Cruise on board the M/Y Passion on this Westbound private tour of the beautiful Galapagos Islands. This 8-day itinerary explores a tortoise research station, abundant wildlife and a volcanic beach. Discover diverse flora and fauna while exploring by panga rides, hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Highlights
Take a panga ride to Devil's Crown, a key snorkeling site
Hike to a lagoon to see flamingos with your private group
View a nesting site for green sea turtles on a black sand beach
Look for whales and dolphins on the way to Isabela
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
After arriving at Baltra airport, be greeted by the personnel to cross the Itabaca channel then and reach Santa Cruz Island for your first visit to the Archipelago: The Highlands of Santa Cruz.
Visit one of the ranches of the area where it is possible to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. As these animals migrate from the coastal area to the highlands and back, the chosen ranch will depend on the presence of the tortoises since they roam free and change locations. Then head for the M/Y Passion for lunch and to freshen up to then head back to Puerto Ayora for your second visit of the day, the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center. Here, see tortoises from different islands. The animals are found in large semi-natural pens for their protection, but also to ensure an easy view for visitors. The pens are divided according to four different stages: eggs, neonates, juveniles (held here until they are mature enough to be "repatriated"), and adults. Afterward, head back to Puerto Ayora, where you will have some time to explore the town and shops by yourselves (this is the only chance to shop during this itinerary) before boarding the M/Y Passion at around 5:00 p.m.
Once on board, the crew and captain will welcome you, have a short security drill, and enjoy dinner and the briefing for the next day´s activities.
Day 2: Cormorant Point | Devil's Crown | Post Office Bay, Floreana
Spend the day on Floreana, the legendary homestead of infamous Baroness Eloise Von Wagner de Bousquet. Wet landing onto the olivine beaches of Punta Cormorant, where you will be seeking Greater Flamingos on the brackish lagoon on your way to another special beach with the finest sand you’ll set foot on, a sea turtle nesting ground where sharks and rays also visit regularly. End the outing with a short panga ride to snorkel in the Devil’s Crown, an old volcanic crater, and a key snorkeling site.
Possible activities: Hiking, Kayak, Panga Ride, Snorkeling, Paddle Board
After lunch, visit Post Office Bay (wet landing), where you can drop your postcards in the barrel as the whalers did centuries ago and select cards to hand deliver when you return home.
Possible activities: Hiking, Snorkeling
This morning visit Floreana Island´s Black Beach to learn about the intriguing human history of the island and its first inhabitants. Visit this fresh water source known as Asilo de La Paz, as well as the caves that served as hideouts for pirates and where the first Galapagueño was born, according to the stories of Floreana, which involve the infamous Baroness Eloise Wagner von Bousquet and her lovers who mysteriously began to disappear after settling on the island.
After your visit, you will have the best opportunity for a not‐so‐common yet well-beloved activity in the archipelago, a full afternoon navigation to look for whales and dolphins. This afternoon is completed by the impressive landscapes of Isabela and the Cerro Azul volcano.
Possible activities: Hiking
Arrive at Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos. After breakfast, step ashore at Punta Moreno (dry landing) onto a superb pahoehoe lava flow surrounded by giant shield volcanoes, some of which are still active! From here you will do a short hike to a lagoon where flamingos are usually present.
Possible activities: Hiking, Panga Ride, Snorkeling
Disembark at Urbina Bay (wet landing) onto a black sand beach, a nesting site for green sea turtles. Take a brief hike inland in search of land iguanas and giant tortoises (seasonal) that migrate to and from the highlands. At the beach, admire the remains of a geological uplift exposing coral heads and marine fossils, and if the sea conditions and time are on your side, you will also snorkel in these waters.
Possible activities: Hiking, Snorkeling
Day 5: Tagus Cove, Isabela | Espinosa Point, Fernandina
Dry landing near Tagus Cove, a historical pirate hideaway where names of countless ships are recorded for posterity on the cliff face. Hike through beautiful Galapagos landscapes to Darwin Lake, a salt‐water crater lagoon surrounded by tuff stone.
Possible activities: Hiking, Kayak, Panga Ride, Snorkeling, Paddle Board
Cross the Bolivar Channel to Fernandina Island, one of the world’s most pristine sites, and disembark (dry landing) at Punta Espinosa. Strolling along the shoreline, be on the lookout for flightless cormorants, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos penguins and hawks, sooty‐colored marine iguanas, and bright red‐orange Sally Lightfoot crabs.
Possible activities: Hiking, Panga Ride, Snorkeling
Day 6: Puerto Egas | Buccaneer's Cove and Espumilla Beach
At Puerto Egas, arrive by wet landing and disembark on a dark sand volcanic beach with a fascinating history of human settlement. With luck, you will see the Galapagos fur seals lounging on the edges of the lava fields and playful sea lions under arches of lava carved by erosion from the ocean. In these crystalline pools known as “grottos,” walk along the shore observing the abundant marine life and shorebirds they attract.
Possible activities: Hiking, Snorkeling
At Buccaneer Cove you can enjoy a panga ride around the beautiful coastline. This place is named so as it was once a refuge for British Buccaneers who anchored here to collect supplies and clean their ships. The cove is scenic with views of the cliffs and a dark beach, and unusual rock formations known as ‘the monk’ and ‘elephant rock.’ After Buccaneer’s Cove, en route to central Santiago Island to disembark at Espumilla Beach with a wet landing onto golden‐colored sand. This area is also used by green sea turtles as a nesting site. A trail through the forest will take you through some of the largest specimens of Palo Santo on the islands to best observe yellow warblers, the Galapagos flycatcher, and Darwin finches.
Buccaneer's Cove Possible activities: Kayak, Panga Ride, Snorkeling, Paddle Board
Espumilla Beach Possible activities: Hiking, Kayak, Panga Ride, Snorkeling, Paddle Board
Have a dry landing on Sullivan Bay in Santiago Island to start your walk over a recent lava flow, including very fresh pahoehoe lava formations, lava bubbles containing crystallized minerals and pioneer plants. Along the shoreline, you may find Galapagos penguins and herons going after small fish.
Possible activities: Hiking, Panga Ride, Snorkeling
Disembark on North Seymour Island directly onto this small, uplifted island. Walk through a large bird nesting colony of two different species of frigatebirds, blue‐footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls. Depending on the season you can watch the spectacular mating rituals being displayed.
Possible activities: Hiking, Panga Ride, Snorkeling
Day 8: Mosquera | Baltra | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Mosquera is a small islet located between Baltra and North Seymour Islands, measuring about 160 meters wide and 600 meters long. Visit this islet to view the shorebirds and aquatic life that frequent this area.
Possible activities: Hiking, Snorkeling
After this visit, the yacht will sail to Baltra Island where passengers will disembark and be assisted to the airport for their departing flight.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$92,400
or $6,600 per person based on 14 max passengers
Select a Date
Standard Stateroom
Standard staterooms feature air-conditioning and private bathrooms with bathtubs and showers.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners
7 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Bilingual Naturalist Guide
Adventure Life Pre-departure Services and In-Country Assistance (Quito Representative)
Shore Excursions, Swimming and Snorkeling
Transfers and Baggage Handling in the Galapagos
Tea, coffee, water, and natural juices.
Snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, and fins), Short wet suits (shorties), kayak equipment.
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Galapagos Park Entrance Fee: $200 per adult, $100 per child under 12 (fees of $100 per adult and $50 per child valid on arrivals throughAug 1, 2024). Payable upon arrival to the Galapagos, only in cash dollars. Subject to increase by Galapagos Park Service.
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 week ago
I spoke with at least a half dozen other travel companies, looking for a Galapagos cruise that fit our schedule and budget. Some companies could manage one or the other, but Erin was the only one who could do both. She found us the perfect cruise, at a fantastic price! And she has been quick and patient with responses to my many questions. So far, Adventure Life has been a fantastic company to work with!
Sandi T
3 weeks ago
Erin was patient, thorough, responsive, knowledgeable.
Karen Bukolt
4 weeks ago
Erin was responsive, knowledgeable, helpful, and ran through a few different choices with us. She got us a fabulous price on a trip, and made everything easy to do. And QUICK!!
Tina
1 month ago
From the initial meeting and planning process with our trip planner Jess, through to the finalizing of our itinerary, trip details and questions, I was very impressed with the professionalism, thoroughness, organization and attention to details. I would highly recommend Adventure Life to anyone looking to plan a unique travelling experience, knowing that the expertise and experience provided will result in a seamless trip of a lifetime.
Lynn Farquharson
1 month ago
Excellent suggestions I line with my desires on a Galapagos very last minute cruise.
Swift and professional guidance and assistance in booking the trip. Helped me realising a substantial saving.