Private Charter - Islands Circumnavigation I

You arrive at Baltra Airport, where your guide welcomes you and escorts you to a bus heading to the canal. A ferry carries you across to Santa Cruz Island. You then board a bus for a scenic drive to Los Gemelos, sunken craters offering breathtaking views. Next, you visit a Tortoise Reserve to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Afterwards, you explore the Charles Darwin Station, learning about the tortoise breeding program and seeing tortoises at various stages of life. If time allows, you take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Puerto Ayora. You then board a dinghy to your yacht, where the friendly crew welcomes you aboard. You enjoy a delightful dinner and settle into your cabin for the night as the yacht begins motoring to its first destination.

Sights: Los Gemelos, Tortoise Reserve, town of Puerto Ayora, Charles Darwin Station, beautiful landscape of the highlands
Activity level: Easy
Activities: Walking at the Tortoise Reserve & Charles Darwin Station
Wildlife you may see: Tortoises, endemic birds, sea lions, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and various marine life off the docks

You start your day with breathtaking views of Sombrero Chino (“Chinese Hat”), a small volcanic island near the southeastern tip of Santiago. After a wet landing on its pristine white sand beach, you encounter the island’s unique wildlife on a guided 1.5-hour walk. Back on Cachalote Explorer, you gear up for your first snorkeling adventure in the canal, swimming alongside sea lions, reef sharks, penguins, rays, and a vibrant array of tropical fish.

You savor a delightful lunch onboard as Cachalote Explorer cruises to Rábida Island, famous for its striking red beaches. Here, you take a 1.5-hour guided walk, spotting flamingos, nesting pelicans, marine iguanas, and a bachelor colony of sea lions. You cap off the afternoon with an invigorating snorkeling session along Rábida’s colorful coast. Back aboard, you unwind with a delicious dinner while your guide recaps the day’s highlights and shares plans for your next adventure. The yacht motors overnight to your next destination.

Sights: Beautiful landscapes of Sombrero Chino and Rabida, various wildlife
Activity level: Easy - moderate
Activities: Walking, hiking, snorkeling
Wildlife you may see: Sea lions, endemic birds, marine iguanas, lava lizards, sharks, rays, sea turtles, penguins, flamingos

Awake to the stunning vistas of Isabela Island’s southern tip, where the charming town of Puerto Villamil awaits. After breakfast, a dinghy ride takes you
to Isabela’s main dock, followed by a scenic bus journey to a trailhead where you will begin your hike to the sulfur mines, which are a part of a network of Sierra
Negra, one of Galapagos’s most active volcanoes. The landscape gradually transforms, where steaming fumaroles release sulfur-rich gases from deep
within the Earth, offering a fascinating glimpse into the island’s volcanic heart.

After, return to Cachalote for lunch before heading back to Villamil. Spend the afternoon visiting the tortoise breeding center, strolling around the flamingo lagoon, and enjoying free time to explore this coastal town at your leisure. After, savor a delicious dinner onboard while your guide recaps the day’s highlights and previews tomorrow's adventures.

Sights: Amazing sights of the sulphur mines, the quaint town of Puerto Villamil, tortoises at the breeding center, and the flamingo lagoon
Activity level: Moderate
Activities: Walking, hiking, snorkeling, kayaking (opt.)
Wildlife you may see: Sea lions, various endemic birds, marine iguanas, vermilion flycatcher, flamingos, penguins, rays, reef sharks, tropical fish

Start your morning with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a scenic dinghy ride around rocks and islets of Western Isabela, home to an array of wildlife, including cormorants, playful sea lions, and Galápagos penguins. Next, explore Punta Moreno with a 1.5-hour guided walk across striking black lava fields, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanoes and unique geological features. Return to Cachalote Explorer to gear up for your first snorkel of the day, where you might encounter sea turtles, seahorses, rays, sharks, and colorful tropical fish.

After a refreshing lunch onboard, continue to Elizabeth Bay. A peaceful dinghy ride takes you through a lush lagoon, where mangroves create a serene sanctuary for sea turtles, rays, penguins, and other marine life. Conclude your day with a delicious dinner and a recap on the day’s highlights. Motor through the night to your next destination.

Sights: Stunning landscapes of Western Isabela, rock and islets teaming with life, Punta Moreno, and Elizabeth Bay
Activity level: Easy - moderate
Activities: Walking, hiking, snorkeling
Wildlife you may see: Tortoises, sea lions, endemic birds, marine iguanas, lava lizards, sea turtles, penguins, rays, reef sharks

Awaken to the sights of Urbina Bay, a fascinating location that emerged from the ocean floor in 1954, leaving remnants of the seabed visible to this day. Embark
on a guided walk along the trail, where you’ll encounter giant tortoises and vibrant land iguanas in their natural habitat. Afterward, enjoy a snorkel directly from the beach. Return to Cachalote Explorer for a delicious lunch before continuing your journey.

In the afternoon, arrive at Tagus Cove, a historic harbor once favored by whalers and pirates, who left their marks by carving names into the cliffs and rocks. Here, take a hike to Darwin’s Crater, a striking saltwater lake surrounded by breathtaking views of the island's volcanic landscapes (approximately a 1-hour walk). Afterward, prepare for an exhilarating dinghy ride or snorkeling session in the cove’s tranquil waters, teeming with marine life. Conclude the day with a satisfying dinner aboard the yacht, followed by a debrief on the day's discoveries.

Sights: Unique sights and remnants of the seabed on Urbina Bay, the historic harbor of Tagus Cove
Activity level: Easy - moderate
Activities: Walking, hiking, snorkeling
Wildlife you may see: Sea lions, tortoises, land and marine iguanas, various endemic birds, various marine life

During the night, motor to Fernandina Island, the youngest and most westerly of the Galapagos Islands, renowned for its active volcanoes. After breakfast, take a dinghy to Punta Espinoza, home to large colonies of marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, Galapagos hawks, and the non-venomous Galapagos snake. Enjoy a leisurely guided walk along flat trails. Return to the yacht to gear up for an exciting snorkel in the bay.

After lunch onboard, the journey continues back to Isabela Island, arriving at Punta Vicente Roca. Known for its towering cliffs, breathtaking vistas, and a hidden cave, this location offers an unforgettable snorkeling experience. Glide along the cliffs and mouth of the cave towards a calm bay where you may encounter resting sea turtles, flightless cormorants, and a variety of marine life. Back on board, change for a scenic circumnavigation of the cliffs, providing up-close views of the dramatic coastline. End the day with a special celebration of crossing the Equator, followed by a delightful dinner.

Sights: Fernandina and its beautiful landscape and marine iguana colonies, Punta Vincente Roca, crossing the equator
Activity level: Easy - moderate
Activities: Walking, hiking, snorkeling
Wildlife you may see: Sea lions, Galapagos Hawk, marine iguanas, Galapagos Snake, Sea turtles, flightless cormorant, penguins

Wake up to the stunning views of Santiago Island. After breakfast, take a dinghy to Playa Espumilla, where golden sands meet lush green mangroves. This serene spot is home to pintail ducks, flamingos, sea turtle nests, and Galapagos hawks. Enjoy a swim or snorkel before heading to Buccaneer’s Cove for a scenic circumnavigation. Once a pirate hideout and a temporary home for Charles Darwin, the cove is teeming with wildlife, including swallow-tailed gulls, fur seals, brown noddies, and pelicans.

Return to the boat for lunch, then journey to Bartolomé Island, renowned for its iconic Pinnacle Rock and breathtaking views. Ascend the stairs to marvel at the panorama. Snorkel around Pinnacle Rock, where you might encounter penguins, rays, sharks, and vibrant tropical fish. End your day with dinner and a debrief on board, enjoying the spectacular scenery as you sail overnight to North Seymour.

Sights: Beautiful landscapes, Pinnacle Rock and 360 views
Activity level: Moderate
Activities: Walking, hiking, stairs, snorkeling
Wildlife you may see: Penguins, sea lions, fur seals, endemic birds: pintail ducks, swallow-tailed gulls, tropical fish, rays, sea turtles

On your final day, before breakfast, take a dinghy ride to North Seymour, a flat island uplifted thousands of years ago that offers a fascinating glimpse into the
Galápagos’ geological history. Set out on a 1.5-hour guided walk among thriving wildlife, including colonies of blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, magnificent and great frigatebirds, and playful sea lions, with the chance to spot reef sharks along the shoreline.

Afterwards, you explore the Charles Darwin Station to learn about the tortoise breeding program and see tortoises at various stages of life. If time allows, you take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Puerto Ayora. You then board a dinghy to your yacht in Academy Bay, where the friendly crew welcomes you aboard. You enjoy a delightful dinner and settle into your cabin for the night as the yacht begins motoring to its first destination.

Sights: Endemic bird colonies and sea life, Charles Darwin Station, and the beautiful landscape of the highlands
Activity level: Easy
Activities: dinghy ride, walking at the Tortoise Reserve & Charles Darwin Station
Wildlife you may see: Sea turtles, rays, sharks, endemic birds, great and magnificent frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, tortoises, sea lions, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and various marine life off the docks

You wake up to the stunning views of South Plazas Island and enjoy a delicious breakfast before your morning adventure begins. A dinghy carries you to the island, where sea lions greet you. You wander along a scenic trail for about 1.5 hours, spotting red-billed tropicbirds, swallow-tailed gulls, and land iguanas, and reach a cliff lookout with breathtaking views of the landscape and bachelor sea lions.

You return to the yacht for lunch as it motors to Santa Fe Island. Upon arrival, you gear up for your first snorkel in the celebrated Galápagos Marine Park, swimming alongside playful sea lions and other unique marine life. Later in the afternoon, you step onto a pristine beach dotted with sea lions and hike uphill, where towering opuntia cacti and vibrant yellow land iguanas thrive. Back aboard, you end the day with a satisfying dinner and a debrief of today’s highlights and tomorrow’s plans.

Sights: Beautiful landscapes, flora and fauna of South Plazas and Santa Fe Island
Activity level: Easy - moderate
Activities: Walking, hiking, snorkeling
Wildlife you may see: Sea lions, endemic birds, land & marine iguanas, lava lizards, sharks, rays, sea turtles

Wake up to San Cristobal Island, the easternmost and oldest island of this remarkable archipelago. Following breakfast, prepare for your first visit to Cerro Brujo, near the historic spot where Charles Darwin first arrived in the Galapagos. After a quick dinghy ride, step onto a white sandy beach, and take a scenic walk along the shore to a nearby lagoon (apx. 1.5 h). Enjoy a snorkel session in the coastal waters before returning to the boat for lunch.

As you journey toward Kicker Rock, take in the striking views as you circumnavigate this iconic landmark. From there, continue to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where a bus will take you to the highlands of San Cristobal. Explore El Junco, the only freshwater crater lake in Galapagos, and visit the tortoise breeding center to learn about conservation efforts. Then, venture to La Galapaguera to observe tortoises roaming in their natural habitat. Return to the yacht for dinner and a debrief.

Sights: Cerro Brujo, Kicker Rock, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, El Junco, La Galapaguera
Activity level: Easy - moderate
Activities: Walking, hiking, snorkeling
Wildlife you may see: Tortoises, sea lions, endemic birds, marine iguanas, lava lizards, various marine life

Wake up to the stunning landscapes of Española Island. After breakfast, take a wet landing onto the pristine white sands of Gardner Bay, where sea lions lounge, hawks glide above, and curious mockingbirds may join your walk. Following this serene exploration, return to the yacht to snorkel among vibrant marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and playful sea lions, before enjoying a delicious onboard lunch.

In the afternoon, journey to Punta Suarez, where you will dinghy to a pier and take a scenic hike along dramatic cliffs. Marvel at the natural Blowhole and spot unique wildlife like Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, and striking marine iguanas. From April to December, witness the graceful courtship rituals of the Waved Albatrosses. End the day with dinner and a debrief on the yacht, which will sail overnight to Floreana Island.

Sights: Beautiful landscapes of Española Island, Gardner Bay, and Punta Suarez
Activity level: Moderate
Activities: Walking, hiking (rugged terrain), snorkeling
Wildlife you may see: Sea lions, endemic birds, marine iguanas, boobies, Waved Albatross (April - Dec), mockingbird, sharks, rays, sea turtles, various marine life

Start your day on Floreana Island, known for its colorful history of pirates, whalers, convicts, and early settlers and home to a small community of fewer than 200 people. Begin your morning with a dinghy ride to Punta Cormorant, where you'll explore a scenic trail connecting two beaches. Along the way, visit a large lagoon frequented by flamingos.

Return to the yacht to prepare for snorkeling at the renowned Devil’s Crown, a submerged volcanic crater just off Punta Cormorant. Known as one of the top snorkeling spots in the Galapagos, it is teeming with vibrant marine life, offering an unforgettable underwater experience. After lunch onboard, the yacht will take a short journey to Post Office Bay. Here, take a brief walk to the historic wooden mail barrel, where visitors can leave letters or postcards to be picked up by future travellers, as well as the remnants of an old Norwegian tuna canning location. Return for a delicious dinner and a debrief then motor overnight.

Sights: Punta Cormorant, beautiful beaches and wildlife, Devil’s Crown, vibrant sealife, Post Office Bay
Activity level: Easy - moderate
Activities: Walking, hiking, snorkeling
Wildlife you may see: Sea lions, endemic birds, flamingos, marine iguanas, tropical fish, sharks, rays, eels, sea turtles, various marine life

Start your day on the scenic north coast of Santa Cruz Island with an excursion to Dragon Hill (Cerro Dragón). After a dry landing, embark on a 1.5-hour guided walk, beginning with a stroll past a lagoon where flamingos and pintail ducks often gather. Continue inland to discover a unique habitat for land iguanas, and make your way up the hill for a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

Return to the yacht for lunch as you cruise towards Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island. Here, you'll take an awe-inspiring walk on rugged, 100-year-old pahoehoe lava flows, dotted with distinctive lava cacti. Afterwards, prepare for a refreshing snorkel in the bay, where diverse marine life awaits, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a Galapagos penguin. Back on board, enjoy dinner and a debriefing as the yacht begins its journey to Genovesa Island (Tower), setting the stage for the next adventure.

Sights: Beautiful landscapes, Sullivan Bay, ancient lava flows
Activity level: Easy - moderate
Activities: Walking, hiking (rugged terrain), snorkeling
Wildlife you may see: Penguins, sea lions, endemic birds, land iguanas, tropical fish, sea turtles, various marine life

Begin your morning anchored inside the stunning caldera of Genovesa Island. Enjoy breakfast before heading to Darwin Bay by dinghy. Here, a short beach walk brings you into a vibrant nesting ground for red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, lava gulls, tropicbirds, doves, storm petrels, and yellow-crowned night herons. Take in the fascinating diversity of avian life. Return to the yacht and prepare for a snorkel or kayak in the caldera’s deep waters, where marine life is abundant. After lunch, prepare for a snorkel, where you may spot the shy scalloped hammerhead sharks.

Return to the yacht to get ready for an adventure at Prince Philip’s Steps. Upon arrival, fur seals may greet you at the landing site before you ascend up the steps to the island’s outer edge, passing through trails lined with fragrant palo santo trees. Here, keep an eye out for short-eared owls and nesting boobies. Enjoy a delicious dinner on board and a debriefing to reflect on the day’s sights as you cruise to your next destination.

Sights: Diverse bird nesting grounds, Prince Philip’s steps, snorkeling in the caldera, and the opportunity to see scalloped hammerhead sharks
Activity level: Moderate
Activities: Walking, hiking, snorkeling (choppy water), kayaking
Wildlife you may see: Scalloped hammerhead, sea lions, boobies, doves, lava gull, yellow-crowned night heron, storm petrels, tropic birds, short-eared owl, endemic birds, fur seals, and marine life.

Your final day of this unforgettable journey begins at the peaceful Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz Island. Enjoy a scenic dinghy ride through this serene red mangrove lagoon, home to sea turtles, rays, juvenile sharks, and other marine life.

After exploring, return to the yacht for breakfast as you navigate back to Baltra Island, where your Galápagos adventure comes to an end. You and your luggage will be transferred to the airport for your departing flight or onward travels.

Sights: Black Turtle Cove, marine life in the lagoon, endemic birds
Activity level: Easy
Activities: dinghy ride
Wildlife you may see: Sea turtles, rays, sharks, endemic birds, various marine life