Offering intimate and exclusive Galapagos adventures, the Passion is a 12-guest luxury vessel that was originally built as a private yacht. It boasts a one-to-one crew to guest ratio for highly personalized service, as well outstanding naturalist guides who will share their unique insights about this fascinating part of the world.
The Passion is a 159-foot (48.5-meter) yacht that is spread over four decks, providing ample space for families or small-group private charters. While it’s been beautifully refurbished in recent years, it retains many of its original features, such as rose-colored marble bathrooms and teak wood decks.
There are elegant social areas and a panoramic sky lounge and bar, together with a separate dining room and spacious sun decks for alfresco dining. Relax in the onboard Jacuzzi, then retreat to your fully air-conditioned stateroom that comes complete with an en-suite bathroom and bathtub.
The Passion operates two unique 8-day Galapagos cruise itineraries (as well as shorter 4 and 5-day itineraries) which can easily be combined for an all-encompassing 15-day cruise.
Images & Videos
Itinerary
Day 4 Day B Cruise
4 Day B Cruise Overview
Get a taste of the Galapagos Islands on this action-packed 4-day itinerary to Santa Cruz, Plaza Sur, Santa Fe and Española. See giant tortoises in their natural habitat in the highlands of Santa Cruz, witness the endemic land iguanas of Santa Fe and go snorkeling alongside playful sea lions at Gardner Bay.
This Eastern 4-day itinerary can be combined with the Eastern 5-day itinerary for a more comprehensive 8-day cruise.
- See departure dates below (dates and rates tab)
- Starting at $3,050 per person
Day 1 - Highlands & Charles Darwin Station (Santa Cruz)
Fly to the Baltra Island Airport where you will be met by your crew before venturing into the Santa Cruz Highlands whose lush forests stand in stark contrast to the arid vegetation along the coast. See giant tortoises in their natural habitat at a local ranch while keeping an eye out for vermillion flycatchers, yellow warblers and Galapagos hawks.
After lunch in the highlands, we’ll return to Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. Get up close to different sub-species of giant tortoises from across the archipelago, which range in age from new hatchlings to fully grown adults. After learning about the conservation work be-ing conducted throughout the Galapagos Islands, you’ll have time to explore the cafes and shops of Puerto Ayora.
Day 2 - Plaza Sur & Santa Fe
Begin the day with a dry landing at one of the Galapagos’ oldest docks, Plaza Sur, whose shores are lined with bright green prickly-pear cactus and deep red sesuvium. See coppery-orange land iguanas basking in the sun and spot a variety of coastal birds nesting in the cliff faces.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue to the island of Santa Fe, which is renowned for its endemic land iguanas. They are larger and yellower than those on other islands and are often spotted beneath the prickly-pear cactus that blankets the island.
Day 3 - Gardner Bay & Punta Suarez (Española)
Begin the day with an excursion to Gardner Bay whose magnificent white sandy beach is home to a colony of playful sea lions. You can opt to snorkel alongside these incredible creatures or spot inquisitive mockingbirds and marine iguanas along the shoreline.
In the afternoon we’ll sail to Punta Suarez on the western tip of Española Island, which is home to the largest marine iguanas in the archipelago. Keep an eye out for swallow-tailed gulls, Audobon’s shearwaters, blue-footed and Nazca boobies or be treated to the fascinating breeding rituals of waved albatross between April and De-cember. Follow your naturalist guide on a short walk to see the island’s famous “blow hole” which spurts water high into the air.
Day 4 - Lava Tunnels to Baltra (Santa Cruz)
After breakfast on board, we will disembark in Puerto Ayora and travel towards the Baltra Island Airport, making a short stop at Los Gemelos en route. These two deep craters were formed by a lava flow that hardened on the outside while remaining fluid on the interior, creating hollow tunnels that can be walked through. The surrounding forest is a good place to see Galapagos hawks and barn owls, as well as vermillion flycatchers and yellow warblers.
It’s then time to take your return flight to mainland Ecuador.
Day 5 Day A Cruise
5 Day A Cruise Overview
Discover the volcanic landscapes and endemic wildlife of the Galapagos Islands on this introductory 5-day cruise itinerary. Witness red-footed boobies and great frig-atebirds at Darwin Bay, soak up the magnificent view from the summit of Bartolome Island and get up close to giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station.
This Eastern 5-day itinerary can be combined with the Eastern 4-day itinerary for a more comprehensive 8-day cruise.
- See departure dates below (dates and rates tab)
- Starting at $3,050 per person
Day 1 - Baltra to Black Turtle Cove
Fly to the Baltra Island Airport where you will be met by your crew and transferred to the Passion for lunch. After meeting your crew and fellow travelers, embark on your first excursion to the mangrove lagoon at Black Turtle Cove on the north coast of Santa Cruz Island. Explore the waters by panga to spot green sea turtles and golden rays, as well as pelicans and herons that can often be seen roosting in the branches.
Day 2 - Darwin Bay & El Barranco (Genovesa)
Begin the day with a wet landing at Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island where a forest of prickly-pear cactus provides a home for red-footed boobies and great frigatebirds. Genovesa is considered one of the islands’ best birdwatching destinations, with Nazca boobies, yellow-crowned herons and Galapagos doves all spotted here.
After lunch on board, we’ll make a dry landing at the base of El Barranco (Prince Phillip’s Steps) and make the steep climb to the top of the plateau where frigatebirds, Nazca boobies and red-footed boobies can all be seen nesting. Your naturalist guide will point out impressive red-billed tropicbirds and Galapagos storm petrels while you soak up the spectacular ocean views.
Day 3 - Bartolome & Chinese Hat (Santiago)
Begin the day with a visit to Bartolome Island where your naturalist guide will lead you on a challenging hike to the summit of this spatter cone. Soak up the breathtaking panoramas of Bartolome that stretch all the way to the iconic Pinnacle Rock and neighboring Santiago Island.
In the afternoon we’ll visit the small island of Chinese Hat, which exhibits striking lava formations and coral heads on its western side. Sea lions, marine iguanas and Galapagos penguins can all be spotted on this uniquely-shaped island.
Day 4 - Rabida & Cerro Dragon (Santa Cruz)
Begin the day with a wet landing on the red sand beach of Rabida Island where we’ll explore its saltwater lagoon that’s frequented by pink flamingoes, Bahama pintail ducks and common stilts. Your naturalist guide will help you to spot Darwin's finch-es, Galapagos mockingbirds and yellow warblers, together with Brown pelicans that can often be seen nesting in the salt bushes that fringe the beach.
After lunch on board, we’ll visit Cerro Dragon to explore its mangrove-lined islets that provide a habitat for boobies, frigatebirds and pelicans. Follow your guide on a short walk to a brackish lagoon where greater flamingos, common stilts and pintail ducks can be seen feeding, then continue to Dragon Hill to enjoy the magnificent views of the bay. This aptly-named hill also provides a natural nesting site for a large number of land iguanas.
Day 5 - Highlands & Charles Darwin Station (Santa Cruz)
After breakfast on board, we’ll venture into the highlands of Santa Cruz where lush forests stand in stark contrast to the arid vegetation that you’ve experienced so far along the coast. See giant tortoises in their natural habitat at a local ranch while keep-ing an eye out for vermillion flycatchers, yellow warblers and Galapagos hawks.
It’s then time to travel to the Baltra Airport for your return flight to mainland Ecua-dor.
Day 8 Day A Cruise
8 Day A Cruise (Eastern) Overview
Cruising from the northernmost island of Genovesa down to Española, Santa Cruz and Santa Fe, this 8-day itinerary offers a fascinating insight into the wildlife and ge-ology of the Galapagos. Get up close to wild giant tortoises in the Santa Cruz High-lands, spot Nazca, blue-footed and red-footed boobies at El Barranco and go snorkel-ing alongside playful sea lions, green sea turtles and golden rays.
The Passion offers two 8-day/7-night itineraries which can easily be combined to cre-ate a 15-day/14-night comprehensive itinerary with no repeated landing sites.
- See departure dates below (dates and rates tab)
- Starting at $3,050 per person
Day 1 - Baltra to Black Turtle Cove
Fly to the Baltra Island Airport where you will be met by your crew and transferred to the Passion for lunch. After meeting your crew and fellow travelers, embark on your first excursion to the mangrove lagoon at Black Turtle Cove on the north coast of Santa Cruz Island. Explore the waters by panga to spot green sea turtles and golden rays, as well as pelicans and herons that can often be seen roosting in the branches.
Day 2 - Darwin Bay & El Barranco (Genovesa)
Begin the day with a wet landing at Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island where a forest of prickly-pear cactus provides a home for red-footed boobies and great frigatebirds. Genovesa is considered one of the islands’ best birdwatching destinations, with Nazca boobies, yellow-crowned herons and Galapagos doves all spotted here.
After lunch on board, we’ll make a dry landing at the base of El Barranco (Prince Phillip’s Steps) and make the steep climb to the top of the plateau where frigatebirds, Nazca boobies and red-footed boobies can all be seen nesting. Your naturalist guide will point out impressive red-billed tropicbirds and Galapagos storm petrels while you soak up the spectacular ocean views.
Day 3 - Bartolome & Chinese Hat (Santiago)
Begin the day with a visit to Bartolome Island where your naturalist guide will lead you on a challenging hike to the summit of this spatter cone. Soak up the breathtaking panoramas of Bartolome that stretch all the way to the iconic Pinnacle Rock and neighboring Santiago Island.
In the afternoon we’ll visit the small island of Chinese Hat, which exhibits striking lava formations and coral heads on its western side. Sea lions, marine iguanas and Galapagos penguins can all be spotted on this uniquely-shaped island.
Day 4 - Rabida & Cerro Dragon (Santa Cruz)
Begin the day with a wet landing on the red sand beach of Rabida Island where we’ll explore its saltwater lagoon that’s frequented by pink flamingoes, Bahama pintail ducks and common stilts. Your naturalist guide will help you to spot Darwin's finch-es, Galapagos mockingbirds and yellow warblers, together with Brown pelicans that can often be seen nesting in the salt bushes that fringe the beach.
After lunch on board, we’ll visit Cerro Dragon to explore its mangrove-lined islets that provide a habitat for boobies, frigatebirds and pelicans. Follow your guide on a short walk to a brackish lagoon where greater flamingos, common stilts and pintail ducks can be seen feeding, then continue to Dragon Hill to enjoy the magnificent views of the bay. This aptly-named hill also provides a natural nesting site for a large number of land iguanas.
Day 5 - Highlands & Charles Darwin Station (Santa Cruz)
After breakfast on board, we’ll venture into the highlands of Santa Cruz where lush forests stand in stark contrast to the arid vegetation that you’ve experienced so far along the coast. See giant tortoises in their natural habitat at a local ranch while keep-ing an eye out for vermillion flycatchers, yellow warblers and Galapagos hawks.
After lunch in the highlands, we’ll return to Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. Get up close to different sub-species of giant tortoises from across the archipelago, which range in age from new hatchlings to fully grown adults. After learning about the conservation work be-ing conducted throughout the Galapagos Islands, you’ll have time to explore the cafes and shops of Puerto Ayora.
Day 6 - Plaza Sur & Santa Fe
Begin the day with a dry landing at one of the Galapagos’ oldest docks, Plaza Sur, whose shores are lined with bright green prickly-pear cactus and deep red sesuvium. See coppery-orange land iguanas basking in the sun and spot a variety of coastal birds nesting in the cliff faces.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue to the island of Santa Fe, which is renowned for its endemic land iguanas. They are larger and yellower than those on other islands and are often spotted beneath the prickly-pear cactus that blankets the island.
Day 7 - Gardner Bay & Punta Suarez (Española)
Begin the day with an excursion to Gardner Bay whose magnificent white sandy beach is home to a colony of playful sea lions. You can opt to snorkel alongside these incredible creatures or spot inquisitive mockingbirds and marine iguanas along the shoreline.
In the afternoon we’ll sail to Punta Suarez on the western tip of Española Island, which is home to the largest marine iguanas in the archipelago. Keep an eye out for swallow-tailed gulls, Audobon’s shearwaters, blue-footed and Nazca boobies or be treated to the fascinating breeding rituals of waved albatross between April and De-cember. Follow your naturalist guide on a short walk to see the island’s famous “blow hole” which spurts water high into the air.
Day 8 - Lava Tunnels to Baltra (Santa Cruz)
After breakfast on board, we will disembark in Puerto Ayora and travel towards the Baltra Island Airport, making a short stop at Los Gemelos en route. These two deep craters were formed by a lava flow that hardened on the outside while remaining fluid on the interior, creating hollow tunnels that can be walked through. The surrounding forest is a good place to see Galapagos hawks and barn owls, as well as vermillion flycatchers and yellow warblers.
It’s then time to take your return flight to mainland Ecuador.
Day 8 Day B Cruise
8 Day B Cruise (Western) Overview
Venture to the islands in the far west of the Galapagos archipelago on this 8-day/7-night itinerary. Go snorkeling in the marine species-rich waters of Devil’s Crown, come face-to-face with giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station and spot flightless cormorants, marine iguanas and bright red-orange Sally Lightfoot crabs on the pristine shores of Punta Espinoza.
The Passion offers two 8-day/7-night itineraries which can easily be combined to cre-ate a 15-day/14-night comprehensive itinerary with no repeated landing sites.
- See departure dates below (dates and rates tab)
- Starting at $3,050 per person
Day 1 - Baltra to Charles Darwin Station (Santa Cruz)
Fly to Baltra Island Airport where you will be met by a local representative and travel by bus into Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. Get up close to different sub-species of giant tortoises from across the archipelago, which range in age from new hatchlings to fully grown adults. After learning about the conservation work being conducted throughout the Galapa-gos Islands, you’ll have time to explore the cafes and shops of Puerto Ayora at your leisure before boarding the M/Y Passion.
Day 2 - Punta Cormorant & Post Office Bay (Floreana)
Begin the day with a wet landing on the olivine beach of Punta Cormorant and follow your naturalist guide on a short walk to visit a flamingo-filled lagoon. Continue to a beach that boasts fine white sand and provides an important nesting ground for sea turtles before embarking on a short panga ride to the submerged crater of Devil’s Crown that offers some of the best snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands.
After lunch on board, we’ll pay a visit to historic Post Office Bay to learn about the human history of the Galapagos Islands. A barrel was placed here by 18th-century whalers to leave letters for loved ones back home and the tradition continues to this day, with visitors invited to leave their postcards or pick up ones from other travelers to distribute back home.
Day 3 - Black Beach (Floreana) & Whale/Dolphin Observation
After breakfast on board, the first excursion of the day is to a black sand beach on Floreana Island, which was one of the first islands to be inhabited in the archipelago. Follow your naturalist guide on a short walk to the fresh water source known as “Asilo de La Paz” that supported Floreana’s early settlement, then visit caves that once served as hideouts for pirates.
In the afternoon, your Captain will navigate the waters from Floreana to Isabela Island while you and the crew can keep an eye out for dolphins and whales that are often spotted in the marine reserve. Relax on board while taking in the spectacular views towards Isabela Island and the Cerro Azul Volcano.
Day 4 - Punta Moreno & Urbina Bay (Isabela)
This morning we will make a dry landing at Punta Moreno to explore its magnificent pahoehoe lava flow that’s surrounded by impressive shield volcanoes. Then follow your guide on a short hike to a lagoon where flamingoes can often be spotted feeding and wading in the shallow waters.
After lunch on board, we’ll make a wet landing on the black sand beach of Urbina Bay, which is renowned as a popular nesting site for green sea turtles. Enjoy a short hike to spot land iguanas and giant tortoises as they migrate to and from the high-lands, then wander along the shore where exposed coral heads and marine fossils can be seen. If you prefer, you can also opt to go snorkeling and swimming to discover Isabela’s rich marine life.
Day 5 - Tagus Cove (Isabela) & Punta Espinoza (Fernandina)
Begin the day with a dry landing at Tagus Cove where pirate graffiti dating back to the 19th century still decorates the cliff faces. Then follow your naturalist guide on a hike to the salt-water filled crater lagoon of Darwin Lake, which offers spectacular vistas across Isabela Island.
As you enjoy lunch on board, we’ll cross the Bolivar Channel to Fernandina Island, which is considered one of the most unspoiled in the Galapagos. We’ll disembark at Punta Espinoza to stroll along the shores where Galapagos sea lions and penguins can often be spotted. Also keep an eye out for flightless cormorants, hawks, sooty-colored marine iguanas and bright red-orange Sally Lightfoot crabs.
Day 6 - Puerto Egas & Buccaneer Cove (Santiago)
After breakfast on board, we’ll make a wet landing at Puerto Egas’ dark volcanic sand beach where Galapagos fur seals can be seen lounging under the lava arches. Spend time exploring the crystalline pools that are teeming with marine life and learn about the human settlement that was established here from your naturalist guide.
In the afternoon we’ll enjoy a panga ride around the beautiful coastline of Buccaneer Cove, which was a former refuge for British buccaneers while collecting supplies and cleaning their ships. Admire the unique rock formations of “The Monk” and “Ele-phant Rock” before visiting a green turtle nesting site at Espumilla Beach. Follow your naturalist guide along a forest trail that’s lined with Palo Santo trees while keep-ing an eye out for yellow warblers, Galapagos flycatchers and Darwin finches.
Day 7 - Sullivan (Santiago) & North Seymour
Begin the day with a dry landing at Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to explore its re-cent lava flow that includes fresh pahoehoe lava formations and lava bubbles contain-ing crystallized minerals. We may also be able to spot Galapagos penguins and herons fishing along the shores.
After lunch on board, we’ll make a dry landing on North Seymour Island where two species of frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls can all be seen nesting. North Seymour is considered one of the archipelago’s premier birdwatching destinations, with spectacular displays and sightings throughout the year.
Day 8 - Mosquera Islet & Baltra (Santa Cruz)
Begin your final day in the Galapagos with a visit to Mosquera, a small islet that lies between Baltra Island and North Seymour. It’s home to one of the largest sea lion colonies in the archipelago and provides a haven for a number of shorebirds, as well as being frequented by orcas.
It’s then time to sail back to Baltra Island and head to the airport for you return flight to mainland Ecuador.
Day Extensions
Galapagos Cruise Extensions
We have amazing Ecuador mainland extensions! Or, while you are so close, think about visiting Machu Picchu! You'll save when packaging everything with us.
Here are some ideas:
2-3 Day Extensions
A few days in the Amazon Rainforest
Visit the Ecuadorian Andes & Cotopaxi
Stay at traditional Ecuadorian haciendas
4+ Day Extensions
Explore Machu Picchu in Peru
La Selva Jungle Lodge Experience (Galapagos cruise guest favorite)
Active Ecuador Multisport Mainland Tour
Dates & Rates
Supplementary Information
Prices starting at $3,050 per person. Please inquire for specific details.
INCLUDED
- Daily programmed visits to the islands
- Certified naturalist guide
- Snorkel gear (mask, snorkel and fins)
- Wetsuits
- Kayaks
- All meals on board
- Coffee, tea and natural juices
NOT INCLUDED
- Air ticket to/from Galapagos
- National Park Entrance fee
- Transit Control Card
- Personal Expenses and tips
- Alcoholic and bottled beverages
Ship Details
The M/Y Passion was originally named Belisima (“beautiful” in Italian). A journey aboard this excusit yacht guarantees a sense of relaxed refinement and exclusivity.
The M/Y Passion is an ideal choice for private charters or families. The yacht is spread over 4 decks and offers a generous amount of space for only 12 passengers. There is plenty of room to relax alone or spend time together in the beautifuly furnished common areas including a panoramic sky lounge and bar, separate dining room, spacious sun decks and secluded Jacuzzi deck.
All four staterooms are fully air-conditioned and each has its own private bathroom with bathtub. Additionally, our VIP and Master suites feature two en-suite bathrooms each.
The ratio of one staff member per guest ensures first class, personalized service and the finest gourmet cuisine is served throughout the cruise.
M/Y Passion Highlights:
- Private Yacht custom built for a Family. Never before used for Tourism.
- Exclusive 159 Ft, 4-deck Yacht for 12 passengers
- Cruise Director on board
- 1-1 Staff to Guest ratio
- Completely refurbished and adapted for cruising in the Galapagos
- All Staterooms boast private bathrooms and air conditioning
- VIP and Master Suites have two bathrooms each
- Four ample staterooms with private bathroom and bathtub
- Al Fresco dining
Technical Specs:
- Catregory - First Class
- Capacity - 15 Passengers
- Operation - Baltra Island
- Cabins - 6 cabins total, 1 VIP, I Master, 4 Staterooms
- Length - 159 Feet (48,5 meters)
- Beam(Width) - 28 feet (8,64 meters)
- Draft - 10 feet (3 meters)
- Speed - 10 knots (18 km/h)
- Type of Vessel - Motor Yacht
- Rebuild - 1989 (Dania Yacht Design)
- Gross Tons - 459 tons
- Range - 4,000 Miles
- Stabilizers - Electronic Vosper Stabilizers
- Electric Power Supply - 240 V – 50Hz 120V – 60 Hz
Staterooms
VIP Suite
Double bed
Two private bathrooms
Lounge area
Master Suite
Double bed
Two private bathrooms
Loung area
Staterooms
Private bathroom and bathtub
Ship Photos
Deck Plans
Write a review