FIRST CLASS CRUISES
The itineraries of our cruises are from 4, 5 and 8 nights on board, they visit the most famous places of the Galapagos Islands throughout the year. Each adventure is led by a certified guide from the Galapagos National Park who will share all their knowledge of the area. You will visit the beautiful white sand beaches full of pelicans, sea lions, giant turtles, etc. Whichever itinerary you choose, the nature of the Galapagos Islands will make your trip unforgettable.
Book online today or give us a call to plan your Galapagos Islands cruise.
Millennium Cruise
Wednesday
Your flight arrives at noon from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra . After a short drive you will cross the channel Itabaca and so reach the north of the island of Santa Cruz. Then on to the highlands to the flanks of the 864 -meter-high volcano Cerro Crocker. On clear days you can enjoy a wonderful view of the surrounding islands. You will learn about the typical Galápagos vegetation for example, tree ferns, and visit the famous giant tortoises in El Chato. Dinner and overnight on board.
Thursday
You can reach the fishing village of Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island in the south. With an area of 4588 km ², it takes more than half the land area of the archipelago. Nevertheless, it is comparatively rarely visited. In the early morning you see on the barrier island Tintoreras sea lions and with some luck also white-tip sharks. Then continue to the ” Muro de las Lágrimas,” the Wall of Tears – a moving, man-made monument. This eight meters high and two hundred feet long stone wall was built in the 1940s by convicts of the penal colony settled here from basalt boulders. Our hike then leads through a wetland of brackish lagoons where flamingos are often seen.
In the sanctuary for giant tortoises, you can look at some of them up close. In good weather, there is the possibility in the afternoon for a hike to the crater of Sierra Negra
Dinner and overnight on board.
Friday
Punta Moreno Isabela is a rugged young Lavabucht with small lagoons where flamingos often stay. Other water birds live here, including Bahamian ducks. In the early afternoon, you reach the island of Fernandina, the youngest and largest of the archipelago. On the south coast is Punta Mangle, one of the best snorkeling sites of all Galapagos. Here one is especially true for penguins.
Dinner and overnight on board.
Saturday
In the morning visit Punta Espinoza in the north of Fernandina . A fascinating lava scenery with cacti and individual mangrove vegetation. Besides penguins, flightless cormorants and sea lions, and the largest marine iguanas of the Galapagos are among its attractions.
In the afternoon visit Tagus Cove on the west coast of Isabela. At the feet of Darwin volcano here was a popular anchorage for pirates and whalers. Some have written their names on the rock walls ship. In the nearly two-kilometer walk, you will reach a small cave, whose inscriptions date from about 1800. Charles Darwin also visited Tagus Cove on his voyage on the Beagle. In the deep blue bay breed. penguins, flightless cormorants, Noddi – terns, shearwaters, and blue-footed boobies A steep path through dry forests and cactus leads to a salty, green crater lake of Laguna Darwin. During the short hike, you will discover once again the beauty of this island. It also offers the opportunity for a snorkel trip to the also unique underwater world.
Dinner and overnight on board.
Sunday
Also on Santiago there are still traces of the pirates’ time. The richly structured volcanic island offers long walks always new vistas. Puerto Egas was won until the sixties salt. Some abandoned buildings of that era are still standing. Behind it begins a natural wonderland. In the rock pool, marine iguanas sun themselves along with the glowing red crabs on the rocks. Three species of Galapagos herons are here to live pigeons and oystercatchers. Moreover, this is one of the best places to see migrating shorebirds. At the end of the path, you expect Galapagos fur seals and sea lions. And a swim before leaving Puerto Egas.
In the afternoon you are at Sombrero Chino off the coast of Santiago. Topped by a perfectly formed crater, this island resembles the silhouette of “Chinese hut”.
Only specialized plants can hold between the fragile lava. Sea lions inhabit the white, coral beach fringed by salt bushes.
Dinner and overnight on board.
Monday
The dinghy to explore the brackish lagoon Caleta Tortuga Negra with its many sea turtles and schools of all gold rays and sharks. On the island of North Seymour, the largest colony of frigate birds living together with swallow-tailed gulls and pelicans. Seymour Norte is also home to a group of large, old iguanas that were brought here many years ago from the nearby island of Baltra. Bursera malacophylla, a small endemic Palo Santo tree, is found only here and on three small neighboring islands. In the afternoon you will witness a special spectacle: Sea lions surf on the big, oncoming waves from the west.
Dinner and overnight on board.
Tuesday
The small barrier island east Bartolome is one of their distinctive because the pinnacle of the most photographed places in the archipelago. This young Island keeps a whole series of dramatic volcanic formations, a moon-like landscape with small tuff cones and lava tubes. The various rocks have served the pilots of the U.S. Air Force as targets for target practice during the Second World War. The two beaches are separated by Bartolomé a narrow mangrove belt. While swimming and snorkeling beach on the northern one often sees penguins. Live on the south coast reef sharks and rays, and from January to March nesting green turtles here.
The Sullivan Bay to the east of Santiago Island is known for its distinctive Lavaformen. In the evening you can once again swim in the sea or snorkel with the sea lions.
Dinner and overnight on board.
Wednesday
final visit takes you to the Bachas beach on the north coast of Santa Cruz Island. It is one of the most important nesting beaches for sea turtles. Behind the dunes, in the small lagoon to flamingos, stilts, and Bahama ducks can be observed. The wide beach is ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
At midday return flight to the Continent, to Guayaquil or Quito.
Changes in the itinerary are possible.
Calypso Cruise
SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
Guests are required to book the 10.15 am flight from Quito (UIO) to San Cristobal (SCY) to arrive by 12.40 pm.
After passing through immigration and baggage claim, you will be met by a Calipso 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: 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.
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! You will also visit a small, beautiful beach surrounded by the only vegetation found on this barren island. The beach is perfect for snorkeling where you may even see and swim with Galapagos penguins.
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. This small 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.
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.
In the afternoon: 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.
ISABELA ISLAND
In the morning: 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.
In the afternoon: Moreno Point
Moreno Point is located southwest of Elizabeth Bay. Here a dry landing onto what was once owing lava is possible. The lava has left craters in its wake which formed crystal tide pools. By looking into the pools, you can peer into another world as the marine life drifts by your window. In the brackish pools of this area, you may see pink flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, and common gallinules. If you look carefully into the pools, you may see white-tip reef sharks and some sea turtles.
NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND
In the morning: North Seymour
In North Seymour, you may see Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and magnificent frigate birds that 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.
In the afternoon: South Plaza Island
This small island with steep cliffs was formed by rising lava and is now covered by Opuntia cacti. It is also home to one of the largest sea lion colonies as well as colorful yellow and red land iguanas. The most characteristic plant is Sesuvium. During the rainy season, its color is a greenish to yellowish tone and in the dry season (end of June through January) a bright red.
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 mailbox. The custom continues to this day with Galapagos visitors. So, don’t forget your postcards, and don’t be surprised if the postcard arrives at its destination before you even get home!
Afterward: 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.
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 Four Sand Beach is composed of white coral.
SANTA FE AND SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS
In the morning: Santa Fé Island
Santa Fe Island (Barrington) is home to the small picturesque bay and anchorage on the island’s northeast coast. The bay has two visitor trails: one leading to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff, and the other spanning from a small beach to a tall prickly pear cactus forest.
In the afternoon: Fausto Llerena Breeding Center
You will visit “Fausto Llerena” Giant Tortoises Creeding Center in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, 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.
SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
In the morning: Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center
This site is part of an environmental 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.
After this final visit, you will be transferred to the San Cristobal airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.
Anahí Cruise
Friday. Arrival to Baltra Island / Santa Cruz Island: Bachas Beach.
AM
Flying from Quito or Guayaquil, our flight will arrive at Baltra Island at around noon (local time), where we will be greeted by our guide in the lobby, who will be waiting for our arrival to drive us to Yacht Anahí. Your baggage will be handled by one of our crew members who, aboard the small Zodiacs will transport you directly to the yacht. The captain and the crew will welcome you onboard, and then you will have your cabins assigned. After lunch, our guide will give you a brief explanation of the afternoon activities.
PM
Bachas Beach: The sand of the beach is made of decomposed coral, making it white and soft, while it is also one of the favorite nesting places for sea turtles. Nearby, we can also find a small lagoon where we will be able to observe flamingos, black-necked stilts, thrushes, as well as two old ships that were abandoned during the Second World War. Furthermore, we will also find sea lions, marine iguanas, and seabirds resting on the beach. We will enjoy the tranquility of the beach as well as spend some time with the playful sea lions that like to swim with the visitors.
At 7 pm. we will have an official welcome, followed by a delicious dinner. After dinner, your guide will give you information on the following day’s activities.
Lunch and dinner are included aboard.
Saturday. Genovesa Island: Darwin Bay, Prince Philip’s Steps.
AM
Darwin Bay: A beautiful bay area due to the great diversity of seabirds that nest in the mangroves that dominate the area. These include red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, Galápagos petrels, seabirds, Darwin finches, mockingbirds, and Galápagos doves.
PM
Prince Philip’s Steps: We will climb 25 meters of stairs at one of the best bird nesting sites on the islands. We will have the opportunity to snorkel, kayak, hike, and take a ride in a panga.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included aboard.
Sunday. Plaza Islands and Santa Fe Island.
AM
Plaza Islands: These islands have unusual vegetation, which creates an interesting landscape that helps to enhance the fauna and the flora of the Galápagos. It is also possible to observe land iguanas in the shade of cacti. The main attractions of the Plaza Islands include land iguanas, sea lions, and swallow-tailed gulls, as well as lizards, island insects, red-beaked sparrows, frigate birds, and pelicans that glide down the cliffs. Then we will return to the yacht for lunch and a deserved rest.
PM
Santa Fe Island: An extremely scenic island, where we can visit two different trails, with one of them leading to a beautiful viewpoint on the top of a cliff, where you can find endemic land iguanas of the island. The other trail is a small circular path close to the beach, where we will be able to observe another colony of land iguana. Here we will also have the possibility to kayak, snorkel, panga ride, or walk, in order to observe and enjoy nature. Then we will return to the yacht for dinner and a time of relaxation.
Monday. San Cristóbal Island: Punta Pitt, Kicker Rock and Lobos Island.
AM
Punta Pitt: Considered as one of the most beautiful and impressive sites in the Galápagos, it has become one of the favorite nesting sites for seabirds. Here we will be able to see three species of frigate birds and their nesting sites in the same area. Then we will return to the yacht for lunch.
PM
Kicker Rock: This is a gigantic and impressive rock formation known locally as ‘León Dormido’ where we can see a multitude of blue-footed boobies, masked boobies, pelicans, and sea birds that will delight us with their majestic flights to be photographed.
Later we head towards Isla Lobos, an islet separated from San Cristóbal Island by a narrow stretch of calm waters. On the islet, we will take a walk that will allow us to observe frigates, blue-footed boobies, masked boobies, a colony of sea lions and we will also be able to snorkel in the arm of the sea, probably with the company of sea lions and different kinds of colorful fish. The atmosphere is one of tranquility and primitive beauty, a typical environment of the Galapagos Islands.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included aboard.
Tuesday. San Cristobal Island: Interpretation Center, Cerro Tijeretas and Punta Carola.
AM
In the morning, our guide will take us to the top of San Cristóbal Island. Following, our tour has 2 options. The first option starts from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and involves a visit to the El Junco Lagoon. For hundreds of years, rainwater and condensation have caused an accumulation of water in the caldera of an extinct volcano, creating a paradise for frigate birds and turtles.
Alternatively, we will visit the “Cerro Colorado” turtle breeding center. There we will have a pleasant walk along a path that allows us to be in close contact with the turtles, which can vary from the smallest to the oldest of giants.
PM
Interpretation Center of San Cristobal, located on the outskirts of the small town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital city of the Galápagos province. The interpretation center will give us an introduction to the islands, and their natural, as well as human history. After, we will walk to the place known as ‘La Colina de las Fragatas’, or ‘Cerro Tijeretas.
This short 30-minute walk starts from the interpretation center and takes you to the top of the hill.
Once there, the visitors can enjoy a spectacular sight of the surrounding white beaches and the incredible geographical formations of the Pacific Ocean. The hill is often visited by Frigate birds that nest there in certain seasons of the year. From the hill, we will descend into a small cove known as Punta Carola, where we will observe a colony of sea lions.
At night (if you want) you can go into the city for a walk and maybe have a drink at one of the local bars.
Lunch and dinner are included aboard.
Wednesday. Española Island: Punta Suárez and Bahía Gardner.
AM
Punta Suárez: A destination of great interest due to the abundance of birds. This island also has its own species of animals, like the Española Mockingbird, which has a distinctively longer and more curved beak than variations found on other islands; The Galápagos lava lizard; The marine iguana of the Venustissimus subspecies, that has red marks on its back; among others. We can also observe seagulls and other tropical birds that live on the rocky slopes. Among the more interesting attractions is the waved albatross, as almost the entire world population comes to breed here between March and December, and the mating dance of the blue-footed booby. There are hundreds of Nazca boobies, colonies of sea lions, large colonies of marine iguanas, and different species of birds.
PM
Bahía Gardner: A beautiful beach that is excellent for swimming and snorkeling. Here we can find a large colony of playful sea lions and hopefully observe the Galápagos Peregrine Falcons and local species of snakes, while we will undoubtedly see Darwin’s finches, mockingbirds, and sea turtles.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included aboard.
Thursday. Floreana Island: Punta Cormorant, Devil’s Crown, Post Office Bay & Asilo de la Paz
AM
Punta Cormorant: A site that has the best and the biggest flamingo lagoon of the Galápagos. It is located between two volcanic hills that give the area a special atmosphere. There are varieties of sea birds that can be seen in addition to flamingos, the most frequent ones being stilts, white-tailed ducks, and other migratory birds.
This is a unique area due to the high percentage of endemic plants (unique to the island). Here we can see the “Green Beach” (due to the high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand) and the “Flour Sand Beach” mainly composed of coral reefs, making these the two most interesting beaches of the islands. Then we return to the yacht to begin our snorkeling activity at the location known as the Devil’s Crown. This is a sunken volcanic crater where the interior of the formation is ideal for the sustainability of marvelous coral reef habitat, making it one of the most fascinating marine sites in the Galápagos.
PM
Bahía “Post Office”: Historically, it served as a letter exchange station in the 18th century when the crew of a whaling ship utilized a wooden barrel. Both sailors and tourists have used this system to communicate with people from all around the world. The idea is to bring letters or postcards to their destination by hand, creating a very special “postal service” This site was also the landing place for some of the first settlers on the islands. Then we will visit the Asilo de la Paz, known for its strange history as one of the first occupied areas of the islands by the German Witmer family.
We return to the yacht and head to Puerto Ayora, the largest city in the Galápagos.
If we are lucky, we may see a pod of dolphins during our trip, as well as manta rays and sea turtles.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included aboard.
Friday. Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Research Station and Giant Galápagos Turtles
AM
After breakfast, we will visit 2 interesting locations, before departing for the airport. We begin with a visit to the visitor center of the Galápagos National Park “Fausto Llerena” where the breeding of the turtles is carried out, and where we can learn about the work that is being done in order to protect this unique species. The famous Charles Darwin Research Station is also located here, where we can contribute to the scientific investigations that are promoted by the station.
Then we will be transported to the Itabaca channel, which we will cross with a local ferry, and then will take a bus to the Baltra Island Airport. Our trip ends here. We will say goodbye to our guide and to the Galápagos Islands, who will be waiting for your next visit.
Breakfast included onboard.
Tip Top ll Cruise
DAY 1 (Friday): Baltra – Mosquera Islet
Flight from mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil) to Baltra, with AVIANCA Airlines; arriving at 09:20 a.m. approximately. Your guide will meet you at the arrivals gate, our crew will take care of your luggage. Your guide will conduct you to a bus and after a short 5-kilometer ride to the pier; you board the Yacht immediately. As the crew weighs anchor, we greet you with our first orientation and we offer a light snack. After lunch, you make an early wet landing on Mosquera Islet, a reef of rocks and coral (the result of an uprising) and a great white sand beach and tide pools. You observe colonies of sea lions, brown pelicans, blue-footed boobies and sally light-foot crabs, the contrast between these bright red crabs on top and blue on the bottom and the black lava is stunning.
Optional: time for those who would like to swim and snorkel. In the evening, we have an orientation about the Galapagos Islands in general: their origin and evolution. Welcome cocktail with the entire crew, and dinner.
Santiago – Rabida Islands
After breakfast, we make a wet landing on Sullivan Bay, a perfect place to get a feel of the volcanic origin of the islands.
Optional: time for those who would like to swim and snorkel. We return to the boat for a delicious lunch. After this, you make a wet landing on Rabida, to walk and observe marine iguanas and sea lions, pelicans, blue-footed boobies, masked boobies, and brown pelicans. You make a little walk and you arrive at a small saltwater lagoon where you can see pink flamingos.
Optional: time for those who would like to swim, snorkel or kayak. Return to the Yacht for dinner and our nightly orientation.
Fernandina – Isabela Islands
After breakfast, we make a dry landing on Espinoza Point to observe and see a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas and the flightless cormorants and clumps of lava cactus.
Optional: time for those who would like to swim and snorkel. You come aboard for lunch. In the afternoon, you make a panga ride around the islets of Elizabeth Bay to see marine iguanas, penguins, marine turtles, seabirds and shorebirds, herons and blue-footed boobies. Return to the Yacht for dinner and our nightly orientation.
Isabela Island
After breakfast, you make a wet landing on Urbina Bay to take a walk and observe a coral area, land iguanas, flightless cormorants, and giant tortoises.
Optional: time for those who would like to swim or snorkel. Return to the Yacht for lunch. In the afternoon, we make a panga ride on Tagus Cove, a cove between the shoulders of two volcanic craters, which protect it from the open sea; we observe penguins, marine iguanas, sea lions and a variety of birds including flightless cormorant and blue-footed boobies.
Optional: time for those who would like to swim, snorkel or kayak. Return to the Yacht for dinner and our nightly orientation.
Santiago – Bartolome Islands
After breakfast, you make a wet landing on James Bay (Puerto Egas), to walk and observe sponges, snails, hermit crabs, a variety of shorebirds, barnacles and the endemic four-eyed blenny, marine iguanas and sea lions.
Optional: time for those who would like to swim or snorkel. You return to the boat for a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, you make a dry landing on Bartolome Island, to hike to the summit; during the hike, you observe colonies of marine iguanas and lava lizards. On the summit, you see an impressive view of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock.
Optional: time for those who would like to swim or snorkel. You return to the yacht for a delicious dinner and our nightly orientation.
Chinese Hat – Santa Cruz Island
After breakfast, you make a wet landing on Chinese Hat (Sombrero Chino), a small island off the coast of Santiago Island, you can observe on the rocky shoreline: Galapagos penguins, eagle rays, sea lions and marine iguanas. This is an excellent snorkeling site.
Optional: time for those who would like to swim, snorkel or kayak. You return to the boat for lunch. Later in the afternoon, you make a dry landing on Dragon Hill, where you can see land iguanas; you walk to a hypersalinic lagoon (saltier than the ocean), where you can observe flamingos, common stilts, pintail ducks and other species of birds.
Optional: time for those who would like to swim or snorkel. You return to the Yacht for dinner and our nightly orientation.
Santa Cruz Island
After breakfast, you will disembark to take the bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island for a visit to the native forests, Twin Craters, then, you will go to enjoy the giant tortoises in the wildlife in a farm. You will be delighted with the lunch on the farm. After lunch, you will return to Puerto Ayora to start the visit to the Interpretation Center Fausto Llerena inside the Charles Darwin Research Station. You return to the Yacht for dinner and our nightly orientation.
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