M/Y Galaxy

Your adventure begins at San Cristobal’s modest yet bustling airport, where a seasoned naturalist guide will greet you.

Venture to Lobos Island, a tranquil islet secluded from San Cristobal by a slim channel. This nature’s cradle, amidst a serene bay, is the playground for sea lion pups frolicking in tidal pools. Stay vigilant for the blue-footed boobies nesting on the trails, ready to treat you to a display of their whimsical courtship dance. You can also snorkel at this renowned snorkeling spot, sheltered by the calm waves. Playful sea lions would eagerly display their acrobatic prowess. In contrast, sea turtles and rays find solace resting on the sandy seabed, giving you a glimpse into the harmonious marine life that thrives beneath the surface.

Embark on an adventure to Suarez Point, one of the Galapagos’ greatest natural wonders. This rocky trail is a haven for wildlife lovers, featuring an incredible array of species. Upon arrival, sea lions and marine iguanas welcome you as the first hosts of this nature spectacle. The highlight of this journey is meeting the waved albatross, the island’s largest bird, impressing visitors with its powerful flight and intricate courtship display.

Embrace the morning at Gardner Bay, a pristine piece of paradise in the Galapagos archipelago. This idyllic setting invites you to stroll along the coast, immersing yourself in an enlightening experience as you delve into the biology of the endemic fauna – from the melodious Española mockingbird and the unique marine iguanas to the regal Galapagos hawks. Here, you can also snorkel, swimming alongside playful sea lions, graceful reef sharks, and gliding rays. Discover an array of fish, including vivid Angelfish, charismatic Parrotfish, dynamic Damselfish, and the ever-busy Surgeonfish coloring the underwater landscape.

Located in northern Floreana, Punta Cormorant is a paradise for nature lovers. Its coastal lagoon hosts flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, and black-necked stilts, while its white sand beach is a crucial nesting site for green sea turtles. In recent years, blue-footed boobies have started nesting along the trail. Explore Devil’s Crown, one of the best snorkeling spots in the Galapagos. Its currents attract reef sharks, turtles, rays, and massive schools of fish like snappers, parrotfish, and angelfish.

Step into the past at Post Office Bay on Floreana, where sailors established a barrel-based mail system in the 1700s, still in use today. This site also boasts a scenic beach, and incredible wildlife, including sea lions, green sea turtles, reef sharks, and, if luck is on your side, the elusive Galapagos penguin. Dive straight from the beach and explore a mesmerizing underwater world filled with sea turtles, rays, and schools of tropical fish.

Explore the Charles Darwin Research Station, a center dedicated to wildlife conservation and research. Witness breeding programs helping restore giant tortoise populations, learn about projects tackling invasive species, and see conservationists working to protect the fragile Galapagos ecosystem.

Your Galapagos adventure comes to an end. Today, you will be transferred to Baltra Airport, where your National Park naturalist guide will assist you with final details before your flight back to mainland Ecuador.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the Galapagos Islands, starting with your arrival at Baltra airport. Our expert naturalist guide from the National Park will eagerly await your arrival to introduce you to the wonders ahead.

Your day begins with a journey to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, offering a different perspective of the Galapagos’ unique ecosystem. The highlands are home to a variety of bird species, giant tortoises in their natural habitat, and a rich array of plant life, including endemic trees and ferns. You’ll have the opportunity to walk along paths that meander through this lush landscape, offering a chance to observe the giant tortoises up close and personal.

Start your morning on Isabela Island, embarking on a unique adventure at Tintoreras, a cluster of small isles teeming with wildlife. Sail through crystal-clear waters and discover a vibrant underwater world inhabited by white-tipped sharks, colorful tropical fish, and starfish. Snorkel in the marvelous marine world of Isabela, swimming alongside sea turtles, manta rays, and, if you’re lucky, Galapagos penguins.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Isabela’s wetlands, a crucial ecosystem for Galapagos’ biodiversity. Walk along trails through mangroves and saline lagoons, where pink flamingos, blue-billed ducks, and other aquatic birds thrive. Conclude your day at the Interpretation Center, where you’ll gain insight into Galapagos’ natural and human history, its conservation challenges, and the ongoing efforts to protect this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Start your day exploring Moreno Point, a stunning volcanic landscape that appears barren but is brimming with life. Venture inland to discover brackish lagoons, home to flamingos, gallinules, ducks, and herons. Along the rugged coast, spot Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. Snorkel into the clear waters of Moreno Point and swim alongside sea turtles, cormorants, and tropical fish.

Continue your day at Mangle Point, an ecological paradise on the untouched Fernandina Island. As your boat glides through crystal-clear waters, observe sea turtles weaving through the mangrove roots and rays resting on the sandy bottom. Immerse yourself in the calm waters of Mangle Point and swim among sea turtles, rays, and tropical fish. This underwater sanctuary offers a unique experience, exploring the biodiversity thriving between the mangroves and coral reefs.

Espinoza Point is a true natural wonder, set at the base of the most active volcano in Galapagos. As you step ashore, you’ll be greeted by the largest colony of marine iguanas basking on black volcanic rocks. The nutrient-rich waters of Espinoza Point attract fish, sea turtles, and foraging cormorants, and are perfect for snorkelling. Watch marine iguanas feeding on algae and follow a cormorant as it chases fish through the reef—an unforgettable snorkeling experience in Galapagos.

In the afternoon, we visit the historical Tagus Cove, a site Charles Darwin once explored during his travels around the Galapagos islands. A boat tour along the shore offers chances to observe penguins, cormorants, marine iguanas, and the rare Galapagos martin. The nutrient-rich waters around Tagus Cove draw in sea turtles, a rich diversity of fish species, and penguins feasting on large schools of anchovies, perfect for your second snorkelling adventure of the day. Watching cormorants dart underwater as they chase fish through the reef is a common sight.

Known as a hideout for pirates and buccaneers in the 17th and 18th centuries, Buccaneer Cove is a site steeped in history and natural beauty. While there is no trail, a dinghy ride allows you to explore the cove, admire its dramatic scenery, and observe seabirds and other species that inhabit this legendary Galapagos site. Snorkel in the sheltered waters of Buccaneer Cove, surrounded by vibrant marine life. Swim among schools of angelfish, parrotfish, and snappers, as well as reef sharks, sea turtles, and playful sea lions.

Puerto Egas is a fascinating destination where history and wildlife intertwine. Towards the end of the trail, the grottos are home to a small colony of the elusive Galapagos fur seal. A snorkeling session from the beach will lead you to an area of rocky bottoms, excellent for observing fish, turtles, and reef sharks.

Bartolome is one of the most iconic islands in Galapagos, renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscape and the famous Pinnacle Rock. The hike to the summit offers breathtaking views of a lunar-like terrain dotted with volcanic cones, with stunning panoramas of Sullivan Bay and Pinnacle Rock. From the top, the vast beauty of the archipelago unfolds before you, creating a truly unforgettable experience. Enjoy an unforgettable snorkeling experience in Bartolome, one of Galapagos’ top spots. Swim in calm, clear waters alongside penguins, colorful fish, sea turtles, sea lions, rays, and reef sharks in a thriving marine ecosystem.

Walking through Sullivan Bay is a fascinating journey into the volcanic origins of the Galapagos Islands. The trail crosses a vast Pahoehoe lava flow, showcasing unique textures that reveal the story of past eruptions. After the hike, unwind with a swim or snorkeling session from a coral-sand beach or a dinghy. The contrast with the barren land is striking—schools of fish, Galapagos penguins, reef sharks, sea turtles, and rays thrive in this vibrant marine ecosystem.

Named for its distinctive cone shape, Chinese Hat is a small islet separated from Santiago by a narrow channel, forming one of Galapagos’ most picturesque bays. A coastal trail leads you through a sea lion colony, while on the lava rocks, you may spot penguins resting. Snorkel into the crystal-clear waters of Chinese Hat and marvel at the vibrant colors of the fish. Spot sleek reef sharks and, if lucky, a penguin darting through the water like a swift underwater torpedo chasing anchovies.

Located on Santa Cruz’s northern coast, Dragon Hill is the only place on the island where land iguanas roam freely. As you explore this unique ecosystem, you’ll also spot a saltwater lagoon where flamingos, ducks, and shorebirds often gather. After the hike, dive into calm, shallow waters for an unforgettable snorkeling experience.

Set off on a dinghy tour through Black Turtle Cove, a shallow-water haven surrounded by lush mangroves. This sanctuary is home to sea turtles, reef sharks, and various species of rays. It also serves as a crucial breeding ground for turtles and sharks. Though there’s no landing, the incredible wildlife seen from the boat offers an up-close and unforgettable experience.

Your Galapagos adventure comes to an end. Today, you will be transferred to Baltra Airport, where your National Park naturalist guide will assist you with final details before your flight back to mainland Ecuador.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the Galapagos Islands, starting with your arrival at Baltra airport. Our expert naturalist guide from the National Park will eagerly await your arrival to introduce you to the wonders ahead.

Your journey continues with an afternoon visit to North Seymour Island, a spectacular showcase of the Galapagos Islands’ diverse wildlife. This relatively flat island is home to a thriving population of blue-footed boobies and frigate birds. The island’s coastline also allows one to observe sea lions and marine iguanas basking in the sun. Encounter the majestic frigate birds and charming blue-footed boobies in their natural habitat. This is an ideal spot for birdwatching and photography.

Lead in the day with the stark beauty of Santa Fe, where the towering figures of giant Prickly-pear cacti strikingly contrast the rugged landscape of lava rocks. As you venture inland, remember to look down to spot the endemic Santa Fe land iguanas, but also glance upward to catch sight of the Galapagos hawks perched atop cacti, keeping a keen eye out for prey. After your exploratory hike, the sheltered bay offers you a choice paddle through serene waters on a kayak or plunge beneath the surface to snorkel with playful sea lion pups and reef sharks.

Your afternoon destination is South Plazas, one of a twin pair of islands where the northern sibling is reserved exclusively for scientific research. Your trail eventually leads you to a cliff, a vantage point to observe a myriad of seabirds, including frigatebirds, red-billed tropicbirds, boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and pelicans.

Located in the southern part of Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island, El Barranco is a wildlife sanctuary. Its fragile lava cliffs provide shelter for storm petrels and a remarkable population of short-eared owls. Along the trail, red-footed and Nazca boobies nest on the volcanic rock. At the base of the cliffs, Galapagos fur seals rest in shaded areas, while seabirds soar above this breathtaking landscape, making El Barranco an unforgettable destination for nature lovers. Snorkel into the waters of El Barranco and explore a vibrant underwater world. Swim among colorful fish and spot sharks, rays, and playful sea lions in their natural habitat.

Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island is a breathtaking sight for birdwatchers. As you step onto the beach, you’ll be amazed by the presence of hundreds of boobies, gulls, and frigatebirds soaring, nesting in bushes, or resting on the sand. Darwin Bay offers incredible snorkeling spots, from deep waters along the cliffs to shallow areas near the beach.

Your day begins with a journey to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, offering a different perspective of the Galapagos’ unique ecosystem. You’ll have the opportunity to walk along paths that meander through this lush landscape, offering a chance to observe the giant tortoises up close and personal. After, we will go to the beach known as Bachas, located north of Santa Cruz Island. Here we can snorkel or take a relaxing walk on the beach. For this, we will make a wet landing, in which we will jump from the panga to the shore of the beach.

In the afternoon, embark on an unforgettable panga (dinghy) ride around Kicker Rock, also known as León Dormido, off the coast of San Cristobal Island. This peaceful and scenic panga ride around Kicker Rock provides a relaxing yet awe-inspiring conclusion to your day, allowing you to appreciate the natural wonders and rich biodiversity of the Galapagos from the sea.

After exploring the breathtaking biodiversity and unique landscapes of the Galapagos, it’s time to return to mainland Ecuador. You’ll be transferred to the airport, bringing this unforgettable journey to a close.