Board the M/C Monique for a 5-day cruise across the Galapagos Islands. Begin at San Cristobal with a visit to the Interpretation Center to understand the region’s geology, wildlife, and conservation work. Walk through cactus forests in Santa Fe and see pale-yellow land iguanas before snorkeling with sea lions. Continue to South Plaza, home to seabird colonies and striking Sesuvium ground cover. Land at Darwin Bay on Genovesa to observe frigatebirds and red-footed boobies, then climb El Barranco for views of Nazca boobies and storm petrels. Kayak or snorkel near the cliffs to spot fur seals and reef sharks. Explore volcanic landscapes at Chinese Hat and hike Dragon Hill. Conclude at Black Turtle Cove, gliding silently among mangroves. Each stop highlights the Galapagos’ unmatched wildlife and ecosystems.
Highlights
Learn Galapagos history at San Cristobal’s Interpretation Center exhibits
Walk Santa Fe trails surrounded by cactus groves and endemic iguanas
Spot nesting seabirds along South Plaza’s colorful volcanic ground cover
Snorkel Chinese Hat reefs with penguins, rays, and reef sharks
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.
After landing at San Cristobal Airport, receive guidance and transfer to the M/C Monique for embarkation.
In the afternoon, visit the San Cristobal Interpretation Center. Walk through exhibits that explain the islands’ volcanic origin, unique ecosystems, and human presence. Gain insight into the wildlife that inhabits the archipelago and the conservation projects designed to safeguard these fragile environments. Activities and Excursions: Walking Difficulty: Easy
Start the day on Santa Fe Island, one of the oldest islands in the Galápagos. Walk through stands of giant Opuntia cactus and watch for pale-yellow land iguanas resting across the dry terrain. Follow marked paths through the highlands before entering the bay, where calm waters invite you to swim or snorkel with sea lions, rays, and reef fish. Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling Difficulty: Moderate
In the afternoon, continue to South Plaza Island. Cross the small island on foot to see bright Sesuvium plants covering the ground between black lava rock and tall prickly pear cactus. Look overhead for tropicbirds and along the cliffs for swallow-tailed gulls and other nesting seabirds. Activities and Excursions: Walking Difficulty: Easy
Disembark on the white coral beach of Darwin Bay, the only sandy landing site within Genovesa’s volcanic caldera. During breeding season, male frigatebirds inflate their striking red throat pouches in elaborate mating displays while red-footed boobies perch on the mangrove branches. Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling, Dinghy ride, Kayaking Difficulty: Moderate
In the afternoon visit, El Barranco, also known as Prince Philip’s Steps, a rocky stairway that leads past a colony of Nazca and red-footed boobies 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 dinghy ride or kayaking 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. Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling, Dinghy ride, Kayaking Difficulty: Moderate
Day 4: Chinese Hat, Santiago Island | Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz Island
This scenic islet off the coast of Santiago Island is known for its striking lava formations. With a maximum elevation of just 160 feet (52 meters) and within easy reach of Santa Cruz, Chinese Hat is typically only visited by those aboard a Galapagos Cruise, and is renowned as one of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago. Activities: walking, Snorkeling, Kayaking, Dinghy ride Difficulty: Easy
In the afternoon, you'll head to Dragon Hill, located in the northwestern region of Santa Cruz Island. This visit offers guests the chance to explore the island on foot and observe the remarkable land iguanas—once nearly extinct, now thriving once again.
You’ll also encounter a saltwater lagoon home to flamingos, pintail ducks, and a variety of endemic bird species such as flycatchers and warblers. A brief hike leads to a stunning viewpoint at the top of the hill. Before returning to the yacht, enjoy some offshore snorkeling in the surrounding waters. Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling Difficulty: Moderate
Day 5: Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz Island | Disembark | Baltra Island Airport
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, you'll explore Black Turtle Cove, located along the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. This site vividly demonstrates how mangroves shape the marine ecosystem, forming a vibrant and unique habitat. Three different species of mangroves extend from the shore deep into the water, stretching nearly a mile inland.
While gliding silently through the calm waters aboard a dinghy, you may spot spotted eagle rays and mustard rays gracefully swimming in formation. Keep an eye out for white-tipped reef sharks gliding beneath the surface and Pacific green sea turtles surfacing to breathe or mate. The area is also a haven for waterfowl, such as pelicans, herons, and egrets, all drawn by the cove’s rich feeding grounds. Activities and Excursions: Dinghy ride Difficulty: Easy
After this last visit, transfer to Baltra airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador. Assistance and farewell at 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.
$5,1902-3 travelers
Golden Double Stateroom
Room size is 23 m² / 247.57 ft² with a king-sized bed or two twin-sized beds. Located on the Main Deck and Upper Deck.
Golden Single Stateroom
Room size is 20.9 m² / 224.97 ft². Located on the Main Deck.
Notes
25% discount per child applies out of the gross rates when traveling with two adults. Children must be under 12 years old when they board the cruise. Not applicable on Christmas and New Year/s Eve.
Single supplement for staterooms is 50%. 100% supplement applies to a second single stateroom within the same booking. Not applicable during high occupancy dates and subject to availability.
The single stateroom accommodates additional travelers who are part of odd-numbered groups and families. No single supplement applies. This stateroom is not available for solo passengers.
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 20% pp for Individual and Charter Booking and 30% pp for Holiday Booking + Internal Flight Cost, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 71 days prior cruise departure for Individual, 191 days for Charter and 131 days for Individual Holiday Booking 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
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
