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Sleepy sea lion on a log

Eastern Islands

Baltra roundtrip - Example 5 Day Cruise aboard La Pinta
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Familiarize yourself with the Galapagos Islands on an introductory Galapagos cruise aboard the La Pinta. This 5-day voyage takes you to the islands of San Cristobal, Espanola, and Santa Cruz Island. Swim with playful sea lions, take coastal and inland hikes, and view the famous giant Galapagos tortoise.
A giant lagoon with hundreds of giant tortoises- La Galapaguera, San CristobalPunta Suarez, EspanolaHiking at Punta Pitt, San CristobalEnjoy amazing snorkellingSleepy sea lion on a log
Highlights
  • Snorkel with fish and the occasional turtle and shark in Gardner Bay
  • Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station & learn about the giant tortoises
  • View lava lizards and red-footed boobies at Pitt Point
Activities
Places Visited
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 Island | Embark | South Plaza Island

Your adventure begins with a morning flight to Baltra Island and an immediate transfer to the dock to board Yacht La Pinta. There’s a welcome introductory briefing, boat drill, cabin assignment, and then lunch. Weigh anchor and start sailing for your first afternoon outing.

The turquoise waters of the channel here contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline, while a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus beyond, populated by yellow-gray land iguanas. Along the coastline, one finds sea lion colonies, while sea birds play with the thermals that form along the cliffs of this small but spectacular island.

Day 2: Santa Fe | San Cristobal

Take the dinghy over to this idyllic sandy-white beach populated by colonies of sea lions. Galapagos hawks are often easily observed, perched atop salt bushes. The Santa Fe land iguana, unique to just this island, may be spotted during the walk. Following the walk, snorkel and swim along a natural wave barrier or ride the glass-bottom boat.
Aquatic Activities: Snorkeling, Glass-bottom boat, Kayaking

After lunch, disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the island's capital, and drive 40 minutes to the island’s southern shore. At Cerro Colorado, visit the breeding center for highly endangered giant tortoises in the midst of a fantastic deciduous forest, home to dozens of bird species, including the San Cristobal mockingbird, and the San Cristobal lava lizard, both island endemics.

Day 3: Punta Pitt | Cerro Brujo

Land at the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island this morning. The trail that ascends from the beach provides spectacular views of the shoreline; you can observe frigates, plus a colony of bachelor sea lions. Look around and try to spot here all the species of boobies! After the walk, if conditions are favorable, there is time for a panga ride or do some snorkeling.
Aquatic Activities: Snorkeling, Beach, Panga Ride, Swimming

In the afternoon following lunch on board, a dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers takes you to Cerro Brujo's expansive, white coral beach, great for walking, with rewarding bird-watching featuring seabirds and shore birds. Also, look out for Galapagos sea lions. These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835. You will love this white-coralline beach.
Aquatic Activities: Snorkeling, Beach, Panga Ride, Swimming

Day 4: Punta Suarez | Gardner Bay

Your morning outing at Punta Suarez provides an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (seen from early April to early January), boobies, swallow-tail gulls, and the famous “blowhole” lava formation. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas. Many regard this site as one of the most rewarding Galapagos’ visits. Back on board for lunch.

In the afternoon, you set down at this beautiful, white coral beach for a short walk to observe the sea lions, mockingbirds, and finches, or enjoy the beach. There is great snorkeling in this area, or else there’s time to kayak or ride the glass-bottom boat.
Aquatic Activities: Snorkeling, Beach, Glass-bottom boat, Swimming, Kayaking

Day 5: Charles Darwin Research Station | Disembark | Baltra

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembarking in the morning, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the captive rearing program for giant tortoises. Here you witness the efforts and results of Galapagos fieldwork and study done in the name of science. Transfer via bus across Santa Cruz Island and a short ferry ride to Baltra. Your journey ends at Baltra Island, where you transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland. Baltra's flat substrate (due to its uplifted origin) is the reason why the island was chosen back in the 1940s as the construction site for an airport.

Ship/Hotel

La Pinta

La Pinta

La Pinta

Step aboard one of the biggest & nicest expedition ships in the Galapagos, complete with Jacuzzi, exercise room, & various comfortable social areas. All 48 guests will feel right at home with private bathrooms & central air conditioning in all of the cabins. It even has a glass bottom boat, as an alternative way to witness the stunning marine life.
La Pinta
La Pinta
Relax in La Pinta's lounge.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

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  • May 15, 2025from $5,870
  • May 29, 2025from $5,870
  • Jun 12, 2025from $5,870
  • Jul 24, 2025from $5,870
  • Aug 7, 2025from $5,870
  • Aug 21, 2025from $5,870
  • Sep 4, 2025from $5,870
  • Sep 18, 2025from $5,870
  • Oct 2, 2025from $5,870
  • Oct 16, 2025from $5,870
  • Oct 30, 2025from $5,870
  • Nov 13, 2025from $5,870
  • Nov 27, 2025from $5,870
  • Dec 11, 2025from $5,870
  • Dec 25, 2025from $6,169
  • Jan 8, 2026from $5,987
  • Jan 22, 2026from $5,987
  • Feb 5, 2026from $5,987
  • Feb 19, 2026from $5,987
  • Mar 5, 2026from $5,987
  • Mar 19, 2026from $5,987
  • Apr 2, 2026from $5,987
  • Apr 16, 2026from $5,987
  • Apr 30, 2026from $5,987
  • May 14, 2026from $5,987
  • May 28, 2026from $5,987
  • Jun 11, 2026from $5,987
  • Jun 25, 2026from $5,987
  • Jul 9, 2026from $5,987
  • Jul 23, 2026from $5,987
  • Aug 6, 2026from $5,987
  • Aug 20, 2026from $5,987
  • Sep 3, 2026from $5,987
  • Sep 17, 2026from $5,987
  • Oct 1, 2026from $5,987
  • Oct 15, 2026from $5,987
  • Oct 29, 2026from $5,987
  • Nov 12, 2026from $5,987
  • Nov 26, 2026from $5,987
  • Dec 10, 2026from $5,987
  • Dec 24, 2026from $6,292
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Per person starting at
$5,870
The Luxury Cabin at the La Pinta
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Luxury Cabin
There are 20 Luxury Cabins on the Upper deck. They include twin beds which can be converted into a double bed and private bath facilities.
The Luxury Twin Cabin at the La Pinta
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Luxury Plus/Triple Cabin
There are 4 Luxury Plus/Triple Cabins on the Upper deck. They include twin beds which can be converted into a double bed, a sleeper sofa and private bath facilities.

Notes

  • Please provide your wetsuit size in advance prior to the trip
  • During Peak Season dates, Metropolitan Touring reserves the right to prioritize reservations taking into account factors such as payment and confirmation dates.
  • Metropolitan Touring reserves the right to limit the number of twin/double cabins for single use depending on availability.
  • If more cabins are needed for single use, twin/double cabins have a 100% surcharge when used as singles. Please check availability first.
  • Luxury Plus Cabins(4) for twin/double use incur a 50% surcharge per person.
  • Regardless of the number of cabins occupied, the ship's authorized maximum operating capacity cannot exceed 48 guests.

Child Discount

10% 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
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
  • 4 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, kayaks, and 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 include juices and carbonated drinks, not “virgin” cocktails.
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. Subject to increase by Galapagos Park Service.
  • Alcoholic Drinks
  • Internal Flights: Mainland Ecuador - Galapagos - Mainland Ecuador: $475-675
  • Fuel Surcharge - to be invoiced separately
  • Carbon Neutral Fee - To be invoiced separately

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 545 reviews
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1 month ago
I just returned from a 10 day trip to Ecuador and The Galapagos Island. From the very first conversation with Adventure Life until my return, everything went smoothly. It was a great trip! Adventure Life excels at communication and organization. Every detail was considered, which made the preparation for my trip really easy. In country, my guides were outstanding...friendly, knowledgeable, on time, professional. I really can't say enough good things about how well I was taken care of during my trip. When flying to a new country it's comforting to be met by a friendly face at the airport who knows where you're going! All of my hotels were well-located and thoughtfully selected for comfort and historic interest. The yacht I sailed on through the islands exceeded my expectations in every way. My cabin was very comfortable, the food we were served was excellent and the crew was first-class. Our Park Guide found the perfect balance between fun and education. His passion for the Galápagos Islands was evident in every activity on every island. I look forward to planning my next trip with Adventure Life, and thank their entire team for making this adventure wonderful!
Tracy Heuermann

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