GALAPAGOS BEACHES & BAYS
LED BY NADIA ECKHARDT
May 2027

Overview:

This itinerary explores the Southern and Central route, renowned for its pristine beaches and bays, uncovering the older side of the archipelago, including Española, Floreana, Bartholome and North Seymour Islands. Wildlife highlights include the Waved Albatross. Immerse yourself in the untamed ecosystem of the Galapagos, where each island offers wildlife encounters you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

 

Interested in more information? Please contact Expedition Easy by calling 1-800-617-2319 or (206) 284-2319. Click here to e-mail the Expedition Easy Team with any questions or interest.

This trip is Operated by Ecoventura.

GALAPAGOS BEACHES & BAYS
LED BY NADIA ECKHARDT
May 2027

Day-by-Day Itinerary:

SUNDAY | PEURTO BAQUERIZO & LEON DORMIDO, SAN CRISTOBAL

Upon arriving in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, on San Cristobal Island, our guides will escort you to the expedition yacht. After a short bus ride and Zodiac trip to the anchored yacht, you’ll settle into your cabin and enjoy lunch. Following a welcome briefing and safety drill, choose your snorkeling gear. After lunch, the yacht departs the harbor toward Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock), a stunning rock formation for sunset photography, teeming with blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds. Guests on the Evolve will visit La Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado (David Rodriguez Land Tortoise Breeding Center) before a welcome cocktail reception with the Captain and crew, followed by a four course dinner by our accomplished Relais & Châteaux chefs.

MONDAY | CERRO BRUJO & PUNTA PITT, SAN CRISTOBAL

On your first day of exploration, hop on a Zodiac for a trip to Cerro Brujo. Spot various birds, from brown pelicans to blue-footed boobies, and learn about their age indicators. Marvel at the colorful Sally lightfoot crabs and geological formations. After the tour, relax on the coral sand beach, stroll, or swim with sea lions, this is your chance to test your snorkeling skills. In the afternoon, hike Punta Pitt, famous for birdwatching, including all three boobies species. Snorkel at Pitt Islet with sea lions and vibrant fish. As the yacht sails, enjoy reading or observing “Kicker Rock” from the top deck. Join us for gourmet snacks and local beer sampling on the sundeck, followed by stargazing with your guide after dinner.

TUESDAY | PUNTA SUAEZ & GARDNER BAY, ESPANOLA

This morning, you’ll touch down at Punta Suarez on Española Island, renowned for its endemic species like the waved albatross. Witness their captivating courtship dance if you visit between April and December. Watch your step to avoid the marine iguanas lounging on the dark lava rocks, displaying vibrant hues during mating season. Follow the trail to the dramatic ocean blowhole and spot Sally Lightfoot crabs scuttling along the shore. Encounter various bird species including Darwin’s Finches, Galapagos Hawks, and Nazca boobies. Afterwards, enjoy a BBQ lunch on deck (weather permitting) and learn to make Ecuadorian ceviche in a cooking demo.

After lunch, opt for snorkeling at Gardner Islet and explore caves teeming with invertebrates and sealions. Disembark at Gardner Bay, home to expansive white-sand beaches where sea lions bask. Snorkel, kayak, or simply stroll along the shore, observing wildlife like Darwin Finches. Afterward, return to the yacht for snacks, briefing and dinner.

WEDNESDAY  | PUNTA CORMORANT, DEVIL’S CROWN OR CHAMPION ISLET, & POST OFFICE BAY, FLOREANA

Step ashore at Punta Cormorant’s olive-sand beach on Floreana Island and immerse yourself in the sounds of sea lions, lava herons, and blue-footed boobies. The green mineral tinting the beach is a result of iron and manganese from basaltic lava. Explore a brackish lagoon teeming with birdlife, including flamingos, and observe diverse plant species like mangroves and Scalesia. Visit a beach where sea turtles nest and stingrays glide in shallow waters. Don’t miss snorkeling at Devil’s Crown or Champion Islet, home to a vibrant and abundant underwater world, where you can encounter King AngelFish and white tipped-sharks. Enjoy lunch onboard while learning about the island’s intriguing human history.

In the afternoon, experience the unique Galapagos tradition at Post Office Bay, where you can leave and pick up postcards without postage. Participate in a Zodiac excursion or paddleboard at Baroness Point, spotting sea turtles and rays in the lagoon. Savor an Espresso Martini made from Galapagos-grown coffee before the evening briefing and dinner aboard the yacht.

THURSDAY  | TORTOISE RESERVE, HIGHLANDS & CHARLES DARWIN STATION SANTA CRUZ

As you wake this morning, Puerto Ayora’s bustling harbor on Santa Cruz Island awaits exploration. After a journey to Los Gemelos, massive craters formed over time, visit Rancho Primicias or El Chato to encounter giant tortoises roaming free in their natural habitat. Join the “Green Team” and participate in a reforestation project by planting a tree courtesy of Ecoventura.  Explore enchanting lava tunnels providing an immersive experience. In the afternoon, learn about Darwin and conservation efforts at the Centro de Crianza Fausto Llerena and the Charles Darwin Research Station Exhibition Hall. Encounter species of giant tortoises that embody a hopeful narrative in wildlife conservation. Take a stroll through the seaside village before opting for dinner ashore or returning to the yacht for a delicious meal.

FRIDAY  | BARTOLOME, SOMBRERO CHINO, LAS BACHAS OR BLACK TURTLE

As you wake up this morning, prepare for another adventure on a remote island, with the iconic landscapes of the Galapagos as your backdrop. Choose between two morning activities: a challenging hike on Bartolome Island with breathtaking views of Pinnacle Rock, including about 400 wooden steps to reach the top, or a Zodiac ride to spot playful penguins. Dive into snorkeling, where you can encounter tropical fish, sea stars, white-tipped reef sharks, and Galapagos Penguins. Enjoy lunch on deck, weather permitting, with meats grilled on the BBQ.

In the afternoon, the itinerary varies depending on your yacht. Guests on the Origin explore Sombrero Chino, encountering sea lions, Galapagos Penguin, marine iguanas, and stunning volcanic formations. Snorkeling opportunities abound, often with penguins. Guests on the Theory visit Playa Las Bachas for snorkeling and flamingo sightings. Those on the Evolve embark on a Zodiac excursion at Caleta Tortuga Negra, listening for sea turtles and observing golden rays. Join the crew for a pirate-themed party on the sundeck before the briefing and dinner.

SATURDAY | SOUTH PLAZA & NORTH SEYMOUR ISLANDS

This morning, venture to South Plaza, a small islet renowned for its tall cliffs and diverse flora and fauna. Witness efforts to protect the native prickly pear cactus, and spot nests of various bird species, including swallow-tailed gulls and red-billed tropicbirds. Encounter a colony of bachelor sea lions and observe land iguanas up close.

After lunch, sail to North Seymour Island to witness frigate birds with inflated red sacs during mating season. Learn to distinguish between the Great and Magnificent species. Enjoy a final snorkeling opportunity in deeper waters, where you may encounter sharks, sea lions, and tropical fish. Conclude the week with a champagne toast at the Captain’s farewell gathering before a special presentation from your guides showcasing memories from your Galapagos adventure.

SUNDAY  | INTERPRETATION CENTER, SAN CRISTOBAL

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll disembark from the yacht. As a fitting conclusion to your trip, you’ll visit the Interpretation Center on San Cristobal to delve into the human history of the Galapagos Islands. Relax at a comfortable venue just for Ecoventura’s guests before returning to town. Enjoy some free time for last-minute photos before your transfer to the airport. Though it’s a quick flight back to the mainland, you’ll carry lifelong memories with you.

 

 

 

GALAPAGOS BEACHES & BAYS
LED BY NADIA ECKHARDT
May 2027

Dates:

Exact dates have not yet been announced for May 2027.

Rates:

Exact rates have not yet been announced for May 2027.

Included:

  • Open bar policy including wine, beer, cocktails, spirits, juices, sodas, coffee, and tea
  • Satellite communication: High-speed Wi-Fi available 24/7 for all guests free of charge
  • Guided shore excursions twice daily, evening briefings and enrichment lectures
  • Two Zodiacs and a glass-bottom boat for exploration of the shoreline
  • Multiple Kayaks (five doubles and a single) and two stand-up paddle boards
  • Wet suits (full 3mm) and snorkeling equipment (mask, fins and snorkel)
  • Transfers in the Islands between the airport with meet & greet for AV1630 arrivals only
  • Personalized check-in at the airports in Quito and Guayaquil for AV1630 arrivals only
  • Process and pre-payment of the park entrance fee and INGALA/ TCT card for AV1630 arrivals only

Not Included:

  • International Airfare to Ecuador – you must arrive to Quito or Guayaquil at least one day prior to the cruise.
  • Hotel accommodation in Ecuador the night before or after your cruise – we can assist you with reservations
  • Airfare from Quito or Guayaquil to Galapagos – confirmed through our allotment of seats with Avianca
  • Galapagos Park entrance fee (park tax) – $100 for adults, $50 for children 11 and under. Starting August 1st, the fee will increase to $200 for adults and $100 for children 11 and under
  • INGALA fee of $20 per person for a TCT card to control migration to the islands
  • Gratuities for the guides and crew – the suggested amount is $300-350 per guest per week
  • Purchases from the bar for premium brands of wine and spirits not included in the open bar policy
  • Laundry service – available Monday to Friday
  • Travel Insurance – CFAR is recommended to protect your travel investment from cancellation or delay

International Airfare:

Africa Easy does not make international air reservations and international air is not included in your quote. However, please do let us know if you would like assistance with booking your international air. We would be happy to put you in touch with our airline partner, Exito Travel to assist you with your international air reservation.

General Information:

– Medical Evacuation insurance is mandatory for travel with Expedition Easy and proof of purchase is required. Expedition Easy also strongly recommends purchasing a policy that includes trip cancellation / interruption coverage.

Deposit & Payments:

A completed & signed Expedition Easy Reservation Form, along with your 25% trip deposit and full regional and/or domestic air payment (if applicable) is required at the time of booking.

Reservations:

This itinerary is subject to the availability of all services at the time of making a reservation. No space is being held at this time. Please contact Expedition Easy for the full terms and conditions that apply. We are happy to answer questions and discuss your trip.

To reserve space on a trip on the Expedition Easy website, please contact Expedition Easy by calling 1-800-617-2319 or (206) 284-2319. Click here to e-mail the Expedition Easy Team.

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Dates January - March, 2026
Operated by EcoVentura