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Guests kayaking past Galápagos penguins on a lava shoreline

Itinerary

Beaches & Bays

The Galápagos · 7 nights · $11,000 to $23,000 USD per person

The route

Where this itinerary takes you

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-90.70

-0.47

7.83

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1

Arrival to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristóbal Island

Your Galápagos experience begins with a private transfer from the airport to your expedition yacht. After boarding by Zodiac, enjoy a fresh coastal lunch, settle into your stateroom and attend an orientation and safety briefing. As the yacht departs, admire León Dormido, a dramatic 150 metre volcanic formation where blue footed boobies, Nazca boobies and frigatebirds can be seen. In the evening, join the captain for cocktails and a preview of the week's adventures, followed by a multi course dinner paired with South American wine.

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2

Cerro Brujo and Punta Pitt, San Cristóbal Island

Begin with a wildlife filled Zodiac excursion and introductory snorkelling at Cerro Brujo. See pelicans, blue footed boobies and the iconic Cathedral rock formation before stepping ashore on a coral sand beach. Walk, swim with playful sea lions and watch marine iguanas along the shoreline. At Punta Pitt, discover the only Galápagos site where blue footed, red footed and Nazca boobies can be found together, alongside frigatebirds, gulls, petrels and pelicans. Snorkel at Pitt Rock among sea lions and colourful fish, then return to the yacht for snacks, drinks and a guide briefing. After dinner, enjoy stargazing beneath the Southern Hemisphere sky.

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3

Española Island (Hood)

Explore Española, one of the Galápagos' oldest islands and home to many endemic species. At Punta Suárez, see waved albatrosses from April to December, colourful marine iguanas, sally lightfoot crabs and diverse birdlife. Follow the trail to the dramatic ocean blowhole before returning to the yacht for a barbecue lunch and an optional enrichment lecture. In the afternoon, snorkel at Gardner Islet among reef fish, rays and sea lions. Continue to Gardner Bay to relax on its white sand beach, spot finches, mockingbirds and Galápagos hawks, or enjoy swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding.

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4

Floreana Island (Charles)

Explore Floreana Island's remarkable wildlife and mysterious human history. At Punta Cormorant, land on an olivine green beach and follow the trail past flamingos, sea lions and diverse birdlife to a nesting beach for sea turtles, where stingrays gather in the shallows. Snorkel at Devil's Crown or Champion Islet among colourful fish, coral, sharks, turtles, rays and sea stars. Over lunch, hear stories of Floreana's early settlers and unexplained disappearances. At Post Office Bay, participate in the historic postcard tradition established by whalers in the 18th century. Explore Baroness Point by paddleboard or Zodiac while searching for turtles and rays, then return to the yacht for gourmet snacks, a briefing and dinner.

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5

Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island

Explore Santa Cruz from Academy Bay, travelling into the lush highlands to see giant tortoises roaming freely at Rancho Primicias or El Chato and walk through ancient lava tunnels. Support local conservation by planting a native tree, then visit the Los Gemelos volcanic sinkholes to observe Darwin's finches and endemic vegetation. After lunch, attend a presentation about Charles Darwin, evolution and the colonisation of oceanic islands. In the afternoon, visit the Fausto Llerena Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre and Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation efforts and the stories of Lonesome George and Super Diego. Finish with time to explore the shops and galleries of Puerto Ayora before returning to the yacht for a multi course dinner.

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6

Galápagos Central Islands

Climb 380 wooden steps on Bartolomé Island for panoramic views of Pinnacle Rock and the surrounding volcanic landscape. Alternatively, explore by Zodiac in search of Galápagos penguins. Snorkel among tropical fish and white tipped reef sharks before enjoying an outdoor seafood barbecue and Ecuadorian ceviche demonstration. Origin guests visit Sombrero Chino to see sea lions, marine iguanas, oystercatchers and volcanic formations, with the chance to snorkel alongside penguins. Theory guests explore Playa Las Bachas, known for its lagoons, seasonal flamingos and beach snorkelling. Evolve guests cruise through the mangrove coves of Black Turtle Cove in search of sea turtles and golden rays. Return to the yacht for snacks, an evening briefing and dinner.

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7

South Plaza and North Seymour

Explore South Plaza, known for its dramatic cliffs, land iguanas, prickly pear cacti, nesting seabirds and bachelor sea lion colony. At North Seymour Island, see great and magnificent frigatebirds, including males displaying their red throat pouches, before a final snorkel with reef sharks, sea lions, starfish and tropical fish. In the evening, join the captain for a farewell champagne toast, multi course dinner and presentation celebrating the week's highlights. After breakfast the following morning, visit the Interpretation Centre to learn about the Galápagos' natural and human history before transferring to the airport.

Highlights

Top moments of this itinerary

Explore the southern and central route, renowned for its pristine beaches and bays, uncovering the older side of the archipelago. Visit Española, Floreana, Bartholomé and North Seymour Islands. Highlights include the waved albatross, sea lions and blue-footed boobies.

Iconic wildlife encounters

Meet waved albatrosses, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, marine iguanas and Galápagos penguins in their natural habitat.

World-class snorkelling

Swim with penguins, seals, sea turtles, rays, reef sharks and tropical fish at renowned sites including Kicker Rock.

Unique Galápagos landscapes

Discover dramatic volcanic scenery, Pinnacle Rock, pristine beaches and unforgettable panoramic viewpoints.

When to travel

Available year-round

This itinerary operates throughout the year, with each season offering a different perspective on the Galápagos. Rather than a single "best" time to visit, seasonal changes influence ocean conditions, water temperatures and wildlife behaviour.

From
$11,000
to
$23,000
USD per person

December to May

Warmer weather, calmer seas and excellent snorkelling conditions.

June to November

Cooler temperatures and nutrient-rich waters that support exceptional marine life.

Vessel

Aboard Origin, Theory & Evolve

We tailor private charters in the Galápagos, with personalised itineraries, cuisine and experiences designed exclusively for your group.

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