Sail the Enchanted Islands with Galapagos Unbound onboard the elegant Alya catamaran, a luxury 16-passenger boat that takes you on a private tour of the Galapagos Islands. There's no better way to cover more ground throughout the diverse archipelago than by sailing from island to island, and a smaller catamaran allows you to venture into secluded places larger cruise ships cannot go. Our expertly-designed itineraries onboard the Alya feature daily naturalist-led hikes, kayak paddles, snorkeling, wildlife-viewing expeditions, cultural encounters and more.
Spend your days connecting with nature, exploring volcanic landscapes dotted with fumaroles and lava tunnels and discovering coastlines that have lured pirates and scientists alike. During the evening, relax onboard the sundeck while sipping on a drink from one of the catamaran's two bars, indulging in delectable cuisine or resting in a comfortable cabin with a private balcony and bathroom. Onboard the Alya, your adventure doesn't end with the sunset.
The Alya's sleek design means smooth sailing, and your adventures will be hassle free with the help of our bilingual, certified naturalist guide and 8 cruise members who assure you an informative, hospitable journey. Discover the many natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands and find yourself enchanted.
Images & Videos
Itinerary
Day 4 Day Cruise
4 Day Cruise Overview:
Gain an insight into the unique wildlife and landscapes of the Galapagos Islands on this 4-day itinerary from San Cristobal. Witness all three species of boobies and frigatebirds at the famous visitor site of Punta Pitt, go snorkeling alongside sea turtles and marine iguanas at Gardner Bay and get up close to playful sea lions at Cerro Brujo.
Day 1 - San Cristobal Island: Isla Lobos
Fly into San Cristobal airport where you will be welcomed by one of our representatives and transferred to the Alya catamaran. Enjoy a welcome drink on board and lunch before embarking on your first excursion to Isla Lobos, which is a short panga ride from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Follow the short trail that leads across volcanic rocks to see a small population of blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds, together with a colony of sea lions.
Day 2 - San Cristobal Island: Cerro Brujo – Pitt Point
Begin the day with a visit to Cerro Brujo to soak up the impressive views towards the iconic Kicker Rock and San Cristobal’s southern coastline. Witness sea lions, brown pelicans and marine iguanas on what is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos, as well as egrets and great blue herons in the nearby lagoon.
In the afternoon we will make a wet landing at Punta Pitt, which is the only site in the Galapagos where you can observe three species of boobies and two species of frigates nesting in the same area. Follow the trail that leads past historic lava formations to the top of the visitor site for incredible views of the surrounding area.
Day 3 - Española Island: Punta Suarez – Gardner Bay
Begin the day with a dry landing at Punta Suarez where you can see many of Española Island’s endemic species. Follow the trail that leads past the only waved albatross breeding site in the archipelago where you may be lucky enough to see young albatross attempting their first flight. Also keep an eye out for turquoise marine iguanas that turn red in the breeding season, as well as swallow-tailed gulls, Darwin’s finches and mockingbirds.
After lunch on board, we’ll continue to the stunning white sands of Gardner Bay to observe its boisterous colony of sea lions, as well as three different types of finches. You’ll have plenty of time to go swimming and snorkeling to spot sea turtles, marine iguanas and a staggering diversity of tropical fish.
Day 4 - Santa Cruz: Highlands – Departure
Begin the day with an excursion into the highlands of Santa Cruz whose lush forests are home to a staggering variety of birds. Explore the fascinating lava tubes and witness the Galapagos’ agricultural landscapes before transferring to the airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.
Day 5 Day Cruise
5 Day Cruise Overview:
Encounter the natural beauty and wildlife diversity of the Galapagos Islands on this 5-day itinerary from Baltra Island. Get up close to land iguanas in the palo santo forests of North Seymour Island, see tropicbirds, boobies and finches on a hike at El Barranco and witness the spectacular volcanic formations of Sullivan Bay and Bartolome Island.
Day 1 - Baltra Airport - North Seymour Island
Fly into Baltra Island airport where you will be welcomed by one of our representatives and transferred to the Alya catamaran. Enjoy a welcome drink on board and lunch before embarking on your first excursion to North Seymour Island.
Formed by the lifting of marine volcanic lava, North Seymour is home to fossils dating to the Pleistocene era and swathed in endemic palo santo vegetation. Enjoy a short walk to spot the iguanas that were introduced from Baltra Island, together with nesting blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and pelicans.
Day 2 - Genovesa Island: Darwin Bay & Barranco
Begin the day with a wet landing at Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island and embark on a short walk through its mangrove swamp to spot frigatebirds, red-footed boobies and masked boobies. Keep your eyes peeled for marine iguana before taking a refreshing dip in the bay.
After lunch back on board, we’ll make a dry landing at El Barranco, or Prince Phillip’s Stairs, and hike to the top of the cliff’s plateau. From here there are magnificent views, as well as sightings of tropicbirds, petrels, boobies and finches, together with short-eared owls that like to nest in the lava flows.
Day 3 - Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay & Bartolome Island
Begin the day with a wet landing at Sullivan Bay, which is renowned for its impressive pahoehoe flows and lava colonizing plants. Enjoy a short walk to learn about its volcanic formation, with the island comprising a typical shield volcano on one side and a linear fissure volcano on the other.
Return to the catamaran for lunch as we sail towards Bartolome Island to witness its incredible lava cones, craters and pipes on a hike to the summit. Soak up the magnificent views across the archipelago, then go snorkeling alongside Galapagos penguins and marine turtles from one of the island’s beautiful beaches.
Day 4 - Dragon Hill – Santa Cruz Island: Black Turtle Cove
Begin the day with an excursion to Dragon Hill on the northwest of Santa Cruz Island, which is named after its healthy population of land iguanas. Embark on a short walk to its hyper-saline lagoon that’s frequented by flamingos and pintail ducks before continuing through diverse ecosystems to the top of the hill to take in the sweeping views.
After lunch on board, we’ll continue to Black Turtle Cove on the north side of Santa Cruz Island to explore its mangroves by dinghy. The cove provides a safe refuge for an abundance of marine life, including sea turtles, spotted eagle rays and black-tip reef sharks, as well as pelicans and boobies that can be seen diving gracefully into the water.
Day 5 - Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Research Station – Airport
Begin your final day in the Galapagos Islands with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station where the Galapagos giant tortoise breeding program takes place. Learn about the conservation efforts being taken to ensure the survival of the archipelago’s vulnerable species and wander through the prickly-pear cactus forest.
It’s then time to transfer to the airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.
Day 8 Day A Cruise
8 Day A Cruise Overview:
Gain a comprehensive insight into the endemic wildlife and otherworldly volcanic landscapes of the Galapagos Islands on this 8-day itinerary from San Cristobal. Go snorkeling alongside a myriad of marine life at Gardner Bay, witness all three species of boobies and frigatebirds at Punta Pitt and hike to the summit of Bartolome Island for sweeping panoramas across the archipelago.
Day 1 - San Cristobal Island: Isla Lobos
Fly into San Cristobal airport where you will be welcomed by one of our representatives and transferred to the Alya catamaran. Enjoy a welcome drink on board and lunch before embarking on your first excursion to Isla Lobos, which is a short panga ride from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Follow the short trail that leads across volcanic rocks to see a small population of blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds, together with a colony of sea lions.
Day 2 - San Cristobal Island: Cerro Brujo – Pitt Point
Begin the day with a visit to Cerro Brujo to soak up the impressive views towards the iconic Kicker Rock and San Cristobal’s southern coastline. Witness sea lions, brown pelicans and marine iguanas on what is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos, as well as egrets and great blue herons in the nearby lagoon.
In the afternoon we will make a wet landing at Punta Pitt, which is the only site in the Galapagos where you can observe three species of boobies and two species of frigates nesting in the same area. Follow the trail that leads past historic lava formations to the top of the visitor site for incredible views of the surrounding area.
Day 3 - Española Island: Punta Suarez – Osborn Islet
Begin the day with a dry landing at Punta Suarez where you can see many of Española Island’s endemic species. Follow the trail that leads past the only waved albatross breeding site in the archipelago where you may be lucky enough to see young albatross attempting their first flight. Also keep an eye out for turquoise marine iguanas that turn red in the breeding season, as well as swallow-tailed gulls, Darwin’s finches and mockingbirds.
After lunch on board, we’ll continue to the stunning white sands of Gardner Bay to observe its boisterous colony of sea lions, as well as three different types of finches. You’ll have plenty of time to go swimming and snorkeling to spot sea turtles, marine iguanas and a staggering diversity of tropical fish.
Day 4 - Santa Cruz: Highlands – North Seymour Island
Begin the day with an excursion into the highlands of Santa Cruz whose lush forests are home to a staggering variety of birds. Explore the fascinating lava tubes and witness the Galapagos’ agricultural landscapes before returning to the port.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue to North Seymour Island, which was formed by the lifting of marine volcanic lava and is home to fossils dating to the Pleistocene era. Enjoy a short walk through its endemic palo santo vegetation to spot the iguanas that were introduced from Baltra Island, together with nesting blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and pelicans.
Day 5 - Genovesa Island: Darwin Bay & Barranco
Begin the day with a wet landing at Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island and embark on a short walk through its mangrove swamp to spot frigatebirds, red-footed boobies and masked boobies. Keep your eyes peeled for marine iguana before taking a refreshing dip in the bay.
After lunch back on board, we’ll make a dry landing at El Barranco, or Prince Phillip’s Stairs, and hike to the top of the cliff’s plateau. From here there are magnificent views, as well as sightings of tropicbirds, petrels, boobies and finches, together with short-eared owls that like to nest in the lava flows.
Day 6 - Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay & Bartolome Island
Begin the day with a wet landing at Sullivan Bay, which is renowned for its impressive pahoehoe flows and lava colonizing plants. Enjoy a short walk to learn about its volcanic formation, with the island comprising a typical shield volcano on one side and a linear fissure volcano on the other.
Return to the catamaran for lunch as we sail towards Bartolome Island to witness its incredible lava cones, craters and pipes on a hike to the summit. Soak up the magnificent views across the archipelago, then go snorkeling alongside Galapagos penguins and marine turtles from one of the island’s beautiful beaches.
Day 7 - Dragon Hill – Santa Cruz Island: Black Turtle Cove
Begin the day with an excursion to Dragon Hill on the northwest of Santa Cruz Island, which is named after its healthy population of land iguanas. Embark on a short walk to its hyper-saline lagoon that’s frequented by flamingos and pintail ducks before continuing through diverse ecosystems to the top of the hill to take in the sweeping views.
After lunch on board, we’ll continue to Black Turtle Cove on the north side of Santa Cruz Island to explore its mangroves by dinghy. The cove provides a safe refuge for an abundance of marine life, including sea turtles, spotted eagle rays and black-tip reef sharks, as well as pelicans and boobies that can be seen diving gracefully into the water.
Day 8 - Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Research Station – Airport
Begin your final day in the Galapagos Islands with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station where the Galapagos giant tortoise breeding program takes place. Learn about the conservation efforts being taken to ensure the survival of the archipelago’s vulnerable species and wander through the prickly-pear cactus forest.
It’s then time to transfer to the airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.
Day 8 Day B Cruise
8 Day B Cruise Overview:
Spend eight days experiencing the unique wildlife and volcanic landscapes of the Galapagos Islands on this cruise from Baltra. Get up close to giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Center, see a feeding frenzy of marine life at Punta Vicente Roca and spot sea lions basking on the red-tinged rocks of Rabida Island.
Day 1 - Santa Cruz Island: Highlands
Fly into Baltra Island airport where you will be welcomed by one of our representatives and transferred to the Alya catamaran. Enjoy a welcome drink on board and lunch before departing on your first excursion into the highlands of Santa Cruz whose lush forests are home to a staggering variety of birds. Explore the fascinating lava tubes and witness the Galapagos’ agricultural landscapes before returning to the port.
Day 2 - Isabela Island: Moreno Point – Elizabeth Bay
After breakfast on board, we’ll make a landing at Punta Moreno on the north coast of Isabela Island, which nestles between the Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes. Embark on a guided walk to the bird-filled lagoons, take a panga ride to spot seabirds along the shore or go snorkeling to experience the vibrant underwater life.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue to Elizabeth Bay on the southern part of Isabela Island to explores its islet, lagoon and mangrove forests. Spot brown pelicans and flightless cormorants nesting in the mangroves, as well as sea turtles feeding in the shallow waters.
Day 3 - Isabela Island: Urbina Bay & Fernandina: Espinoza Point
Begin the day with an excursion to Urbina Bay where volcanic and tectonic uplift has resulted in exposed coral heads. Follow a short trail to see land iguanas, Galapagos hawks and the occasional giant tortoise, together with flightless cormorants.
After lunch back on board, we’ll continue to Espinoza Point on Fernandina Island where Galapagos hawks are often sighted. See marine iguanas nesting on the coast and land iguanas near the island’s volcanic caldera or opt to go snorkeling along the pristine shoreline.
Day 4 - Isabela Island: Tagus Cove – Vicente Roca Point
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board before landing at Tagus Cove where pirate inscriptions dating to the early 19th century are inscribed in a cave. Tagus Cove is named after an English ship that once visited the islands, with a hiking trail leading through its volcanic landscapes to Darwin Lake.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue to Punta Vicente Roca, which is a great place to see blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, gulls, storm petrels and brown noddy terns. Embark on a snorkeling excursion to see a variety of marine life or experience a feeding frenzy as whales, dolphins and sea lions come to feast on the nutrient-rich waters brought by the Cromwell Current.
Day 5 - Santiago Island: Espumilla Beach– Egas Port
Begin the day with an excursion to Espumilla Beach, which is located on the north coast of Santiago Island. It’s renowned for its palo santo vegetation and magnificent beach that provides an important nesting site for sea turtles.
Return to the catamaran for lunch before venturing to the black sand beach of Egas Port whose coloration is due to volcanic deposits from the Pan de Azucar volcano. It’s home to quick-footed Galapagos lava lizards and fur seals, as well as tidal pools that are teeming with life.
Day 6 - Rabida Island – Santiago Island: Chinese Hat
Begin the day with a hike on Rabida Island whose red colored rocks and sand are due to oxidization. Explore the coastal lagoon behind the beach where yellow warblers, finches, mockingbirds and doves can all be spotted, together with a colony of flamingos. Sea lions can also be seen basking on the red-tinged rocks along the shores.
After lunch on board, we’ll make a wet landing at the small islet of Chinese Hat on the southeastern tip of Santiago. Witness the pillow lava formations that were created under the sea and the coral heads that have been exposed above, together with Galapagos penguins, eagle rays, sea lions and marine iguanas.
Day 7 - Santa Cruz: Bachas Beach – Plazas Island
Begin the day with a visit to the beautiful beach of Las Bachas, which is named after the barges that were abandoned here by the US Navy during World War II. Embark on a short walk to the flamingo-filled lagoon where black-necked stilts and whimbrels can also be spotted, or opt to go snorkeling in the idyllic waters.
In the afternoon, we’ll sail to the South Plazas, which are home to endemic land iguanas and hybrid iguanas that result from the cross-breeding of a male marine iguana and a female land iguana. We’ll embark on a hike along a spectacular cliff where swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropicbirds and Audobon shearwaters can be seen nesting
Day 8 - San Cristobal: Interpretation Center – Airport
Begin your final day in the Galapagos with an excursion to the San Cristobal Interpretation Center in the port town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Learn about the volcanic formation of the islands, their ocean currents and special climate, as well as the arrival of different species.
It’s then time to transfer to the San Cristobal airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.
Dates & Rates
Supplementary Information
Rates Include
- All meals throughout cruise
- Transfers in the islands
- All excursions
- Bilingual National Park Guide
- Use of snorkeling equipment and wetsuits
- Use of Underwater Camera
- Free airport assistance*
- 1 hotel night in Quito or Guayaquil (the day before the cruise)*
- Free airport transfers for Galapagos flights (if booked by us)
Not Included
- Mainland-Galapagos-Mainland airfare
- Alcoholic drinks
- $100 Galapagos National Park fee
- $20 Transit Control Card
- Travel / medical insurance
- Tips
- Personal expenses
Important Notes
Discount for groups of 6+ pax 10%
Discount for children under 12 years 20%
Christmas and New Year supplement 25%
Single supplement 50%
All prices in United States Dollars
Ship Details
This new Catamaran has 9 comfortable cabins, 8 of them with private balcony. 4 cabins in upper deck and 5 in main deck, all the beds can be double or twin. Private facilities in each cabin: private bathrooms, cold/hot water; air conditioned, hair dryer, telephone for internal communication on board, safe box, and high speaker.
Social areas such as library, DVD service, dining room, bar with a variety of drinks and a sundeck with a panoramic Jacuzzi.
Specifications:
Year of construction: 2017
Type: Luxury Motor Catamaran
Length: 105 ft (32 m)
Beam: 43 ft (13 m)
Draft: 5,6 ft (1.70 m)
Cruising Speed: 12 knots
Capacity: 16 passengers
Crew: 9 Crew members + 1 Cruise Director + 1 Bilingual Guide
Engines: 2 Cumming Motors 350 HP
Water capacity: 2.500 gallons
Diesel capacity: 2.500 gallons
Electric Power: 110V and 220V
Cabin Details:
Main Deck:
One 205ft² / 19m² double cabin. Four 215ft² / 20m² double cabins with private balcony. Dining room and Lounge
Upper Deck:
Four 172ft² / 16m² double cabins (all with private balcony).
Safety & Navigation: All equipment meets/exceeds the international safety standards:
Life vests
GPS
Sonar
Naval radars
Fire detection and prevention systems.
Staterooms
Main Deck Cabins
- 215 Square Feet
- 2 Twin Beds or One Matrimonial Bed
- Panoramic Windows*
- Private Balcony*
- Air Conditioning
* Not Cabin 1
Upper Deck Cabins
- 172 Square Feet
- 2 Twin Beds or One Matrimonial Bed
- Panoramic Windows
- Private Balcony
- Air Conditioning
Ship Photos
Deck Plans
Reviews
FAQ & More
Where are the Galapagos Islands?
The Galapagos Islands (or Archipelago de Colon) are a Province of Ecuador located about 500 miles (800 kilometers) west of the Ecuadorian coast and are located directly on the equator. Learn more about the Galapagos Islands in our Galapagos Travel Guide.
When is the best time to visit? What is the weather like?
If you're planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands, be sure to check out our Galapagos Weather Overview. We've included a seasonal snapshot as well as a month by month break down of both weather and wildlife trends to help you pick the very best time to visit the Islands. For those who are more visual, we have a great Galapagos weather and wildlife info-graphic.
Can you book my flights?
For most of our tours we book the necessary round-trip flights from Ecuador mainland to the Galapagos Islands. Please refer to your reservation materials for specific details regarding flights.
We do not book any International flights to Ecuador; however we do have a great air travel specalist that we would be happy to refer you to. Please ask your Adventure Consultant for details.
Does Ecuador really use the US Dollar?
Yes! However, be sure to bring cash bills in good condition because bills with markings or tears won’t be accepted. There are also ATM machines in the larger towns. It’s a good idea to alert your bank that you’ll be traveling to Ecuador so they don’t stop the transactions.
Please check out our Galapagos and Ecuador currency resource for additional details.
What vaccinations do I need?
There are no special requirements or vaccines to go to Ecuador or the Galapagos Islands. Please visit the CDC Website for further details.
How much snorkeling is available on this trip?
There is an opportunity for snorkeling almost every day on this trip and the underwater life is a true highlight of visiting the Galapagos. Our trip offers more opportunities than most, and on some days we stop at two or three locations to snorkel.
If you’ve never been snorkeling we highly recommend you practice before the trip. It's not necessary but you will enjoy the experience much more!
Is snorkeling gear included?
Yes. On this trip, all of the equipment is on board!
What documentation do I need?
Ecuadorian Immigration regulations state that, every foreign passenger entering the country must have a passport with a time validity of at least 6 months beginning from the day of your departure from Ecuador. If you have questions or concerns please contact the nearest Ecuadorian embassy for the latest visa requirements.
Money - Debit and Credit Cards
The local currency in The Galapagos Islands and throughout Ecuador is the US dollar. In the Islands, most major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners) are accepted at hotels and restaurants. In the local stores and cafes sometimes cash is the only way to pay. Try to carry smaller denomination notes, typically nothing bigger than a $20.
Time Zone?
The Galapagos Islands are GMT -6 hours and do not change their clocks for Daylight Savings (because they are on the equator). This means that in the summer months they are the same time as Mountain Daylight Time but in the winter months they are the same time as Central Standard Time.
Gratuities?
In Galapagos, leaving a gratuity for the guide and crew separately is the custom. Tipping is NOT a requirement and should be given at the guest's sole discretion based on the level of service received and each guests beliefs. If a guest wishes to leave a tip, please use the the envelopes marked "CREW" and "GUIDE" that will be left in the accommodations on your last day. Please put the envelopes in the gratuity box that will be left in the dining area on the day of your departure. All the money in the "CREW" envelope will be shared equally among the crew members. Based on past experience we suggest: If service was excellent, the average tip has been $22 per person per day for the entire ship's crew and $10 per person per day for the guide. Please understand that this is just a suggestion: tipping/gratuities are a very personal matter and it entirely depends on the value of the service you received.
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