Cruise to the Galapagos islands in the south and central part of the archipelago


This natural paradise is available for a full 8-day cruising trip. You can spot endangered wildlife such as the Galapagos penguin and giant tortoises, darwin’s finches, Galapagos doves night herons, marine, and lang iguans. The landscape will feature unique scenery such as red and green sandy beaches, spatter cones, and lava fields. The Tip Top IV navigates elegantly and comfortably under the command of an experienced captain and a crew that is service-oriented.
Day 1: Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Station

Baltra is approximately 09:20 AM. We are accompanied by a guide as we travel by bus to the Itabaca Channel. After crossing the channel by barge, we continue on to Puerto Ayora via bus. The crew welcomes us aboard the Yacht, and then they offer us light snacks and our first orientation.

Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Station

Afternoon: We land at the Pier for a visit of the Charles Darwin Station (and its Interpretive Center). For a return to the Port
You can take a stroll through the small town to see various handicrafts. The crew will enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner.

Day 2: Española Island: Punta Suarez & Gardner Bay

Punta Suarez

After breakfast, we land on Punta Suarez early to explore the lava rocks. Here we'll be able to see unique colonies of marine birds including Albatross (May-December). For lunch, we return to the Yacht.

Gardner Bay

We make a landing at Gardner Bay in the afternoon. Here we can take a walk along the beach, and we also observe sea lion colonies. This beach is also a key nesting site for sea turtles. Then we take a panga ride to the Osborn Islet, and other Gardner islands. Optional: Time for those who wish to swim or snorkel. For dinner and our nightly orientation, return to the Yacht.

Day 3: San Cristobal Island: Punta Pitt & Kicker Rock

Punta Pitt

After breakfast, we land on Punta Pitt in San Cristobal Island. The trail leads to an olivine beach measuring approximately 90m and then climbs up to the summit of a volcanic hill. Punta Pitt is made of volcanic tuff substrate. Natural erosion has been caused by the high winds that can be seen there. The only place in Galapagos Islands where you can see the 3 species of boobies nesting together with 2 species frigates is this site. We come aboard for a delicious lunch.

Kicker Rock

Later on, the experienced Captain sails effortlessly around Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido), which is a huge tuff-rock about 500 feet from the ocean. Many seabirds nest at Kicker Rock. Optional: Time for people who wish to swim or snorkel. We then make a dry landing at Cerro Brujo where we can walk on a white sand shore and view sea lions, brown ibis, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. Optional: Time for those who wish to swim, snorkel, and/or kayak. After dinner, we return to the Yacht for our nightly orientation.

Day 4: Mosquera Islet & Santa Cruz Island: Black Turtle Cove

Mosquera Islet

After breakfast, we land early on Mosquera Island. It is a coral reef, rock and coral formation, with a white sandy beach and tide pools. We see colonies of blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans and sea lions. The contrast between the bright red crabs at the top and the dark lava below is breathtaking. We come aboard for a delicious lunch.

Santa Cruz Island: Black Turtle Cove

We take a panga tour on Black Turtle Cove. This is a series of coves and islands that are surrounded by mangroves. Here we can see white-tipped sharks, marine Turtles, and yellow-cow-nosed Rays. We board the Yacht to have dinner and our first nightly orientation.

Day 5: Chinese Hat Islet & Rabida Island

Chinese Hat Islet

After breakfast, we land on Chinese Hat (Sombrero Chino), an island just off the coast from Santiago Island that we can view from the rocky shoreline.
Galapagos penguins are found among sea lions, sea lions, and marine iguanas. This is a great snorkeling spot. Optional: Time for those who wish to swim, snorkel or kayak. For lunch, return to the Yacht.

Rabida Island

We make a dry landing on Rabida in the afternoon to observe sea lions, marine iguanas, sea lions, and pelicans. We continue walking until we reach a small saltwater lagoon, where pink flamingos can be seen. Optional: Time for snorkelers and swimmers. After dinner, we return to the Yacht to continue our nightly orientation.

Day 6: Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay & Bartolome Island

Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay

After breakfast, we land on Sullivan Bay. This is a great place to feel the volcanic origins of the islands. Optional: Time for snorkelers and swimmers. After a delicious lunch, we return to the boat.

Bartolome Island

We make a dry landing at Bartolome Island in the afternoon to begin our hike to the summit. During the hike, we see colonies of marine iguanas as well as lava lizards. The summit offers a spectacular view of the surrounding islands and Pinnacle Rock's eroded tuff cone. After a delicious dinner, we return to the yacht and continue our nightly orientation.

Day 7: Santa Fe Island & South Plazas Islands

Santa Fe Island

After breakfast, we land on Santa Fe Island for a visit to the cactus forest as well as a colony Santa Fe's land iguanas. Optional: Time for those who wish to swim, snorkel, and/or kayak.

South Plaza Island

After lunch, we return to the Yacht and sail to South Plaza. There we will dry land on the island's pier, where we can watch the antics of sea lions. We can observe many species of tropical birds and land iguanas as we walk through the cactus forests. After lunch, we return to our Yacht for dinner and our nightly orientation.

Day 8: Santa Cruz Island: Bachas Beach & Departure

After breakfast, we embark on an early departure to Las Bachas Beach. This is a place where you can see a Flamingo lagoon. During all walks your guide will explain details about the lives and habits of the animals and birds. At 09:00, we return to the Yacht and disembark on the Pier. You will be accompanied by your guide on the bus ride to the airport.

Included

  • Air ticket
  • International and Ecuadorian food
  • Personalized service
  • Water
  • Coffee & Herbal tea
  • Kayaks
  • Swim fins

Not Included

  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Personal Expenses
  • Transit Control Card USD20 per person
  • Galapagos Park Fee USD100 per person
  • Tips
  • Travel insurance mandatory
  • Wetsuits for rent

Highlights

  • Snorkel alongside sea turtles and enjoy the white sand beach at las Bachas
  • Spot both land and marine iguanas, lava lizards and other species
  • Walk on the islands largest lava field and explore the crevaces where the crystalized minerals shine with unique colors
  • Your guide will paddle you through a mangrove forest to explore the calm waters where sea turtles and reef sharks breed
  • Explore the nesting site of the waved albatross, the bird with the longest wingspan on the planet