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Bartolome Island and Pinnacle Rock

Private Charter - Central East & Southern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise
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Embark on a private 8-day Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise to explore the Central East & Southern Galápagos Islands. Witness giant tortoises and lava tunnels on Santa Cruz, discover Rábida's red sand beach and unique palo santo trees and encounter diverse wildlife on South Plaza and Santa Fe. Explore Punta Pitt's bird colonies and snorkel on San Cristóbal. Cerro Brujo offers sea lions and marine iguanas. Isla Lobos features sea lions and blue-footed boobies while Gardner Bay offers white sandy beaches and vibrant marine life on Española. Witness waved albatross at Punta Suárez and explored Punta Cormorant's diverse landscapes and wildlife on Floreana. Conclude your journey at the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center in Puerto Ayora, observing Galápagos tortoises and conservation efforts by the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Sea Lion resting on Red SesuviumColorful South Plaza IslandTwo frigate birdsBlue-footed booby mating danceOverlook at Pitt PointSea lion by the kayaksGalapagos Tortoise close upBartolome Island and Pinnacle Rock
Highlights
  • Explore underground lava tunnels in Santa Cruz, some over 1km long
  • Visit Rábida's red sand beach, discover unique wildlife
  • Observe marine iguanas and seabirds at Punta Pitt
  • Encounter sea lions and blue-footed boobies at Isla Lobos
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Baltra | Embark | Santa Cruz Highlands

Arrive at Baltra. Transfer to the boat to meet the guide and get on board. 

In the afternoon, visit the highlands of Santa Cruz and see the Galápagos giant tortoise in its natural surroundings. Explore the area and its incredible underground lava tunnels – some are more than 1km (.6 mi) long! Wander along the volcanic tubes and keep an eye out for the (mainly) nocturnal barn owls that sometimes roost here. 
Activities: Hiking

Day 2: Rabida | Bartolomé Island

Arrive at a red sand beach at Rábida to explore its trails. A short trail leads to a saltwater lagoon; another trail goes past the lagoon to the interior, where the revered palo santo trees grow. (When burned, the branches of this tree give off a pleasing aroma and ward off mosquitoes.) Head back to the beach to see prehistoric-looking pelicans nesting among low-lying bushes – it's a rare treat to watch parent pelicans return with gullets full of fish for the squawking youngsters. Take a panga ride from the beach to a cliff wall that drops off into the water to find one of the best deep-water snorkeling spots on the islands. 
Activities: Hiking, Panga ride, Snorkeling, Paddleboarding, Kayaking

Hike to Bartolomé's summit for a stronger perspective of the islands' not-too-distant volcanic origins, and enjoy a panoramic view – it’s one of the best among the islands! See other Galápagos Islands in the distance as well as Pinnacle Rock, the island’s famous towering landmark. Take the opportunity to swim and snorkel around Pinnacle Rock, one of the most iconic volcanic rock formations on the islands. Home to Galápagos penguins, friendly sea lions, sea turtles, and a huge variety of fish, Bartolomé and its surrounding waters are a fantastic place to explore the natural wonders of the Galápagos.
Activities: Hiking, Panga ride, Snorkeling

Day 3: South Plaza Island | Santa Fe Island

Land at South Plaza in the morning for wildlife spotting opportunities and a walk through the cactus forest. South Plaza is one of the smallest islands in the Galápagos, which has one of the largest populations of land iguanas. Walk along a path through a cactus forest and view a combination of dry and coastal vegetation on this lively island, home to a wide range of fauna, including incredible birdlife. Spot red-billed tropicbirds and indigenous swallow-tailed gulls resting on the cliffs, and sea lions playing in the waters.
Activities: Hiking

In the afternoon, lace up your hiking boots to explore Santa Fe Island's flora and fauna. Trek toward the cliffs along the island's northern shore to see a forest of giant prickly pear cacti (Opuntia). See endemic land iguanas lounging in their favorite forest, and feasting on Opuntia pads and fruit. 
Activities: Hiking, Panga ride, Snorkeling, Paddleboarding, Kayaking

Day 4: Pitt Point | Kicker Rock (Cerro Brujo), San Cristobal Island

Morning landing at Punta Pitt on San Cristóbal Island to observe the marine iguanas and seabirds along the beach and enjoy a snorkeling excursion. Enjoy amazing wildlife watching and interesting geological formations on this fascinating expedition. Arrive at a quiet cove on the eastern tip of San Cristóbal to explore Punta Pitt. Made up of volcanic tuff substrate, it's the only site in the Galápagos where it's possible to see three species of boobies and two species of frigatebirds. Snorkel around Punta Pitt Island and spot schools of fish swimming below. On the shore admire the nesting birds and sunbathing sea lions.
Activities: Panga ride, Snorkeling

In the afternoon, land at Cerro Brujo to observe the sea lions, marine iguanas, and seabirds along the beach. 
Activities: Hiking, Panga ride, Snorkeling, Paddleboarding, Kayaking

Day 5: Lobos Island | Tijeretas hill | Interpretation Center

In the morning, visit Isla Lobos and be greeted by sea lions frolicking in the waves. Explore this tiny island by foot and boat for some great wildlife encounters. Take a panga ride to view the sea and shore birds nesting and feeding. Spot a small colony of blue-footed boobies as well as two species of sea lions. 
Activities: Hiking, Panga ride, Snorkeling

In the afternoon, visit Tijeretas, a great viewpoint and your first wildlife encounter. Learn about the origins of the Galapagos at the Interpretation Center. Tijeretas Hill bears its name thanks to the frigate birds as “Tijeretas” is how people locally call them. Here enjoy a great view of beautiful landscapes at the foot of a frigate bird nesting colony.
Activities: Hiking 

Day 6: Gardner Bay | Suarez Point, Española

Enjoy the day on Española Island, one of the oldest in the archipelago. Arrive at Gardner Bay in the morning, and spend the day exploring on shore and snorkeling in the bay. Visit Gardner Bay's magnificent white sandy beach, home to sea lions and sea birds. Be sure to explore the beautiful turquoise water and its incredible sea life. Spot young sea lions and large schools of surprisingly big tropical fish, including yellow-tailed surgeonfish, king angelfish, and bump-head parrot fish.
Activities: Hiking, Panga ride, Snorkeling, Paddleboarding, Kayaking

After lunch, sail to the western side of the islands to Punta Suárez, known for its amazing bird colonies and home to the waved albatross (April and December).  Punta Suárez is one of the most rich wildlife landing sites in the Galápagos. Be greeted by surfing young sea lions on arrival. Head to the trail to find many species of nesting sea birds, and, if lucky, see the waved albatross. Follow the path up to a cliff for great views over the ocean, and watch sea birds gliding in the wind.
Activities: Hiking

Day 7: Cormorant Point | Post Office Bay, Floreana

Land at Punta Cormorant, the only landing site on Floreana Island, and discover two amazingly different beaches: one with green sand, colored by olivine crystals, and another with white sand particles known as 'Flour Beach'. Spend the afternoon observing flamingos and other shore birds feeding in the lagoon. Spot penguins and marine iguanas at the water’s edge, and explore the lava tubes with the Galápagos CEO. Guided walks to observe the birds and wildlife and learn about the natural history.
Activities: Hiking, Panga ride, Snorkeling

Jump on in and get up close and personal with the playful sea lion colony that resides in the waters off this tiny island. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, rays, and colorful fish swimming by. There can be currents in this area, this activity should be done by strong swimmers only. Snorkeling excursion at Champion Islet.

Visit Post Office Bay and learn about its unique history. In the late 18th century, English whaling vessels placed a barrel here to be used as a post office. Today, the box is used mainly by tourists, who may drop off and pick up unstamped letters to be carried to far destinations. Continue the tradition – leave a letter and take one to deliver (be sure it makes it to the correct location).
Activities: Hiking, Panga ride, Paddleboarding, Kayaking

Day 8: Puerto Ayora | Disembark | Charles Darwin Station | Baltra

Disembark in Puerto Ayora and visit Fausto Llerena Breeding Center a great place to observe many species of tortoises and land iguanas in captivity. Brought back from the brink of extinction, see the famous Galápagos tortoise up close – a corral houses adult tortoises, and a nursery cares for the young until around age three when their shells have hardened. This area also houses the Charles Darwin Research Station, a scientific organization initiated in 1964, which works to preserve the Galápagos' ecosystem through the conservation efforts of scientists, researchers, and volunteers. While the offices themselves are not open to visitors, the research station provides a study location for international scientists and environmental education for the local community.
Activities: Hiking

Fly back to the mainland from Baltra airport.

Ship/Hotel

Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise

Luxury Aperitif Lounge
Sun Deck Jacuzzi
Sun Deck Lounge Area

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$246,905 2-3 travelers
Suite King
Upper Deck Suite
Cabin size: 35 m² / 376 sq ft 6 convertible (twin/king size) double suites All suites feature a private balcony, mini bar, walk-in closet, and jacuzzi.
Suite Twin
Main Deck Suite
Cabin size: 35 m² / 376 sq ft 4 convertible (twin/king size) double suites All suites feature a private balcony, mini bar, walk-in closet, and jacuzzi.
Hermes Single Room
Main Deck Single Suite
Single cabin size: 20 m² / 215 sq ft 2 single suites All suites feature a private balcony, mini bar, walk-in closet, and jacuzzi.

Notes

  • Single supplement: 50% if both single cabins are already booked.
  • Child discount is 15% if travelling with 2 adults and under 12 years of age. Discount does not apply on discounted, promotional rates, or peak season.
  • Minimum age aboard is 6 years old. Children under 6 years of age are welcomed in charters and family departures with a waiver signed by their parents. They are and will be held fully responsible and liable for their kids’ safety during the entire cruise.

Child Discount

The minimum age aboard is 6 years old. Child discount is 15% if traveling with 2 adults and under 12 years of age. Discount does not apply on discounted, promotional rates, or peak season.

Children under 12 may receive discounts on Galapagos flight fares and entrance fees. Contact us for details.
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
  • Laundry Service
  • Bilingual Naturalist Guide 
  • Use of snorkeling equipment, wet suits, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.
  • Satellite internet
  • Signature Menu by a Renowned Chef
  • Use of Library
  • Use of Hammam
  • Cocktail and Cooking lessons
  • Butler Service
  • Unpacking Service
  • Access to Galapagos Airport VIP Lounge
  • Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages from Selected Menu
  • National Park Entrance Fee ($30 Ecuadorians / $200 Foreigners, Subject to change)
  • Galapagos Control Transit $20
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Internal Flights: Mainland Ecuador - Galapagos - Mainland Ecuador: $475-675
  • Massage services
  • Drinks not included in the Menu

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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!
Justin Chappelle
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