South & Central America, Galapagos

Northern Galápagos (La Pinta)

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Our itinerary together begins on Santa Cruz Island, the most populous of all the archipelago, where we meet giant tortoises in the wild and then venture to Eden Islet. From there, we hop over the lovely crescent bay of Chinese Hat. On Wednesday, one of the icon sites of the archipelago awaits: Bartolomé Island, with its wooden walkway up to a panoramic viewpoint, golden sandy beach and great snorkelling opportunities. Close-by, Sullivan Bay gives us a great introduction to the volcanic origins of the Islands. We end with an exciting visit to the sunken caldera of Genovesa, far up in the east of the archipelago, a privileged place to visit amid thousands of marine birds.

All the crew aboard La Pinta will do our utmost to ensure your Galápagos experience is truly, deeply moving and memorable.

Highlights

• Highlight Sites: Pinnacle Rock, Kicker Rock, Darwin Bay

• Icon Species: Galápagos sea lion, Galápagos fur sea lion, Giant tortoises, Marine iguanas, Blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, Red-footed boobies, Galápagos doves, Galápagos mockingbirds, Española mockingbirds, Darwin finches, Galápagos hawks, Short-eared owls, Brown pelicans, Greater frigates, Magnificent frigates, Galápagos penguins, Swallow-tailed gulls, Lava gulls, Lava (striated) herons

Day 1 Highlands (Santa Cruz Island)

Baltra Airport Following our morning arrival at Baltra Airport, we transfer to the Itabaca Channel, taking a small ferry across the channel to the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. We board our bus to the highlands, where we’ll learn about Santa Cruz’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. Highlands (Santa Cruz Island) After lunch, we continue by bus to reach a reserve that is one of the best places in the archipelago to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The tortoises are easy to spot, lumbering around, eating grass and leaves and wallowing in the small pools. There are several lava tunnels in the reserve, too. A short bus ride takes us down to Puerto Ayora to board Yacht La Pinta.

Day 2 Eden Islet (Santa Cruz Island) and Sombrero Chino Islet

Eden Islet (Santa Cruz Island) After breakfast, a panga ride takes us to Eden Islet, located off the coast of Santa Cruz, where we can observe blue-footed boobies diving into the water, reef sharks and frigates. There’s a chance to snorkel and, if weather conditions permit, to ride in the glass-bottom boat. The volcanic setting of this area is quite stunning due to its variety of volcanic debris, including cinder cones, tuff cones, and semi-eroded lava flows. Sombrero Chino Islet The tiny island of Sombrero Chino gets its name from its appearance, reminiscent of a Chinese hat. This islet, formed only fairly recently, makes a beautiful visit as one explores the wildlife along its 400-metre long trail, which begins at a crescent-shaped white sandy beach. The cove offers excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities amid white-tipped reef sharks and Galapagos penguins.

Day 3 Bartolomé Island and Sullivan Bay (James Island)

Bartolome Island This morning, a Galapagos icon awaits: Bartolome Island. A great way to start the day, with a steep climb up a wooden staircase: the view from the top is worth the effort! Following the walk, we take to the dinghies for a ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, followed by time to enjoy the beach and some snorkeling. We can also ride in the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world. Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island) After lunch, we board the pangas to land at Sullivan Bay on the east coast of Santiago, a white coral sand beach great for swimming and snorkeling, and with a trail over a lava field that flowed here less than 100 years ago. This is the perfect place to see and feel the volcanic origin of Galapagos while observing its wildlife.

Day 4 Darwin Bay and Prince Philip's Steps (Genovesa Island)

Darwin Bay In the morning, we begin our exploration of this island with an easy stroll to observe marine and land birds. There is an optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain for dramatic views, or else we can return to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkeling at this beautiful natural harbor. The more adventurous can snorkel along the cliffs or paddle sea kayaks. Prince Philip’s Steps (Genovesa Island) The afternoon starts with a very interesting panga ride along the cliffs before we disembark for a short but steep climb up a wooden staircase. Once at the top, the land is flat, allowing for a captivating walk of about a mile to the other side of this small island, observing large colonies of Nazca boobies, frigate birds and storm petrels and the elusive short-eared owl.

Day 5 Baltra Island

Baltra Island 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.

Please Note:

Galápagos Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, logistical, Galápagos Park regulations or operational reasons.

05 June, 2023 to 09 June, 2023
La Pinta

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Luxury Cabin/Captain Cabin

$5,485 USD pp

The yacht’s straightforward cabin configuration is distributed across the Cabin Deck. There are 20 Luxury Cabins (Twin/Doubles). All of the beds can be separated or joined according to guests’ needs. Four cabins can be interconnected for friends or families travelling together. Sitting area; queen, fixed queen, or twin beds; desk and chair; private bath with shower; safe deposit box

Luxury Plus Cabin/Admiral Cabin

$5,485 USD pp

The yacht’s straightforward cabin configuration is distributed across the Cabin Deck. There are 4 Luxury Plus Cabins (Triples) . All of the beds can be separated or joined according to guests’ needs. Four cabins can be interconnected for friends or families travelling together. Sitting area with foldout couch; queen or twin beds; desk and chair; private bath with shower; safe deposit box

Additional charges:

Galapagos National Park admission fee and transit Control Card for Galapagos: 120 USD pp

La Pinta

Vessel Type: Small Ship

Length: 63 metres

Passenger Capacity: 48 (in 24 cabins)

Built / refurbished: 1983 / 2007 / 2020

The elegant, recently renovated La Pinta reflects the combined dreams shared by captains, crew, guides, and guests over the years. This beautiful 48-guest yacht features spacious cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows and sophisticated yet relaxed decks and lounges.

In one of the world’s greatest marine environments, you can be sure your surroundings are front and center. From bow to stern, the elegant and sophisticated La Pinta recently received a full interior makeover and would steal the show anywhere less impressive. Instead, she’s the perfect complement to the great outdoors. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the lounge showcase the views with a décor that nods to the nautical. Geared up for adventure play and wildlife, the yacht also has a fun-to-explore expedition room lined with maps and artwork, a canopied terrace, and an alfresco dining area. Her Ecuadorian crew exudes friendliness, fueled by pride in their vessel, the Galapagos Islands, and a desire to share them both. Because some good things are too good to keep secret.

Ship Amenities

Onboard Features include three public decks, on-deck hot tub, exercise room with fitness equipment, expedition room along with an outdoor sky bar and observation lounge.

The lounge features floor to ceiling windows, the library features historical materials, and the aft covered al fresco dining area also features the hot tub and bar. Perfection.

The Dining Room features open seating. Meals are served at table at set times. Unlimited beverages, alcoholic and non, are included in the price of the cruise. Vegetarian options are always available. Dietary restrictions are happily accommodated with advance notice.

Cabin Features: Floor-to-ceiling view windows; air conditioning; universal docking station; hairdryer, conditioning shampoo, body wash; in-room safe deposit box

Return flights to the islands. From (500.00 USD)

Inclusions

Voyage on board in selected cabin category
All meals while on board
Sightseeing on the islands
Naturalist guides and lecture services in English/Spanish
Snorkeling gear
Port charges/taxes
Transfers in the Galapagos

Trip specific inclusions;
Transfer from main hotels in Quito (Casa Gangotena, Hilton Colón, Swissôtel, Marriott, Dann Carlton) and in Guayaquil (Hilton Colón, Oro Verde, Sheraton, Wyndham) to the airport for flights to / from Galapagos are included in these rates. To coordinate these transfers we must have guest’s hotel contact.

Exclusions

International and domestic flights
Return flights between Ecuador and Galapagos (Approx USD$550.00 per person)
Galapagos National Park fee and transit card (Approx USD$120.00 per person)
Transfers other than those stated
Beverages purchased on board
Travel Insurance
Passport and visa costs where applicable
Wet suits (Available on board some ships to hire)
Gratuities
During Peak Season (Dec 24 - Jan 01) a surcharge applies