This trip explores the Southern and Central route, renowned for its pristine beaches and bays, uncovering the older side of the archipelago, including Española, Floreana, Bartholome and North Seymour Islands. Wildlife highlights include the Waved Albatross. Immerse yourself in the untamed ecosystem of the Galapagos, where each island offers wildlife encounters you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Each day in the Galapagos unfolds with exciting opportunities for exploration. Guided walks, zodiac rides, snorkeling and kayaking, and the best on board experience you will have in your lifetime. Our itinerary highlights the very best Galapagos has to offer; the magnificent wildlife, stunning landscapes, rich marine environment, and fascinating history.
Highlights
- Embark on Zodiac excursions through unique geological formations and mangroves.
- Enjoy a hike at Punta Pitt, considered one of the few sites where you can spot all three kinds of boobies: blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca boobies.
- Snorkel with playful sea lions and large schools of King Angelfish and Yellowtail Surgeonfish at Floreana.
- Encounter Giant Tortoises roaming free at the Tortoise Reserve Center.
- Spot penguins swimming and diving playfully or grooming themselves on rocks.
- Capture a shot of frigate birds with red sacs on their chests inflated, seeking mates.
- Book a back-to-back voyage and see more of Galapagos adding our Volcanic Wonders itinerary.
- Extend your trip in Ecuador & Peru with our Trip Extension offers.
Itinerary
Upon arriving in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, on San Cristobal Island, our guides will escort you to the expedition yacht. After a short bus ride and Zodiac trip to the anchored yacht, you’ll settle into your cabin and enjoy lunch. Following a welcome briefing and safety drill, choose your snorkeling gear. After lunch, the yacht departs the harbor toward Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock), a stunning rock formation for sunset photography, teeming with blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds. Guests on the Evolve will visit La Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado (David Rodriguez Land Tortoise Breeding Center) before a welcome cocktail reception with the Captain and crew, followed by a four course dinner by our accomplished Relais & Châteaux chefs.
On your first day of exploration, hop on a Zodiac for a trip to Cerro Brujo (1). Spot various birds, from brown pelicans to blue-footed boobies, and learn about their age indicators. Marvel at the colorful Sally lightfoot crabs and geological formations.. After the tour, relax on the coral sand beach, stroll, or swim with sea lions, this is your chance to test your snorkeling skills. In the afternoon, hike Punta Pitt (4), famous for birdwatching, including all three boobies species. Snorkel at Pitt Islet (2) with sea lions and vibrant fish. As the yacht sails, enjoy reading or observing “Kicker Rock” from the top deck. Join us for gourmet snacks and local beer sampling on the sundeck, followed by stargazing with your guide after dinner.
This morning, you’ll touch down at Punta Suarez (5) on Española Island, renowned for its endemic species like the waved albatross. Witness their captivating courtship dance if you visit between April and December. Watch your step to avoid the marine iguanas lounging on the dark lava rocks, displaying vibrant hues during mating season. Follow the trail to the dramatic ocean blowhole and spot Sally Lightfoot crabs scuttling along the shore. Encounter various bird species including Darwin’s Finches, Galapagos Hawks, and Nazca boobies. Afterwards, enjoy a BBQ lunch on deck (weather permitting) and learn to make Ecuadorian ceviche in a cooking demo.
After lunch, opt for snorkeling at Gardner Islet (2) and explore caves teeming with invertebrates and sealions. Disembark at Gardner Bay (1), home to expansive white-sand beaches where sea lions bask. Snorkel, kayak, or simply stroll along the shore, observing wildlife like Darwin Finches. Afterward, return to the yacht for snacks, briefing and dinner.
Step ashore at Punta Cormorant’s (3) olive-sand beach on Floreana Island and immerse yourself in the sounds of sea lions, lava herons, and blue-footed boobies. The green mineral tinting the beach is a result of iron and manganese from basaltic lava. Explore a brackish lagoon teeming with birdlife, including flamingos, and observe diverse plant species like mangroves and Scalesia. Visit a beach where sea turtles nest and stingrays glide in shallow waters. Don’t miss snorkeling at Devil’s Crown or Champion Islet (2), home to a vibrant and abundant underwater world, where you can encounter King AngelFish and white tipped-sharks. Enjoy lunch onboard while learning about the island’s intriguing human history.
In the afternoon, experience the unique Galapagos tradition at Post Office Bay (1), where you can leave and pick up postcards without postage. Participate in a Zodiac excursion or paddleboard at Baroness Point, spotting sea turtles and rays in the lagoon. Savor an Espresso Martini made from Galapagos-grown coffee before the evening briefing and dinner aboard the yacht.
As you wake this morning, Puerto Ayora’s bustling harbor on Santa Cruz Island (2) awaits exploration. After a bus journey to Los Gemelos, massive craters formed over time, visit Rancho Primicias or El Chato to encounter giant tortoises and lava tunnels. In the afternoon, learn about Charles Darwin and conservation efforts at the Centro de Crianza Fausto Llerena and the Charles Darwin Research Station Exhibition Hall (1). Explore the town before opting for dinner ashore or returning to the yacht for a delicious meal.
As you wake up this morning, prepare for another adventure on a remote island, with the iconic landscapes of the Galapagos as your backdrop. Choose between two morning activities: a challenging hike on Bartolome Island with breathtaking views of Pinnacle Rock, including about 400 wooden steps to reach the top (4), or a Zodiac ride to spot playful penguins (1). Dive into snorkeling, where you can encounter tropical fish, sea stars, white-tipped reef sharks, and Galapagos Penguins (2). Enjoy lunch on deck, weather permitting, with meats grilled on the BBQ.
In the afternoon, the itinerary varies depending on your yacht. Guests on the Origin explore Sombrero Chino, encountering sea lions, Galapagos Penguin, marine iguanas, and stunning volcanic formations. Snorkeling opportunities abound, often with penguins. Guests on the Theory visit Playa Las Bachas (1) for snorkeling and flamingo sightings. Those on the Evolve embark on a Zodiac excursion at Caleta Tortuga Negra (1), listening for sea turtles and observing golden rays. Join the crew for a pirate-themed party on the sundeck before the briefing and dinner.
This morning, venture to South Plaza (3), a small islet renowned for its tall cliffs and diverse flora and fauna. Witness efforts to protect the native prickly pear cactus, and spot nests of various bird species, including swallow-tailed gulls and red-billed tropicbirds. Encounter a colony of bachelor sea lions and observe land iguanas up close.
After lunch, sail to North Seymour Island (3) to witness frigate birds with inflated red sacs during mating season. Learn to distinguish between the Great and Magnificent species. Enjoy a final snorkeling opportunity in deeper waters, where you may encounter sharks, sea lions, and tropical fish. Conclude the week with a champagne toast at the Captain’s farewell gathering before a special presentation from your guides showcasing memories from your Galapagos adventure.
This morning, after breakfast, you’ll disembark from the yacht. As a fitting conclusion to your trip, you’ll visit the Interpretation Center on San Cristobal to delve into the human history of the Galapagos Islands. Take a brief walk along the paved trail before a bus ride into town. Enjoy some free time for last-minute photos before your transfer to the airport. Though it’s a quick flight back to the mainland, you’ll carry lifelong memories with you.
Cruise Rates Include
- Accommodation in a deluxe stateroom with a king or two twin beds and unobstructed views.
- All meals, including an exquisite Relais & Chateaux a la carte dinner menu.
- After-excursion gourmet bites, cooking demonstrations, and afternoon tea.
- Lunches prepared on the BBQ grill and served al fresco on outdoor tables and chairs.
- Open bar policy including wine, beer, cocktails, spirits, juices, sodas, coffee, and tea.
- Satellite communication: High-speed Wi-Fi available 24/7 for all guests free of charge.
- Guided shore excursions twice daily, evening briefings and enrichment lectures.
- Two Zodiacs and a glass-bottom boat for exploration of the shoreline.
- Multiple Kayaks (five doubles and a single) and two stand-up paddle boards.
- Wet suits (full 3mm) and snorkeling equipment (mask, fins and snorkel).
- Transfers in the Islands between the airport with meet & greet for AV1630 arrivals only.
- Personalized check-in at the airports in Quito and Guayaquil for AV1630 arrivals only.
- Process and pre-payment of the park entrance fee and INGALA/ TCT card for AV1630 arrivals only.
Cruise Rates Do Not Include
- International Airfare to Ecuador – you must arrive to Quito or Guayaquil at least one day prior to the cruise.
- Hotel accommodation in Ecuador the night before or after your cruise – we can assist you with reservations.
- Airfare from Quito or Guayaquil to Galapagos – confirmed through our allotment of seats with Avianca.
- Galapagos Park entrance fee (park tax) – $200 for adults, $100 for children 11 and under.
- INGALA fee of $20 per person for a TCT card to control migration to the islands.
- Gratuities for the guides and crew – the suggested amount is $350-400 per guest per week.
- Purchases from the bar for premium brands of wine and spirits not included in the open bar policy.
- Laundry service – available Monday to Friday.
- Travel Insurance – CFAR is recommended to protect your travel investment from cancellation or delay.
FAQ's
You can contact our US Sales and Reservation office, where one of our team members will be happy to assist you.
TELEPHONE: (305) 262-6264
TOLL-FREE: (800) 633-7972 (USA & CANADA)
FACSIMILE: (305) 262-9609
Email: info@galapagosnetwork.com
The cruise rate includes:
– Open bar policy with wine, beer, cocktails, spirits, juices, sodas, coffee, and tea
– All meals, including breakfast and lunch served buffet-style, and dinner offered as a four-course plated menu. Snacks are also available between activities.
– High-speed Wi-Fi available 24/7 for all guests
– Guided shore excursions twice daily, evening briefings, and enrichment lectures
– Exploration of the shoreline with two Zodiacs and a glass-bottom boat
– Multiple kayaks (four doubles and one single) and two stand-up paddle boards
– Wet suits (full 3mm) and snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, and snorkel)
– Transfers in the Islands between the airport with meet & greet for AV1630 arrivals only
– Personalized check-in at the airports in Quito and Guayaquil for AV1630 arrivals only
– Processing and pre-payment of park entrance fee and INGALA/TCT card for AV1630 arrivals only
– Assistance with reservations for pre- and post-cruise hotel, land tours, and airport transfers
– Cabin amenities such as vanity, lighted mirror, sectional closet, flat-screen TV, docking station, USB, clock, safety deposit box, individual climate control, memory foam mattress, reading lights, blackout curtains, Nespresso machine, tea kettle, binoculars, and reusable water bottles.
Bathrooms feature modern amenities like walk-in rainfall showers, plush towels, bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer, vanity kit, and refillable
dispensers of bio-degradable soap, shampoo, body wash, and lotion.
Yes, Ecoventura arranges domestic flight bookings for passengers on Avianca Airlines from Quito or Guayaquil to/from San Cristobal on Sundays.
Passengers on AV1630, who purchase tickets through Ecoventura, receive check-in assistance and can prepay park entrance fees and transit cards.
An Ecoventura representative accompanies passengers on these flights.
Certainly! Extend your journey with pre- or post-cruise experiences, exploring beyond the Galapagos Islands. Immerse yourself in island life or venture to destinations like Guayaquil, Quito, the rainforest, and beyond. From the lush Ecuadorian rainforest to Peru’s Sacred Valley, or the culinary delights of Quito, there’s something for everyone. Adventure seekers can conquer the Peruvian Andes. Whatever your choice, Ecoventura is here to help you make it happen.
Traveling solo with Ecoventura is anything but lonely! From shared meals to excursions, there are plenty of opportunities to make friends.
Ask about our single rate promo when booking. Learn More.
Yes, traveling with children is highly recommended! With the Galapagos brought to life by our Naturalists, family departures balance learning with fun for all guests, making it an unforgettable experience for children. Ecoventura welcomes families with children ages 12 and up on any week aboard all expedition vessels. However, families with children as young as age 5 must travel on designated Family Departures. Children up to age 17 receive a 15% discount on the cruise rate, and those 11 and under enjoy reduced rates on airfare and park entrance fees. Learn More.
Both itineraries offer unique experiences, so you can’t go wrong with either choice. Itinerary A explores the Southern and Central routes, renowned for their pristine beaches and bays, while Itinerary B ventures to the younger islands in the Northern and Western routes, where the volcanic nature is more evident. Each itinerary features a species unique to its route: the Waved Albatross on Española Island (Itinerary A) and the Flightless Cormorant on Fernandina and Isabela Island (Itinerary B). However, you’ll have the chance to witness all of the Galapagos wildlife on both routes, including playful sea lions, blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, and much more. Consider your travel availability when deciding, and if you’re still unsure, you can always inquire about our back-to-back discount for a complete 15-day experience aboard our luxury expedition yachts.
Every guest has an open tab at the bar and boutique, which is settled on the last day of the cruise, as well as for laundry services. We accept cash (US Dollars), MasterCard, or VISA credit cards only.
Laundry service is available for an extra charge, but please note that we do not offer ironing services.
You may order a bottle of wine or a birthday cake to be served at dinnertime. Please note that bringing flowers to the Galapagos is prohibited, and the use of balloons is not allowed onboard. Kindly advise us at least 30 days prior to departure. The cost can be added to you final bill.
As an expedition yacht, diving during visits is not permitted due to operational regulations. However, guests can consider booking a dive tour while at Santa Cruz (Thursday on Itinerary A and Saturday on Itinerary B). Alternatively, booking a second week aboard the Galapagos Sky, also part of Ecoventura, offers discounts for back-to-back cruises and the chance to dive in Darwin and Wolf.
Guides offer kayaks and paddle boards twice a week in designated areas approved by the Galapagos National Park.
