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
- North Seymour
- Bartholomew
- Santiago
- Fernandina
- Isabela
- Santa Cruz
- Santiago
Itinerary
Itinerary
DAY1
SAN CRISTOBAL
Monday: Arrival in San Cristobal Airport
AM: Arrival in San Cristobal Airport and Transfer to the boat
PM: “David Rodriguez” Breeding Center
This is a new visitor site in the northeast part of San Cristobal Island and can now be reached in roughly one hour by road from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. In the Breeding Center, you will be able to admire the hatchling turtles from their birth until the are 120 days old when the grown turtles are taken to their natural habit.
Possible Activities:
Short hike (0,6 mi / 1Km)
Difficulty:
Easy / moderate
Type of Landing:
Dry
Highlights:
Giant tortoises in captivity, snorkeling with sea lions, land and sea birds, blue-footed boobies, hatchling turles.
DAY2
NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND / SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Tuesday: North Seymour and Santa Cruz
AM: North Seymour Island
Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds are abundant on North Seymour Island. The island was formed by a series of submarine lava containing layers of sediment that were uplifted by tectonic activity. The island is characterized by its arid vegetation zone.
Black Turtle Cove is situated in the northern part of Santa Cruz. This inlet is surrounded by mangroves and is only accessible by dinghy. The shallow cove is a safe haven for young marine life. Black-tip and white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, and a variety of rays are often spotted here.
Home of the famous Pinnacle Rock, Bartholomew consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black and even green volcanic formations. A trail of stairs leads to the summit of the volcano, boasting one of the best views of the islands. The beach is perfect for snorkeling and possible sightings of the Galapagos penguin.
Highlights:
Pinnacle rock, panoramic view, moonlike landscape, penguins, pioneer plants, lava cactus; snorkeling: penguins, reef sharks, rays, and great colorful fish.
Possible Activities:
Dinghy ride, snorkeling & hiking (1.2 miles/ 2 km)
Type of Landing:
Dry and wet landings
Difficulty:
Moderate/difficult. Walk up to the top of volcano 114 meters, 375 wooden steps
PM: Santiago Island: Egas Port
Also known as James Bay, Egas Port is home to the curious Galapagos hawks and quick-footed Galapagos lava lizards. The trail leads to a coastline with gorgeous tide pools and grottos full of fauna. Here the Galapagos fur sea lions bathe in the sun. This is also a great snorkeling site.
Tagus Cove is located across from Fernandina Island near the Bolivar Channel dividing the two islands. This spot has been frequented by ships since the 1800s using the area as an anchorage site. Trails winding by Lake Darwin up to a ridge display wonderful views. Punta Tortuga, just north of Tagus Cove, is another lovely beach surrounded by mangroves.
Highlights:
Penguins, flightless cormorants, Darwin Volcano & Lake Darwin
Possible Activities:
Long hike, snorkeling, dinghy ride
Type of Landing:
Dry landing
Difficulty:
Moderate / difficult
PM: Urbina Bay
Urbina Bay is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano on the west coast between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay. This area experienced a major uplift in 1954 causing the land to rise over 16 feet. The coast expanded half a mile out leaving marine life stranded on the new shore. This area is also a great place for snorkeling.
Highlights:
Land iguanas (the biggest in the Galapagos), hawks, coral reef, giant tortoises; snorkeling: turtles, rays, tropical fish
Possible Activities:
Snorkeling, dinghy ride & hike, 2 trails: short (0.6miles/1 km), long (1.9miles/3km)
Type of Landing:
Wet landing
Difficulty:
Easy / moderate
DAY5
FERNANDINA ISLAND / ISABELA ISLAND
Friday: Fernandina and Isabela
AM: Fernandina Island: Espinoza Point
No foreign species have ever invaded Fernandina Island, and therefore it is one of the world's most pristine island ecosystems. The volcano “La Cumbre” dominates the landspace with lava fields reaching the ocean. The island's highlight features the flightless cormorant nesting site. This area provides a great opportunity to see the Galapagos hawk.
Located on the northwestern coast of the island and comprised of two separate coves, this site is a large bay with spectacular sea life. Seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating Mola mola (sunfish) may be spotted here. This bay is great for diving and snorkeling.
Buccaneer Cove is a testament to the fact that Santiago Island was once a refuge for British buccaneers. These pirates would anchor in the protected bay to make repairs and stock up on tortoise meat among other things. The steep cliffs, where hundreds of seabirds perch in front of the dark red sand beach, are a magnificent site.
Highlights:
Sea birds, historical site, snorkeling, rock formations
Possible Activities:
Short walk along the beach (less than 0.6 miles/1 km)
Type of Landing:
Wet landing
Difficulty:
Easy
Espumilla Beach
Espumilla Beach is a popular place for marine iguanas and Sally Lightfoot crabs. The crabs attract the hunting herons performing the dance of predator and prey. With an abundance of marine life including octopi, moray eels, and sharks, snorkeling is highly recommended.
Highlights:
Snorkeling
Possible Activities:
Snorkeling and swimming
Type of Landing:
Wet landing
Difficulty:
Easy
PM: Sullivan Bay
A coral beach landing leads you towards a lava field as far as the eye can see. Hunt and peck over the two distinguished types of lava, pahoehoe and 'a'a, for signs of plant life that have managed to emerge over the past 100 years since the most recent volcanic explosion. A truly amazing volcanic experience…up close and personal!
Highlights:
Variety of lava formations and landscapes, pahoehoe lava which is found primarily in Hawai'i and the Galapagos islands, 'a'a lava, and pristine coral sand beach
Possible Activities:
Walk, snorkel, swim
Type of Landing:
Wet landing
Difficulty:
Easy to moderate. Be sure to wear good solid walking shoes or boots as the 'a'a lava is very sharp and pointy
DAY7
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Sunday: Santa Cruz Island and The Charles Darwin Research Station
AM: Bachas Beach
Located on the north shore of Santa Cruz, Las Bachas is a swimming beach. One of the few remnants of the U.S. World War II presence in the Galapagos, a floating pier, can be seen here. You may see flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black necked stilts, and whimbrels. Sea turtles also nest off the beach.
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. Subspecies of turtles interact with one another and many of the older turtles are accustomed to humans stretching out their heads for a photo opportunity. The babies are kept until they are about four years old and strong enough to survive on their own.
Highlights:
Giant tortoises in captivity
Possible Activities:
Walking
Type of Landing:
Dry landing
Difficulty:
Easy
DAY8
SAN CRISTOBAL
Monday: San Cristobal and transfer to the Airport
AM: Kicker Rock
This striking rock formation is located a couple hours off the western shore of San Cristobal. Jutting out of the water, the rocks stand vertically at hundreds of feet above the ocean divided by a small channel. Although there are no landing areas, kayaking and dinghy rides allow visitors to spot a variety of marine life.
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
All meals throughout cruise
Transfers in the islands
All excursions
Bilingual national park guide
Use of snorkeling equipment*
Use of Underwater Camera*
Wetsuit*
Free airport assistance*
1 hotel night in Quito or Guayaquil (the day before the cruise)*
Free airport transfers for Galapagos flights*
*Restrictions apply.Please contact us for more information.
*Restrictions Apply. Please contact us for more information
Frequently Asked Questions & Tips
1
When is the best time to visit Galapagos?
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.
2
What should we bring?
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.
3
How long is the flight from Ecuador to the Galapagos?
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.
4
Are there any immunizations required/recommended?
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.
5
Are single or triple suites available?
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.
6
What is the time zone of the Galapagos Islands?
The Galapagos Islands are 6 hours behind GMT (equivalent to USA Central Standard Time)
7
Does the equatorial line cross the Galapagos Islands?
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.
8
What are marine currents like the Galapagos?
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.
9
What is the water temperature in the Islands?
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)
10
Can you snorkel in the Galapagos?
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.
11
Special Diets:
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.
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