Overview
This itinerary 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.
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
Beach and Bays
Itinerary Map
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.
A place like no other
Our itineraries highlight the very best Galapagos has to offer; the magnificient wildlife, stunning landscapes, rich marine environment, and fascinating history.
Day by Day Itinerary
Puerto Baquerizo and Leon Dormido, SAN CRISTOBAL
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.
Punta Pitt and Cerro Brujo, SAN CRISTOBAL
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.
Punta Suarez and Gardner Bay, ESPAÑOLA
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.
Punta Cormorant, Devil’s Crown or Champion Islet and Post Office Bay, FLOREANA
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.
Tortoise Reserve, Highlands and Charles Darwin Station, SANTA CRUZ
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.
Bartolome, Sombrero Chino, Las Bachas or Black Turtle Cove
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.
South Plaza and North Seymour Islands
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.
Interpretation Center, SAN CRISTOBAL
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.
*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:
- 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) – $100 for adults, $50 for children 11 and under. Starting August 1st, the fee will increase to $200 for adults and $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 $300-350 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