Plan Your Trip
The La Pinta motor vessel — one of the most up-to-date vessels for luxury cruising in the Galapagos Islands — has an excellent reputation for great service while offering a variety of activities for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. The 48-guest cruise ship has 20 double staterooms, plus four triple cabins, all with ocean views, private bathrooms, personal safes, and individually controlled air-conditioning. This thrilling Galapagos Islands tour takes you to stunning volcanic island environments that showcase one of Earth’s greatest displays of wildlife and landscapes. On board the La Pinta luxury motor vessel, you will see many of the singular geological features created by this volcanic hotspot where its islands are still being formed. To get the most out of this 7-day/6-night Galapagos Islands cruise, you will be accompanied by professional park-certified naturalist guides on daily land excursions to explore the archipelago’s fascinating western islands.
“My husband, daughter and I want to thank you again for making our trip to the Galapagos extremely awesome!”
AM: Baltra Island – Our adventure begins with a morning flight to Baltra Island and immediate transfer to the dock to board Yacht La Pinta. There’s an introductory welcome briefing, boat drill, cabin assignment followed by lunch.
PM: North Seymour Island – Following an afternoon disembarkation, we enjoy a walk along the coast and the interior of this beautiful flat island, observing numerous bird colonies as well as sea lions and land iguanas. There are opportunities for coastal exploration by dinghy. Evening briefing, welcome cocktail, and dinner.
AM: Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island) – Since there is no landing site at this location, the coastal exploration is by panga, while the naturalist guide explains the dramatic geology of the area, with remains of lava flows and tuff stone layers. There is abundant wildlife and, depending on the conditions of the ocean, we’ll be able to snorkel along the cliffs, hopefully in the company of green sea turtles.
PM: Espinoza Point (Fernandina Island) – In the afternoon, we visit the youngest and most pristine island of the archipelago, Fernandina, one of many visitors' all-time favorites. Espinoza Point has an amazing combination of barrenness and abundant wildlife. Highlights include hawks, penguins, flightless cormorants and astounding views of the surrounding volcanic landscapes.
AM: Urbina Bay – After breakfast, we disembark at Urbina Bay, on the western side of Isabela Island, the result of an uplifting of the ocean floor. Here you can see corals, shells, and large and very colorful Galapagos land iguanas, as well as (occasionally) giant tortoises. Navigating the Bolivar Channel, there are good chances of spotting several species of whales.
PM: Tagus Cove – On the northwest of Isabela, secluded Tagus Cove provided a favorite anchorage for pirates and whalers over the centuries, and today makes a great visitor site. An uphill hike takes us to the back of Darwin Crater, filled with salt water. We can snorkel or ride kayaks amid the dramatic landscape before going on our hike.
AM: Rabida Island – In the morning, we disembark at Rabida Island’s red-colored beach. A stroll along the beach allows us to observe marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin’s finches. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach. For non-snorkelers, we can ride our glass-bottom boat for an exploration of life underneath the waves.
PM: Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz Island) – The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts the fascinating landscapes of Dragon Hill. Our walk includes circling a brackish water lagoon frequented by lagoon birds, while further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as the chance to observe land iguanas.
AM: Puerto Ayora & Charles Darwin Research Station – The morning visit heads from the town of Puerta Ayora to the Charles Darwin Research Station and its giant tortoise pens within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest. These are the Galapagos' headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation, and the National Park administration. A delicious lunch will be served at the poolside of the Finch Bay Eco Hotel.
PM: Highlands of Santa Cruz Island – After lunch, we head up to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island by vehicle. This is a great place to look for the emblematic Darwin’s Finches and the endemic Scalesia trees. The highlands are also great for exploring the exuberant vegetation where giant tortoises roam in the wild. This will surely be one of the most remembered visits of the whole voyage.
AM: Post Office Bay – After breakfast, we land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries. Panga rides along the maze of channels on Floreana’s north shore can also be enjoyed. Views from La Loberia and the Baroness Viewpoint are quite rewarding. There's great kayaking and swimming from the beach as well.
PM: Champion Islet & Cormorant Point – Before disembarking at Cormorant Point we can snorkel or ride our glass-bottom boat along the coast of an extinct cone called "Champion Islet". Later in the afternoon, our visit to Cormorant Point takes in an olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk by a brackish water lagoon where bird species like greater flamingos may be observed. On the other side of the island, we come to a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night to nest.
AM: Our journey ends at Baltra Island, where we transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland. Baltra's flat substrate (due to its uplifted origin) is the reason why the island was chosen back in the 1940s as the location for building an airport.
| Room | Luxury Cabin | Luxury Plus Cabin |
| 7 Days | US$ 7,562 PP | US$ 7,562 PP |
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“We loved the Galapagos Islands. Both of our hotels on Santa Cruz and Isabella islands were excellent. Our tour guides were knowledgeable and directed us to the most interesting sights and wildlife. Thanks Surtrek for organizing an excellent trip.”
