M/C Galapagos Elite Galapagos Cruise
- Duration
- 4-8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 6,452
DELUXE | CRUISE: The M/C Galapagos Elite is specifically designed for sailing the waters of the enchanted islands. A sleek, twin-hulled catamaran, it provides its guests with a steady, safe cruise without the rocking and swaying common to the older, single-hulled yachts that dominated the island cruise industry for decades.
Step aboard the Galapagos Elite and experience nature’s ultimate showcase of harmony and biodiversity. Built with both stability and luxury in mind, this state-of-the-art vessel is ideally suited to passengers uncertain of their sea legs, with an al fresco dining area and cosy salon.
4-Day Itinerary
San Cristobal – Espanola – Floreana – Mosquera – Santa Cruz – Baltra
Begin our discoveries at David Rodriguez Breeding Center, learning about the origin and evolution of the giant tortoise. Sail on to Suarez Point and walk among large colonies of boobies and mockingbirds, along with iguanas and albatrosses. Sea lions are the highlight of nearby Gardner Bay. On Floreana, stop in at Comorant Point’s olivine beaches, and the extinct volcano, Champion Islet. You can even drop a postcard into the barrel that serves as a post box at Post Office Bay – they’ve been known to still go through! Your last stop takes you to Mosquera, a popular sea lion hangout with opportunities for snorkelling.
5-Day Itinerary
San Cristobal – Genovesa – Santiago – Santa Cruz – San Cristobal
Begin at Charles Darwin Research Station and learn about the work being done to preserve this fragile eco system, including its Galapagos tortoise breeding program. On Genovesa, visit Price Philip’s Steps past boobie colonies and take a panga ride to see Galapagos fur seals. Nearby Darwin Bay is known for its snorkelling and kayaking opportunities. Sail on to Santiago and see the Sally Lightfoot crabs of Espumilla Beach, and the sea lions and turtles of Buccaneer Cove. On Santa Cruz, see the remnants of American war activity, and a popular turtle nesting site. Roam the island’s highlands, seeing its pit craters and lava tunnels, and enjoy stunning views over the Galapagos before returning to San Cristobal.
8-Day Itinerary A
San Cristobal – North Seymour – Isabela – Fernandina – Rabida – Bartholomew – Lobos
Your adventure starts on San Cristobal with superb views before going on to North Seymour, a tiny island packed with sea lions and frigate birds. See the Galapagos iguanas of Dragon Hill, then explore the chain of islets known as Las Tintoreras, with opportunities to hop a panga ride, kayak, or paddle board for a closer look at the turtles, sharks, penguins and sea lions that live here. On Isabela, visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center for giant tortoises, and Moreno Point, with its beautiful and bird rich green lagoons and mangroves. Go on to Fernandina, where no foreign species have ever set foot – except for visitors keen on snorkelling or swimming! Admire the red sands of Rabida Island, and visit its colony of noisy sea lions. All nine species of Darwin’s finch are found here too. Visit the turtle nesting site on Bartholomew Island before going back to San Cristobal and Witch Hill. Explore Lobos Island with another opportunity to snorkel, then disembark back at San Cristobal, with a visit to the San Cristobal Interpretation Center.
8-Day Itinerary B
San Cristobal – Espanola – Floreana – Mosquera – Santa Cruz- Genovesa – Santiago – Santa Cruz – San Cristobal
Combine the 4 and 5 day itineraries above for a thoroughly engaging overview of the Galapagos Islands.
- Duration
- 4-8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 6,452
Itinerary View Trip Map
Baltra Airport - Charles Darwin Research Station
AM: Baltra Airport
Transfer to visitor site.
PM: Charles Darwin Research Station
The Charles Darwin Research Station provides an unmissable opportunity to find out about the vital work that is being carried out to preserve the archipelago's ecosystems. One element of this is a significant breeding program for Galapagos tortoises, whose numbers have been in decline since the 1970's.
These captivating enormous reptiles are very accustomed to humans, so be sure to bring your camera for some close-ups.
Activities and Excursions: Walk
Difficulty: Easy
| Meal Plan | Lunch and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 Nights |
| Accommodation |
The Galapagos Elite |
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The Galapagos Elite
Elite is one of the newest yacht in the islands and reinvents luxury, comfort and class! The Galapagos Elite is specifically designed for sailing the sapphire waters of the Enchanted Islands. A sleek, twin-hulled catamaran, it will provide its guests with a steady, safe cruise …
Elite is one of the newest yacht in the islands and reinvents luxury, comfort and class!
The Galapagos Elite is specifically designed for sailing the sapphire waters of the Enchanted Islands. A sleek, twin-hulled catamaran, it will provide its guests with a steady, safe cruise without the rocking and swaying common to the older, single-hulled yachts that dominated the island cruise industry for decades.
In addition to better stability, the design of the Elite allows for more space for everything on board, including social areas, suites and premium suites. Guests of all ages, will enjoy the ample, semi-covered sky deck, the al fresco dining area and the cozy bar-salon.
The Galapagos Elite features state-of-the-art navigation computers and safety equipment: safety and reliability are essential parts of any Galapagos luxury experience.Facilities
- Al fresco dining area
- Semi-covered Sky Deck
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 4
Genovesa: Prince Philip's Steps (El Barranco) - Darwin Bay
AM: Genovesa - Prince Philip's Steps / El Barranco
El Barranco, also known as Prince Philip's Steps, is a rocky stairway that leads past a colony of nazca and red-footed boobies and 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 panga 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 snorkeling is a great activity if you fancy a dip with a variety of shark species.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling, Panga ride, Kayak/Paddle Boarding
Difficulty: Moderate
PM: Genovesa - Darwin Bay
Darwin Bay has a small sand and coral beach that provides the perfect spot for snorkeling, kayaking or paddle boarding in calm, sheltered waters in the company of hammerhead sharks, rays and a plethora of colorful 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.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling, Panga ride, Kayak/Paddle Boarding
Difficulty: Moderate
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Santiago: Espumilla Beach - Buccaneer Cove - Egas Port
AM: Santiago - Espumilla Beach / Buccaneer Cove
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 snorkeling 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 of food and water. In more recent times, it has become an important nesting site for turtles and is also popular with sea lions.
A panga ride along the eroded shoreline yields views of intriguing rock formations that provide excellent ledges for boobies, pelicans and gulls.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling, Panga ride, Kayak/Paddle Boarding
Difficulty: Moderate
PM: Egas Port
Egas Port was once the site of a salt mine, but now this impressive black sand beach is an excellent location for snorkeling 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.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach - Twin Craters and the Highlands of Santa Cruz
AM: Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach
Bachas Beach is a glorious 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 site is also full of vibrant Sally Lightfoot and hermit crabs and elegant pink flamingos that frequent the salt water lagoon behind.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy
PM: Twin craters and the Highlands of Santa Cruz
The best way to appreciate these remarkable, almost identical crater-like holes, caused by the collapse of empty lava chambers, is to take the trail that leads up and around the rims.
From this vantage point, one can revel in the beauty of the surrounding highlands, lush with ferns and an abundance of Scalesia trees. Here, bird enthusiasts can also enjoy spotting the distinct red feathers of Vermilion Flycatchers, Darwin's finches, Galapagos doves and, with a bit of luck, an endemic short-ear owl.
Activities and Excursions: Walk
Difficulty: Easy
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Kicker Rock - San Cristobal Airport
AM: San Cristobal - Kicker Rock
Kicker Rock, is an iconic feature of the Galapagos that has been formed over time by the erosion of the cone of an extinct volcano. The channel that runs between two imposing shards of rock is often described as one of the most thrilling sites for snorkeling and diving where it is common to see spotted eagle rays, sea turtles, marine iguanas, Galapagos sharks and even hammerhead sharks.
In addition, on the rock formation itself, blue-footed boobies, frigate birds and sea lions can often be seen perched on the ledges above.
Activities and Excursions: Snorkeling
Difficulty: Moderate
PM: San Cristobal Airport
Transfer from the yacht to the airport
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Other Information
Itinerary | 2022 | ||
| 4 Day | June 4, 18; July 2, 16, 30; August 13, 27; September 10, 24; October 8, 22; November 5, 19; December 3, 31. | ||
| 5 Day | June 7, 21; July 5, 19; August 2, 16, 30; September 13, 27; October 11, 25; November 8; December 6. | ||
| 8 Day Itinerary A | June 11, 25; July 9, 23; August 6, 20; September 3, 17; October 1, 15, 29; November 12, 26; December 10, 24. | ||
| 8 Day Itinerary B | June 4, 18; July 2, 16, 30; August 13, 27; September 10, 24; October 8, 22; November 5, 19; December 3, 17. | ||
Itinerary | 2023 | ||
| 4 Day | January 14, 28; February 11, 25; March 11, 25; Apr 22; May 6, 20; June 3, 17; July 1, 15, 29; August 12, 26; September 9, 23; October 7, 21; November 4; December 2, 16, 30 | ||
| 5 Day | January 3, 17, 31; February 14, 28; March 14, 28; April 25; May 9, 23; June 6, 20; July 4, 18; August 1, 15, 29; September 12, 26; October 10, 24; November 7; December 5, 19 | ||
| 8 Day Itinerary A | January 7, 21; February 4, 18; March 4, 18; April 1, 15, 29; May 13, 27; June 10, 24; July 8, 22; August 5, 19; September 2, 16, 30; October 14, 28; November 11, 25; December 9, 23 | ||
| 8 Day Itinerary B | January 14, 28; February 11, 25; March 11, 25; Apr 22; May 6, 20; June 3, 17; July 1, 15, 29; August 12, 26; September 9, 23; October 7, 21; November 4; December 2, 16 | ||
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Return flight to the Galapagos Islands
- Tourist ticket
- Park entrance fee
- Galapagos land transfers
- 5 star ship berth accommodation
- All meals in the Galapagos
- Airport reception and assistance
- All shore and water excursions
- Bilingual National Park guide
- Soft drinks and juices
- Glass of house wine for dinners
- Captain’s welcome and farewell cocktail
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- International Airfare and taxes
- Travel Insurance,
- Gratuities unless otherwise stated
- Items of a personal nature,
- Optional excursions
- Beverages unless otherwise stated
- Visa fees if applicable
OTHER INFORMATION:
NOTE: The domestic flights Quito - Galapagos - Quito (approx. $550 USD), Galapagos Park entrance fee of $100 USD and visitors ticket of $20 USD are included in the trip price. (Subject to change).
Itineraries: Due to government regulations designed to control and protect the impact of tourism, each vessel, based on length of cruise has its own distinct itinerary. The itineraries are designed to allow visitors to visit all regions of the islands and we suggest you request the advice of Goway's Latin specialists as to which itinerary would suit you best.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
5 Dec 2023
