Villa #GALC05

Cruise Description

This yacht offers a completely safe travel experience aboard a Galapagos Expedition Yacht in the Enchanted Isles.  This Galapagos Yacht measures approximately 209 feet (64 meters) and features 24 cabins that accommodate up to 48 guests. As four of these are connecting; they are ideal for groups of families or friends traveling together. Each cabin provides not only ample space and comfort but a spectacular view of the Galapagos Islands’ unique landscapes. The ship’s modern feel extends to its hot tub, cardio gym, and sundeck. Land and aquatic activities – from hiking and coastal exploration to kayaking, snorkeling, and even paddleboarding – are complemented by a glass-bottom boat option for curious guests wishing to remain dry. A splendid dining experience featuring delicious, healthy, and top-quality food along with tasty bar options makes the experience all the more enjoyable, whether traveling with friends, family, or by yourself.

The cabins are some of the most spacious cabins available in the Galapagos. We provide our guest’s travel safety as well as a highly comfortable space to rest, unwind, and recharge following an exciting day of exploration. Modern and supremely clean layouts make for cabins that are an incredibly inviting place to come back to.

Amenities abound: feeling at home when you’re away from home means having what you need, when you need it – even if you forgot it – all within the comfort of your own cabin.

The staff make it a point to keep the ship as clean and tidy as possible – including your cabin! A stress-free experience on an impeccable ship is always a more enjoyable one.

Three spacious decks allow explorers to enjoy the Galapagos Islands in absolute comfort. There’s no shortage of cozy and ample spaces that will allow you to sit back, relax, and enjoy your time aboard our yacht.

ITINERARY:

Day 1- AM: Arrival at Baltra airport + transfer to ship
Welcome to Galápagos! Once your flight has landed and you went through the immigration, you'll be met in the Arrivals lounge by our English-speaking guide who will take you to your transfer vehicle for the short journey to your waiting ship. Once on board your ship, you will be introduced to the crew and given a welcome briefing as well as an important safety drill. After this you'll be shown to your cabin. While you're served a well-deserved and delicious lunch, the captain will cast off and your adventure truly starts.

PM: Santa Cruz Highlands
Santa Cruz is the only island on the Galápagos that allows you to travel through every habitat type that exists in the archipelago. This makes the journey north from the coast up into the highlands a fantastic opportunity to experience the breadth of life that exists on these islands. Your expert tour guide will stop several times along the route to allow you to explore various different sites. Among the stops will be a Giant Tortoise reserve, and also a visit to the famous lava tubes. Over half a mile long, a walk through these natural volcanic features is eerie and unforgettable.

Day 2 – AM: Eden Islet
The islet of Eden is the remains of a volcanic "tuff cone" - a type of volcanic feature formed when molten lava comes into contact with cold sea water with explosive results. There is an abundance of wildlife here, on land, in the air and in the water. Among other seabirds, you'll see Blue-Footed Boobies diving to catch their prey. Snorkeling from your boat, you're likely to see Galapagos green turtles, rays and sharks, in the clear, shallow waters, particularly if you are close to the mangroves on the shoreline.

PM: Chinese Hat
The islet gets its name because if you approach from the north you will see that this small volcanic cone does indeed look like the traditional bamboo or rice hat. Along the cost of both Chinese Hat and the opposite Santiago shore you are likely to see Galapagos Sea Lions and Galapagos Penguins, either basking in the sun or seeking shade to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Overhead you might catch a glimpse of the magnificent Galapagos Hawk. The stand-out reason for a visit to Chinese Hat however is to snorkel in that turquoise channel. Here you can see various species of sharks, rays, and a variety of tropical fish. Not all Galápagos boats can visit, and permits are only given to a select few boats and guides.

Day 3- AM: A walk on Bartholomew
Bartholomew (known as Bartolomé locally) is the most popular excursion for Galapagos visitors, and its iconic scenery is the most photographed in the whole archipelago. When you arrive at the top of island the spectacular views will have made your efforts worthwhile. Your tour expert guide will point out all the landmarks you will see from here - Pinnacle Rock itself, jutting skywards, the huge black lava flows from a few islands. Back at the beach there is excellent snorkeling, thanks to the underwater caves and rocks in the area. You will see various sharks, rays and tropical fish. You may also see Galapagos Penguins swimming with you!

PM: Sullivan Bay
This visitor site is all about the geology and volcanic origins of the Galápagos, and although there is little wildlife here, the eerie landscape that was formed only 150 years ago has a real beauty all of its own. On the hiking trail you will walk along lava that bubbled up from the ground, flowed and solidified in the second half of the 18th century. The landscape here is eerie and apparently barren. As the trail moves inland, the textures and colors change as you encounter much older lava fields. Here you can start to see signs of nature beginning to colonize this “new land”. The small green plants that have started to grow in the cracks and crevices are called Mollugo. Your tour expert guide will be able to explain more about the volcanic processes that formed Santiago and all the Galápagos Islands, as well as how species begin to colonize the bare landscape.

Day 4 – AM: Darwin Bay
Darwin Bay is a must-visit site for birdwatchers. Starting with a landing on a beautiful white coral beach you are able to follow an easy half-mile trail that will take you through bird-filled mangroves. Species that can be seen on this part of the trail include Nazca Boobies, Red Footed Boobies and Swallow-Tailed gulls. As the path continues you will find tidal pools - favorite spots for Sea Lions to lazily swim and play. At the path's end you will come to the top of a cliff which will reward you with a spectacular view.

PM: Prince Philip's Steps
Named after Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, who visited the Galápagos Islands twice, the Prince Philip's Steps pier uses natural rock formations to allow you to land and admire the variety of seabirds that inhabit Genovesa. With careful steps on the wet and slippery lower rocks, you begin your hike near a small colony of sea bears before reaching the beautiful vantage point further up with views of the lava plains. The birdlife will surround you from all sides and you will enjoy the sight and sounds of many wonderful species, including blue footed boobies, red footed boobies and Nazca boobies and Galapagos owls and pigeons.

Day 5 – AM: Transfer from ship to Baltra airport
Your Galápagos adventure ends with the arrival of your ship back at Baltra Island. After what many guests describe as an emotional goodbye to your ship and its crew, you'll board the transfer vehicle that will take you on the short journey to the airport in plenty of time for your flight back to the mainland.

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