Kayak, hike and snorkel among the amazing wildlife while cruising the islands a luxury catamaran.
Eco-adventure in Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands are unmatched as a nature destination. As the place that inspired Charles Darwin into developing the theory of evolution, the history of the islands alone is worth the trip. Visitors today can still hike among giant tortoises, snorkel and kayak with sea lions, sharks, and penguins, and view the finches that compelled Darwin to think about how such unique species came into being, because most of the islands and surrounding ocean are protected as a national park.
This trip is completely customizable—you choose what type of boat you would like, how many days you would like to spend on board, your hotel for your nights in Quito, and any optional activities in mainland Ecuador, from visiting the equator or the market town of Otavalo, to birding from a remote Amazon lodge, to rafting a whitewater river or hiking in a national park. The account below describes one possible itinerary, based on a five-day cruise through the islands on one of our favorite boats, the Anahi. Your exact itinerary will depend on the boat, length of the cruise, and time of year.
Days 1-2, Arrive in Quito, visit colonial district and the equator, Meet in Quito and transfer to the Dann Carlton Hotel in Quito’s business district • Visit to historic colonial Quito and the equator
Days 3-4, Galapagos flight, explore Plaza Island, San Cristobal, Interpretation Center, kayak Sea Lion Island, Morning flight to the island of Baltra, then board the Anahi • Hike Plaza Island among iguanas, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and more • Visit to Interpretation Center for an introduction to the Galapagos• Experience spectacular views of white sand beaches from Tijeretas Hill • Hike, kayak, or snorkel among thousands of sea lions on Isla Lobos
Days 5-6, Beach time at Gardner Bay, Florena and Post Office bay, Charles Darwin Research Center, flight to Quito Discover the rich avian fauna on Espanola • Enjoy some beach time in Gardner Bay • Marvel at the flamingo lagoon at Floreana • Leave a postcard at historic Post Office Bay • Learn about the unique giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Center • Flight from Isabela to Baltra, and on to Guayaquil and Quito • Overnight Dann Carlton Hotel
Day 7, Explore Quito, mainland extension, or fly home Transfer to Tocumen International Airport for flights home or begin mainland extension
Our Boats
The M/C ANAHI (aka the Journey I) catamaran, a 90-foot luxury vessel designed to carry up to 16 passengers, was built specifically to provide you with the ultimate Galapagos voyage. The Anahi combines the comfort and speed of larger cruise ships, with the intimate atmosphere and individual care of a small charter yacht. The catamaran dual-hull design provides a smoother and more stable ride, more deck space, and better access to remote areas than just about any other yacht in the Galapagos. To learn more about the Anahi, click here.
The 210 foot ECLIPSE is one of the most luxurious yachts in the Galapagos, accommodating up to 48 passengers. In addition to the elegant indoor dining room, there is a dining area located around the dip pool, where you can enjoy the islands' spectacular scenery over lunch. One of the most popular areas on board the ECLIPSE yacht is the observation/sun deck, ideal for stargazing, whale watching, or simply relaxing in the comfortable sun loungers.
The TIP TOP II is a 70 foot steel hulled motor yacht providing very comfortable cruise accommodations for 16 passengers in eight double cabins and one single cabin, each with private bathroom. There is a bar, dining room, library, sundeck and diving platform. All cabins and public areas are fully carpeted and air conditioned. The usual eight day itinerary cruises includes Las Bachas, Santiago Island, Gardner Bay, and Bartholome Island.
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View the full version of this sample itinerary (pdf)
Contact us to create your sea based adventure
Click here to learn about our land-based option
