Monique Galápagos Luxury Catamaran

Today’s excursions showcase two of the Galápagos’ most distinctive volcanic landscapes. Begin on Rábida Island, famous for its striking red-sand beach and rugged coastline. A walk along the shore offers opportunities to observe brown pelicans, sea lions, and, on occasion, flamingos in the island’s coastal lagoon.

Later, continue to Chinese Hat, a small volcanic islet off the coast of Santiago Island. Here, trails wind through recent lava formations and along scenic shorelines where marine iguanas, sea lions, and a variety of seabirds are commonly seen. Depending on conditions, there may also be opportunities for snorkeling in the surrounding waters, which are known for their rich marine life.

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

Vicente Roca Point on Isabela Island is a dinghy-accessed bay known for its sheltered coves, seabird colonies, and excellent snorkeling conditions, with frequent sightings of sea lions and dolphins.

In the afternoon, visit Espinoza Point on Fernandina Island, a highly pristine volcanic shoreline where large colonies of marine iguanas gather and Galápagos hawks are often seen. Snorkeling may be possible depending on conditions.

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

This morning, visit Moreno Point on Isabela Island, a rugged lava landscape that opens into hidden green lagoons and mangroves. The area is known for wildlife sightings including penguins, flamingos, and blue herons, with snorkeling or dinghy rides along the coastline offering chances to see sea turtles and reef sharks.

In the afternoon, explore Elizabeth Bay by dinghy, a calm, mangrove-lined inlet formed by ancient lava flows. The sheltered waters are rich in marine life, with frequent sightings of sea turtles, rays, marine iguanas, and Galápagos penguins.

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

Begin the day at Urbina Bay on Isabela Island, a wide coastal plain formed when volcanic activity lifted the seafloor above sea level. The area is now home to sea lions, land iguanas, and flightless cormorants, with opportunities for a relaxed beach walk or guided exploration depending on conditions.

Later in the afternoon, arrive at Tagus Cove, a historic anchorage once frequented by pirates and early sailors. A guided walk reveals sweeping views over the volcanic coastline and access to nearby mangrove areas, where one of the last remaining populations of mangrove finches can still be found.

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

The day opens at Espumilla Beach on Santiago Island, a white-sand shoreline known for its shallow waters and abundant wildlife. Marine iguanas are commonly seen along the beach, while Sally Lightfoot crabs attract herons, hawks, and pelicans. Snorkeling is also possible, with sightings of octopus, moray eels, and reef sharks depending on conditions.

Later, head to Buccaneer Cove, a dramatic bay once used as an anchorage by pirates, whalers, and early sailors. Today, its red cliffs and eroded rock formations provide nesting grounds for blue-footed and Nazca boobies, pelicans, and gulls, while sea lions and fur seals rest along the shoreline. Dinghy rides offer close views of the coastline and bird colonies.

• Activity:Hiking. Snorkeling. Kayaking or paddle boarding.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabin.

First thing today, visit North Seymour Island, a low-lying island known for its dense seabird populations and dry vegetation. It is home to blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and a large colony of magnificent frigatebirds, often seen displaying their bright red throat pouches during mating season.

Later, continue to Mosquera Islet, a small sandy cay located between Baltra and North Seymour. With no marked trails, it allows for open exploration and close encounters with a large sea lion colony, shorebirds, and Sally Lightfoot crabs. The surrounding waters also offer good snorkeling conditions, with possible sightings of rays, turtles, and reef sharks.

• Activity:Hiking. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Triple cabin.

This morning, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island, including the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. The site features an interpretation center and tortoise breeding program where several subspecies are raised for reintroduction into the wild.

Later, transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador, marking the end of your Galápagos cruise.

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

Your morning begins off the coast of Floreana Island at Champion Islet, a small rocky sanctuary known for excellent snorkeling and abundant marine life. Sea turtles, colorful reef fish, and playful sea lions are commonly seen here, while the surrounding area provides one of the last refuges of the rare Floreana mockingbird.

The excursion continues to Cormorant Point, where contrasting green and white sand beaches frame one of the Galápagos’ largest flamingo lagoons. Nearby, Devil’s Crown offers some of the archipelago’s most impressive snorkeling, with abundant fish, coral formations, and occasional sightings of rays and reef sharks.

In the afternoon, visit historic Post Office Bay, where a centuries-old wooden barrel continues the tradition of hand-delivered mail begun by whalers in the 18th century. Depending on conditions, you may also explore Baroness Lookout, a scenic viewpoint overlooking Floreana’s coastline and mangroves, named after one of the island’s most mysterious former residents.

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

First thing this morning, explore Suárez Point on Española Island, one of the finest wildlife sites in the Galápagos. The trail passes colonies of Nazca and blue-footed boobies, colorful marine iguanas, and dramatic ocean cliffs. Between April and December, visitors may also observe the waved albatross, which nests exclusively on Española.

After lunch, unwind at Gardner Bay, a beautiful stretch of white sand where sea lions rest along the shoreline. The calm turquoise waters are ideal for snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply enjoying the scenery. Offshore reefs attract tropical fish, rays, and curious juvenile sea lions.

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

Today’s exploration starts at the Interpretation Center on San Cristóbal Island. Through a series of exhibits, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the archipelago’s volcanic origins, human history, and ongoing conservation efforts.

Later, visit Witch Hill, a picturesque white-sand beach backed by volcanic cliffs and a tranquil lagoon. The afternoon also includes a circumnavigation of Kicker Rock, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Galápagos. This towering volcanic formation provides nesting sites for frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, and other seabirds.

• Activity:Hiking. Kayaking or Paddle boarding. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or triple cabins.

The day begins on Santa Fe Island, known for its giant prickly pear cactus forest and large population of endemic land iguanas. Walking trails reveal striking landscapes, while the protected bay offers opportunities to swim or snorkel among sea lions, rays, and colorful fish.

This afternoon, discover South Plaza Island, where vibrant red Sesuvium plants contrast against black lava formations and towering cacti. The island is rich in birdlife, and its coastal cliffs provide excellent viewpoints for observing seabirds soaring above the Pacific.

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

This morning, step onto the remarkably preserved lava fields of Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island. The barren landscape offers a fascinating glimpse into the volcanic forces that created the Galápagos, while hardy pioneer plants demonstrate nature’s ability to reclaim even the newest terrain.

In the afternoon, head to Bartolomé Island and climb to one of the most famous viewpoints in the archipelago. From the summit, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Pinnacle Rock and the surrounding coastline. The nearby beach is also an excellent place to snorkel, with chances to encounter sea lions, tropical fish, and even Galápagos penguins.

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

Begin the day at Prince Philip’s Steps on Genovesa Island. The trail climbs through a palo santo forest and across lava terrain inhabited by Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, storm petrels, and, occasionally, the elusive short-eared owl.

During the afternoon, explore Darwin Bay, a sheltered beach inside Genovesa’s volcanic caldera. Large colonies of frigatebirds and red-footed boobies nest here, creating one of the most important seabird habitats in the Galápagos.

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

Your final excursion takes you through the peaceful mangrove channels of Black Turtle Cove. Accessible only by dinghy, this protected nursery habitat supports green sea turtles, reef sharks, rays, pelicans, herons, and numerous other marine species.

After your visit, you’ll transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador, bringing your Galápagos journey aboard the Monique to a close.

• Activity:Departure.
• Meal:Breakfast.

Discover the wildlife-rich waters around Floreana Island with visits to Champion Islet, Cormorant Point, and Devil’s Crown. Snorkel among sea turtles, sea lions, colorful reef fish, and abundant marine life, while also spotting flamingos and other shorebirds around Floreana’s distinctive coastal lagoons and beaches.

Later, experience the island’s fascinating human history at Post Office Bay, home to a centuries-old mail tradition (whalers used to send/receive correspondence here), before continuing to Baroness’s Lookout for panoramic views and stories surrounding one of the Galápagos’ most enduring mysteries.

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

Explore Suárez Point on Española Island, one of the most wildlife-rich visitor sites in the Galápagos. The trail passes colonies of Nazca and blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and Española mockingbirds. Depending on the season, visitors may also witness the remarkable waved albatross as it nests and launches from the island’s dramatic cliffs. Powerful blowholes along the coastline add another memorable highlight to the experience.

Spend time at Gardner Bay, a stunning stretch of white sand where sea lions rest along the shoreline and turquoise waters invite exploration. Snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming reveal a vibrant marine environment populated by tropical fish, rays, and playful juvenile sea lions around nearby Gardner and Osborn Islets.

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

Gain a deeper understanding of the Galápagos at the Interpretation Center on San Cristóbal Island. Through engaging exhibits, you’ll learn about the archipelago’s geological origins, remarkable biodiversity, human history, and the conservation efforts that help protect these fragile ecosystems for future generations.

After the visit, transfer to San Cristóbal Airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador, bringing your Galápagos adventure to a memorable close.

• Activity:Hiking. Departure.
• Meal:Breakfast.

This morning, discover Santa Fe Island, one of the oldest islands in the Galápagos, where giant Opuntia cacti, endemic land iguanas, sea lions, and colorful marine life create an unforgettable landscape. The calm bay is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding.

Later, explore South Plaza Island, famous for its striking red Sesuvium vegetation, towering prickly pear cacti, and abundant birdlife, including swallow-tailed gulls and tropicbirds.

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

This morning, step onto the fascinating lava fields of Sullivan Bay, where one of the youngest volcanic landscapes in the Galápagos reveals the archipelago’s dramatic geological origins. The stark terrain offers a unique glimpse into how life gradually takes hold on newly formed land.

In the afternoon, continue to Bartolomé Island, one of the most iconic destinations in the Galápagos. Climb to panoramic viewpoints overlooking Pinnacle Rock before exploring the surrounding waters, where snorkeling may bring encounters with penguins, tropical fish, and other marine life.

• Activity:Hiking. Kayaking or Paddle boarding.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

Your day begins on Genovesa Island at Prince Philip’s Steps, a renowned birdwatching site where trails pass through a Scalesia forest inhabited by red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, storm petrels, and other seabirds that thrive on this remote island.

The adventure continues at Darwin Bay, a beautiful coral-sand beach surrounded by nesting colonies of great frigatebirds and red-footed boobies. This wildlife-rich setting offers some of the finest opportunities in the Galápagos to observe seabirds in their natural habitat.

• Activity:Hiking. Snorkeling. Kayaking or Paddle boarding.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single cabins.

Enjoy a morning cruise through the peaceful mangrove channels of Black Turtle Cove aboard a dinghy, exploring one of the Galápagos’ most important marine nurseries. Keep watch for sea turtles, reef sharks, rays, pelicans, herons, and other wildlife that thrive in these sheltered waters.

Following this final excursion, transfer to Baltra Airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador, bringing your Galápagos adventure to a memorable close.

• Activity:Exploring. Departure.
• Meal:Breakfast.