M/C Galapagos Elite Galapagos Cruise
- Duration
- 4-8 Days
- Prices From:
- AU$ 13,906
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:
- AU$ 13,906
Itinerary View Trip Map
San Cristobal Airport - El Junco Lagoon
AM: Arrive at San Cristobal Airport
You will be transferred to the visitor site.
PM: El Junco Lagoon
Walk up the rocky path surrounded by rich vegetation and wildlife to the rim of the El Junco Lagoon, an impressive crater lake located in the highlands of San Cristobal island. Here you will enjoy superb panoramic views of the island, and you can often catch frigate birds diving and bathing in the crystal clear water below.
Activities and Excursions: Walk
Difficulty: Moderate
| Meal Plan | Lunch and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 7 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
North Seymour - Santa Cruz Dragon Hill
AM: North Seymour
North Seymour island is a small island named after Lord Hugh Seymour, a senior British Royal Navy officer. Walking amongst the low, bushy vegetation you will be able to observe a large variety of birds, including blue-footed boobies, swallow tailed gulls and a large population of frigate birds.
Look out for the marvelous bright red chests of the male frigates used to attract a mate.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling, Panga ride
Difficulty: Soft
PM: Santa Cruz Dragon Hill
The name Dragon Hill refers to the large population of Galapagos land iguanas that have made their home here. As you walk along the rocky coastline and through the forests of cacti and Palo Santo trees, you will no doubt encounter a number of these incredible creatures that resemble miniature dragons.
The high tide also makes this a fantastic place to snorkel as the coral attracts a plethora of colorful fish close to the shoreline.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling
Difficulty: Moderate
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Tintoreras - Sierra Negra Volcano - Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center - Isabela Wetlands
AM: Tintoreras / Sierra Negra Volcano
Las Tintoreras is a chain of islets off the coast of Isabela island that are characterized by dark lava formations and have created a unique habitat for a variety of wildlife. It is therefore a fantastic site for water activities such as a panga ride, snorkeling, kayaking or paddle boarding and visitors are often treated to close-up sightings of turtles, sharks, penguins and sea lions.
The Sierra Negra is one of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos and has the second largest caldera in the world. As you walk up to the top of the caldera you will encounter forests of guava trees and on a clear day you will be treated to spectacular views of the other five volcanoes on the island.
Activities and Excursions: Trek, Snorkeling, Panga ride, Kayak/Paddle Boarding
Difficulty: Moderate
PM: Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center / Isabela Wetlands
The Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center, where two species of giant tortoise are bred to increase the population of these incredible animals, plays an essential role in protecting the future of the Galapagos.
As you walk around the center you will also be able to enjoy the beautiful gardens that boast of a wide variety of native plants.
Just outside Puerto Villamil you can also take a walk around the Isabela wetlands, comprised of lagoons, swamps and mangroves, which have become a paradise for migratory birds such as stilts and flamingos.
Activities and Excursions: Walk
Difficulty: Easy
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Moreno Point - Urbina Bay
AM: Isabela - Moreno point
Moreno point is located on the west coast of Isabela island and although it appears a barren lava flow at first, a walk along one of the trails soon reveals a multitude of beautiful green lagoons and mangroves and is a fantastic place to see penguins, blue herons and flamingos.
Meanwhile, a panga ride or snorkel along the rocky shoreline is a wonderful way to spot green sea turtles and white-tip sharks.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling, Panga ride
Difficulty: Moderate
PM: Isabela - Urbina Bay
Urbina Bay is located at the foot of the Alcedo Volcano and is the result of a major volcanic uplift that took place in 1954 and resulted in 6km of coral reef being lifted out of the ocean. Walking along this new shore, you can observe the corals and remains of marine life that were stranded due to this event.
However, it is now home to giant land iguanas and giant tortoises and it often a good spot to see Galapagos hawks and flightless cormorants. It is also ideal for snorkeling as turtles, rays and tropical fish frequent the coastline.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling
Difficulty: Moderate
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Fernandina - Espinosa Point - Isabela - Vicente Roca Point
AM: Fernandina - Espinosa Point
Fernandina is the youngest island in the Galapagos and Espinosa point is a wonderful area of natural beauty. Snorkeling and swimming from the zodiac allows you see the marine iguanas feeding underwater.
On the rocks you will often see large numbers of colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs. On land, the walking trails enable you to explore the fascinating mangrove plants, lava cacti and striking black lava formations where marine iguanas enjoy basking themselves in the sun.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling
Difficulty: Moderate
PM: Isabela - Vicente Roca Point
Accessible by panga, Vicente Roca Point on the north west coast of Isabela island is a beautiful large bay with two coves that provide nesting sites for blue-footed and Nazca boobies, gulls, storm petrels and Brown Noddy Terns.
Snorkeling is also a great activity here as the cooler waters result in an abundance of food for marine life, and it is common to see groups of whales, dolphins, sea lions and marine birds gorging themselves.
Activities and Excursions: Snorkeling, Panga ride
Difficulty: Moderate
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Rabida - Bartholomew Island
AM: Rabida
Rabida island is most known for its dark red sand beach surrounded by a backdrop of cliffs and steep volcanic hills full of Palo Santo trees and endemic cacti.
A panga ride around the shoreline gives the chance to spot blue-footed and nazca boobies and water activities such as snorkeling, kayaking or paddle boarding are ideal for seeing white tipped sharks and rays.
On the beach you will find a large noisy colony of sea lions and the surrounding salt brush is home to a nesting colony of pelicans. Inland, bird watchers will delight in seeing mockingbirds, yellow warblers and Darwin finches - Rabida is the only site where all nine Darwin's finches are found.
Activities and Excursions: Trek, Snorkeling, Panga ride, Kayak/Paddle Boarding
Difficulty: Moderate
PM: Bartholomew Island
Bartholomew island is an islet located in Sullivan Bay and its most famous landmark is a huge volcanic cone named Pinnacle Rock. A walking trail leads up to a viewpoint at the summit of the island where you can enjoy spectacular views of Pinnacle Rock and the surrounding lava flows.
The northern beach, a nesting site for green sea turtles, is perfect for snorkeling where sightings of spotted eagle rays, penguins and reef sharks are possible.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling, Panga ride
Difficulty: Easy
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
San Cristobal - Witch Hill - Lobos Island
AM: San Cristobal - Witch Hill
Witch Hill features an idyllic white sand beach which can be accessed by panga and is a superb vantage point for seeing Kicker Rock in the south of the island. The hill itself is an eroded tuff cone and the calm waters at the base of it offer a magnificent spot for snorkeling.
Meanwhile, a walk along the beach or on one of the inland paths, provides opportunities to see a variety of shore birds, finches and mockingbirds.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling, Panga ride
Difficulty: Moderate
PM: Lobos Island, off San Cristobal
Accessed by panga, Lobos island gets its name from the herds of sea lions that have made their home here. Snorkeling 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.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling, Panga ride
Difficulty: Moderate
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
San Cristobal Interpretation Center - San Cristobal Airport
AM: San Cristobal Interpretation Center
A short distance from the center of San Cristobal is the San Cristobal Interpretation Center, which provides an overview of the fascinating history of the islands. The main areas of focus, which are addressed through a number of expositions are: natural history, human history and conservation for the future.
You can also take one of the trails behind the center that lead to some great viewpoints of the ocean and volcanic rocks below.
Activities and Excursions: Walk
Difficulty: Easy
PM: San Cristobal Airport
Depart from San Cristobal 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.
9 Dec 2023
