There's no better way to visit the Galapagos Islands, a dream destination for wildlife and nature lovers alike, than onboard the Cormorant cruise ship that merges adventure with singular luxury. Spend each day walking across lava rock and lunar landscapes, exploring stunning coastlines, and getting up-close with giant Galapagos tortoises, marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins and other incredible wildlife endemic to the islands. Swim and snorkel next to sea turtles, Galapagos sharks and other tropical fish. Discover secluded lagoons and colorful forests of Opuntia cacti and palo santo. Onboard the yacht, relax in a sun deck jacuzzi, sip on sundowners, indulge in gourmet meals and wake up to riveting views you can see from your private balcony.
Our private yacht tours onboard the Cormorant bring your Galapagos dreams to life and take you to spots you never thought to explore. Connect with nature and discover one of the world's greatest natural wonders, all while a dedicated and knowledgable crew and naturalist guide ensures that you have the greatest Galapagos Islands vacation possible.
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Itinerary
Day 4 Day Cruise
4 Day Cruise Overview
Get a taste of the Galapagos Islands as you cruise from San Cristobal to Baltra on this fascinating 4-day itinerary. Witness blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies and Darwin’s finches on Española Island, go snorkeling with a myriad of marine life at Champion Islet and discover the human history of the archipelago at Post Office Bay.
Day 1 - Embark San Cristobal to Kicker Rock
Fly into San Cristobal Island where you will be met by one of the Cormorant crew and transferred to the catamaran. After settling into your cabin, you’ll have time to meet your fellow travelers as you enjoy lunch, followed by an introductory briefing.
In the afternoon, we’ll embark on a dinghy ride around Kicker Rock, which is also known as “Leon Dormido” due to its resemblance to a sleeping lion. This natural monument is a favorite site for birdwatching, with tropicbirds, frigatebirds and boobies all spotted here, together with a fascinating array of marine invertebrates and tropical fish below the water’s surface.
Day 2 - Suarez Point & Gardner Bay (Española)
Today we’ll head to the southernmost island in the Galapagos, Española, to visit the breeding site of nearly all of the world’s waved albatrosses. The island is also densely populated with mockingbirds, blue-footed boobies and Nazca boobies, together with Darwin’s finches and Galapagos doves. Keep your eyes peeled for red and green marine iguanas on a short hike to Suarez Point where waved albatrosses uses the cliff as a launching pad, then witness the archipelago’s famous “blow hole” spurting water high into the air.
As you enjoy lunch onboard, we’ll cruise towards Gardner Bay on the eastern side of Española and spend the afternoon relaxing on its white sandy beach. Photograph its myriad of sea lions or opt to go snorkeling in the idyllic waters.
Day 3 - Post Office Bay, Cormorant Point & Champion Islet (Floreana)
Begin the day with a visit to the green olivine-crystal beach at Cormorant Point and embark on a short hike to its salt-water lagoon where flamingos can be seen wading in the shallows. Continue along the trail to the powdery white sands of Flour Beach, which is an important sea turtle nesting site, then go snorkeling amidst the incredible marine life at Champion Islet.
After lunch on board, we’ll cruise towards Post Office Bay where a wooden barrel was placed in the 18th century as a makeshift mail box for passing whalers. Mail your postcards to friends and family back home before hiking to Baroness Viewpoint for spectacular views of the coastline while learning about Floreana’s endemic mangroves.
Day 4 - Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz) & Disembark Baltra
Begin your final day in the Galapagos with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. Get up close to various subspecies of giant tortoises, which range in age from new-born hatchlings to fully grown adults, and learn about the ongoing conservation efforts to ensure their survival.
It’s then time to say goodbye to your crew as you are transferred to Baltra Island's airport for your flight back to the mainland.
Day 5 Day Cruise
5 Day Cruise Overview
Explore the islands of Santa Cruz, Bartolome, Santiago, South Plaza and Santa Fe on this introductory 5-day Galapagos itinerary. Hike across the spectacular volcanic landscapes of Bartolome Island, witness one of the archipelago’s largest sea lion colonies on South Plaza and spot all three species of Galapagos boobies at Pitt Point.
Day 1 - Embark Baltra to Las Bachas Beach (Santa Cruz)
Fly into Baltra Island where you will be met one of the Cormorant crew and transferred to the catamaran. Settle into your cabin and meet your fellow travelers over lunch onboard before embarking on your first excursion to Las Bachas Beach on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island.
Named after the US Navy barges that were abandoned here during World War II, Las Bachas provides an idyllic spot for swimming. Follow the short walking trail that leads to a lagoon where flamingos, black-necked stilts and whimbrels can be seen wading in the shallows and keep an eye out for Sally Lightfoot crabs scuttling along the rocks.
Day 2 - Bartolome & Sullivan Bay (Santiago)
After breakfast on board, begin the day with a visit to Bartolome Island, which is renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes. Follow your naturalist guide on a hike to the summit of the island, from where there are sweeping views across the archipelago and towards the famous Pinnacle Rock. Then cool off while snorkeling from one of the island’s beautiful beaches where you may even see Galapagos penguins.
In the afternoon, we’ll cruise towards Sullivan Bay on the southeast of Santiago Island, which is covered in rope-like pahoehoe lava flows. Learn about the formation of this unique geological feature and see first-hand how the relatively recent eruption has affected the patterns of vegetation.
Day 3 - South Plaza & Santa Fe
After breakfast onboard, we’ll head towards South Plaza Island whose steep cliffs were formed by rising lava and are now blanketed in Opuntia cacti. South Plaza is home to one of the largest sea lion colonies in the archipelago, as well as bright yellow and red land iguanas and distinctive sesuvium.
In the afternoon, we’ll cruise towards Santa Fe Island and its picturesque bay on the northeast coast. Go hiking to a scenic cliff top viewpoint or explore the island’s prickly pear cactus forest while keeping an eye out for the endemic Santa Fe land iguana. You’ll also have time to go snorkeling or swimming with the resident sea lions before returning to the catamaran for dinner.
Day 4 - Witch Hill & Pitt Point (San Cristobal)
Begin the day with an excursion to Cerro Brujo, or Witch Hill, which is home to one of the prettiest beaches in the Galapagos. Get up close to sea lions and iconic blue-footed boobies as you stroll along the powdery white sands or spot egrets and great blue herons wading in the nearby lagoon. You can also take advantage of the opportunity to go snorkeling in the idyllic waters that are teeming with marine life.
As you enjoy lunch onboard, we’ll cruise towards Pitt Point at the most northeasterly point of Isabela Island and embark on an easy hike to a nesting site where all three species of Galapagos boobies can be found. It’s a great spot for wildlife photography, with attractive volcanic tuff formations amidst its spectacular birdlife.
Day 5 - Lobos Island & Kicker Rock (San Cristobal)
Begin the day with a visit to Lobos Island, which is named after the playful sea lions that can be seen basking on its rocky shores. Also keep your eyes peeled for blue-footed boobies, great frigatebirds, brown pelicans and yellow warblers, together with colorful marine iguanas.
It’s then time to say goodbye to your crew as you are transferred to San Cristobal Island's airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.
Day 8 Day A Cruise
8 Day A Cruise Overview
Experience the fascinating wildlife and dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Galapagos’ central, eastern and southern islands on this 8-day itinerary from Baltra. Hike through spectacular volcanic landscapes to the summit of Bartolome Island, witness all three species of boobies at Pitt Point and watch as waved albatross launch themselves into the air from Española Island.
Day 1 - Embark Baltra to Las Bachas Beach (Santa Cruz)
Fly into Baltra Island where you will be met one of the Cormorant crew and transferred to the catamaran. Settle into your cabin and meet your fellow travelers over lunch onboard before embarking on your first excursion to Las Bachas Beach on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island.
Named after the US Navy barges that were abandoned here during World War II, Las Bachas provides an idyllic spot for swimming. Follow the short walking trail that leads to a lagoon where flamingos, black-necked stilts and whimbrels can be seen wading in the shallows and keep an eye out for Sally Lightfoot crabs scuttling along the rocks.
Day 2 - Bartolome & Sullivan Bay (Santiago)
After breakfast on board, begin the day with a visit to Bartolome Island, which is renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes. Follow your naturalist guide on a hike to the summit of the island, from where there are sweeping views across the archipelago and towards the famous Pinnacle Rock. Then cool off while snorkeling from one of the island’s beautiful beaches where you may even see Galapagos penguins.
In the afternoon, we’ll cruise towards Sullivan Bay on the southeast of Santiago Island, which is covered in rope-like pahoehoe lava flows. Learn about the formation of this unique geological feature and see first-hand how the relatively recent eruption has affected the patterns of vegetation.
Day 3 - South Plaza & Santa Fe
After breakfast onboard, we’ll head towards South Plaza Island whose steep cliffs were formed by rising lava and are now blanketed in Opuntia cacti. South Plaza is home to one of the largest sea lion colonies in the archipelago, as well as bright yellow and red land iguanas and distinctive sesuvium.
In the afternoon, we’ll cruise towards Santa Fe Island and its picturesque bay on the northeast coast. Go hiking to a scenic cliff top viewpoint or explore the island’s prickly pear cactus forest while keeping an eye out for the endemic Santa Fe land iguana. You’ll also have time to go snorkeling or swimming with the resident sea lions before returning to the catamaran for dinner.
Day 4 - Witch Hill & Pitt Point (San Cristobal)
Begin the day with an excursion to Cerro Brujo, or Witch Hill, which is home to one of the prettiest beaches in the Galapagos. Get up close to sea lions and iconic blue-footed boobies as you stroll along the powdery white sands or spot egrets and great blue herons wading in the nearby lagoon. You can also take advantage of the opportunity to go snorkeling in the idyllic waters that are teeming with marine life.
As you enjoy lunch onboard, we’ll cruise towards Pitt Point at the most northeasterly point of Isabela Island and embark on an easy hike to a nesting site where all three species of Galapagos boobies can be found. It’s a great spot for wildlife photography, with attractive volcanic tuff formations amidst its spectacular birdlife.
Day 5 - Lobos Island & Kicker Rock (San Cristobal)
Begin the day with a visit to Lobos Island, which is named after the playful sea lions that can be seen basking on its rocky shores. Also keep your eyes peeled for blue-footed boobies, great frigatebirds, brown pelicans and yellow warblers, together with colorful marine iguanas.
In the afternoon, we’ll embark on a dinghy ride around Kicker Rock, which is also known as “Leon Dormido” due to its resemblance to a sleeping lion. This natural monument is a favorite site for birdwatching, with tropicbirds, frigatebirds and boobies all spotted here, together with a fascinating array of marine invertebrates and tropical fish below the water’s surface.
Day 6 - Suarez Point & Gardner Bay (Española)
Today we’ll head to the southernmost island in the Galapagos, Española, to visit the breeding site of nearly all of the world’s waved albatrosses. The island is also densely populated with mockingbirds, blue-footed boobies and Nazca boobies, together with Darwin’s finches and Galapagos doves. Keep your eyes peeled for red and green marine iguanas on a short hike to Suarez Point where waved albatrosses uses the cliff as a launching pad, then witness the archipelago’s famous “blow hole” spurting water high into the air.
As you enjoy lunch onboard, we’ll cruise towards Gardner Bay on the eastern side of Española and spend the afternoon relaxing on its white sandy beach. Photograph its myriad of sea lions or opt to go snorkeling in the idyllic waters.
Day 7 - Post Office Bay, Cormorant Point & Champion Islet (Floreana)
Begin the day with a visit to the green olivine-crystal beach at Cormorant Point and embark on a short hike to its salt-water lagoon where flamingos can be seen wading in the shallows. Continue along the trail to the powdery white sands of Flour Beach, which is an important sea turtle nesting site, then go snorkeling amidst the incredible marine life at Champion Islet.
After lunch on board, we’ll cruise towards Post Office Bay where a wooden barrel was placed in the 18th century as a makeshift mailbox for passing whalers. Mail your postcards to friends and family back home before hiking to Baroness Viewpoint for spectacular views of the coastline while learning about Floreana’s endemic mangroves.
Day 8 - Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz) & Disembark Baltra
Begin your final day in the Galapagos with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. Get up close to various subspecies of giant tortoises, which range in age from new-born hatchlings to fully grown adults, and learn about the ongoing conservation efforts to ensure their survival.
It’s then time to say goodbye to your crew as you are transferred to Baltra Island's airport for your flight back to the mainland.
Day 8 Day B Cruise
8 Day B Cruise Overview
Tick off many of the Galapagos Islands’ highlights, together with some of its little-visited gems, on this exciting 8-day itinerary from Baltra. See giant tortoises in the wild in the highlands of Santa Cruz, photograph Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls on Genovesa Island and explore the mangrove-lined waters of Elizabeth Bay by panga.
Day 1 - Arrive Baltra, Visit Highlands & Embark to Twin Craters (Santa Cruz)
Fly into Baltra Island where you will be met by one of the Cormorant crew and transferred across the Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island. Before embarking the yacht, we’ll travel into the lush highlands where you will be able to see giant tortoises in the wild, together with a range of different bird species.
Then return to the town of Puerto Ayora where you will have time to browse the shops before boarding the Cormorant yacht and settling into your cabin.
Day 2 - Tintoreras Islet or Sierra Negra Volcano & Wetlands (Isabela)
Begin the day with a visit to Tintoreras Islet whose crystalline waters are inhabited by white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos penguins and sea turtles. Its mangrove-lined beach is one of the few sites in the Galapagos where marine iguanas can successfully reproduce. Alternatively, we may visit Sierra Negra, which boasts the largest volcanic basaltic caldera in the archipelago, and spot some of its seven species of finches on a hike to the top.
In the afternoon, we’ll travel to the wetlands of Isabela Island just outside of Puerto Villamil and explore its lagoons, swamps and mangroves that are home to common stilts, whimbrels, white-cheeked pintails and gallinules. Alternatively, we may visit a tortoise breeding center to get up close to these iconic creatures.
Day 3 - Moreno Point & Elizabeth Bay (Isabela)
Begin the day with a visit to Moreno Point on the southwest coast of Isabela Island to explore the crystal tide pools that have been created in the cratered lava flow. Then visit the nearby brackish pools where pink flamingos, white-cheeked pintails and common gallinules can be seen wading in the shallows.
In the afternoon, we’ll explore beautiful Elizabeth Bay by panga ride, passing the red mangroves that line its shores. Keep an eye out for sea turtles and rays that can often be seen skimming the surface of the water, together with brown pelicans and Galapagos penguins as they dive for fish.
Day 4 - Mangle Point (Fernandina) & Urbina Bay (Isabela)
Begin the day with a visit to Mangle Point to witness the incredible wildlife of Fernandina Island and soak up the spectacular views. Go snorkeling with sea lions in the protected inlet or catch a glimpse of curious penguins and flightless cormorants as they dive for fish off the rocks.
In the afternoon, we’ll cruise towards Urbina Bay, which is renowned for its fascinating geological formations. Soak up the views of Volcano Alcedo while keeping your eyes peeled for marine iguanas basking in the sun, as well as stingrays and sea turtles skimming the surface of the water.
Day 5 - Espinoza Point (Fernandina) & Vicente Roca Point (Isabela)
After breakfast on board, we’ll visit Espinoza Point on Fernandina, which is the youngest island in the archipelago and features its most pristine ecosystem. Dominated by La Cumbre volcano, its lava fields stretch towards the sea where marine iguanas, sea lions and Galapagos hawks can all be spotted. Follow your naturalist guide on a trek to the island’s highlight - a flightless cormorant nesting site.
In the afternoon, we’ll cruise towards Vicente Roca Point on Isabela Island to explores its two separate coves. Keep your eyes out for sea turtles, seahorses and the unique mola mola sunfish while snorkeling in the large bay.
Day 6 - Puerto Egas & Buccaneer Cove or Espumilla Beach
Begin the day with a visit to the black sand beach of Puerto Egas, which is located on the western side of Santiago Island. Spot lava lizards as you hike to an abandoned salt mine where you can learn about the human history of the Galapagos Islands, then spot fur seals while snorkeling offshore.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue to either Espumilla Beach or Buccaneer Cove, both of which are on Santiago Island. Go snorkeling with sea lions at Buccaneer Cove, a popular pirate haven during the 17th and 18th centuries, or walk to a mangrove-lined lagoon where flamingos, pintail ducks and stilts can be seen feeding near Espumilla Beach.
Day 7 - El Barranco & Darwin Bay (Genovesa)
Begin the day with a steep hike up El Barranco, or Prince Phillip’s Steps, to soak up the views across Genovesa Island. Continue trekking through unique palo santo vegetation while spotting red-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls, Galapagos swallows and Galapagos doves.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to the white coral beach of Darwin Bay and follow a short trail that winds through mangroves where Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls can all be spotted. Watch as sea lions play in the tidal pools and keep your eyes peeled for land iguanas scuttling about.
Day 8 - North Seymour & Disembark Baltra
Begin your final day in the Galapagos at North Seymour Island, which was created by tectonic uplift following a series of submarine lava flows. It’s home to blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds, as well as a large population of Galapagos sea lions.
It’s then time to say goodbye to your crew as you are transferred to Baltra Island's airport for your flight back to the mainland.
Dates & Rates
Supplementary Information
Prices noted above are for Standard Cabins. Suites are available as follows:
8 Day Cruise $7475
5 Day Cruise $4715
4 Day Cruise $3500
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 6-14 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
Specifications
Year of construction: 2011
Length: 108 ft (33 m)
Beam: 39 ft (12 m)
Draft: 5 ft (1,40 m)
Speed: 14 knots
Capacity: 16 passengers
9 Crew members + 1 Cruise Director + 1 Bilingual Guide
Main engines: Cummins QSM 11 / 400 HP @ 2100 RPM
Water maker: 2000 Gallons / day
Exterior: GFRP (fiber reinforced polymer)
Accommodation
Main Deck: 2 Suites 409 ft² / 38 m². 2 Double Staterooms 258 ft² / 24 m²
Upper Deck: 4 Connected Cabins 258 ft² / 24 m²
Sun Deck: Jacuzzi (Please check with your Guide and Quality Control Manager for our Jaccuzi schedules.)
*All cabins with private balconies, private bathrooms, hot water and air-conditioning. Cabin size includes balcony
Safety & Navigation
2x 20-man life raft
Navtex
2 GPS
Depth Sounder
2 naval radars
Fire detection and prevention systems etc.
Staterooms
Suite
- One king bed, one queen pullout couch
- TV/DVD Player
- Panoramic windows
- Private balcony
- 409 sq ft
Stateroom
- Two twin beds (can be made into a king)
- Panoramic windows
- Private balcony
- 258 sq ft
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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