Galapagos Beyond the Wild: An 8-Day Journey Through Iconic Islands - Galaxy Stella Yacht
Embark on an eight-day, seven-night Galapagos voyage aboard Galaxy Stella, an exclusive first-class boutique yacht designed for a maximum of 12 guests. This combined eastern and central itinerary brings together destinations including Santa Cruz, North Seymour, Santa Fe, South Plaza, Genovesa, San Cristobal, Española, and Floreana, with opportunities to experience diverse wildlife, volcanic landscapes, beaches, snorkeling locations, and renowned birdwatching sites. Highlights include red-footed boobies on Genovesa, wildlife-rich Española, and exploration of Floreana, while an expert bilingual Galapagos National Park Naturalist Guide leads the journey. Between excursions, guests can enjoy sea-view cabins with private en-suite bathrooms and panoramic windows, gourmet dining, a sun deck Jacuzzi, an outdoor BBQ area, and high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi, all within the intimate setting of a yacht carrying only 12 guests.
The eight-day Galaxy Stella journey begins with arrival at Baltra Airport on Santa Cruz Island. After arrival, the first afternoon excursion takes guests to North Seymour Island, introducing the wildlife experiences that characterize this combined eastern and central Galapagos itinerary. The source specifically highlights North Seymour for its colonies of blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds, making the first day an immediate introduction to the archipelago's birdlife. Following the scheduled afternoon exploration, guests can settle into the intimate surroundings of Galaxy Stella and prepare for the destinations ahead. Lunch and dinner are included on the first day of the cruise.
Meals Included: Lunch / Dinner
Day 2: Santa Fe Island & South Plaza
The second day begins with a morning visit to Santa Fe Island, followed by an afternoon excursion to South Plaza. These are the destinations listed in the detailed AM and PM itinerary for Day 2. The day's heading separately references Genovesa Island, El Barranco or Prince Philip's Steps, Darwin Bay, and red-footed booby spotting; however, those destinations do not match the detailed schedule beneath the heading. To preserve the supplied itinerary without introducing or relocating activities, this version follows Santa Fe in the morning and South Plaza in the afternoon. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included aboard Galaxy Stella throughout the day.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3: Genovesa Island: Barranco & Darwin Bay
Day three is dedicated to Genovesa Island, one of the most important birdwatching destinations highlighted in the supplied tour information. The morning excursion visits Barranco, while the afternoon program continues at Darwin Bay. Genovesa is associated with the opportunity to observe red-footed boobies, making this one of the signature wildlife experiences of the combined itinerary. The source's day heading instead mentions South Plaza Island, its cactus forests and land iguanas, together with Santa Fe Island, endemic iguanas, and snorkeling. Because those descriptions differ from the detailed AM and PM schedule, this itinerary preserves the explicitly listed Genovesa visits. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4: Santa Cruz Highlands & Bachas Beach
The fourth day returns the itinerary to Santa Cruz Island. In the morning, guests visit the Santa Cruz Highlands, followed by an afternoon excursion to Bachas Beach. These two locations comprise the detailed itinerary provided for the day. The source's heading separately references San Cristobal Island, Punta Pitt, Cerro Brujo, coral sand beaches, and volcanic formations, but those locations do not appear in the AM and PM schedule supplied directly below it. For factual consistency, the day's program is presented according to the detailed schedule of Santa Cruz Highlands and Bachas Beach. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included aboard Galaxy Stella.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5: Kicker Rock & Lobos Island
Day five shifts the voyage to San Cristobal Island. The morning itinerary features Kicker Rock, followed by an afternoon visit to Lobos Island. These are the two destinations listed in the detailed schedule for the day. The heading also mentions the Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center together with Isla Lobos, but the interpretation center does not appear in the specific AM and PM entries. To avoid adding an unscheduled visit, this version retains Kicker Rock as the morning destination and Lobos Island as the afternoon destination. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included as the cruise continues through the southeastern portion of the combined route.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6: Española Island: Suarez Point & Gardner Bay
The sixth day is devoted entirely to Española Island, one of the wildlife-rich destinations emphasized in the source. The morning excursion visits Suarez Point, where the itinerary identifies a wildlife walk as part of the day's experience. In the afternoon, guests continue to Gardner Bay, with the source highlighting both the beach and snorkeling. Together, these two excursions showcase different aspects of Española within a single day, combining wildlife observation with coastal exploration. After the afternoon visit, guests return to the comfort of Galaxy Stella, where the yacht's intimate 12-guest setting and premium amenities provide a relaxing environment between excursions. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 7: Floreana Island: Cormorant Point & Post Office Bay
Floreana Island is the focus of Day 7. The morning begins at Cormorant Point, followed by an afternoon visit to Post Office Bay. The source's day heading also mentions Devil's Crown snorkeling as part of the broader Floreana description, although Devil's Crown is not listed separately in the detailed AM or PM schedule. To maintain the exact structure of the supplied itinerary, the scheduled destinations remain Cormorant Point in the morning and Post Office Bay in the afternoon. This final full day of island exploration extends the variety of landscapes and wildlife environments featured throughout the combined route. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 8: Charles Darwin Station & Return to Baltra
The final day begins on Santa Cruz Island with a morning visit to the Charles Darwin Station. This scheduled excursion brings the eight-day combined itinerary to its final destination before guests begin their return journey. After the morning visit, transportation is provided to Baltra Airport for departure, concluding the seven-night cruise aboard Galaxy Stella. Breakfast is included on this final day, and airport transfers within the Galapagos are included when traveling on cruise dates. The transfer to Baltra marks the end of a route that has combined northern, central, eastern, and southeastern island experiences with wildlife observation, guided exploration, and the comforts of an intimate first-class yacht.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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8 Day Galapagos Itinerary Includes
Airport assistance on scheduled cruise departure days
Transportation services and fuel within the Galapagos Marine Reserve
Professional bilingual naturalist guide in English and Spanish
Attentive and personalized service from the onboard crew
Dedicated cruise director to coordinate operations and ensure a smooth guest experience
All meals throughout the cruise, beginning with lunch on the first day and ending with breakfast on the final day
Snacks served after each activity, except on the last day
Welcome cocktail upon arrival
Unlimited purified water, coffee, and tea
All scheduled visits, excursions, and activities included in the itinerary
Private transfers between the airport and the canal, in both directions
Access to VIP lounges at Baltra and San Cristóbal airports
Use of docks and ferry services
Snorkeling gear, including mask, snorkel, and fins
Kayaks and paddleboards available for use in authorized areas
Wetsuits
Accommodation in sea-view cabins with private en-suite bathrooms.
All meals onboard, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring local and international cuisine.
Expert bilingual Galapagos National Park Naturalist Guide.
All land and water excursions detailed in the itinerary.
Airport transfers in the Galapagos Islands on cruise dates.
Complimentary use of snorkeling equipment, including mask, tube, fins, and wetsuits.
Use of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUP).
High-speed Starlink Wi-Fi connection.
Full meals on board (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
8 Day Galapagos Itinerary Does not Include
International airfare to and from Ecuador
Flights between mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil) and the Galapagos Islands
Galapagos National Park entrance fee of USD 200 per person
Transit Control Card fee of USD 20 per person
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Gratuities for guides and crew
Personal expenses and purchases
Travel insurance, which is strongly recommended
Any additional services not specifically mentioned as included
Roundtrip flights to and from the Galapagos Islands.
Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee ($200 USD per adult, payable in cash).
Transit Control Card (TCT) ($20 USD per person, payable in cash).
Alcoholic beverages and premium bottled drinks.
Gratuities for the guide and crew.
Personal expenses and travel insurance.
8 Day Galapagos Itinerary Highlights
Comprehensive Combined Route: Experience a combination of the Northeast and Southeast regions, offering a broad variety of Galapagos landscapes and wildlife.
Exceptional Birdwatching: Visit both Genovesa Island, associated with red-footed boobies, and Española Island within a single voyage.
Intimate 12-Guest Capacity: A maximum of 12 guests creates a private and uncrowded atmosphere during wildlife encounters.
Premium Onboard Amenities: Enjoy a sun deck with Jacuzzi, an outdoor BBQ area, and high-speed Starlink internet.
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