Coastal Landscapes on a Galápagos Cruise: A Private Journey

Day 1

Arrive Quito, Ecuador

Arrive Quito, Ecuador

Day 2

San Cristóbal Island – In the Footsteps of Darwin

Fly to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galápagos Islands. Although merely a few hundred miles from the mainland, the Galápagos Islands may feel even further away in reality; modern life has largely skirted this group of volcanic, windswept pearls, still every bit as wild and wondrous as when Charles Darwin set foot here in the 1830s. The wildlife he observed so carefully is still the m

Day 3

San Cristóbal Island – Cerro Brujo and Punta Pitt

Seek out iconic Galápagos wildlife at Cerro Brujo, an eroding tuff cone formation with a breathtaking white coral beach, reveling in the expansive views and excellent bird watching. Stroll along the beach, wade in for a swim, paddleboard or kayak. Later, go ashore at Punta Pitt, a nesting site for all three types of booby, both frigate species, swallow-tailed gulls, storm petrels, and shearwater a

Day 4

Española Island – Punta Suarez and Gardner Bay

Home to the highest concentration of endemic species in the Galápagos, Española Island’s Punta Suarez beckons you ashore to encounter a diversity of species found nowhere else on Earth. Later, snorkel with Gardner Bay’s sea lions, explore the bay’s islets by kayak, or relax on a beautiful white-sand beach. Tonight, do a bit of stargazing beneath an incredible equatorial sky.

Day 5

Floreana Island – Punta Cormorant and Post Office Bay

One of the few populated isles in the Galápagos chain, Floreana boasts a rich and intriguing history. Head to Punta Cormorant to snorkel Devil’s Crown or Champion, a shallow sunken crater colonized by a brilliant array of life. Keep your head on a swivel to take in the colorful fish, coral and sea stars around you as you ply waters where oceanic whitetip sharks, sea turtles, spotted eagle rays and

Day 6

Santa Cruz Island – Into the Highlands

Awake in Santa Cruz's lively harbor of Academy Bay. Go ashore at Ayora Point and ascend through the seven vegetation zones of the Galápagos, making your way into the highlands to encounter giant tortoises at a private farm. Back on board, set out to see "the tunnels” — the largest lava tubes found in the Galápagos. Then head to the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about ongoing conservatio

Day 7

Santa Cruz and Bartolomé Islands – Playa Las Bachas and Pinnacle Rock

Drop anchor on the northern side of Santa Cruz Island to visit Playa Las Bachas (Bachas Beach), home to bright pink flamingos that feed on the interior lagoons. Snorkel offshore or stroll along the long, glittering white sand beach. Next, cruise to Bartolomé Island. Featured prominently in the 2003 blockbuster movie _Master and Commander_, Bartolomé is easily distinguished by its towering basalt s

Day 8

South Plaza and North Seymour Islands – Realm of Iguanas and Frigatebirds

Among the smallest of the Galápagos Islands, South Plaza is also known as the “red island” because of its brightly tinged sesuvium (seasonal flowering ice plants). Come ashore to watch as Galápagos land iguanas munch the low-lying leaves of a succulent forest while Nazca and blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and red-billed tropicbirds jockey for position along the water’s edge. Next, sail

Day 9

Depart Quito

Bid your Captain and crew farewell as you disembark your yacht for a final time on San Cristóbal. Visit the local Interpretation Center to learn more about the island’s anthropology and natural history. Afterward, take some free time to walk a nearby trail or snap some last-minute photos. Later today, catch your flight to Quito to connect with your onward flight.