Galapagos Islands 7-Day Western aboard Yacht La Pinta
Galapagos Islands 7-Day Western aboard Yacht La Pinta
We’re delighted to have you on board for this journey of discovery to some of the most beautiful islands in the Galapagos. This itinerary will take us to the true origins of the archipelago, to a world only recently created by the titanic tectonic upheavals of our Earth’s crust, whose volcanic hot spot formed the islands in a blink of an eye in geological time. Fernandina Island is regarded as one of the most pristine island environments anywhere in the world, where life has evolved in its natural state, far from the intervention of man.
On Santa Cruz, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and get up close to giant tortoises in their natural environment. In the south, we learn about the Galapagos very own “murder mystery”, spot flamingos and snorkel at one of the best sites in the archipelago: Champion Islet. Back in the Central Islands, we head back to Baltra Island for the flight back to the mainland.
Book This ExperienceA glimpse of the journey
Your Itinerary
A curated journey through the experience
Baltra
This adventure begins with your morning flight to Baltra Island and an immediate transfer to the nearby dock to board Yacht La Pinta. After an introductory briefing onboard, we will all partake in an emergency boat drill, after which you will be assigned to your cabin and then be invited to lunch.
2 hoursMetropolitan Touring
Day 2: Isabela & Fernandina Islands
3 hoursIsabela Island
Because there is no disembarking site at this location, this coastal exploration is done aboard dinghies. Naturalist guides will explain the dramatic geology of the area that are made up of lava flows and tuff stone layers. There is abundant wildlife present here and, depending on weather conditions, you will be able to snorkel along the cliffs, most likely in the company of green sea turtles!
3 hoursPunta Espinoza
Day 3: Urbina Bay and Tagus Cove
3 hoursUrbina Bay
After breakfast, we will disembark at Urbina Bay over on the western side of Isabela Island. This visitor site happens to be the result of the tectonic uplift of the ocean floor! As a result, we will get to see plenty of corals and shells alongside large and very colorful Galapagos land iguanas. Occasionally, we might even be lucky enough to spot giant tortoises. While sailing across the Bolívar Channel, we will have a high chance of spotting several species of whales.
3 hoursTagus Cove
Day 4: Rabida & Santa Cruz Islands
3 hoursRabida Island
In the morning, we will disembark at Rabida Island’s red-colored beach. A stroll along the beach allows us to observe marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin’s finches. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach, too. Non-snorkelers are invited to ride Yacht La Pinta’s glass-bottom boat for an exploration of life underneath the waves.
3 hoursDragon Hill (Cerro Dragon)
Day 5: Santa Cruz Island
3 hoursCharles Darwin Research Station
The morning visit on this day takes us over to the Charles Darwin Research Station, with its giant tortoise pens and an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest. These are the Galapagos’ headquarters for scientific research and conservation. The Station also functions as the administration offices for the Galapagos National Park.
2 hoursHighland View Galapagos
Day 6: Floreana Island
3 hoursFloreana
After breakfast, we will disembark at Post Office Bay (Floreana Island) to visit the historic “Post Office Barrel” that has functioned as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries! Dinghy rides along the maze of channels over on Floreana’s north shore can also be enjoyed. Views from La Lobería and the Baroness Viewpoint are quite rewarding, too. There’s great kayaking and swimming from the beach here as well.
3 hoursFloreana
Day 7: Baltra Island
3 hoursBaltra
No accommodation included on this day.
3 hoursIncluded
- Island Sightseeing with certified Naturalist Guides
- Snorkeling gear
- Doctor onboard 24/7
- Glass Bottom boat, Kayaks, Paddleboards
- Wetsuits
- Wifi (Due to the Galapagos' remote location, connections are intermittent and low-bandwidth)
- Landing and facility fees
- Fitness Room
- Outdoor terrace / BBQ
- Gift shop
- Reading room and natural history library
- Multiple purpose room
- 24/7 coffee station (free coffee, tea, and water)
- Safe deposit box (in cabin)
- Kayaks
- Pangas (inflatable dinghies for coastal exploration)
- 6x Breakfast
- 6x Lunch
- 6x Dinner
- Accommodation included: 6 nights
- Entry/Admission - Charles Darwin Research Station
- Entry/Admission - Highland View Galapagos
Not Included
- Air transportation to/from Galapagos and airport taxes
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities (optional)
- Fuel surcharge
Good to Know
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Itinerary subject to change due to weather, logistical, Galápagos Park regulations or operational reasons
- Baggage important notes: Guests can bring aboard the ship a reasonable amount of clothing and personal effects without charge. Baggage is handled in accordance with the airlines’ regulations and tariffs. Baggage exceeding these limitations is subject to the charges as set forth by the individual operators. Airlines are strict with baggage limitations. The current limits are 23 kg (50.6 pounds) for checked items, 8 kg (17 pounds) for hand luggage and 1 personal item (handbag, camera bag, laptop, etc.)
- All baggage must be securely packed, and properly and clearly labeled. Liquid, fragile, perishable and other articles not suitably packed are transported at guests’ own risk.
- Restricted Baggage in the Galapagos: Local authorities manage the quarantine system of the Galápagos National Park in order to reduce the possibility of foreign species invading the archipelago. All cargo and luggage that arrives to Galapagos National Park or that is transferred from one island to another must be inspected. To preserve the human health and the native species of the Galapagos Islands, the following products may not be transferred to Galapagos: fresh vegetables and fruits, animal products and or their derivatives, dairy products. Other live animals, pathological samples, dry coffee beans, genetically modified organisms, forest species or their disseminative parts, grass and its disseminative parts, fresh flowers, medicinal plants and their disseminative parts, banana tree leaves, micro-organisms (fungi, bacteria, etc.) soil and sand, and animal vaccines
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Face masks required for travelers in public areas
- Face masks required for guides in public areas
- Face masks provided for travelers
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Regular temperature checks for staff
- Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
- Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required for travelers
- COVID-19 vaccination required for guides
- Reduced number of guests per naturalist guide (11 people) Shifts in restaurant to mantain social distance between guests Regularly desinfected Jacuzzi after use Single use snorkeling mouth piece Ozone tunnel to board the ship Regular medical exam and PCR tests conducted to our staff
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Tickets & Cancellation
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
If you cancel at least 4 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.