The M/Y Köln Cruise offers a unique and intimate Galapagos travel experience aboard a First Class boutique yacht
$3.313,00 – $5.338,00Price range: $3.313,00 through $5.338,00
AM: Baltra
Flight from mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil) to Baltra.
PM: Santa Cruz: Highlands
We aboard the Yacht and the crew greets us and offers us a light snack and we have our first orientation. In the afternoon, we land at the pier, after a short bus drive, we will visit the native forest at the Twin Craters. Return to the Port for a walk through the little town to appreciate various handicrafts. We have a welcome cocktail with the entire crew, and dinner.
AM: Baroness Point View / Post O.Bay
After breakfast, you make a wet landing, you will continue to the Baroness Point view, named due to the presence of a particular character who lived on Floreana Island, it is the Baroness Eloisa von Wagner, you will enjoy of the beautiful landscape and the ruins of her house; then, we will stop at Post Office Bay, a historic site that recalls the days of the whalers, who presumably placed a wooden barrel in the 18th century to use it as a post office.
PM: Cormorant Point / Champion Islet
Return to the Yacht for lunch. In the afternoon, you make a wet landing on Cormorant Point for a short walk to the Flamingo Lagoon of this island. You then continue the walk until we reach the beach called “La Picona” to see marine turtles and their spawning grounds.
AM: Suarez Point
After breakfast, you make an early dry landing on Punta Suarez to walk along lava beds where you will observe unique colonies of marine birds, including Albatross (May – December).
PM: Gardner Bay / Gardner Islet / Osborn Islet
Return to the Yacht for lunch. In the afternoon, you make a wet landing in Gardner Bay for a walk on the beach and observe a colony of sea lions, which inhabit the beach in great quantity during the breeding season; this is also an important nesting area for sea turtles.
AM: Kicker Rock – Cerro Brujo
After breakfast, your experienced Captain sails easily around Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido), a massive tuff-rock that juts abruptly almost 500 feet straight from the ocean. Kicker Rock serves as nesting place for many sea birds. Then, you make a wet landing on Cerro Brujo to walk on a white sand beach and observe sea lions, brown pelicans, marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies.
AM: Mosquera Island – Baltra
After breakfast, you make an early wet landing on Mosquera Islet, a reef of rocks and coral (the result of an uprising) and a great white sand beach and tide pools. You observe colonies of sea lions, brown pelicans, blue-footed boobies and sally light-foot crabs, the contrast between these bright red crabs on top and blue on the bottom and the black lava is stunning.
PM: Baltra – North Seymour
You’ll fly from mainland Ecuador (either Quito or Guayaquil) to Baltra.
After lunch, you’ll make a dry landing for a walk along the stunning coast and interior of North Seymour Island. This low, flat island was dramatically uplifted from the sea by underground seismic activity. As you explore, you’ll be thrilled to observe bluefooted boobies (nesting from May to November), marine iguanas, pelicans, frigate birds, shore birds, sea lions, and the unique endemic Palo Santo trees. In the evening, we have an orientation about the Galapagos Islands in general: their origin and evolution.
In the evening, you’ll have an orientation about the Galapagos Islands, covering their origin and evolution. You’ll enjoy a welcome cocktail with the entire crew, followed by dinner and your first nightly orientation.
AM: Espumilla Beach – Buccaneer Cove
After a hearty breakfast, you leap into the day with a wet landing on the wild, brown-sand shores of Espumilla Beach—an untamed edge of the Galapagos where nature is raw, alive, and always in motion. This rugged coastline is more than just a stunning view; it’s a crucial nesting ground for
marine turtles. Keep your eyes sharp, you might stumble upon fresh tracks in the sand, or even spot a hidden nest tucked into the dunes, a quiet testament to the island’s ancient rhythms. As you push inland, you´ll have a close encounter with yellow warblers,
Darwin’s finches and bold Galapagos flycatchers. The trail winds deeper into a hauntingly beautiful Palo Santo forest. Keep moving until a hidden saltwater lagoon, if luck’s on your side, you’ll
spot flamingos.
PM: Egas Port
In the afternoon, you hit the shore with a wet landing on the stark, black volcanic coast of James Bay. The moment your feet touch the island, you’re
swept into a surreal, otherworldly scene—tide pools shimmer with life,sponges cling to ancient lava rocks, and tiny snails and hermit crabs scurry
between clusters of barnacles. Shorebirds dart like arrows along the waterline, and if you look carefully, you might spot the quirky four-eyed blenny, a strange little fish peeking just above the surface like it’s keeping an eye on you.
AM: Isabela: Tagus Cove
Your day starts with a delicious breakfast, and following the day, take a panga ride through Tagus Cove, a sheltered inlet nestled between two volcanic craters that shield it from the open ocean. During the ride, we’ll spot penguins, marine iguanas, sea lions, and a variety of bird species, including the flightless cormorant and blue-footed boobies.
PM: Fernandina: Espinoza Point
Enjoy a well-deserved lunch, and after a short rest, you’ll embark on an adventure with a dry landing at Espinoza Point, where you’ll encounter a bustling colony of sea lions, fascinating marine iguanas, and the unique flightless cormorants, all amidst striking clusters of lava cactus. You’ll then return to the Yacht for a delicious dinner and the nightly orientation.
AM: Urbina Bay
Enjoy your breakfast and continue to embark on an exciting wet landing at Urbina Bay, where you’ll trek through a fascinating coral area and encounter land iguanas, flightless cormorants, and giant tortoises. You’ll then return to the Yacht for a hearty lunch.
PM: Vicente Roca Point
The next visit continues with a panga ride on Punta Vicente Roca to observe plenty of sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed and masked boobies, and flightless cormorants. While the sun sets down, return to the Yacht, bask in dinner and the nightly orientation.
AM: Bartolome
Following breakfast, you’ll make a dry landing on Bartolome Island to hike to the summit.
During the hike, you’ll observe colonies of marine iguanas and lava lizards. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with an impressive view of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock. You’ll return to the yacht for a delightful lunch.
PM: Santiago: Sullivan Bay
During the afternoon, the next activity is a wet landing on Sullivan Bay, an ideal spot to experience the volcanic origins of the islands. Afterward, return to the boat for a delicious lunch, later on listen to the nightly orientation.
AM: Chinese Hat
Once you finished breakfast you dive into the day with a wet landing on Chinese Hat, a tiny volcanic islet just off the coast of Santiago Island. As you step onto the otherworldly shoreline, you’re immediately surrounded by life—Galápagos penguins waddle across the rocks, eagle rays glide silently beneath the waves, sea lions lounge and bark, and marine iguanas cling to the black lava like miniature dragons. The waters here are crystal-clear and
teeming with marine life, making it one of the best spots to snorkel. Slip beneath the surface and enter a vibrant underwater world where adventure unfolds with every kick of your fins.
PM: South Plaza
Back aboard the yacht, you refuel with lunch and soak in the views before setting off again. In the afternoon, you make a dry landing on the colorful pier of South Plaza Island. The moment your boots hit the ground; playful sea lions greet you with their curious antics. You venture into a surreal cactus forest, where towering prickly pears rise above you and the trail comes alive with land iguanas basking in the sun. Overhead, tropical birds dart and call—
shearwaters, frigates, and swallow-tailed gulls all making their presence known. As the sun sets, you return to the yacht, still buzzing from the day’s wild encounters. Dinner awaits, followed by your nightly orientation.
AM: Highlands – El Chato Reserve
Once you’ve had breakfast, you’ll disembark and hop on a bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where you’ll explore the native forests and El Chato Reserve. Next, you’ll venture to a farm to marvel at giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat. Lunch will be served on the farm, promising a delightful experience.
PM: Fausto Llerena Interpretation Center
Following lunch, you’ll return to Puerto Ayora to embark on a fascinating visit to the Interpretation Center Fausto Llerena within the Charles Darwin Research Station. After this enriching experience, you’ll return to the Yacht for a delicious dinner and the nightly orientation.
AM: Bachas – Baltra
The last day of your cruise, you’ll disembark at Las Bachas Beach, where you’ll have the chance to marvel at a lagoon frequented by elegant flamingos. As you stroll through this picturesque area, your guide will share captivating details about the fascinating lives of the birds and animals you encounter.
You’ll then return to the Yacht, have a farewell breakfast. Your guide will accompany you to disembark at the pier at Baltra Island on after a short bus ride you reach the airport, just in
time to board your flight back to the mainland.
PM: Baltra – Santa Cruz: Black Turtle Cove
You’ll fly from mainland Ecuador (either Quito or Guayaquil) to Baltra.
After lunch, enjoy a panga ride through Black Turtle Cove, a network of mangrovelined inlets and small islets. This tranquil setting offers the chance to spot whitetipped reef sharks, marine turtles, spotted eagle rays, and yellow cow-nosed rays.
In the evening, we’ll have an orientation about the Galapagos Islands, covering their origin and evolution. You’ll enjoy a welcome cocktail with the entire crew, followed by dinner and your first nightly orientation.
AM: Prince Philip Steps
Start your day with a delightful breakfast and continue with an exhilarating panga ride and make a dry landing at Prince Phillips’s Steps.
Here, you’ll have the chance to walk and immerse yourself in the captivating lives of the local bird species.
PM: Darwin Bay
Return to the yacht for a sumptuous lunch. In the afternoon, make a thrilling wet landing at Darwin Bay to explore and observe an array of wildlife, including frigate birds, herons, mockingbirds, boobies, shorebirds, turtles, marine iguanas, and more. Relish dinner on the yacht, followed by
an engaging orientation about the conservation efforts dedicated to protecting the Islands.
AM: Rabida
Kick off your day with a delicious breakfast,make a wet landing on Rabida, to walk and observe marine iguanas and sea lions, pelicans, blue-footed boobies, masked boobies and brown pelicans. We walk and we arrive at a small saltwater lagoon where we can see pink flamingos.
PM: Santa Cruz: Dragon Hill
Later in the afternoon you make a dry landing on Dragon Hill, where you can see land iguanas; you walk to a hypersalinic lagoon (saltier than the
ocean), where you can observe flamingos, common stilts, pintail ducks and other species of birds. At the end of the afternoon, we return to the Yacht for dinner and our nightly orientation.
AM: Fausto Llerena, Interpretation
Center
After breakfast, you disembark at Puerto Ayora to start the visit to the Interpretation Center Fausto Llerena, then, you will take the bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island for a visit to the native forests, you will be delighted with the lunch in the
ranch.
PM: Highlands – Twin Craters
After lunch, you will visit the twin craters.
Return to the Port for a walk through the little town to appreciate various handicrafts. We have a welcome cocktail with the entire crew, and dinner.
AM: Post Office Bay -Baroness View Point
Followed by a delicious breakfast, your first stop will be at Post Office Bay, a historic site dating back to the 18th century when whalers used a wooden barrel as a post office. Pay a visit to Baroness Point, named after the intriguing Baroness Eloisa von Wagner, who once lived on Floreana Island. Return to the yacht, for a well deserved lunch.
PM: Champion Islet -Cormorant Point
The activities continue with a panga ride around Champion Islet, a small island off the coast of
Floreana Island. The main attraction here is the nearly extinct Charles (Floreana) Mockingbird.
Visitors can also observe bird species such as Swallow-tailed Gulls, Nazca Boobies, and Brown
Noddies. Champion Islet is an excellent spot for snorkeling, where you can see sea turtles, reef
fish, Galapagos Penguins, and white-tipped reef sharks. Make a wet landing at Cormorant Point for a short walk to the Flamingo Lagoon. Continue the
walk to “La Picona” beach to see marine turtles and their nesting grounds. Early in the afternoon,
return to the yacht for dinner and a nightly orientation.
AM: Suarez Point
Start your day with a good breakfast and kick off with an early dry landing at Suarez Point, where you’ll embark on an adventurous walk along lava beds. Here, you’ll encounter unique colonies of marine birds, including the majestic Albatross
(from May to December). Return to the yacht for a delicious lunch.
PM: Gardner Island – Osborn Islet – Gardner Bay
In the afternoon, set out on a thrilling panga ride around Gardner Islet. Then, make a wet landing at Gardner Bay for an exhilarating beach walk, where you’ll observe a lively colony of sea lions, abundant during the breeding season. This area is also a crucial nesting site for sea turtles. After this, embark on another panga ride around Osborn Islet. Late in the afternoon return to the yacht for a delightful
dinner and an engaging nightly orientation.
AM: Witch Hill – Kicker Rock
After breakfast, embark on an exhilarating wet landing at Witch Hill, where you’ll stroll along a stunning white sandy beach. Here, you’ll encounter playful sea lions, elegant brown pelicans, striking marine iguanas, and the iconic blue-footed boobies.
Next, your skilled Captain expertly navigates around Kicker Rock, a colossal tuff-rock formation that soars nearly 500 feet straight from the ocean. This dramatic rock serves as a nesting sanctuary for a myriad of sea birds. Savor a delicious lunch on board as you take in the breathtaking views. In the afternoon, make a dry landing at Isla Lobos, where you’ll be enchanted by the sight of blue-footed boobies, majestic frigates, diverse sea birds, graceful rays, and playful sea lions.
PM: Interpretation Center Gianni
Arismendy
Later, make a dry landing at Baquerizo Moreno Port to visit the Interpretation Center Gianni Arismendy. Here, you’ll delve into the fascinating history and evolution of the Galapagos Islands, exploring human, natural, and conservation aspects. Spend some time in town for last-minute shopping or a visit to the ATM.
Return to the yacht and for the next visit, you´ll explore Lobos Island in the Galápagos is a favorite destination for nature lovers, offering incredible opportunities for wildlife encounters, snorkeling adventures, and a scenic short hike. The island is teeming with sea lions and is a great place to spot blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and a variety of fascinating marine life. At night enjoy a delightful dinner and the last nightly orientation.
AM: Mosquera Islet – Baltra
After breakfast, you make an early wet landing on Mosquera Islet, a reef of rocks and coral (the result of an uprising) and a great white sand beach and tide pools. You observe colonies of sea lions, brown pelicans, blue-footed boobies and sally light-foot crabs, the contrast between these bright red crabs on top and blue on the bottom and the black lava
is stunning.
You’ll then return to the Yacht, have a farewell breakfast. Your guide will accompany you to disembark at the pier at Baltra Island on after a short bus ride you reach the airport, just in time to board your flight back to the mainland.
Please note that these itineraries may change without prior notice due to operational reasons, weather conditions, or directives from the galapagos national park authorities.
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