Embark on a 12-day/11-night journey aboard the Hermes Galapagos Mega Catamaran, exploring Santa Cruz, Chinese Hat, Genovesa, Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, North Seymour, Rabida, Bartolome, South Plaza, Santa Fe, and San Cristobal through a combination of hiking, snorkeling, swimming, panga excursions, wet and dry landings, beaches, mangroves, and volcanic landscapes. Wildlife encounters are central throughout the itinerary, with opportunities to observe Galapagos Giant Tortoises, land and marine iguanas, Galapagos Penguins, sea lions, Galapagos Fur Seals, sea turtles, sharks, rays, flamingos, Flightless Cormorants, Blue-footed, Red-footed and Nazca Boobies, Magnificent and Great Frigatebirds, and other distinctive species while discovering locations ranging from the misty Santa Cruz Highlands and Genovesa’s seabird colonies to the marine-rich waters of Isabela and Fernandina.
12 Day Galapagos Itinerary
Day 1: Baltra Airport & Santa Cruz Highlands
Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, a Hermes guide will welcome you to the Galapagos Islands and escort you to Seymour dock. Board the superyacht and enjoy lunch before beginning your first excursion. In the afternoon, travel from the arid coast into the lush, misty Santa Cruz Highlands. Visit a private reserve where Galapagos Giant Tortoises roam freely in their natural habitat and can be observed grazing, resting, and bathing in the mud. Continue your exploration of the island’s volcanic origins by walking through lava tunnels formed by ancient molten rock and observing large craters created by collapsed volcanic chambers.
Meals Included: Lunch / Dinner
Day 2: Dragon Hill & Chinese Hat
Begin with a dry landing at Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island and hike through several 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 trail provide views of the anchorage and surrounding islands. In the afternoon, make a wet landing at Chinese Hat and follow a short circular trail through the volcanic landscape. Observe marine iguanas basking on the dark lava and search for Galapagos Penguins along the shoreline. Finish with snorkeling in the turquoise channel between Chinese Hat and Santiago Island, where sea lions, tropical fish, and white-tipped reef sharks are among the marine life described.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3: Genovesa: Prince Philip’s Steps & Darwin Bay
Explore Prince Philip’s Steps, beginning with a steep rocky ascent carved into the cliffs of Genovesa Island. At the plateau, follow a circular trail through an extensive nesting colony of Red-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies, and Storm Petrels. After hiking, take a dinghy ride along the caldera cliffs before snorkeling in deeper waters in search of Eagle Rays, sharks, and large schools of pelagic fish. In the afternoon, make a wet landing on the coral sand beach at Darwin Bay. Walk through another major seabird nesting colony while observing Red-footed and Nazca Boobies, Swallow-tailed Gulls, and Darwin’s Finches. Conclude with swimming or snorkeling in the sheltered natural harbor alongside sea lions and colorful reef fish.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4: Black Turtle Cove & Bachas Beach
Spend the morning exploring the mangroves of Black Turtle Cove by panga. This secluded inlet provides a quiet setting for observing marine nursery life, including juvenile Whitetip Reef Sharks, rays, and young sea turtles sheltering in the calm, shallow waters. In the afternoon, visit Bachas Beach, where soft white sand formed from decomposed coral provides a nesting area for sea turtles. Walk along the shoreline and look for Sally Lightfoot crabs among the lava rocks. Frigatebirds, Blue-footed Boobies, and sea lions are also among the wildlife described for this coastal location.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5: Isabela: Tagus Cove & Urbina Bay
Visit historic Tagus Cove, an anchorage used by whalers and pirates dating back to the 1800s. Following a dry landing, hike along the slopes of Darwin Volcano to panoramic viewpoints and Darwin’s Lake, a saltwater crater lake situated above sea level. Continue by dinghy beneath the cliffs while observing Blue-footed Boobies, Brown Noddies, and the endemic Flightless Cormorant. Snorkeling in the cove provides opportunities to swim with Galapagos Penguins, schools of fish, and possibly sea turtles. In the afternoon, make a wet landing at Urbina Bay, a landscape shaped by a dramatic geological uplift in 1954. Walk among exposed coral fossils, search for Galapagos Land Iguanas, enjoy views of Alcedo Volcano, and snorkel near Galapagos Penguins with the possibility of observing marine iguanas feeding underwater.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6: Fernandina: Espinoza Point & Isabela: Vicente Roca Point
Make a dry landing at Espinoza Point and hike across Fernandina’s black basaltic lava flows. Observe the large concentration of marine iguanas described for this site and search for endemic Flightless Cormorants. Explore natural tide pools where marine life and colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs contrast with the dark volcanic terrain, while views extend across the Bolivar Channel toward Isabela and La Cumbre Volcano. In the afternoon, explore Vicente Roca Point entirely from the water. Cruise by panga beneath towering cliffs while searching for Blue-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies, and Flightless Cormorants. Snorkeling takes place in nutrient-rich waters where Green Sea Turtles are described as very likely encounters, with additional opportunities to see Galapagos Penguins, Red-lipped Batfish, and Mola Mola.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 7: Santiago: Egas Port & Buccaneer Cove
Explore Egas Port, distinguished by black lava sand, volcanic rock formations, and remnants of a salt mine that operated during the 1960s. Follow a coastal trail past grottos and natural lava pools while observing Galapagos Fur Seals, marine iguanas, and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Later, snorkel from the beach with opportunities to swim alongside sea lions, sea turtles, and schools of tropical fish. In the afternoon, continue to Buccaneer Cove, historically used by pirates, whalers, and buccaneers. This excursion takes place entirely on the water, with a panga ride beneath high cliffs and distinctive rock formations. Look for sea lions and fur seals on small beaches and seabirds such as Brown Pelicans nesting in rocky crevices.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 8: North Seymour & Santa Cruz Highlands
Begin the morning on North Seymour Island with a dry landing and a circular walk through an active nesting area. Sea lions and marine iguanas may be encountered along the trail, while Blue-footed Boobies can be observed performing their distinctive high-stepping courtship dance. Continue to the nesting area of Magnificent Frigatebirds, where males may display their inflated scarlet throat sacks. In the afternoon, return to the Santa Cruz Highlands and enter the humid, misty interior. Visit a tortoise sanctuary where Galapagos Giant Tortoises roam freely, grazing, resting, and bathing in the mud. Complete the excursion by walking inside a lava tunnel formed by ancient molten rock.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 9: Rabida & Bartolome
Make a wet landing on Rabida Island and discover its distinctive deep-red sand, colored by the high iron oxide content of the lava. Follow a short trail to a brackish lagoon in search of Greater Flamingos and White-cheeked Pintails, then ascend through a Palo Santo forest to a lookout overlooking the red bay, mangroves, and nearby islets. Snorkel offshore among sea lions and colorful reef fish, with possible sightings of juvenile sharks and stingrays. In the afternoon, explore Bartolome Island. Following a dry landing, climb a wooden boardwalk to the summit for panoramic views of Pinnacle Rock, volcanic terrain, and crescent-shaped beaches. Later, snorkel around Pinnacle Rock while searching for Galapagos Penguins and swimming alongside sea lions, with possible encounters with large sea turtles.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 10: South Plaza & Santa Fe
Spend the morning on South Plaza Island, an islet formed by uplifted lava and inhabited by large sea lion colonies. Follow a trail through colorful Sesuvium vegetation and an endemic Prickly Pear Cactus forest while looking for Galapagos Land Iguanas. Along the cliffs, observe Swallow-tailed Gulls and Red-billed Tropicbirds. In the afternoon, make a wet landing at Barrington Bay on Santa Fe Island. Hike through a giant Opuntia cactus forest while searching for the Santa Fe Land Iguana. After exploring on land, snorkel in the turquoise bay among sea lions and tropical fish, with possible sightings of rays, sea turtles, and white-tipped reef sharks.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 11: San Cristobal: Pitt Point & Witch Hill
Make a wet landing at Pitt Point on the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island and follow a demanding trail climbing the volcanic tuff cliffs. The site provides an opportunity to observe three species of boobies nesting in the same area: Blue-footed, Red-footed, and Nazca Boobies. Magnificent and Great Frigatebirds may also be observed overhead. After hiking, snorkel offshore among sea lions and schools of reef fish, with possible sea turtle encounters. In the afternoon, make a short wet landing at Witch Hill and walk along its white coral sand beach. Continue to a nearby lagoon where Brown Pelicans and occasional Blue-footed Boobies may be seen. Relax on the beach or snorkel in the clear waters alongside sea lions, colorful reef fish, and potentially marine iguanas.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 12: Lobos Island & San Cristobal Airport
Spend your final morning at Lobos Island, also known as Sea Lion Island. Following a short dry landing, take a gentle walk along a defined trail and observe a small colony of nesting Blue-footed Boobies as frigatebirds soar overhead. The primary attraction is the high concentration of sea lions, with opportunities to observe pups nursing and large males competing for territory close to the trail. After this final wildlife excursion, return to the yacht to prepare for your transfer back to the mainland. The source identifies the day as “Lobos Island / Airport,” although additional airport-transfer logistics are not provided.
Meals Included: Breakfast
+12
12 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)
12 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.
12 Day Galapagos Itinerary Highlights
- Encounter free-roaming Galapagos Giant Tortoises in the Santa Cruz Highlands.
- Explore Dragon Hill in search of reintroduced Galapagos Land Iguanas.
- Snorkel around Chinese Hat with sea lions, tropical fish, white-tipped reef sharks, and opportunities to see Galapagos Penguins.
- Discover Genovesa’s remarkable seabird colonies at Prince Philip’s Steps and Darwin Bay.
- Navigate Black Turtle Cove’s mangroves in search of juvenile sharks, rays, and young sea turtles.
- Explore Isabela and Fernandina at Tagus Cove, Urbina Bay, Espinoza Point, and Vicente Roca Point.
- Observe Blue-footed Boobies and Magnificent Frigatebirds at North Seymour.
- Experience Rabida’s red-sand landscape and Bartolome’s iconic Pinnacle Rock.
- Search for Galapagos Land Iguanas on South Plaza and the Santa Fe Land Iguana on Santa Fe.
- Observe Blue-footed, Red-footed, and Nazca Boobies at Pitt Point.
- Snorkel in multiple locations with opportunities to encounter sea lions, sea turtles, sharks, rays, tropical fish, and Galapagos Penguins.
- Finish with a close-up sea lion encounter at Lobos Island.
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 12 day itinerary:
12-Day Wildlife & Island Expedition - Hermes Catamaran
From USD 21595,00
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
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
Galapagos Explorer
Request a quote
Galapagos Islands
16 Days
The Best Of Ecuador