Galápagos Expedition Cruise: 8 Days in the Eastern Islands
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TripsEcuadorGalápagos Islands

Galápagos Expedition Cruise: 8 Days in the Eastern Islands

Ecuador
7 Nights·8 Days
GalápagosBoat Tours & NavigationActive Adventures

Overview

Ecuador’s iconic archipelago stands as a world-renowned haven of natural wonder and remarkable biodiversity. Embarking on an 8-day Galápagos expedition cruise grants you an in-depth journey through the captivating eastern and central islands. Navigating from Baltra toward North Seymour, Española, San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, Bartolomé, Santiago, and Rábida, each stop showcases dramatic volcanic formations and pristine coastal views for an unforgettable travel experience.

These secluded shores shelter an abundance of rare wildlife, bringing visitors face-to-face with blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, land iguanas, and penguins. Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding also offer immersive ways to encounter the ocean life, like sea turtles, rays, colorful reef fish, and sea lions.

Serving as your boutique floating home throughout the trip, the first-class motor yacht combines comfort, safety, and warm hospitality. Aboard, travelers relax in air-conditioned cabins, complete with an indoor dining salon, a cozy lounge, and open-air view decks. Supported by an attentive crew and a certified naturalist guide, every outing is seamlessly organized, allowing guests to relax after full days of discovery.

  • Full itinerary: North Seymour, Suárez Point, and Gardner Bay on Española; Pitt Point and Kicker Rock on San Cristóbal; the giant tortoises and highlands of Santa Cruz; land iguanas on Santa Fe and South Plaza; the Bartolomé viewpoint; the lava flows of Sullivan Bay; the red-sand beach of Rábida; and the penguins of Chinese Hat.
  • Seabirds up close: blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds on North Seymour, the seabird colonies of Suárez Point on Española, and one of the few sites where all three booby species nest together, at Pitt Point.
  • Snorkeling on most days with sea turtles, sea lions, rays, penguins, and reef fish, plus free use of kayaks and paddleboards.
  • A small ship Galapagos cruise in the true sense: 16 guests and a crew of 8, so you are never one of a crowd at a nest or a snorkel site.
  • Giant tortoises on Santa Cruz, in the highlands, and at the Fausto Llerena Interpretation Center beside the Charles Darwin Station, plus land iguanas on Santa Fe and South Plaza.
  • The volcanic heart of the islands: the Bartolomé spatter cone over Pinnacle Rock and a walk across the young lava flows of Sullivan Bay on Santiago.
  • Excursions led by a naturalist guide certified by the Galápagos National Park, with a small group from the yacht.
  • All-inclusive experience: the round-trip flight from mainland Ecuador to Baltra, the airport and yacht transfers, 7 nights aboard, all meals, snorkel gear, kayaks and paddleboards, and a naturalist guide.

  • Please note: The program below is the planned route. The captain and the Galápagos National Park reserve the right to modify landings, times, or anchorages due to weather, ocean conditions, or conservation regulations. Daily plans will be confirmed by your naturalist guide during each evening’s briefing.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Baltra / Embarkation / North Seymour Island

  • ArrivalBaltra Airport (Seymour, GPS) · ~10:30 AM
  • EmbarkationShort transfer to the pier · Welcome and orientation
  • Walk and snorkelNorth Seymour · Boobies, frigatebirds, sea lions

The Galápagos expedition cruise begins at Baltra Airport, a small island off the north coast of Santa Cruz, where your naturalist guide meets you at the arrivals gate and the crew takes your luggage. A short transfer brings you to the pier to board the yacht, with a welcome orientation and light snacks.

In the afternoon, land on North Seymour Island, a low, flat island with a coastal trail through one of the liveliest seabird sites in the Galápagos: blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds with their red throat pouches, marine iguanas, and sea lions. In the evening there is a welcome cocktail, dinner, and your first briefing.

Meals included: Lunch / Dinner

Golden sunset light glows over the ocean and distant islets, framed by the dark volcanic walls of a coastal cave scattered with rounded boulders.
A blue-footed booby with vivid blue webbed feet stands on a dark volcanic rock on North Seymour Island, head tilted downward against the sea.

Day 2

Española Island / Suárez Point / Gardner Bay, Osborn Islet, and Gardner Island

  • WalkSuárez Point · Seabird colonies, marine iguanas
  • Beach visitGardner Bay · Sea lion colony
  • Snorkel, kayakOsborn Islet and Gardner Island

Española Island is the oldest and most southerly island on this route, with some of the most unusual endemic species in the archipelago. The morning walk at Suárez Point crosses seabird colonies and dramatic coastal scenery, with marine iguanas, lava lizards, and, in season, nesting waved albatross.

After lunch on board, Gardner Bay is a long white-sand beach with one of the largest sea lion colonies in the islands. The nearby islets of Osborn and Gardner have clear water for snorkeling and kayaking among sea lions and reef fish. Dinner and the nightly briefing follow.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

A snorkeler in a pink swimsuit and yellow fins glides face-down through clear turquoise water, a highlight of this Galápagos expedition cruise.
A seabird with black-tipped white wings glides low over crashing surf beneath dark cliffs at Suárez Point, spray bursting high behind it.
A sea lion and her pup rest on a white sand beach beside black lava rocks, with a navigation marker and our Galápagos expedition cruise ship anchored offshore.
Sea lions lie scattered across a wide sandy beach at sunset, their silhouettes casting long shadows as the sun sinks behind the tree line.

Day 3

San Cristóbal Island / Pitt Point / Kicker Rock and Witch Hill

  • WalkPitt Point · Olivine Beach, three booby species
  • Navigationaround Kicker Rock · Volcanic formation
  • WalkWitch Hill · White-sand beach

The morning is on San Cristóbal Island, at Pitt Point, where a trail climbs from an olivine-green beach to scenic viewpoints. This is one of the few places in the Galápagos where all three booby species, blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca, can be seen nesting in the same area.

After lunch, the yacht navigates around Kicker Rock, a sheer volcanic formation rising straight from the ocean and a classic sight of the eastern Galápagos, good for watching seabirds and, from the water, rays and reef sharks. The day ends with a walk on the white sand of Witch Hill, then dinner and the briefing.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

A sea lion raises its head and whiskers on a sandy beach during this Galápagos expedition cruise, dark volcanic rocks and turquoise surf visible behind it.
Volcanic cliffs frame a turquoise bay and a rocky islet at Punta Pitt, a scenic stop on this Galápagos expedition cruise through San Cristóbal Island.
Aerial view of a green, mangrove-covered point with a white sand beach and anchored boats in clear turquoise water off San Cristóbal.

Day 4

Santa Cruz / Fausto Llerena Interpretation Center / Highlands and Twin Craters

  • VisitFausto Llerena Interpretation Center, Charles Darwin Station
  • WalkSanta Cruz highlands · Wild giant tortoises
  • VisitTwin Craters · Pit craters in the green highlands

Go ashore on Santa Cruz and visit the Fausto Llerena Interpretation Center at the Charles Darwin Research Station, where young tortoises are raised and the guides explain how the national park’s breeding and return program has rebuilt several island populations.

Then, drive up into the green highlands, where giant tortoises graze freely in the wet pastures and forest, and the Twin Craters, two large pit craters a short walk apart, open up in the mist. Lunch is at a local farm, and dinner is on board.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch (local farm) / Dinner

A deep, forest-covered volcanic sinkhole opens beneath a cloudy sky in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island on this Galápagos expedition cruise.
A Galápagos giant tortoise stretches its neck to chew grass in the Santa Cruz highlands visited on this Galápagos expedition cruise, its weathered shell catching soft daylight.
Several fish swim through a clear, rocky tide pool lit by sunlight filtering down between dark volcanic boulders.

Day 5

Santa Fe Island / South Plaza Island

  • WalkSanta Fe · Endemic land iguanas, unique vegetation
  • Snorkel, kayak, paddleboardSanta Fe Bay
  • WalkSouth Plaza · Sea lions, cactus forest

The morning is on Santa Fe, known for its distinctive vegetation and a population of land iguanas unique to the island. Back at the shore, there is time to snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard in the sheltered bay before lunch.

In the afternoon, land on South Plaza, a small island off the east coast of Santa Cruz, where a walk crosses a cactus forest alive with sea lions and land iguanas. The low cliffs are a good place to watch swallow-tailed gulls and red-billed tropicbirds ride the wind. Dinner and the evening briefing follow.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

A twin-peaked volcanic rock formation rises from the ocean, silhouetted against a glowing sunset sky streaked with wispy clouds.
Red sesuvium ground cover and prickly pear cactus line a rocky shoreline overlooking calm turquoise water on South Plaza Island, a highlight of this Galápagos expedition cruise.
A sea lion rests in a dense bed of red sesuvium ground cover on South Plaza Island, a quiet highlight of this Galápagos expedition cruise.

Day 6

Bartolomé Island / Pinnacle Rock / Sullivan Bay, Santiago

  • ClimbBartolomé · View over Pinnacle Rock
  • SnorkelBartolomé · Penguins, reef fish
  • WalkSullivan Bay, Santiago · Young lava flows

The yacht anchors at Bartolomé Island in the morning. A hike up a wooden stairway and trail reaches a panoramic viewpoint over Pinnacle Rock, the view that appears on most photos of the islands, with two curved beaches and the dark lava of Santiago behind.

After lunch, land at Sullivan Bay on Santiago and walk across fields of ropy pahoehoe lava that flowed little more than a century ago and still look freshly poured. Your guide explains the volcanic origins of the archipelago. Dinner is on board.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

A green sea turtle glides over a coral reef in clear blue water during a Galápagos expedition cruise snorkel stop.
Pinnacle Rock's jagged volcanic spire rises above a turquoise cove on Bartolomé Island, a highlight of this Galápagos expedition cruise.
Close-up of ropy pahoehoe lava with swirling solidified folds and a smooth embedded stone at Sullivan Bay, Santiago.
Pinnacle Rock and Bartolomé's red volcanic hills frame a turquoise bay where small boats anchor during this Galápagos expedition cruise.
A wooden boardwalk climbs Bartolomé's red volcanic summit, the final stretch of this Galápagos expedition cruise's iconic Pinnacle Rock hike.

Day 7

Rábida Island / Chinese Hat

  • WalkRábida · Red-sand beach, flamingo lagoon
  • Snorkel, kayakRábida · Sea lions, reef fish
  • VisitChinese Hat · Galapagos penguins, rays

The morning is on Rábida Island, known for its striking red-sand beach, colored by the iron in its volcanic rock, and a coastal lagoon where flamingos are sometimes seen. The water off the beach is good for snorkeling with sea lions and reef fish.

After lunch, explore Chinese Hat, a small cone-shaped islet named for its shape, where Galápagos penguins, rays, and other marine life gather in the clear channel. The last nightly briefing is after dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

A Galápagos penguin stands on dark lava rocks at the water's edge, its white chest catching the low evening light.
Green and yellow kayaks line a white sand beach beside calm turquoise water, ready for a paddle on this Galápagos expedition cruise.
A brown pelican lifts off the water with wings spread and feet splashing, mangroves blurred in the background.
A cluster of sea lions glides through clear turquoise water, their bodies sunlit from above during a snorkel stop on this Galápagos expedition cruise.

Day 8

Las Bachas Beach / Disembarkation at Baltra

  • Walk and snorkelLas Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz · Flamingo lagoon
  • Transfer and flightBaltra Airport · Return to the mainland

On the last morning, visit Las Bachas Beach, a white-sand beach on the north shore of Santa Cruz, where a coastal lagoon often draws flamingos. It is a quiet last outing before the cruise ends.

After a farewell breakfast on board, you are transferred to Baltra Airport in time for your flight back to mainland Ecuador. That is the end of your 8-day Galapagos expedition cruise.

Meals included: Breakfast

A marine iguana perches on dark volcanic rock above turquoise shallows, its spiked dorsal crest and clawed feet caught in bright sunlight.
A Sally Lightfoot crab with vivid red claws and a mottled gold shell grips volcanic rock, a familiar sight on any galapagos expedition cruise beach walk.
Several blue-footed boobies stand on a coral-rock outcrop with turquoise water and a low shoreline behind them under a clear blue sky.

What is Included

  • Round-trip transfer (Baltra Airport ⇌ the yacht, in Galapagos)
  • Round-trip flight from mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil) to Baltra, arranged by the operator
  • 7-night stay aboard the yacht, in the cabin category you book
  • Meals (full board, from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8)
  • Snorkel gear for the week and free use of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards
  • Guided tours (North Seymour, Española, San Cristóbal, the Santa Cruz highlands, the interpretation center, Santa Fe, South Plaza, Bartolomé, Santiago, Rábida, Chinese Hat, and Las Bachas)
  • A naturalist guide certified by the Galapagos National Park
  • On-board Wi-Fi
  • Filtered drinking water and a hot-drink station all day

Not included

  • Flight tickets
  • Hotel night in Quito or Guayaquil before or after the cruise
  • Galapagos National Park entrance fee and the INGALA Transit Control Card (US$ 200 and US$ 20 per person, paid locally)
  • Wetsuit rental
  • Bar, drinks, and personal items
  • Gratuities for the guide and crew
  • Travel and health insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Visas and vaccinations, where they apply

FAQ

Reviews

“We were totally thrilled with our experience. The crew was amazing- they were extremely nice and helpful. (Special shout out to Victor!) The food was excellent. Our guide was first rate. Only a couple of suggestions: have a few more games for families, slightly larger trash cans and washcloths.”

— Stephanie H

“Wonderful staff, great views, excellent accommodations. I highly recommend to other travelers.”

— C Rutherfoord

“My teen daughter and I did a 7 night cruise. It exceeded all of our expectations. The boat was sparkling clean, comfortable, and well-appointed. Service was top notch, from the food, to the friendly crew with a helping hand every step, to turn-down service with a chocolate every night. More about the food -- buffet breakfast with omelet station, local fruit juices, fresh fruit and cheese platters, cereals, and hot selections changing daily. Lunch and dinner were elegantly plated, included many local specialties, and were absolutely delicious! We received detailed information from the crew and guides every day, and felt well taken care of. Saving the best for last - our guides, Karla and Fernando made the experience magical! Aside from being incredibly knowledgable, they were fun and entertaining, and catered to our interests throughout. The itinerary included a lot of options for the daily activities, so we could adjust the experience to how we felt each day. The whole trip was so well planned, we felt safe and cared for, which enabled us to just enjoy the experience!”

— Katherine K

“The crew and the guide, Luis, were exceptional as far as ensuring that our trip would be memorable and that all our needs would be met. The air conditioned cabins were cleaned daily and beds turned down in the evening with chocolates on our pillows. The food was chef quality with an emphasis on native cuisine with an abundance of vegetables and fruit. There were 3 crew members attending to our safety getting on/off the pangas. If you did not want to snorkel or hike, you had the option to ride in the panga. The lectures and evening briefing were very informative and reflected the Luis’ pride, passion, and love for the Galapagos.”

— Roberta R

“The ship was wonderful, clean and excellent food. The crew always pleasant and responsive. Being in the Galápagos was an extremely memorable experience and the crew contributed to that”

— Elaine Z

“What an amazing experience on this 8d/7n cruise. I traveled solo from the USA and met wonderful people. Our guide was spectacular; she was so incredibly knowledgeable about the land, history, animal species, landscape, everything. I learned SO MUCH. The crew was so attentive and made everything special. The chef - awesome! The route I travelled was perfect; I saw every animal I had on my bucket list; we visited so many different areas. I would highly recommend this cruise to anyone.”

— Elizabeth C

“My husband and I had an amazing 8 day / 7 night cruise in early December. The crew and our naturalist Charles were fantastic. We saw blue footed boobies, flightless cormorants, penguins, countless sea lions, marine and land iguanas, pelicans, frigate birds, and countless other sharks and bird species. Snorkeling, we saw the cormorants, penguins, sea lions, sea turtles, and marine iguanas underwater - an unforgettable experience! The cruise experience really lets you experience the untouched nature and habitats of the islands, which you feel through the totally unbothered wildlife up close. The weather was perfect and the seas calm this time of year, though the water temperatures definitely required full wetsuits while snorkeling. Would highly recommend this to anyone considering the Galapagos!”

— Alice H

“This is a great company. I was on this cruise in January 2025. The staff was fantastic: very professional and helpful in many ways. Cheerful and pleasant. The food was amazing. Very delicious and healthy. Lots of fish and vegetables. The accommodations were very comfortable. We did lots of snorkeling. Swam with penguins, iguana, sharks, turtles, lots of colorful reef fish. Saw lots of animals, up close: land iguanas, blue footed boobies, tortoises, Our guide Lulu couldn't have been better: local, knowledgable, funny, professional, personable, helpful. The boat was clean, well maintained, felt very safe. I highly recommend taking your Galapagos tour on this boat.”

— Ramona L

“Our family of 5 stayed on the main deck for the 8 day itinerary. What a trip of a lifetime! The diversity of wildlife and landscapes were stunning and memorable. Our naturalist guide, Juan Alcivar, was knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and gave 110% the entire trip! The staff were attentive and helpful, and cabins were tidied up multiple times a day. Food was plentiful, fresh, and delicious, and the staff prepared a special celebration for New Year's eve!”

— Karen K

“I was on a women’s tour in March 2024. It was amazing! The boat is in excellent shape and very comfortable to travel in. We were a group of 16. Each cabin had its own en suite, and my cabin had a nice balcony. We had access to a lovely sky deck which provided views, shade from the equatorial sun and a lovely breeze to keep cool. We additionally had a deck with a bar and outdoor seating, plus a dining area and salon. The crew of this boat was exceptional. Victor was our “bartender” but really he took care of serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, snacks, coffee/tea etc. always with a smile on his face. Chef Marcus made excellent food with lots of variety and accommodated different dietary needs. I was really impressed by the crew’s attention to safety and the care they showed in getting us in and out of the zodiacs to go to our various destinations. We had two naturalist guides - Karla and Lulu and they all worked together to maximize our experience of the islands, ocean and wildlife. Truly a once-in-lifetime experience! Highly recommend to anyone considering a ship-based Galápagos experience to check this boat out.”

— Saniya K

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