Follow the historic and scientific footsteps of pirates and Charles Darwin on this immersive Galapagos journey. This expedition combines dramatic volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and extraordinary wildlife encounters across some of the most iconic and remote islands in the archipelago. From snorkeling alongside sea lions and penguins to observing rare endemic species, each day reveals a new perspective on evolution within one of the world’s most unique natural environments.
8 Day Galapagos Itinerary
Day 1: Baltra Island & Daphne Island: Eden for Animals
a.m. Arrive to Baltra Island Airport
p.m. Daphne Island or Bahia Borrero
Your journey begins with an early flight to Baltra Island, the gateway to the Galapagos. After arrival and a brief inspection at the national park, you will meet your naturalist guide and transfer to the yacht via a short bus ride and dinghy crossing. Once aboard, you will settle into your cabin and attend an introductory briefing as the vessel begins navigation through the islands. In the afternoon, explore either Bahia Borrero or view Daphne Minor from a distance. Bahia Borrero features a calm mangrove inlet filled with wildlife such as sea turtles, reef sharks, rays, and tropical fish, making it ideal for a scenic dinghy ride. Alternatively, Daphne Minor is a historically important site in evolutionary research, known for long-term studies on Darwin’s finches. This first day offers a gentle introduction to the biodiversity and landscapes of the Galapagos.
Meals Included: Lunch / Dinner
Day 2: Isabela Island & Fernandina Island: The Archipelago’s Newest Work
a.m. Isabela Island: Punta Vicente Roca
p.m. Fernandina Island: Punta Espinoza
Begin your day at Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island, where dramatic volcanic formations create sheltered coves rich in marine life. A dinghy ride along the cliffs reveals nesting seabirds such as blue-footed boobies and flightless cormorants. Snorkeling in these nutrient-rich waters offers opportunities to encounter sea lions, sea turtles, rays, and a variety of fish species. Later, cross the Bolivar Channel, a prime area for spotting whales, as you travel to Fernandina Island. At Punta Espinoza, walk across striking lava landscapes populated by large colonies of marine iguanas. Observe Galapagos penguins diving into the water and spot unique species like the flightless cormorant. The island’s pristine condition and active volcanic features make this one of the most remarkable destinations in the archipelago.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3: Isabela Island: Yellow Dragons and Underwater Pastures
a.m. Isabela Island: Urbina Bay
p.m. Isabela Island: Tagus Cove
Today focuses on the diverse ecosystems of Isabela Island. In the morning, visit Urbina Bay, an area uplifted from the ocean floor in 1954, exposing coral formations and marine remains. Walk across this unusual terrain while observing giant land iguanas and, during certain seasons, giant tortoises. The beach also offers excellent snorkeling opportunities among tropical fish. In the afternoon, continue to Tagus Cove, a historic anchorage once used by pirates and whalers. A dinghy ride along the cliffs provides views of seabirds and penguins, while a hike leads past Darwin Lake to scenic viewpoints overlooking surrounding volcanoes and the coastline. This day blends geology, history, and wildlife, with possible sightings of dolphins and whales as you sail onward.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4: Santiago Island: Pinnacle and Lavascapes
a.m. Santiago Island: Bartolome
p.m. Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay
Visit Bartolomé Island, home to the iconic Pinnacle Rock, one of the most recognized landmarks in the Galapagos. A walk along boardwalk trails leads to the summit, offering panoramic views of nearby islands and turquoise waters. Along the route, observe volcanic formations that illustrate the island’s geological history. Afterward, continue to Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, where a relatively recent lava flow has created a striking landscape of black, rope-like formations. Walking across this terrain feels like stepping into another world, with intricate patterns formed by cooling lava. Snorkeling along the coast provides opportunities to swim with penguins, sea lions, rays, and reef sharks, making this day a highlight for both land and water exploration.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5: Santa Cruz Island & Rabida Island: The Red Island
a.m. Santa Cruz Island: Bachas Beach
p.m. Rabida Island
Start your day at Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island, a peaceful white-sand beach known for sea turtle nesting and a nearby lagoon that attracts flamingos and other bird species. Enjoy a relaxing walk along the shore or optional snorkeling in calm waters. In the afternoon, visit Rabida Island, famous for its distinctive red sand and cliffs. A short hike reveals diverse birdlife and scenic viewpoints, while a lagoon behind the beach is often home to flamingos. The surrounding waters offer excellent snorkeling, where you may encounter schools of fish, sea turtles, and occasionally sharks. Optional kayaking or paddleboarding provides a different perspective of the island’s coastline.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6: Santa Cruz Island: Realm of the Tortoise
a.m. Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Research Station
p.m. Santa Cruz Island: Pit Craters & Highlands
Travel to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, where conservation efforts focus on protecting and breeding giant tortoises. Observe these iconic animals at different stages of life and learn about ongoing environmental initiatives. In the afternoon, head into the highlands, where the landscape shifts from dry coastal vegetation to lush green forests. Visit a reserve to see giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat. Explore lava tubes formed by ancient volcanic activity and visit Los Gemelos, twin sinkhole craters surrounded by endemic plant species. This day offers a deeper understanding of the islands’ ecology and conservation efforts.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 7: Española Island: The Perfect Beach and Blowhole
a.m. Española Island: Suarez Point
p.m. Española Island: Gardner Bay
Arrive at Española Island, one of the most wildlife-rich destinations in the Galapagos. At Punta Suarez, follow a trail past colorful marine iguanas, nesting seabirds, and dramatic coastal cliffs. Witness a blowhole that sends water high into the air and, during the appropriate season, observe waved albatross performing courtship displays. In the afternoon, relax at Gardner Bay, a pristine white-sand beach inhabited by sea lions. Snorkeling here offers close encounters with playful sea lion pups, reef sharks, and a variety of tropical fish. The combination of abundant wildlife and stunning scenery makes this a memorable day.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 8: San Cristobal: Farewell to Darwin’s First Island
a.m. San Cristobal: Kicker Rock and Interpretation Center
p.m. San Cristobal Island Airport
Conclude your journey on San Cristóbal Island. Visit Kicker Rock, a dramatic volcanic formation rising from the ocean and home to various seabirds and marine species. Continue to the Interpretation Center to learn about the natural and human history of the Galapagos. A short walk to Frigatebird Hill offers excellent opportunities to observe both magnificent and great frigatebirds. After some free time to explore the port town or shop for souvenirs, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the mainland, marking the end of your expedition.
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 iconic wildlife such as giant tortoises, sea lions, penguins, and marine iguanas
- Exploration of remote and pristine islands including Fernandina and Española
- Snorkeling in clear waters alongside rays, reef sharks, and tropical fish
- Walking across unique volcanic landscapes and recent lava flows
- Learning about Darwin’s theory of evolution in its natural setting
Itinerary Map
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In the Steps of Pirates and Darwin - Evolution Yacht
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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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