Monserrat Galapagos Cruise

Cruise along Buccaneer Cove on Santiago Island, a sheltered inlet once used by pirates, buccaneers, and whalers. Explore the coastline by panga and snorkel among underwater rock formations, where a variety of fish and other marine life thrive.

Later, visit Egas Port, also known as James Bay, where lava lizards dart across the shoreline and rocky grottos and tide pools shelter marine creatures. Walk along the coast and enjoy another opportunity to snorkel in the surrounding waters.

• Activity:Walking. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

Make a dry landing at Espinoza Point on Fernandina Island, one of the most pristine environments in the Galápagos. Walk across the rugged volcanic terrain and look for marine iguanas, sea lions, and flightless cormorants, with views across the Bolívar Channel toward Isabela Island.

In the afternoon, visit Urbina Bay on Isabela’s western coast, where a major geological uplift in 1954 raised part of the seabed and exposed a coral reef. Explore the shoreline and enjoy views of Alcedo Volcano, while keeping an eye out for land iguanas and other wildlife.

• Activity:Hiking. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

Explore Tagus Cove on Isabela Island, a sheltered inlet visited by Charles Darwin in 1835. A walk along the trail reveals views of the surrounding volcanic landscape, while historic inscriptions on the rock walls reflect the many sailors and whalers who visited the area over the centuries.

Continue to Vicente Roca Point, where steep cliffs frame the waters of the Bolívar Channel. This area is known for deep-water snorkeling and rich marine biodiversity. Look for Galápagos green sea turtles, rays, and sharks, depending on conditions and visibility.

• Activity:Walking. Exploring. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

Take a panga excursion through Black Turtle Cove, a shallow inlet on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. Mangrove channels provide shelter for juvenile marine animals and attract sea turtles, rays, and sharks. Move quietly through the sheltered waters to observe wildlife in this distinctive coastal habitat.

After the excursion, return to the yacht and disembark for your transfer to Baltra Airport. Your Galápagos cruise concludes with the flight back to mainland Ecuador.

• Activity:Walking. Departure.
• Meal:Breakfast.

Discover Rábida’s distinctive red-sand beach, then follow a trail to a saltwater lagoon or venture farther inland among the palo santo trees. Look for pelicans nesting in the low vegetation and returning with fish to feed their chicks.

Later, hike to the summit of Bartolomé for sweeping views of the archipelago and its famous Pinnacle Rock. Cool off with a swim or snorkel in the surrounding waters, where you may encounter Galápagos penguins, sea lions, sea turtles, and colorful reef fish.

• Activity:Snorkeling. Hiking.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

Explore South Plaza, where striking vegetation and rugged coastal scenery provide habitat for a variety of wildlife. Watch for land iguanas sheltering beneath prickly pear cacti, along with sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls, lava lizards, frigatebirds, and pelicans.

Continue to Santa Fe, an island known for its endemic land iguanas and scenic walking trails. Choose a route to a clifftop viewpoint or down toward the beach, with opportunities to enjoy the landscape on foot or explore the surrounding waters by kayak or snorkel.

• Activity:Walking. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

Visit Pitt Point on San Cristóbal’s northern coast, an important nesting area for seabirds, including three species of frigatebirds. Explore the rugged terrain with your naturalist guide while observing the island’s distinctive wildlife and coastal scenery.

At Witch Hill (Cerro Brujo), discover a sweeping white-sand beach bordered by turquoise water. Enjoy time to swim or snorkel, then walk to a freshwater lagoon where flamingos may be seen feeding.

• Activity:Walking. Hiking. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

Take a panga excursion around Lobos Island, where sea lions gather along the shore and seabirds feed and nest. Explore the small island on foot and look for blue-footed boobies and other coastal wildlife.

After your final Galápagos excursion, transfer to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Airport on San Cristóbal for your flight back to mainland Ecuador.

• Activity:Walking. Departure.
• Meal:Breakfast.

Spend the morning at Gardner Bay on Española Island, where white sand and clear waters make an inviting setting for swimming and snorkeling. Share the beach with curious sea lions and look for sea turtles, Darwin’s finches, and Española mockingbirds in the surrounding landscape.

Later, explore Punta Suárez, one of the Galápagos’ most rewarding sites for birding. Watch for waved albatrosses when in season, along with blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and Española mockingbirds. You may also spot lava lizards and marine iguanas with distinctive reddish markings.

• Activity:Hiking. Exploring.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

Visit Cormorant Point on Floreana Island, known for its lagoon, where flamingos may be seen feeding in the shallow water. Walk between the island’s volcanic hills and look for shorebirds, including stilts and ducks, as well as other resident and migratory species.

In the afternoon, head to Post Office Bay, where whalers established a barrel-based letter exchange in the 18th century. Take part in the tradition by leaving a postcard for another traveler to deliver by hand, or see whether there are letters you can carry to their intended destinations.

• Activity:Hiking. Exploring. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island to learn about conservation efforts protecting the Galápagos’ distinctive wildlife, including its giant tortoises. Depending on the day’s schedule, explore the station’s exhibits and breeding facilities before continuing your journey.

After the visit, transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador, bringing your Galápagos cruise to a close.

• Activity:Hiking. Exploring. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

Explore Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island, where mangroves and coastal vegetation provide nesting habitat for an abundance of seabirds. Look for red-footed and Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, frigatebirds, finches, mockingbirds, and Galápagos doves along the beach and surrounding trails.

Later, climb Prince Philip’s Steps, a staircase leading up the island’s steep volcanic cliffs to a plateau renowned for its bird colonies. Observe nesting seabirds along the trail, then enjoy the surrounding marine environment through a panga excursion or, depending on the day’s activities, snorkeling or kayaking.

• Activity:Hiking. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

Discover South Plaza’s striking landscape, where vivid vegetation contrasts with the island’s rocky shoreline. Watch for land iguanas sheltering beneath prickly pear cacti, along with sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls, lava lizards, frigatebirds, and other seabirds.

Continue to Santa Fe, an island known for its endemic land iguanas and scenic walking trails. Follow a path to a clifftop viewpoint or down toward the beach, then take the opportunity to snorkel or kayak in the surrounding waters.

• Activity:Hiking. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

Explore Elizabeth Bay on Isabela Island by dinghy, weaving among its sheltered islets and mangroves. Look for Galápagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and schools of colorful fish; sharks may also be spotted in the surrounding waters.

At Moreno Point, make a dry landing on the island’s rugged lava fields, formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. Explore clear tide pools and brackish lagoons, where you may see flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, and common gallinules among the distinctive volcanic scenery.

• Activity:Hike. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.