EXPEDITION CRUISING

8 days and 7 nights of inmersive experience
in a unique archipielago on earth

JOIN THE EXPEDITION

Be transformed by one of two comprehens ive, seven-night Galápagos itineraries. Both provide unmatched access to the archipelago’s celebrated highlights: the rare wildlife and exotic flora, otherworldly landscapes, and fascinating history.
Choose one, or combine both for a two-week, life-enriching journey
around the entire archipelago.

ISLAND SAFARI

RARE WILDLIFE AND EXOTIC FLORA

We are experts in crafting transformative experiences by connecting explorers with the inspiring wildlife of the Galapagos.

Photograph and admire the marine life from the comfort of a glass bottom boat if on board the Origin and Theory or your zodiac on Letty, as it navigates hidden caverns and quiet mangrove estuaries; or explore the wonders of the undersea environment snorkelling near the coastline.

ITINERARIES HIGHLIGHTS

SUNDAY I

When you land at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (S. Cristobal), our guides will be there to greet you and escort you to your yacht by bus and Zodiac. Once you’ve boarded, you’ll have a welcome briefing and a short safety drill. Begin your vacation with a delicious buffet lunch before traveling to Cerro Colorado to visit Centro de Crianza Jacinto Gordillo (La Galapaguera-2). Here, you’ll learn about the breeding program for giant tortoises that the national park was established to ensure that these animals continue to thrive despite the endangered status of some species. Back on the yacht, after a briefing, the captain and crew will welcome you with a cocktail reception. An elegant multi-course dinner, prepared by our accomplished chefs and accompanied by wine, will be served.

MONDAY II

In the morning, you’ll land at Prince Philip’s Steps (4), Genovesa (TOWER) Island is one of the most spectacular places in Galapagos for birdwatching because of its diversity of species. Throughout the day, you’ll want to have your camera ready. Your guides will pointoutred-footed boobies nesting in palo santo trees, Nazca boobies nesting near the trail, and storm petrels gathering in large numbers in an openlava field. With luck, you may even get to see the elusive short-eared owl. After a BBQ lunch on the yacht’s sun deck and a demonstration on how to make Ecuadorian ceviche, you’ll have the option to explore the clis up close, either by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or on adeep-water snorkeling excursion from the Zodiac. Look for the red-billed tropic bird hiding in the crevices of the rock.

TUESDAY III

This morning you’ll visit Las Bachas (1), (Spanish for barges) on the northern side of Santa Cruz. Dozens of bright pink flamingos feed on the interior lagoons, and a long white sand beach is a beautiful site for a stroll. Before returning to the yacht for lunch, you’ll have time to snorkel from the beach.
In the afternoon, when you step ashore on Cerro Dragon (3) (Dragon Hill), you’ll have a magnificent panoramic view of the bay and island landscape. After walking the trail, you’ll return to the yacht for a briefing and dinner.

WEDNESDAY IV

Begin your morning with a Zodiac ride at Punta Vicente Roca (1). Your skilled driver will navigate you through the wave-sculpted caves and bring you up close to the tuff walls covered in colorful Sally light-foot crabs. Don’t miss the opportunity to snorkel here (2). After lunch, take a seat on the sun deck to enjoy the scenery as we sail through the Bolivar Chanel. In the afternoon, you’ll disembark at Urbina Bay on ISABELA (2) Island and see some surprising evidence of volcanic activity. Four files of coastal seabed were exposed due to a dramatic
uplift during an eruption in 1954, and some of the remaining coral skeletons still stand several feet high. A diverse collection of animal species await on the island as well. When you’re finished exploring, you’ll return
to the vessel for your nightly briefing and dinner. After dessert, step outside and observe the pale glow of the Milky Way. As we cross the Equator, you may get a visit from King Neptune himself! Guests of all ages will enjoy this fun-filled evening and maritime ritual, our crew dress as pirates and guest participation is optional.

THURSDAY V

This morning you’re in for another geological wonder. Stop at Punta Espinoza on FERNANDINA (4), the youngest and most pristine Island in Galapagos, formed by active volcanoes that stretch around the coast. With no introduced animals on this island, you can observe the ecosystem at its most pristine. You’ll have an opportunity to snorkel here, in the company of the large sea turtles that frequent the area. Return to the
yacht for a BBQ lunch served on the sundeck. After lunch, you’ll get to see some of the human history of the Galapagos when you go ashore on Tagus Cove (5). This was a favorite stopping point for pirates and whalers for centuries, and sections of the rocky cliffs are covered in graffiti from as far back as the 1800s. Hike at a
faster pace to a saltwater lagoon and scenic overview, and take in the ocean, lava fields, and volcanic formations. You may choose to explore the shoreline of the secluded cove by kayak or paddleboard. There are many animals to see! Tonight, as we sail toward the geographic center of the archipelago, we’ll cross the equator for the third and final time.

FRIDAY VI

This morning, you’ll disembark on the dark red beach of RABIDA (Jervis-2). This small island is considered the geographic center of the Galapagos because its volcanic rocks are the most diversified in the archipelago. A short trail will lead you to a saltwater lagoon - along the way, look for marine iguanas, mockingbirds and yellow warblers. You may also see Darwin’s finches. Over a dozen species of finches live on the islands and observing them contributed to Charles Darwin’s ideas that formed the basis for his theory of evolution.
Guests on the Theory and Letty visit Puerto Egas on Santiago (James) Island-3, where you’ll stroll along the shoreline looking for the sea life caught in the tide pools. The walk ends at the grottos, deep pools of clear water where you’ll encounter fur sea lions once on the verge of extinction. Before returning to
the yacht, take the opportunity to snorkel from the beach (1). As you sail after lunch, take a seat on deck to view the dramatic landscape and dolphins that are often spotted here. Guests on the Origin have a Zodiac excursion at Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove)-1 through a series of peaceful coves and inlets surrounded by mangroves whose large roots rise out of the water. We return to the vessel for the Captain’s Farewell cocktail with the crew, and dinner as well as a special presentation by your guides.

SATURDAY VII

When you wake up this morning, your yacht will be one of the dozens of boats anchored in the lively harbor of Academy Bay. You’ll disembark at Puerto Ayora, SANTA CRUZ (2) Island, the social heart of the Galapagos, with a population of 24,000 residents. This morning, we visit the breeding center Centro de Crianza Fausto Llerena (2) and Charles Darwin Research Station where we learn about ongoing conservation efforts from exhibits set up along the wooden trail. You’ll see hatchlings and miniature tortoises that will be repatriated by the National Park when grown. Afterward, you’ll learn about the history of the settlers of this Island on a guided tour through the back streets of Puerto Ayora. Stroll through town to shop for handmade souvenirs. Return to the yacht for lunch and later board a bus for a short ride to a lava tunnel, a hollow formation created when lava on the earth’s surface cools and hardens while molten lava continues to flow in the middle. Your next stop will be Los Gemelos (The Twins), a pair of large, deep craters with vibrant plant life at higher elevation. Next stop is at a privately-owned hacienda, where giant tortoises roam freely – some weighing over 500 pounds – in their natural habitat, feeding or resting in shallow pools. Return to the yacht for dinner or, if you wish, remain ashore on your own at a local restaurant. Zodiac shuttles from the yachts to the main dock will be offered throughout the evening for your convenience.

SUNDAY VIII

Your last morning in the Galapagos we disembark after breakfast and travel by bus to Cerro Tijeretas Frigatebird Hill-2), where you’ll find nesting colonies of both species of frigate birds; Great and Magnificent, lava lizards, medium ground finches, and San Cristobal mockingbird. Follow the trail to Punta Carola for a spectacular view. Guests on the Letty have an early morning visit Isla Lobos (5). Before your flight back to the mainland, you’ll have time for any last-minute photos or shopping. A short bus ride will get you to the airport with plenty of time for check in.

northern
& western route

SUNDAY I

Upon arrival in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (S. Cristobal), our guides will be waiting for you to escort you to the right vessel.
After a short bus ride and Zodiac transfer to the yacht anchored in the bay, you’ll get your cabin assignment and be treated to a delicious buffet lunch. You will be required to participate in a brief safety drill and chose your snorkel equipment. You will then return to San Cristobal to explore El Junco Lake (2) is the only sizable freshwater lake in the Galapagos. Listen for the calls of sea lions - they may try to approach, and as you ride the zodiac you’ll see them lounging on the boats docked in the harbor. Upon your return to the yacht, the Captain and crew will welcome you on board with a cocktail and a briefing of the next day’s activities. With the small number of passengers on your yacht, you’ll have an opportunity to dine with the captain later in the week. But for tonight, enjoy meeting your fellow passengers as our kitchen staff treats you to a multi-course dinner complete with complimentary wine.

MONDAY II

You’ll start your exploration today with a Zodiac ride to look for wildlife at Cerro Brujo (1), which translates to Wizard Hill. After the Zodiac tour, you’ll be able to take in the gorgeous coral sand beach at your own pace. Take a peaceful walk along the beach, swim with sea lions or you have the option to paddle board or kayak. This is a good opportunity to become familiar with your snorkeling gear from the beach (1) before snorkeling in deep-water. Return to the yacht for a BBQ lunch served on the sun deck (weather permitting) before going ashore at Punta Pitt (4) for a hike - parts of the trail are rocky, and there is some climbing involved. This is considered one of the best sites for bird-watching, primarily because it is the only place where you’ll see all three species of boobies: the blue-footed, the red-footed, and the Nazca.
A Zodiac will transfer you back to the boat for a briefing and dinner. As the yacht sets sail, choose from a selection of guide books or fiction in the library, or climb to the top deck for a distant view of “Sleeping Lion”.

TUESDAY III

This morning you’ll land at Punta Suarez on Espanola (Hood) Island (5). Your guides will point out the large number of endemic species living here, such as the waved albatross. If your visit is between April and December, you will witness the well-known courtship dance. As you walk, take care not to step on the marine iguanas sunbathing on the dark rocks. Follow the trail to the dramatic ocean blow hole, watch for colorful sally lightfoot crabs crawling along the shoreline. Return to the yacht for a BBQ lunch served on deck (weather permitting) and a cooking demonstration on how to make Ecuadorian ceviche.
After lunch, you’ll have the option to snorkel at Tortuga Rock (2) and explore the caves covered with invertebrates. Disembark at Gardner Bay (1), site of a beautiful white-sand beach where
colonies of sea lions dot the shoreline. Here you’ll have the option to snorkel from the beach (1), kayak or paddle-board, or simply walk along the beach, sunbathe or explore the Darwin Finches, Espanola mockingbird and Galapagos hawks. After the activities, return to the yacht for a briefing and dinner.

WEDNESDAY IV

Step ashore at Punta Cormorant’s olive-sand beach with the sounds of sea lions, lava herons, yellow-crowned night herons, and blue-footed boobies as you walk around Floreana (Charles) Island (3). As you walk to a brackish lagoon, the trail will lead you to a beach where sea turtles lay their eggs in the powdery sand dunes and sting rays swim in the shallow water. Don’t miss the opportunity to snorkel at Devil’s Crown or Champion Islet (2), a shallow sunken crater colonized by a brilliant array of colorful fish and coral. Return to the yacht for lunch and a brief history of the human history of Galapagos and explain the fascinating story of why this island is sometimes called the Island of Mysteries. In the afternoon, you’ll be able to participate in a thrilling Galapagos tradition. Floreana is home to Post Office Bay (1), the site where English whaling vessels erected a post barrel in the late 18th century. When you drop a postcard in the barrel, no postage is required. You’ll search through the postcards left by previous visitors, and if you see one addressed to a location near your home, you may choose to take it with you and deliver it in person. Similarly, your note will be delivered by future visitors.
Postcards will be provided on board by your guides. Take a Zodiac excursion at Baroness Point to look for sea turtles and rays. Return to the yacht for a briefing followed by dinner.

THURSDAY V

When you look outside this morning, your view will be completely different from the last few days. A harbor full of boats is bustling with activity at Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island (2), a town with a population of 24,000. You’ll travel by bus to a higher altitude with beautiful geological formations including the lava tunnels at El Mirador and Los Gemelos (the twins), a pair of massive craters. The highlight of the morning is a visit to a privately-owned ranch where tortoises roam free. Lunch will be served back on board the
yacht, When you the Charles Darwin Research Station, go to the exhibit honoring Lonesome George, whose death marked the extinction of his species of tortoise from Pinta Island.
You’ll have free time to explore the town as you walk back to the main dock, the distance of about a mile. If you’re looking for a souvenir, this is a perfect time. You’ll have the option to stay on land for dinner with transfers provided by Zodiac. Otherwise, return to the yacht for the usual delicious multi-course dinner. Today’s daily briefing will be held in the afternoon to allow for extra time in the evening.

FRIDAY VI

When you wake up this morning, you’ll be in solitude once again, with no other boats in sight. You’ll have two options for a morning activity. Today’s hike is a challenge, with about 400 wooden steps winding around Bartolome island (4), ending in a gorgeous panoramic view of Pinnacle Rock. If you’d rather skip the hike, enjoy a Zodiac ride around the island. Crystal clear water beckons you to wade in from the beach (1). Return to the vessel for a BBQ lunch served on the sundeck (weather permitting). The itinerary for the remainder of your day will vary depending on your yacht, but all visitors will enjoy lovely views and some of the Galapagos’ renowned wildlife. Guests on the Origin go ashore at Sombrero Chino (Chinese Hat), a small island off the southern tip of Santiago that owes its name to its shape.
Along the trail (3), you’ll see remnants of the island’s geological history, with volcanic rubble and cracked lava formations. Guests on Theory visit Playa las Bachas (1), (Spanish for barges) on the northern side of Santa Cruz. You’ll also have a wonderful opportunity for snorkeling after exploring interior lagoons. Guests on the Letty have a Zodiac excursion at Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove) through a series of coves and inlets surrounded by mangroves. At the end of the day, head back to the yacht for a delicious dinner.

SATURDAY VII

This morning you’ll start out at South Plaza (3), a small islet with tall cliffs and a trail with a variety of plants and animals. This island’s species of “Opuntia” or prickly pear cactus has been decimated by invasive species, so you’ll see young plants surrounded by nets to protect them. During lunch, you’ll sail to North Seymour Island (3), where a spectacular sight awaits: frigate birds with red sacs on their chests inflated, seeking mates. You’ll have a final opportunity to snorkel in deeper water (2). Look for sharks, sea lions, and starfish, along with a variety of tropical fish. Before dinner, the captain and crew join you for a champagne toast to celebrate a wonderful week during the Captain’s farewell party. During the briefing, and you’ll receive detailed instructions for disembarking the next morning, After dinner, there is a special presentation from your guides and you come to realize your week in paradise has almost come to an end!

SUNDAY VIII

This morning you’ll disembark the yacht after breakfast. As a perfect way to sum up the trip, you’ll visit the interpretation
Center on San Cristobal (1) to discover more about the human history of the Galapagos Islands. There’s also a paved trail
where you can enjoy a brief walk before a bus ride to town. You’ll have some free time for last-minute photos before your transfer to the airport. It’s a quick flight back to the mainland, but you’ll be bringing lifelong memories with you!

southern
& central route

  • Guided Nature walks

    Every day, Ecoventura’s guides lead two multi-hour nature walks around the island we’ve called upon. You may explore lava fields, hike alongside cliffs, stroll along a secluded beach, or experience close encounters with Galápagos wildlife. You’ll spend as much time walking as you will photograph the scenery and the fauna, watching for rare birds, and enjoying entertaining lectures from our expert guides.

  • ZODIAC RIDES

    Board an inflatable dinghy, or panga as they are known in the Galápagos, to access the islands from our expedition yachts. We use these small, low-impact vessels to reach shore, explore mangrove estuaries, and caves. On board Origin and Theory, a glass-bottom boat is also available.

  • SNORKELLING

    For many travellers, snorkelling in the Galápagos Marine Reserve is the highlight of the expedition offered from the beach or in deep water. Observe the underwater world untethered during a snorkel trip with Ecoventura-provided gear, swimming alongside native sea turtles, sea lions, and endemic marine iguanas.

  • Sea kayaking and Stand up paddle boarding

    Explore the Galápagos by way of double or single “sit-on-top” kayak. After a brief tutorial, your naturalist sets you free to explore the islands’ secret coves and colourful beaches. Travellers can look forward to calm, warm seas, frequent wildlife spotting, and a solid workout.

  • SCUBA DIVING

    The Galapagos archipelago is located where major ocean currents come together — combining cold waters from the south with warm currents from the north and cooler currents from the west. Scuba enthusiasts flock to the Galapagos Islands to experience diving encounters unlike anywhere else on earth. We offer experienced scuba divers our dedicated scuba Live aboard – the 16-passenger luxury vessel, M/V Galapagos Sky. Spend 3-4 days diving Wolf and Darwin (on every trip) for whale sharks, schooling hammerheads, and manta rays.

  • WHALE WATCHING

    Whale (and dolphin) watching is one of the most exhilarating and unforgettable experiences of a lifetime. Marine mammals sitings of Bryde’s, Sperm, Orcas, and dolphins can happen anywhere in the islands year-round. The best time and place to see Blue and Humpback whales is between June and December when they migrate through the Boliver Channel between Isabela and Fernandina.