Overview
This itinerary explores the remote western and northern regions of the Galapagos Islands, visiting some of the most pristine and less accessible sites in the archipelago, including Isabela and Fernandina Islands. These younger volcanic islands are known for their dramatic landscapes and extraordinary wildlife.
Wildlife encounters may include the iconic flightless cormorant, marine iguanas feeding underwater, sea turtles, and large seabird colonies. Guided by our expert naturalists, each day reveals the unique geological forces and biodiversity that make the Galapagos Islands one of the most remarkable ecosystems on Earth
Highlights
- Capture sunset photographs at Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock), a dramatic volcanic formation where blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds soar above the cliffs.
- Enjoy birdwatching at Prince Philip’s Steps on Genovesa Island, home to large colonies of seabirds including red-footed boobies and Nazca boobies.
- Snorkel alongside flightless cormorants, sea turtles, and marine iguanas feeding underwater at Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island.
- Walk the striking red sand beach of Rabida Island, where a saltwater lagoon often attracts American flamingos.
- Explore the dramatic coastline of Tagus Cove on Isabela Island by Zodiac, kayak, or paddleboard.
- Encounter giant tortoises roaming freely in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island.
- Combine itineraries and discover more of the Galapagos with our Beaches & Bays voyage.
- Extend your journey in Ecuador or Peru with our curated pre- and post-cruise land programs.
Volcanic Wonders
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.
This evening, join the Captain and crew for a welcome cocktail reception, followed by a four-course dinner prepared by our Relais & Châteaux chefs, marking the beginning of your Galapagos expedition.
Prince Phillip’s Steps and Darwin Bay, GENOVESA ISLAND
In the morning, land at Prince Philip’s Steps (4) on Genovesa Island, one of the most remarkable seabird nesting sites in the Galapagos. Along the trail, your naturalist guides will point out red-footed boobies nesting in palo santo trees, Nazca boobies along the rocky ledges, and storm petrels fluttering above the open lava field. Keep an eye out for the elusive short-eared owl, which hunts over the lava field.
Weather permitting, lunch is served on the sundeck and features a highlight of the day: a grilled barbecue lunch prepared by our chefs. Afterwards, you may choose to explore the cliffs by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or join a deep-water snorkeling excursion from the Zodiac (2).
Later, land at Darwin Bay (1), a beautiful coral-sand beach formed inside the flooded caldera of this ancient volcano. Here you may spot swallow-tailed gulls and lava gulls near the tide pools, while Opuntia cactus and mangroves provide nesting sites for frigatebirds, whose males inflate their striking red gular sacs to attract mates.
Relax on the beach or swim with playful sea lions before returning to the yacht. Back on board, gather on the sundeck for gourmet snacks, followed by the evening briefing and dinner. If the skies are clear, step outside to admire the brilliant night sky of the Galapagos.
Las Bachas or Black Turtle Cove and Cerro Dragón, SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
This morning, explore Las Bachas (1) on the northern shore of Santa Cruz Island, named after the barges left behind during World War II. A long stretch of white sand beach leads to interior lagoons where American flamingos are often seen feeding. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the shore as your naturalist guides highlight endemic plants and share stories of the island’s human history. Before lunch on board, you may choose to snorkel or swim from the beach.
Guests aboard Theory will explore the mangrove-lined channels of Black Turtle Cove (1) by Zodiac, a peaceful lagoon where green sea turtles, golden rays, and spotted eagle rays glide through the shallow waters.
In the afternoon, step ashore at Cerro Dragón (3), or Dragon Hill, where a trail leads past a brackish lagoon and through a landscape of Opuntia cactus and Palo Santo trees. Keep an eye out for Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, Audubon’s shearwaters, stilts, pintail ducks, and sandpipers. This site is also known for its population of Galapagos land iguanas, once part of a successful conservation breeding program led by the Charles Darwin Research Station.
After the walk, return to the yacht for the evening briefing and dinner.
Punta Vicente Roca, ISABELA or Punta Espinoza, FERNANDINA and Urbina Bay, ISABELA ISLAND
The day begins along the dramatic coastline of the western Galapagos. Guests aboard Origin explore Punta Vicente Roca (1) on the northwestern tip of Isabela Island, where a Zodiac ride reveals wave-carved caves and towering tuff walls dotted with bright Sally Lightfoot crabs. Conditions permitting, snorkeling here may reveal Galapagos penguins and sea turtles in the nutrient-rich waters.
Guests aboard Theory and Evolve land at Punta Espinoza (3) on Fernandina Island, one of the most pristine sites in the Galapagos. Along the shoreline, thousands of marine iguanas bask on black lava rocks, while the remarkable flightless cormorant can often be seen near the water’s edge.
During lunch, the yacht navigates the scenic Bolivar Channel between Isabela and Fernandina Islands, an excellent place to watch for dolphins and whales that sometimes appear in these rich waters.
In the afternoon, land at Urbina Bay on Isabela Island (2), where a dramatic volcanic uplift raised sections of the seabed above the water. Walk across this unique landscape in search of Galapagos land iguanas, Darwin’s finches, and giant tortoises. After the excursion, return to the yacht for gourmet snacks, followed by the evening briefing and dinner. If skies are clear, step outside to admire the Milky Way above the Galapagos.
Elizabeth Bay, ISABELA or Punta Espinoza, FERNANDINA and Tagus Cove, ISABELA
Today’s exploration takes you to Fernandina Island, the youngest and most pristine island in the Galapagos. Guests aboard Origin land at Punta Espinoza (4), where vast colonies of marine iguanas bask along the black lava shoreline. Sea lion harems rest on the beach while vigilant bulls keep watch nearby, and the remarkable flightless cormorant can often be seen nesting along the coast. Conditions permitting, snorkeling offers the chance to observe sea turtles and marine iguanas feeding underwater.
Guests aboard Theory and Evolve explore the mangrove-lined channels of Elizabeth Bay (1) by panga. This quiet lagoon provides excellent opportunities to spot Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, sea lions, and golden or spotted eagle rays gliding through the shallow waters.
After lunch, continue to Tagus Cove on Isabela Island, a historic anchorage once visited by pirates and whalers. Hike to Darwin Lake, a saltwater crater lagoon, and enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding volcanic landscape. Alternatively, explore the shoreline by kayak or paddleboard, where penguins, boobies, and pelicans are often seen along the cliffs.
This evening, as the yacht sails across the archipelago, we cross the equator once again, marking another memorable moment of your Galapagos expedition.
RABIDA or PUERTO EGAS and Black Turtle Cove, SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Begin the day on the striking red sand beach of Rábida Island (2), created by the oxidation of volcanic iron in the rocks. A short trail leads to a saltwater lagoon often visited by flamingos, while marine iguanas, mockingbirds, and Darwin’s finches can often be seen along the path. Snorkeling here offers the chance to encounter sea lions, rays, and large schools of reef fish in the clear waters.
Guests aboard Theory and Evolve explore Puerto Egas on Santiago Island (3), walking along the shoreline to observe octopus, starfish, and other marine life in the tide pools. Watch for herons, oystercatchers, and marine iguanas feeding on algae, and look for Galapagos fur seals resting in the grottos carved into the lava coastline. Snorkeling from the beach may also be available before returning to the yacht.
After lunch, relax on deck and enjoy the volcanic landscapes as the yacht sails through the archipelago, with opportunities to spot dolphins along the way. Guests aboard Origin explore the mangrove-lined lagoons of Black Turtle Cove (1) by Zodiac, where sea turtles, golden rays, and reef sharks may be seen gliding through the calm waters.
Return to the yacht for gourmet snacks, followed by 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.
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 spiritsnot included in the open bar policy
- Travel insurance (CFAR and medical evacuation strongly recommended)
FAQs
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