Galapagos Islands 5-Day Northern Cruise aboard Yacht La Pinta
Overview
We’re delighted to have you on board for this journey of discovery to some of the most beautiful islands in the Galapagos. Our itinerary together begins on Santa Cruz Island, the most populous of the archipelago, where we meet giant tortoises in the wild and then venture to the shores of Eden Islet. From there, we hop over to the lovely crescent bay of Chinese Hat. On Wednesday, one of the iconic sites of the archipelago awaits: Bartolome Island, with its wooden walkway up to a panoramic viewpoint, golden sandy beach and great snorkeling 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 northeast of the archipelago, a privileged place to visit amid thousands of marine birds. The entire crew aboard La Pinta will do our utmost to ensure your Galapagos experience is truly deeply moving and memorable.
Inclusions
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Glass Bottom Boat, Kayaks, Paddleboards
- Doctor on board 24/7
- Island Sightseeing with certified Naturalist Guides
- Wetsuits
- Landing and facility fees
- Wifi (Due to the Galapagos' remote location, connections are intermittent and low-bandwidth)
- Bar and Lounge
- Restaurant
- Outdoor terrace / BBQ
- Gift shop
- Fitness Room
- 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)
- 4x Breakfast
- 4x Lunch
- 4x Dinner
- Accommodation included: 4 nights
- Entry/Admission - Highland View Galapagos
What to expect
Itinerary
Day 1: Santa Cruz & Baltra Islands
Stop At: Baltra, Baltra, Galapagos Islands
Following your morning arrival at Baltra Airport, you will take a transfer ferry across the Itabaca Channel – a small channel that separates the north shore of Santa Cruz Island from Baltra Island. Afterwards, you will board a private bus that will take you, along with other guests, up into the highlands, where we will all have the opportunity to learn about Santa Cruz’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity. Lunch is served at a local restaurant.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Highland View Galapagos, Via The Garrapatero Beach Recinto El Cascajo, 200350 Ecuador
After lunch, we will continue by private bus to reach a reserve that is 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 sometimes even wallowing in the small pools. There are several lava tunnels in the reserve, too. After this, a short, private bus ride will take us down to the town of Puerto Ayora to board Yacht La Pinta.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
•
•
Accommodation included: Luxury Double Cabin (2 guests)
Day 2: Santa Cruz & Sombrero Chino Island
Stop At: Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands
Eden Islet
Following breakfast, a panga ride will take us down to Eden Islet, located off the coast of Santa Cruz Island, where they can observe blue-footed boobies diving into the water, reef sharks and frigates. There’s a chance to snorkel or ride aboard La Pinta’s own glass-bottom boat, weather permitting. The volcanic setting of this area is quite stunning due to its variety of volcanic debris, complete with cinder cones, tuff cones, and semi-eroded lava flows.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Isla Sombrero China, Pikaia Lodge, Puerto Ayora Ecuador
The tiny island of Sombrero Chino gets its name from its appearance, which is reminiscent of a Chinese Hat. This islet, which formed fairly recently, makes for a beautiful visit as one explores the wildlife along its 400-meter long trail, which begins at a crescent-shaped white sand beach. The cove offers excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities in the company of whitetip reef sharks and Galapagos penguins.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
•
•
•
Accommodation included: Luxury Double Cabin (2 guests)
Day 3: Bartolome & Santiago Islands
Stop At: Bartolome, Bartolome, Galapagos Islands
On this morning, an iconic and postcard-worthy Galapagos feature awaits: Bartolome Island. We will disembark from our dinghy shuttle boats and begin a steep climb up a wooden staircase where the view from the top makes the trek well worth the effort! Following the walk, we will once again hop aboard the dinghies for a ride around the colossal Pinnacle Rock. After this, there will be time for you guests to enjoy the beach as well as some snorkeling. You can also choose to ride aboard the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Sullivan Bay, Ecuador
After lunch, we will board the dinghy to disembark at Sullivan Bay over on the east coast of Santiago Island. This visitor site comes complete with a white coral-sand beach, which is great for swimming and snorkeling. Additionally, there’s a trail that goes over a lava field that once 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.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
•
•
•
Accommodation included: Luxury Double Cabin (2 guests)
Day 4: Genovesa Island
Stop At: Darwin Bay, Ecuador
In the morning, we will begin our exploration of this island with a casual stroll to observe marine and land birds. There is an optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain that rewards us with dramatic views, too. Otherwise, you can simply choose to return to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkeling at this beautiful, natural harbor. If you are feeling more adventurous, you can opt to snorkel along the cliffs or paddle in sea kayaks.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Prince Phillip's Steps, Southern part of Darwin Bay Ecuador
The afternoon starts with a very interesting dinghy ride along the cliffs before we disembark at Prince Philip’s Steps – the start of a steep but short climb up a wooden staircase. Once at the top, the terrain is pretty flat, which allows for a mesmerizing, mile-long walk to the other side of this small island. Along the way, guests will get to check out large colonies of Nazca boobies, frigatebirds and storm petrels as well as the elusive short-eared owl.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
•
•
•
Accommodation included: Luxury Double Cabin (2 guests)
Day 5: Baltra Island
Stop At: Baltra, Baltra, Galapagos Islands
The journey ends at Baltra Island, where you will take your transfer to the airport to hop on your flight back to the mainland. Baltra’s flat terrain (due to its tectonically uplifted origin) is the reason for why this island was chosen as the location to build an airport back in the 1940’s.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
•
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 1: Santa Cruz & Baltra Islands
Stop At: Baltra, Baltra, Galapagos Islands
Following your morning arrival at Baltra Airport, you will take a transfer ferry across the Itabaca Channel – a small channel that separates the north shore of Santa Cruz Island from Baltra Island. Afterwards, you will board a private bus that will take you, along with other guests, up into the highlands, where we will all have the opportunity to learn about Santa Cruz’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity. Lunch is served at a local restaurant.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Highland View Galapagos, Via The Garrapatero Beach Recinto El Cascajo, 200350 Ecuador
After lunch, we will continue by private bus to reach a reserve that is 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 sometimes even wallowing in the small pools. There are several lava tunnels in the reserve, too. After this, a short, private bus ride will take us down to the town of Puerto Ayora to board Yacht La Pinta.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
•
•
Accommodation included: Luxury Double Cabin (2 guests)
Day 2: Santa Cruz & Sombrero Chino Island
Stop At: Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands
Eden Islet
Following breakfast, a panga ride will take us down to Eden Islet, located off the coast of Santa Cruz Island, where they can observe blue-footed boobies diving into the water, reef sharks and frigates. There’s a chance to snorkel or ride aboard La Pinta’s own glass-bottom boat, weather permitting. The volcanic setting of this area is quite stunning due to its variety of volcanic debris, complete with cinder cones, tuff cones, and semi-eroded lava flows.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Isla Sombrero China, Pikaia Lodge, Puerto Ayora Ecuador
The tiny island of Sombrero Chino gets its name from its appearance, which is reminiscent of a Chinese Hat. This islet, which formed fairly recently, makes for a beautiful visit as one explores the wildlife along its 400-meter long trail, which begins at a crescent-shaped white sand beach. The cove offers excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities in the company of whitetip reef sharks and Galapagos penguins.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
•
•
•
Accommodation included: Luxury Double Cabin (2 guests)
Day 3: Bartolome & Santiago Islands
Stop At: Bartolome, Bartolome, Galapagos Islands
On this morning, an iconic and postcard-worthy Galapagos feature awaits: Bartolome Island. We will disembark from our dinghy shuttle boats and begin a steep climb up a wooden staircase where the view from the top makes the trek well worth the effort! Following the walk, we will once again hop aboard the dinghies for a ride around the colossal Pinnacle Rock. After this, there will be time for you guests to enjoy the beach as well as some snorkeling. You can also choose to ride aboard the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Sullivan Bay, Ecuador
After lunch, we will board the dinghy to disembark at Sullivan Bay over on the east coast of Santiago Island. This visitor site comes complete with a white coral-sand beach, which is great for swimming and snorkeling. Additionally, there’s a trail that goes over a lava field that once 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.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
•
•
•
Accommodation included: Luxury Double Cabin (2 guests)
Day 4: Genovesa Island
Stop At: Darwin Bay, Ecuador
In the morning, we will begin our exploration of this island with a casual stroll to observe marine and land birds. There is an optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain that rewards us with dramatic views, too. Otherwise, you can simply choose to return to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkeling at this beautiful, natural harbor. If you are feeling more adventurous, you can opt to snorkel along the cliffs or paddle in sea kayaks.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Prince Phillip's Steps, Southern part of Darwin Bay Ecuador
The afternoon starts with a very interesting dinghy ride along the cliffs before we disembark at Prince Philip’s Steps – the start of a steep but short climb up a wooden staircase. Once at the top, the terrain is pretty flat, which allows for a mesmerizing, mile-long walk to the other side of this small island. Along the way, guests will get to check out large colonies of Nazca boobies, frigatebirds and storm petrels as well as the elusive short-eared owl.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
•
•
•
Accommodation included: Luxury Double Cabin (2 guests)
Day 5: Baltra Island
Stop At: Baltra, Baltra, Galapagos Islands
The journey ends at Baltra Island, where you will take your transfer to the airport to hop on your flight back to the mainland. Baltra’s flat terrain (due to its tectonically uplifted origin) is the reason for why this island was chosen as the location to build an airport back in the 1940’s.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
•
No accommodation included on this day.
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- 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
- 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 (8 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
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
If you cancel at least 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
mamapdx
April 2023
The best part of our trip was the knowledge of the naturalists and the attentiveness of the staff and crew. The food was exceptional and varied. A new fresh juice and a cocktail of the day! We never had the same meal twice. Going with a small group made every excursion special and intimate. ...
The best part of our trip was the knowledge of the naturalists and the attentiveness of the staff and crew. The food was exceptional and varied. A new fresh juice and a cocktail of the day! We never had the same meal twice. Going with a small group made every excursion special and intimate. We learned more during those 5 days than I had in years. It was both educational and fun. The ship was pristine and well maintained. We felt safe and our accommodations were spacious and luxurious.davidgreene1162
January 2023
My family of 5 adults had the perfect Galapagos experience on the La Pinta. Our trip was fantastic, the ship immaculate and well appointed, the staff incredibly warm and engaging, and the naturalists knowledgable, approachable and excellent guides to take us through the islands. Metropolitan To...
My family of 5 adults had the perfect Galapagos experience on the La Pinta. Our trip was fantastic, the ship immaculate and well appointed, the staff incredibly warm and engaging, and the naturalists knowledgable, approachable and excellent guides to take us through the islands. Metropolitan Touring did a great job with all our logistics and arrangements, there was never an issue and it all went seamlessly from landing in Quito to the end when we departed Ecuador. We were well taken care of, pampered and yet allowed to have as much personal space and time as we desired. I highly recommend Metropolitan Touring and the MY La Pinta!Gtravels27
August 2022
We had an amazing time on our trip to Galapagos with Metropolitan Touring. The attentiveness of the staff and crew on the boat and at their hotel Finch Bay was excellent. The experience was incredible for adults and children. I would recommend La Pinta and Metropolitan Touring for travel to G...
We had an amazing time on our trip to Galapagos with Metropolitan Touring. The attentiveness of the staff and crew on the boat and at their hotel Finch Bay was excellent. The experience was incredible for adults and children. I would recommend La Pinta and Metropolitan Touring for travel to Galapagos and Ecuador in general.