Overview
Onboard the Endemic Catamaran you can enjoy elegant, open social areas including a main deck interior lounge and dining area with panoramic views where delicious cuisine is served whilst enjoying the stunning island views. Also on the main deck is a lecture room where briefings are held. On the upper deck are a sun terrace and secluded social area, perfect for relaxation and wildlife observation. Alfresco dining is available on the Sky Deck, along with an exterior lounge, BBQ station and sun lounging area. The perfect place to unwind in the evening whilst enjoying a drink.
Island you will visit:
- Santa Cruz
- San Cristobal
- Española
- Santa Fe
- South Plaza
- Bartholomew
- North Seymour
- Floreana
- Santiago: Chinese Hat
Itinerary
Your Itinerary
BALTRA ISLAND & SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
BALTRA AIRPORT – SANTA CRUZ ISLAND: Dragon Hill Upon arrival, reception and assistance at the airport, transfer from Baltra Airport to the M/C Endemic. In the afternoon, visit to Dragon Hill will take place, which is located in the north-western part of Santa Cruz island. Here you will have the opportunity to walk into the island and view the land iguana.
Be among these magnificent reptiles, that just a few decades ago were on the brink of extinction. Moreover, at Dragon Hill you will see a flamingos’ lagoon, pintail ducks and other endemic birds including flycatchers and warblers.
SAN CRISTOBAL
SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND: Kicker Rock - Witch Hill – Lobos Island In the morning, the first spot to be visited is Kicker Rock, an impressive geological formation due to erosion. This is a nesting place of sea birds and a nice spot to take pictures while the vessels circumnavigate around the rock. Activities: Circumnavigation Type of landing: No landing Difficulty: ------ The next attraction to see is Witch Hill, a tuff cone hill located south west from San Cristobal.
This name comes from the Spanish name of the bird known in English as Vermilion Flycatcher.
ESPAñOLA ISLAND
ESPAÑOLA ISLAND: Gardner Bay/ Osborn & Gardner islets – Suarez Point Española Island will be explored today. You will have the chance to observe endemic wildlife such as the Hood-Mockingbird. This is the southernmost island in the Galapagos archipelago, and home to several wildlife species, including masked and blue-footed boobies. Spectacular views from the top of a cliff.
In the morning, after breakfast, the first attraction to be seen is Gardner Bay that provides an excellent beach for swimming. Around the small islets nearby, snorkelers will find lots of fish and sometimes turtles and sharks.
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND & SANTA FE ISLAND
SANTA FE ISLAND – SANTA CRUZ ISLAND: Fausto Llerena Breeding Center In the morning, after breakfast, Santa Fe island will be visited, which is one of the most entertaining destinations for shore excursions in the Galapagos Islands. It has two trail choices for visitors, one of which takes you to the tallest Opuntia cactus in the Galapagos.
While the other trail takes you into the highlands where land iguanas can be seen. After a long walk, the opportunity to swim in calm waters or snorkel with playful sea lions will be pretty tempting. Activities: Hiking, snorkeling. Type of landing: Dry landing Difficulty: Moderate.
BARTOLOMé ISLAND & SOUTH PLAZA ISLAND
SOUTH PLAZA ISLAND – BARTHOLOMEW ISLAND In the morning, South Plazas island is the next island to be discovered. It has unique Sesuvium plants and Opuntia cactuses scattered across the landscape which provide some of the most interesting wildlife observations available in Galapagos. Land iguanas are easily seen from the trail, frequently under the shade of cactuses, waiting for a prickly pear to fall. Activities: Hike (1.5 mi/ 2.5 Km) Type of landing: Dry landing Difficulty: Moderate After lunch, you will discover Bartholomew Island.
Once here, you will ascend to admire the spectacular panorama of the Sullivan Bay and the famous Pinnacle Rock.
FLOREANA ISLAND
FLOREANA ISLAND: Devil´s Crown /Cormorant Point - Baroness’ Lookout/ Post Office Bay In the morning, after breakfast, the first spot to be visited is Devil´s Crown that is an underwater volcanic crater, almost covered completely by Galapagos waters. Just a small portion of the rock formation can be seen from above and it looks like a crown.
The underwater world is very rich in coral reefs, abundant marine species. Birds are also part of this visitor point due to its location in open waters. Or visit Cormorant Point where you will land on a green olivine sand beach.
CHINESE HAT ISLET & NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND
SANTIAGO ISLAND: Chinese Hat – NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND In the morning, after breakfast you will visit Chinese Hat, which is a small islet off the south coast of Santiago, with a maximum elevation of 160 feet (52 meters). Though within easy reach of Santa Cruz, Chinese Hat is typically only visited by those aboard a Galapagos Cruise.
Activities: hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, dinghy ride. Type of landing: Wet landing Difficulty: Easy In the afternoon, North Seymour island will be discovered. It is located slightly to the north of Baltra. It is a low, flat island, formed by submarine lava formation uplift.
BALTRA ISLAND & SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND: Black Turtle Cove – BALTRA AIRPORT After breakfast, enjoy the visit 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 the lagoon, 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.
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Terms & Conditions
Payment Policy*:
- At the time of booking a deposit of 20% of the total tour price
- The remaining balance is due a minimum of 65 calendar days prior to departure date
To issue final confirmation Palace tours requires 60 days prior to departure (or at time of reservation for last minute bookings) the following information for all passengers:
- Complete passenger names
- Passport numbers (& passport copy in case of children)
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Marital Status
- Dietary or medical restrictions
Failure to provide the above information on time may result in delays and possibly passengers missing the tour completely. Palace tours will not accept responsibility or provide refunds if the above information is not provided in its entirety and on time.
Cancellation Policy*
All cancellations must be done in writing. If a cancellation is received more than 125 days prior to tour departure date a Cancellation fee of 10% of the total price will be retained as cancellation fee.
If a cancellation is received between 124 days and 65 days prior to tour departure date, 20% of the total price will be forfeited.
In the case of a cancellation received less than 65 days prior to the boat departure the full amount will be retained.
*Specific Payment and Cancellation/Reschedule policies for Christmas and New Years´ Eve cruise dates
Inclusions & Exclusions
Rates Include:
- Transfers airport/yacht/airport in Galapagos
- Airport reception and assistance
- Double or single accommodation
- Guided expeditions according to the itinerary
- Top bilingual National Park guide (English / Spanish)
- Cruise Service Officer
- Activity daily briefing
- All meals and snacks
- Soft drinks and juices
- Captain’s welcome and farewell cocktail
- Use of sea kayaks and paddle-boards
- Expedition Gear
Not Included:
- Round trip to Galapagos
- Galapagos National Park Entrance fee ($100 - subject to change)
- Transit Control Card ($20 - subject to change)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities for guide and crew
- Travel and health insurance
- Micro SD Card Mask and snorkel (personal use)
Frequently Asked Questions & Tips
Galapagos is a place that can be visited at any time. There are two season, and the warmest is between December and May. It is the time of year when the sky is always clear, and the sun shines strongly. If you love to dive in amazing places, the best time to visit Galapagos is from June to November. During this season the weather is a little cooler, but it gives you the chance to enjoy the best from Galapagos' famous marine reserve.
Since the islands are situated very near the Equator, we recommend that you bring lightweight clothing and of course, don't forget your swimsuits, sun lotion, and good footwear.
It depends from where you depart. Flights to the Galapagos leave from Quito and Guayaquil. It takes about half an hour to get from Quito to Guayaquil and roughly one and a half hours from Guayaquil to the islands.
For the Galapagos Islands there are no required or recommended immunizations. If you, however, intend to spend more time in Ecuador, especially in the jungle, immunization is highly recommended. As this changes from time to time please check with your local health office (or the Institute for Tropical Diseases) a few weeks in advance of your trip.
Most of our cruises will assign double cabins to all passengers unless you want to pay the single supplement if traveling alone. Triple cabins can also be arranged on request, depending on availability and the vessel you choose.
The Galapagos Islands are 6 hours behind GMT (equivalent to USA Central Standard Time)
The equatorial line does pass through the Galapagos, just north of Isla Santiago. Please refer to our Itinerary page to see which itinerary passes through the equatorial line.
The Galapagos Islands waters have the Humboldt Current's influence that brings cold waters especially during the mist rainy season (cool weather) from July to December. The warm season is during the months of January to June. The southeast trade winds become weaker and the water from the Panama Basin remains warm. During this season there is more of a tropical climate with some occasional rains. "El Niño" current may cause a much greater flow of warm waters, making the surface warmer and rainfall increase.
Average water temperatures in Galapagos:
January - June: 70°F - 80°F (20°C - 26°C)
July - December: 65°F - 75°F (18°C- 23°C)
Snorkeling equipment is available on-board and is an activity on all of our Galapagos Cruises. All water sports convey a certain risk. Passengers participating in these activities do so under their own responsibility.
*Restrictions and fees might apply, please contact us for more information.
Passengers with special dietary needs are asked to request the latest menu offered and in such cases that stated menu does not meet their needs to clearly convey their specific dietary needs. It is the responsibility of passengers with specific dietary needs to addressed additional requirements at least 30 days prior to the start of the cruise. Those general and specific needs not clearly conveyed cannot be met. Every reasonable effort will be made to cater to such requests within reason, subject to availability of products in Ecuador retains the right to refuse to cater such special needs.
Route B is a 7-night, 8-day cruise aboard the Endemic catamaran. It departs on a Sunday from Baltra airport and returns to Baltra the following Sunday after a morning visit to Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz.
Sunday: Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz. Monday: San Cristobal (Kicker Rock, Witch Hill, Lobos Island). Tuesday: Espanola. Wednesday: Santa Fe and the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. Thursday: South Plaza and Bartholomew. Friday: Floreana. Saturday: Chinese Hat off Santiago and North Seymour. Sunday: Black Turtle Cove, then the airport.
On Thursday afternoon you climb Bartholomew for the panorama over Sullivan Bay and the famous Pinnacle Rock, one of the best-known views in the Galapagos. It is a volcanic landscape of lava formations and pioneer plants, and the beaches below the Pinnacle are used for swimming and snorkeling.
Friday is spent on Floreana. The morning is either Devil's Crown, a partly submerged volcanic crater rich in marine life for snorkeling, or Cormorant Point with its green olivine sand beach and flamingo lagoon. Later visits include Baroness Lookout or Post Office Bay, home of the historic barrel mailbox.
Black Turtle Cove, on the north shore of Santa Cruz, is a mangrove lagoon explored quietly by zodiac on the last morning. Guests often see spotted eagle rays, mustard rays, white-tipped reef sharks and Pacific green sea turtles, plus pelicans and herons, before transferring to Baltra airport.
Included: Galapagos transfers and airport assistance, your Golden Suite, all meals and snacks, soft drinks and juices, guided excursions with a bilingual National Park guide, daily briefings, and use of kayaks, paddle-boards and expedition gear. Extra: flights to the islands, the USD 100 National Park fee and USD 20 Transit Control Card (subject to change), other beverages, gratuities, insurance, and personal mask and snorkel.
Golden Suite fares start from USD 9,990 per person sharing; the exact fare for each departure is shown on this page. A 20% deposit confirms the booking and the balance is due 65 days before departure.
Sunday departures are on sale from 17 January 2027 to 21 November 2027, with seven dates listed on this page. Children are priced in two bands by age on the departure date, under 5 and 5 to under 12; guests 12 and over are booked as adults.
Email travel@palacetours.com, call 786-408-0610, or message us on WhatsApp at https://wa.me/17864080610, where a travel specialist or our AI assistant will answer. The departure list on this page is bookable directly: choose your Sunday and the exact fare for that date is shown before you confirm.
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Endemic Dish
Endemic Exterior
Endemic Front Exterior
Endemic Upper Deck
Endemic Terrace
Endemic Twin cabin
Endemic King cabin
Endemic Jacuzzi
Endemic Entertainment Area
Endemic Al fresco Dining
Endemic Al fresco Dining
Endemic King Cabin
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From $9,990 per person (double occupancy, USD) — live dates and rates are in the Book This Tour section above.
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