EcoGalaxy First-Class Catamaran

Itinerary A (5 days) Tue-Sat

• Fantastic snorkels in varied spots
• Blue-footed and red-footed boobies, marine and land iguanas
• Spot giant Galapagos tortoises
• Visit the remote northern islands

Upon arrival at San Cristobal airport, you pass through an airport inspection point, pay the park entrance fee of USD 100 (unless prepaid), meet your guide, and collect your luggage.

Next, we head to the harbour to board the first-class catamaran, EcoGalaxy. After settling in and lunch, we set off on our first Galapagos visit.

Lobos Island

Lobos Island is a small islet separated from San Cristobal by a narrow channel. It forms a sheltered bay where sea lion pups play in tidal pools.

Lobos Island is packed with wildlife, despite its diminutive stature. Its name comes from lobos marinos, the Spanish name for sea lions. There are plenty of chances to see and snorkel with these magnificent beasts.

There are often sea lions waiting to welcome us at our land spot. We’ll take a short walk (600m) around Lobos Island, looking for male frigatebirds inflating their famous red-throat pouches. Blue-footed boobies also nest here and may perform their renowned courtship dance.

The usually calm waters here are perfect for a first snorkel. Sea turtles and rays may skin across the sandy sea floor, while sea lions usually enjoy swimming around their human guests.

We return to the EcoGalaxy for dinner and set sail for tomorrow’s destination, Santa Fe.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is home to one of the Galapagos’ most beautiful bays, with its turquoise waters and white sand beaches framed by giant prickly-pear cactus and lava rocks. Look closely, and you’ll see sea lions basking.

Today’s trail (800m) will hopefully reveal land iguanas, Galapagos hawks, and lava lizards. Keep an eye out for Darwin finches, Galapagos doves, and mockingbirds.

We’ll hop into the water once more, swimming in sheltered waters among the sea lions and hopefully spot some reef sharks. It’s not unusual to encounter large schools of fish here, including parrotfish and surgeonfish. Turtles and rays may also glide by. Kayaking is possible if conditions permit.

We return to the EcoGalaxy for lunch.

Plazas

There are two Plazas, north and south, but only the southern island permits visitors. North Plaza is reserved for scientific research.

Upon landing, we’ll look for Galapagos land iguanas that may be feeding on prickly-pear cactus. Sea lions inhabit the tide pools, and large grumpy males defend their territories. Today’s trail (1,400m) takes us among a reddish succulent vegetation with scattered cacti, looking like a giant carpet.

Our destination is a clifftop to observe sea birds from frigatebirds to red-billed tropicbirds, swallow-tailed gulls and pelicans.

We return to the EcoGalaxy for dinner and set sail for tomorrow’s destination, Seymour.

Seymour

Today we’ll hope to see both marine and land iguanas, plus a plethora of magnificent and great frigatebirds. Blue-footed boobies nest on Seymour, while swallow-tailed gulls perch on its cliff edges. Our 1.4km walk will take us past all their nesting sites.

Snorkelling is a real highlight on Seymour, where sea lions often body surf in the waves. There is tremendous diversity in the local fish population before we add the sea lions, sharks, turtles, and rays we may see.

We return to the EcoGalaxy for lunch.

Mosquera

There’s more to Mosquera than its appearance as a barren sand bar. Sea lions love Mosquera, as do lava gulls, who scour the area for food.

We’ll walk among the wildlife on a sandy area for about 500m before our second snorkel of the day. Waves permitting, we’ll swim at the northern end of the island or else look for a more secluded spot along one of the beaches. The guide has the last say on if and where snorkels can be permitted.

We return to the EcoGalaxy for dinner and set sail for tomorrow’s destination, Genovesa.

Darwin Bay (Genovesa)

Genovesa is where Galapagos feels completely unchanged for centuries. Birdwatchers love this island, while sea swimmers and snorkellers are also in for a treat.

Darwin Bay teems with wildlife; boobies, gulls, frigatebirds, owls, and hawks. The 700m trail sees hundreds of birds flying around. Look for doves, mockingbirds, lava & swallow-tailed gulls finches, and more. There are also sea lions and marine iguanas near the sea, plus Galapagos fur seals.

Darwin Bay can be a snorkel along the shallow waters by the beach or a deep-water swim along the surrounding cliffs. There is plenty to see at either site.

We return to the EcoGalaxy for lunch.

El Barranco

El Barranco, or Prince Phillip’s Steps, takes us on an exciting climb through Genovesa’s cliffs to their tops. Storm petrels and short-eared owls nest among the cliffs, while red-footed and Nazca boobies are abundant along the trail.

Conditions permitting, we’ll hop into the water and snorkel along the cliffs, where there are many fish and excellent chances of seeing sharks, rays and sea lions.

We return to the EcoGalaxy for dinner and set sail for tomorrow’s destination, Baltra.

Wave goodbye to the boat and board a bus to the Highlands of Baltra. A reserve there, full of lush highland forests, is where we look for giant Galapagos tortoises in their natural environment. We hope to see these gentle giants casually grazing and resting in freshwater ponds. Some reach more than 300 kg/600 pounds in weight.

We’ll walk between 1-1.5km to spot these lumbering tortoises, which usually move so slowly you can get a great picture.

Then, transfer to the airport for your flight to mainland Ecuador, continue to itinerary B, or choose a Galapagos land-based extension.

Itinerary B (6 days) Sat-Thu

• Visit the remote and uninhabited Fernandina
• Flamingos, penguins, turtles, giant Galapagos tortoises, and more
• Amazing volcanic scenery
• Wonderful snorkels

Upon arrival at Baltra airport, you pass through an airport inspection point, pay the park entrance fee of USD 100 (unless prepaid), meet your guide, and collect your luggage.

Next, we head to the harbour to board the first-class catamaran, EcoGalaxy. After settling in and lunch, we set off on our first Galapagos visit.

Charles Darwin Station

The Charles Darwin Station is a decades-old non-profit organisation that works to preserve the Galapagos Islands’ biodiversity. We’ll learn about how native species are protected and invasive ones eradicated in an attempt to save this fragile environment.

There are giant cacti to see alongside several endemic Darwin finches, flycatchers, and mockingbirds on the 2km trail. The Charles Darwin Station is a fascinating introduction to the Galapagos Islands.

We return to the EcoGalaxy for dinner and set sail for tomorrow’s destination, Isabela.

Moreno Point (Isabela)

Moreno Point is a magical place. At first sight, it looks lifeless, with its extensive lava field.

We’ll walk a one-mile trail, heading inland where scattered brackish lagoons form sheltered oases of life. There are flamingoes, gallinules, ducks and herons. Back on the shore, we look for penguins, flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, oystercatchers, and other shore birds.

We take our first snorkel in Moreno Point, where sea turtles and fish swim. Check the long seaweeds carefully, and you may see a sea horse.

We return to the EcoGalaxy for lunch.

Elizabeth Bay (Isabela)

Elizabeth Bay is a beautiful sheltered bay. Extensive mangroves and barren lava fields surround it. We hop into the dinghy to explore because there is no trail here. The boat explores the bay’s channels, pools, and coves, all teeming with life.

There’s a great chance to see penguins, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies and pelicans. We may see sea turtles and rays floating in the water around the boat.

We return to the EcoGalaxy for dinner and set sail for tomorrow’s destination, Urbina Bay.

Urbina Bay (Isabela)

Urbina Bay is famous after a dramatic uplifting that occurred in the 1950s. A substantial section of the coast was pushed up to form a new land mass. The uplift exposed many hectares of previously submerged land.

Our 1.2km trail today takes us past this uplift. Look carefully for small shells and corals. We’ll also keep our eyes peeled for land iguanas and giant tortoises. Galapagos hawks also nest in the area.

This morning’s snorkel offers the chance to observe sea turtles, cormorants, and penguins.

We return to the EcoGalaxy for lunch.

Tagus Cove (Isabela)

Charles Darwin visited Tagus Cove, and we’ll follow in his footsteps. Today’s one-and-a-half-mile trail leads us through a dry Palo Santo forest full of Darwin finches and mockingbirds. There are also great views of Darwin’s Lake and Isabela’s northern volcanoes.

We’ll hop into the dinghies once more to spot penguins, cormorants, and marine iguanas, before jumping into the water. Tagus Cove has nutrient-rich waters famous for its sea turtles, penguins, and fishing sea cormorants.

We return to the EcoGalaxy for dinner and set sail for tomorrow’s destination, Fernandina.

Espinoza Point (Fernandina)

Fernandina is one of the Galapagos National Park’s jewels, with an imposing active volcano and lava fields that hark to a primitive land. As soon as we disembark, we are surrounded by hundreds of marine iguanas; Espinoza Point has the largest colony in the Galapagos.

Sea lions bask on the beaches, and their pups play in tidal pools. We can look for flightless cormorants and Galapagos hawks along our one-mile walk. There are herons, pelicans, oystercatchers and many more shore birds.

The plankton-rich waters attract significant numbers of fish and sea turtles. A highlight here, conditions allowing, is watching marine iguanas feed on seaweeds underwater.

We return to the EcoGalaxy for lunch.

Vicente Roca Point (Isabela)

Vicente Roca Point is surrounded by tall cliffs, offering spectacular landscapes and various volcanic features. We jump in the dinghies for a shore tour. We get a close view of pelicans, flightless cormorants, Galapagos fur seals, and marine iguanas. With luck, we may see dolphins. Whales may also swim past (June to October).

We snorkel here at Vicente Roca Point, keeping our eyes out for sea turtles, rays, penguins, and cormorants. Fan corals and sponges also grow on the cliff walls.

We return to the EcoGalaxy for dinner and set sail for tomorrow’s destination, Santiago.

Puerto Egas (Santiago)

Puerto Egas is not a port, despite its name meaning that in Spanish. We land and head off on a 1.4-mile trail, looking for land and marine iguanas to ogle, plus the fantastic lava rock formations. Keep an eye out for Galapagos sea lions, herons, and more shorebirds.

The trail’s end is locally called ‘the grotto’ and is home to Galapagos fur seals.

We’ll hop into the water from the beach. This area has a rock floor, making it excellent for fish, turtles, and reef sharks—sea lions also like to dive in and swim with snorkellers.

We return to the EcoGalaxy for lunch.

Rabida

Rabida is a small island famous for its iron-rich reddish lava rocks (rich in iron) and red-sand beach. Today’s mile-long trail takes us to a small saltwater lagoon where ducks, stilts and sometimes flamingos congregate. The views here are impressive, as is the bird life, with Darwin finches, flycatchers and mockingbirds present.

The coastal cliffs are home to Nazca & blue-footed boobies and herons. Rabida is where we can find the Galapagos’ two sea lion species: Fur and Galapagos seals.

We return to the EcoGalaxy for dinner and set sail for tomorrow’s destination, Santa Cruz.

Our last trip today is in the dinghies around Black Turtle Cove. We’ll explore the cove’s shallow channels and coves in the boat. Beautiful mangrove forests surround Black Turtle Cove. At the same time, the waters are home to sea turtles, several species of rays, and reef sharks.

Black Turtle Cove is a vital mating area for turtles and a shark nursery. Schools of anchovies attract herons, pelicans and boobies to the site.

Then, transfer to the airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador, continue to itinerary C, or choose a Galapagos land-based extension.

Itinerary C (6 days) Thu-Tue

• Fantastic snorkels, including Devil’s Crown
• Albatrosses, penguins, turtles, and giant tortoises
• Beautiful Española island and its beaches
• Pinnacle Rock: superb views and snorkel

Upon arrival at Baltra airport, you pass through an airport inspection point, pay the park entrance fee of USD 100 (unless prepaid), meet your guide, and collect your luggage.

Next, we head to the harbour to board the first-class catamaran, EcoGalaxy. After settling in and lunch, we set off on our first Galapagos visit.

Bachas Beach

The name Bachas comes from a local mispronouncing of the word barge. Two barges were left on the island by the United States during World War II. Low tide unveils the boats’ iron skeletons from the white sands.

This spot is also one of the most critical sea turtle nesting grounds in the Galapagos islands, from November to May. Our mile-long walk takes us past several small saltwater lagoons. Here we may encounter herons, flamingos, and other aquatic birds.

You get wet on your first day in the Galapagos with an option to swim or snorkel from Bachas Beach. Watch for white-tipped reef sharks, rays, and colourful fish.

We return to the EcoGalaxy for dinner and set sail for tomorrow’s destination, Santiago.

Sullivan Bay (Santiago)

Our two-kilometre walk today will help us understand the creation of these volcanic islands. We’ll stroll among Pahoehoe lava, whose delicate textures are only visible in a few places worldwide. This seemingly barren landscape teems with life, including pioneer plants, lava lizards, and small birds.

Underwater is a different story. Jump from the dinghy into the sea or from the beach, and you’ll encounter a lively world. Look for large schools of fish, Galapagos penguins, reef sharks, turtles and rays.

We return to the EcoGalaxy for lunch.

Bartolome

Bartolome is one of the Galapagos’ iconic destinations. It is also one of the few where you may see penguins, other than the remote areas of western Isabela and Fernandina.

Pinnacle Rock is one of the Galapagos’ most dramatic viewpoints, with a beautiful peach-colour sand beach at its feet. We hike for about a mile today, up to a viewpoint over Pinnacle Rock and the volcanic lunar landscape, with many other Galapagos islands in the background.

The snorkel here is deservedly known as one of the best in the islands, thanks to its clear, calm waters and the Galapagos penguins that dart around. Add diverse and colourful fish, reef sharks, turtles, and possible rays, and it’s easy to fall in love with Pinnacle Rock and Bartolome.

We return to the EcoGalaxy for dinner and set sail for tomorrow’s destination, Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz Highlands

Board a bus to head to the Highlands of Baltra. A reserve there, full of lush highland forests, is where we look for giant Galapagos tortoises in their natural environment. We hope to see these gentle giants grazing and resting in freshwater ponds. Some reach over 300 kg/600 pounds in weight.

We’ll walk between 1-1.5km to spot these lumbering tortoises, which usually move so slowly you can get a great picture.

Charles Darwin Research Centre

The Charles Darwin Station is a decades-old non-profit organisation that works to preserve the Galapagos Islands’ biodiversity. In the afternoon, we’ll learn about how native species are protected and invasive ones eradicated in an attempt to save this fragile environment.

There are giant cacti to see alongside several endemic Darwin finches, flycatchers, and mockingbirds on the 2km trail. The Charles Darwin Station is a fascinating introduction to the Galapagos Islands.

We return to the EcoGalaxy for dinner and set sail for tomorrow’s destination, Floreana.

Punta Cormorant & Devil’s Crown

Punta Cormorant, in the north of Floreana, is known for its sizeable coastal lagoon with American flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, black-necked stilts, and other shorebirds.

We’ll walk a mile around a beautiful white sand beach, a vital nesting ground for green sea turtles. There’s also a chance to see rays and reef sharks. Recently, a small group of blue-footed boobies has started breeding next to the trail.

Devil’s Crown is the snorkelling highlight today. The Devil’s Crown pokes its rocky crown out of the sea from what remains of a heavily eroded volcano. Hugh schools of snapper, creole fish, parrot fish, angelfish, reef sharks, sea turtles, and rays swim around the crown thanks to its plankton-rich waters. There is a current at the Devil’s Crown, which pushes snorkellers around the crown.

We return to the EcoGalaxy for lunch.

Post Office Bay

Floreana is an island wrapped in mystery and intrigue. Assassinations, disappearances, and other mysteries are all part of its legend.

Traditionally, Post Office Bay was a stopping point for whalers who would anchor their ships, replenish fresh water from the highlands, and take tortoises for food. They also set up a mailing system. Sailors left their letters in a barrel on the back which other mariners would pick and take to their destination country and their intended recipient.

The system works today, so remember to bring and send your postcards.

There’s a short beach walk to the barrel and a lava tunnel, which we visit in the dinghy. Another snorkel awaits; turtles, rays, and possibly a Galapagos penguin may be in attendance.

We return to the EcoGalaxy for dinner and set sail for tomorrow’s destination, Española.

Suarez Point

It’s a mile-long walk on a rocky trail at Suarez Point today, but well worth it as it’s one of the highlights of the Galapagos.

Sea lions and marine iguanas will no doubt welcome us to the island, along with Nazca and blue-footed boobies, gulls, and tropicbirds. At the end of our trail, we visit a colony of waved albatross (present April to January). Waved albatrosses are the largest bird in the Galapagos islands with their powerful flight and elaborate courtship. They only nest at Española in the archipelago.

We return to the EcoGalaxy for lunch.

Gardner Bay

Gardner Beach is one of the most attractive beaches in the Galapagos, with fine coral sand and turquoise waters giving it a tropical appearance. We can walk among the sea lions basking on the beach and look for the Española mockingbird, marine iguanas, and Galapagos hawks.

The snorkel is wonderful here. Look for sea lions, reef sharks, rays, and many species of fish, including angelfish and parrotfish.

We return to the EcoGalaxy for dinner and set sail for tomorrow’s destination, San Cristobal.

We land on San Cristobal and head to the Interpretation Centre on the outskirts of Puerto Baquerizo. This centre traces human history in the Galapagos Islands, from the early Spanish explorers to the present times.

This exhibition features Charles Darwin and guides you through the dangers and struggles the first settlers experienced surviving in the harsh Galapagos environment.

Then, transfer to the airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador, continue to itinerary A, or choose a Galapagos land-based extension.

The first-class motor yacht EcoGalaxy is perfect for couples, families, and adventure travellers, especially those looking for an environmentally friendly tour.

EcoGalaxy has low emissions, maximises its fuel consumption, and uses energy-saving LED lighting throughout. Furthermore, it offers vegetarian, vegan, non-gluten, and Kosher dining options.

These magical islands comprise of 50 volcanic islands of varying shapes and sizes, which lie 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador.

Here, unlike anywhere else on Earth, you can enjoy a thousand close encounters with a weird and wonderful variety of ‘friendly locals’, including giant tortoises, fur seals, sea iguanas, frigate birds and blue-footed boobies.

Read our Galapagos Islands Guide and more about diving.

In 1535, Tomás de Berlanga, Bishop of Panama, floated into this archipelago and named it Galapagos after the giant tortoises he encountered. Pirates used the islands for refuge and to bury their stolen treasure after that.

The islands’ most celebrated visitor was Charles Darwin, who arrived aboard the HMS Beagle in 1835. The rare life forms he encountered helped him formulate his theory of evolution, which he published in The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.

It wasn’t until 1959 when it became part of Ecuador’s national park system that this fragile ecosystem with its rare and endemic species came under protection.

In 1979 the Galapagos archipelago was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When to visit Galapagos Islands: weather and wildlife

There is no real ‘best’ time to visit Galapagos on holiday as there is always wonderful wildlife and weather to enjoy. Read our blog for more.

Most animals – tortoises, sharks, sea lions and boobies – are found year round and many of the species here are non-migratory.

The Galapagos Islands are located right on the equator so air and water temperatures do not vary by much.

Having said that, there are two recognised seasons, and each months brings natural marvels for the visitor to enjoy.

Below is our quick guide to the weather and wildlife you can find on the Galapagos Islands.

General weather information

The warm season (Jan-Jun)

• Calm, clear warm waters, great for snorkelling, often without a wetsuit.
• Great weather, with February and March being the hottest and sunniest months with blue skies and sunshine.
• Occasional heavy bursts of rain in the afternoons.

Sea temperatures:  22-25°C / 72-77°F

Land temperatures:  21-32°C / 72-90°F

The dry ‘garua’ season (Jun-Dec)

• It’s a great time for marine life in the cooler seas. Snorkellers may want a wetsuit.
• August and September the coolest when you may need a jacket in the evenings and the sea can be choppy.
• There can be mist on the islands in the mornings (garua) which usually burns off by midday leaving overcast skies or a sunny afternoon.

Sea temperatures:  15-22°C / 60-72°F

Land temperatures:  18-24°C / 65-75°F

Air and sea temperatures in Galapagos, month-by-month

Good kit is vital for every trip.

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Galapagos – general advice

Galapagos is warm and humid, and you will need t-shirts (moisture wick-away or breathable t-shirts can be very useful, it can get very hot in the day), shorts, lightweight skirt or trousers and bathing suits.

One or two cotton shirts can be used to protect you from sunburn, especially when snorkelling (not very elegant worn in the water over a swimsuit, but practical – and Galapagos is NOT an elegant place!).

You may want to change into different clothes for the evening, but don’t take anything dressy or smart – there really is a very relaxed atmosphere on board.

Pack something warm for going on deck in the early morning or evening a fleece, maybe, and a sweatshirt – and a waterproof for the Highlands.

Strong sandals, trainers, or light hiking boots are ideal footwear – you may like to have something suitable for easy walks and another for tougher terrain – your guide will advise you daily what the walking will be like. Most boats ask passengers not to wear heavy shoes on board.

Do take a hat!

Seasickness tablets if you think you will have problems – i.e. Sturgeon, or Mareol if you buy them in Quito. The sea can be choppy, so it is recommended to take them as a precaution.

Galapagos – detailed kit list

• First aid kit – aspirin, imodium, sun tan lotion (facter 50 recommended), sunburn cream, lip salve, throat lozenges, insect repellent, etc.
• Earplugs – the engine can be noisy, whatever the boat, wherever your cabin.
• Sun glasses and sun hat.
• Snorkelling equipment – the boat either provides kit for free or has a supply for hire, but it may suit you better to take equipment in your size that you know will fit you. Even if you have not snorkelled before, DO have a go – under water Galapagos is a very special experience. Try it first of all from the beach, to get the hang of breathing through gritted teeth, then take the plunge!
• Towel, for the beach (most boats provide these, please ask).
• Money belt.
• Passport, with at least 6 months remaining from date of return from Ecuador.
• US Dollars cash and mixed denomination notes, undamaged and unmarked.
• Visa/MasterCard, Cash card.
• Personal & Medical insurance.
• Camera and film / memory cards (take at least twice the amount you think you will need!). You may want to take an underwater camera for snorkelling.
• Camera charger
• Binoculars
• Small backpack – to keep your sun cream, water, shirt etc in when you are on shore.
• Small plastic water bottle, 1-2 litres, depending on how much you drink.
• Biodegradable sunblock (v. high factor, 50+ recommended) and lip salve.
• Toiletries (featuring biodegradable soap).
• Wet Wipes/antiseptic hand wash cream
• Travel alarm clock.
• Sewing kit.
• Spanish/English phrasebook.
• Book, e-book, mp3 player/ipod or other for free time.

The Galapagos Islands are a very fragile environment and the arrival of more and more inhabitants to the islands, as well as tourist have an impact.

Please try to minimise your impact by:

• Bringing a water bottle to refill, rather than using a new bottle each time.
• Recycling your rubbish where possible, not leaving any rubbish behind.
• Taking batteries back home with you – they cannot be recycled properly in Ecuador.
• Saving water where possible.
• Leave toiletries that contain microbeads at home
• Saving energy by switching your lights off when you leave the room. Electricity on the islands comes from a generator, fuelled by petrol. For this same reason, please think about whether you really need to use your air conditioning.

Quito

Pleasantly warm during the day, but can be quite chilly during the morning or at night when you might want a jacket or a fleece, plus a waterproof.

You may want to dress up a little more in the evening here, depending on where you are staying, and what sort of restaurant you like.

Guayaquil

Conditions here are similar to Galapagos – hot and humid. T-shirts and shorts in the day, and like Quito, something smarter for eating out in restaurants at night.

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For land only holidays not involving any air travel, in accordance with “The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992”, all UK passengers booking with Andean Trails Ltd. are fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all money paid to us, arising from cancellation or curtailment of travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Andean Trails.

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