.
- Experience the striking volcanic landscapes of Bartolome Island and its iconic Pinnacle Rock.
- Extend your adventure with Ecoventura’s curated Ecuador and Peru trip extensions.
Beaches and Bays
Itinerary Map
Each day in the Galapagos Islands unfolds with new opportunities for exploration as the yacht navigates the archipelago. Guests experience guided walks ashore, Zodiac excursions along dramatic coastlines, and snorkeling in vibrant marine environments, revealing the extraordinary diversity of these islands.
A Place Like No Other
Few places on Earth offer encounters with nature as intimate and extraordinary as the Galapagos Islands. Sailing through this remote archipelago reveals a world shaped by volcanic landscapes, remarkable wildlife, and pristine marine ecosystems—an environment where exploration and quiet moments of wonder unfold at every turn.
Day by Day Itinerary
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and León Dormido, SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
Upon arriving in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristóbal Island, our guides will greet you and escort you via private transfer to your expedition yacht. After a short Zodiac ride to the vessel anchored in the bay, settle into your cabin and enjoy a welcome lunch. Following an orientation and safety drill, select your snorkeling gear for the days ahead.
After lunch, the yacht departs the harbor toward León Dormido (Kicker Rock), a dramatic volcanic formation rising from the Pacific and an ideal setting for sunset photography, where blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds are often seen. Guests on Evolve will visit La Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado (David Rodríguez Land Tortoise Breeding Center) before a welcome cocktail reception with the Captain and crew, followed by a four-course dinner prepared by our Relais & Châteaux chefs.
Punta Pitt and Cerro Brujo, SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
On your first day of exploration, board a Zodiac for a wildlife-rich excursion to Cerro Brujo (1). Observe coastal birdlife from brown pelicans gliding above the waves to blue-footed boobies along the shoreline. Marvel at colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs, striking volcanic formations, and the luminous coral-sand beach. After the excursion, enjoy time to relax, stroll along the shore, or swim and snorkel alongside playful sea lions.
In the afternoon, hike Punta Pitt (4), one of the most rewarding birdwatching sites in the archipelago and the only place where the three booby species—blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca—can be found nesting in close proximity. Snorkel at Pitt Islet (2) among playful sea lions, sea turtles, and vibrant reef fish. As the yacht sails, relax on deck with gourmet snacks and local beer before enjoying stargazing with your guide after dinner.
Punta Suarez and Gardner Bay, ESPAÑOLA ISLAND
This morning, land at Punta Suarez (5) on Española Island, one of the oldest and most ecologically distinctive islands in the archipelago. Here, observe remarkable wildlife including the waved albatross, present from April to December, performing their elaborate courtship display unique to this island. Watch your step along the trail as marine iguanas rest on the dark lava rocks, often displaying vivid red and green hues during the breeding season. Continue toward the dramatic ocean blowhole while observing birdlife including Darwin’s finches, the Hood mockingbird, Galapagos hawks, Nazca boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls.
Return to the yacht for a barbecue lunch on deck (weather permitting). In the afternoon, enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding along the calm waters near Gardner Bay. Continue with deep-water snorkeling at Gardner Islet (2) among sea lions and colorful reef fish. Later, disembark at Gardner Bay (1), a sweeping white-sand beach where sea lions bask along the shore and guests may swim or stroll before returning to the yacht for snacks, briefing, and dinner.
Punta Cormorant, Devil’s Crown or Champion Islet and Post Office Bay, FLOREANA ISLAND
Step ashore at Punta Cormorant (3) on Floreana Island and land on a distinctive olivine-green sand beach rich in olivine crystals. This unique shoreline is frequented by sea lions, lava herons, and blue-footed boobies. Follow the trail to a brackish lagoon where birdlife such as American flamingos, white-cheeked pintail ducks, and black-necked stilts are often seen. Continue to a nearby beach where green sea turtles nest in the dunes and stingrays glide through the shallow waters. Snorkel at Devil’s Crown or Champion Islet (2), where sea lions, King angelfish, colorful reef fish, and white-tipped reef sharks inhabit one of the archipelago’s most vibrant marine environments. Return to the yacht for lunch while your guide shares stories of Floreana’s intriguing human history.
In the afternoon, visit Post Office Bay (1) and take part in the centuries-old tradition of leaving or delivering postcards through the historic barrel system. Continue to Baroness Point by Zodiac or paddleboard, scanning the lagoon for sea turtles and rays. Later, return to the yacht for gourmet snacks, the evening briefing, and dinner.
Highlands Giant Tortoise Reserve and Charles Darwin Research Station, SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
As you wake this morning, Puerto Ayora’s bustling harbor on Santa Cruz Island (2) awaits exploration. Travel by private transfer into the lush highlands, passing through diverse vegetation zones. Visit Rancho Primicias or El Chato, where Galapagos giant tortoises roam freely in their natural habitat. Explore enchanting lava tunnels, formed by ancient volcanic flows, before continuing to Los Gemelos, a pair of massive volcanic sinkholes surrounded by Scalesia forest and home to Darwin’s finches. Join Ecoventura’s Green Team and participate in a reforestation initiative by planting a native tree.
In the afternoon, visit the Centro de Crianza Fausto Llerena at the Charles Darwin Research Station (1) and learn about ongoing conservation efforts to protect the archipelago’s iconic giant tortoises. Afterwards, enjoy time to stroll through the seaside village of Puerto Ayora, browsing local shops before choosing dinner ashore or returning to the yacht.
Bartolomé Island, Sombrero Chino, Las Bachas or Black Turtle Cove
Today’s exploration unfolds across the striking volcanic landscapes of the central Galápagos.
In the morning, activities vary by yacht. Guests on Origin explore Sombrero Chino, a small volcanic island home to sea lions, marine iguanas, and excellent snorkeling often with Galapagos penguins. Guests on Theory visit Playa Las Bachas (1) on Santa Cruz Island, where white-sand beaches and interior lagoons may reveal flamingos. Guests on Evolve explore Bartolomé Island, choosing between a hike up approximately 380 wooden steps (4) for panoramic views of Pinnacle Rock or a Zodiac excursion in search of Galapagos penguins.
Lunch is served al fresco on deck (weather permitting), featuring a seafood grill and a live Ecuadorian ceviche demonstration.
In the afternoon, guests on Origin and Theory visit Bartolomé Island for hiking and snorkeling opportunities. Guests on Evolve explore Caleta Tortuga Negra (1) by Zodiac, navigating mangrove-lined coves in search of sea turtles and rays.
Return to the yacht for the evening briefing and dinner, reflecting on another remarkable day of exploration in the Galápagos.
South Plaza and North Seymour Islands
This morning, disembark on South Plaza (3), a small islet known for its dramatic sea cliffs and dense population of land iguanas. The island’s towering Opuntia prickly pear cactus provide food and shelter for local wildlife. Along the trail, observe nests of swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropicbirds and Darwin’s finches, as well as a colony of bachelor sea lions resting along the shore.
After lunch, explore North Seymour Island (3), where Great and Magnificent frigatebirds nest and males display their inflated red gular sacs during courtship. Enjoy a final snorkeling opportunity in deeper waters (2) where reef sharks, sea lions, and tropical fish are often seen.
Conclude the week with a champagne toast at the Captain’s farewell gathering, followed by a special presentation from your guides celebrating the highlights of your Galapagos adventure.
Interpretation Center, SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
After breakfast, disembark from the yacht and visit the Interpretation Center (1) for a comprehensive overview of the natural and human history of the Galapagos—an ideal conclusion to the week’s explorations.
Ecoventura provides guests with a comfortable place to relax with refreshments in the seaside village before the transfer to the airport. Enjoy a few final moments for photos and reflection before your flight back to mainland Ecuador, departing with a deeper understanding of island ecology, evolutionary science, and conservation.
*This is a sample itinerary and the order of the visits may vary depending upon the yacht assigned.
Challenge level of Guided Shore Excursion:
(1) Easy walk on even terrain or beach.
(2) Moderate walk on a trail with mostly firm terrain.
(3) Rocky trail with moderate landing and climbing.
(4) Difficult steep rocky trail or climbing up natural stairs.
(5) Long rocky challenging trail with loose or slippery rocks.
Challenge level of Snorkeling Excursions:
(1) Enter water from the beach in shallow where you can touch the bottom
(2) Enter water from Zodiac in deeper water, possible current, requires experience
What's Included and What's Not
Cruise Rates Include:
- Accommodation in a Deluxe Stateroom with panoramic ocean views
- Relais & Châteaux–inspired cuisine, including à la carte menus, gourmet bites after excursions, and afternoon tea
- Open bar featuring select wines, local beer, cocktails, mocktails, fresh juices, sodas, gourmet coffee and teas
- High-speed internet via Starlink, available 24/7 for all guests
- Laundry service (Monday–Friday) with some limitations
- Guided shore excursions twice daily, evening briefings, enrichment lectures and onboard activities
- Zodiac excursions and a glass-bottom boat for coastal exploration
- Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards available for guest use
- Snorkeling gear and 3mm wetsuits (mask, fins and snorkel provided)
- Custom refillable water bottles for use during your voyage
- Airport transfers in the Galapagos with meet & greet service upon arrival
- Personalized airport check-in in Quito or Guayaquil for guests traveling on the recommended Avianca flight (AV1630)
- Prepaid processing assistance for the Galapagos National Park entrance fee and INGALA/TCT card (AV1630 arrivals only)
- Assistance with pre- and post-cruise hotels, land tours and airport transfers
Cruise Rates Do Not Include:
- International airfare to Ecuador (arrival in Quito or Guayaquil at least one day prior to the cruise is recommended)
- Hotel accommodation in mainland Ecuador before or after the cruise
- Airfare between Quito or Guayaquil and the Galapagos Islands (confirmed through our seat allotment with Avianca)
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee – $200 adults / $100 children (11 and under)
- INGALA Transit Control Card (TCT) – $20 per person
- Gratuities for guides and crew (suggested $400 per guest per week)
- Premium wines and spirits not included in the open bar policy
- Travel insurance (CFAR and medical evacuation strongly recommended)
FAQs
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