Embark on an extraordinary adventure with the &Beyond Galapagos Explorer Yacht, a luxurious gateway to the breathtaking wonders of the Galapagos Islands. This exclusive cruise blends unparalleled comfort with immersive exploration, offering a unique way to discover the diverse landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and pristine beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Aboard the state-of-the-art yacht, guests enjoy sophisticated amenities, personalized service, and expertly guided excursions to some of the archipelago’s most iconic and remote locations. From snorkeling with playful sea lions to walking among giant tortoises, every moment aboard the &Beyond Galapagos Explorer Yacht promises an unforgettable journey of discovery and wonder.
Tour Summary
Gallery
Highlights
Visiting GalapagosOur Galapagos advisors have the required expertise to help you live a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the Enchanted Isles.
About Beyond Galapagos ExplorerThe Beyond Galapagos Explorer was designed to be eco-friendly, secure, comfortable, and noiseless, offering joyful amenities.
DesignExplore the hidden wonders of the Enchanted Isles in the company of expert Naturalist Guides aboard.
Social AreasThe cruise offers a 180° view lounge, onboard satellite Internet service, floor-to-ceiling windows, and unparalleled itineraries led by our cruise director and knowledgeable bilingual naturalist guides.
Safety EquipmentDiscover the world's best snorkeling sites in the Galapagos Marine Reserve in the company of expert Naturalist Guides.
General information
Class | Luxury class. |
Capacity | 13 passengers. |
Construction year | 2024. |
Type | Yacht. |
Length | 38 m (124 ft). |
Cabins | 6 luxury cabins. |
AC | Yes. |
Snorkeling equipment & wetsuits | Included in the rates. |
Itinerary
-
DAY 1 BALTRA AIRPORT - NORTH SEYMOUR
PM: Upon arrival at Seymour Airport on Baltra Island, you will be welcomed and transferred to the Galapagos Explorer. North Seymour is the only island with two species of frigatebirds and the best place to watch the male’s bizarre mating display. While walking around, watch out for the colorful land iguanas, lava lizards, and marine iguanas, which are known to walk between your legs.
Activity:Arrival. Walking.
Meal:Lunch. Dinner.
Accommodation:Double or single cabins.
-
DAY 2 PITT POINT - KICKER ROCK AND LOBOS ISLAND
AM: Pitt Point: An uneven, uphill hike leads you to a cluster of eroded volcanoes sparsely populated by unique vegetation. Look out for the endemic San Cristóbal mockingbird and lava lizard along the way. Pitt Point is also the only breeding site for all three booby species – the blue-footed, red-footed and Nazca booby. For non-hikers, enjoy incredible birdwatching aboard a panga boat or swim and snorkel with tropical fish and sea lions.
PM: Kicker Rock: This iconic rock rises 152 m (500 ft) from the ocean, formed from the remnants of a vertical tuff cone eroded by the sea. Sailing around the natural monument showcases the islet’s dramatic cliffs and low bushes, which make for ideal nesting sites for frigatebirds, Nazca boobies, and tropicbirds.
Lobos Island: A panga boat ride along the coastline offers ample opportunity to observe nesting blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, pelicans, and large colonies of sea lions. It’s also possible to swim with the curious sea lions here.
Activity:Walking. Snorkeling. Exploring.
Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
Accommodation:Double or single cabins.
-
DAY 3 GARDNER BAY - SUÁREZ POINT
AM: Gardner Bay: Bask in the sunshine on pristine sandy white beaches observing large bird colonies, sea lions, and Española lava lizards, or discover the vibrant underwater world swimming with sea turtles, pufferfish, and Galapagos grunts. Weather permitting, Gardner Bay also boasts exceptional kayaking.
PM: Suarez Point: This rocky land offers one of the most beautiful walks in the Galapagos, with plenty of close-up wildlife opportunities with marine iguanas, sea lions, and swallow-tailed gulls. It’s also the only known breeding site for the critically endangered waved albatross. Keep an eye out for the large blowhole that can spray ocean water up to 15 – 23 m (50 – 75 ft) in the air.
Activity:Hiking. Exploring.
Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
Accommodation:Double or single cabins.
-
DAY 4 CORMORANT POINT, CHAMPION ISLAND - POST OFFICE BAY
AM: Cormorant Point: With only 350 known pairs left in the Galapagos, this is one of the best places to see these vibrant creatures, also known as the pinkest flamingos on earth. Other inhabitants to look for are Floreana lava lizards, finches, and flycatchers.
Champion Island: Underwater, explore one of the best snorkeling sites. Above the surface, ride in a panga boat for your best chance of seeing the endangered Floreana mockingbird.PM: Post Office Bay: In the 18th century, sailors passing through the islands placed a wooden barrel on this island to use as an unofficial mailbox. Known as Post Office Bay today, the tradition continues as travelers leave addressed postcards in the barrel and sort through left mail to deliver at home. The sheltered bay is also a fantastic area to explore in a kayak.
Activity:Hiking. Exploring. Snorkeling.
Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
Accommodation:Double or single cabins.
-
DAY 5 THE HIGHLANDS - CHARLES DARWIN STATION
AM: The Highlands: Begin your day at El Chato Ranch Private Reserve, where you’ll be able to see the Galapagos giant tortoise. Next, stroll through the Highland’s lush forests, where numerous finch varieties can be spotted. If there’s enough time, you’ll also explore ‘Los Gemelos’ (Twin Craters), two collapsed calderas surrounded by a distinctive Scalesia forest.
PM: Charles Darwin Research Station: See conservation in action at the research station, an active breeding site for giant tortoises. After this, use your free time to explore the town, experiencing the local culture first-hand. This is also the perfect opportunity to relax on board the Galapagos Explorer.
Activity:Hiking. Exploring.
Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
Accommodation:Double or single cabins.
-
DAY 6 DRAGON HILL - PINNACLE ROCK
AM: Dragon Hill: This rocky, low-lying hill is home to an impressive population of Galapagos land iguanas. These miniature dragons roam around the sun-scorched, boulder-strewn island, enjoying the fruits and flowers of their favorite food, the prickly pear. The trail also guides you through other endemic vegetation, like the palo santo tree, letter leaf tree, and Galapagos cotton. Along the way, keep an eye out for finches, yellow warblers, and flycatchers.
PM: Pinnacle Rock: Exactly 375 steps lead you to the summit of an extinct volcano, boasting some of the best views in the Galapagos. Later, enjoy a panga boat ride along the coast in search of the Galapagos penguin and snorkel with parrotfish, Sergeant Major, starfish, and stingrays.
Activity:Walking. Exploring. Snorkeling.
Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
Accommodation:Double or single cabins.
-
DAY 7 DARWIN BAY - PRINCE PHILIP'S STEPS
AM: Darwin Bay: Here you’ll find 70 000 pairs of nesting red-footed boobies – the largest colony on earth. Along the walking trail, also look out for swallow-tailed gulls, the only nocturnal gull species in the world. Other notable fauna and flora include sea lions, the yellow-crowned night heron, and the lava morning glory plant. Darwin Bay is also the only place to see the sharp-beaked ground finch. Ocean swims, kayaking and panga boat rides are also available.
PM: Prince Philip’s Steps: A steep but short climb leads you onto a flat, dried lava field where you can spot colonies of red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, great frigatebirds and wedge-rumped storm petrels that nest under the rocks. This is also your best chance to glimpse the shy, short-eared owl.
Activity:Hiking. Snorkeling.
Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
Accommodation:Double or single accommodation.
-
DAY 8 DAPHNE MAJOR - BALTRA AIRPORT
AM: Your final sail takes you around Daphne Major, an extinct volcanic tuff cone. Nazca boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, and blue-footed boobies can be found nesting here. Daphne Major is also the primary site of Peter and Rosemary Grant’s iconic 40-year study of evolution in Darwin’s finches that demonstrates evolution occurring over short periods. Nearly all of the finches on the island are banded for observation. Thereafter, it is time to wave a fond farewell to the Galapagos Explorer as you head to Seymour Airport on Baltra Island for your flight onward.
Activity:Walking. Departure.
Meal:Breakfast.
-
DAY 1 BALTRA AIRPORT - BLACK TURTLE COVE
PM: Upon arrival at Seymour Airport on Baltra Island, you will be welcomed and transferred to the Galapagos Explorer. Black Turtle Cove: Only accessible by panga boat, Black Turtle Cove is a mangrove estuary featuring black, red, and brown mangroves. Pristine and naturally secluded, the cove is a haven for rare fauna and flora and has been declared a turtle sanctuary. Pangas are required to turn off their motors while visiting, allowing you to truly become immersed in the sights and sounds of your natural surrounds.
Activity:Arrival. Hiking. Walking.
Meal:Lunch. Dinner.
Accommodation:Single or double cabins.
-
DAY 2 CHINESE HAT - RÁBIDA ISLAND
AM: Chinese Hat: This island features a gently sloping volcanic cone that emerges from the ocean, resembling the distinctive shape of an old-fashioned Chinese hat. In the west, you can see lava formations topped with coral heads, which are an indicator that the flows were once formed under the sea. Look out for bright red Sally Lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and sea lions. This is also an excellent snorkeling site.
PM: Rabida Island: Celebrated as one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago, Rabida’s famous red sandy beach (the only one in the Galapagos) and stunning lookouts provide unmatched photographic opportunities. The island is also a birdwatcher’s delight where some of the region’s rarest species are in abundance.
Activity:Hiking. Walking.
Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
Accommodation:Double or single accommodations.
-
DAY 3 JAMES BAY - ESPUMILLA BEACH & BUCCANEER COVE
AM: James Bay: Walk along the coastline in search of American oystercatchers, lava herons, great blue herons as well as bright red Sally Lightfoot crabs. Towards the end of the walk, you’ll find a beautiful, eroded lava tunnel offering one of the only chances to see the Galapagos fur seal.
PM: Espumilla Beach: Enjoy a secluded cove with pristine white sandy beaches, ideal for leisurely walks, swimming, and kayaking. Buccaneer Cove: Named after the first navigators who used the island as an anchorage place to beach their boats while searching for food or water, today, the cove is home to a variety of marine birds, sea lions, and fur seals. Only accessible by panga boat, look out for pelicans, herons, swallow-tailed gulls, and boobies.
Activity:Hiking. Snorkeling.
Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
Accommodation:Double or single accommodations.
-
DAY 4 ESPINOZA POINT - TAGUS COVE
AM: Espinoza Point: This is one of the most untouched islands in the Galapagos. No foreign species have ever invaded Fernandina and the unique landscape was created by lava fields of the volcano La Cumbre. Marine iguanas conglomerate in larger groups than on any other island and this is one of the best chances to see them dive underwater.
PM: Tagus Cove: Hike to the top of the cliff to see Darwin Lake, an uplifted ultra-saline lake saltier than the sea. Created from the remains of a tuff cone, Tagus Cove is a secluded bay with calm waters ideal for panga boat rides, kayaking, and snorkeling, providing close encounters with the Galapagos penguin, and other iconic sea birds, like the flightless cormorant, Galapagos martin, brown noddy, brown pelican and blue-footed booby.
Activity:Hike. Snorkeling.
Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
Accommodation:Double or single accommodations.
-
DAY 5 ELIZABETH BAY - MORENO POINT
AM: Elizabeth Bay: Few have the privilege of exploring this secluded bay, teeming with abundant marine life. Cruise by panga boat into the sheltered mangrove lagoon, where the tallest red mangroves in the Galapagos tower overhead, and graceful sea turtles swim to the water’s surface.
PM: Moreno Point: The main attraction of this is the coastal lagoons in the middle of black lava flows where several unique bird species can be found. Walk in the lava flows of Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul, some of the Galapagos’ most active volcanoes, and between the island’s three cacti species (lava, candelabra, and prickly pear).Activity:Hiking. Snorkeling. Kayaking.
Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
Accommodation:Double or single accommodations.
-
DAY 6 THE HIGHLANDS - CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION
AM: The Highlands: Begin your day at El Chato Ranch Private Reserve, where you’ll be able to see the Galapagos giant tortoise. Next, stroll through the Highland’s lush forests, where numerous finch varieties can be spotted. If there’s enough time, you’ll also explore ‘Los Gemelos’, two collapsed calderas surrounded by a distinctive Scalesia forest.
PM: Charles Darwin Research Station: See conservation in action at the research station, an active breeding site for giant tortoises. After this, use your free time to explore the town, experiencing the local culture first-hand. This is also the perfect opportunity to relax on board the Galapagos Explorer.
Activity:Hiking.
Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
Accommodation:Double or single accommodations.
-
DAY 7 SANTA FE - SOUTH PLAZA
AM: Santa Fe: A short walking trail leads you to a large colony of sea lions, afterward taking you inland to spot the island’s endemic land iguana and large prickly pear cactus forest. With some luck, you may even see the rice rat unique to the islands.
PM: South Plaza: A distinctive landscape of steep cliffs filled with red Sesuvium plants and Opuntia cacti makes for some of the most interesting wildlife observations available in Galapagos. Land iguanas are easily seen from the walking trail under the shade of cactuses waiting for a prickly pear to fall.
Activity:Hiking.
Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
Accommodation:Double or single accommodations.
-
DAY 8 MOSQUERA ISLAND - BALTRA AIRPORT
AM: A small island with white sandy beaches, black lava rocks, and turquoise waters, Mosquera Island is the last stop of your Galapagos adventure. Highlights include the island’s vibrant colony of Galapagos sea lions, one of the archipelago’s largest, and the nesting grounds of the lava gull, the rarest gull species on the planet. Other creatures to look out for include Sally Lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas, and pelicans. Thereafter, it is time to wave a fond farewell to the Galapagos Explorer as you head to Seymour Airport on Baltra Island for your flight onward.
Activity:Hiking. Departure.
Meal:Breakfast.
Transfers airport-yacht-airport in Galapagos.
Airport pick up and assistance.
Single or double accommodation. Triple accommodation under request, subject to availability.
Expeditions as detailed in the itinerary.
Bilingual Park-certified guide (English/Spanish).
Cruise service officer.
Daily activity briefing.
All meals and snacks.
Soft drinks.
Captain's welcome and farewell cocktail.
Use of sea kayaks and paddleboards.
Expedition gear.
+ Round trip to Galapagos.
+ Galapagos National Park entrance fee: USD 200 p.p. (subject to change).
+ Migratory control card: USD 20 p.p. (subject to change).
+ Alcoholic beverages.
+ Gratuities for guide and crew.
+ Travel and health insurance.
+ Micro SD card.
Additional information
- To enter Ecuador, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your intended departure from the country.
- Prices are subject to seasonal surcharges during Christmas, New Year’s, and Holy Week.
- It is suggested to have valid travel and medical insurance. Please inform the team of any known medical conditions you have.
- Rebecca Adventure Travel reserves the right to change the itinerary without prior notice due to weather conditions, availability, National Park regulations or notifications, and unforeseeable circumstances.
- When flying to Galapagos from Quito or Guayaquil, we recommend arriving in the city at least 24 hours before your flight, to avoid inconveniences in case of flight delays. Cruise departures have fixed schedules and extra fees may occur for reaching the cruise on another day.
- All cruises are subject to availability. Since cruises have fixed departures, please check dates and itineraries with the team before booking the cruise and flight tickets. Because the Galapagos is a high-demand destination, availability changes every day. Rebecca Adventure Travel will try to fix your dates with the options available at the time of booking.
- Keep in mind that some cruises require you to arrange the flight tickets directly with them, otherwise, they will charge an extra fee. Please check with the team and they will share the complete information before proceeding with your flight ticket arrangement.
ADVANTAGES OF BOOKING WITH REBECCA ADVENTURE TRAVEL
- Impactful Travel: Develop meaningful connections that provide mutual enrichment for both travelers and host cultures.
- Empowering Locals: Support family-owned accommodations, involving local communities and contributing to local economies.
- Sustainable Travel: Preserve cultures and environments for future generations with our Huella Positiva.
- Travel With Trust: We are here for you every step of the way with solid insurance, certifications, and rebooking facilities.
- Personalized Travel Curator: Ensures your trip meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
When you book a tour with us you agree to our terms and conditions.
Let’s Craft Your Perfect Trip Together!
Excited to turn your travel dreams into an unforgettable adventure?
Chat with one of our knowledgeable destination experts today to get personalized insights and the best tips for your perfect trip.
Don’t wait—reach out now and let’s start planning your dream getaway!