Galapagos Islands Cruise with IVS

11 Days
From $6,235

Galapagos Islands Cruise with IVS

Cruise the Galapagos in an upscale yacht on this exciting International Veterinary Seminars course!

The Galapagos are a wildlife treasure. Nothing quite compares to the joy of observing animals in the wild here, or the sense of wonder and privilege felt while spending time with creatures that don’t run or fly away when humans approach.

An outstanding natural history guide will lead us on exciting hiking trips each day through incredible habitats in this unmatched wildlife spectacle.

You’ll enjoy watching the world’s only seagoing lizards, to flightless cormorants and penguins, flamingos, inflatable frigate birds, wave albatrosses, clownish boobies, patriarchal giant tortoises, and 13 species of Darwin finches. There can often be thrilling encounters with animals–up close and in large numbers.

This expedition often provides extraordinary opportunities to swim with marine mammals such as sea lions, fur seals, dolphins, and manta, eagle, and golden rays, as well as thousands of the 300 species of colorful fish.

We have selected the “Coral I”, “Coral II” or “Legend” motor yachts for our travels.

April 2025: Dr Phil Bergman will provide a practical discussion on managing the cancer patient in your practice.

October 2025: Dr. Terry Marie Curtis will discuss how she manages common behavioral problems in practice today.

Seminar registration is $845.00 (2025) & $895.00 (2026) for the 12 CE hrs.

IVS in the Galapagos Trip Highlights:

  • Deluxe, upscale yacht limited to 18-36 passengers (depending on the date you choose)
  • Enjoy up close and personal encounters with wildlife in one of the world’s top nature destinations!
  • The most comprehensive Galapagos experience available, with nature hikes, swimming, and sea kayaking excursions
  • Knowledgeable and personable naturalist on board our yacht to lead all hikes and activities.
  • Optional opportunities to SCUBA dive

SCUBA option!
For adventurous and certified divers looking for the best diving sites in the Galapagos Islands, now you can add a diving tour in the Islands along professional masters and instructors to your itinerary. Most divers consider the Galapagos Islands the best diving experience of their careers.

The massive amounts of sharks that swim on the Galapagos waters, the feeding frenzies to be witnessed in several locations, the playful sea lions and the diverse volcanic formations, make this location a unique diving experience.

This is an optional activity for certified divers, which you can enjoy during our cruise tour. The diving experience is the most rewarding complementary activity for those who know the secret of the underwater world. Please call for more information!

Itinerary Snapshot

April 25 – May 5, 2025 Itinerary
October 27 – November 6, 2025 Itinerary (click here or scroll)
May 9-19, 2026 Itinerary (click here or scroll)

(Meals included: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

Day 1
Arrive to Quito and check in to hotel, Go Quito Hotel.

Day 2
Walking tour of historic Quito and tour Middle of the Earth Complex. B

Day 3
AM – Depart from Quito to Baltra.
PM – North Seymour Island, dry landing. Walking tour and snorkeling. B, L & D

Day 4
AM – Visit Charles Darwin Station with some free time to visit town and shop.
PM – Mosquera Islet, wet landing. Walking tour followed by snorkeling. B, L & D

Day 5
AM – South Plaza Islet, dry landing.
PM – Santa Fe Island, wet landing. Walking tour with snorkeling. B, L & D

Day 6
AM – Lobos Island walking.
PM – Interpretation Center & Frigatebird Hill (San Cristobal Island) visit & hike. B, L & D

Day 7
AM – Kicker Rock circumnavigation & Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal Island) walking & snorkeling.
PM – Punta Pitt (San Cristobal Island) walking & snorkeling. B, L & D

Day 8
AM – Punta Suarez (Espanola Island) walking on the oldest extant island in the archipelago.
PM – Gardner Bay (San Cristobal Island) walking & snorkeling. B, L & D

Day 9
AM – Punta Cormoran or Champion (Floreana Island) walking tour & snorkeling/swimming.
PM – Post Office (Floreana Island) walking & snorkeling/swimming. B, L & D

Day 10
AM – Highlands Tortoise Reserve (Santa Cruz Island) then catch return flight to Quito.
PM – Check-in Hotel Rincon de Puembo, near the airport. B

Day 11
Fly out of Quito. B

October 27 – November 6, 2025 Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive to Quito and check in to hotel, Go Quito Hotel.

Day 2
Walking tour of historic Quito and tour Middle of the Earth Complex. B

Day 3
AM – Depart from Quito to San Cristobal Airport.
PM – Interpretation Center & Frigatebird Hill (San Cristobal Island) hiking. B, L & D

Day 4
AM – Kicker Rock circumnavigation & Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal Island).
PM – Punta Pitt (San Cristobal Island) walking & snorkeling. B, L & D

Day 5
AM – Punta Suarez (Espanola Island) walking on the oldest extant island in the archipelago.
PM – Gardner Bay (San Cristobal Island) walking & snorkeling. B, L & D

Day 6
AM – Punta Cormoran or Champion (Floreana Island) walking & snorkeling/swimming.
PM – Post Office (Floreana Island) walking & snorkeling/swimming. B, L & D

Day 7
AM – Highlands Tortoise Reserve & Charles Darwin Station (Santa Cruz Island)
PM – Punta Carrion (Santa Cruz Island). B, L & D

Day 8
AM – El Barranco, Prince Phillip’s Steps (Genovesa Island)
PM – Darwin Bay (Genovesa Island). B, L & D

Day 9
AM – Rabida Island – walking tour, followed by snorkeling/swimming.
PM – Bartolome Island. B, L & D

Day 10
AM – Pit Craters (Santa Cruz Island). Then catch return flight to Quito.
PM – Check-in Hotel Rincon de Puembo, near the airport. B

Day 11
Fly out of Quito. B

May 9-19, 2026 Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive to Quito and check in to hotel, Go Quito Hotel.

Day 2
Walking tour of historic Quito and tour Middle of the Earth Complex. B

Day 3
AM – Depart from Quito to Baltra.
PM – North Seymour Island, dry landing. Walking tour and snorkeling. B, L & D

Day 4
AM – Bartolome Island hike and snorkel.
PM – Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island) walk and snorkel or beach time. B, L & D

Day 5
AM – Punta Pitt (San Cristobal Island) walk and kayak or snorkeling.
PM – Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal Island) dinghy ride and kayak or snorkeling. B, L & D

Day 6
AM – Cerro Colorado (San Cristobal Island) visit giant tortoise breeding center.
PM – Interpretation Center & Frigatebird Hill hike. B, L & D

Day 7
AM – Gardner Bay (Espanola Island) hike with kayaking, glass-bottom boat or snorkeling.
PM – Punta Suarez (Espanola Island) hike. B, L & D

Day 8
AM – Post Office (Floreana Island) hike.
PM – Punta Cormoran & Devil’s Crown (Floreana Island) walk & glass-bottom boat or snorkeling. B, L & D

Day 9
AM – Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz Island) walk & snorkeling.
PM – Punta Bowditch (Santa Cruz Island) hike & snorkeling or kayaking. B, L & D

Day 10 AM – Highlands Tortoise Reserve, dry landing. Then catch return flight to Quito.
PM – Check-in Hotel Rincon de Puembo, near the airport. B

Day 11
Fly out of Quito. B

*Note: depending on availability we may choose a different hotel of similar type and equal quality.

April 25 – May 5, 2025 Itinerary
October 27 – November 6, 2025 Itinerary (click here or scroll)
May 9-19, 2026 Itinerary (click here or scroll)


Meals: Breakfast is served from 7:30 to 8:30, except for Sunday when it is served at 6:00 and Wednesday at 7:00. Lunch is at 12:30 and dinner at 19:30, except on Monday and Saturday when it will be served at 18:30.

Dry Landings: Passengers step directly from a dinghy onto rocks or a dock. We recommend: walking shoes. Special care is highly recommended when walking on wet rocks.

Wet Landings: The dinghy edges toward the beach, where you step into knee-deep water assisted by crew members and guides. We recommend: swimming suit or shorts, walking shoes or sandals, towel (provided by the crew while disembarking)

Day 1
Arrive in Quito, Ecuador where a representative will meet and bring you to the Go Quito Hotel. For more information on our hotel accommodations, please see their website at https://goquitohotel.com/en/

A bit about Quito
The capital of Ecuador was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city and stands at an altitude of 2,850 m. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic centre in Latin America. The monasteries
of San Francisco and Santo Domingo, and the Church and Jesuit College of La Compañía, with their rich interiors, are pure examples of the ‘Baroque school of Quito’, which is a fusion of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and indigenous art.

Day 2
Guided informational hike of Quito. Quito’s old-town is like walking through time and back again amidst splendid 16th century architecture, churches bathed in gold, convents tucked away behind hand–carved, baroque doors and block upon block of Spanish-style.

Day 3
AM – Baltra Airport
Departure from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Island (2 ½-hour flight). Arriving in the Galapagos, passengers are picked up at the airport by our natural guides and taken to a ten-minute bus drive to the pier to board the M/Y Coral I or M/Y Coral II (depending on date booked).

PM – Charles Darwin Research Station & Fausto Llerena Breeding Center (Santa Cruz Island)
Dry landing. Once home to the famous Lonesome George, the last tortoise of the Pinta race, the breeding and relocation center is named in honor of his long-time guardian. The center is set in the Galapagos National Park Service where various interpretative buildings are available to visit. The grounds, with large stands of native vegetation, are one of the better places to spot some of the seldom seen Darwin’s finches such as the woodpecker, cactus and vegetarian finches.

Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: flat
Duration: 1½-hour walk

Day 4
AM- Mosquera Islet
Wet Landing. This tiny, low lying islet, covered in coral sand, is set between North and South Seymour Islands. It is home to a group of sea lions that come to laze on the soft white sand. It is a good spot to observe shorebirds as well as herons, lava gulls, and boobies. Snorkeling or diving here one can often see sharks, rays, and barracudas.

Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy
Duration: 1 ½-hour walk & snorkeling

PM – North Seymour Island
Dry landing. This flat, uplifted, island is an important spot to see both magnificent and great frigatebird males courting the females by clicking, bill-clapping, shuddering and flapping their wings, all while showing off their grossly inflated, bright red, gular pouch. We will also likely see courting blue-footed boobies displaying their unique feet while ‘dancing’ to a prospective mate. Sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls, crashing surf and distant views of the Daphne Islands top off a great visit.

Difficulty level: moderate
Type of terrain: rocky
Duration: 2-hour walk / 30-minute snorkeling

Day 5
AM – Santa Fe Island
Wet landing. After a fabulous snorkel in the turquoise waters of the protected bay, we may have enjoyed time with sea lions, turtles, reef sharks and spotted eagle rays. Landing onto a sandy beach we are immediately distracted by the abundant sea lions there with us. We begin a walk past a forest of island-endemic giant Opuntia cacti. Here we search for another island-endemic the Santa Fe land iguana, paler than its cousins on other islands. Galapagos hawks and even endemic rice rats are also things to look out for.

Difficulty level: moderate
Type of terrain: rocky
Duration: 1 ½-hour walk / 1-hour deep water snorkeling

PM – South Plaza Islet
Dry landing. Sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls, and land iguanas are all present at the landing site. The small island is covered with a carpet of a red succulent studded with Opuntia cacti. At the cliff edge, we spend time watching birds fly past at eye level in the updraught. These include frigatebirds, flocks of Galapagos shearwaters and of particular note, flights of displaying red-billed tropicbirds. Back at sea level, we once again encounter land iguanas, some of which have hybridized with their resident marine cousins.

Difficulty level: moderate
Type of terrain: rocky
Duration: 2-hour walk

Day 6
AM – Kicker Rock Circumnavigation & Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve (San Cristobal Island)
Kicker Rock can be seen directly from the vessel. In the sea northeast of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is this ancient and eroded volcanic tuff lavnamed Leon Dormido or Kicker Rock it is formed by two rocks approximately 148 m, named for its resemblance of a sleeping lion.

It serves as home to many of the typical Galapagos sea animals, such as birds, sea lions, blue and Nazca boobies and frigate. With rare sightings of swallow turtle gulls, tropic birds, and pelicans.

Difficulty level: easy
Type of Terrain: water
Duration: 1-hour circumnavigation

Later in the AM – Dry landing. In the moist highlands of San Cristobal, we will visit the giant tortoise breeding center “La Galapaguera” to witness the most iconic creature of the archipelago in its various life stages. The tortoises wander in a semi-natural habitat which lends itself to good photographic opportunities. The aim of the reserve is to help restore populations of the threatened San Cristobal tortoise back into the wild. In town, there are shops to purchase local handicrafts and souvenirs.

Difficulty level: moderate
Type of Terrain: sandy
Duration: 40-minute bus drive to the Reserve / 1-hour visit

PM – Interpretation Center & Tijeretas Hill (San Cristobal Island)
Dry landing. The interpretation center is full of interesting information and offers the perfect overview to the formation of Galapagos, its significance in the world, threats and conservation efforts. Followed by a hike to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) we will have great looks at both species of frigatebird, with the bonus of a beautiful view of the bay below.

Difficulty level: easy /moderate
Type of terrain: flat/stairs/rocky
Duration: 1-hour visit / 1-hour walk

Day 7
AM – Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal Island)
Wet landing. From our pangas, as we head to shore, we are first humbled by the immensity of the stunning cliffs of “Sorcerer’s Hill”. We can enjoy simply sharing the beach with sea lions, snorkeling from shore or take a walk to a hidden lagoon where we might spot black-necked stilts, ruddy turnstones, whimbrels and white-cheeked pintails.

Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy
Duration: 1-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling

PM – Punta Pitt & Islet (San Cristobal Island)
Wet landing. Sea lions will greet us as we land on the beach and prepare for our climb to a high point on the steep eroded tuff cone. This is the only place in the islands where we will enjoy the chance to see all three of the booby species in the same place. The red-foots will be perched on the Cordia lutea and small trees, the Nazca’s on the ground near the cliff edge while the blue-foots will be a little further inland. Frigatebirds will be all around and the views are breathtaking.

Difficulty level: demanding
Type of terrain: rocky
Duration: 2½-hour walk/ 40-minute snorkeling or kayaking

Day 8
AM – Punta Suarez (Española Island)
Dry landing. One of the highlight visits of the trip. Punta Suarez seems to have everything – a naturalistís paradise. A slew of marine iguanas and sea lions greet us at the landing site from where our walk continues with close encounters of boobies, endemic lizards, gulls and even a dramatic blowhole. The oldest extant island in the archipelago it is our only opportunity to commune with the endemic waved albatross during their breeding season between April and December. With luck, we can watch their complex courtship display.

Difficulty level: demanding
Type of terrain: rocky
Duration: 2½-hour walk

PM – Gardner Bay, Osborn or Gardner Islets (Espanola Island)
Wet landing. One of the most stunning beaches in all of Galapagos. The long, white, sandy beach, lapped by turquoise waters is home to a colony of Galapagos sea lions, indifferent to the humans that walk amongst them. The Hood mockingbirds, endemic to this particular island, will be eager to inspect the visitors and satisfy their innate curiosity. Darwinís finches may also join the throng including the reclusive warbler finch. We can also snorkel here from the beach, in the shallows of the bay.

Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy
Duration: 1-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling

Day 9
AM – Punta Cormoran/ Devil’s Crown/Champion (Floreana Island)
Wet landing. On arriving, the observant visitor will notice that olivine, a volcanic crystal, has proffered a subtle green hue on the dark beach. Our walk takes us past island-endemic Scalesia plants to a large, shallow, lagoon often inhabited by a variable number of shockingly pink greater flamingoes. We continue through a forest of palo santo trees to arrive at a powdery white beach, a nesting area of green turtles. As we paddle barefoot in the shallow water, we will spot diamond stingrays and white-tipped reef sharks. This coral-sand beach marks the end of our trail, and we head back to the olivine beach we landed on, to swim or snorkel amongst sea turtles, reef fish, sea lions and, on a good day, white-tipped reef sharks. A small colony of penguins resides on Floreana and can sometimes be observed as well.

One of the favorite snorkeling sites in the islands. Devil’s Crown, an eroded volcanic cone, is home to an abundance of fish and marine animals. We will swim with big schools of yellow-tailed surgeonfish, salemas and creole fish and with luck may spot turtles, spotted eagle rays, parrotfish, and even hammerhead sharks! The jagged ëcrowní is a roosting area for boobies, noddies, tropicbirds, and frigates.

A truly magical place to snorkel. We would expect to see here green turtles, harmless white-tipped reef sharks, an impressive diversity and abundance of fish as well as some playful sea lions often approaching very close, itching to show off their prowess in the water. Champion Islet also happens to be the last remaining home of the island-endemic Floreana mockingbird which we may be lucky enough to see from our pangas.

Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy & flat
Duration: 1-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling

PM – Post Office (Floreana Island)
Wet landing. A very short walk from the beach leads us to the famous Post Office Barrel. Claimed to have been the first set up in 1793 by Captain James Colnett it remains the oldest functioning post office in the Pacific. The system was that whalers and fur-sealers would leave addressed letters in the barrel to be picked up by homeward bound colleagues. In the spirit of maintaining tradition visitors, today will often take letters and hand-deliver them in their home countries.

Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy
Duration: 30-minute walk / 1-hour snorkeling

Day 10
AM – Highlands Tortoise Reserve (Santa Cruz Island)
Dry landing. In the central highlands of Santa Cruz Island, we have our best opportunity to interact at close quarters with totally wild, Galapagos giant tortoises. A short walk among these huge, 600lb, reptiles will also offer the chance for more highland species, especially several species of the famed finches.

Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: flat & muddy (depending on season)
Duration: 45-minute drive / 1 ½-hour walk

Baltra Airport
After the visit, passengers will be transferred to the airport for return flight to Quito and land around 4pm. We will check into our hotel, Hotel Rincon de Puembo, which is near the airport in Quito.

Day 11
Transfer to airport for your flight back home, or begin your trip extension.
Call for details.

 

October 27 – November 6, 2025 Itinerary

Meals: Breakfast is served from 7:30 to 8:30, except for Sunday when it is served at 6:00 and Wednesday at 7:00. Lunch is at 12:30 and dinner at 19:30, except on Monday and Saturday when it will be served at 18:30.

Dry Landings: Passengers step directly from a dinghy onto rocks or a dock. We recommend: walking shoes. Special care is highly recommended when walking on wet rocks.

Wet Landings: The dinghy edges toward the beach, where you step into knee-deep water assisted by crew members and guides. We recommend: swimming suit or shorts, walking shoes or sandals, towel (provided by the crew while disembarking)

Day 1
Arrive in Quito, Ecuador where a representative will meet and bring you to SwissÔtel. For more information on our hotel accommodations, please see their website at www.swissotel.com/hotels/quito/

A bit about Quito
The capital of Ecuador was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city and stands at an altitude of 2,850 m. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic centre in Latin America. The monasteries
of San Francisco and Santo Domingo, and the Church and Jesuit College of La Compañía, with their rich interiors, are pure examples of the ‘Baroque school of Quito’, which is a fusion of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and indigenous art.

Day 2
AM – Guided informational walk of Quito. Quito’s old-town is like walking through time and back again amidst splendid 16th century architecture, churches bathed in gold, convents tucked away behind hand–carved, baroque doors and block upon block of Spanish-style.

PM – After lunch, we head approximately 11 miles (18 Km.) north of the city to arrive at the Middle of the World Complex which holds the Equator Monument situated at 0º0’0” latitude.

DAY 3
AM – San Cristobal Airport
Departure from Quito to San Cristobal (2 1/2 hours flight). Arriving in Galapagos, you will be picked up at the airport by our naturalist guides and taken to the pier to board the M/Y Coral I or M/Y Coral II..

PM – Interpretation Center & Frigatebird Hill (San Cristobal Island)
The Interpretation Center is an excellent place to learn about islands’ history in The Museum of Natural History which displays information about the volcanic origins of the islands, their remoteness from the continent, ocean currents, climate, the arrival of the different species and their colonization, among other points of interest. The human history is also showcased, chronologically narrating the most significant events related to the discovery and the island’s colonization.

Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: flat
Duration: 1-hour visit

Frigatebird Hill involves a high-intensity walk amidst beautiful landscapes and a magnificent view at the foot of a frigate bird nesting colony.

Difficulty level: difficult
Type of terrain: Rocky/stairs
Duration: 1-hour walk

Day 4
AM – Kicker Rock & Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal Island)
Kicker Rock Circumnavigation (San Cristobal Island) This ancient and eroded volcanic tuff lava named Leon Dormido or Kicker Rock it is formed by two rocks approximately 148 m, named for its resemblance of a sleeping lion.

Activity: Circumnavigation

From our pangas, as we head to shore, we are first humbled by the immensity of the stunning cliffs of Sorcerer’s Hill. We can enjoy simply sharing the beach with sea lions, snorkeling from shore or take a walk to a hidden lagoon where we might spot black-necked stilts, ruddy turnstones, whimbrels and white-cheeked pintails.

Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy
Duration: 1-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling

PM – Pitt Point & Islet (San Cristobal Island)
Sea lions will greet us as we land on the beach and prepare for our climb to a high point on the steep eroded tuff cone. This is the only place in the islands where we will enjoy the chance to see all three of the booby species in the same place. The red-foots will be perched on the Cordia lutea and small trees, the Nazcaís on the ground near the cliff edge while the blue-foots will be a little further inland. Frigatebirds will be all around and the views are breathtaking.

Difficulty level: difficult
Type of terrain: rocky
Duration: 2½-hour walk/ 40-minutes snorkeling or kayaking

Day 5
AM – Suarez Point (Espanola Island)
Dry landing. An island of geological interest, being one of the oldest in Galapagos, it has a high percentage of endemism due to its isolation from the rest of the islands. Due to the great variety of wildlife, this is one of the most attractive spots in the Galapagos. Here, it is possible to explore volcanic formations and see large colonies of sea lion and seabirds including the Española mockingbird, Nazca boobies, and the spectacular red-billed tropicbirds. Here, the singular marine iguanas have a turquoise color with reddish parts during the breeding season, lava lizards, and the colorful Sally light-foot crabs. A somewhat lengthy hike brings visitors to nesting grounds that sometimes overlap the trail. Other birdwatchers favorites include the Galapagos dove, the Galapagos hawk, swallow-tailed gulls and the world’s largest colony of waved albatross, an unequivocal highlight during mating season (April-December). Admire the island’s dramatic backdrop, featuring the famous “Soplador,” a seaward blowhole that shoots water up to 23 m. (75 ft.) into the air.

Difficulty level: difficult
Type of terrain: rocky ground
Duration: 2 ½-hours walk

PM – Gardner Bay, Gardner & Osborn islets (Española Island)
Wet landing on a beautiful white coral sandy beach guarded by a colony of sea lions. There are no trails, so we stay along the shore where we can spot Galapagos hawks, American Oystercatchers, Galapagos Ground Doves, Hood mockingbirds, Yellow Warblers, lava lizards, marine iguanas, and three species of Darwin’s finches: a subspecies of the Large Cactus Finch, which is similar to the large ground finch, the Small Ground Finch (Geospiza fuliginosa) and the Warbler Finch (Certhidea Olivacea), another endemic subspecies. Swimming and snorkeling offer a great variety of the Galapagos’ marine wildlife: king angelfish, Creole fish, damsel fish, parrotfish, manta rays, and white-tipped reef sharks.

Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy
Duration: 1-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling

Day 6
AM – Cormorant Point or Champion (Floreana Island)
Our walk takes us to a large, shallow lagoon, often inhabited by a variable number of shockingly pink greater flamingos. We arrive at a powdery white beach, a nesting area for green turtles.

Difficulty level: moderate
Type of terrain: rocky
Duration: 1-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling

PM – Post Office (Floreana Island)
Wet landing. Located on the north side of Floreana, the bay was named because in 1793 Captain James Colnett installed a wooden barrel which served as an informal post office for sailors passing through, who would take letters with them back to their destinations. Today, visitors continue the tradition by placing unstamped postcards inside the barrel, hoping that some other traveler, going to the letter destination, will take it back for free. The chances are that the letter posted can take a long time to arrive at its destination. However, there have been cases where it has arrived before the sender. We may also encounter Darwin’s finches, Yellow Warbler and Lava Lizards. Great snorkeling opportunities with Green Pacific Sea Turtles. As well, the island is best known for its endemic vegetation: Scalesia villosa, Lecocarpus Pinnatifidus, and the Galapagos Milkwort. Snorkelers can practice on the main beach among playful sea lions.

Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy
Duration: 30-minute walk / 1-hour snorkeling

Day 7
AM – Highlands Tortoise Reserve
Dry landing. In the mountains of Galapagos is possible to admire different kind of birds, such as: tree and ground finches, vermillion flycatchers, paint-billed crakes, yellow warblers, and cattle egrets (usually standing on the tortoises’ shell). The journey to the reserve offers great opportunities to see the contrasts that the island offers in reference to the variety of ecosystems. The road goes from the coast through the agricultural zone and straight up to the dense humid forests. Often, Galapagos Giant Tortoises are also seen on the way, wandering through pastures in the paddocks. This spot is a birdwatchers’ haven, since almost every land bird present on the island lives or migrates here.

Charles Darwin Research Station
Once home to the famous Lonesome George, the last tortoise of the Pinta race, the breeding and relocation center is named in honour of his long-time guardian. The center is set in the Galapagos National Park Service where various interpretative buildings are available to visit. The grounds, with large stands of native vegetation are one of the better
places to spot some of the seldom seen Darwinís finches such as the woodpecker, cactus and vegetarian finches.

Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: flat & muddy (depending on season)
Duration: 45-minute drive / 1 1⁄2-hour walk

AM – Punta Carrion (Santa Cruz Island)
Dinghy ride at the entry of the Itabaca Channel in a lagoon with turquoise water, where we can observe sharks, blue-footed boobies, and different kinds of fish.

Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: none
Duration: 1-hour dinghy ride

Day 8
AM – El Barranco, Prince Philip’s Steps (Genovesa Island)
Marvel at the variety of sea life that uses the crevices of the lava cliffs for shelter. Red-billed Tropicbirds fly overhead and a small colony of fur seals may be found near the landing site. You will be dropped off at a steep stairway that begins on rocks at the foot of a path that leads through a seabird colony full of Nazca and Red-footed Boobies.

Difficulty level: moderate
Type of terrain: rocky – lava
Duration: 1 3/4 -hour walk / kayaking or snorkeling

PM – Darwin Bay
From within the flooded caldera of Tower Island, we set foot onto a sandy beach to be greeted by swallow-tailed gulls often said to be the most beautiful gull in the world. In the trail we can see at nesting red-footed boobies and great frigatebirds.

Difficulty level: moderate
Type of terrain: Sand & Lava, Duration: 1 1⁄2-hour walk / Snorkeling or kayaking

Day 9
AM – Rabida Island
Lying at the archipelago’s heart, this dramatic island with a distinctive red-sand beach is home to sea lions, mockingbirds, finches, endemic Galapagos doves, and vermilion flycatchers. A walk takes us through a forest of palo santo and cacti to a beautiful overview of the bay.

Difficulty level: moderate
Type of terrain: flat/semi-rocky
Duration: 1 ½-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling / 1-hour dinghy ride

PM – Bartolome Island
Considered the most iconic landscape of the entire archipelago the view from the top of Bartolome Island, overlooking the famous Pinnacle Rock and the austere Santiago Island. Our snorkel here might put us face to face with Galapagos penguins, white-tipped reef sharks, and playful sea lions.

Difficulty level: moderate
Type of terrain: trail made of 372 steps.
Duration: 1 1⁄2-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling

Day 10
AM – Pit Craters (Santa Cruz Island)
The Pit Craters, geologically speaking, were not directly formed by volcanic action. They were created as a result of the collapse or sinking of surface materials into cracks or manholes. It’s a great place to spot vermilion fly catchers as we walk inside an endemic Scalesia forest. Great opportunity to observe giant tortoises.

Difficulty level: Easy
Type of Terrain: Flat, sometimes the trails can be muddy.
Duration: 45-minute drive / 1 1⁄2-hour hike

Baltra Airport
After the visit, passengers will be transferred to the airport for return flight to Quito and land around 4pm. We will check into our hotel, Hotel Rincon de Puembo, which is near the airport in Quito.

Day 11
Transfer to airport for your flight back home, or begin your trip extension.
Call for details.

 

May 9-19, 2026 Itinerary:

Meals: Breakfast is served from 7:30 to 8:30, except for Sunday when it is served at 6:00 and Wednesday at 7:00. Lunch is at 12:30 and dinner at 19:30, except on Monday and Saturday when it will be served at 18:30.

Dry Landings: Passengers step directly from a dinghy onto rocks or a dock. We recommend: walking shoes. Special care is highly recommended when walking on wet rocks.

Wet Landings: The dinghy edges toward the beach, where you step into knee-deep water assisted by crew members and guides. We recommend: swimming suit or shorts, walking shoes or sandals, towel (provided by the crew while disembarking)

Day 1
Arrive in Quito, Ecuador where a representative will meet and bring you to the Go Quito Hotel. For more information on our hotel accommodations, please see their website at https://goquitohotel.com/en/

A bit about Quito
The capital of Ecuador was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city and stands at an altitude of 2,850 m. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic centre in Latin America. The monasteries
of San Francisco and Santo Domingo, and the Church and Jesuit College of La Compañía, with their rich interiors, are pure examples of the ‘Baroque school of Quito’, which is a fusion of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and indigenous art.

Day 2
AM – Guided informational walk of Quito. Quito’s old-town is like walking through time and back again amidst splendid 16th century architecture, churches bathed in gold, convents tucked away behind hand–carved, baroque doors and block upon block of Spanish-style.

PM – After lunch, we head approximately 11 miles (18 Km.) north of the city to arrive at the Middle of the World Complex which holds the Equator Monument situated at 0º0’0” latitude.

Day 3
AM – Baltra Airport
Departure from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Island (2 ½-hour flight). Arriving in the Galapagos, passengers are picked up at the airport by our natural guides and taken to a ten-minute bus drive to the pier to board the M/V Galapagos Legend.

PM – North Seymour Island
This flat, uplifting, island is an important spot to see both magnificent and great frigatebird males courting the females and, we will also likely see courting blue-footed boobies too. Sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls, crashing surf and distant views of the Daphne Islands top off a great visit.

Difficulty level: intermediate
Type of terrain: rocky & sandy
Duration: 2-hour walk & snorkeling or glass-bottom boat

Day 4
AM – Bartolome Island
Considered the most iconic landscape of the entire archipelago the view from the top of Bartolome Island, overlooking the famous Pinnacle Rock and the austere Santiago Island. Afterwards, our snorkel here might put us face to face with Galapagos penguins, white-tipped reef sharks, and playful sea lions.

Difficulty level: intermediate
Type of terrain: wooden path with 372 stairs
Duration: 45 min hike & snorkeling or glass-bottom boat

PM – Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island)
Visitors are always totally enthralled by the amazing beds of pahoehoe lava from the recent flow on the island. It is a landscape
and macro photographer´s dream. The importance of pioneering plants such as the tiny Mollugo will be discussed as we hike over the lava.

Difficulty level: high
Type of terrain: flat volcanic lava
Duration: 1 ½-hour walk & snorkeling

Day 5
AM – Punta Pitt (San Cristobal Island)
This is the only place on the islands where we will enjoy the chance to see all three of the booby species in the same place. The red-foots will be perched on the Cordia lutea and small trees, the Nazca´s on the ground near the cliff edge while the blue-foots will be a little further inland. Frigatebirds will be all around and the views Punta Pitt (San Cristobal Island) are breathtaking.

Difficulty level: intermediate
Type of terrain: rocky
Duration: 2 hour walk & snorkeling or kayaking

PM – Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal Island)
From our dinghy ride, as we head to shore, we are first humbled by the immensity of the stunning cliffs of the Sorcerer’s Hill. You can enjoy simply sharing the beach with sea lions, snorkeling from shore, or taking a walk to a hidden lagoon where you might spot black-necked stilts, ruddy turnstones, whimbrels, and white-cheeked pintails.

Difficulty level: low
Type of terrain: sandy
Duration: Dinghy ride & snorkeling or kayaking

Day 6
AM – Cerro Colorado (San Cristobal Island)
In the moist highlands of San Cristobal, we will visit the giant tortoise breeding center “La Galapaguera” to witness the most
iconic creature of the archipelago in its various life stages. The aim of the reserve is to help restore populations of the threatened San Cristobal tortoise back into the wild. In town, there are shops to purchase local handicrafts and souvenirs.

Difficult level: moderate
Type of Terrain: sandy
Duration: 1 ½ hr visit

PM – Interpretation Center & Frigatebird Hill (San Cristobal Island)
The interpretation center is full of interesting information and offers the perfect overview of the formation of the Galapagos, its significance in the world, threats, and conservation efforts. Followed by a hike to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) we will have great looks at both species of frigatebird, with the bonus of a beautiful view of the bay below.

Difficulty level: easy /high
Type of terrain: flat/stairs
Duration: 1-hour visit / 1-hour walk

Day 7
AM – Gardner Bay (Espanola Island)
One of the most stunning beaches in all of the Galapagos. The long, white, sandy beach, lapped by turquoise waters, home to a colony of Galapagos sea lions. Hood mockingbirds, endemic to this particular island. We can also snorkel here from the beach, in the shallows of the bay.

Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy
Duration: 1-hour walk / kayaking, glass-bottom boat or snorkeling

PM – Punta Suarez (Espanola Island)
Punta Suarez is a naturalist´s paradise. The oldest extant island in the archipelago is our only opportunity to commune with the endemic wave albatross during their breeding season between April and December. With luck, we can watch their complex courtship.

Difficulty level: difficult
Type of terrain: rocky
Duration: 2½-hour walk

Day 8
AM – Post Office (Floreana Island)
The famous Post Office Barrel. Claimed to have been first set up in 1793 by Captain James Colnett. The system involved whalers and fur sealers would leave addressed letters in the barrel to be picked up by homeward-bound colleagues. Actually
visitors often take letters and hand-deliver them to their home countries.

Difficulty level: moderate
Type of terrain: rocky
Duration: 1 ½-hours walk & snorkeling

PM – Punta Cormoran & Devil’s Crown (Floreana Island)
Our walk takes us to a large, shallow lagoon, often inhabited by a variable number of shockingly pink greater flamingos. We arrive at a powdery white beach, a nesting area for green turtles. Devil’s Crown is one of the favorite snorkeling sites on the islands.

Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy & flat
Duration: 1 ¾ hour walk & glass-bottom boat or snorkeling

Day 9
AM – Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz Island)
Arriving at a small lava dock, our first encounter is with marine iguanas that blend-in perfectly with the dark rock. As we
walk past large prickly pear cacti, we arrive at one end of a long, sickle-shaped beach with Dragon Hill standing in the
distance. Our walk takes us on a circular path, past a shallow lake where flamingoes frequently come to feed.

Difficulty level: moderate
Type of terrain: rocky
Duration: 45 min walk & snorkeling

PM – Punta Bowditch (Santa Cruz Island)
Experience the indescribable feeling of being where no one else has. Relax on a powdery beach. Snorkel around turquoise water islets and hike beside salt pools and dried white corals. Be one of the first humans to visit Punta Bowditch from the Galapagos Legend.

Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy
Duration: 30-minute walk & kayaking or snorkeling

Day 10
AM – Highlands Tortoise Reserve (Santa Cruz Island)
We make our way to the Galapagos mountains, admire diverse bird species like finches, flycatchers, crakes, warblers, and egrets (often perched on tortoises’ shells). The journey to the reserve showcases the island’s contrasting ecosystems, from coastal areas to dense humid forests. Look out for Galapagos Giant tortoises wandering through pastures. This spot is a haven for birdwatchers, as it hosts a wide range of land birds that reside or migrate Highlands Tortoise here.

Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: flat & muddy (depending on the season)
Duration: 45-minute drive / 1 ½-hour walk
Baltra Airport
After the visit, passengers will be transferred to the airport for return flight to Quito and land around 4pm. We will check into our hotel, Hotel Rincon de Puembo, which is near the airport in Quito.

Day 11
Transfer to airport for your flight back home, or begin your trip extension (call for details).

The Coral I is the perfect combination of classic beauty and exquisite style.  Built in Germany,  she surpasses all the standards you would expect from a high-class yacht in order to make your cruise among the enchanted islands extraordinary.

Every cabin features handsome wood decoration, along with air-conditioning, a private bathroom, safe deposit box, telephone, and your choice of background music.  Additionally, the Coral I has plenty of room to relax with three sundecks (some shaded), a Jacuzzi, comfortable dining room and lounge.

Deck Plan Coral I & II

View photos of the cabins

M/V Galapagos Legend – This magnificent vessel, with a capacity for 100 guests, has the charm of The Enchanted Islands; it is still small enough for a more intimate experience. With her four different decks, the Galapagos Legend offers a great variety of comfortable and spacious social areas without losing its sense of intimacy. Its fantastic open decks allow you to admire the islands’ flora and fauna, enjoy a BBQ at night, or take some sun at the pool and bar areas.

Each cabin includes: hair dryer, special bedding, and updated furniture. Internal, local and international satellite telephone service is offered, Internet is accessible when anchoring in main islands. Voltage is set for 110-220 volts/60 Hz. The Balcony suites have private balconies and panoramic windows to immerse yourself within the vast landscape that you are about to witness and enjoy it privately. The Junior suites have three meters of panoramic windows to enjoy the scenery.

M/V Galapagos Legend Deck Plan

Departure Dates:

2025 on board the ‘Coral I’ Yacht
April 25 – May 5
October 27 – November 6

2026 on board the ‘Legend’ Yacht
May 9-19

Trip Length: 11 Days
Trip Price:

Spring 2025: Coral I
$6,235 (Standard Plus Cabin) or $6,735 (Junior Cabin), per person, based on double occupancy

Fall 2025: Coral I
$6,450 (Standard Plus Cabin) or $6,950 (Junior Cabin), per person, based on double occupancy

Spring 2026: Legend
$6,600 (Junior Cabin), per person, based on double occupancy. $850/person upgrade to Balcony Suite on board the ‘Legend’ Yacht

Does not include price of flight between Quito and Baltra or National Park entrance fees.

12 CE hours (optional): $845.00 (2025) & $895.00 (2026)

April 2025: Dr. Phil Bergman will provide a practical discussion on managing the cancer patient in your practice.

October 2025: Dr. Terry Marie Curtis will discuss how she manages common behavioral problems in practice today.

Deposit: $1,000

M/Y Galapagos Coral:

M/V Galapagos Legend:

Extensions available:

  • Ecuador Amazon Extension

    In only 4 or 5 days, it is not uncommon for even the most casual birder to see over 250 species here. With only minimal effort you can expect to see dozens of colorful parrots, toucans, hummingbirds, tanagers, hawks, and oropendolas, as well as many monkey, frog and snake species, to name a few.

    4 Days/3 Nights or
    5 Days/4 Nights from $1,790 Per person, based on double occupancy
  • Hacienda Zuleta in the Andes

    Built in 1691, Hacienda Zuleta lies in the spectacular Andean mountain range of Ecuador at 9,600 feet. Explore the mountains by horseback, mountain bike or foot. Learn about the rich culture of this community that still operates as they did hundreds of years ago. Dine on food that is locally sourced and fall asleep to the crackling fire in your room’s fireplace.

    Customizable from $490 per person, based on double occupancy
  • Galapagos Safari Camp

    Galapagos Safari Camp is a new way to experience the Galapagos, either in addition to a cruise or as a unique destination in itself.

    This eco-luxury tented camp – one of the first in Latin America – follows the African safari tradition in which guests enjoy total comfort under canvas while experiencing nature in its purest form.

     

    5 Days from $4,035.00 per person, based on double occupancy