World Cruise Awards Winner “Latin America’s Best Cruise Line 2024”
Explore the central, northern and eastern Galapagos Islands aboard the luxurious Elite. Learn about the local wildlife, hike to fantastic viewpoints and swim with sealife.
Galapagos
Central, Northern & Eastern Islands
8 Days aboard Elite . From NZD $16,650pp.
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights:
- Visit the Jacinto Gordillo breeding centre, home to hundreds of tortoises of different species and ages
- Stop by Suarez Point, universally considered one of the top five visitor sites in all of the Galapagos where you will hike along one of the oldest cliffs in the islands
- Snorkel among reef fish in the surf off Gardner Bay
- Look for the vivid red Sally Lightfoot Crabs at Cormorant Point
- Climb to the top of Baroness' Lookout where you can take in views of the landscape
Itinerary in Brief:
- Day 1: San Cristobal airport - David Rodriguez Breeding Center
- Day 2: Española: Suarez Point - Gardner Bay, Gardner and Osborn Islets
- Day 3: Floreana: Cormorant Point / Devil’s Crown - Post Office Bay / The Baroness’ Lookout
- Day 4: Mosquera Islet - Santa Cruz: Bachas Beach
- Day 5: Genovesa: Prince Philip's Steps / El Barranco - Darwin Bay
- Day 6: Santiago: Espumilla Beach / Buccaneer Cove - Egas Port
- Day 7: Black Turtle Cove - Highlands and Charles Darwin Research Station
- Day 8: Lobos Island, off San Cristobal
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1: San Cristobal airport - David Rodriguez Breeding Center
AM: Arrive at San Cristobal airport where you will be transferred to the vessel.
PM: David Rodriguez Breeding Center
A visit to the David Rodriguez Breeding Center provides information about the origin and evolution of the giant tortoise and explains why the center is so vital in safeguarding the future of these incredible creatures.
Walking through the trails of the reserve, you can see baby tortoises being reared in semi-natural conditions - a brilliant demonstration of the commitment the local people have to preserving the wildlife that makes the Galapagos so special.
Activities and Excursions: Walk
Difficulty: Soft
Day 2: Española: Suarez Point - Gardner Bay, Gardner and Osborn Islets
AM: Española - Suarez Point
Suarez Point is packed with wildlife and is best explored by following the circular walking trail. This memorable walk will take you past nesting sites of large colonies of nazca and blue-footed boobies and mockingbirds.
Unique to Española Island are also the beautiful waved albatross, that can be seen majestically launching themselves out across the ocean from the cliffs and the red and green marine iguanas.
A geological highlight are several blow holes, capable of shooting water 25m into the air, that make for a spectacular photo.
Activities and Excursions: Walk
Difficulty: Moderate
PM: Gardner Bay, Gardner and Osborn Islets
The pristine white sandy beach of Gardner Bay dotted with sea lions provides a perfect spot to relax and kayaking or paddle boarding is a fantastic way to observe the large number of waved albatross who use this beach as a breeding site.
A short zodiac ride will take you to the Gardner and Osborn Islets, which are superb locations for snorkeling with young sea lions and a variety of colourful tropical fish and corals.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling, zodiac ride, Kayak/Paddle Boarding
Difficulty: Moderate
Day 3: Floreana: Cormorant Point / Devil’s Crown - Post Office Bay / The Baroness’ Lookout
AM: Floreana - Cormorant Point / Devil’s Crown
Cormorant Point features two contrasting beaches: one with olive-green sand due to the high content of olivine crystals, and another with pure white sand (commonly known as ‘Flour Beach’) derived from pulverized coral.
The saltwater pond is a must-see as it is frequented by one of the archipelago’s largest populations of Galapagos flamingos as well as other shorebirds such as stilts, white-cheeked pintails and large-billed flycatchers.
Afterwards, guests will take a zodiac ride to Devil´s Crown, an underwater volcanic crater that is almost completely submerged – in fact, just a small portion of the rock formation can be seen from above, and it looks like a crown. Snorkelers will discover a vast underwater world full of coral reefs and a myriad of marine species. Birds are also part of this visitor point due to its location in open waters.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling, zodiac ride
Difficulty: Moderate
PM: Post Office Bay / The Baroness’ Lookout
Post Office Bay is a man-made site that offers an insight into a remarkable mailing tradition developed by British whalers in the 18th century that visitors can still take part in today.
The beach here provides for good snorkeling and kayaking and it is also possible to descend into and walk through a lava tube.
Next, take a zodiac ride to the Baroness’ Lookout, a volcanic rock formation named after an Australian baroness, who visited the island in the 1930’s and is believed to have mysteriously disappeared.
A short trail leads to a brilliant vantage point with panoramic views of the surrounding mangroves and coastline.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling, zodiac ride, Kayak/Paddle Boarding
Difficulty: Easy
Day 4: Mosquera Islet - Santa Cruz: Bachas Beach
AM: Mosquera Islet
Mosquera islet is a small, flat, sandy islet located between Baltra and North Seymour islands.
With no fixed trail, you are free to explore the beautiful surroundings on foot, where you will encounter a large population of sea lions, shorebirds and the striking Sally Lightfoot crabs that cling to the dark rocks.
The numerous coral reefs also make it a fantastic site for snorkeling and catching sight of a range of marine life including sharks, turtles and rays.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling
Difficulty: Moderate
PM: Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach
Bachas Beach is a beautiful white-sand beach on which the remnants of a rusted barge, thought to have been abandoned by the Americans during WWI, can be seen. It is a popular nesting site for turtles, so if you go for a snorkel, you might find yourself sharing the water with these wonderful creatures.
The beach is also full of vibrant Sally Lightfoot and hermit crabs, and elegant pink flamingos that frequent the saltwater pond located just behind the beach.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy
Day 5: Genovesa: Prince Philip's Steps / El Barranco - Darwin Bay
AM: Genovesa - Prince Philip's Steps / El Barranco
El Barranco, also known as Prince Philip’s Steps, is a rocky stairway that will lead you past a colony of nazca and red-footed boobies leads up to a plateau of dried lava. Continuing through the thin Palo Santo forest and looking out over the plain, visitors are often treated to sites of storm petrels launching out over the ocean.
A zodiac ride or kayaking/paddle boarding along the edge of the cliffs provides a good chance to see the elusive Galapagos fur seals nestled on the rocks, and snorkeling is a great activity if you fancy a dip with a variety of shark species.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling, zodiac ride, Kayak/Paddle Boarding
Difficulty: Moderate
PM: Genovesa - Darwin Bay
Darwin Bay has a small sand and coral beach that provides the perfect spot for snorkeling, kayaking or paddle boarding in calm, sheltered waters in the company of hammerhead sharks, rays and a plethora of colorful reef fish. Onshore, a short trail leads along a tidal lagoon and mangroves, home to a variety of land bird species, including Nazca and red-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls.
The trail culminates at a viewpoint that offers a stunning view overlooking the cliffs and the bay below.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling, zodiac ride, Kayak/Paddle Boarding
Difficulty: Moderate
Day 6: Santiago: Espumilla Beach / Buccaneer Cove - Egas Port
AM: Santiago - Espumilla Beach / Buccaneer Cove
Espumilla beach, located on the northern coast of Santiago island, is an exquisite white sand beach, whose name refers to the meringue-like trails of foam left by the lapping of the waves. Sally Lightfoot crabs are in abundance here and as a result, it is common to see predatory birds such as hawks, herons and pelicans.
This idyllic location is perfect for snorkeling or kayaking/paddle boarding amongst a raft of marine life, including species of octopus, eels and sharks. Buccaneer Cove has an interesting history as it is where sailors, buccaneers and whalers frequently anchored their vessels in search for food and water. In more recent times it has become an important nesting site for turtles and is also popular with sea lions.
A zodiac ride along the eroded shoreline provides views of intriguing rock formations that provide excellent ledges for boobies, pelicans and gulls.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling, zodiac ride, Kayak/Paddle Boarding
Difficulty: Moderate
PM: Egas Port
Egas Port was once the site of a salt mine, but now this impressive black sand beach is an excellent location for snorkeling and observing shorebirds, Sally Lightfoot crabs and marine iguanas.
A stroll along the wide trails inland leads you past tidal pools and rocky volcanic formations known as grottoes where it is possible to spot fur seals enjoying a spot of shade.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy
Day 7: Black Turtle Cove - Highlands and Charles Darwin Research Station
AM: Black Turtle Cove
The first visit of the day is to Black Turtle Cove, which is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz. It is a living illustration of how mangroves alter the marine environment to create a rich and unique habitat. Three mangrove species crowd the area from the shore out into a shallow lake which reaches almost a mile inland.
As you drift through quiet waters in the zodiac, you are likely to see spotted eagle rays and diamond-shaped mustard rays, which swim in a diamond formation. White-tipped reef sharks slip beneath the boat and Pacific green sea turtles come to the surface for air and to mate. Waterfowl, including pelicans, herons and egrets, all feed in the cove. It’s a peaceful place where visitors often have up-close encounters with Galapagos wildlife, often making it a highlight of the trip!
Activities and Excursions: zodiac ride
Difficulty: Easy
PM: Highlands and Charles Darwin Research Station
On the highlands of Santa Cruz, you’ll have the opportunity to see the famous giant tortoises in the wild. So renowned are these endemic animals that they gave the archipelago its name. Birdwatching is also one of the activities do to in the Santa Cruz highlands, since this area is home of finches and other Galapagos birds.
After the visit to the highlands, we continue to the famous Charles Darwin Research Station that provides guests with a unique opportunity to find out about the vital work that is being carried out to preserve the archipelago’s ecosystems.
The Research Center is also home to a significant breeding program for Galapagos tortoises, whose numbers have been in decline since the 1970’s.
These captivating reptiles are very accustomed to humans, so be sure to bring your camera for some close-ups.
Activities and Excursions: Walk
Difficulty: Easy
Day 8: Lobos Island, off San Cristobal
AM: Lobos Island, off San Cristobal
Accessed by zodiac, Lobos Island gets its name from the herds of sea lions that have made their home here.
Snorkeling in the calm clear water provides a unique opportunity to see these inquisitive and playful animals up close and it is also common to be accompanied by green turtles and rays as well.
Inland, there is a trail where you can expect to encounter nesting sites for blue-footed boobies and frigates.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling, zodiac ride
Difficulty: Moderate
San Cristobal Airport
Depart from San Cristobal airport.
Next Departure Date: 25 Jan 2025
| Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Jan 2025 - 01 Feb 2025 | NZD$18500pp | ||
| Golden Suite - Main Deck | NZD$18500pp | Contact us | |
| 08 Feb 2025 - 15 Feb 2025 | NZD$18500pp | ||
| 22 Feb 2025 - 01 Mar 2025 | NZD$18500pp | ||
| 08 Mar 2025 - 15 Mar 2025 | NZD$18500pp | ||
| 22 Mar 2025 - 29 Mar 2025 | NZD$18500pp | ||
| 05 Apr 2025 - 12 Apr 2025 | NZD$18500pp | ||
| 19 Apr 2025 - 26 Apr 2025 | NZD$18500pp | ||
| 03 May 2025 - 10 May 2025 | NZD$18500pp | ||
| 17 May 2025 - 24 May 2025 | NZD$18500pp | ||
| 31 May 2025 - 07 Jun 2025 | NZD$16650pp | ||
| 14 Jun 2025 - 21 Jun 2025 | NZD$16650pp | ||
| 28 Jun 2025 - 05 Jul 2025 | NZD$16650pp | ||
| 12 Jul 2025 - 19 Jul 2025 | NZD$16650pp | ||
| 26 Jul 2025 - 02 Aug 2025 | NZD$16650pp | ||
| 09 Aug 2025 - 16 Aug 2025 | NZD$16650pp | ||
| 23 Aug 2025 - 30 Aug 2025 | NZD$16650pp | ||
| 06 Sep 2025 - 13 Sep 2025 | NZD$18500pp | ||
| 18 Oct 2025 - 25 Oct 2025 | NZD$18500pp | ||
| 01 Nov 2025 - 08 Nov 2025 | NZD$18500pp | ||
| 15 Nov 2025 - 22 Nov 2025 | NZD$18500pp | ||
| 29 Nov 2025 - 06 Dec 2025 | NZD$18500pp | ||
| 13 Dec 2025 - 20 Dec 2025 | NZD$18500pp |
Alternative itinerary options:
- 8 Day Elite: Western, Central & Eastern Islands (A)
- 4 Day Elite: Central & Southern Islands (C)
- 5 Day Elite: Central & Northern Islands (D)
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Single Cabin - Upper Deck
Suites Size: 35 mt2/ 377 ft2 – 37 mt2/ 398 ft2
Golden Suites location: 4 suites – Upper Deck
Single cabin location: 1 cabin – Upper Deck
Single cabin size: medidas pendientes
Located on upper deck
1 single bed
Private balcony
Floor-to-ceiling window
Private bathroom
Air conditioning
Storage area
Desk
Golden Suite - Main Deck
Suites Size: 35 mt2/ 377 ft2 – 37 mt2/ 398 ft2
Golden Suites location: 4 suites – Main Deck
Located on main deck and upper deck
2 single beds or 1 king bed
Private balcony
Floor-to-ceiling windows
Private bathroom
Sofa
Air conditioning
Storage area
Desk
Sky Deck
This is perhaps the most beautiful and inviting outdoor area of the Elite. Our passenger sky lounge offers al-fresco dining, a whirlpool, and an outdoor cocktail bar, making it the perfect place for watching the Galapagos Islands float by.
Elite Deckplan
Specifications
- Operations start: July 2019
- Type: Motor catamaran
- Category: Luxury
- Length: 37.5 mt / 123.03 ft
- Beam: 13.5 mt / 44.29 ft
- Draft to Baseline: 1.90 mt / 6.23 ft
- Crew: 10 crew members + Cruise Service Officer + Guide
- Capacity: 16 passengers Speed 12 knots
- Propulsion: 2 x Marine Generator Drive Engines – 500 HP each
Whats included?
- Transfers between the airport and the yacht in the Galapagos
- Airport reception and assistance
- Accommodation on board
- Guided excursions as per your itinerary
- Top bilingual National Park guide
- Cruise service officer
- Activity daily briefing
- All meals and snacks on board
- Soft drinks and juices
- Glass of house wine for dinners
- Captain's welcome and farewell cocktail
- Supplied expedition gear: transparent sea kayaks, paddle boards, snorkelling equipment (mask, snorkel & fins), wet suits, excursions bag, water container
What’s not included?
- Round trip flights between mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
- Galápagos National Park fee: US$200 per person
- Transit control card: US$20 per person
- Alcoholic and bottled beverages
- Tips for guide and crew
- Travel and health insurance
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: Galapagos
This once in a lifetime destination is a nature lovers dream. Watch the famous Galapagos tortoises and blue footed boobies in the morning and snorkel with sea lions in the afternoon, then relax on your cruise to the next destination tomorrow!
Downloadable travel guide
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