Embark on a 12-day/11-night journey aboard the Hermes Galapagos Mega Catamaran, exploring Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, North Seymour, Rabida, Bartolome, South Plaza, Santa Fe, San Cristobal, Española, and Floreana through hiking, snorkeling, swimming, panga excursions, wet and dry landings, beaches, volcanic landscapes, historic sites, and conservation-focused visits. Throughout the itinerary, travelers have opportunities to encounter Galapagos Giant Tortoises, Galapagos Penguins, sea lions, Galapagos Fur Seals, land and marine iguanas, sea turtles, sharks, rays, Greater Flamingos, Flightless Cormorants, Blue-footed, Red-footed and Nazca Boobies, Waved Albatrosses, frigatebirds, and other distinctive wildlife while discovering environments ranging from the nutrient-rich waters of Isabela and Fernandina to the misty Santa Cruz Highlands, Española’s wildlife-rich coastline, and Floreana’s historic Post Office Bay.
12 Day Galapagos Itinerary
Day 1: Baltra Airport & Bachas Beach
Arrive at Baltra Airport, where a Hermes guide will welcome you to the Galapagos Islands and escort you to the superyacht. Enjoy lunch aboard and learn about Hermes before beginning your first excursion. In the afternoon, visit Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island, where soft white sand formed from decomposed coral provides a nesting site for sea turtles. Explore the shoreline while looking for Sally Lightfoot crabs among the lava rocks, as well as frigatebirds, Blue-footed Boobies, and sea lions.
Meals Included: Lunch / Dinner
Day 2: Isabela: Tagus Cove & Urbina Bay
Visit Tagus Cove, a historic 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 Flightless Cormorants. Snorkeling provides opportunities to swim with Galapagos Penguins, schools of fish, and possibly sea turtles. In the afternoon, make a wet landing at Urbina Bay, where a dramatic geological uplift in 1954 exposed part of the shallow seabed and coral reef. Walk among coral fossils, search for Galapagos Land Iguanas, admire Alcedo Volcano, and snorkel near Galapagos Penguins with opportunities to observe marine iguanas feeding underwater.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3: Fernandina: Espinoza Point & Isabela: Vicente Roca Point
Make a dry landing at Espinoza Point on Fernandina Island and hike across black basaltic lava flows. Observe one of the large concentrations of marine iguanas described in the source and search for endemic Flightless Cormorants. Explore natural tide pools where marine life and Sally Lightfoot crabs contrast with the dark volcanic terrain while enjoying views 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. Snorkel in nutrient-rich waters where Green Sea Turtles are described as very likely encounters, with additional opportunities to see Galapagos Penguins and search for Red-lipped Batfish and Mola Mola.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4: Santiago: Egas Port & Buccaneer Cove
Explore Egas Port, characterized by black lava sand, volcanic formations, and remnants of a former 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 among sea lions, sea turtles, and schools of tropical fish. In the afternoon, continue to historic Buccaneer Cove, once used by pirates, whalers, and buccaneers. This excursion takes place entirely on the water, with a panga ride beneath high cliffs and unusual rock formations. Look for sea lions and fur seals on small beaches and seabirds such as Brown Pelicans nesting among the rocky crevices.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5: North Seymour & Santa Cruz Highlands
Begin with a dry landing on North Seymour Island and follow a circular trail through an active nesting area. Sea lions and marine iguanas may be encountered along the route, while Blue-footed Boobies can be observed performing their high-stepping courtship dance. Continue to a large nesting area of Magnificent Frigatebirds, where males may display inflated scarlet throat sacks. In the afternoon, ascend from the arid coast into the lush, humid, and misty Santa Cruz Highlands. Visit a tortoise sanctuary where Galapagos Giant Tortoises roam freely, grazing, resting, and bathing in the mud. Complete the excursion by walking through a lava tunnel formed by ancient molten rock.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6: Rabida & Bartolome
Make a wet landing on Rabida Island and discover its distinctive deep-red sand, colored by the high iron oxide content of its lava. Follow a short trail to a brackish lagoon while searching for 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, make a dry landing on Bartolome Island and 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 7: South Plaza & Santa Fe
Spend the morning exploring South Plaza Island, an uplifted lava islet populated by large sea lion colonies. Follow a trail through colorful Sesuvium vegetation and an endemic Prickly Pear Cactus forest while observing Galapagos Land Iguanas. Along the cliffs, look for 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 encounters involving rays, sea turtles, and white-tipped reef sharks.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 8: 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. This site provides opportunities 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 seen 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 observed, then relax or snorkel in the turquoise waters alongside sea lions, colorful reef fish, and potentially marine iguanas.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 9: Lobos Island, Interpretation Center & Tijeretas Hill
Begin at Lobos Island with a short dry landing and a gentle walk along a defined trail. Observe nesting Blue-footed Boobies, frigatebirds overhead, and the island’s high concentration of sea lions, including pups and territorial males. In the afternoon, visit the San Cristobal Interpretation Center and explore exhibits covering the volcanic and natural history of the archipelago and its conservation efforts. Later, hike to Tijeretas Hill for panoramic views of the coast, Kicker Rock, and the ship anchorage. Frigatebirds can be observed soaring and nesting, while the quiet cove below provides an opportunity to swim alongside sea lions and colorful fish.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 10: Española: Gardner Bay & Suarez Point
Make a dry landing at Gardner Bay and discover its long white beach composed of pulverized coral. Walk or relax among large colonies of sea lions before swimming or snorkeling in the calm, crystalline bay, where colorful marine life and possibly groups of sharks resting on the sandy bottom may be observed. In the afternoon, make a dry landing at Suarez Point and follow a two-mile (3.2 km) circular trail along spectacular lava cliffs. Look for the distinctive red-and-green “Christmas Iguanas,” hundreds of Nazca Boobies, Blue-footed Boobies performing their signature dance, and Waved Albatrosses displaying courtship behavior. Finish at the blowhole, where high tides can send seawater dramatically upward.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 11: Floreana: Cormorant Point & Post Office Bay
Make a wet landing at Cormorant Point and encounter a green-sand beach colored by microscopic olivine crystals. Continue to “Flour Sand Beach,” a white coral beach that serves as a nesting ground for Pacific Green Sea Turtles. Follow the inland trail to a brackish lagoon while searching for Greater Flamingos, White-cheeked Pintails, and Black-necked Stilts. Snorkeling offshore provides opportunities to encounter sea lions and possibly a sea turtle. In the afternoon, visit Post Office Bay and its famous wooden barrel, which has served as an unofficial postal service since the 18th century. Participate in the traditional postcard exchange before taking a panga ride along the coast to observe sea lions, marine birds, and the historic anchoring area.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 12: Charles Darwin Research Station & Baltra Airport
Spend the final morning at the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. Walk through breeding and rearing facilities and learn about conservation work focused on rescuing and reintroducing endangered species, particularly Galapagos Giant Tortoises. Observe tortoises ranging from small hatchlings to adults while learning about the conservation challenges and successes associated with protecting the archipelago’s unique wildlife. The source labels this day “Charles Darwin Station / Baltra Airport,” but does not provide additional details regarding the transfer to Baltra Airport.
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 Galapagos Giant Tortoises roaming freely in the Santa Cruz Highlands.
- Explore Tagus Cove and hike toward Darwin’s Lake on Isabela Island.
- Discover Urbina Bay’s uplifted landscape, coral fossils, land iguanas, and marine wildlife.
- Observe large concentrations of marine iguanas and Flightless Cormorants at Espinoza Point.
- Snorkel the nutrient-rich waters of Vicente Roca Point with opportunities to encounter Green Sea Turtles and Galapagos Penguins.
- Explore Egas Port’s volcanic coastline and Galapagos Fur Seal habitat.
- Observe Blue-footed Boobies and Magnificent Frigatebirds at North Seymour.
- Experience Rabida’s deep-red 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.
- Experience sea lion colonies at Lobos Island and Gardner Bay.
- Discover Española’s Suarez Point, including its marine iguanas, seabird colonies, Waved Albatrosses, and blowhole.
- Explore Floreana’s green-sand beach, flamingo lagoon, and historic Post Office Bay.
- Finish with a conservation-focused visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Itinerary Map
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12-day Wildlife Island Explorer - Hermes Catamaran
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