Embark on an extraordinary 8-day journey through the Galapagos Islands aboard a safari-style yacht, exploring one of the most pristine ecosystems on Earth. This immersive expedition combines daily island landings, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and close encounters with fearless wildlife, from sea lions and marine iguanas to giant tortoises and rare bird species. Each day reveals a new volcanic landscape, blending adventure, natural history, and breathtaking scenery across this legendary archipelago.
8 Day Galapagos Itinerary
Day 1: San Cristobal Island: Sea Lions 101
a.m. Arrive to San Cristobal Island Airport
p.m. San Cristobal Island: Cerro Brujo
Your journey begins with an early flight to San Cristobal Island, where you will be welcomed by your naturalist guide and transferred to the yacht. After settling in and a safety briefing, you will head to Cerro Brujo, a stunning white sand beach surrounded by turquoise waters and volcanic formations. This is your first opportunity to encounter Galapagos wildlife, including sea lions resting along the shore and seabirds flying overhead. Snorkeling allows you to swim with sea turtles, rays, and playful sea lions. A guided walk introduces coastal vegetation and birdlife. End the day enjoying a beautiful Pacific sunset as you sail to your next destination.
Meals Included: Lunch / Dinner
Day 2: South Plazas Island: Galapagos Microcosms
a.m. South Plazas Island
p.m. Santa Cruz Island: Punta Carrion / Mosquera Island
Start the day on South Plazas Island, one of the smallest yet most vibrant islands in the archipelago. The island features colorful vegetation, including red ground cover and tall cactus forests. Along the trail, you will encounter yellow land iguanas, sea lion colonies, and nesting seabirds near dramatic ocean cliffs. In the afternoon, explore the waters near Santa Cruz Island with snorkeling at Punta Carrion or a visit to Mosquera Islet. Expect to see tropical fish, reef sharks, and possibly hammerheads. On land, observe seabirds and large groups of sea lions resting along the beach.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3: Santiago Island: Penguins & Grottos
a.m. Santiago Island: Chinese Hat
p.m. Santiago Island: James Bay
Visit Chinese Hat Islet, a small volcanic formation with calm waters and unique lava landscapes. Walk across lava fields where marine iguanas sunbathe and Sally Lightfoot crabs move along the rocks. Snorkeling offers a chance to swim with Galapagos penguins and sea lions. In the afternoon, continue to James Bay on Santiago Island. Explore volcanic terrain, tide pools, and coastal grottos where fur sea lions rest. Birdwatchers may spot flamingos, hawks, and finches. The dramatic scenery becomes especially striking at sunset.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4: Genovesa Island: Island of the Birds
a.m. Genovesa Island: Darwin Bay Beach
p.m. Genovesa Island: Prince Phillip’s Steps
Genovesa Island, known as Bird Island, offers incredible wildlife viewing. Begin at Darwin Bay, walking along coral beaches surrounded by colonies of frigatebirds, herons, and gulls. Continue along trails leading to cliffs and scenic viewpoints over the caldera. Snorkeling may reveal rays and reef sharks. In the afternoon, climb Prince Philip’s Steps to reach a plateau filled with birdlife, including red-footed boobies and storm petrels. Optional kayaking or snorkeling along the cliffs provides a different perspective of this remote island.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5: North Seymour Island & Santa Fe Island: A Pair of Island Gems
a.m. North Seymour Island
p.m. Santa Fe Island
North Seymour Island is rich in wildlife and bird activity. Walk along trails where blue-footed boobies perform mating dances and frigatebirds display their red throat pouches. Sea lions and marine iguanas are commonly seen. Snorkeling offshore reveals rays, reef sharks, and colorful fish. In the afternoon, visit Santa Fe Island, known for its calm lagoon and giant cactus forest. Hike inland to spot endemic land iguanas and enjoy close encounters with sea lions along the beach. Kayaking or paddleboarding may also be available.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6: Floreana Island: The Baroness & the Devil’s Crown
a.m. Floreana Island: Post Office Bay
p.m. Floreana Island: Punta Cormorant & Champion Islet
Start at Post Office Bay, where you can participate in a historic tradition of sending postcards via a wooden barrel. Continue to Punta Cormorant, where contrasting beaches of green volcanic sand and white coral create a unique landscape. A nearby lagoon is home to flamingos and other birds. In the afternoon, snorkel at Champion Islet or Devil’s Crown, one of the best marine sites in the Galapagos. Expect vibrant fish, sea turtles, reef sharks, and playful sea lions.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 7: Charles Darwin Research & Santa Cruz Island: Kingdom of the Giant Tortoise
a.m. Charles Darwin Research Station
p.m. Santa Cruz Island: Highlands
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation efforts and see giant tortoises at different stages of development. In the afternoon, travel to the Santa Cruz Highlands, where wild giant tortoises roam freely in their natural habitat. Explore lava tubes formed by ancient volcanic activity and enjoy the lush green environment, which contrasts with the coastal landscapes visited earlier in the trip.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 8: Santa Cruz Island & Baltra Island Airport: Nature’s Aquarium
a.m. Santa Cruz Island: Black Turtle Cove
p.m. Baltra Island Airport
On your final morning, explore Black Turtle Cove, a peaceful mangrove lagoon rich in marine life. From a small boat, observe sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks swimming beneath the surface. This calm environment also attracts a variety of seabirds. After the visit, transfer to Baltra Island for your return flight, marking the end of your Galapagos adventure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
+12
8 Day Galapagos Itinerary Includes
- Comprehensive pre- and post-cruise information material
- Daily buffet breakfast and lunch offering a wide choice of dishes
- Daily served dinner offering a choice of two main courses cruise
- Guides & activities throughout the cruise
- All transfers (with rest of group) while in
- Soft drinks, juice, coffee, chocolate, water and tea throughout the cruise
- Lectures and entertainment on board
- Snorkeling equipment & wetsuits (shorties)
- Kayaks and equipment
- 8 Days / 7 Nights aboard the selected yacht in selected accommodations
- Daily served meals or buffet offering a wide choice of dishes
- Naturalist guides & activities throughout the cruise
- Transfers (with rest of group) while in Galapagos
- Select wines, local beer, cocktails, spirits, soft drinks, juice, coffee, hot chocolate, water and tea are included throughout the cruise
- Lectures and entertainment onboard
- Snorkeling equipment (masks, snorkels & fins) and wetsuits (3mm long wetsuit)
- Kayaks, Paddleboards and equipment
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($200 USD adults / $100 USD children) *
- Galapagos Transit Control Card ($20 USD per person) *
- Starlink® Internet / Wi-Fi connection throughout the cruise
- Full meals on board (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
8 Day Galapagos Itinerary Does not Include
- Flights, accomodations, meals, excursions and transfers other than those included in the itinerary
- Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee - $200 USD
- Ingala Transit Control Card - $20 USD
- Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar (all-inclusive packages available)
- Gratuities to guides, crew and staff
- Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
- Personal travel insurance
- Flights, accommodations, meals, excursions and transfers other than those included in the itinerary
- International air tickets to either Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Gratuities to guides, crew and staff
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance and medical evacuation insurance
- Premium brands of wines, beer or spirits
- Mainland Ecuador arrangements (we’d be delighted to arrange these for you)
- Galapagos flights (required to be confirmed with Quasar) *
8 Day Galapagos Itinerary Highlights
- Close encounters with unique Galapagos wildlife
- Snorkeling in clear waters with diverse marine species
- Visits to multiple islands with distinct ecosystems
- Birdwatching opportunities on Genovesa Island
- Observation of giant tortoises in both protected and natural environments
Itinerary Map
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More information about the Galapagos Islands you visit in this 8 day itinerary:
Footsteps Back in Time - Evolution Yacht
From USD 9500,00
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South America & Antarctica Specialists
Set and Tailor-made packages
The best last-minute cruise deals%20--%3e%3csvg%20version='1.1'%20id='Capa_1'%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20xmlns:xlink='http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink'%20x='0px'%20y='0px'%20viewBox='0%200%20489.679%20489.679'%20style='enable-background:new%200%200%20489.679%20489.679;'%20xml:space='preserve'%3e%3cg%3e%3cg%3e%3cg%3e%3cpath%20d='M487.768,218.844c-14.5-134.2-135.2-232-269.4-217.4c-72.9,8.3-137.4,47.8-179,109.2c-6.2,9.4-3.1,21.8,6.2,28.1%20s21.8,3.1,28.1-6.2c34.3-51,88.4-84.3,148.8-90.5c112.4-11.5,213.3,69.6,224.7,182c11.4,111.3-69.7,212.2-181,223.7%20c-74.7,7.9-147.5-26-189.5-86.8l39.7,8.7c10.4,2.1,21.8-4.2,23.9-15.6c2.1-10.4-4.2-21.8-15.6-23.9l-81.1-17.7%20c-17.3-2.2-23.9,10.4-25,15.6l-17.7,82.2c-2.1,10.4,4.2,21.8,15.6,23.9c13.6,1.1,21.8-7.3,25-16.6l6-27.1%20c89.3,115.2,214.6,98.9,222.9,97.9C404.568,473.744,502.368,353.044,487.768,218.844z'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cg%3e%3cpath%20d='M171.168,268.944h-38l30.6-31.1c0.4-0.4,0.8-0.8,1.1-1.3c5.7-7.5,8.8-16.5,8.8-26c0-23.7-19.3-43-43-43s-43,19.3-43,43%20c0,7.4,6,13.4,13.4,13.4s13.4-6,13.4-13.4c0-8.9,7.2-16.1,16.1-16.1c8.9,0,16.1,7.2,16.1,16.1c0,3.3-1,6.5-2.9,9.2l-52.4,53.3%20c-3.8,3.9-4.9,9.6-2.8,14.6s7,8.2,12.4,8.2h70.1c7.4,0,13.4-6,13.4-13.4S178.568,268.944,171.168,268.944z'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M271.668,240.144h-6.1v-59.2c0-5.7-3.5-10.7-8.9-12.6c-5.3-1.9-11.3-0.3-14.9,4l-60.4,72.6c-3.3,4-4,9.6-1.8,14.3%20c2.2,4.7,6.9,7.7,12.2,7.7h47v15.4c0,7.4,6,13.4,13.4,13.4c7.4,0,13.4-6,13.4-13.4v-15.4h6.1c7.4,0,13.4-6,13.4-13.4%20C285.068,246.144,279.068,240.144,271.668,240.144z%20M238.668,240.144h-18.4l18.4-22.1V240.144z'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M344.068,212.044c-6.6,0-12.9,1.4-18.5,4v-35.1c0-7.4-6-13.4-13.4-13.4s-13.4,6-13.4,13.4v101.4c0,7.4,6,13.4,13.4,13.4%20s13.4-6,13.4-13.4v-24.9c0-10.2,8.3-18.5,18.5-18.5s18.5,8.3,18.5,18.5v24.9c0,7.4,6,13.4,13.4,13.4s13.4-6,13.4-13.4v-24.9%20C389.468,232.444,369.068,212.044,344.068,212.044z'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/g%3e%3cg%3e%3c/g%3e%3cg%3e%3c/g%3e%3cg%3e%3c/g%3e%3cg%3e%3c/g%3e%3cg%3e%3c/g%3e%3cg%3e%3c/g%3e%3cg%3e%3c/g%3e%3cg%3e%3c/g%3e%3cg%3e%3c/g%3e%3cg%3e%3c/g%3e%3cg%3e%3c/g%3e%3cg%3e%3c/g%3e%3cg%3e%3c/g%3e%3cg%3e%3c/g%3e%3cg%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e "Galapagos trips")
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