STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ECGGE5C
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Finish: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
SHIP: Elite
Galapagos, Ecuador
Selected Tuesdays
All meals, water, tea & coffee while board your Galapagos cruise
Group transfers in the Galapagos to & from your vessel
Cabin onboard ship
Daily excursions, panga rides, shore landings and expert briefings while onboard
* Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and government regulations.
Set sail onboard the luxurious MC Elite to explore the Galapagos over five glorious days of adventure.
You will fly into Baltra, where the main airport and largest town in the Galapagos is located. Embark on your vessel and set sail. Enjoy a mix of walks and hikes on land and snorkelling, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding in the water, as well as panga rides. You will spot animals such as giant tortoises, blue and red footed boobies and iguanas and keep your eyes peeled for turtles, sea lions, iguanas and the vibrant red, Sally Lightfoot crabs.
* Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and government regulations.
PLEASE NOTE: Pricing is subject to change and availability at the time of booking. Contact us for more information.
Today you will arrive at Baltra Island Airport where our team will provide reception and assistance to transfer you to the M/C Elite. In the afternoon, we'll visit Bachas Beach. A beautiful white-sand beach on which the remnants of a rusted barge, thought to have been abandoned by the Americans during WWI, can be seen. It is a popular nesting site for turtles, so if you go for a snorkel, you might find yourself sharing the water with these wonderful creatures. The beach is also full of vibrant Sally Lightfoot and hermit crabs, and elegant pink flamingos that frequent the saltwater pond located just behind the beach.
This morning, we'll visit Genovesa Island, known for its abundant bird life, and explore two of its popular visitor sites. El Barranco, also known as Prince Philip’s Steps, is a rocky stairway that will lead you past a colony of nazca and red-footed boobies leading up to a plateau of dried lava. Continuing through the thin Palo Santo forest and looking out over the plain, visitors are often treated to sites of storm petrels launching out over the ocean. A Zodiac ride or kayaking/paddle boarding along the edge of the cliffs provides a good chance to see the elusive Galapagos fur seals nestled on the rocks, and snorkelling is a great activity if you fancy a dip with a variety of shark species.
In the afternoon, we'll visit Darwin Bay also on Genovesa Island, located on the interior side of the crescent-shaped island, protected from wind and currents. Darwin Bay has a small sand and coral beach that provides the perfect spot for snorkelling, kayaking or paddle boarding in calm, sheltered waters in the company of hammerhead sharks, rays and a plethora of colourful reef fish. Onshore, a short trail leads along a tidal lagoon and mangroves, home to a variety of land bird species, including Nazca and red-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls.The trail culminates at a viewpoint that offers a stunning view overlooking the cliffs and the bay below.
On Thursday morning, we'll visit Buccaneer Cove and Espumilla Beach on Santiago Island. Espumilla beach, located on the northern coast of Santiago island, is an exquisite white sand beach, whose name refers to the meringue-like trails of foam left by the lapping of the waves. Sally Lightfoot crabs are in abundance here and as a result, it is common to see predatory birds such as hawks, herons and pelicans. This idyllic location is perfect for snorkelling or kayaking/paddle boarding amongst a raft of marine life, including species of octopus, eels and sharks.
Buccaneer Cove has an interesting history as it is where sailors, buccaneers and whalers frequently anchored their vessels in search for food and water. In more recent times it has become an important nesting site for turtles and is also popular with sea lions.
A zodiac ride along the eroded shoreline provides views of intriguing rock formations that provide excellent ledges for boobies, pelicans and gulls.
In the afternoon, we'll visit Egas Port, named after an Ecuadorian who attempted to make his fortune mining salt on Santiago Island. Once the site of a salt mine, but now this impressive black sand beach is an excellent location for snorkelling and observing shorebirds, Sally Lightfoot crabs and marine iguanas. A stroll along the wide trails inland leads you past tidal pools and rocky volcanic formations known as grottoes where it is possible to spot fur seals enjoying a spot of shade.
The first visit of the day is to Black Turtle Cove, which is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz. It is a living illustration of how mangroves alter the marine environment to create a rich and unique habitat. Three mangrove species crowd the area from the shore out into a shallow lake which reaches almost a mile inland.
As you drift through quiet waters in the zodiac, you are likely to see spotted eagle rays and diamond-shaped mustard rays, which swim in a diamond formation. White-tipped reef sharks slip beneath the boat and Pacific green sea turtles come to the surface for air and to mate. Waterfowl, including pelicans, herons and egrets, all feed in the cove. It’s a peaceful place where visitors often have up-close encounters with Galapagos wildlife, making it a highlight of the trip!
Later this afternoon, on the highlands of Santa Cruz, you’ll have the opportunity to see the famous giant tortoises in the wild. So renowned are these endemic animals that they gave the archipelago its name. Birdwatching is also one of the activities do to in the Santa Cruz highlands, since this area is home of finches and other Galapagos birds. After the visit to the highlands, we continue to the famous Charles Darwin Research Station
that provides guests with a unique opportunity to find out about the vital work that is being carried out to preserve the archipelago’s ecosystems. The Research Centre is also home to a significant breeding program for Galapagos tortoises, whose numbers have been in decline since the 1970’s. These captivating reptiles are very accustomed to humans, so be sure to bring your camera
for some close-ups.
On Saturday morning, we'll visit Isla Lobos, also known as 'Sea Lion Island,' located off the coast of San Cristobal Island. Accessed by Zodiac, Lobos Island gets its name from the herds of sea lions that have made their home here. Snorkelling in the calm clear water provides a unique opportunity to see these inquisitive and playful animals up close and it is also common to be accompanied by green turtles and rays as well. Inland, there is a trail where you can expect to encounter nesting sites for blue-footed boobies and frigates.
After our visit, we'll head to San Cristobal Airport where our airport personnel will assist with the check-in process and farewell as we board our flight back to mainland Ecuador.
Cruise onboard the MC Elite, a luxurious small vessel that takes a maximum of 16 guests.
Enjoy 5 days in the Galapagos with a range of landing sites around the popular Central Islands.
Delight in activities such as snorkeling, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding, swimming with sea lions and turtles.
Get up close and personal with a range of wildlife species, many of which are endemic to the Galapagos region.
With 16 passengers on board, the massive catamaran Galapagos Elite sailed the azure waters of the Galapagos Islands in June 2019. The Elite redefines luxury, comfort, and style! Stylish and twin-hulled, it offers guests a stable and secure trip without the heaving and swaying typical of the older, single-hulled boats that ruled the island cruise market for many years. Better stability is accompanied with increased space for all amenities on board, including panoramic social areas both indoors and outside and panoramic suites, thanks to the Elite's design. The large, partially covered sky deck, the al fresco dining space, and the quaint bar-salon are enjoyed by visitors of all ages. After a day of island exploration, the Galapagos Elite's suites are the ideal spot to unwind and rejuvenate. Each suite is roomy, cosy, and well-appointed. Every suite features a private outside patio, a bathroom, and an ocean view. There are two twin beds or one king-sized bed available in every suite. The Elite yachts boast big windows with panoramic vistas, a feature that sets them apart from the heavy, circular porthole windows of the preceding models. More accurately, consider them a wall of tempered glass with a door leading to your balcony. Amazing views of the Galapagos seascapes are available every morning and afternoon! Meals on board the Elite are very popular with guests. Three delectable and healthy meals are prepared by our skilled culinary specialists each day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which is served sit-down in an elegant setting in the partially covered al fresco dining area of the sky deck. Every meal is prepared with fresh ingredients that, if possible, are sourced locally from island farms. Kids' lunches are available, and special dietary needs are never an issue.
Ice Class:
Length: 37.5 m / 123.03 ft
Breadth: 13.5 m / 44.29 ftMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed:
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:16
View Ship Details
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Central Islands - 5 Day Cruise | Elite from £ 4,779 | ||
Selected Tuesdays |
All entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.
Please note kayak activities are subject to weather conditions.
Prices are based on per person, twin share* (unless otherwise stated)
Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time
* Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and government regulations.
Accommodation on board M/C Elite
Transfers in the Galapagos Islands
All meals
Water coffee and tea
Glass of house wine for dinners
Captain's Welcome & farewell cocktail
All excursions as per the itinerary*
English-Speaking Naturalist guide
Snorkeling equipment
Wetsuits
Kayak equipment
Return airfares from mainland Ecuador
Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee (US$100 per person subject to change)
Galapagos Transit Control Card (US$20 per person subject to change)
Wet suit rental
Soft drink & alcoholic drinks other than specified
Personal expenses
Gratuities for crew/guides (recommended approximately $15 USD per person per day)
A single supplement surcharge applies and is subject to availability. Please contact us for more information.
Departure date, fuel surcharges, cabin category, currency fluctuations, seasonality and availability.