- Overview
- Itineraries
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
- Booking
- Rates
The Grand Majestic is specifically designed for exclusive high end private charters. The guide, captain and crew are dedicated to providing the highest quality service.
Grand Majestic offers excellent four-, five-, and eight-day itineraries, led by a certified bilingual naturalist guide and a dedicated crew.
DECK AND CABINS
LOWER DECK
MAIN DECK
SUN DECK
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Year of construction: | 2018 |
| Length | 127′ (39 m) |
| Beam | 24′ (7.30 m) |
| Draft | 5′ 11″ (1.80 m) |
| Speed | 25 knots |
| Capacity | 16 passengers |
| 9 Crew members + 1 Bilingual Guide | |
| Main engines | MTU Series 2000 – 2400HP |
| Water maker | 2 X 1200 Gallons / day |
| Exterior | Naval Aluminium, GFRP (fiber reinforced polymer) |
| Accommodation |
Cabin 1: 179 ft² / 17 m² |
Cabin 7: 132 ft² / 12 m² |
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| * All cabins with private bathrooms, hot water and air-conditioning. |
Itineraries are unlikely to change significantly but are subject to change.
Weather, wildlife breeding, safety concerns, instructions from the Galapagos National Park, specific abilities and interests of passengers as well as operational matters may cause your guide or captain to change the time or nature of visits.
Your guide and captain will always endeavor to select the best itinerary within these limits.
Itineraries
Grand Majestic 4-day Cruise "A"
(San Cristobal, Floreana, Española, Santa Cruz)
Day 1: Monday
SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
In the morning: San Cristobal airport arrival
You will arrive at San Cristobal Island in the morning.
After passing through immigration and baggage claim, you will be met by a Grand Majestic staff member and transferred to the yacht. You will be shown to your cabin where you will have some time to settle in before lunch and a welcome briefing.
In the afternoon: El Junco Lagoon
Located in the highlands 19 kilometers from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, El Junco is located in the caldera of an extinct volcano. Rainwater feeds the lagoon. There are many farms and ranches in this area of San Cristobal Island, and sometime cows can be found near the lagoon.
| El Junco Lagoon, San Cristobal Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Beautiful lagoon filling the crater of the extinct volcano. Frigates and occasionally some species of local water birds |
| Difficulty: | Easy/Moderate |
| Type of Landing: | Dry Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking |
Day 2: Tuesday
FLOREANA ISLAND
In the morning: Post Office Bay
You will land on a beach and head to a spot where 18th century whalers placed a wooden barrel used as an unofficial mail box. The custom continues to this day with Galapagos visitors. So, don’t forget your postcards, and don’t be surprised if the post card arrives to its destination before you even get home!
| Post Office Bay, Floreana Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Post office barrel, nice sandy beach |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Type of Landing: | Wet Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking, snorkeling |
Afterwards : Baroness Viewing Point
Baroness Viewing Point is a fantastic place to absorb the environment of the Galapagos. Once inhabited by an indulgent baroness and her three lovers, the history of this island is intriguing. The legends about this baroness are associated with a fascinating murder mystery. There are easy trails in this area for exploring the flora and fauna of Floreana.
| Baroness Viewing Point, Floreana Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Great view, sea turtles, mysterious story about the first inhabitants of the islands |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Type of Landing: | Dry Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking |
In the afternoon: Cormorant Point
Cormorant Point hosts a large flamingo lagoon where other birds such as common stilts and white-cheeked pintails can also be seen. The beaches on this island are distinct: The Green Beach is named so due to its green color, which comes from a high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand, and the Flour Sand Beach is composed of white coral.
| Cormorant Point, Floreana Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Flamingoes, green-colored beach |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Type of Landing: | Wet Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking |
Afterwards : Devil’s Crown
You will have a chance to snorkel around Devil’s Crown which is the rocky remains of an offshore volcano sticking out of the water.
This is a great location to spot a wide range of marine creatures.
| Devil’s Crown, Floreana Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Large array or marine species |
| Difficulty: | Moderate/Difficult |
| Type of Landing: | No Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Snorkeling, dinghy ride |
Day 3: Wednesday
ESPAÑOLA ISLAND
In the morning: Suarez Point
On the trail to Suarez Point you will have the chance to spot blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, and Nazca boobies. This island is the breeding site of nearly all of the world’s 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses. You will also visit a beautiful site on the ocean front where there is a cliff that the large albatrosses use as a launching pad! You will have the chance to see the famous blowhole that spurts sea water into the air. The landscape is great for photography.
| Suarez Point, Española Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Hood mockingbirds, Nazca boobies, waved albatrosses (approximately from the last week of April until the last week of January), red-billed tropicbirds, lava lizards, Galapagos hawks, blowhole, amazing landscape and maybe blue- footed boobies. |
| Difficulty: | Difficult |
| Type of Landing: | Dry Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking |
In the a fternoon: Gardner Bay, Gardner Islet & Osborn Islet
This excursion takes you to the spectacular Gardner Bay. After landing, you can walk across a lovely white-sand beach amongst a busy sea lion colony or dive into the water to swim with sea lion pups. You may also see curious mockingbirds on the beach.
| Gardner Bay, Gardner Islet & Osborn Islet, Española Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | White sandy beach, sea lions, mockingbirds; snorkeling: colorful fish, sea lion nursery |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Type of Landing: | Wet Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking |
Day 4: Thursday
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
In the morning: Twin Craters
You will visit the Twin Craters located opposite to each other on both sides of the road leading from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. The name is only figurative; not real craters, these formations were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. The view is breathtaking.
| Twin Craters, Santa Cruz Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Pit craters, Scalesia Forest |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Type of Landing: | Dry Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking |
Afterwards : Baltra Airport Departure
After this final visit, you will be transferred to the Baltra airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.
Grand Majestic 5-day Cruise "A"
(Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Rabida, Santiago, San Cristobal)
Day 1: Thursday
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
In the morning: Baltra Airport Arrival
Morning flight from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra, Galapagos Islands.
You will arrive at Baltra Island in the morning. After passing through immigration and baggage claim, you will be met by a Grand Majestic staff member and transferred to the yacht. You will be shown to your cabin where you will have some time to settle in before lunch and a welcome briefing.
In the afternoon: Fausto Llerena Breeding Center
You will visit “Fausto Llerena” Tortoise Breeding Center in Puerto Ayora, where giant tortoises are bred in captivity. This is home to tortoises ranging from 3-inches (new hatchlings) to 4-feet long adults. Subspecies of the giant tortoises interact with one another, and many of the older tortoises are accustomed to humans stretching out their heads for a photo opportunity. The babies are kept until they are about four years-old and strong enough to survive on their own.
| Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, Santa Cruz Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Giant tortoises, finches, Galapagos rails |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Type of Landing: | Dry Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking |
Day 2: Friday
GENOVESA ISLAND
In the morning: El Barranco
El Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps, is a steep, rocky path that leads up a high cliff rock face. A marvelous view can be appreciated from here. This site is also home to Palo Santo vegetation as well as red-footed boobies, short-eared owls, Galapagos storm petrels, and Galapagos doves.
| El Barranco, Genovesa Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Red-footed boobies, short-eared owls, storm-petrels, Galapagos doves |
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
| Type of Landing: | Dry Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking |
In the afternoon: Darwin Bay
Visit the white-sand coral beach of Darwin Bay which includes a half mile trail (0,75km) that winds through mangroves filled with land birds. Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls, which can easily be spotted here. Further down the path we’ll find tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully. At the end is a spectacular view of a cliff.
| Darwin Bay, Genovesa Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, swallow-tail gulls, mangroves, coral pebble beach, snorkeling: rays, colorful reef fish, and hammerhead sharks occasionally |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Type of Landing: | Wet Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking |
Day 3: Saturday
RABIDA AND SANTIAGO ISLANDS
In the morning: Rabida
You will visit Rabida Island (or Jervis) which is one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago as well as a great snorkeling site. We will start on Rabida’s famous maroon/red sand beach, and after an easy hike, you will arrive to a stunning lookout to enjoy the amazing landscapes. The island is a birdwatcher’s delight. Some species are abundant such as a few varieties of finches, Galapagos vermilion flycatchers, Galapagos hawks and brown pelicans.
| Rabida Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Snorkeling: white-cheeked pintail ducks, colourful fish, sea lions, brackish water lagoon, pelicans |
| Difficulty: | Easy/Moderate |
| Type of Landing: | Wet Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking |
In the afternoon: Chinese Hat Islet
This small islet is located near the southeast coast of Santiago Island. Its name comes from the distinct shape of the islet’s summit. Chinese Islet is a great location to view many geological formations such as lava tunnels and lava flows. Some of the lava flows were formed underwater and subsequently raised above sea level. The presence of coral heads on the lava flow indicates this phenomenon.
| Chinese Hat Islet, Santiago Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Lava formations, great site for snorkeling with an abundance of marine species such as sea lions, sharks, rays and penguins. |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Type of Landing: | Wet Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking |
Day 4: Sunday
SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
In the morning: Witch Hill
Located on the northern coast, this eroded hill and its surroundings present one of the most picturesque beaches in the Galapagos with its white powdery sand and the abundance of animals. Wildlife includes sea turtles, rays, and various types of booby birds. The clear water provides an excellent opportunity for enjoying swimming and snorkeling.
| Witch Hill, San Cristobal Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Beautiful rock formations, sea lions, shore birds, finches and mockingbirds; Snorkeling: nice tropical fish, anemones, sponges, coral |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Type of Landing: | Wet Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking |
In the afternoon: Lobos Island
You will take an excursion to Lobos Island which means “Sea Lion Island.” This appropriately named island is ripe with noisy, playful, jolly sea lions who will welcome you to their home with open, well, fins. This island also offers great snorkeling opportunities as well as the chance to see blue-footed and Nazca boobies.
| Lobos Island, San Cristobal Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Sea lions, frigate birds, blue-footed boobies |
| Difficulty: | Easy/Moderate |
| Type of Landing: | Dry Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride |
Day 5: Monday
SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
In the morning: Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center
This site is part of an environment project. The tour of this center will explore the natural history of the islands including human interaction and conservation efforts. The Museum of Natural History explains the volcanic origin of the archipelago, ocean currents, climate, and the arrival of endemic species. The Human History exhibit chronologically describes significant events such as discovery and colonization of the islands.
| Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center, San Cristobal Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Great exhibits about the archipelago’s natural history |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Type of Landing: | Dry Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking |
Afterwards: San Cristobal airport departure
After this final visit, you will be transferred to the San Cristobal airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.
Grand Majestic 8-day Cruise "A"
(San Cristobal, Floreana, Española, Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Rabida, Santiago, San Cristobal)
Day 1: Monday
SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
In the morning: San Cristobal airport arrival
You will arrive at San Cristobal Island in the morning.
After passing through immigration and baggage claim, you will be met by a Grand Majestic staff member and transferred to the yacht. You will be shown to your cabin where you will have some time to settle in before lunch and a welcome briefing.
In the afternoon: El Junco Lagoon
Located in the highlands 19 kilometers from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, El Junco is located in the caldera of an extinct volcano. Rainwater feeds the lagoon. There are many farms and ranches in this area of San Cristobal Island, and sometime cows can be found near the lagoon.
| El Junco Lagoon, San Cristobal Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Beautiful lagoon filling the crater of the extinct volcano. Frigates and occasionally some species of local water birds |
| Difficulty: | Easy/Moderate |
| Type of Landing: | Dry Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking |
Day 2: Tuesday
FLOREANA ISLAND
In the morning: Post Office Bay
You will land on a beach and head to a spot where 18th century whalers placed a wooden barrel used as an unofficial mail box. The custom continues to this day with Galapagos visitors. So, don’t forget your postcards, and don’t be surprised if the post card arrives to its destination before you even get home!
| Post Office Bay, Floreana Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Post office barrel, nice sandy beach |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Type of Landing: | Wet Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking, snorkeling |
Afterwards : Baroness Viewing Point
Baroness Viewing Point is a fantastic place to absorb the environment of the Galapagos. Once inhabited by an indulgent baroness and her three lovers, the history of this island is intriguing. The legends about this baroness are associated with a fascinating murder mystery. There are easy trails in this area for exploring the flora and fauna of Floreana.
| Baroness Viewing Point, Floreana Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Great view, sea turtles, mysterious story about the first inhabitants of the islands |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Type of Landing: | Dry Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking |
In the afternoon: Cormorant Point
Cormorant Point hosts a large flamingo lagoon where other birds such as common stilts and white-cheeked pintails can also be seen. The beaches on this island are distinct: The Green Beach is named so due to its green color, which comes from a high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand, and the Flour Sand Beach is composed of white coral.
| Cormorant Point, Floreana Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Flamingoes, green-colored beach |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Type of Landing: | Wet Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking |
Afterwards : Devil’s Crown
You will have a chance to snorkel around Devil’s Crown which is the rocky remains of an offshore volcano sticking out of the water.
This is a great location to spot a wide range of marine creatures.
| Devil’s Crown, Floreana Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Large array or marine species |
| Difficulty: | Moderate/Difficult |
| Type of Landing: | No Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Snorkeling, dinghy ride |
Day 3: Wednesday
ESPAÑOLA ISLAND
In the morning: Suarez Point
On the trail to Suarez Point you will have the chance to spot blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, and Nazca boobies. This island is the breeding site of nearly all of the world’s 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses. You will also visit a beautiful site on the ocean front where there is a cliff that the large albatrosses use as a launching pad! You will have the chance to see the famous blowhole that spurts sea water into the air. The landscape is great for photography.
| Suarez Point, Española Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Hood mockingbirds, Nazca boobies, waved albatrosses (approximately from the last week of April until the last week of January), red-billed tropicbirds, lava lizards, Galapagos hawks, blowhole, amazing landscape and maybe blue- footed boobies. |
| Difficulty: | Difficult |
| Type of Landing: | Dry Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking |
In the a fternoon: Gardner Bay, Gardner Islet & Osborn Islet
This excursion takes you to the spectacular Gardner Bay. After landing, you can walk across a lovely white-sand beach amongst a busy sea lion colony or dive into the water to swim with sea lion pups. You may also see curious mockingbirds on the beach.
| Gardner Bay, Gardner Islet & Osborn Islet, Española Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | White sandy beach, sea lions, mockingbirds; snorkeling: colorful fish, sea lion nursery |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Type of Landing: | Wet Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking |
Day 4: Thursday
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
In the morning: Twin Craters
You will visit the Twin Craters located opposite to each other on both sides of the road leading from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. The name is only figurative; not real craters, these formations were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. The view is breathtaking.
| Twin Craters, Santa Cruz Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Pit craters, Scalesia Forest |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Type of Landing: | Dry Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking |
In the afternoon: Fausto Llerena Breeding Center
You will visit “Fausto Llerena” Tortoise Breeding Center in Puerto Ayora, where giant tortoises are bred in captivity. This is home to tortoises ranging from 3-inches (new hatchlings) to 4-feet long adults. Subspecies of the giant tortoises interact with one another, and many of the older tortoises are accustomed to humans stretching out their heads for a photo opportunity. The babies are kept until they are about four years-old and strong enough to survive on their own.
| Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, Santa Cruz Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Giant tortoises, finches, Galapagos rails |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Type of Landing: | Dry Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking |
Day 5: Friday
GENOVESA ISLAND
In the morning: El Barranco
El Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps, is a steep, rocky path that leads up a high cliff rock face. A marvelous view can be appreciated from here. This site is also home to Palo Santo vegetation as well as red-footed boobies, short-eared owls, Galapagos storm petrels, and Galapagos doves.
| El Barranco, Genovesa Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Red-footed boobies, short-eared owls, storm-petrels, Galapagos doves |
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
| Type of Landing: | Dry Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking |
In the afternoon: Darwin Bay
Visit the white-sand coral beach of Darwin Bay which includes a half mile trail (0,75km) that winds through mangroves filled with land birds. Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls, which can easily be spotted here. Further down the path we’ll find tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully. At the end is a spectacular view of a cliff.
| Darwin Bay, Genovesa Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, swallow-tail gulls, mangroves, coral pebble beach, snorkeling: rays, colorful reef fish, and hammerhead sharks occasionally |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Type of Landing: | Wet Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking |
Day 6: Saturday
RABIDA AND SANTIAGO ISLANDS
In the morning: Rabida
You will visit Rabida Island (or Jervis) which is one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago as well as a great snorkeling site. We will start on Rabida’s famous maroon/red sand beach, and after an easy hike, you will arrive to a stunning lookout to enjoy the amazing landscapes. The island is a birdwatcher’s delight. Some species are abundant such as a few varieties of finches, Galapagos vermilion flycatchers, Galapagos hawks and brown pelicans.
| Rabida Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Snorkeling: white-cheeked pintail ducks, colourful fish, sea lions, brackish water lagoon, pelicans |
| Difficulty: | Easy/Moderate |
| Type of Landing: | Wet Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking |
In the afternoon: Chinese Hat Islet
This small islet is located near the southeast coast of Santiago Island. Its name comes from the distinct shape of the islet’s summit. Chinese Islet is a great location to view many geological formations such as lava tunnels and lava flows. Some of the lava flows were formed underwater and subsequently raised above sea level. The presence of coral heads on the lava flow indicates this phenomenon.
| Chinese Hat Islet, Santiago Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Lava formations, great site for snorkeling with an abundance of marine species such as sea lions, sharks, rays and penguins. |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Type of Landing: | Wet Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking |
Day 7: Sunday
SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
In the morning: Witch Hill
Located on the northern coast, this eroded hill and its surroundings present one of the most picturesque beaches in the Galapagos with its white powdery sand and the abundance of animals. Wildlife includes sea turtles, rays, and various types of booby birds. The clear water provides an excellent opportunity for enjoying swimming and snorkeling.
| Witch Hill, San Cristobal Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Beautiful rock formations, sea lions, shore birds, finches and mockingbirds; Snorkeling: nice tropical fish, anemones, sponges, coral |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Type of Landing: | Wet Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking |
In the afternoon: Lobos Island
You will take an excursion to Lobos Island which means “Sea Lion Island.” This appropriately named island is ripe with noisy, playful, jolly sea lions who will welcome you to their home with open, well, fins. This island also offers great snorkeling opportunities as well as the chance to see blue-footed and Nazca boobies.
| Lobos Island, San Cristobal Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Sea lions, frigate birds, blue-footed boobies |
| Difficulty: | Easy/Moderate |
| Type of Landing: | Dry Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride |
Day 8: Monday
SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
In the morning: Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center
This site is part of an environment project. The tour of this center will explore the natural history of the islands including human interaction and conservation efforts. The Museum of Natural History explains the volcanic origin of the archipelago, ocean currents, climate, and the arrival of endemic species. The Human History exhibit chronologically describes significant events such as discovery and colonization of the islands.
| Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center, San Cristobal Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Great exhibits about the archipelago’s natural history |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Type of Landing: | Dry Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking |
Afterwards: San Cristobal airport departure
After this final visit, you will be transferred to the San Cristobal airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.
Grand Majestic 8-day Cruise "B"
(San Cristobal, North Seymour, Santa Cruz, Bartholomew, Santiago, Isabela, Fernandina, Isabela, Santiago, Santa Cruz, San Cristobal)
Day 1: Monday
SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
In the morning: San Cristobal airport arrival
You will arrive at San Cristobal Island in the morning.
After passing through immigration and baggage claim, you will be met by a Grand Majestic staff member and transferred to the yacht. You will be shown to your cabin where you will have some time to settle in before lunch and a welcome briefing.
In the afternoon: David Rodriguez Breeding Center “La Galapaguera”
Breeding Center David Rodriguez - “La Galapaguera”, in Cerro Colorado, is a new visitor site in the southeast part of San Cristobal Island and can now be reached in roughly one hour by road from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. On the trees and shrubs surrounding the site, you may see land birds like warblers, finches and mockingbirds. Giant tortoises can be observed on the trails. They live there wild but in a protected area to ensure their survival by sealing them off from introduced predators like pigs and goats.
| David Rodriguez Breeding Center “La Galapaguera”, San Cristobal Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Giant tortoises, finches, warblers, mockingbirds |
| Difficulty: | Easy/Moderate |
| Type of Landing: | Dry Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking |
Day 2: Tuesday
NORTH SEYMOUR AND SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS
In the morning: North Seymour
In North Seymour you may see Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and magnificent frigate birds which are abundant on this island. North Seymour was formed by a series of submarine lava flows containing layers of sediment that were uplifted by tectonic activity. The island is characterized by its arid vegetation zone.
| North Seymour Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Land & marine iguanas, frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, sea lions; snorkeling: rays, reef sharks, fish, garden eels. |
| Difficulty: | Moderate/Difficult |
| Type of Landing: | Dry Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride |
In the afternoon: Black Turtle Cove
Visit Black Turtle Cove in the northern part of Santa Cruz. This inlet is surrounded by mangroves and is only accessible by dinghy. The shallow cove is a haven for young marine life. Black-tip and white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, and a variety of rays are often spotted here.
| Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Baby hammerhead shark, rays, sea turtles, sea birds. |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Type of Landing: | No Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Dinghy ride |
Day 3: Wednesday
BARTHOLOMEW AND SANTIAGO ISLANDS
In the morning: Pinnacle Rock
You will head to Bartholomew Island where the famous Pinnacle Rock is found. Bartholomew consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black and even green volcanic formations. We will take a trail of stairs to the summit of the volcano (about 30 or 40 minutes) where you will enjoy one of the best views of the islands! A beautiful beach surrounded by the only vegetation is perfect for snorkeling where you may even see and swim with Galapagos penguins.
| Pinnacle Rock, Bartholomew Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Pinnacle Rock, panoramic view, moonlike landscape, penguins, pioneer plants, lava cactus; snorkeling: penguins, reef sharks, rays, and great colorful fish. |
| Difficulty: | Moderate/Difficult |
| Type of Landing: | Dry & Wet Landings |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride |
In the afternoon: Egas Port
Egas Port, also known as James Bay, on Santiago Island is home to the curious Galapagos hawks and quick-footed Galapagos lava lizards. The trail leads to the coastline with gorgeous tide pools and grottos full of fauna. Here the Galapagos furseals bathe in the sun. This is also a great snorkeling site.
| Egas Port, Santiago Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Furseals, Galapagos sea lions, tidal pools and grottos, Galapagos hawks, oyster catchers, marine iguanas, finches; snorkeling: reef sharks, turtles, rays, nice underwater formations. |
| Difficulty: | Easy/Moderate |
| Type of Landing: | Wet Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking, snorkeling |
Day 4: Thursday
ISABELA ISLAND
In the morning: Tagus Cove
You will visit Tagus Cove on Isabela Island which is located across from Fernandina Island, near the Bolivar Channel dividing the two islands. This spot has been frequented by ships since the 1800s, using the area as an anchorage site. Trails winding by Lake Darwin up to a ridge display wonderful views.
| Tagus Cove, Isabela Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Penguins, flightless cormorants, Darwin Volcano & Lake |
| Difficulty: | Moderate/Difficult |
| Type of Landing: | Dry Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking |
In the afternoon: Urbina Bay
Urbina Bay is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano on the west coast between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay. This area experienced a major uplift in 1954 causing the land to rise over 16 feet. The coast expanded half a mile out leaving marine life stranded on the new shore. This area is also a great place for snorkeling.
| Urbina Bay, Isabela Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Land iguanas (the biggest in the Galapagos), hawks, coral reef, giant tortoises; snorkeling: turtles, rays, tropical fish |
| Difficulty: | Easy/Moderate |
| Type of Landing: | Wet Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking, snorkeling |
Day 5: Friday
FERNANDINA AND ISABELA ISLANDS
In the morning: Espinoza Point
Crossing the Bolivar Channel that divides Isabela and Fernandina Islands, you will land at Espinoza Point, and after walking past a colony of marine iguanas and a group of sea lions, you will reach the island’s highlight: the flightless cormorant nesting site. This area also provides a great opportunity to see the Galapagos hawk.
| Espinoza Point, Fernandina Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Flightless cormorant, marine iguanas, ‘a‘ā lava, sea lions, penguins, active volcano “La Cumbre”. |
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
| Type of Landing: | Dry Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride |
In the afternoon: Vicente Roca Point
Comprised of two separate coves, Vicente Roca Point is a large bay with spectacular sea life. Keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating Mola mola (or sun fish) while you snorkel.
| Vicente Roca Point, Isabela Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Penguins, blue-footed boobies, terns, Nazca boobies, two types of sea lions. Sea turtles, rays and puffer fish. |
| Difficulty: | Easy/Moderate |
| Type of Landing: | No Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Snorkeling, dinghy ride |
Day 6: Saturday
SANTIAGO ISLAND
In the morning: Buccaneer Cove
Buccaneer Cove is a testament to the fact that Santiago Island was once a refuge for British buccaneers. These pirates would anchor in the protected bay to make repairs and stock up on tortoise meat among other things. The steep cliffs, where hundreds of seabirds perch in front of the dark red sand beach, are a magnificent site.
| Buccaneer Cove, Santiago Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Sea birds, historical site, snorkeling and rock formations |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Type of Landing: | No Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking |
Afterwards: Espumilla Beach
In Espumilla Beach marine iguanas lounge and the Sally Lightfoot crabs attract the hunting herons performing the dance of predator and prey right before your eyes. Snorkeling is highly recommended as you could come face to face with an octopus, moray eel, shark and a variety of other species of tropical fish.
| Espumilla Beach, Santiago Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Snorkeling |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Type of Landing: | Wet Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking |
In the afternoon: Sullivan Bay
You will visit Sullivan Bay located on the southeast part of Santiago. This place is interesting for its geology because the area is covered by lava flows. This place has elevations in the form of small volcanoes formed by the lava flows.
| Sullivan Bay, Santiago Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Lava flows, small volcanoes |
| Difficulty: | Easy/Moderate |
| Type of Landing: | Dry Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride |
Day 7: Sunday
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
In the morning: Bachas Beach
Bachas Beach is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz and is a beach for swimming. One of the few remnants of the U.S. World War II presence in the Galapagos, a floating pier, can be seen here. You may see flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black-necked stilts, and whimbrels. Sea turtles also nest on the beach.
| Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | World War II remnants. Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black necked stilts, whimbrels, sea turtles. |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Type of Landing: | Wet Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking, snorkeling |
In the afternoon: Fausto Llerena Breeding Center
You will visit “Fausto Llerena” Tortoise Breeding Center in Puerto Ayora, where giant tortoises are bred in captivity. This is home to tortoises ranging from 3-inches (new hatchlings) to 4-feet long adults. Subspecies of the giant tortoises interact with one another, and many of the older tortoises are accustomed to humans stretching out their heads for a photo opportunity. The babies are kept until they are about four years-old and strong enough to survive on their own.
| Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, Santa Cruz Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Giant tortoises, finches, Galapagos rails |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Type of Landing: | Dry Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Hiking |
Day 8: Monday
SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
In the morning: Kicker Rock
This striking rock formation is located a couple hours off the western shore of San Cristobal. Jutting out of the water, the rocks stand vertically at hundreds of feet above the ocean divided by a small channel. Although there are no landing areas, circumnavigation allow visitors to spot a variety of marine life.
| Kicker Rock, San Cristobal Island | |
| Highlights & Animals: | Sharks, tropical fish, turtles, manta rays (occ.), hammerhead sharks, spectacular rock formations; sea birds: blue- footed boobies, Nazca boobies & frigate birds. |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Type of Landing: | No Landing |
| Possible Activities: | Circumnavigation |
Afterwards: San Cristobal airport departure
After this final visit, you will be transferred to the San Cristobal airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.
- All meals and excursions
- Transfers in the islands
- Bilingual National Park Guide
- Use of underwater camera
- 2 FREE hotel nights (Quito or Guayaquil) for 8-day cruises*
- 2 FREE transfers for Galapagos flights and airport assistance for 8-day cruises*
- 1 FREE hotel night (Quito or Guayaquil) for 5 & 4-day cruises*
- 1 FREE transfer for Galapagos flight and airport assistance for 5 & 4-day cruises*
*Applies when purchasing roundtrip Galapagos airfare from Ecuador Wonders.
- Roundtrip Airfare to / from Galapagos
- Alcoholic drinks
- $200 Galapagos National Park fee
- $20 Transit Control Card
- Travel / medical insurance
- Tips
- Personal Expenses
DISCOUNTS APPLY, PLEASE CONTACT US
RATES 2025 IN US$
| Charters | 8 days | 5 days | 4 days |
| Regular* | US$ 101,450 | US$ 67,450 | US$ 44,450 |
| Per pax | 8 days | 5 days | 4 days |
| Master Suite | US$ 9,145 | US$ 5,945 | US$ 4,045 |
| Standard Cabin | US$ 7,045 | US$ 4,545 | US$ 3,145 |
*For Christmas and New Year charter rates please contact us.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
• Discount for groups from 4 to 14 pax*
• Discount for children under 12 years* 10%
• Single supplement 80%
• Penalty fee applies for Galapagos air tickets not issued by Ecuador Wonders
• All prices in United States Dollars
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