Limited offer to Galapagos

M/Y La Pinta

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Cruise Overview

Yacht La Pinta can accommodate up to 48 guests. Its ample social areas, observation deck towards the bow, wrap-around windows, hot tub, cardio-gym, kayaks, glass-bottom boat, sun deck, and sun loungers make it the ideal space for travelers looking for a sophisticated, upscale experience of the islands.

Her exciting itineraries promise a complete immersion in this exceptional environment. Thanks to our expert naturalist guides, you’ll get enriching wildlife encounters like few others on the planet. Spotless service, delicious cuisine, and stylish design will complement your experience on the islands. Thestaff embraces a spirit of adventure while ensuring safety and comfort at all times.

Yacht La Pinta has 24 comfortable cabins, all of them can be converted from twin to queen sizes, and four connecting cabins, all with full private facilities, permanent hot and cold water, sufficient closet space and central control panel for room temperature, public announcements system, individual MP3 sound system, volume and reading lights; all cabins are fully carpeted and air-conditioned throughout.

La Pinta is considered an ideal yacht for families traveling together, with many connecting cabins.

Cabin Types
Double Cabin
Twin Cabin
Luxury Plus Double
Luxury Plus Twin

Western Islands

Departs Fridays
7 Days / 6 nights

DAY 1
North Seymour Island
Friday

Baltra Island. Morning arrival to Baltra Island and immediate transfer to the dock to board Yacht La Pinta. Welcome introductory briefing and lunch.

Afternoon Excursion
Afternoon disembarkation (dry landing) for a walk along the coast and the interior of the island, observing bird colonies of blue footed boobies, frigate birds, swallow tailed gulls and also sea lions and marine iguanas. Opportunity for snorkeling or coastal exploration. Evening briefing, welcome cocktail and dinner.

Breakfast
DAY 2
Isabela and Fernandina Islands
Saturday

Morning Excursion: Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island)
Since there is no landing site at this location, the coastal exploration is by dinghy, while the naturalist guide explains the dramatic geology of the area with remains of lava flows and tuff stone layers. This is the nesting place for flightless cormorants, the only existing marine birds in the world other than penguins that have changed their condition of flying birds to diving birds. Wildlife here also includes sea lions, Galápagos fur seals, Galápagos penguins, blue-footed and Nazca boobies and noddy terns. Depending on the conditions of the ocean, it will be possible to schedule a snorkelling outing along the cliffs of partly-sunken Ecuador Volcano, near the northern tip of Isabela Island. This area has a very rich marine life, and is seasonally visited by green sea turtles. Lunch on board.

Afternoon Excursion: Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)
Afternoon visit to the youngest island of the archipelago, Fernandina. Disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile walk over dark lava. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness and a lot of wildlife. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina boasts a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their space with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorant. Snorkelling is possible. Evening briefing and dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
Isabela Island
Sunday

Morning Excursion: Urbina Bay (Isabela Island)
After breakfast (wet landing) disembark at Urbina Bay, located at the foot of volcanoes Alcedo and Darwin, west of Isabela Island, the result of an uplifting of the ocean in 1954. Here you can find corals, shells, and many other calcareous organisms exposed above water. This area is also home to large and very colourful Galápagos land iguanas, giant tortoises (occasionally); a good spot to observe Darwin’s finches. Along the shoreline, after the hike, guests may encounter flightless cormorants and see penguins while snorkeling in this beautiful cove. Lunch on board.

Afternoon Excursion: Tagus Cove (Isabela Island)
On the northwest of Isabela, secluded Tagus Cove provided a favourite anchorage for pirates and whalers over the centuries. Old graffiti is still found carved on its walls. The vegetation in the area includes the fragrant palo santo trees. These white-barked trees are leafless and look dead most of the year. They leaf and spring back to life in the wet season.

An uphill hike takes guests to the back of Darwin Crater, filled with salt water. The view at the end of the trail is worth the climb. Darwin is one of Isabela’s six volcanoes, a remarkable contrast to the lower islands to the east of the archipelago. Possibilities to swim, snorkel or ride kayaks. There is no beach in the area, so these activities are done from the pangas. Briefing and dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
Rabida & Santa Cruz Islands
Monday

Morning Excursion: Rábida Island (Jervis)
Disembark at Rábida Island (wet landing) on a red-coloured beach, due to the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material. A gratifying stroll along the beach of this small island (1.9 sq. mi.) allows the observation of a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin’s finches. Very close to the beach, hidden behind a strip of green saltbush, is a salt pond where at times greater flamingos migrate. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach, both for beginners as well as for experienced snorkelers, due to the unique combination of underwater species and submarine landscapes. During navigation to our next island, dolphins are often spotted. Lunch on board.

Afternoon Excursion: Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill) (Santa Cruz Island)
The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill). Dry landing and a walk that includes a brackish water lagoon frequented by lagoon birds, including stilts, pintail ducks, sandpipers, sanderlings, and more. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago. This area is a natural nesting site for land iguanas, constantly monitored and assisted by the Charles Darwin Research Station. The arid-zone vegetation can be a rewarding location for bird watching, where Darwin’s finches, Galápagos mockingbirds, the endemic Galápagos flycatcher, and yellow warblers are regular sightings. Tonight our expedition plan will reveal the interesting sites of the day ahead. Dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
Santa Cruz Island
Tuesday

Morning Excursion: Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station
Morning disembarkation (dry landing) to visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens, within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. Lunch at the poolside of the Finch Bay Eco Hotel.

Afternoon Excursion: Highlands of Santa Cruz Island
After lunch, visit the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, with their impressive Scalesia forest and the geological formation of the twin pit craters known Los Gemelos. From December to mid-April a visit to see the giant tortoises in the wild may be included, if weather conditions are good. Next day’s expedition plan and dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6
Floreana Island
Wednesday

Morning Excursion: Baroness Cove & Post Office Bay (Floreana Island)
After Breakfast, a wet landing at the Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has been serving as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries, to learn about the human side of the islands, its early inhabitants and the adventures of pirates and whalers. Panga ride along the maze of channels in the north shore of Floreana, see the Sea Lion colonies, marine turtles in shallow waters, rays and occasionally penguins. Wet Landing on Baroness Cove and a short walk up to the observation tower to enjoy breath taking views of Floreana and its nearby islets. Snorkelling and/or kayaking is possible. Back on board for lunch.

Afternoon Excursion: Punta Cormorant (Cormorant Point, Floreana Island)
Disembark at Punta Cormorant (wet landing) at an olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk that includes a brackish water lagoon where bird species like greater flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers, and others may be observed. This outing also includes a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night to nest (from December to May). Possibility of snorkelling from the beach; a ride in our glass-bottom boat; or for advanced snorkelers, “The Devil’s Crown”, if conditions permit. Briefing and dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7
Baltra
Thursday

Your journey ends at Baltra Island, where we transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland.

Breakfast

Northern Islands

Departs Mondays
5 Days / 4 Nights

DAY 1
Santa Cruz Island
Monday
Morning arrival at Baltra Airport, transfer to the Itabaca Channel. A small ferry will take us across the Channel to the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. We board our bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where guests will learn about the unique montane ecosystems and biodiversity. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon Excursion: El Chato (Santa Cruz Island)
After lunch, travel by bus to El Chato Reserve, 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 that are common in the reserve. You may also spot some highland birds, like cattle egrets, mockingbirds, finches or flycatchers. There are several lava tunnels in the reserve, a great place to spot the barn owl. There is also a small lagoon covered in red algae where gallinules and Galápagos pintails can be found. Bus ride to Puerto Ayora to board Yacht La Pinta. Introductory Briefing including the expedition plan for Tuesday, welcome Cocktail and dinner.
Dinner
DAY 2
Santa Cruz Island
Tuesday
Morning Excursion: Bahía Ballena – Whale Bay (Santa Cruz Island).
After breakfast disembark (wet landing) at a beautiful olivine beach (a volcanic crystal that forms in fast-cooling lava). The area has historical relevance since a small community lived in this area in the late 1900s, collecting lichen (Rosella Tictoria), used in the textile industry. The trail leads guests to an old water hole used by the former settlers. There are also boobies, land birds and beautiful views of the northwest side of Santa Cruz Island to enjoy. Several activities are possible after the walk, such as snorkelling or a panga ride along the shoreline. Back on board for lunch.
Afternoon Excursion: Sombrero Chino Islet
Less than a quarter-of-a-square-kilometre in size, the tiny island of Sombrero Chino gets its name from its appearance: a Chinese hat. Lying just off the southeastern tip of San Salvador Island (James), this islet, only formed fairly recently, makes a beautiful visit as one explores along its 400-metre long trail, which begins at a crescent-shaped white sandy beach. Several species of shore birds can be spotted, along with marine iguanas, lava lizards, Galápagos penguins and sally lightfoot crabs. The cove offers excellent swimming and snorkelling opportunities with white-tipped reef sharks and tropical fish. Briefing and dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
Bartolomé & James Island
Wednesday
Morning Excursion: Bartolomé Island
Disembark at Bartolomé Island (dry landing) for a hike to the summit. A great way to start the day! This is a steep climb up a wooden staircase with handrails and several resting and observation stops; the view from the top is worth the effort. Following the walk, a dinghy ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, is rewarding, followed by time to enjoy the beach (wet landing) and some snorkelling, with possible Galápagos penguin sightings. Guests can also ride on the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world. Lunch on board.
Afternoon Excursion: Sullivan Bay (James Island)
After lunch, board the panga for the short ride to the landing site at Sullivan Bay on the east coast of Santiago. Wet landing on a white coral sand beach and a walk over lava that flowed here less than 100 years ago. This is the perfect place to see and feel the volcanic origin of Galápagos.
The last major eruption on Santiago was probably in the early 1900′s. One observer aboard a sailing vessel reported that the ship approached the lava flow so closely that the pine tar used to seal the hull of the ship began to soften, and the captain had to hurry the ship away from the bay. Briefing and dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
Genovesa Island
Thursday
Morning Excursion: Darwin Bay (Tower/Genovesa Island)
In the morning, a wet landing for an easy stroll observing thousands of birds, mainly frigate birds, red footed and masked boobies, gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. Optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain for dramatic views, or else return to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkelling at this beautiful natural harbour. The more adventurous can snorkel along the cliffs or paddle sea kayaks. Lunch on board.
Afternoon Excursion: Prince Philip’s Steps (Tower/Genovesa Island)
The afternoon starts with a very interesting panga ride along the cliffs and then disembark (dry landing) on rocks for a steep climb (90 feet) up some stairs. Once at the top of the stairs, the land is flat, allowing for a stimulating walk of about a mile to the other side of this small island, observing large colonies of masked boobies, frigate birds and storm petrels. Those not wishing to disembark can enjoy a longer panga ride along the cliffs (depending on weather conditions). Farewell Cocktail, departure briefing and dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
Baltra Island
Friday

Baltra Island. Disembark on Baltra Island. Transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland.

 

Breakfast

Eastern Islands

Departs Thursdays
5 Days / 4 Nights

DAY 1
South Plaza Island
Thursday

Our adventure begins with a morning flight to Baltra Island and immediate transfer to the dock to board Yacht La Pinta. There’s a welcome introductory briefing, boat drill, cabin assignment and then lunch. We weigh anchor and start sailing for our first afternoon outing.

Afternoon Excursion: South Plaza Island

The turquoise waters of the channel here contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline, while a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus beyond, populated by yellow-grey land iguanas. Along the coastline one finds sea lion colonies, while sea birds play with the thermals that form along the cliffs of this small but spectacular island.

Dinner
DAY 2
Santa Fe Island
Friday

Morning Excursion: Santa Fe Island

We take the dinghy over to this idyllic sandy-white beach populated by colonies of sea lions. Galapagos hawks are often easily observed, perched atop salt bushes. The Santa Fe land iguana, unique to just this island, may be spotted during the walk. Following the walk, we can snorkel and swim along a natural wave barrier or ride the glass-bottom boat.

Afternoon Excursion: Cerro Colorado Tortoise Habitat.

After lunch, we disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the island’s capital, and drive 40 minutes to the island’s southern shore. At Cerro Colorado, we visit the breeding centre for highly endangered giant tortoises in the midst of a fantastic deciduous forest, home to dozens of bird species, including the San Cristóbal mockingbird, and the San Cristóbal lava lizard, both island endemics.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
San Cristobal Islands
Sunday

Morning Excursion: Punta Pitt (San Cristóbal Island)

We land at the eastern tip of San Cristóbal Island this morning. The trail that ascends from the beach provides spectacular views of the shoreline; we can observe frigates, plus a colony of bachelor sea lions. After the walk, if conditions are favourable, there is a chance to swim from the beach and snorkel.

Afternoon Excursion: Cerro Brujo

In the afternoon following lunch on board, a dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers takes us to Cerro Brujo’s expansive, white coral beach, great for walking, with rewarding bird-watching featuring seabirds and shore birds. Also, look out for Galapagos sea lions. These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
Española Island
Sunday

Morning Excursion: Punta Suarez

Our morning outing at Punta Suárez provides an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April – January), boobies, swallow-tail gulls, and the famous “blowhole” lava formation. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas. Many regard this site as the best in the Galapagos. Back on board for lunch.

Afternoon Excursion: Gardner Bay

In the afternoon, we set down at this beautiful, white coral beach for a short walk to observe the sea lions, mockingbirds, finches, or enjoy the beach. There is great snorkelling in this area, or else there’s time to kayak or ride the glass-bottom boat.

 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
Santa Cruz Island
Monday

Morning Excursion: Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)

Disembarking in the morning, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the captive rearing programme for the giant tortoises. Here we witness the efforts and results of Galapagos fieldwork and study done in the name of science. We transfer via bus across Santa Cruz Island and a short ferry ride to Baltra.

Your journey ends at Baltra Island, where we transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland.

Breakfast

Tour Inclusions

  • Shore excursions led by Expedition Team
  • Fleet of zodiacs for adventures ashore
  • Accommodation
  • All meals
  • Bilingual naturalist guides
  • Conferences and lectures
  • Visits to the islands mentioned in the itinerary
  • Transportation to / from the airport in Galápagos
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Sodas, water & juices
  • * Internet and WiFi
  • 2 mm “shorty” wet suit rental
  • * Due to the Galápagos’ remote location, internet connections are intermittent and low-bandwidth.

Tour Exclusions

  • Flights to and from the Galapagos Islands
  • Galapagos National Park admission fee approx. US $100 per person
  • Galapagos Transit Control Card approx. US $20 per person
  • Tips

Tour Pricing

M/Y La Pinta
Single
Twin
Northern Islands
$14,061
$9,374
Eastern Islands
$14,061
$9,374
Western Islands
$18,845
$12,562

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