Tip Top II Cruises In The Galapagos

Northwest - 8 days, 7 nights Overview

Cruise between the wildlife-rich islands of the northwest Galapagos on this fascinating 8-day itinerary. Go snorkeling amidst a myriad of marine species off beautiful Las Bachas Beach, go hiking across the spectacular volcanic landscapes of Bartolome Island and Sullivan Bay, then spot flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies and penguins in sheltered Tagus Cove.

Itinerary

Day 1 - FRI - Baltra to Las Bachas Beach

Fly into Baltra Island where you will be met by one of Tip Top’s guides and transferred to the yacht. Settle into your cabin and enjoy a light snack on board as the crew weighs anchor to sail towards Playa Las Bachas. This beautiful white sandy beach 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 lagoon and take advantage of the opportunity to go swimming or snorkeling off the idyllic shores.

Day 2 - SAT - Sullivan Bay (Santiago) & Bartolome

After breakfast on board, we’ll make a wet landing at Sullivan Bay, which is renowned for its spectacular volcanic landscapes. Learn about the archipelago’s unique geology and go snorkeling to discover the incredible marine life before returning to the yacht for lunch.

In the afternoon, we’ll make a dry landing at Bartolome Island and hike to its summit for incredible views across the surrounding islands. Witness the eroded tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock while keeping an eye out for colonies of marine iguanas and lava lizards en route.

Day 3 - SUN - Prince Phillip's Steps & Darwin Bay (Genovesa)

Begin the day with a panga ride to the base of Prince Phillip’s Steps and embark on a short hike to the top of the cliff’s plateau. Soak up the magnificent views and photograph the myriad of bird species that nest in the rocky cliffs.

As you enjoy lunch on board, we’ll sail towards Darwin Bay to observe the frigatebirds, herons, mockingbirds and boobies that reside here. Photograph marine iguanas basking in the sun, then go snorkeling to spot sea turtles or opt to explore the coast by kayak.

Day 4 - MON - James Bay & Buccaneer Cove (Santiago)

Begin the day with a wet landing at Puerto Egas and follow your naturalist guide on a short walk to discover the sponges, snails, hermit crabs and barnacles that live in the intertidal zone here. You’ll have the option to go snorkeling with marine iguanas and sea lions or explore the coastline by kayak at your leisure.

In the afternoon, we’ll navigate around the steep cliffs of Buccaneer Cove where 17th and 18th-century buccaneers once anchored. Keep an eye out for various species of birds that nest in the cliff face and spend time snorkeling or kayaking around this picturesque area. We’ll then make a wet landing to explore the abandoned salt mines of Santiago along a short walking trail.

Day 5 - TUE - Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela) & Punta Espinoza (Fernandina)

Begin the day with a panga ride at Punta Vicente Roca where you’ll be greeted by sea lions, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants and blue-footed and masked boobies. Take advantage of the spectacular snorkeling or just opt to swim in the crystal clear waters.

After lunch on board, we'll make a dry landing at Punta Espinoza to witness its large colony of sea lions, together with flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins and Galapagos hawks which can all be spotted on walks here.

Day 6 - WED - Urbina Bay, Tagus Cove & Elizabeth Bay (Isabela)

After breakfast on board, we’ll make a wet landing at Urbina Bay and embark on a short walk to spot land iguanas, flightless cormorants and the occasional giant tortoise. Then jump aboard a panga to explore the protected waters of Tagus Cove where flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies and penguins can all be spotted.

In the afternoon, we will head to Elizabeth Bay for a panga ride around its islets. Your naturalist guide will help you to spot marine iguanas, penguins and sea turtles, together with herons and blue-footed boobies that nest here.

Day 7 - THU - Sierra Negra Volcano, Tortoise Breeding Center & Wall of Tears (Isabela)

Begin the day with a dry landing on the islet of Las Tintoreras where marine iguanas, sea lions, Galapagos penguins, rays and white-tipped reef sharks can all be seen. We’ll then embark on an excursion to the Sierra Negra Volcano in the highlands of Isabela Island and go hiking across its multi-colored lava flows to an immense crater, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding islands.

After lunch on board the yacht, we’ll pay a visit to the Breeding Center “Arnaldo Tupiza” to observe giant tortoises of all ages up close. Then travel on to the “Wall of Tears”, which was built by prison labor in what was once the island’s penal colony. Stop by the Humedales lagoons where flamingoes and other migratory bird species can be seen wading in the shallows and keep an eye out for Galapagos finches and hawks.

Day 8 - FRI - Twin Craters, Highlands (Santa Cruz) & Disembark Baltra

After your final breakfast on board, we’ll disembark on Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. It functions as both a breeding center for giant tortoises and an Interpretive Center where you gain a better understanding of the archipelago’s unique wildlife and geology.

It’s then time to head to the Baltra Airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.

South-Central - 8 days, 7 nights Overview

Explore the spectacular islands of Santa Cruz, South Plaza, Rabida, Floreana and San Cristobal on this exciting 8-day itinerary through the Galapagos. Get up close to giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Station, enjoy world-class snorkeling in the waters of Devil's Crown and experience three species of boobies nesting together at Punta Pitt.

Itinerary

Day 1 - FRI - Baltra to Charles Darwin Station (Santa Cruz)

Fly into Baltra Island where you will be met by one of Tip Top’s guides and transferred to the Itabaca Channel. From here you will cross by barge to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island where your Tip Top yacht is moored. Settle into your cabin and enjoy a light snack on board before embarking on our first excursion to the Charles Darwin Research Station. It functions as both a breeding center for giant tortoises and an Interpretive Center where you gain a better understanding of the archipelago’s unique wildlife and geology.

We will then return to the port where you can explore the town at your leisure and shop for souvenirs and handicrafts.

Day 2 - SAT - Santa Fe & South Plaza Islands

After breakfast on board, we’ll make a wet landing on Santa Fe Island to go hiking through its impressive cactus forest and witness a colony of endemic land iguanas. Go swimming or snorkeling off the shores or opt to explore the coast by kayak.

After lunch, we’ll sail towards South Plaza Island and be met by its colony of boisterous sea lions. Follow your naturalist guide on a hike through the cactus forest that provides a habitat for land iguanas and tropical bird species.

Day 3 - SUN - Chinese Hat & Rabida Island

Begin the day with a wet landing on Sombrero Chino (Chinese Hat), a tiny island that nestles off the coast of Santiago Island. Its rocky shoreline is home to Witness Galapagos penguins, sea lions and marine iguanas along the rocky shoreline and opt to go snorkeling in the wildlife-rich surrounding waters.

After lunch on board, we’ll head towards Rabida Island where marine iguanas and sea lions can be seen basking in the sun, alongside blue-footed boobies, masked boobies and brown pelicans. Visit the small saltwater lagoon where pink flamingoes can be seen wading in the shallows and opt to go swimming and snorkeling off its red sand beach.

Day 4 - MON - Black Turtle Cove & Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz)

Begin the day with a panga ride around the mangrove-lined shores of Black Turtle Cove. It provides a vital nursery for white-tipped sharks and sea turtles, as well as spotted eagle rays and yellow cow-nosed rays.

After lunch back on board, we’ll make a dry landing at the base of Cerro Dragon and hike to the summit for impressive views. It’s named after the healthy colony of land iguanas that reside here and is close to a hypersaline lagoon where flamingos, common stilts, pintail ducks and other species of birds can be spotted.

Day 5 - TUE - Post Office Bay, Devil's Crown & Punta Cormorant (Floreana)

After breakfast on board, we’ll make a wet landing at Post Office Bay where a barrel was placed in the 18th century for whalers to send letters to loved ones back home. Send your postcards from this unique landmark, then opt to go swimming or snorkeling in the picturesque waters before embarking on a panga ride to see the playful sea lions of La Loberia.

In the afternoon we will head to the submerged volcano of Devil’s Crown, which boasts some of the best snorkeling in the islands. We'll stop at Punta Cormorant to observe its flamingo lagoon, then cross to the other side of Floreana Island at La Picona Beach which is a popular spawning ground for sea turtles.

Day 6 - WED - Punta Suarez, Gardner Bay & Osborn Islet (Espanola)

Begin the day with a dry landing at Punta Suarez that is home to one of the most impressive and varied colonies of sea birds in the Galapagos Islands. Witness waved albatross soaring from its high cliffs between May and December and photograph the nearby “blow hole” spurting water high into the air.

After lunch on board, we’ll make a wet landing at Gardner Bay and enjoy a short stroll along the beach to a seasonal colony of sea lions. Jump aboard a panga to explore the nearby islets of Gardner and Osborn, with plenty of time to swim and snorkel in these marine species-rich waters.

Day 7 - THU - Punta Pitt, Kicker Rock & Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal)

After breakfast on board, we’ll make a wet landing at Punta Pitt on San Cristobal Island, 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 your naturalist guide along the trail that leads from its olivine beach to the top of a volcanic tuff hill, from where there are impressive views across the archipelago.

In the afternoon, we’ll sail around iconic Kicker Rock, which serves as a nesting site for numerous seabirds. Take advantage of the opportunity to go swimming or snorkeling here before continuing on to the white sandy beach of Cerro Brujo where sea lions, brown pelicans, marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies can be seen.

Day 8 - FRI - North Seymour & Disembark Baltra

After your final breakfast on board, we’ll make a dry landing on North Seymour Island to witness its nesting blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and pelicans. Also keep an eye out for marine iguanas and sea lions that live on the edge of its endemic palo santo vegetation.

It’s then time to head back to the pier and transfer to the Baltra Island Airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador.

Eastern - 5 days, 4 nights Overview

Explore the islands of Santa Cruz, Floreana, Espanola and San Cristobal on this introductory 5-day/4-night itinerary through the Galapagos. Witness the incredible birdlife of Kicker Rock, discover the archipelago’s human history at Post Office Bay and go snorkeling in the marine species-rich waters of picturesque Gardner Bay.

The Tip Top II Eastern itinerary is a shortened version of Tip Top's more extensive South-Central 8-day route, encompassing its final 5 days.

Itinerary

Day 1 - MON - Baltra to Dragon Hill

Fly into Baltra Island where you will be met by one of Tip Top’s guides and transferred to the yacht. Settle into your cabin and enjoy a light snack on board as the crew weighs anchor to sail towards Cerro Dragon. Embark on a hike to the summit for impressive views. It’s named after the healthy colony of land iguanas that reside here and is close to a hypersaline lagoon where flamingos, common stilts, pintail ducks and other species of birds can be spotted.

Day 2 - TUE - Post Office Bay, Devil's Crown & Punta Cormorant (Floreana)

After breakfast on board, we’ll make a wet landing at Post Office Bay where a barrel was placed in the 18th century for whalers to send letters to loved ones back home. Send your postcards from this unique landmark, then opt to go swimming or snorkeling in the picturesque waters before embarking on a panga ride to see the playful sea lions of La Loberia.

In the afternoon we will head to the submerged volcano of Devil’s Crown, which boasts some of the best snorkeling in the islands. We'll stop at Punta Cormorant to observe its flamingo lagoon, then cross to the other side of Floreana Island at La Picona Beach which is a popular spawning ground for sea turtles.

Day 3 - WED - Punta Suarez, Gardner Bay & Osborn Islet (Espanola)

Begin the day with a dry landing at Punta Suarez that is home to one of the most impressive and varied colonies of sea birds in the Galapagos Islands. Witness waved albatross soaring from its high cliffs between May and December and photograph the nearby “blow hole” spurting water high into the air.

After lunch on board, we’ll make a wet landing at Gardner Bay and enjoy a short stroll along the beach to a seasonal colony of sea lions. Jump aboard a panga to explore the nearby islets of Gardner and Osborn, with plenty of time to swim and snorkel in these marine species-rich waters.

Day 4 - THU - Punta Pitt, Kicker Rock & Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal)

After breakfast on board, we’ll make a wet landing at Punta Pitt on San Cristobal Island, 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 your naturalist guide along the trail that leads from its olivine beach to the top of a volcanic tuff hill, from where there are impressive views across the archipelago.

In the afternoon, we’ll sail around iconic Kicker Rock, which serves as a nesting site for numerous seabirds. Take advantage of the opportunity to go swimming or snorkeling here before continuing on to the white sandy beach of Cerro Brujo where sea lions, brown pelicans, marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies can be seen.

Day 5 - FRI - North Seymour & Disembark Baltra

After your final breakfast on board, we’ll make a dry landing on North Seymour Island to witness its nesting blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and pelicans. Also keep an eye out for marine iguanas and sea lions that live on the edge of its endemic palo santo vegetation.

It’s then time to head back to the pier and transfer to the Baltra Island Airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador.

Central - 4 days, 3 nights Overview

Get a taste of the Galapagos on this 4-day itinerary between the central islands of Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, South Plaza and Rabida. Get up close to giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station, go snorkeling in the marine rich waters of Sombrero Chino and photograph the boisterous sea lions on the shores of South Plaza.

The Tip Top II Central itinerary encompasses the first four days of Tip Top's more extensive South-Central 8-day route.

Itinerary

Day 1 - FRI - Baltra to Charles Darwin Station (Santa Cruz)

Fly into Baltra Island where you will be met by one of Tip Top’s guides and transferred to the Itabaca Channel. From here you will cross by barge to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island where your Tip Top yacht is moored. Settle into your cabin and enjoy a light snack on board before embarking on our first excursion to the Charles Darwin Research Station. It functions as both a breeding center for giant tortoises and an Interpretive Center where you gain a better understanding of the archipelago’s unique wildlife and geology.

We will then return to the port where you can explore the town at your leisure and shop for souvenirs and handicrafts.

Day 2 - SAT - Santa Fe & South Plaza Islands

After breakfast on board, we’ll make a wet landing on Santa Fe Island to go hiking through its impressive cactus forest and witness a colony of endemic land iguanas. Go swimming or snorkeling off the shores or opt to explore the coast by kayak.

After lunch, we’ll sail towards South Plaza Island and be met by its colony of boisterous sea lions. Follow your naturalist guide on a hike through the cactus forest that provides a habitat for land iguanas and tropical bird species.

Day 3 - SUN - Chinese Hat & Rabida Islands

Begin the day with a wet landing on Sombrero Chino (Chinese Hat), a tiny island that nestles off the coast of Santiago Island. Its rocky shoreline is home to Witness Galapagos penguins, sea lions and marine iguanas along the rocky shoreline and opt to go snorkeling in the wildlife-rich surrounding waters.

After lunch on board, we’ll head towards Rabida Island where marine iguanas and sea lions can be seen basking in the sun, alongside blue-footed boobies, masked boobies and brown pelicans. Visit the small saltwater lagoon where pink flamingoes can be seen wading in the shallows and opt to go swimming and snorkeling off its red sand beach.

Day 4 - MON - Black Turtle Cove & Disembark Baltra

Begin the day with a panga ride around the mangrove-lined shores of Black Turtle Cove. It provides a vital nursery for white-tipped sharks and sea turtles, as well as spotted eagle rays and yellow cow-nosed rays.

It’s then time to head back to the pier and transfer to the Baltra Island Airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.

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