Galapagos Yachting

Beaches and Bays

Explore the southern and central Galapagos on this 8-day/7-night trip to discover the archipelago’s wildlife-filled bays and beaches. Spot blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca boobies at Punta Pitt, snorkel with sea lions at Gardner Bay, and hike through the volcanic formations of Santa Cruz Island. Throughout the journey, you’ll learn about the fascinating natural history of the Galapagos Islands and the cultural heritage of its human inhabitants.

Day 1: Sunday

Fly into Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island where you will be met by your guide and transferred to the vessel. After participating in a short safety briefing and being assigned your cabin, you can meet your fellow travelers over a buffet lunch.

As we set sail, the first destination is “Kicker Rock”, an ancient volcanic rock that is said to resemble a sleeping lion. We’ll circumnavigate this famous landmark, which has been shaped over thousands of years and is one of the Galapagos Islands’ top snorkeling destinations.

In the evening, congregate in the dining room for a cocktail reception and a multi-course meal to celebrate the start of your adventure. Then join your guide on deck for a memorable evening of stargazing in the southern skies.

• Accommodations: Aboard the Origin, Theory, or Evolve Yacht
• Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Monday

Today begins with a zodiac ride to Cerro Brujo, which provides an important habitat for brown pelicans, brown noddy terns, and blue-footed boobies. Learn how the different color patterns relate to age, not only with the resident birdlife but also the sally light-foot crabs that can be seen scuttling along the shore. Your guide will also point out some of the area’s unique geological formations, such as the Cathedral (otherwise known as “Darwin’s Pants”).

After our zodiac tour, spend time exploring one of the island’s beautiful coral sand beaches at your leisure, with the option to stroll, go paddleboarding and kayaking, or swimming with the sea lions. If you’re new to snorkeling, this is a great opportunity to test your equipment before venturing into deeper water.

After a barbecue lunch on the yacht, we’ll head ashore at Punta Pitt for a guided hike to spot blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca boobies. You may also be lucky enough to see frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls, and storm petrels, as well as brown pelicans. This will be followed by a snorkeling session to observe a variety of colorful fish before returning to the vessel in time for dinner.

• Accommodations: Aboard the Origin, Theory, or Evolve Yacht
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Tuesday

After breakfast, we’ll land at Punta Suarez on Española to learn about the endemic species that call the island “home”. If you’re visiting between April and December, you may be lucky enough to see the waved albatross courtship dance. Darwin’s finches, hood mockingbirds, and Galapagos doves are also spotted here, together with red-billed tropicbirds. Aside from birdlife, marine iguanas can be seen basking on the volcanic rocks and sally light-foot crabs observed scuttling along the shoreline.

Lunch on deck will include a demonstration of how to make Ecuadorian ceviche - a culinary highlight of any trip. Afterward, we’ll head to the white sandy beach at Gardner Bay to observe its sea lion colony, with the option to snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard from the beach. Darwin finches, Española mockingbirds, and Galapagos hawks are all regularly spotted here.

• Accommodations: Aboard the Origin, Theory, or Evolve Yacht
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Wednesday

Begin the day on the olive-sand beach of Punta Cormorant, which is home to sea lions, lava herons and blue-footed boobies. We’ll walk to a brackish lagoon that provides habitat for Bahama ducks, Galapagos flycatchers, and pink flamingos, as well as a diversity of plantlife such as palo verde and scalesia. We’ll continue to a beach where sea turtles lay their eggs and stingrays can be observed swimming in the shallow waters. You’ll have the opportunity to go snorkeling at Devil’s Crown, a sunken crater that’s filled with colorful fish and corals.

After lunch onboard, we’ll visit Post Office Bay on Floreana Island where you can leave a postcard in the barrel left by English whalers in the 18th century. No postage stamp is required, with other travelers searching through to find addresses near them and personally delivering postcards to recipients. End the day with a zodiac excursion to Baroness Point to come face-to-face with sea turtles and rays.

This evening, we will host a pirate-themed party onboard, with dress-ups optional.

• Accommodations: Aboard the Origin, Theory, or Evolve Yacht
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Thursday 

Wake to the sight of bustling Puerto Ayora, the main town on Santa Cruz Island. This morning we will travel by bus into the highlands to explore the lava tunnels at El Mirador and the twin craters of Los Gemelos. We’ll also visit a privately owned ranch where giant tortoises roam free, with some more than 500 pounds!

After lunch back on the yacht, we’ll spend the afternoon at the Charles Darwin Research Station, which was once famed for its Pinta Island tortoise “Lonesome George”. Learn about “Diego”, a tortoise who helped to bring his species back from extinction, and the scientific research being conducted in the Galapagos Islands. You’ll also have time to explore Puerto Ayora, including a visit to its artisan chocolate shop or one of the galleries selling locally made arts and crafts.

In the evening, you may opt to dine in the town at a restaurant of your choice or return to the yacht for a multi-course meal.

• Accommodations: Aboard the Origin, Theory, or Evolve Yacht
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Friday

This morning, you have the option of two different activities, including a challenging hike around Bartolome Island. Along the way, you will learn about the formation of its volcanic landscapes and enjoy spectacular views of Pinnacle Rock. Alternatively, you can enjoy a zodiac ride around the island to spot Galapagos penguins, which can often be seen diving from the rocky coastline. There is also the option to snorkel from the beach alongside tropical fish and white-tipped reef sharks.

Lunch will be served back on the yacht, with time to relax before the afternoon activities begin. Guests on the Origin will step ashore at Sombrero Chino off the southern tip of Santiago Island to observe its sea lions, marine iguanas, and oystercatchers in action. The Theory will visit Playa Las Bachas in the north of Santa Cruz and explore its interior lagoons, which are frequented by pink flamingos. Passengers on the Evolve will travel by zodiac to Black Turtle Cove, taking in its mangrove-fringed coves and inlets while spotting sea turtles and golden rays.

• Accommodations: Aboard the Origin, Theory, or Evolve Yacht
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Saturday 

Today begins with a visit to South Plaza, a small islet that has being replanted with opuntia or prickly pear cactus. Swallow-tailed gulls, shearwaters, and red-billed tropicbirds can often be spotted here, alongside a colony of bachelor sea lions. Look closely and you may see that some of the more dominant bulls exhibit scars from fighting. Your guide will also explain what distinguishes land iguanas from marine iguanas to help you tell the difference.

While you enjoy lunch onboard, we’ll cruise towards North Seymour Island to observe frigate birds, which are known for inflating their red chest sacs to attract mates. In addition to great frigate birds, the Galapagos Islands are also home to magnificent frigate birds and your guide will explain how to tell the difference. After a final snorkel, the captain and crew will join you for a champagne toast before a farewell dinner onboard.

• Accommodations: Aboard the Origin, Theory, or Evolve Yacht
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Sunday

After a final breakfast on the yacht, we’ll step ashore to explore the Interpretation Center on San Cristobal and learn more about the human history of the archipelago. There will be time for a short walk before we continue into town and on to the airport, ready for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.

Volcanic Wonders

Explore the northern and western Galapagos on this 8-day/7-night journey, which will immerse you in the archipelago’s volcanic wonders. Spend your days spotting birdlife nesting on the shores, snorkeling beneath the water’s surface and kayaking along the rocky coastlines. In the evening, you will be treated to multi-course meals and unforgettable nights of stargazing on deck. This action-packed itinerary includes a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos’s thriving social hub, Puerto Ayora.

Day 1: Sunday 

Fly into Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island where you will be met by your guide and transferred to the vessel. After participating in a short safety briefing and being assigned your cabin, you can meet your fellow travelers over a buffet lunch.

Our first destination is “Kicker Rock”, an ancient volcanic rock that is also known as “Leon Dormido” after its resemblance to a sleeping lion. It provides nesting habitat for an array of birds, as well as sea lions who come to bask in the sun on its flatter side.

In the evening, enjoy a multi-course dinner accompanied by wine to celebrate the start of your adventure. Once darkness descends, head onto the top deck for an unforgettable night of stargazing.

• Accommodations: Aboard the Origin, Theory, or Evolve Yacht
• Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Monday

This morning, we will land at Prince Philip’s Steps, one of the most impressive spots for birdwatching on Genovesa Island. In addition to red-footed and Nazca boobies, storm petrels gather in large numbers on its open lava field. Your guide will keep an eye out for elusive short-eared owls, with sightings always a treat.

Lunch will be served on the yacht’s sun deck and will include a demonstration of how to make Ecuadorian ceviche. In the afternoon, you can paddle by kayak or standup paddleboard to explore the cliffs up close or embark on a snorkeling excursion from the zodiac. In the late afternoon, we will land at Darwin Bay where swallow-tailed and lava gulls congregate on a coral sand beach. Keep an eye out for great frigatebirds with their inflatable red pouches, which can often be seen in the opuntia cacti forest. End the day by relaxing on the beach or swimming alongside the bay’s friendly sea lions.

• Accommodations: Aboard the Origin, Theory, or Evolve Yacht
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Tuesday

Today begins with a visit to Las Bachas on the northern side of Santa Cruz where we’ll walk to a lagoon that’s frequented by hundreds of flamingos. Enjoy a stroll along its white sandy beach or don your snorkeling gear to see what’s underwater.

In the afternoon, we will visit Cerro Dragon, which offers magnificent views across the island. Learn about the palo santo and muyuyo trees that line the trail while keeping an eye out for Darwin’s finches, Galapagos flycatchers, and yellow warblers. Endemic, bright yellow land iguanas can sometimes be seen resting in the sunshine.

• Accommodations: Aboard the Origin, Theory, or Evolve Yacht
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Wednesday

After breakfast, jump aboard the zodiac for a ride to Punta Vicente Rosa, with its wave-sculpted caves and tuff walls providing a habitat for sally light-foot crabs. Here, you will have the opportunity to snorkel alongside sea turtles and Galapagos penguins, which like to launch themselves off the surrounding rock formations.

As you enjoy lunch onboard the yacht, we will cruise through the Bolivar Channel where dolphins can sometimes be seen riding the bow wave. Whales and surreal mola-mola fish are also occasionally spotted here. We will disembark on Isabela Island at Urbina Bay to explore its volcanic and coral landscapes. Both land and marine iguanas can be observed here, alongside flightless cormorants, brown pelicans, and the occasional Galapagos giant tortoise.

This evening, we will cross the Equator and hold a pirate-themed party in celebration.

• Accommodations: Aboard the Origin, Theory, or Evolve Yacht
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Thursday 

Begin the day with a stop at Punta Espinoza on the Galapagos’s youngest island, Fernandina. Volcanically formed, it’s also one of the most pristine islands in the archipelago due to its lack of introduced animal species. Not only is Fernandina home to the largest marine iguana colony in the islands but also harems of sea lions guarded by imposing bulls. Observe the flightless cormorants that nest on the shores and go snorkeling alongside sea turtles before refueling over a barbecue lunch.

In the afternoon, we will step ashore at Tagus Cove, which is decorated with graffiti from pirates and whalers who have visited the area since the 19th century. There is the option for an invigorating hike to a saltwater lagoon or an exploration of the volcanic coastline by kayak or paddleboard. Galapagos penguins, boobies, and pelicans are all regularly spotted here.

• Accommodations: Aboard the Origin, Theory, or Evolve Yacht
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Friday

This morning, we’ll disembark in the geographic heart of the Galapagos Islands - Rabida Island - which is home to a dark red beach and a diverse collection of volcanic rocks. A short walk will take us to a flamingo-filled lagoon, with sightings of marine iguanas, yellow warblers, and mockingbirds along the way. More than a dozen species of finches inhabit the area, with these birds playing an important role in the development of Darwin’s “Theory of Evolution”. There will also be the option for a morning snorkel to spot golden and spotted eagle rays.

In the afternoon, guests on the Theory and Evolve will visit Puerto Egas on Santiago Island, with the opportunity to spot octopi and starfish in the tidal pools. Enjoy a short walk to the grottos where fur seals reside, alongside great blue herons, American oystercatchers, and yellow-crowned night herons. Guests on the Origin will embark on a zodiac excursion to Black Turtle Cove where sea turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, and golden cow-nosed rays can be observed.

In the evening, enjoy a cocktail with the captain before a special presentation by your guides.

• Accommodations: Aboard the Origin, Theory, or Evolve Yacht
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Saturday

Wake to the lively atmosphere of Academy Bay as we disembark at Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Home to around 24,000 people, it is the cultural and social heart of the Galapagos Islands. We’ll begin the day with a visit to the Centro de Crianza Fausto Llerena and Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the ongoing conservation efforts in the islands. It’s a great opportunity to see giant tortoises at various stages of growth, from tiny hatchlings to enormous adults. It was here that “Lonesome George” (the last Pinta Island tortoise) spent his final years. After the visit, enjoy a guided tour through Puerto Ayora to learn about the settlement history of the island and explore its handicraft stores.

Lunch will be served back on the yacht, followed by a visit to a hollow lava tunnel and Los Gemelos, a pair of deep craters blanketed in vegetation. Then we’ll continue to a privately owned hacienda where giant tortoises can be observed feeding in their natural habitat or resting in shallow pools of water.

In the evening, you can return to the yacht for dinner or dine at a restaurant of your choosing in Puerto Ayora.

• Accommodations: Aboard the Origin, Theory, or Evolve Yacht
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Sunday

After a final breakfast on the yacht, we’ll step ashore to explore the Interpretation Center on San Cristobal and learn more about the human history of the archipelago. There will be time for a short walk before we continue into town and on to the airport, ready for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.