Passion Galapagos Cruise

Upon your arrival at Baltra airport, our team greets you and escorts you to the Itabaca Channel for a quick ferry crossing to Santa Cruz Island. Another brief transfer takes you to Puerto Ayora, the anchorage point for our luxury yacht, the Passion. Refuel with a light snack before setting off on your first expedition: the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station. Here, encounter Galapagos giant tortoises at various life stages, housed in large semi-natural pens for both their safety and your viewing pleasure. Later, seize the opportunity to explore Puerto Ayora and perhaps indulge in some shopping—the sole chance during this itinerary—before reboarding the Passion by 5 p.m. for the evening’s adventures.

• Activity: Arrival. Sightseeing.
• Meal:Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: Touch down at vibrant South Plaza Island, one of the oldest docks in the entire archipelago! Revel in a dazzling landscape populated by green prickly pears, vivid red Sesuvium, and striking coppery-orange land iguanas. The coastal cliffs are a birdwatcher’s paradise, and you’ll catch sight of sea lions—both adults and playful pups—enjoying the shoreline.

PM: After an exhilarating wet landing on Santa Fe Island, you’re greeted by a pristine white beach where sea lions love to lounge. Keep an eye out for the island’s unique, larger, and richer yellow-shaded land iguana. Plus, stand in awe of the tallest prickly pear cacti in Galapagos!

• Activity:Walking. Hiking.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: Hit the pristine sands of Española Island’s Gardner Bay, where you’ll mingle with sea lions and marine iguanas. Don’t miss the cheeky Española mockingbirds! Nearby islets offer fantastic snorkeling, where you’ll encounter the marine reserve’s unique species, including playful sea lions.

PM: Next, head to the renowned Punta Suárez. Here, you’re greeted by friendly sea lions and vibrant marine iguanas—watch for the red males during breeding season! Your trail winds past oystercatchers, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, Galapagos hawks, doves, and swallow-tailed gulls. Look out for Española’s exclusive species: the waved albatross (here from April to December), the mockingbird, and the lava lizard. End your day at El Soplador, an awe-inspiring blowhole that sprays water up to 82 ft (25 m) high!

• Activity:Hiking. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: You will visit the Twin Craters, located opposite each other on both sides of the road leading from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. The name is only figurative; not real craters, these formations were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. The view is breathtaking!

PM: After this final visit, you will be transferred to the Baltra airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.

• Activity:Walking. Exploring. Departure.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.

Upon landing at Baltra Airport, a naturalist guide welcomes you before you board the Passion for a delicious lunch. Shortly after, set sail to Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz Island’s northern coast. This expansive mangrove lagoon is a haven for pelicans and herons perched in the trees, while you may spot green sea turtles and golden rays swimming alongside your panga as you navigate through the serene mangroves.

• Activity:Arrival. Walking.
• Meal:Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: Visit the white-sand coral beach of Darwin Bay, which includes a half-mile (0,75 km) trail that winds through mangroves filled with land birds. Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls can easily be spotted here. Further down the path, we’ll find tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully. At the end, there is a spectacular view of a cliff.

PM: El Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps, is a steep, rocky path that leads up a high cliff rock face. A marvelous view can be appreciated from here. This site is also home to Palo Santo vegetation, as well as red-footed boobies, short-eared owls, Galapagos storm petrels, and Galapagos doves.

• Activity:Snorkeling. Hiking.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: Prepare for an awe-inspiring ascent on Bartolomé Island! Following a dry landing, scale a series of crafted wooden steps to reach the pinnacle of a volcanic mound. From this vantage point, relish an astonishing panorama featuring the island’s iconic Pinnacle Rock, along with a sweeping view of Santiago and distant central islands. Then, explore a pristine white-sand beach where sea turtles nest, and immerse yourself in the island’s crystalline waters, a haven where you might even encounter the rare Galapagos penguins.

PM: Venture to the uniquely shaped Chinese Hat islet, barely covering a quarter square kilometer. Marvel at its hat-like silhouette best visible from the northern coast. Witness striking lava formations that were once submerged, now risen to reveal ancient coral heads. Experience the captivating tableau of sea lions, marine iguanas, and Galapagos penguins occupying the land and frolicking in the surf.

• Activity:Walking. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: Experience the vibrant hues of Rábida’s deep-red beaches during a wet landing. Venture into the island’s intriguing interior and its saltwater lagoon, a haven for flamingos. Here, Darwin’s finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, and yellow warblers thrive on the native vegetation. Depending on the season, you might even spot brown pelicans nesting in the beachside salt bushes.

PM: The afternoon promises adventure as you make a short voyage to Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz’s northwestern coast. A dry landing reveals another saltwater lagoon, teeming with greater flamingos, black-necked stilts, and white-cheeked pintails. Journey further inland to discover an extraordinary land iguana nesting site that’s sure to captivate your imagination.

• Activity:Walking. Hiking.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

Your final day in the Galapagos kicks off with breakfast before heading to Baltra airport. En route, take a detour to the lush highlands to visit a local ranch, selected based on the roaming patterns of Galapagos giant tortoises. Witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, a sight that truly caps off your extraordinary journey. Keep an eye out for the endemic Santa Cruz ground finch and the vibrant yellow warbler in these captivating forests. Once your wildlife encounter is complete, continue to Baltra airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.

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

Upon landing at Baltra Airport, our expert naturalist guide welcomes you before you step aboard the Passion for a delectable lunch. Your afternoon adventure sets sail for Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz Island’s northern coast. As you sail through this expansive mangrove lagoon, gaze up at perching pelicans and herons. Keep your eyes peeled for green sea turtles and golden rays gliding effortlessly beside the panga, offering a captivating close-up of Galapagos marine life.

• Activity:Arrival. Walking.
• Meal:Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: Visit the white-sand coral beach of Darwin Bay which includes a half-mile trail (0,75km) that winds through mangroves filled with land birds. Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls, which can easily be spotted here. Further down the path, we’ll find tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully. At the end is a spectacular view of a cliff.
PM: El Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps, is a steep, rocky path that leads up a high cliff rock face. A marvelous view can be appreciated from here. This site is also home to Palo Santo vegetation as well as red-footed boobies, short-eared owls, Galapagos storm petrels, and Galapagos doves

• Activity:Hiking. Snorkeling. Exploring.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: Prepare for an awe-inspiring ascent on Bartolomé Island! Following a dry landing, scale a series of crafted wooden steps to reach the pinnacle of a volcanic mound. From this vantage point, relish an astonishing panorama featuring the island’s iconic Pinnacle Rock, along with a sweeping view of Santiago and distant central islands. Then, explore a pristine white-sand beach where sea turtles nest, and immerse yourself in the island’s crystalline waters, a haven where you might even encounter the rare Galapagos penguins.

PM: Venture to the uniquely shaped Chinese Hat islet, barely covering a quarter square kilometer. Marvel at its hat-like silhouette best visible from the northern coast. Witness striking lava formations that were once submerged, now risen to reveal ancient coral heads. Experience the captivating tableau of sea lions, marine iguanas, and Galapagos penguins occupying the land and frolicking in the surf.

• Activity:Hiking. Exploring. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: Experience the vibrant hues of Rábida’s deep-red beaches during a wet landing. Venture into the island’s intriguing interior and its saltwater lagoon, a haven for flamingos. Here, Darwin’s finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, and yellow warblers thrive on the native vegetation. Depending on the season, you might even spot brown pelicans nesting in the beachside salt bushes.

PM: The afternoon promises adventure as you make a short voyage to Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz’s northwestern coast. A dry landing reveals another saltwater lagoon, teeming with greater flamingos, black-necked stilts, and white-cheeked pintails. Journey further inland to discover an extraordinary land iguana nesting site that’s sure to captivate your imagination.

• Activity:Hiking. Exploring.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: Kick off your day at one of the highland’s ranches, where you’ll witness Galapagos giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat. The ranch selection may vary depending on the tortoises’ migratory patterns between the coast and highlands. Don’t miss the opportunity to spot the island’s ground finch and vibrant yellow warblers among the lush foliage.

PM: After a refreshing lunch back on the Passion, you’ll head to Puerto Ayora’s Charles Darwin Research Station. Marvel at the tortoises hailing from diverse islands, displayed in expansive, semi-natural pens sorted by life stages: eggs, neonates, juveniles, and adults. It’s a fascinating peek into the conservation efforts aimed at these majestic creatures.

• Activity:Hiking. Exploring.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: Touch down at vibrant South Plaza Island, one of the oldest docks in the entire archipelago! Revel in a dazzling landscape populated by green prickly pears, vivid red Sesuvium, and striking coppery-orange land iguanas. The coastal cliffs are a birdwatcher’s paradise, and you’ll catch sight of sea lions—both adults and playful pups—enjoying the shoreline.

PM: After an exhilarating wet landing on Santa Fe Island, you’re greeted by a pristine white beach where sea lions love to lounge. Keep an eye out for the island’s unique, larger, and richer yellow-shaded land iguana. Plus, stand in awe of the tallest prickly pear cacti in Galapagos!

• Activity:Hiking. Exploring. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: Hit the pristine sands of Española Island’s Gardner Bay, where you’ll mingle with sea lions and marine iguanas. Don’t miss the cheeky Española mockingbirds! Nearby islets offer fantastic snorkeling, where you’ll encounter the marine reserve’s unique species, including playful sea lions.

PM: Next, head to the renowned Punta Suárez. Here, you’re greeted by friendly sea lions and vibrant marine iguanas—watch for the red males during breeding season! Your trail winds past oystercatchers, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, Galapagos hawks, doves, and swallow-tailed gulls. Look out for Española’s exclusive species: the waved albatross (here from April to December), the mockingbird, and the lava lizard. End your day at El Soplador, an awe-inspiring blowhole that sprays water up to 82 ft (25 m) high!

• Activity:Hiking. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: You will visit the Twin Craters, located opposite each other on both sides of the road leading from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. The name is only figurative; not real craters, these formations were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. The view is breathtaking!

PM: After this final visit, you will be transferred to the Baltra airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.

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

AM: Upon landing at Baltra airport, our team welcomes you before a brief journey across the Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island. Your Galapagos adventure begins in the stunning highlands of the island, at its ranches. There, you’ll witness Galapagos giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat. The ranch selection may vary depending on the tortoises’ migratory patterns between the coast and highlands. Don’t miss the opportunity to spot the island’s ground finch and vibrant yellow warblers among the lush foliage.

PM: After this, you’ll board the Passion, where a refreshing lunch awaits. Recharged and refreshed, it’s time to return to Puerto Ayora for your next stop: the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center.

• Activity:Arrival. Hiking.
• Meal:Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Single or Double Cabins.

AM: On Floreana Island, home to the infamous Baroness Eloise Von Wagner de Bousquet, you’ll kick off your day with a wet landing on Punta Cormorant’s unique olivine beaches. As you stroll toward a pristine beach, keep an eye out for Greater Flamingos wading in the brackish lagoon. The beach is not just spectacularly fine sand but also a sea turtle nesting ground frequented by sharks and rays. Finish the morning by snorkeling in Devil’s Crown, an ancient volcanic crater and an underwater paradise.

PM: Post-lunch, visit the historic Post Office Bay with another wet landing. Take part in the centuries-old tradition: leave a postcard in the barrel for future travelers to hand-deliver and pick one to deliver yourself when you’re back on the mainland.

• Activity:Hiking. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: Begin your day by delving into the mysterious human history of Floreana Island at Black Beach. Explore the Asilo de La Paz freshwater spring and discover caves that once served as pirate hideouts. Hear tales of the island’s first native Galapagueño and the enigmatic Baroness Eloise Wagner von Bousquet, whose lovers vanished under mysterious circumstances.

PM: In the afternoon, set sail for a unique experience: an extended cruise devoted to spotting whales and dolphins. As you navigate the waters, soak in the breathtaking views of Isabela Island and the majestic Cerro Azul volcano.

• Activity:Hiking. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: You arrive at Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos. After breakfast, you step ashore at Punta Moreno (dry landing) onto a superb Pahoehoe lava flow surrounded by giant shield volcanoes, some of which are still active! From here, we go on a short hike to a lagoon where flamingos are usually present.

PM: Hold onto your hat—Urbina Bay is a geological marvel! Nestled at the foot of Alcedo Volcano on the west coast between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay, this area dramatically rose over 16 feet (4.88 m) in a 1954 uplift, stretching the coastline out an astonishing half-mile. Imagine snorkeling in a spot where the ocean floor was once submerged! Don’t miss this transformative landscape and its unique snorkeling opportunities.

• Activity:Hiking. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: Get ready to see some amazing sights at Tagus Cove! It’s right across from Fernandina Island. Take a walk up a trail near Lake Darwin and you’ll get to a spot with awesome views. Just a little bit north, you’ll find Punta Tortuga, a beautiful beach surrounded by mangroves.

PM: Next, we visit Fernandina Island, one of the most untouched places in the world! You won’t find any foreign plants or animals here. The island’s highlight is the towering volcano, La Cumbre, whose lava fields stretch all the way to the sea. But the real star here is the flightless cormorant’s nesting area. Keep your eyes peeled, because you might also spot a Galapagos hawk.

• Activity:Hiking. Walking. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: Start your day with a wet landing at Puerto Egas, a captivating dark-sand beach on Santiago Island with a rich history. Here, you might catch sight of Galapagos fur seals lounging on lava edges and playful sea lions near intricately eroded lava arches. Stroll along the coast, visiting the shimmering grottos, teeming with marine life, and attracting various shorebirds.

PM: Board a panga and cruise the dramatic coastline of Buccaneer Cove, taking in the unusual rock formations, like ‘the monk’ and ‘elephant rock.’ From there, journey to Santiago Island’s Espumilla Beach. Arrive via a wet landing on the golden sands frequented by nesting green sea turtles. A forest trail, framed by towering Palo Santo trees, offers the perfect setting to spot yellow warblers, Galapagos flycatchers, and Darwin’s finches.

• Activity:Snorkeling. Hiking.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: Ignite your sense of wonder as you set foot on Santiago Island’s Sullivan Bay for a dry landing. Traverse a mesmerizing lunar-like landscape of recent Pahoehoe lava flows, lava bubbles encasing crystallized minerals, and the resilient pioneer plants. Keep your eyes peeled for Galapagos penguins and herons fishing along the shoreline.

PM: Step ashore on North Seymour Island into a bustling avian metropolis. Navigate through colonies of frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies, along with swallow-tailed gulls. Depending on the season, you might even witness the captivating mating rituals these species perform.

• Activity:Hiking. Wildlife-watching.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins.

AM: Experience the intimate scale of Mosquera, a petite islet situated between Baltra and North Seymour Islands. Spanning roughly 525 ft (160 m) in width and 1,969 ft (600 m) in length, it offers a close-up look at local shorebirds and marine inhabitants.

PM: Following your visit to Mosquera, set sail to Baltra Island. There, you’ll disembark and receive assistance for your onward journey to the airport, concluding your unforgettable Galapagos adventure.

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