Join us on a Galapagos Islands cruise aboard the Galaxy yacht. Each cruise itinerary is handcrafted to be enriching and adventurous, informative and personal.
Enjoy a journey through one of the world’s greatest wildlife havens aboard one of the finest yachts in the region, the Galaxy, and experience up-close wildlife encounters with blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, giant Galapagos tortoises, sea lions, marine iguanas and more. Our cruise ship allows access to more remote inlets and beaches, where you can venture ashore to explore volcanic landscapes, wild swathes of cacti forests and secluded mangrove-lined lagoons where sea turtles and reef sharks enjoy the placid waters.
Cruising on the Galaxy, each moment of your Galapagos Islands trip is special, from the moment you wake up to panoramic ocean views from your private balcony to the moment you relax aboard a sun-washed deck, sipping on a cocktail while dolphins play in the ship’s wake.
Images & Videos
Itinerary
Day 4 Day Cruise
4 Day Cruise Overview
Get a taste of the Galapagos Islands’ unique wildlife and volcanic landscapes on this introductory 4-day itinerary from Baltra island. Photograph the playful sea lions of Mosquera Islet, witness the impressive volcanic formations of Sullivan Bay and Bartolome Island, then go snorkeling in the marine species-rich waters of Darwin Bay.
Day 1 - Baltra Island – Mosquera Islet
Fly into Baltra Island airport where you will be welcomed by one of our representatives and transferred to the Galaxy. Enjoy a welcome drink on board and lunch before embarking on your first excursion to Mosquera Islet that nestles between Baltra and North Seymour Islands. Get up close to its large colony of playful sea lions, together with several species of seabirds that can be seen nesting on the rocky shores.
Day 2 - Santiago Island & Bartolome Island
Begin the day with a wet landing at Sullivan Bay, which is renowned for its spectacular lava landscapes. Wander amidst the pahoehoe flows where colonizing plants have established themselves before returning to the Galaxy for lunch on board.
In the afternoon, we'll sail towards Bartolome Island and make a wet landing on the beach. Admire the impressive lava cones and pipes on a hike to the summit of the island where you can soak up the magnificent views across the archipelago before continuing to Pinnacle Rock.
Day 3 - Genovesa Island: Barranco & Darwin Bay
Begin the day with a visit to El Barranco, or Prince Phillip’s Steps on Genovesa, a small island in the northeast of the archipelago. Follow the steep walking trail to the top of the cliffs to spot tropicbirds, red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, doves, finches and frigatebirds.
In the afternoon, we'll make a wet landing at Darwin Bay and follow a walking trail that leads through mangrove swamp to spot frigatebirds, marine iguanas, red-footed and masked boobies. Also keep your eyes peeled for herons and cactus finch before diving into the waters to cool off while snorkeling.
Day 4 - San Cristobal Island
Begin your final day in the Galapagos Islands with a dry landing at the port of San Cristobal to visit the state-of-the-art Puerto Baquerizo Interpretation Center. Learn about the volcanic formation of the archipelago and the evolution of its species, as well as the human settlements that have left their mark on the Galapagos Islands.
It’s then time to transfer to the San Cristobal Airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.
Day 5 Day Cruise
5 Day Cruise Overview
Gain a fascinating introduction to the wildlife, landscapes and human history of the Galapagos Islands on this 5-day itinerary. Go snorkeling in the marine species-rich waters of Devil’s Crown, encounter the distinctive land iguanas of South Plaza and Santa Fe, then send letters to loved ones back home from the famous barrel at Post Office Bay.
Day 1 - San Cristobal Island
Fly into San Cristobal where you will be met by one of our representatives at the airport and transferred to the Galaxy. Enjoy lunch on board and settle in before embarking on a panga ride around the volcanic rocks of Isla Lobos to observe its playful sea lions. We’ll then continue to the famous rock formation of Leon Dormido, which is named after its resemblance to a sleeping lion.
Day 2 - Española Island
Begin the day with an excursion to Española Island’s Gardner Bay where you can see a large colony of sea lions basking in the sun. Snorkel and swim alongside these playful animals while keeping your eyes peeled for sea turtles, marine iguanas and a variety of tropical fish.
In the afternoon, we’ll make a dry landing at Punta Suarez, which is renowned for its population of charismatic blue-footed boobies, together with marine iguanas, finches and masked boobies. Keep your fingers crossed to see their ritualistic parading and observe the magnificent waved albatross, together with large colonies of marine iguanas, finches and masked boobies.
Day 3 - Floreana Island
Begin the day with a landing at Post Office Bay, which is named after a wooden barrel that was left for whaling fleets to act as a makeshift post office. Send postcards to your friends and family back home or check the letters already waiting in case they can be delivered in your home country.
We’ll then continue to Punta Cormorant on the west coast of Floreana Island, which is famed for its dark green beach that’s composed of olivine crystals. See a variety of marine invertebrates in the tidal pools and get up close to sea lions, marine iguanas, frigatebirds and pelicans.
Our final stop for the day is the submerged crater of Devil’s Crown, which is considered one of the best snorkeling locations in the Galapagos Islands. With outstanding visibility, take the opportunity to spot a variety of tropical fish species and other marine life while exploring its underwater landscapes.
Day 4 - Santa Fe Island & the South Plazas
After breakfast on board, we’ll make a wet landing on Santa Fe Island to go hiking, swimming and snorkeling in its beautiful turquoise bay. Photograph its colony of sea lions that bask in the sun surrounded by a natural barrier of rocks and watch as Galapagos hawks fly overhead. Santa Fe is also home to marine iguanas and one of two species of land iguanas found in the Galapagos Islands, with the Santa Fe species feeding on cactus fruit.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue to the South Plazas - two small islands that are home to a variety of nesting seabirds. A highlight of visiting the islands is seeing their unique species of land iguana, which is slightly smaller than those found on Santa Fe.
Day 5 - Santa Cruz Island
Your final morning begins with a visit to the Charles Darwin Station where native animals in danger of extinction are bred in captivity. Get up close to giant Galapagos tortoises and learn about the vital conservation work being conducted to ensure their survival.
It’s then time to transfer to the airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.
Day 6 Day Cruise A
6 Day Cruise A Overview
Discover the fascinating natural and human history of the Galapagos Islands during this 6-day from Baltra. Get up close to giant tortoises in their natural habitat in the highlands of Santa Cruz Highlands, glimpse white-tipped reef sharks in the waters of Tintoreras and learn about the pirates and whalers that once frequented the archipelago at Tagus Cove.
Day 1 - Baltra Island – Santa Cruz: Highlands
Fly into Baltra Island airport where you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to the Galaxy. Enjoy lunch on board and settle into your cabin before embarking on your first excursion into the highlands of Santa Cruz to witness giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Then return to the Galaxy for a welcome cocktail and dinner with your fellow travelers.
Day 2 - Isabela Island
Begin the day with an excursion to Tintoreras in the bay of Puerto Villamil, with this small island surrounded by calm, turquoise waters. The island is named after the white-tipped reef sharks (“tintoreras”) that can often be seen in the channels, together with rays and a variety of tropical fish. Embark on a short walk to see marine iguanas basking in the sun, together with lava lizards, sea lions and sea turtles swimming in the coves.
After lunch on board, we’ll disembark at Punta Moreno, which lies near Elizabeth Bay on the west coast of Isabela Island. Enjoy a dinghy ride along the rocky shores to witness the plethora of birds that nest here or opt to explore the tidal lava pools and mangroves with a walk along the shores.
Day 3 - Isabela Island
Begin the day with an excursion to Elizabeth Bay, which lies on the west coast of Isabela Island and is frequented by spotted eagle rays, golden rays and sea lions. It’s one of the archipelago’s most important penguin breeding sites, with red mangroves fringing the shores that are home to brown pelicans and flightless cormorants.
In the afternoon, we'll cruise to Urbina Bay, which nestles at the base of Alcedo Volcano between Elizabeth Bay and Tagus Cove. Follow the short walking trail to spot land iguanas and Galapagos hawks, while also keeping an eye out for red and blue lobsters along the rocky shores.
Day 4 - Isabela Island & Fernandina
After breakfast on board, we’ll land at Tagus Cove on the west coast of Isabela Island and visit a cave where the names of pirates and whalers’ boats can still be seen inscribed on the walls. Follow the trail that leads through lava fields to admire Darwin Lake while keeping your eyes peeled for a variety of bird species en route.
After lunch on board, we’ll arrive at Punta Espinoza, a narrow ledge of lava that extends into the sea and is famed for its boisterous colony of sea lions. Get up close to marine iguanas and flightless cormorants, together with Galapagos penguins and hawks as we explore its shores.
Day 5 - Santiago Island
After breakfast on board, embark on an excursion to the black sand beach of Egas Point whose coloration is due to volcanic deposits from the Pan de Azucar volcano. Enjoy a short walk to its crater lake, which functioned unsuccessfully as a salt mine during the early 20th century and offers a fascinating insight into the human history of the Galapagos Islands.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue to Espumilla Beach for a short walk through its palo santo vegetation. The beach is renowned for its nesting sea turtles, with pigs once being the main predator of tortoise eggs before being eradicated during the Isabela Project.
Day 6 - Daphne Mayor or Dragon Hill - Transfer Out
Begin your final day in the Galapagos with a visit to Dragon Hill on the northwest of Santa Cruz Island to go hiking through its diverse ecosystems. Alternatively, we may navigate the volcanic tuff cone of Daphne Major, which was formed by successive explosions.
It’s then time to transfer to the airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.
Day 6 Day Cruise B
6 Day Cruise B
Experience the natural wonders and incredible wildlife of the Galapagos Islands on this 6-day itinerary from Baltra Island. Witness otherworldly volcanic formations on a hike to the summit of Bartolome Island, get up close to playful sea lions at Mosquera Islet and go snorkeling in the marine species-rich waters of Darwin Bay.
Day 1 - Baltra Island - Santa Cruz Island - Black Turtle Cove
Fly into Baltra Island airport where you will be welcomed by one of our representatives and transferred to the Galaxy. Enjoy a welcome drink on board and lunch before embarking on your first excursion to Black Turtle Cove, which is situated in the north of Santa Cruz Island. Enjoy a dinghy ride to explore its mangrove forest that provides a safe refuge for sea turtles, black-tip reef sharks and a variety of rays.
Day 2 - Rabida Island - Chinese Hat
After breakfast on board, embark on an excursion to Rabida Island to explore its red sand beach, coastal lagoon and arid vegetation on a short loop trail. Photograph sea lions basking on the red-tinged rocks and spot brown pelicans, blue-footed and masked boobies.
In the afternoon, we’ll make a wet landing at the small islet of Chinese Hat on the southeastern coast of Santiago. It offers a fascinating insight into the geological forces that combined to create the Galapagos Islands, with pillow lava formations and coral heads both visible, as well as being home to Galapagos penguins, eagle rays, sea lions and marine iguanas.
Day 3 - North Seymour Island - Mosquera Islet
We’ll begin the day with an excursion to North Seymour Island, which is home to a healthy population of land iguanas that were brought from Baltra Island. The island was formed by the uplift of volcanic marine lava and is home to fossils dating to the Pleistocene era.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue to Mosquera Islet that nestles between Baltra and North Seymour Islands. Get up close to its large colony of playful sea lions, together with several species of seabirds that can be seen nesting on the rocky shores.
Day 4 - Santiago Island & Bartolome Island
After breakfast on board, begin the day with a wet landing at Sullivan Bay, which is renowned for its spectacular lava landscapes. Wander amidst the pahoehoe flows where colonizing plants have established themselves before returning to the Galaxy for lunch on board.
In the afternoon, we'll sail towards Bartolome Island and make a wet landing on the beach. Admire the impressive lava cones and pipes on a hike to the summit of the island where you can soak up the magnificent views across the archipelago before continuing to Pinnacle Rock in search of penguins.
Day 5 - Genovesa Island: Barranco & Darwin Bay
After breakfast on board, begin the day with a visit to El Barranco, or Prince Phillip’s Steps on Genovesa, a small island in the northeast of the archipelago. Follow the steep walking trail to the top of the cliffs to spot tropicbirds, red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, doves, finches and frigatebirds.
In the afternoon, we'll make a wet landing at Darwin Bay and follow a walking trail that leads through mangrove swamp to spot frigatebirds, marine iguanas, red-footed and masked boobies. Also keep your eyes peeled for herons and cactus finch before diving into the waters to cool off while snorkeling.
Day 6 - San Cristobal Island
Begin your final day in the Galapagos Islands with a dry landing at the port of San Cristobal to visit the state-of-the-art Puerto Baquerizo Interpretation Center. Learn about the volcanic formation of the archipelago and the evolution of its species, as well as the human settlements that have left their mark on the Galapagos Islands.
It’s then time to transfer to the San Cristobal Airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.
Day 8 Day Cruise
8 Day Cruise Overview
Delve deep into the highlights of the Galapagos Islands on this exhilarating 8-day itinerary from Baltra Island. Get up close to giant tortoises in the wild in the highlands of Santa Cruz, go snorkeling in the marine-rich waters of Elizabeth Bay and photography the boisterous colony of sea lions on Rabida Island.
Day 1 - Baltra Island – Santa Cruz: Highlands
Fly into Baltra Island airport where you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to the Galaxy. Enjoy lunch on board and settle into your cabin before embarking on your first excursion into the highlands of Santa Cruz to witness giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Then return to the Galaxy for a welcome cocktail and dinner with your fellow travelers.
Day 2 - Isabela Island
Begin the day with an excursion to Tintoreras in the bay of Puerto Villamil, with this small island surrounded by calm, turquoise waters. The island is named after the white-tipped reef sharks (“tintoreras”) that can often be seen in the channels, together with rays and a variety of tropical fish. Embark on a short walk to see marine iguanas basking in the sun, together with lava lizards, sea lions and sea turtles swimming in the coves.
After lunch on board, we’ll disembark at Punta Moreno, which lies near Elizabeth Bay on the west coast of Isabela Island. Enjoy a dinghy ride along the rocky shores to witness the plethora of birds that nest here or opt to explore the tidal lava pools and mangroves with a walk along the shores.
Day 3 - Isabela Island
Begin the day with an excursion to Elizabeth Bay, which lies on the west coast of Isabela Island and is frequented by spotted eagle rays, golden rays and sea lions. It’s one of the archipelago’s most important penguin breeding sites, with red mangroves fringing the shores that are home to brown pelicans and flightless cormorants.
In the afternoon, we'll cruise to Urbina Bay, which nestles at the base of Alcedo Volcano between Elizabeth Bay and Tagus Cove. Follow the short walking trail to spot land iguanas and Galapagos hawks, while also keeping an eye out for red and blue lobsters along the rocky shores.
Day 4 - Isabela Island & Fernandina
After breakfast on board, we’ll land at Tagus Cove on the west coast of Isabela Island and visit a cave where the names of pirates and whalers’ boats can still be seen inscribed on the walls. Follow the trail that leads through lava fields to admire Darwin Lake while keeping your eyes peeled for a variety of bird species en route.
After lunch on board, we’ll arrive at Punta Espinoza, a narrow ledge of lava that extends into the sea and is famed for its boisterous colony of sea lions. Get up close to marine iguanas and flightless cormorants, together with Galapagos penguins and hawks as we explore its shores.
Day 5 - Santiago Island
After breakfast on board, embark on an excursion to the black sand beach of Egas Point whose coloration is due to volcanic deposits from the Pan de Azucar volcano. Enjoy a short walk to its crater lake, which functioned unsuccessfully as a salt mine during the early 20th century and offers a fascinating insight into the human history of the Galapagos Islands.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue to Espumilla Beach for a short walk through its palo santo vegetation. The beach is renowned for its nesting sea turtles, with pigs once being the main predator of tortoise eggs before being eradicated during the Isabela Project.
Day 6 - Daphne Mayor or Dragon Hill - Black Turtle Cove
Begin your final day in the Galapagos with a visit to Dragon Hill on the northwest of Santa Cruz Island to go hiking through its diverse ecosystems. Alternatively, we may navigate the volcanic tuff cone of Daphne Major, which was formed by successive explosions.
After lunch, we’ll embark on a dinghy excursion to the mangrove-surrounded waters of Black Turtle Cove in the north of Santa Cruz Island. It provides a safe refuge for an abundance of marine life, including sea turtles, rays and black-tip reef sharks.
Day 7 - Rabida Island - Chinese Hat
After breakfast on board, embark on an excursion to Rabida Island to explore its red sand beach, coastal lagoon and arid vegetation on a short loop trail. Photograph sea lions basking on the red-tinged rocks and spot brown pelicans, blue-footed and masked boobies.
In the afternoon, we’ll make a wet landing at the small islet of Chinese Hat on the southeastern coast of Santiago. It offers a fascinating insight into the geological forces that combined to create the Galapagos Islands, with pillow lava formations and coral heads both visible, as well as being home to Galapagos penguins, eagle rays, sea lions and marine iguanas.
Day 8 - North Seymour Island - Mosquera Islet
We’ll begin the day with an excursion to North Seymour Island, which is home to a healthy population of land iguanas that were brought from Baltra Island. The island was formed by the uplift of volcanic marine lava and is home to fossils dating to the Pleistocene era.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue to Mosquera Islet that nestles between Baltra and North Seymour Islands. Get up close to its large colony of playful sea lions, together with several species of seabirds that can be seen nesting on the rocky shores.
It’s then time to transfer to the airport for your return flight to the Ecuadorian mainland.
Dates & Rates
Supplementary Information
Important Notes:
*Inquire about 6 day cruise departures
*Children discount (under 12 years old): 10% from the net rate
*Single Supplement 50% from net rate
* Ask for charter departures
Included:
Transfers in Galapagos
Accommodation in double cabin
All meals during the cruise
Professional Bilingual Guide level II
Visits & Excursions according itinerary
Snorkel Gear (mask, tube and fins)
Kayak
Purify water, coffee and tea available during the cruise
Not Included:
Local flight to/from Galapagos
Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee
Galapagos Transit card:
Isabela Island dock Tax applies in itinerary B or D
Soft & alcoholic Drinks
Tips
Services not indicated
Ship Details
Technical Specifications:
Type: First class steel – hulled motor yacht
Construction: Guayaquil 2006 – 2007
Length: 35 m
Beam: 7.60 m
Draft: 1.80 m
Capacity: 16 passengers
Crew: 8 members + 1 bilingual guide
Cruising speed: 12 knots
Engines: 2 Caterpilar Motors 440 HP
Water capacity: 4.000 gallons
Diesel capacity: 6.000 gallons
Electric power: 110V and 220V
Staterooms
Double
Each cabin has private facilities: private bathroom, cold/hot water, air conditioned, hair dryer, telephone for internal communication on boar, safe box and high speaker.
Twin
Each cabin has private facilities: private bathroom, cold/hot water, air conditioned, hair dryer, telephone for internal communication on boar, safe box and high speaker.
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. If you get cold easily you may want to bring or rent a wetsuit.
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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