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Overview

Catamaran Cruise in the Galapagos

The Galapagos archipelago is made up of 48 islands and hundreds of rocks and islets that rise above the surface of the ocean 960 kilometers West of Ecuador. Sitting on the Galapagos hotspot, these volcanic islands are in reality the peaks of gigantic underwater volcanoes that emerged from the ocean floor millions of years ago, forming an underwater mountain range that rises from east to west. To properly explore this fantastic natural world, we propose an 8-day catamaran cruise in the Galapagos. This catamaran is the best way to freely sail some of the planet’s most beautiful and rich waters while enjoying the highest level of comfort. The ship sails day and night, taking you and your bilingual guide on a variety of activities around these exotic islands. Learn all about the archipelago’s unique natural heritage at the research station in Santa Cruz and then see it with your own eyes on the surrounding islands. On this catamaran cruise in the Galapagos, nature reveals itself in all its glory: the crystal clear waters of Punta Cormoran, the pink flamingos and migrating birds of Punta Suarez, the fantastic volcanic formations of Bartolome Island – all yours to discover! Plus, most of the area’s marine sites are ideal for snorkeling, drift diving, wall diving, and night diving. Words will fail you when trying to describe the joys of discovering the region’s magnificent plant and animal species, many of which are found no where else in the world: giant turtles, land and marine iguanas, cormorants, albatrosses, penguins, walruses, and blue-footed boobies are just a few of the indigenous species you’ll encounter on these admirably well preserved islands. Well aware of the importance of this unique natural laboratory, UNESCO has declared the Galapagos archipelago a Natural World Heritage Site. This catamaran cruise in the Galapagos also includes island excursions on foot as well as snorkeling around the islands, activities that you have the luxury to enjoy at your own pace.

Contact Uniktour’s Ecuador and Galapagos specialist for more information on this wonderful catamaran cruise in the Galapagos!

Itinerary

8 Days – Friday to Friday:
Day 1| Arrival in Baltra. Afternoon transfer to the yacht. Visit Plazas Island (L, D).
Day 2| a.m. Interpretation Center & Loma Tijeretas (San Cristóbal) - p.m. Lobos Island (B, L, D)
Day 3| a.m. Española Island, Bahía Gardner - p.m. Punta Suárez. (B, L, D)
Day 4| a.m. Floreana Island, Punta Cormorán - p.m. Bahía Post Office. (B, L, D)
Day 5| a.m. Charles Darwin Station - p.m. Santa Cruz Island Highlands (B, L, D)
Day 6| a.m. Sombrero Chino - p.m. Egas Point (Santiago Island) (B, L, D)
Day 7| a.m. Bahía Sullivan - p.m. Bartolomé Island (B, L, D)
Day 8| a.m. Bachas Beaches (Santa Cruz Island) and transfer to Baltra airport. Return flight to Quito or Guayaquil. (B)

8 Days - Tuesday to Tuesday:
Day 1| p.m. Arrival at Baltra Island and transfer to Puerto Ayora. Visit Santa Cruz highlands (L, D)
Day 2| a.m. Sombrero Chino - p.m. Egas Point (Santiago Island) (B, L, D)
Day 3| a.m. Bahía Sullivan - p.m. Bartolomé Island (B, L, D)
Day 4| a.m. Bachas Beaches (Santa Cruz Island) (B, L, D)
Day 5| a.m. Interpretation Centre & Loma Tijeretas (San Cristóbal) - p.m. Lobos Island (B, L, D)
Day 6| a.m. Española Island, Bahía Gardner - p.m. Punta Suárez. (B, L, D)
Day 7| a.m. Floreana Island, Punta Cormoran - p.m. Bahía Post Office. (B, L, D)
Day 8| a.m. Charles Darwin Station (Santa Cruz Island). Transfer to Baltra airport. Return flight to Quito or Guayaquil. (B)

Symbols:
B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner

Budget

**Rates published on this website are for information purposes only and are not legally binding (since departure dates are not given). Prices on this website are known to fluctuate frequently in relation to changes in currencies and hotel pricing. In order to obtain a definite quote, please click here.

Other fees

Ship specifications:

Nemo II / capacity: 12 passengers / 21.88 meters long / Main beam: 10.39 meters / Draft 1.50 meters

Cabin description:
Cabins 1 and 2/ double bed (for couples only)
Cabins 3 and 4 / bunk bed (1 single and 1 double)
Cabin 5/ 2 single beds
Cabin 6 / 2 single beds (bunk beds)
Each cabin has a shower and air conditioning.

WHAT CAN WE SEE ON THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS?

San Cristobal Island: The Interpretation Centre, which was built in collaboration with the Spanish Science Center. It’s a great introduction to the ecosystems that thrive around the Galapagos Islands, both above and under water. It is near the small town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, capital of the Galapagos.

El León Dormido: Shaped like a sleeping seal, this impressive geological formation is one hour away from Puerto Baquerizo. On these rugged rocks, we can observe pelicans and other species of bird.

Lobos Island: A one hour boat ride away from Puerto Baquerizo, this small island is separated from the main island by a narrow channel with calm waters. Between the rocks, blue-footed boobies and seals can be spotted. The atmosphere is inspiringly peaceful and filled with primitive beauty.

Espanola Island: There are two points of interest on this island, Bahía Gardner and Punta Suárez.

Bahía Gardner: In the northeastern part of the coast, the garden bay is lined with a wonderfully relaxing beach. This is a great opportunity to observe the seals and go for a swim. You can also spot some sharks in the crystal clear waters here.

Punta Suárez: This rocky point has one of the most impressive observation points in the islands, with views on a wide variety of marine bird colonies. Further away to the south, tall rugged rocks rise from the ocean and give us great views of the birds. Take a look at the blowing “soplador”, a water jet that rises to 50-70 feet, depending on the winds.

Floreana Island: This island is home to the famous Bahía Post Office. This historic site is actually a tree trunk that was dropped here in the 18th century by a ship’s crew. Since then this site has been used as a post office by tourists and sailors alike, the idea being that post cards should be brought to their final destination by other travelers. This is also the first colonized site in the Galapagos.

Punta Cormorán (Charles Island): This site is probably the best place to observe pink flamingos in the Galapagos. It sits between two cones, which gives it a special atmosphere. Many species of cuckoos also thrive here, as well as herons and other migratory species. This zone is unique thanks to its high concentration of flora. This site is also known for its interesting green beach (thus named for the high concentration of olive-green crystals in the sands), and another white sandy beach.

Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Interpretation Center makes for an interesting visit. Most visitors to the Galapagos come here to learn about this area’s unique natural heritage. The center helps visitors learn about protection and conservation efforts in the islands. Main attractions include the Information Center at Galapagos National Park, the Van Straelen exhibition, the turtle rehabilitation center, Lonesome Georges (a Pinta turtle), and captive Galapagos turtles.

Bachas Beaches: These two small beaches are located west of Caleta Tortuga Negra beach. The sand is made up of decomposed corals, which transforms this soft white sand into the perfect place for turtles to lay their eggs. Behind the islands lies a small lagoon where it is possible to observe pink flamingos and other coastal birds, including the “black necks”. The other beach is wider. Two old ships were abandoned here during WW2, when the Americans were using Baltra Island as a strategic location to protect Panama Canal.

Santa Cruz Highlands: The trail starts from the highlands and heads to Bellavista by way of the agricultural zone, close to the National Park border, towards the Miconia zone, and then to the Helecho zone and Juncia. When skies are clear, this region offers beautiful volcanic scenery, with extinct volcanic cones covered in greenery all year long.

Bartolome Island: This small island is located in Sullivan Bahia on Santiago Island. From one of the two main sites, you can observe a variety of volcanic formations, cones, and ancient lava flows. The moonlight paints a magnificent picture of the archipelago here. On the other side, visitors can swim and go diving; there is a magnificent beach along which they can walk all the way to another beach on the southern side. Colorful fish and the occasional penguin can also be seen around this Island.

Sullivan Bay: These sites give visitors a chance to see lava flows that are only about one hundred years old. The eastern shores of Santiago Island are known for their volcanic landscape, dominated by ancient black lava mixed with more recent lava flows. It is also interesting to see how moss and other plants are already starting to fill in the volcanic cracks.

Plaza Islands: These small islands are located close to the eastern shores of Santa Cruz. The islands’ unusual vegetation and location create an interesting landscape in which flora and fauna stand out. Many of the most interesting and grandiose species of the archipelago can be found in these parts. Land iguanas can be spotted here, usually looking for shade close to a cactus, as can lava gaviotas and other bird species, nestled in the southern rocks. The rocks are mainly home to seals, while many species of fish, tropical birds, frigate birds, and pelicans also dwell on the islands.