Overview
This itinerary follows a captivating western and northern route, exploring some of the further-flung and less accessible islands in the archipelago, including Isabela and Fernandina Islands. Wildlife highlights include the Flightless Cormorant. Each day promises exciting exploration led by our naturalist guides, who boast a deep understanding of the volcanic background of the islands.
Highlights
- Capture stunning sunset photos with Kicker Rock as a backdrop, home to blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds.
- Enjoy birdwatching at Prince Philip's Steps before indulging in a seafood barbecue lunch on the sundeck.
- Snorkel with flightless cormorants, sea turtles, and marine iguanas feeding underwater at Punta Espinoza.
- Trek around a saltwater lagoon occupied by American Flamingos at the red sand beach of Rabida Island.
- Enjoy Zodiac excursions, kayaking, and paddleboarding activities at Tagus Cove.
- Encounter Giant Tortoises in the wild at the highlands of Puerto Ayora.Capture stunning sunset photos at Leon Dormido, home to blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds.
- Book a back-to-back voyage and see more of Galapagos adding our Beach and Bays itinerary.
- Extend your trip in Ecuador & Peru with our Trip Extension offers.
Volcanic Wonders
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.Â
Day by Day Itinerary
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno 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. Join us for a welcome cocktail reception with the Captain and crew, followed by a multi-course dinner by our accomplished Relais & Châteaux chefs.
Prince Phillip’s Steps and Darwin Bay, GENOVESA
In the morning, you’ll touch down at Prince Philip’s Steps (4) on Genovesa Island, famed for its spectacular bird watching opportunities. Keep your camera handy as your guides point out red-footed boobies nesting in palo santo trees, Nazca boobies near the trail, and storm petrels in an open lava field. With luck, catch a glimpse of the elusive short-eared owl. Lunch, served on the sundeck weather permitting, features BBQ seafood and a ceviche cooking demonstration. Opt to explore the cliffs by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or join a deep-water snorkeling excursion from the Zodiac (2).
In the afternoon, land at Darwin Bay (1), boasting a stunning coral sand beach. Spot swallow-tailed and lava gulls near tide pools, while Opuntia cacti and mangroves provide shelter for Great frigatebirds. Males inflate red pouches to attract mates. Relax on the beach or swim with playful sea lions in the warmer northern waters. Join us on the sundeck for gourmet snacks and local beer sampling, followed by a briefing and dinner. If the night sky is clear, venture out to see a sky full of stars, with guides available to identify constellations and birds flying alongside the yacht.
Las Bachas or Black Turtle Cove and Cerro Dragon, SANTA CRUZ
This morning, you’ll explore Las Bachas (1), on the northern side of Santa Cruz. Marvel at bright pink flamingos in the lagoons, and take a leisurely stroll along the long white sand beach. Guides will highlight endemic plant species and share intriguing Galapagos history. Before lunch onboard the yacht, snorkel or swim from the beach. Guests on board Theory will enjoy a Zodiac excursion into the mangroves of Black Turtle Cove (1) to encounter sea turtles, golden and white spotted eagle rays and more.Â
In the afternoon, step ashore at Cerro Dragon (3), to enjoy panoramic views of the bay and island landscape. Spot flamingos in the brackish lagoon and observe a variety of plants, including opuntia cactus and Palo Santo trees. Keep an eye out for Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, and Audubon shearwaters as you walk the trail. Guides will point out bird species like stilts, pintail ducks, and sandpipers. Look for golden land iguanas basking in the sun, unique to the Galapagos and once part of a breeding program at the Charles Darwin Station. After a leisurely walk, return to the yacht for a briefing and dinner.
Punta Vicente Roca, ISABELA or Punta Espinoza, FERNANDINA and Urbina Bay, ISABELA
Begin your morning with a thrilling Zodiac ride at Punta Vicente Roca (1). Glide through wave-sculpted caves and marvel at tuff walls adorned with colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs. Don’t miss the chance to snorkel (2) alongside playful penguins and graceful sea turtles. Guests aboard the Theory and Evolve can also enjoy a hike and snorkeling at Punta Espinoza, where thousands of marine iguanas bask in the sun. After lunch, relax on the sun deck as we sail through the Bolivar Channel, keeping an eye out for breaching whales and playful dolphins.
In the afternoon, disembark at Urbina Bay on Isabela Island (2) to witness evidence of volcanic activity. Explore exposed coastal seabed and encounter a variety of animal species, including land iguanas, Darwin finches, and giant Galapagos tortoises. Return to the vessel for gourmet snacks, an Espresso Martini demonstration with local coffee followed by briefing, and dinner. As night falls, step outside to admire the Milky Way and witness our Equator crossing from the bridge.
Elizabeth Bay, ISABELA or Punta Espinoza, FERNANDINA and Tagus Cove, ISABELA
This morning, prepare for another geological marvel as we stop at Punta Espinoza on Fernandina (4), the youngest and most pristine island in the Galapagos. With no introduced animals, witness the ecosystem at its purest. Watch sea lion harems nap on the beach, guarded by vigilant bulls, while hundreds of marine iguanas warm themselves along the rugged shoreline. Spot flightless cormorant nests and snorkel (2) with sea turtles and marine iguanas feeding underwater. Guests on board Theory and Evolve will enjoy an outstanding panga ride at the mangroves of Elizabeth Bay (1) to spot penguins, golden and white spotted eagle rays, sea lions, sea turtles and more.
Lunch is served on the shaded sun deck, followed by a feast of grilled seafood and a complimentary beer tasting featuring local breweries. Afterward, explore Tagus Cove to discover the human history of the Galapagos. Hike to a saltwater lagoon and scenic overview, or explore the shoreline by kayak or paddleboard, spotting Galapagos penguins, boobies, and pelicans. Tonight, as we sail toward the geographic center of the archipelago, we’ll cross the equator once again.
RABIDA or PUERTO EGAS and Black Turtle Cove, SANTA CRUZ
This morning, set foot on Rabida’s dark red beach (2), renowned as the Galapagos’ geographic center for its diverse volcanic rocks. Follow a short trail to a saltwater lagoon, home to American Flamingos, while spotting marine iguanas, mockingbirds, and Darwin’s finches along the way. Opt for snorkeling (2) to encounter sea lions, rays, and large schools of surgeonfish, king angelfish, and salema fish.
Guests on the Theory and Evolve will explore Puerto Egas on Santiago (3), strolling along the shoreline to observe octopus, starfish, and various sea life in tide pools. Keep an eye out for herons, oystercatchers, and marine iguanas feeding on algae. Snorkel from the beach (1) before returning to the yacht for a complimentary beer tasting featuring local breweries.
After lunch, relax on deck, enjoying the scenery, with the chance to spot dolphins. Guests on the Origin will embark on a Zodiac excursion at Black Turtle Cove (1), exploring peaceful coves and mangroves teeming with marine life, including mating sea turtles, reef sharks, and cow-nosed rays. Return to the vessel for gourmet snacks, cocktails, and an evening briefing, with the possibility of a visit from King Neptune himself during a pirate-themed maritime ritual in which participation is optional.
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.
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