The M/C Elite, the newest luxury catamaran, takes guests on a 5-day private cruise across the Northern Galapagos. Relax on the beach, take in the beauty of the amazing landscape and the abundance of unique wildlife. Your tour begins with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about giant tortoise conservation. The next day, take a panga ride or go kayaking along the edge of Prince Philip's Steps to see elusive Galapagos fur seals resting on the rocks, as well as snorkel with a variety of shark species. Revel in the beauty of the highlands as you hike up the Twin Craters, where bird enthusiasts can spot Vermilion Flycatchers, Darwin's Finches, and Galapagos doves with their distinct red feathers. Your journey ends in the underwater wonders of Kicker Rock before disembarking in San Cristobal.
Highlights
Snorkel, kayak, and paddle across Darwin Bay's sand and coral beach with your private group of up to 16 guests
Discover Kicker Rock, formed by the erosion of the cone of an extinct volcano
Learn more about the Galapagos ecosystems at the Charles Darwin Research Station
Land at the Baltra airport and meet your fellow passengers before transferring to the Charles Darwin Research Station. The Charles Darwin Research Station provides an unmissable opportunity to find out about the vital work being carried out to preserve the archipelago’s ecosystems.
One element of this is a significant breeding program for Galapagos tortoises, whose numbers have been in decline since the 1970s. These enormous captivating reptiles are very accustomed to humans, so be sure to bring your camera for some close-ups. Embark on your ship this afternoon.
Day 2: Prince Philip's Steps | El Barranco | Darwin Bay
El Barranco, also known as Prince Philip’s Steps, is a rocky stairway that leads past a colony of Nazca and red-footed boobies and up to a plateau of dried lava. Continuing through the thin Palo Santo forest and looking out over the plain, visitors are often treated to sites of storm petrels launching out over the ocean. A panga ride or kayaking/paddle boarding along the edge of the cliffs provides a good chance to see the elusive Galapagos fur seals nestled on the rocks, and snorkeling is a great activity if you fancy a dip with a variety of shark species.
Darwin Bay has a small sand and coral beach that provides the perfect spot for snorkeling, kayaking, or paddle boarding in calm, sheltered waters in the company of hammerhead sharks, rays, and a plethora of colorful reefs fish. Onshore, a short trail leads along a tidal lagoon and mangroves, home to various land bird species, including Nazca and red-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls. The trail culminates at a viewpoint that offers a stunning view overlooking the cliffs and the bay below.
Day 3: Espumilla Beach | Buccaneer Cove | Egas Port
Espumilla beach, located on the northern coast of Santiago island, is an exquisite white sand beach whose name refers to the meringue-like trails of foam left by the lapping of the waves.
Sally Lightfoot crabs are in abundance here, and as a result, it is common to see predatory birds such as hawks, herons, and pelicans. This idyllic location is perfect for snorkeling or kayaking/paddleboarding amongst a raft of marine life, including species of octopus, eels, and sharks.
Buccaneer Cove has an interesting history as it is where sailors, Buccaneers, and whalers frequently anchored their vessels in search of food and water. It has become an important nesting site for turtles in more recent times and is also popular with sea lions. Enjoy a panga ride along with the eroded shoreline yields views of intriguing rock formations that provide excellent ledges for boobies, pelicans, and gulls.
Egas Port was once the site of a salt mine, but now this impressive black sand beach is an excellent location for snorkeling and observing shorebirds, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and marine iguanas. Stroll along the wide trails inland leads you past tidal pools and rocky volcanic formations known as grottoes, where it is possible to spot fur seals enjoying a spot of shade.
Day 4: Bachas Beach | Twin Craters | Santa Cruz Highlands
Bachas Beach is a glorious white sand beach on which the remnants of a rusted barge, thought to have been abandoned by the Americans during WWI, can be seen. It is a popular nesting site for turtles, so if you go for a snorkel, you might find yourself sharing the water with these wonderful creatures. The site is also full of vibrant Sally Lightfoot, and hermit crabs and elegant pink flamingos frequent the saltwater lagoon.
This afternoon, visit the Twin Craters. The best way to appreciate these remarkable, almost identical crater-like holes caused by the collapse of empty lava chambers is to take the trail that leads up and around the rims. From this vantage point, one can revel in the beauty of the surrounding highlands, lush with ferns and an abundance of Scalesia trees. Here, bird enthusiasts can also enjoy spotting the distinct red feathers of Vermilion Flycatchers, Darwin’s finches, Galapagos doves, and an endemic short-ear owl with a bit of luck.
Day 5: Kicker Rock | Disembark | San Cristobal Airport
1 Breakfast
Kicker Rock is an iconic feature of the Galapagos that has been formed over time by the erosion of the cone of an extinct volcano. The channel that runs between two imposing shards of rock is often described as one of the most thrilling sites for snorkeling and diving, where it is common to see spotted eagle rays, sea turtles, marine iguanas, Galapagos sharks, and even hammerhead sharks. Nazca, on the rock formation itself, blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and sea lions can often be seen perched on the ledges above.
Disembark and transfer from the yacht to the airport.
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.
$80,390
or $5,024 per person based on 16 max passengers
Select a Date
Golden Suite
Approximately 35 m2 the Golden Suites are spacious and comfortable. Each suite features an ocean view, sliding glass doors to an outdoor balcony, and rainforest-style showers in a private bathroom.
Child Discount
25% Discount applies when traveling with two adults. Children must be under 12 years old by the time they 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.
Initial deposit is 25% (35% for holiday departures), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 71 days prior to departure by Bank transferbank 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
4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners
4 Nights Accommodations
Ground transportation as listed
Excursions and activities as listed
Snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, transparent sea kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are all included in the cruise cost and are available for your use onboard.
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
Soft drinks and juices
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: $100 per adult, $50 per child under 12
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!