Experience an 11-day/10-night expedition aboard the Hermes Galapagos Mega Catamaran, traveling through Santa Cruz, Rabida, Bartolome, South Plaza, Santa Fe, San Cristobal, Española, Floreana, Chinese Hat, and Genovesa while combining wildlife observation, hiking, snorkeling, swimming, panga excursions, volcanic scenery, beaches, and conservation experiences. From Giant Tortoises roaming the Santa Cruz Highlands and Galapagos Penguins around Bartolome and Chinese Hat to sea lion colonies, land and marine iguanas, flamingos, sea turtles, sharks, rays, and remarkable seabird colonies, the itinerary showcases diverse environments across the archipelago. Visits to the San Cristobal Interpretation Center, Charles Darwin Research Station, historic Post Office Bay, Prince Philip’s Steps, Darwin Bay, and Black Turtle Cove add natural history, conservation, and cultural elements to the journey.
11 Day Galapagos Itinerary
Day 1: Baltra Arrival & Giant Tortoises of Santa Cruz
Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, a Hermes guide will welcome you to the Galapagos Islands and escort you to Seymour dock, where you will board the superyacht and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, your exploration begins with a journey into the lush Santa Cruz Highlands. As you leave the arid coast, the environment changes into the humid and misty highlands. Visit a tortoise sanctuary and observe Galapagos Giant Tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat, where they can be seen grazing, resting, and bathing in the mud. The excursion also reveals the volcanic origins of Santa Cruz as you walk inside an impressive lava tunnel, a subterranean passage created by ancient molten rock.
Meals Included: Lunch / Dinner
Day 2: Rabida’s Red Shores & Iconic Bartolome
Make a wet landing on Rabida Island and discover its distinctive deep-red sand, colored by the high iron oxide content in the lava. Follow a trail to a brackish lagoon while searching for Greater Flamingos and White-cheeked Pintails, then continue through a Palo Santo forest toward an elevated lookout with panoramic views of the red bay, mangroves, and nearby islets. Snorkeling offshore provides opportunities to encounter sea lions, reef fish, juvenile sharks, and stingrays. In the afternoon, explore Bartolome Island. After a dry landing, follow the wooden boardwalk toward the summit for views of Pinnacle Rock, volcanic terrain, and crescent-shaped beaches. Finish with snorkeling around Pinnacle Rock while searching for Galapagos Penguins, sea lions, and sea turtles.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3: South Plaza & Santa Fe: Land Iguana Encounters
Explore South Plaza Island, a small islet formed by uplifted lava and home to large colonies of sea lions. Follow the trail through a landscape dominated by Sesuvium plants and an endemic Prickly Pear Cactus forest while looking for the island’s Galapagos Land Iguanas. Along the cliffs, Swallow-tailed Gulls and Red-billed Tropicbirds can also be observed. In the afternoon, make a wet landing at Barrington Bay on Santa Fe Island. Hike through a landscape featuring giant Opuntia cactus and search for the Santa Fe Land Iguana, a distinct subspecies found only here. After exploring on land, enter the turquoise waters of the bay for snorkeling among colonies of sea lions. Rays, tropical fish, sea turtles, and white-tipped reef sharks may also be encountered.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4: San Cristobal: Pitt Point & Witch Hill
Begin at Pitt Point on the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island. Following a wet landing, tackle a demanding trail that climbs the cliff face and reveals dramatic volcanic scenery. The site provides the opportunity to observe Blue-footed, Red-footed, and Nazca Boobies nesting in the same area, while Magnificent and Great Frigatebirds may be seen overhead. After hiking, cool off with snorkeling among sea lions and schools of reef fish, with possible sea turtle encounters. In the afternoon, make a wet landing at Witch Hill and walk along its white coral sand beach. Continue toward a lagoon with birdlife including Brown Pelicans and occasional Blue-footed Boobies. You can relax on the beach or snorkel in the clear waters with sea lions, reef fish, and potentially marine iguanas.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5: Lobos Island, Galapagos History & Tijeretas Hill
The morning takes you to Lobos Island, also called Sea Lion Island. After a short dry landing, follow a gentle trail where Blue-footed Boobies nest and frigatebirds soar overhead. The primary attraction is the large concentration of sea lions, with opportunities to observe pups nursing and males competing for territory close to the trail. In the afternoon, visit the San Cristobal Interpretation Center and explore exhibits covering the volcanic and natural history of the archipelago, its ecosystem, and conservation efforts. Later, hike to Tijeretas Hill for panoramic coastal views that include Kicker Rock and the anchorage below. Frigatebirds can be observed soaring and nesting around the area, while the quiet cove beneath the hill offers an opportunity to swim with sea lions and colorful fish.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6: Española: Gardner Bay & Suarez Point
Begin with a dry landing at Gardner Bay on Española Island, where an extensive white beach of pulverized coral is shared with large colonies of sea lions. Walk and relax along the shoreline before entering the calm water for swimming or snorkeling among colorful marine life; sharks may also be seen resting on the sandy bottom. In the afternoon, make a dry landing at Suarez Point and follow a two-mile (3.2 km) circular trail beside dramatic lava cliffs. Wildlife along the route includes the distinctive red-and-green “Christmas Iguanas,” Nazca Boobies, Blue-footed Boobies, and Waved Albatrosses performing courtship behavior. The excursion concludes at the blowhole, where high tides can send seawater dramatically upward.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 7: Floreana: Cormorant Point & Post Office Bay
Make a wet landing at Cormorant Point and discover its contrasting coastal scenery. Begin on a green-sand beach colored by microscopic olivine crystals before continuing to “Flour Sand Beach,” a white coral beach used as a nesting ground by Pacific Green Sea Turtles. Follow the trail inland to a brackish lagoon while looking for Greater Flamingos, White-cheeked Pintails, and Black-necked Stilts. Snorkeling offshore provides opportunities to encounter sea lions and possibly sea turtles. In the afternoon, visit historic Post Office Bay and its wooden barrel, an unofficial postal service dating to the 18th century. Participate in the tradition by searching for postcards to deliver by hand before taking a panga excursion along the coast to observe the anchoring area, sea lions, and marine birds.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 8: Santa Cruz: Conservation & Giant Tortoises
Spend the morning at the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, where conservation and science take center stage. Walk through breeding and rearing facilities while learning about efforts to rescue and reintroduce endangered species, particularly Galapagos Giant Tortoises. Observe tortoises ranging from small hatchlings to adults and gain insight into the challenges and successes associated with protecting the islands’ wildlife. In the afternoon, return to the Santa Cruz Highlands and ascend into the lush, misty wet zone. At a private reserve, encounter Giant Tortoises roaming freely as they graze, rest, and bathe in the mud. Continue exploring the island’s volcanic history by walking inside lava tunnels and observing large craters formed by the collapse of volcanic chambers.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 9: Dragon Hill & Chinese Hat
Begin at Dragon Hill with a dry landing and a hike through different coastal environments. Pass a brackish lagoon while looking for Greater Flamingos and other wading birds, then continue toward the dry forest in search of reintroduced Galapagos Land Iguanas. Higher sections of the route provide views of the anchorage and surrounding islands. In the afternoon, visit Chinese Hat, a small cone-shaped islet distinguished by its volcanic scenery. Following a wet landing, take a short circular walk while observing marine iguanas resting on dark lava and searching for Galapagos Penguins. The afternoon concludes with snorkeling in the turquoise channel between Chinese Hat and Santiago Island, where sea lions, tropical fish, and white-tipped reef sharks may be encountered among the submerged volcanic formations.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 10: Genovesa: Prince Philip’s Steps & Darwin Bay
Start at Prince Philip’s Steps with a steep climb along a rocky path carved into Genovesa’s cliffs. Reaching the plateau, follow a circular trail through an extensive nesting area populated by Red-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies, and Storm Petrels. A dinghy excursion along the caldera cliffs follows before snorkeling in deeper waters in search of Eagle Rays, sharks, large schools of pelagic fish, and boobies diving from above. In the afternoon, make a wet landing at Darwin Bay and follow a coastal trail through large seabird colonies. Red-footed and Nazca Boobies nest nearby, while Swallow-tailed Gulls and Darwin’s Finches can also be observed. Finish with swimming or snorkeling in the sheltered bay alongside sea lions and colorful reef fish.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 11: Black Turtle Cove & Baltra Airport
Conclude the expedition with a peaceful panga exploration of Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz Island. This secluded mangrove inlet is accessible only by small boat, creating an opportunity for quiet, non-invasive observation of marine nursery life. Glide through the calm, shallow water while looking for juvenile Whitetip Reef Sharks, rays, and young sea turtles sheltering among the mangroves. After this final encounter with the Galapagos marine ecosystem, return to the yacht. The vessel will navigate to North Seymour Pier, where you will transfer by van to the airport, marking the end of the 11-day/10-night Hermes Galapagos Mega Catamaran itinerary.
Meals Included: Breakfast
+12
11 Day Galapagos Itinerary Includes
- Accommodation in double cabin.
- All activities and excursions as depicted in the itineraries in company of a bilingual naturalist guide.
- Snorkeling equipment.
- Kayak
- Wetsuits
- Stand up Paddle Board
- Internet
- All meals on board.
- Purified water, tea, coffee
- Non – alcoholic beverages
- Selected menu premium wines, beer and cocktails
- Laundry service
- Mini bar consumption
- Butler service
- Assistance at the airport for flight to Galapagos on departure dates
- National Park Entrance Fee ($30 Ecuadorians / $200 Foreigners) (Subject to change)
- Galapagos Control Transit $20
- Full meals on board (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
11 Day Galapagos Itinerary Does not Include
- Air ticket to and from Galapagos.
- Gratuities to guides and crew.
- Personals expenses.
- Alcoholic drinks not included in menu selection
- Travel insurance.
- Fuel Surcharge
- Corkage Fee ($100 per bottle)
- Ticket to/from Galapagos
- Entrance to the Galapagos National Park $ 200 USD
- Galapagos control transit card $20,00 USD
- Tips, phones, internet services
- Laundry Service.
- Drinks, Bottled Water, Alcoholic Beverages.
- Optional Tours
- Consumptions or personal charges.
11 Day Galapagos Itinerary Highlights
- Encounter free-roaming Galapagos Giant Tortoises in the Santa Cruz Highlands.
- Explore Rabida’s distinctive red landscape and snorkel with marine wildlife.
- Climb Bartolome for panoramic views of Pinnacle Rock and snorkel in search of Galapagos Penguins.
- Look for Galapagos Land Iguanas on South Plaza and the distinctive Santa Fe Land Iguana on Santa Fe.
- Observe Blue-footed, Red-footed, and Nazca Boobies at Pitt Point.
- Experience sea lion encounters at Lobos Island and Gardner Bay.
- Explore Española’s wildlife-rich Suarez Point and its dramatic blowhole.
- Discover Floreana’s green-sand beach, flamingo lagoon, and historic Post Office Bay.
- Learn about Giant Tortoise conservation at the Charles Darwin Research Station.
- Snorkel around Chinese Hat with opportunities to encounter Galapagos Penguins, sea lions, tropical fish, and white-tipped reef sharks.
- Explore Genovesa’s seabird colonies at Prince Philip’s Steps and Darwin Bay.
- Navigate the mangroves of Black Turtle Cove while looking for sharks, rays, and young sea turtles.
Itinerary Map
Click on the map to navigate the itinerary
Dates & Promotions
Dates |
|---|
No data |
Animals you might see on this itinerary:
0 / 0
More information about the Galapagos Islands you visit in this 11 day itinerary:
11-Day Wildlife & Island Discovery - Hermes Catamaran
From USD 19695,00
Why travel with us?
Over 22 years of experience%20--%3e%3csvg%20version='1.1'%20id='Layer_1'%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20xmlns:xlink='http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink'%20x='0px'%20y='0px'%20viewBox='0%200%20512%20512'%20style='enable-background:new%200%200%20512%20512;'%20xml:space='preserve'%3e%3cg%3e%3cg%3e%3cpath%20d='M424.18,200.763c-1.558,0-3.124,0.043-4.685,0.125c-20.129-42.954-56.688-76.736-101.546-93.182V64%20c0-34.157-27.79-61.947-61.947-61.947c-34.157,0-61.947,27.79-61.947,61.947v43.707c-44.86,16.447-81.419,50.231-101.548,93.186%20c-1.56-0.083-3.125-0.129-4.685-0.129C39.396,200.763,0,240.16,0,288.583c0,5.633,4.566,10.199,10.199,10.199h66.648%20c4.678,39.071,21.888,74.34,47.486,101.669c-9.018,15.386-13.176,33.319-11.773,51.284c1.626,20.824,10.666,40.436,25.454,55.225%20c1.992,1.992,4.602,2.987,7.212,2.987s5.221-0.995,7.212-2.987l55.753-55.753c15.234,4.19,31.263,6.441,47.809,6.441%20c17.145,0,33.738-2.405,49.461-6.893l56.205,56.205c1.992,1.992,4.602,2.987,7.212,2.987c2.61,0,5.221-0.995,7.212-2.987%20c14.789-14.789,23.828-34.403,25.454-55.229c1.444-18.5-3.024-36.957-12.609-52.643c24.899-27.134,41.617-61.883,46.218-100.306%20h66.649c5.633,0,10.199-4.566,10.199-10.199C512,240.16,472.604,200.763,424.18,200.763z%20M75.551,277.199%20c0,0.397,0.012,0.789,0.015,1.185H21.168c4.765-31.266,31.086-55.537,63.273-57.134C78.68,238.873,75.551,257.677,75.551,277.199z%20M214.452,64c0-22.909,18.638-41.549,41.548-41.549S297.549,41.09,297.549,64v37.587c-13.345-3.157-27.253-4.835-41.549-4.835%20c-14.295,0-28.204,1.679-41.548,4.835V64z%20M120.411,362.142c-15.487-24.634-24.462-53.757-24.462-84.942%20c0.001-31.989,9.439-61.81,25.669-86.84l22.637,22.637c1.992,1.992,4.602,2.987,7.212,2.987s5.221-0.995,7.212-2.987%20c3.983-3.983,3.983-10.441,0-14.425l-24.755-24.756c29.381-34.641,73.201-56.669,122.075-56.669%20c48.875,0,92.694,22.028,122.075,56.669l-42.909,42.909l-68.966-39.817v-11.484c0-5.633-4.566-10.199-10.199-10.199%20c-5.633,0-10.199,4.566-10.199,10.199v11.484l-76.655,44.257c-3.156,1.822-5.1,5.188-5.1,8.833v88.508L120.411,362.142z%20M145.763,484.786c-15.009-20.324-17.359-47.248-6.136-69.797c14.036,11.873,29.899,21.646,47.107,28.826L145.763,484.786z%20M246.835,436.98c-45.946-2.606-86.773-24.675-114.332-58.082l42.362-42.362l71.97,41.552V436.98z%20M184.444,318.512v-82.625%20L256,194.574l71.556,41.313v82.625L256,359.825L184.444,318.512z%20M267.234,436.849v-59.957l69.244-39.979l42.545,42.545%20C351.888,412.049,312.077,433.724,267.234,436.849z%20M368.341,484.788l-41.594-41.594c17.233-7.373,33.095-17.35,47.087-29.439%20C385.773,436.55,383.627,464.09,368.341,484.788z%20M391.19,362.777l-43.236-43.236v-86.753l42.428-42.428%20c16.23,25.029,25.668,54.851,25.668,86.839C416.05,308.652,406.925,338.011,391.19,362.777z%20M436.434,278.384%20c0.003-0.396,0.015-0.789,0.015-1.185c0-19.522-3.129-38.326-8.891-55.949c32.187,1.597,58.508,25.869,63.273,57.134H436.434z'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/g%3e%3cg%3e%3cg%3e%3cpath%20d='M256,125.212c-5.633,0-10.199,4.566-10.199,10.199v2.07c0,5.633,4.566,10.199,10.199,10.199%20c5.633,0,10.199-4.566,10.199-10.199v-2.07C266.199,129.778,261.633,125.212,256,125.212z'/%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 "South America & Antarctica Specialists")
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")
24/7 Customer service during your trip
Multi-Destination packagesSimilar Itineraries
Grand Daphne
From USD 4277,00 pp
Galapagos Islands
5 Days
Itinerary 5 Days
Carina
Request a quote
Galapagos Islands
8 Days
Galapagos East 8 Day: Española & San Cristóbal
Natural Paradise
From USD 3245,00 pp
Galapagos Islands
4 Days
Discover The Enchanting Galapagos Islands On A 4 Day Galapagos Cruise
Ocean Spray
From USD 5490,00 pp
Galapagos Islands
5 Days
Galapagos 5 Days Cruise On Board The Ocean Spray North And Central Islands