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Wooden boardwalk in Bartolome

Private Charter - Islands Circumnavigation Aboard Tip Top IV

Baltra Roundtrip - Example 15 Day Cruise aboard Tip Top IV
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Embark on a 15-day private charter cruise aboard Tip Top IV and explore the Galapagos Islands from Baltra through Black Turtle Cove, Darwin Bay, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Floreana, Bartolome, Rabida, Chinese Hat, and Las Bachas. Discover diverse wildlife as you explore mangrove channels, seabird colonies, pristine beaches, volcanic landscapes, and marine-rich waters around the islands. Visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center and El Chato Reserve to learn about conservation and encounter giant tortoises, then explore Vicente Roca Point, Espinoza Point, Tagus Cove, Elizabeth Bay, Urbina Bay, and Moreno Point. Encounter penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, flightless cormorants, flamingos, and sea turtles while hiking, snorkeling, and exploring by panga. Continue to Floreana, Santa Fe, South Plaza, Bartolome, Sullivan Bay, Rabida, and Chinese Hat before visiting Las Bachas Beach and disembarking at Baltra after an immersive 15-day private charter cruise aboard Tip Top IV.
Floreana IslandGalapagos beachUnique landscape and cactus found on the Galapagos IslandsWarm waters of the Galapagos archipelago Colorful South Plaza IslandColorful kayaks on the beachSnorkeling the tropical waters of the Galapagos islands.Cruising in the GalapagosKicker Rock near San Cristobal Island(Santa Cruz) IguanaGalapagos penguin by the waterCruise the Galapagos on the Tip Top IV ShipA pair of friendly sea lionsA male frigatebird rests in the trees of the GalapagosPost office barrel, Floreana Island, GalapagosTwo Galapagos tortoisesWooden boardwalk in Bartolome
Highlights
  • Snorkel and swim in North Seymour, surrounded by the stunning landscapes
  • Explore Black Turtle Cove's mangroves and marine wildlife
  • Hike to the Pitt Point with your private group of up to 16 guests
  • Visit Sullivan Bay and learn of the volcanic origin of the islands
  • Encounter giant tortoises at El Chato Reserve
  • Hike Bartolome for panoramic views of Pinnacle Rock
  • Explore Isabela's volcanic coastlines and marine-rich waters
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Baltra | Embark | Black Turtle Cove

Fly from mainland Ecuador, either Quito or Guayaquil, to Baltra with LATAM Airlines, arriving around 9:50 a.m. Meet your guide at the arrivals gate, where the crew manages your luggage. Ride a short 5-kilometer bus route to the pier and board the yacht. As departure preparations begin, receive a brief introduction and enjoy a light snack.

After lunch, take a panga ride through Black Turtle Cove, a calm area of mangrove channels and small islets. Watch for white-tipped reef sharks, marine turtles, spotted eagle rays, and yellow cow-nosed rays in the clear waters. In the evening, attend an orientation about the Galápagos Islands’ history, geology, and ecosystems. Share a welcome cocktail with the crew before dinner and a nightly briefing about the next day’s activities.
Activities: Walking

Day 2: Darwin Bay | Prince Phillip´s Steps

Begin the morning with breakfast before making a wet landing at Darwin Bay. Explore the area to observe diverse wildlife such as frigate birds, herons, mockingbirds, boobies, shorebirds, sea turtles, and marine iguanas.
Activities: Snorkeling, Panga Ride, Kayaking, Walking

After lunch on the yacht, take a panga ride and make a dry landing at Prince Philip’s Steps. Walk along the trail to see nesting seabirds and experience the unique behavior of local species up close. Enjoy dinner on board, followed by an evening briefing focused on Galápagos conservation and ongoing protection efforts.
Activities: Snorkeling, Panga Ride, Kayaking, Walking

Optional: your guide will inform you where there will be time for swimming and snorkeling.

Day 3: Fausto Llerena Breeding Center | El Chato Reserve

Once you've had breakfast, you'll disembark you start the day with a visit to a fascinating visit to the Interpretation Center Fausto Llerena within the Charles Darwin Research Station. After this enriching experience, hop on a bus to drive towards the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where you'll explore the native forests and El Chato Reserve, a farm to marvel at giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat.
Activities: Walking

Lunch will be served on the farm, promising a delightful experience.  Return to Puerto Ayora and enjoy a city stroll on your own, until it´s time to get back aboard for the nightly orientation and dinner.
Activities: Walking

Day 4: Vicente Roca Point | Espinoza Point

After breakfast, make a panga ride on Punta Vicente Roca to observe plenty of sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed and masked boobies, and flightless cormorants. Return aboard for a delicious lunch.
Activities: Snorkeling, Panga Ride

In the afternoon, you'll embark on an adventure with a dry landing at Espinoza Point, where you'll encounter a bustling colony of sea lions, fascinating marine iguanas, and the unique flightless cormorants, all amidst striking clusters of lava cactus. You'll then return to the Yacht for a delicious dinner and the nightly orientation.
Activities: Snorkeling, Walking

Optional: your guide will inform you where there will be time for swimming and snorkeling.

Day 5: Tagus Cove | Elizabeth Bay

After breakfast, you’ll take a panga ride through Tagus Cove, a sheltered inlet nestled between two volcanic craters that shield it from the open ocean. During the ride, you’ll spot penguins, marine iguanas, sea lions, and a variety of bird species, including the flightless cormorant and blue-footed boobies.
Activities: Snorkeling, Panga Ride, Kayaking, Walking

In the afternoon, you´ll explore the islets of Elizabeth Bay by panga, where you will spot marine iguanas, penguins, sea turtles, seabirds, shorebirds, herons, and more blue-footed boobies. Early in the afternoon, return to the yacht for dinner and the nightly orientation.
Activities: Panga Ride, Kayaking

Optional: your guide will inform you where there will be time for swimming and snorkeling.

Day 6: Urbina Bay | Moreno Point

Enjoy your breakfast and continue to embark on an exciting wet landing at Urbina Bay, where you'll trek through a fascinating coral area and encounter land iguanas, flightless cormorants, and giant tortoises. For those seeking more thrills. You'll then return to the Yacht for a hearty lunch.
Activities: Snorkeling, Walking

You´ll keep sailing to Punta Moreno for another wet landing. A walk along the shore lagoons—set among ancient lava flows—offers the chance to
see a variety of bird species. From a panoramic viewpoint, depending on the weather, you will be able to admire the majestic Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes, as well as the highest point of Fernandina Island. Return to the yacht for dinner and the evening briefing.
Activities: Snorkeling, Panga Ride, Walking

Optional: your guide will inform you where there will be time for swimming and snorkeling.

Day 7: Cormorant Point | Champion Islet | Post Office Bay | Baroness Viewpoint

Followed by a delicious breakfast, make a wet landing at Cormorant Point for a short walk to the Flamingo Lagoon. Continue the walk to "La Picona" beach to see marine turtles and their nesting grounds. The activities continue with a panga ride around Champion Islet, a small island off the coast of Floreana Island. The main attraction here is the nearly extinct Charles (Floreana) Mockingbird. Visitors can also observe bird species such as Swallow-tailed Gulls, Nazca Boobies, and Brown Noddies. Champion Islet is an excellent spot for snorkeling, where you can see sea turtles, reef fish, Galapagos Penguins, and white-tipped reef sharks.
Activities: Snorkeling, Panga Ride, Walking

Enjoy the stunning landscape and explore the ruins of her house. Next, stop at Post Office Bay, a historic site dating back to the 18th century when whalers used a wooden barrel as a post office. Pay a visit to Baroness Point, named after the intriguing Baroness Eloisa von Wagner, who once lived on Floreana Island. Early in the afternoon, return to the yacht for dinner and a nightly orientation.
Activities: Panga Ride, Kayaking, Walking

Optional: your guide will inform you where there will be time for swimming and snorkeling.

Day 8: Mosquera Islet | North Seymour Island

Very early in the morning, you'll embark on an early adventure, wet landing on Mosquera Islet, which features a reef of rocks and coral formed by an uprising, along with a beautiful white sand beach and tide pools. You'll have the chance to observe colonies of sea lions, brown pelicans, blue-footed boobies, and Sally Lightfoot crabs. The striking contrast between the bright red tops and blue bottoms of the crabs against the black lava is truly stunning. Before breakfast, you make an early wet landing on Mosquera Islet, a reef of rocks and coral (the result of an uprising), and a great white sand beach and tide pools. You observe colonies of sea lions, brown pelicans, blue-footed boobies, and Sally light-foot crabs; the contrast between these bright red crabs on top and blue on the
bottom and the black lava is stunning.
Activities: Walking, Snorkelling

In the afternoon, you explore North Seymour Island on a coastal trail, spotting blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, marine iguanas, and sea lions. In the evening, you join the crew for a welcome cocktail, dinner, and your first briefing.
Activities: Walking, Panga Ride, Snorkeling

Day 9: Suarez Point | Gardner Islet | Gardner Bay | Osborn Islet

In the morning, you visit Suarez Point, one of the Galapagos’ most iconic wildlife sites, known for its seabird colonies and dramatic coastal scenery. You explore the area, observe diverse birdlife, and take in the dramatic coastal landscapes before returning to the yacht for lunch.
Activities: Walking

In the afternoon, you explore Gardner Bay, a pristine white-sand beach surrounded by turquoise waters and home to lively sea lion colonies. You visit nearby islets, where you enjoy excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and snorkeling. In the evening, you return to the yacht for dinner and your nightly briefing.
Activities: Walking, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Paddle Boarding

If conditions allow, enjoy swimming and snorkeling. Your naturalist guide will let you know when and where these activities are available.

Day 10: Pitt Point Islet | Pitt Point | Witch Hill | Kicker Rock

In the morning, you visit Pitt Point, where a trail leads from an olivine beach to scenic viewpoints overlooking the surrounding landscape. You explore one of the few places in the Galapagos where all three species of boobies nest in the same area. You return to the yacht for lunch.
Activities: Walking, Kayaking, Panga Ride, Snorkeling, Paddle Boarding

In the afternoon, you navigate around Kicker Rock, a striking volcanic formation rising from the ocean, before visiting Witch Hill, a beautiful white-sand beach. You explore the beach and take in the surrounding coastal scenery before returning to the yacht for dinner and your nightly briefing.
Activities: Walking, Kayaking, Panga Ride, Snorkeling, Paddle Boarding

If conditions allow, enjoy swimming and snorkeling. Your naturalist guide will let you know when and where these activities are available.

Day 11: Fausto Llerena Breeding Center | Twin Craters

In the morning, you visit the Fausto Llerena Interpretation Center at the Charles Darwin Research Station. You then travel to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where you explore native forests and observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat. You enjoy lunch at a local farm before returning to the yacht for dinner and your nightly briefing.
Activities: Walking

Day 12: Sant Fe Island | South Plaza Island

In the morning, you visit Santa Fe Island, known for its unique vegetation and endemic land iguanas. You explore the island’s landscapes and observe its distinctive wildlife before returning to the yacht for lunch.
Activities: Walking, Kayaking, Panga Ride, Snorkeling, Paddle Boarding

In the afternoon, you explore South Plaza Island, where you walk among sea lions and cactus forests. You take in the island’s dramatic scenery and wildlife before returning to the yacht for dinner and your nightly briefing.
Activities: Walking, Kayaking, Panga Ride, Paddle Boarding

If conditions allow, enjoy swimming and snorkeling. Your naturalist guide will let you know when and where these activities are available.

Day 13: Bartolome | Sullivan Bay

In the morning, you visit Bartolome Island, where you hike to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the iconic Pinnacle Rock. You take in sweeping views of the surrounding landscape before returning to the yacht for lunch.
Activities: Walking, Panga Ride, Snorkeling

In the afternoon, you explore Sullivan Bay, where you walk across ancient lava flows and learn about the volcanic origins of the Galapagos Islands. You discover the unique geological features of the area before returning to the yacht for dinner and your nightly briefing.
Activities: Walking, Panga Ride, Snorkeling

If conditions allow, enjoy swimming and snorkeling. Your naturalist guide will let you know when and where these activities are available.

Day 14: Rabida | Chinese Hat Island

In the morning, you visit Rabida Island, known for its distinctive red-sand beach and coastal lagoon, where you may spot flamingos. You explore the island’s unique landscape and observe its diverse wildlife before returning to the yacht for lunch.
Activities: Walking, Kayaking, Panga Ride, Snorkeling, Paddle Boarding

In the afternoon, you explore Chinese Hat Islet, a small volcanic formation where you can observe penguins, rays, and other marine life. You discover the islet’s unique volcanic landscape before returning to the yacht for dinner and your nightly briefing.
Activities: Walking, Kayaking, Panga Ride, Snorkeling, Paddle Boarding

If conditions allow, enjoy swimming and snorkeling. Your naturalist guide will let you know when and where these activities are available.

Day 15: Las Bachas Beach | Baltra | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
In the morning, you visit Las Bachas Beach, where a coastal lagoon often attracts flamingos. You explore the beach and take in the surrounding scenery before returning to the yacht for your farewell breakfast. You then transfer to Baltra Airport in time for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.
Activities: Walking

Important Note: Your itinerary may change without prior notice due to operational considerations, weather conditions, or regulations established by the Galapagos National Park.

Ship/Hotel

Tip Top IV

Upper Deck Terrace
Sun Deck
Dining Area

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

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Per person starting at
$166,831 2-3 travelers
Lower Deck Double Bed
Lower Deck Cabin
6 lower deck with two twin beds that can be converted into king beds. Some rooms are interconnecting, which is a great option for families.
Upper Deck Twin Bed
Upper Deck Cabin
4 upper deck cabins with two twin beds that can be converted into king beds.

Notes

Please reserve your wetsuit in advance prior to trip.

Child Discount

50% discount for children under the age of 12 at time of Galapagos cruise. Child discounts are conditional and may not apply on certain departures. Please contact us for more information.

Children under 12 may receive discounts on Galapagos flight fares and entrance fees. Contact us for details.
Included
  • 14 Breakfasts, 14 Lunches, 14 Dinners
  • 14 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
  • Use of all on-board water toys, such as snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddle boards, etc.
  • Internal Flights: Mainland Ecuador - Galapagos - Mainland Ecuador
  • Complimentary internet
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Galapagos Park Entrance Fee: $200 per adult, $100 per child under 12. Subject to increase by Galapagos Park Service.
  • Wetsuits are not included but are available to rent on board - $35 short and $40 long size for 4-day tours; $40 short and $45 long size for 5-day tours; $45 short and $55 long size for 8-day tours; $70 short and $80 long size for 11-day tours; and $80 short and $90 long size for 15-day tours.

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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