Overview
Newly built in 2018, the Grand Majestic liveaboard is one of the fastest yachts offering luxury small-ship cruises in the Galapagos Islands. She is fitted with moderns and stylish living areas, including a large sun deck with jacuzzi and al fresco dining. On the main deck is an open plan living, dining and bar area with panoramic windows. On the lower deck are 6 spacious cabins with double or twin beds and porthole windows. Located on the main deck is one double with panoramic windows and the Master Suite with his and her bathrooms, sofa and panoramic windows. All cabins are fitted with AC and private en-suite bathrooms.
Get up close with the amazing nature of the Galapagos Islands on this once in a lifetime cruises. Activities include snorkeling with sea-lion pups and a wide variety of marine-life, hiking to viewpoints with access to stunning scenery, and visits to the breeding centre to see Giant Tortoises.
Islands you will visit:
- San Cristobal
- Floreana
- Española
- Santa Cruz
- Genovesa
- Rabida
Itinerary
Your Itinerary

SAN CRISTOBAL
AM: Arrival in San Cristobal Airport and Transfer to the boat
PM: El Junco Lagoon
The Junco Lagoon, located about 700 m above sea level, is one of the few permanent freshwater bodies in the Galapagos. Frigate birds are often seen here washing the salt from their feathers as well as white-cheeked pintails and common gallinules. Its name comes from a type of plant that is common in this area called “junco”.
| Highlights: | One of the few permanent freshwater lakes, frigates, white-cheeked pintails |
| Possible Activities: | Bird watching |
| Type of Landing: | Dry landing |
| Difficulty: | Easy |

FLOREANA ISLAND
AM: Post Office Bay In the 18th century whalers passing through the islands placed a wooden barrel on Floreana Island for use as an unofficial mail box. The tradition continues today as visitors leave addressed postcards in the barrel and sort through left mail to deliver at home. Highlights: Post office barrel, nice sandy beach Possible Activities: Short hike (less than 0.6 miles/1 km) & snorkeling Type of Landing: Wet landing Difficulty: Easy Baroness Viewing Point Baroness Viewpoint is a fantastic place to absorb the environment of the Galapagos.
Once inhabited by an indulgent baroness and her three lovers, the history of this island is intriguing.

ESPAñOLA ISLAND
AM: Suarez Point This area is great for spotting blue-footed boobies, albatrosses and Nazca boobies. A beautiful site on the ocean front, the large waved albatrosses use the cliff as a launching pad.
The famous attraction is the magnificent blowhole, spurting water high into the air. This site presents wonderful photograph opportunities.

SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
AM: Los Gemelos (Twin Craters) Los Gemelos, or the Twin Craters, are located opposite each other on both sides of the road leading from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. The name is only figurative; not real craters, these formations were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. The view is breathtaking.
Highlights: Pit craters, Scalesia forest Possible Activities: Short hiking Type of Landing: Dry landing Difficulty: Moderate PM: Charles Darwin Station / Fausto Llerena Breeding Center The Charles Darwin Research Station is home to turtles ranging from 3-inches (new hatchlings) to 4-feet long.

GENOVESA ISLAND
AM: El Barranco Also known as Prince Phillip's Steps, El Barranco’s steep, rocky paths leads up to a high cliff-face. A marvelous view can be appreciated from here. This site is also home to palo santo vegetation as well as red-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls, Galapagos swallows, and Galapagos doves. Highlights: Red-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls, storm-petrels, Galapagos doves Possible Activities: Hiking (0.9 miles/2 km) Type of Landing: Dry, difficult landing Difficulty: Moderate PM: Darwin Bay This white sand coral beach heads a half mile trail (0.75km) that winds through mangroves filled with land birds.
Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls can be spotted here.

CHINESE HAT ISLET & RáBIDA ISLAND
AM: Rabida Island Rabida Island (Jervis) is one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago and a great snorkeling site. Its famous maroon sandy beach and stunning lookouts provide wonderful landscapes.
The island is a birdwatcher’s delight. Some of the rarest species are in abundance, such as nine varieties of finches, large-billed flycatchers, Galapagos hawks and brown pelicans.

SAN CRISTOBAL
AM: Witch Hill Located on the northern coast, this eroded hill and its surroundings present one of the most picturesque beaches in the Galapagos with its white powdery sand and the abundance of animals.
Wildlife includes sea turtles, rays, and various types of booby birds. The clear water provides an excellent opportunity for enjoying swimming and snorkeling.

SAN CRISTOBAL
AM: Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center
The Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center was opened in 1998 as a phase of the project “Interpretation and Environment Education Project.” Visitors enjoy expositions on natural history, human history, and conservation. The conservation efforts represent the movement to protect the wildlife and natural environment through means of population and tourist control. The Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center has an outdoor stadium, audio-visual equipment, and meeting rooms.
| Possible Activities: | Short walk |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Type of Landing: | Dry |
| Highlights: | Information and history about the Galapagos Islands. |
After this tour, transfer to the San Cristobal Airport
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This departure is currently sold out. Leave your details and we will contact you the moment a cabin becomes available.
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 copy
- 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 125 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.
*Christmas & New Year: special conditions apply. Please contact us for details.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Rates Include
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All meals throughout cruise
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Transfers in the islands
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All excursions
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Bilingual national park guide
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Use of snorkeling equipment*
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Use of Underwater Camera*
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Wetsuit*
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Free airport assistance*
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1 hotel night in Quito or Guayaquil (the day before the cruise)*
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Free airport transfers for Galapagos flights*
*Restrictions apply.Please contact us for more information.
Not Included
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Mainland Ecuador-Galapagos-Mainland Ecuador airfare
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Alcoholic drinks
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US$100 Galapagos National Park fee
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US$20 Transit Control Card
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Travel / medical insurance
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Tips
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Personal expenses
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 A is an 8-day, 7-night cruise from Monday to Monday. It visits San Cristobal (El Junco Lagoon) on Monday, Floreana on Tuesday, Espanola on Wednesday, Santa Cruz on Thursday, Genovesa on Friday, Rabida and Chinese Hat on Saturday, Witch Hill and Lobos Island on San Cristobal on Sunday, and the Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center on the final Monday.
Route A starts and ends at San Cristobal Airport, with a transfer to the yacht on arrival and back to the airport after the last morning visit. Mainland Ecuador to Galapagos flights are not included, while one hotel night in Quito or Guayaquil before the cruise is included, with restrictions.
Choose a Stateroom with double or twin beds, or the Master Suite on the main deck with his and her bathrooms, a sofa and panoramic windows. All cabins have air conditioning and private bathrooms. Fares start from USD 7,045 per person sharing, and the exact fare for each departure is shown on this page.
Highlights include waved albatrosses, Nazca and blue-footed boobies and the blowhole at Suarez Point on Espanola, red-footed boobies and short-eared owls on Genovesa, giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station, the maroon beach of Rabida and snorkeling with sea lions and tropical fish at Witch Hill.
Included are all meals, island transfers, all excursions with a bilingual national park guide, snorkeling gear, an underwater camera and wetsuit, airport assistance and transfers, and one hotel night before the cruise (restrictions apply). Not included are mainland flights, the USD 100 national park fee, the USD 20 Transit Control Card, bar drinks, insurance, tips and personal expenses.
Most visits are easy or easy to moderate, such as El Junco Lagoon, Post Office Bay and Witch Hill. The hardest walk is Suarez Point on Espanola, a 3 km hike rated difficult, and El Barranco on Genovesa has a dry but difficult landing. Los Gemelos on Santa Cruz is rated moderate.
A 20% deposit confirms your cabin and the balance is due 65 days before departure. Child fares apply by age at departure in two bands: from 0 to under 5, and from 5 to under 12.
There are 36 Monday departures on sale, from 5 October 2026 to 27 December 2027, listed on this page. Grand Majestic Route B also starts and ends on a Monday at San Cristobal, so the two routes can be combined for a 14-night cruise; ask us about availability.
Email travel@palacetours.com, call 786-408-0610, or message us on WhatsApp at https://wa.me/17864080610, answered by a travel specialist or our AI assistant. The departure list on this page is bookable directly, with the exact fare shown for each date.
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