Ultimate Galápagos Expedition Cruise (2025)

Arrive in Guayaquil, where you are met and transferred to the elegant Hotel del Parque in the heart of the city.

Hotel del Parque

Fly to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galápagos Islands and San Cristóbal’s main port. Upon arrival, hop aboard a Zodiac for the brisk ride to your luxurious adventure yacht anchored in the bay. After lunch on board, sail to León Dormido (Sleeping Lion), a remnant of a tuff cone formation rising some 152 metres from the ocean. Observe the variety of species that inhabit its cliffs, including the blue-footed booby, Nazca booby and frigatebird. Tonight, join the Captain, crew and Expedition Team for a cocktail reception and welcome dinner.

Theory | Meals: BLD

On Genovesa Island, visit Prince Philip’s Steps, one of the islands’ premier birdwatching destinations. After lunch, explore the cliffs by kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or on a deep-water snorkelling excursion from the Zodiac. This afternoon, arrive at Darwin Bay, a coral sand beach where lava gulls gather by tide pools. Wade out to swim or snorkel with playful sea lions in these warmer northern-route waters.

Theory | Meals: BLD

Drop anchor on the northern side of Santa Cruz Island to visit Playa Las Bachas (Bachas Beach), home to bright pink flamingos that feed on the interior lagoons. Stroll along its long, glittering white sand beach. After lunch on board, step ashore at Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill) and climb its slopes to take in magnificent views of the bay.

Theory | Meals: BLD

This morning, board a Zodiac to explore the waters off Punta Vicente Roca, where you might enjoy an opportunity to snorkel with penguins diving playfully in the water. After lunch, sail through the Bolivar Channel to watch for whales and perhaps spot dolphins riding the bow wave of your vessel. In the afternoon, disembark at Isabela Island’s Urbina Bay, home to over six kilometres of dry seabed exposed by a volcanic eruption. After a wet landing on the beach, explore the remnants of coral skeletons, some of them waist-high. Keep watch for the Galápagos land iguana, marine iguana, giant tortoise, and other distinctive species that call this island home.

Theory | Meals: BLD

Arrive at Fernandina Island’s Punta Espinoza to encounter its sea lion colonies and other diverse species. Watch as the resident bulls carefully guard their harems and keep lookout for sharks that threaten the colony’s pups. Glimpse some of the hundreds of marine iguanas that share this rocky domain, the largest colony in the Galápagos, as they warm themselves along the rugged shoreline. Next, land at Isabela Island’s Tagus Cove, a former anchorage of pirates and whalers. Explore by Zodiac or kayak in search of Galápagos penguins, boobies, pelicans and other seabirds. After dinner, go topside to take in the sparkling night sky as you cross the Equator for the final time on your Galápagos voyage.

Theory | Meals: BLD

Today, the dark red sands of Rábida Island welcome you ashore. Considered the geographic centre of the Galápagos, Rábida’s volcanic rocks are the most diverse in the archipelago. Hike a trail beside the shore, keeping watch for marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin’s finch. Continue to a saltwater lagoon where migrating greater flamingos flock. Then, take advantage of the option to snorkel among a large colony of playful, inquisitive sea lions. After lunch on board, resume your explorations in this fascinating corner of the Galápagos Islands.

Theory | Meals: BLD

Awake in Santa Cruz’s lively harbour of Academy Bay. Go ashore at Ayora Point and ascend through the seven vegetation zones of the Galápagos as you make your way into the highlands. Next, visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre to a vital resource harbouring various species of giant tortoise, followed by a stop at the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you learn about ongoing conservation efforts. After lunch back on board, set out again to view “the tunnels” — the largest lava tubes found in the Galápagos. Next, proceed to Rancho Primicias, a privately owned farm in the highlands, where you encounter the giant tortoise in its natural habitat. Later, return to your ship by Zodiac for a lavish farewell dinner.

Theory | Meals: BLD

After breakfast, bid your Captain and crew farewell as you disembark your yacht for a final time on San Cristóbal. Once ashore, visit the local Interpretation Centre to learn more about the island’s anthropology and natural history. Afterward, enjoy time at leisure, perhaps walking a nearby trail or taking some last-minute photos. Later today, fly to Guayaquil or Quito to connect with your homeward flight.

Meals: B

Note: Vessel subject to change. Ecoventura Theory’s sister ships Origin or Evolve may also be used.

This journey contains some active elements, including Zodiac boat excursions, walks over uneven terrain and optional, challenging hikes.
Minimum age is 7 years.
First group event: welcome briefing and dinner at 6:15 p.m. on Day 2.
Last group event: disembarkation at 8:30 a.m. on Day 9.

Included with this Luxury Expedition Cruise

• An exclusively chartered, all-inclusive voyage led by A&K’s Expedition Team
• Pre-cruise hotel stay
• Airport meet and greet and transfers
• Exceptional Relais & Chateaux dining and open bar onboard
• Zodiac excursions led by naturalist driver-guides
• Aquatic activities, such as snorkelling and kayaking
• Enrichment program, lectures and presentations
• Traveller’s Valet^® laundry service on board
• All Gratuities, port charges and taxes
• Complimentary Wi-Fi on board and in hotels
• Onboard service from an English-speaking staff
• 24/7 A&K on-call support