Yacht La Pinta – 5 days / 4 nights – Northern Galapagos – Monday to Friday
Information
Northern Galapagos Itinerary
Our amazing Yacht La Pinta.
Our itinerary together begins on Santa Cruz Island, the most populous of all the archipelago, where we meet giant tortoises in the wild and then venture to Eden Islet. From there, we hop over the lovely crescent bay of Chinese Hat. On Wednesday, one of the icon sites of the archipelago awaits: Bartolomé Island, with its wooden walkway up to a panoramic viewpoint, golden sandy beach and great snorkelling opportunities. Close-by, Sullivan Bay gives us a great introduction to the volcanic origins of the Islands. We end with an exciting visit to the sunken caldera of Genovesa, far up in the east of the archipelago, a privileged place to visit amid thousands of marine birds.
All the crew aboard La Pinta will do our utmost to ensure your Galapagos experience is truly, deeply moving and memorable.
- Baltra
- Santa Cruz
- Chinese Hat Islet
- Bartolome
- Genovesa
- Santiago
- Pinnacle Rock
- Kicker Rock
- Darwin Bay
- Galapagos sea lion
- Galapagos fur sea lion
- Galapagos giant tortoises
- Marine iguanas
- Blue-footed boobies
- Nazca boobies
- Red-footed boobies
- Galapagos doves
- Galapagos mockingbirds
- Darwin finches
- Galapagos hawks
- Short-eared owls
- Brown pelicans
- Greater frigates
- Magnificent frigates
- Galapagos penguins
- Swallow-tailed gulls
- Lava gulls
- Lava (striated) herons
Day by Day
Itinerary
Itinerary highlights
Detailed Itinerary
Following our morning arrival at Baltra Airport, we transfer to the Itabaca Channel, which we cross by small ferry to the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. We board our bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where we'll learn about the unique montane ecosystems and biodiversity. Lunch is served at a local restaurant.
Note: Please dress with comfortable shoes and clothes, and bring a small backpack with any medicine you might be taking, sunblock, insect repellent and anything you need during the excursion as you will go on board Yacht La Pinta at the end of the day.
Highlands (Santa Cruz Island)
After lunch, we travel by bus to El Chato Reserve, one of the best places in the archipelago to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The tortoises are easy to spot, lumbering around, eating grass and leaves and wallowing in the small pools. There are several lava tunnels in the reserve, too. A short bus ride takes us down to Puerto Ayora to board Yacht La Pinta.
After breakfast, a panga ride takes us to Eden Islet, located off the coast of Santa Cruz, where we can observe blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, marine iguanas, pelicans and, with some luck, even reef sharks. There's a chance to snorkel and, if weather conditions permit, ride in the glass-bottom boat.
Chinese Hat Islet
Tiny Chinese Hat Islet, locally known as Sombrero Chino, gets its name from its appearance: it looks just like a Chinese hat. This islet, formed only fairly recently, makes for a beautiful visit as one explores the wildlife along its 400 m (1,312 ft) long trail, which begins at a crescent-shaped white sandy beach. The cove offers excellent swimming and snorkelling opportunities with white-tipped reef sharks and Galapagos penguins.
This morning, a Galapagos icon awaits: Bartolome Island. A great way to start the day, with a steep climb up a wooden staircase: the view from the top is worth the effort! Following the walk, we take to the pangas for a ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, followed by time to enjoy the beach and some snorkelling. We can also ride in the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.
Sullivan Bay (James Island)
After lunch, we board the pangas to land at Sullivan Bay on the east coast of Santiago. This white coral sand beach is great for swimming and snorkelling and offers a trail over a lava field that flowed here less than 100 years ago. This is the perfect place to see and feel the volcanic origin of Galapagos while observing its wildlife.
In the morning, we begin our exploration of this island with an easy stroll to observe marine and land birds. There is an optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain for dramatic views, or else we can return to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkelling at this beautiful natural harbour. The more adventurous can snorkel along the cliffs or paddle sea kayaks.
Prince Philip's Steps (Genovesa Island)
The afternoon starts with a very interesting panga ride along the cliffs before we disembark for a steep climb up some stairs, leading to a flat land area that offers a captivating walk of about a mile to the other side of this small island. We will have the chance to observe large colonies of Nazca boobies, frigatebirds and storm petrels and the elusive short-eared owl.
Baltra Island
Our journey ends at Baltra Island where we transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland.
Prices
| Cabin | 2016 Price per Person (US $) |
| Luxury Cabins | $ 3,940 |
| Luxury Plus Cabins | $ 3.940 |
* Luxury Cabins for single use incurr and Luxury Plus Cabins (4) for twin/double use have a surcharge of 100% .
Included
- Accommodation
- All meals
- Soft drinks *
- Island sightseeing
- Naturalist guides and lecture services in English/Spanish only
- Wet suit rental
- Snorkelling gear
- Internet / Wi-Fi **
- Luggage handling
- Medical care on board (not including the cost of medication)
- Taxes
- Transfers in the islands
- Shared transfers from main hotels in Quito (Casa Gangotena, Hilton Colon, Sheraton, Marriott, Dann Carlton) and in Guayaquil (Hilton Colon, Oro Verde, Hampton Inn, Sheraton) to airport for flights to/from Galapagos are included in these rates. To coordinate these transfers, we must have guests’ hotel contact information.
Not Included
- Air transportation to / from Galapagos and airport taxes (subject to change without previous notice)
Galapagos National Park entrance fee (US$ 100 subject to change without previous notice)*** - Migration Control Card (US$ 20 subject to change without previous notice)***
- Fuel surcharge
- Alcoholic ****
- Gratuities
- Laundry *****
- Gifts and additional items
- Travel insurance
Packing List
- 1 small backpack
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sneakers with rubber soles
- Shorts
- Long pants
- T-shirts
- Long and short sleeved shirts
- Wind breaker
- Bathing suit or a wetsuit for snorkelling in cold months
- Hat or cap
- Sunblock and repellent
- Sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Camera & video recorder
- Any medicine you may be taking
- Book/Notebook
Videos
Northern Island Itinerary
All About the Galapagos – Metropolitan Touring
* Please note: soft drinks are considered juices and carbonated drinks, not “virgin” cocktails.
**Wifi is available in the vessel’s social areas; due to the Galapagos’ remote location, internet connections are intermittent and low-bandwidth.
***At your request, we can include the Galapagos National Park entrance fee of US$ 100 and migration control card fee of US$20 (subject to change). However, please note that, due to administrative and operational reasons, these fees can only be included when guests travel on the operation departure date. This service does not apply for guests who travel before a departure date (even if the departure is with us). **** Please note, we charge guests who wish to bring bottles of wine and/or spirits aboard our vessels a corkage fee of $25+taxes.
***** Laundry service is only available on the 7-night itinerary
Your Galapagos Travel Expert Since 1953
