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Forecast March 21, 2020
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Forecast March 22, 2020
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Forecast March 23, 2020
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Build Your Trip

Our Build Your Trip tool is designed to unlock Galapagos Trip Planning and make it yours. Choose your boat class and/or land accommodation. Choose your experiences. See your estimated trip price. Then Save Your Trip to look at later.

Let’s Begin

HOW WILL YOU TRAVEL

CHOOSE ONE

Galapagos By Boat

(1) Choose your boat class. (2) Choose your experiences. (3) Then hit “Save This Trip” to send yourself a good-looking summary email of your journey.

BOAT
CLASS

See our Boats page for an explanation of our boat classes. Boat itineraries are a duration of either 4, 5, or 8 days.

The
EXPERIENCES
INCLUDED
Snorkeling Excursions
Nature Hikes
Kayaking
SUP (stand up paddleboarding)
Rest & Relaxation
Cooking Classes
SPECIAL

When you stay in a private cabin on a shared boat, we are not able to incorporate any of our Insider Access Experiences into your cruise itinerary. Shared boats have a fixed itinerary and you are limited to the included experiences listed above.

Curious to learn more about our portfolio of Insider Access Experiences? See them all here>

Whereas, a Private Charter offers total route flexibility for your group and we can incorporate any of our Insider Access Experiences. Get in touch with us to discuss the amazing array of yachts and catamarans available. Smaller private catamarans are surprisingly affordable for groups of 8+

ESTIMATED
PRICE

Boat Per Day
0
trip minimum
4 days
WHAT'S
INCLUDED

All pricing is per person, based on 2 travellers booking together.

Our Special Experiences are an additional cost as they require special arrangements. Separating (1) your per-day price for chosen boat class, from (2) the additional cost for your special experiences lets us portray a more honest picture of how we price a Galapagos Journey.

What’s Included in your Per Day boat price: Private Cabin in a shared boat, All meals, VIP airport reception and departure, Transfers b/w boat and airport, Fixed itinerary with route that you choose and 1 or 2 shared experiences per day, 24/7 assistance during your journey and pre-departure.

Not Included: International Flights to Ecuador, Flight from Quito (or Guayaquil or Lima) to Baltro Airport (GPS) or San Cristobal (SCY), $100 National Park Fee, Personal expenses

Galapagos On Land

(1) Choose your land stay. (2) Choose your experiences. (3) Then hit “Save This Trip” to send yourself a good-looking summary email of your journey.

LAND
STAY

See our Lodging page for an explanation of our land accommodation tiers. We suggest a minimum land stay of 5 days if choosing land only.

The
EXPERIENCES
INCLUDED
Nature Hikes
Biking at Your Lodge
Local Beach Visits
Rest + Relaxation
Travel with Purpose:
Giving Back to The Galapagos
SPECIAL
A Sea Lion's Kingdom + $250
Mangroves + Sea Dragons + $350
Feeding Frenzy + $300
Volcano Trek + $250
Eco-Sport Fishing + $400
Snorkeling + Birding + $200
Swim With Penguins + $250
Scuba Dive Day Tour + $250

Curious to learn more about each of the Special Experiences above? See them all here

ESTIMATED
PRICE

Land Stay Per Day
0
Additional Special
Experiences
$0
trip minimum
5 days
WHAT'S
INCLUDED

All pricing is per person, based on 2 travellers booking together.

Our Special Experiences are an additional cost as they require special arrangements. Separating (1) your per-day price for chosen land stay accommodation, from (2) the additional cost for your special experiences lets us portray a more honest picture of how we price a Galapagos Journey.

What’s Included in your Per Day land stay price: daily breakfast and some other meals, 1 or 2 experiences per day, all airport transfers and reception, transfers from hotel to excursions, airport hotel in Quito if your flight arrives late, 24/7 assistance during your journey and pre-departure.

Not Included: International Flights to Ecuador, Flight from Quito (or Guayaquil or Lima) to Baltro Airport (GPS) or San Cristobal (SCY), $100 National Park Fee, Personal expenses

Combination - Boat + Land

(1) Choose your boat class. (2) Choose your land stay. (3) Choose your experiences. (4) Then hit “Save This Trip” to send yourself a good-looking summary email of your journey.

BOAT
CLASS

See our Boats page for an explanation of our boat classes. Boat itineraries are a duration of either 4, 5, or 8 days.

LAND
STAY

See our Lodging page for an explanation of our land accommodation tiers. We suggest a minimum land stay of 5 days if choosing land only.

The
EXPERIENCES
INCLUDED
Snorkeling + Excursions
Nature Hikes
Kayaking
Beach Visits
Rest + Relaxation
Cooking Classes
Travel With Purpose:
Giving Back to The Galapagos
SPECIAL
A Sea Lion's Kingdom + $250
Mangroves + Sea Dragons + $350
Feeding Frenzy + $300
Volcano Trek + $250
Eco-Sport fishing + $400
Snorkeling + Birding + $200
Swim With Penguins + $300
Scuba Dive Day Tour + $250

ESTIMATED
PRICE

Boat Per Day
0
Land Stay Per Day
0
Additional Special
Experiences
$0
trip minimum
7 days
WHAT'S
INCLUDED

All pricing is per person, based on 2 travellers booking together.

Our Special Experiences are an additional cost as they require special arrangements. Separating (1) your per-day price for chosen boat and/or accommodation, from (2) the additional cost for your special experiences lets us portray a more honest picture of how we price a Galapagos Journey.

What’s Included in your Per Day prices: Private Cabin in a shared boat, All meals on the boat, VIP airport reception and departure, Transfers b/w boat and airport, Fixed boat itinerary with route that you choose, 1 or 2 experiences per day, 24/7 assistance during journey and pre-departure.

Not Included: International Flights to Ecuador, Flight from Quito (or Guayaquil or Lima) to Baltro Airport (GPS) or San Cristobal (SCY), $100 National Park Fee, Personal expenses

    Your Name:

    Your E-mail:


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    A Lost World Awaits

    Eco-Adventure dotsLuxury Charters dotsWellness

    recognized for our travel innovation
    Recognized by Condé Nast, Travel+Leisure and Wendy Perrin
    RECOGNIZED FOR OUR TRAVEL INNOVATION
    Recognized by Condé Nast, Travel+Leisure and Wendy Perrin

    Private Boat Charters

    PRIVATE BOAT CHARTERS

    Perfect for groups of 8+dotsFully Private Island-Hopping

    Perfect for groups of 8+

    We've visited just about

    EVERY
    CORNER
    GALAPAGOS
    ISLANDS
    Since 1998, Founder + CEO Eric Sheets has been crafting tailor-made itineraries for discerning and curious travellers. Because of our trusted relationships with the islands’ vendors, storytellers and eco-visionaries, we offer an array of mind-blowing, insider access experiences that simply can’t be found elsewhere. Our craft shines when clients ask for the extraordinary. Whether you seek a simpler, more rough-and-tumble journey, or the apex of luxury on a privately chartered yacht, we would be honoured to make it happen.

    Decide How You’ll Travel

    ^ Click to learn more about this choice

    Choose Your Experiences

    ^ Your itinerary is made from these
    Our Build Your Trip tool lets you assemble your Galapagos trip ideas and estimate trip pricing. Choose your boat class, choose land stay type, choose your experiences. When you’re done, hit Save to email yourself a trip summary. Simple. No commitment. No account creation.
    Our Build Your Trip tool lets you assemble your Galapagos trip ideas, estimate trip pricing and email yourself a trip summary. No commitment. No account creation.

    EXPERIENCES

    EXPER
    IENCES

    Look for the orange star – these are our Insider Access Experiences – including your own private guide
    Look for the orange star – these are our Insider Access Experiences
    A Sea Lion’s Kingdom
    Video

    Swimming with Galapagos Sea Lions is a must. Watching their athleticism and playfulness underwater is endless fun.

    A Sea Lion's Kingdom

    Our Santa Fe Island Tour is the ultimate experience to swim with the Galapagos Sea Lions who are very friendly and love to imitate swimmers (especially the young sea lions). Often they play and do tricks under the water. This is a very unique wildlife experience, so make sure your GoPro or underwater camera is fully charged!

    After snorkelling, your guide and captain will navigate along the Santa Fe shore, looking for Blue Footed Boobies and Frigate Birds. It will take approximately 25 minutes to get to Playa Escondida; where mangroves, a beautiful white sand beach, and the famous Galapagos Marine Iguanas will welcome you. This will be the time to relax on the beach before your return in the late afternoon.

    Highlights:

    • Private pick up from Hotel (charter only)
    • Fishing at Santa Fe’s Drop-off
    • Eat your own catch* (sashimi or grilled)
    • Snorkeling with sea lions, turtles, rays and more
    • Sea bird watching on board
    • Relaxing at Playa Escondida (white sand beach)

    Sites Visited:

    • Santa Fe’s Drop-off
    • La Botella or Santa Fe Bay
    • Playa Escondida

    Included:

    • Fishing gear
    • Snacks and lunch
    • Sodas, beers and hot drinks
    • Snorkeling gear and towels
    • Naturalist & Marine Reserve Guide
    Mangroves + Sea Dragons
    Gallery

    Marine iguanas, lava rocks, red mangroves and the azure ocean. Lots to explore here. Just a 20 min boat ride from Puerto Ayora.

    Mangroves + sea Dragons

    Surrounded by marine iguanas, lava rocks, red mangroves and the ocean, the La Fe ecosystem (about 20 minutes by boat from Puerto Ayora) is a wonderful destination to explore land and sea for the day.

    Upon arrival, step foot on the island and follow your guide through a narrow trail surrounded by Candelabra Cactus, leading you to the Red Mangrove jungle. Continue along the trail until reaching the shoreline where black basaltic lava, ulva seaweed, Blue Footed Boobies and Sally Lightfoot Crabs create a unique contrast of colors. Here, you will get to witness a sea lion colony and plenty of marine iguanas blending in with the black basaltic lave, soaking up the sun.

    Galapagos Iguana

    Next, return to the boat with your guide and prepare to snorkel some of the world’s healthiest mangroves from the surface of the water. Going carefully in-between, around, and alongside the reefs and mangroves, prepare to have close encounters with friendly sea turtles, sea lions, marine iguanas, tropical fish, and more! This is a fantastic experience for nature lovers, families, and honeymooners.

    Galapagos Sea Lions

    Duration: 6 – 7 hours

    Highlights:

    • Private pick up from Hotel (charter only)
    • Exploring La Fe
    • Snorkeling with marine iguanas, sea turtles, sea lions and more
    • Fishing at San Luis Seamount
    • Eat your own catch* (sashimi or grilled)

    Sites Visited:

    • La Fe
    • San Luis Seamount

    Included:

    • Fishing gear
    • Snacks and lunch
    • Sodas, beers and hot drinks
    • Snorkelling gear and towels
    • Naturalist & Marine Reserve Guide
    Feeding Frenzy
    Video

    We take you to the San Louis Seamount for rarely witnessed underwater phenomenon: a multi-species feeding frenzy.

    Feeding Frenzy

    One of the best kept secrets in Darwin’s archipelago, this special access experience takes you to one of the best places in the Galapagos Islands to snorkel, the San Louis Seamount.

    What is a seamount? A seamount is an underwater mountain formed by volcanic activity that scientists identify as a biological hotspot because of the diverse array of aquatic life.

    Our guide (an English-speaking Galapagueño) and his captain will greet you at sea (if you are chartering a private yacht with us) or will pick you up at a local pier (if you are staying on land). Once aboard the small motorboat, our captain takes you to the San Louis Seamount where you will get to watch a rarely witnessed phenomenon: a multi-species feeding frenzy while in the water. While this may sound dangerous, remember: animals in The Galapagos are highly protected which makes them less fearful of human presence. You will be able to float at the surface observing a “bait ball” of small fish, while blue-footed boobies, marlin, sea lions, the occasional penguin, and even dolphins come to feed.

    This experience is ideal for adventurous families and groups. This is aquatic adventure you’ve never witnessed before.

    Highlights:

    • Private pick up at sea or at a pier
    • Floating with mask and snorkel as you watch a feeding frenzy

    Sites Visited:

    • San Louis Seamount

    Included:

    • Snacks and lunch
    • Sodas, beers and hot drinks
    • Snorkeling gear and towels
    • Our guide (an English-speaking Galapagueño)

    Volcano Trek
    Gallery

    Sierra Negra Volcano is a safe and otherworldly experience. Grab your day pack, lace up your hiking shoes, and let’s go!

    Volcano Trek

    Getting to see a volcano up close is a rare experience indeed. Sierra Negra is one of five active volcanoes located on Isabela Island.

    Depending on the group’s speed, this excursion takes 5 – 6 hours. The hike is not technically difficult, but be ready for physical exertion, and bring a rain coat incase it rains.

    At the base of Sierra Negra, we are joined by our knowledgeable guide and our hike begins. The first portion of the hike is a walk through lush vegetation with local birds flitting about. Green surroundings take us all the way to the rim of the volcano where the volcano’s expansive caldera all of a sudden comes into view. Sierra Negra’s caldera is an incredible 6 miles wide and the views are breathtaking – with the blues of the ocean below, the rich dark hues of the crater, and the green of plants creeping over the rim. Often the volcano can be misty and rainy, adding an always changing atmospheric dimension.

    Your guide explains eons of volcanic activity in the Galapagos, the life-giving interplay of mineral-rich lava and rock, as well as the ecosystem’s plants and birds. Exploration of the crater is followed by lunch and then we make our way back to the Sierra Negra park entrance.

    Included:

    • Travel to and from the base of Sierra Negra Volcano
    • Your guide
    • Lunch, snacks + water
    Eco-Sport Fishing
    Gallery

    Popper, jiggin and fly fishing are possible all year round in the equatorial Galapagos Islands!

    Eco-Sport Fishing

    Popper, jiggin and fly fishing on the hunt for Yellow Fin Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Amber Jack and Galapagos Grouper are possible all year round in the Galapagos.

    With Galapagos authorities being very serious about conservation, fish are abundant in these waters. We partner with fishermen who are committed to marine and species conservation. Ask us and we’ll arrange a memorable half-day of fishing that fits beautifully into your itinerary.

    Snorkeling + Birding
    Gallery

    Rays, sea lions, sharks and tropical reef fish. Lava Gulls, Swallow Tailed Gulls, Nazca Boobies, blue-footed Boobies and Frigate Birds.

    Snorkeling & Birding

    Snorkeling at Daphne Mayor is truly an experience you will never forget. Along the steep walls of Daphne Island, there are various marine aquatic species. Expect to see and interact with manta rays, sea lions, various shark species and large schools of tropical reef fish.

    Daphne Mayor Island is located off the northern shore of Santa Cruz island, and is only a 15-minute boat ride from the Itabaca Channel and Baltra Airport. This experience is ideal for travelers who are seeking an exciting day of snorkeling without the hassle of a long navigation (especially for those prone to sea sickness).

    This island also offers a wonderful display of seabirds nesting on its cliffs and your English-speaking naturalist guide can identify the birds if you are curious. The northwest side of the island is the best birding opportunity (our guides will have binoculars available). Get ready to see Lava Gulls, Swallow Tailed Gulls, Nazca Boobies, Noddies, Blue-footed Boobies, Medium Ground Finches and Frigate Birds.

    Swallow Tailed Gulls

    En route we will fish along the Tiburon Arrecho seamount and make a lunch stop to grill your catch at Bahia Borrero, a spectacular white sand beach, known for the high numbers of breeding sea turtles in shallow waters during the months of December to March. (or opt out of fishing and just snorkel and bird-watch for a half-day experience).

    Duration: 6 – 7 hours

    Highlights:

    • Private pick up from Hotel (charter only)
    • Bird watching and snorkeling at Daphne Mayor
    • Eat your own catch* (sashimi or grilled)
    • Snorkeling with mantas, sea lions, sharks and more
    • Relaxing at Bahia Borrero (white sand beach)

    Sites Visited:

    • Daphne Mayor
    • Tiburon Arrecho
    • Bahia Borrero

    Included:

    • Fishing gear
    • Snacks and lunch
    • Sodas, beers and hot drinks
    • Snorkelling gear and towels
    • Naturalist & Marine Reserve Guide

    Blue-footed Boobie

    Swim with Penguins
    Gallery

    We take you to the clear waters of Pinzon Island to swim with penguins, tropical fish and rays.

    Swimming with Penguins

    With calm crystalline waters and the opportunity to swim with penguins, tropical fish, reef sharks and rays … no wonder Pinzon Island is one of the top snorkelling destinations in The Galapagos.

    Beginning from Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, your guide and captain navigate to Pinzon Island to explore Penguin Bay and Dumb Islet. Penguin Bay is a calm, clear, shallow cove, full of marine fauna, at the eastern side of the island. This location is one of the only places in the world where you can swim with penguins. Did you know that the Galapagos Penguin is the only penguin species found north of the equator? In the Galapagos, the cool waters of the Humboldt and Cromwell currents converge allowing the penguins to survive.

    Besides swimming with penguins, the calm waters make for relaxing snorkelling (great for families with children). While here, there’s a good chance you’ll have encounters with sub-tropical reef fish, reef sharks and rays.

    Next, continue to Dumb Islet at Pinzon’s North Shore, where a deep, steep wall awaits – perfect for free diving and snorkelling. These waters are home to manta rays and a large variety of pelagic fish. On occasion, groups of Bottle Nose Dolphins swim through the area. With luck and some effort one can spot the famous Galapagos Red Lipped Bat Fish resting on the ocean floor.

    There will be one last stop at La Fe or Las Palmas (on the way back to Santra Cruz) for exploring and relaxing. Both places have beautiful forests of Mangroves and Opuntia cacti growing near the shoreline.

    Duration: 6-7 hours

    Highlights:

    • Private pick up from Hotel (charter only)
    • Fishing at Nameless Rock
    • Eat your own catch* (sashimi or grilled)
    • Snorkeling with turtles, rays, sharks and more
    • Searh for Galapagos Red Lipped Bat Fish
    • Relaxing at La Fe or Las Palmas

    Sites Visited:

    • Penguin Bay
    • Dumb Islet
    • La Fe or Las Palmas

    Included:

    • Fishing gear
    • Snacks and lunch
    • Sodas, beers and hot drinks
    • Snorkelling gear and towels
    • Naturalist & Marine Reserve Guide
    Rest & Relaxation
    Gallery

    Let us know how much R&R you want, so we can craft an itinerary that gets it right.

    Rest & Relaxation

    Some travellers like to pack their itineraries with activities. Some less so. Everyone is different. Let us know how much R&R you want, so we can craft an itinerary that gets it right.

    Most itineraries include downtime each day. Boat-based itineraries have lots of on-the-water cruising time, giving travellers time to slow down and observe the sea, the birds, and the island landscapes as you island hop. All our recommended boats for cruising the islands have deck lounges, with many of the private yachts and larger boats having multiple decks and ensuite private balconies. If you choose a land-based itinerary, all our recommended accommodations have spaces for you to chill.

    The volcano trek BLEW our tops off! It seemed like we were on a different planet. Special thanks to everyone who made it happen.

    – McMaster family

    SEE MORE TRAVELLER

    COMMENTS

    LEARN MORE ABOUT

    THE GALAPAGOS

    Six

    Reasons To
    Travel with Us

    Insider Access Experiences

    As you browse our portfolio of Experiences above, look for the orange star. These experiences are hard-to-find elsewhere and special in our opinion: they bring you incredibly close to nature and are sure to WOW. With each you get your own expert guide. 

    We Support Eco-sustainable
    Businesses in the Galapagos

    The Galapagos is one of the most fragile and pristine environments in the world. Did you know that only 3% of the islands' area can receive visitors? To play our part, we only partner with eco-conscious ship operators and business owners. When you travel with us you are actively supporting locals who are working to protect the Galapagos’ future.

    We Uncomplicate a Complicated Destination

    The Galapagos Islands are not the easiest to access and plan. Our deep knowledge of the best boats, accommodations and experiences, and how to sew it all together as an inspiring and seamless trip ... this is our craft. Here's How We Work With You to craft your itinerary. And take a look at our Galapagos Basics quicklist: we want all our travelers to have a good feel for what's possible in a custom itinerary.

    Health & Safety

    We ensure immaculate quality control over the disinfecting of all surfaces and the cleaning of food. This could not be more important. The well-being of our travel clients, as well as our operators, is our greatest concern.

    Wellness Experiences

    We see travel is an opportunity to create wellness. It allows us to discover, be together, disconnect and embrace new sights, sounds and tastes. We design signature wellness experiences that spring from the Galapagos' culture and  surroundings. From yoga, to organic food therapy, to transformative nature experiences, to making interesting human connections, we are always keen to incorporate wellness into your trip planning. Talk to us.

    Consider a Family Reunion In The Galapagos

    Galapagos is an ideal destination for families. Why not celebrate a special occasion here. We work with a select group of boats and villas, ideal for celebrating an amazing gathering of family and friends. 

    Travel With Purpose

    For those who wish to positively impact a local Galapagos community in a more intentional way, we can arrange volunteer opportunities. Talk to us.