Trip Code: ECGA8DB
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (Light Adventure)
Start: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Finish: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
SHIP: Galaxy Yacht
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands
Selected Wednesdays
All Meals While On Board, And Unlimited Purified Water, Coffee And Tea
Transfers In The Galapagos Islands
Cabin On Board Yacht
Daily Excursions, Panga Rides, Shore Landings, Snorkelling & Kayaking, Wildlife Encounters, Expert Naturalist Briefing, and Conservation Visits
Please Note: Itinerary Is Subject To Change Depending On Weather Conditions And Government Regulations
Explore the breath taking Northwestern Galapagos Islands on an 8-day cruise aboard the Galaxy Yacht, where you'll encounter diverse wildlife, volcanic landscapes, and pristine marine ecosystems. Snorkel with sea lions and turtles, hike among giant tortoises and land iguanas, and witness spectacular birdlife, from blue-footed boobies to Galapagos hawks. With expert guides and immersive excursions, this itinerary offers an unforgettable adventure through one of the world’s most unique natural wonders.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the Galapagos Islands, starting with your arrival at Baltra airport. Our expert naturalist guide from the National Park will eagerly await your arrival to introduce you to the wonders ahead.
Whether you're commencing your exploration from Baltra or Puerto Ayora, a comfortable bus ride will usher you into the verdant embrace of the highlands. En route, we'll pause at a reserve, where you'll step into lush highland forests to seek out Galapagos Giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Witness these gentle titans - some weighing more than 300 kg / 600 pounds - as they graze and recline in tranquil freshwater ponds. These highlands are also a sanctuary for many bird species seldom found in the lowlands, such as finches (tree, woodpecker, and vegetarian), flycatchers, and numerous waterbirds. Depending on your itinerary, you'll also visit a lava tunnel. Here, you'll delve into the fascinating geological history of the Galapagos, understanding how ancient volcanic eruptions crafted these extraordinary formations.
Start your morning on Isabela Island, embarking on a unique adventure at Tintoreras, a cluster of small isles teeming with wildlife. Sail through crystal-clear waters and discover a vibrant underwater world inhabited by white-tipped sharks, colorful tropical fish, and starfish. The hike will take you through landscapes and breathtaking views, where you’ll learn about volcanic geology and the endemic flora and fauna.
In the afternoon, explore the wetlands of Isabela Island, a vital ecosystem for the biodiversity of the Galapagos. These trails take you through mangroves, saline lagoons, and beaches, where you can spot flamingos, blue-billed ducks, and other aquatic birds. Conclude the day at the Interpretation Center, discovering the natural and human history of the islands, their conservation, and the ongoing efforts to protect this World Heritage Site.
Begin your day at the seemingly barren yet enchanting landscape of Moreno Point, a vast tableau of lava fields that unfolds into a tapestry of life. As you venture inland, discover brackish lagoons acting as life's oasis, teeming with flamingos, gallinules, ducks, and herons. Along the coastline, keep an eye out for the playful penguins, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, oystercatchers, and a chorus of other shorebirds.
Spend the afternoon at Mangle Point on the pristine Fernandina Island, one of the Galapagos's most untouched and ecologically pure islands. This location offers a spectacular mangrove ecosystem, a haven for wildlife. As your boat gently navigates through the clear waters, observe the intricate mangrove roots where marine turtles and rays often hide. The calm and shallow waters make this an ideal spot for snorkeling, offering a chance to swim alongside sea turtles, various species of rays, and abundant tropical fish.
Mangle Point presents a unique opportunity to witness the symbiosis between the mangrove forests and the marine environment, offering a serene and intimate experience with nature.
Begin your day at Espinoza Point, located at the base of an imposing volcano - the most active in the Galapagos islands. This site, one of the crown jewels of the Galapagos National Park, presents a unique spectacle right from the moment you step ashore. Hundreds of marine iguanas, forming the largest colony of the species, greet you upon arrival. Sea lions lounge on the beaches, their pups playfully exploring the tide pools. Along the shore, catch sight of flightless cormorants, a species confined to the western areas of the archipelago. Blessed with cold, plankton-rich waters, Punta Espinosa is a sanctuary for diverse species, including herons, pelicans, oystercatchers, sea turtles, shorebirds, and more. Also, keep an eye on the mangroves where Galapagos hawks often perch, scanning for prey.
In the afternoon, we visit the historical Tagus Cove, a site Charles Darwin once explored during his travels around the Galapagos islands. Traverse the arid Palo Santo forests, where Darwin finches and mockingbirds make their home, and take in the panoramic views of Darwin’s Lake and the towering volcanoes of northern Isabela.
A boat tour along the shore offers chances to observe penguins, cormorants, marine iguanas, and the rare Galapagos martin - an endemic, petite bird considered one of the most endangered species on the island.
Known as a hideout for pirates and buccaneers in the 17th and 18th centuries, Buccaneer Cove is a site steeped in history and natural beauty. Here, sailors hid their treasures and gathered fresh water and tortoises for long voyages. Today, this stunning landscape of cliffs and rock formations is home to diverse wildlife. While there is no trail, a dinghy ride allows you to explore the cove, admire its dramatic scenery, and observe seabirds and other species that inhabit this legendary Galapagos site.
Puerto Egas is a fascinating destination where history and wildlife intertwine. While there is no actual port, remnants of 1960s colonization attempts still stand. The coastal trail is teeming with marine iguanas basking in the sun and sea lions resting on the rocks. Herons, oystercatchers, and shorebirds complete this thriving ecosystem. Towards the end of the trail, the grottos are home to a small colony of the elusive Galapagos fur seal. Additionally, land iguanas were reintroduced to the island in 2019 after over a century of absence.
Bartolome is one of the most iconic islands in Galapagos, renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscape and the famous Pinnacle Rock. Nestled beside a peach-colored sand beach, this island is one of the few places where you can spot penguins without traveling to remote Isabela and Fernandina. The hike to the summit offers breathtaking views of a lunar-like terrain dotted with volcanic cones, with stunning panoramas of Sullivan Bay and Pinnacle Rock. From the top, the vast beauty of the archipelago unfolds before you, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
Walking through Sullivan Bay is a fascinating journey into the volcanic origins of the Galapagos Islands. The trail crosses a vast Pahoehoe lava flow, showcasing unique textures that reveal the story of past eruptions. While the terrain may seem desolate at first, a closer look unveils pioneer plants, scurrying lava lizards, and small birds adapted to this extreme environment. Along the shore, the stark landscape is brightened by the presence of penguins, pelicans, and oystercatchers, adding a vibrant contrast to the stunning volcanic scenery.
Lead in the day with the stark beauty of Santa Fe, where the towering figures of giant Prickly-pear cacti strikingly contrast the rugged landscape of lava rocks. Tucked within one of the Galapagos' most breathtaking bays, Santa Fe's turquoise waters, and white-sand beaches form an inviting residence for a sizable colony of sea lions you'll find lounging about. As you venture inland, remember to look down to spot the endemic Santa Fe land iguanas, but also glance upward to catch sight of the Galapagos hawks perched atop cacti, keeping a keen eye out for prey. You'll likely encounter Darwin finches, Galapagos doves, mockingbirds, and lively lava lizards along the trail.
Your afternoon destination is South Plazas, one of a twin pair of islands where the northern sibling is reserved exclusively for scientific research. Though petite in size, this islet brims with a fantastic array of wildlife. Upon landing, Galapagos land iguanas will welcome you from beneath prickly-pear cacti, eagerly awaiting their fruit. Sea lions populate the island in large numbers, allowing you to observe their fascinating social dynamics, from playful pups splashing in tide pools to formidable males protecting their territories. Your trail eventually leads you to a cliff, a vantage point to observe a myriad of seabirds, including frigatebirds, red-billed tropicbirds, boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and pelicans. A verdant carpet of reddish succulent vegetation dotted with scattered cacti blankets the island, giving South Plazas a genuinely unique personality.
Set off on a dinghy tour through Black Turtle Cove, a shallow-water haven surrounded by lush mangroves. This sanctuary is home to sea turtles, reef sharks, and various species of rays. It also serves as a crucial breeding ground for turtles and sharks. Watch herons, boobies, and pelicans hunt among schools of anchovies. Though there’s no landing, the incredible wildlife seen from the boat offers an up-close and unforgettable experience.
Following your last expedition, you will be transferred to Baltra Airport in time for your outbound flight to the mainland.
Spot giant tortoises in the Santa Cruz highlands, snorkel with sea lions and sea turtles, and witness rare species like flightless cormorants and Galapagos penguins
Explore volcanic formations, lava fields, and lush mangrove forests while visiting iconic sites like Tagus Cove, Espinoza Point, and Moreno Point
Enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, snorkelling, kayaking, and panga rides, offering immersive experiences in one of the world’s most pristine ecosystems
Enjoy your journey to the Galapagos Islands on board the First class cruise vessel; Galaxy Yacht. On this well-designed vessel, you can enjoy explorations and adventure in an oasis of peace and tranquility. Discover the Galapagos Islands with a range of itineraries of varying durations to fit the amount of time you have to explore. The Galaxy has 9 beautiful and comfortable double cabins for 16 passengers; 3 cabins are located in the upper deck, 3 in the main deck and 3 in the lower deck. Each cabin has private facilities: private bathrooms, A/C, hair dryer, a telephone and a safe. Galaxy Yacht offers a spacious sun deck with a fantastic area to enjoy Galapagos' landscapes, dinner area, lounge, bar and small library. Activities on board include: hiking, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and wildlife watching. You will be provided with free snorkel gear (mask, tube and fins) and kayaks to complete your adventures in the islands. This truly is an experience not to be missed. Cards and cash are accepted for on board spending money.
Ice Class:
Length: 35 m
Breadth: 7.60 mMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed:
Electricity: 110V and 220V Passenger
Capacity:16
View Ship Details
| Galapagos 8 Day Cruise B (2026-2027) | Galaxy Yacht from £ 4,533 | ||
| Selected Wednesdays | ||
From £ 7,133
Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica, Antarctic Circle
From £ 9,248
Prices are based on per person, twin share.
Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.
All entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.
Airport assistance
Transfers in the Galapagos Islands
Accommodation in cabin, according to your booking
All meals while on board
Unlimited purified water, coffee and tea
Naturalist Bilingual Guide (English-Spanish)
All visits, excursions and activities according to the itinerary*
Snorkelling gear (mask, tube and fins)
Use of kayaks and paddle boards in authorized places
Wetsuits
Beach towels
International & internal flights
Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable)
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities
Beverages other than specified
Local taxes
Galapagos National Park Entrance fee (USD$200 per person, subject to change)
Galapagos Transit Control Card (USD$20 per person, subject to change)
Any items not mentioned as included
A single supplement surcharge applies and is subject to availability. Please contact us for more information.
Currency fluctuation, seasonality and availability at time of booking.