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Elite Galapagos Luxury Cruise - 7 Nights, Itinerary A (Saturday to Saturday)

8 Days (7 Nights)
Elite Galapagos Luxury Cruise - 7 Nights, Itinerary A (Saturday to Saturday)

Overview

This 7-night Itinerary A sails Saturday to Saturday aboard the M/C Elite and visits San Cristobal, North Seymour, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Bartolome and Rabida. Fares start at US$9,990 per person in a double cabin, with departures listed below through 2027. Ideal if you want balcony suites and a whirlpool on a boat small enough to reach the western islands.

The M/C Elite is a 16-guest twin-hull catamaran built for the Galapagos, with nine suites spread over the main and upper decks. Every Golden Suite has a private panoramic balcony, a king bed that converts to twins, and a full en-suite bathroom, so the cabin is a place you actually want to spend time in between landings. A single cabin on the upper deck suits solo travellers who would rather not pay a double supplement.

Life on board centres on three decks: a main-deck lounge and dining room with 180-degree windows, an upper-deck covered terrace and open sun terrace, and a sky deck with al-fresco dining, an outdoor cocktail bar and a whirlpool. The catamaran hull gives a noticeably steadier ride than a single-hull yacht of the same size, which matters on the longer western crossings to Isabela and Fernandina.

Two licensed Galapagos National Park naturalist guides lead every excursion in small groups of eight. Kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, snorkelling gear and wetsuits are on board and included.

Islands you will visit

  • San Cristobal
  • North Seymour
  • Santa Cruz
  • Isabela
  • Fernandina
  • Bartolome
  • Rabida

Itinerary

Itinerary

DAY 1
SAN CRISTOBAL

Day 1 - Saturday: San Cristobal Airport arrival / El Junco Lagoon

  • Morning: San Cristobal Airport arrival
  • Afternoon: El Junco Lagoon
  • Walk up the rocky path surrounded by rich vegetation and wildlife to the rim of the El Junco Lagoon, an impressive crater lake located in the highlands of San Cristobal island. Here you will enjoy superb panoramic views of the island, and you can often catch frigate birds diving and bathing in the crystal clear water below.
  • Activities and Excursions: Walking
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Meals on board: lunch, dinner
DAY 2
NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND

Day 2 - Sunday: North Seymour / Santa Cruz Dragon Hill

  • Morning: North Seymour
  • North Seymour island is a small island named after Lord Hugh Seymour, a senior British Royal Navy officer. Walking amongst the low, bushy vegetation you will be able to observe a large variety of birds, including blue-footed boobies, swallow tailed gulls and a large population of frigate birds. Look out for the marvelous bright red chests of the male frigates used to attract a mate.
  • Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling, Dinghy ride
  • Difficulty: Soft
  • Afternoon: Santa Cruz Dragon Hill
  • The name Dragon Hill refers to the large population of Galapagos land iguanas that have made their home here. As you walk along the rocky coastline and through the forests of cacti and Palo Santo trees, you will no doubt encounter a number of these incredible creatures that resemble miniature dragons. The high tide also makes this a fantastic place to snorkel as the coral attracts a plethora of colorful fish close to the shoreline.
  • Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Meals on board: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 3
ISABELA ISLAND

Day 3 - Monday: Tintoreras / Sierra Negra Volcano / Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center

  • Morning: Tintoreras / Sierra Negra Volcano
  • Isabela Island is the largest of the archipelago with a surface of 4,588 square kilometers. It encompasses more than the half of the total land area of Galapagos. Las Tintoreras is a group of small islets off the coast of Isabela Island, known for their striking dark lava formations that create a distinctive habitat for diverse wildlife. This makes it an excellent spot for water activities such as dinghy rides and walking. Visitors often get the chance to see turtles, sharks, penguins, and sea lions up close. Sierra Negra is among the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos and boasts the world's second-largest caldera. Hiking to the top takes you through guava tree forests, and on a clear day, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the island's five other volcanoes.
  • Activities and Excursions: Walking, Dinghy Ride
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Afternoon: Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center
  • The Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center, where two species of giant tortoise are bred to increase the population of these incredible animals, plays an essential role in protecting the future of the Galapagos. As you walk around the centre you will also be able to enjoy the beautiful gardens that boast of a wide variety of native plants.
  • Activities and Excursions: Walking
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Meals on board: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 4
ISABELA ISLAND

Day 4 - Tuesday: Isabela - Moreno point / Isabela - Urbina Bay

  • Morning: Isabela - Moreno point
  • Moreno point is located on the west coast of Isabela island and although it appears a barren lava flow at first, a walk along one of the trails soon reveals a multitude of beautiful green lagoons and mangroves and is a fantastic place to see penguins, blue herons and flamingos. Meanwhile, a dinghy ride or snorkel along the rocky shoreline is a wonderful way to spot green sea turtles and white-tip sharks.
  • Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling, Dinghy ride
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Afternoon: Isabela - Urbina Bay
  • Urbina Bay is located at the foot of the Alcedo Volcano and is the result of a major volcanic uplift that took place in 1954 and resulted in 6km of coral reef being lifted out of the ocean. Walking along this new shore, you can observe the corals and remains of marine life that were stranded due to this event. However, it is now home to giant land iguanas and giant tortoises and it often a good spot to see Galapagos hawks and flightless cormorants. It is also ideal for snorkeling as turtles, rays and tropical fish frequent the coastline.
  • Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Meals on board: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 5
ISABELA ISLAND

Day 5 - Wednesday: Fernandina - Espinosa Point / Isabela - Vicente Roca Point

  • Morning: Fernandina - Espinosa Point
  • Fernandina is the youngest island in the Galapagos and Espinosa point is a wonderful area of natural beauty. Snorkeling and swimming from the dinghy allows you see the marine iguanas feeding underwater. On the rocks you will often see large numbers of colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs. On land, the walking trails enable you to explore the fascinating mangrove plants, lava cacti and striking black lava formations where marine iguanas enjoy basking themselves in the sun.
  • Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Afternoon: Isabela - Vicente Roca Point
  • Accessible by dinghy, Vicente Roca Point on the north west coast of Isabela island is a beautiful large bay with two coves that provide nesting sites for blue -footed and Nazca boobies, gulls, storm petrels and Brown Noddy Terns. Snorkeling is also a great activity here as the cooler waters result in an abundance of food for marine life, and it is common to see groups of whales, dolphins, sea lions and marine birds gorging themselves.
  • Activities and Excursions: Snorkeling, Dinghy ride
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Meals on board: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 6
BARTOLOMé ISLAND

Day 6 - Thursday: Rabida / Bartholomew Island

  • Morning: Rabida
  • Rabida island is most known for its dark red sand beach surrounded by a backdrop of cliffs and steep volcanic hills full of Palo Santo trees and endemic cacti. A dinghy ride around the shoreline gives the chance to spot blue-footed and nazca boobies and water activities such as snorkeling, kayaking or paddle boarding are ideal for seeing white tipped sharks and rays. On the beach you will find a large noisy colony of sea lions and the surrounding salt brush is home to a nesting colony of pelicans. Inland, bird watchers will delight in seeing mockingbirds, yellow warblers and Darwin finches - Rabida is the only site where all nine Darwin's finches are found.
  • Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling, Dinghy ride, Kayak
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Afternoon: Bartholomew Island
  • Bartholomew island is an islet located in Sullivan Bay and its most famous landmark is a huge volcanic cone named Pinnacle Rock. A walking trail leads up to a viewpoint at the summit of the island where you can enjoy spectacular views of Pinnacle Rock and the surrounding lava flows. The northern beach, a nesting site for green sea turtles, is perfect for snorkeling where sightings of spotted eagle rays, penguins and reef sharks are possible.
  • Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling, Dinghy ride
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Meals on board: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 7
SAN CRISTOBAL

Day 7 - Friday: San Cristobal - Kicker Rock / San Cristobal - Witch Hill / San Cristobal - Pitt Point

  • Morning: San Cristobal - Kicker Rock
  • Kicker Rock, is an iconic feature of the Galapagos that has been formed over time by the erosion of the cone of an extinct volcano. In addition, on the rock formation itself, blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and sea lions can often be seen perched on the ledges above which makes an excellent site to take great pictures while the vessel circumnavigates the rock formation.
  • Activities and Excursions: Circumnavigation
  • Difficulty: ----
  • Morning: San Cristobal - Witch Hill
  • Witch Hill features an idyllic white sand beach which can be accessed by dinghy and is a superb vantage point for seeing Kicker Rock in the south of the island. The hill itself is an eroded tuff cone and the calm waters at the base of it offer a magnificent spot for snorkeling. Meanwhile, a walk along the beach or on one of the inland paths, provides opportunities to see a variety of shore birds, finches and mockingbirds.
  • Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling, Dinghy ride
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Afternoon: San Cristobal - Pitt Point
  • One of San Cristobal Island's most remarkable visitor sites, Pitt Point blends striking points of interest with active exploration in one unforgettable stop. The experience begins with a scenic hike through dramatic volcanic tuff landscapes and elevated viewpoints, where guests may observe the rare presence of all three booby species in one location: blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca. The adventure continues with snorkeling in wildlife-rich waters, often rewarded with marine sightings, and a wet landing on a pristine beach. Kayaking along the coastline adds another immersive layer, revealing cliffs, open sea views, and a strong sense of exclusivity. Altogether, this stop delivers one of the itinerary's most iconic Galapagos experiences.
  • Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling, Dinghy ride, Kayak
  • Difficulty: Moderate to High Intensity
  • Meals on board: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 8
SAN CRISTOBAL

Day 8 - Saturday: San Cristobal Interpretation Center

  • Morning: San Cristobal Interpretation Center
  • A short distance from the center of San Cristobal is the San Cristobal Interpretation Center, which provides an overview of the fascinating history of the islands. The main areas of focus, which are addressed through a number of expositions are: natural history, human history and conservation for the future. You can also take one of the trails behind the center that lead to some great viewpoints of the ocean and volcanic rocks below.
  • Activities and Excursions: Walking
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • San Cristobal Airport Depart from San Cristobal airport.
  • Meals on board: breakfast

Book This Tour

Elite Galapagos Luxury Cruise - 7 Nights, Itinerary A (Saturday to Saturday)
Choose Departure and Occupancy
Prices per person
Date
Golden Suites
2026 Departures
Sat
26Sep
2026
Golden Suites
Per person
US$ 9,990.00
Golden Suites
Sat
10Oct
2026
Golden Suites
Per person
US$ 9,990.00
Golden Suites
Sat
24Oct
2026
Golden Suites
Per person
US$ 9,990.00
Golden Suites
2027 Departures
Sat
3Jul
2027
Golden Suites
Per person
US$ 10,490.00
Golden Suites
Sat
17Jul
2027
Golden Suites
Per person
US$ 10,490.00
Golden Suites
Sat
31Jul
2027
Golden Suites
Per person
US$ 10,490.00
Golden Suites
Sat
14Aug
2027
Golden Suites
Per person
US$ 10,490.00
Golden Suites
Sat
9Oct
2027
Golden Suites
Per person
US$ 10,490.00
Golden Suites
Sat
23Oct
2027
Golden Suites
Per person
US$ 10,490.00
Golden Suites
Sat
6Nov
2027
Golden Suites
Per person
US$ 10,490.00
Golden Suites
Sat
20Nov
2027
Golden Suites
Per person
US$ 10,490.00
Golden Suites
Sat
4Dec
2027
Golden Suites
Per person
US$ 10,490.00
Golden Suites
Sat
18Dec
2027
Golden Suites
Per person
US$ 10,490.00
Golden Suites

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

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.

12 Which islands does the Elite Itinerary A visit?

The 7-night Itinerary A visits San Cristobal, North Seymour, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Bartolome and Rabida, sailing Saturday to Saturday. See the day-by-day tab for the landing sites and activities on each day.

13 What is included in the M/C Elite fare?

Accommodation in your suite, all meals and snacks on board, soft drinks, guided excursions with licensed National Park naturalists, snorkelling equipment and wetsuits, kayaks and paddle boards, Galapagos airport transfers and a welcome and farewell cocktail. Flights to the islands, the Galapagos National Park fee and transit card, alcoholic drinks and gratuities are extra.

14 Are the Elite rates shown the current published rates?

Yes. The dates and per-person double-occupancy fares on this page are refreshed from the vessel's live inventory. Seasonal promotions on individual departures are applied when you enquire, so ask us for the best current fare on your preferred date.

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