7 Day Itinerary A | Bonita Yacht | Galapagos Island

Bonita Yacht - Route A (Sunday - Saturday)

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Overview

Completely refurbished in 2019, the Superior-Class Bonita yacht offers exciting small-ship cruises in the Galapagos Islands. Accommodating just 16 passengers, comfortable cabins and social areas are spread out over 3 spacious decks. A choice of accommodation is available, including triple, double and twin cabins. Each stateroom features ample storage space, charging ports, reading lights and private en-suite bathroom. Cabins located on the main and upper deck also come with sea-views. After a full day of adventure, guests can relax in the inviting social areas, which includes the indoor lounge, dining room, library and fully-stocked bar, or enjoy the sea-breeze on the outdoor terrace or the sundeck with comfortable loungers.

Itineraries aboard the Bonita Galapagos vary from 4 - 7-nights or can be combined for the ultimate Galapagos experience. Get up close with penguins, iguanas, sea lions and flamingos as you immerse yourself into the rich landscapes and fascinating history of the Galapagos Islands. The experienced and professional naturalist guides are on hand to help create a trip of a lifetime. Adventure gear and kayaks are included, and with 8 crew members plus 1 naturalist guide, attention to detail and service is of a high standard.

Islands you will visit:

Santa Cruz
Santiago
Isabela
Fernandina

Itinerary

DAY 1

BALTRA ISLAND / SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

Sunday: Arrival in Baltra and transfer to Santa Cruz

AM: BALTRA AIRPORT
Departure to the Galapagos Islands, arrival at Baltra airport, where our naturalist guide of the National Park will be waiting for you.
PM: DRAGON HILL
Located in the northern coast of Santa Cruz, Dragon hill gets its name from the land iguanas that inhabit this area, the only location in the whole island of Santa Cruz where you can see this large species of reptiles. Thanks to a very successful breeding program, this population of land iguanas, which was on the brink of extinction during the 1970s and 80’s, has rapidly recovered. There is also a small salt water lagoon where we can often see flamingos, ducks, stilts, sandpipers and other shorebirds. Snorkel: After the hike, you will have the option to snorkel in shallow sheltered water where you will see large schools of surgeonfish and parrotfish, as well as reef sharks, rays and a large diversity of tropical fish.
Highlights: Galapagos land iguanas, Darwin finches, American flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, Galapagos flycatchers, herons.
Trail: 2,2 km / 1,4 mi
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Yacht Bonita
Level: 1 Dry landing and hiking

DAY 2

SANTIAGO ISLAND

Monday: Santiago Island

AM: BUCCANEER COVE / ESPUMILLA BEACH
This site gets its name because it was used by pirates and buccaneers during the XVII and XVIII centuries as a place to hide and get freshwater and tortoises. The place is very scenic with beautiful cliffs and interesting rock formations. There is no trail, but here you will take a dinghy to look at wildlife from the small boats. Snorkel: You can snorkel in a sheltered bay which is teaming with underwater wildlife including large schools of fish (angelfish, puffers, parrotfish, snappers, grunts…) but also reek sharks, sea lions and sea turtles. Highlights: Boobies, herons, Galapagos fur seals, swallow -tailed gulls, Galapagos hawks. Espumilla is a beautiful 1km (0,6 mi) long beach with rusty -brown sand, located in the northern coast of Santiago. It is surrounded by large mangrove trees and a very interesting native dry forest, which is home to Galapagos hawks but also a great diversity of finches, mockingbirds and doves. Don’t forget to check the salt pan, as during the rainy season there could be flamingos and ducks.
Highlights: Bobbies, oystercatchers, herons, Galapagos mockingbirds, Darwin finches, Galapagos hawks. Trail: 2,3 km / 1,4 mi (plus and extra loop 1 km - 0,6 mi)
Level: 1 Panga Ride
PM: EGAS PORT
Despite its name, there is no “port” at Puerto Egas, but you might see a few remains of the last attempts to colonize the island during the 60’s. The trail goes along the coastline which is rich in wildlife, with marine iguanas basking in the sun everywhere, Galapagos sea lions, herons, oystercatchers and many shorebirds. At the end of the trail an area called “the grottos' ' is home for a small colony of the endemic Galapagos fur seal, much more difficult to see at close range than its cousin. As recently as 2019, land iguanas were reintroduced to the area, so look around for these impressive reptiles which were extinct from Santiago for over a century. Snorkel: You can snorkel from the beach and explore an area of rocky bottoms which is excellent for fish, turtles and reef sharks. Often, sea lions are also present and are happy to interact with divers.
Highlights: Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos fur seals, oystercatchers, marine & land iguanas, Galapagos hawks, herons, shorebirds, Darwin finches, Galapagos doves.
Trail: 2,3 km / 1,4 mi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Yacht Bonita
Level: 1 Wet landing and hiking

DAY 3

FERNANDINA ISLAND / ISABELA ISLAND

Tuestady: Isabela and Fernandina

AM: VICENTE ROCA POINT
Surrounded by some of the tallest cliffs in the Galapagos, Vicente Roca point is a great location to observe spectacular landscapes and interesting volcanic features. There is no trail here but you will take a dinghy tour along the shore to get a closer view of pelicans, flightless cormorants, sea turtles, boobies, Galapagos fur seals and marine iguanas. The area is also known to be a good location for whales and dolphins. Snorkel: Snorkel in the cove to look for sea turtles, penguins, sea lions, cormorants, rays and many different species of fish. Look for fan corals, sponges and other invertebrates growing on the walls.
Highlights: Marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, penguins, sea turtles, fur seals, Nazca & blue -footed boobies
Level: 1 Panga Ride
PM: ESPINOZA POINT
Fernandina is the most active volcano of the islands, with regular eruptions every 3 -5 years. This island is also one of the jewels of Galapagos because of the large number of animals on its shores. As soon as you disembark you will see hundreds of marine iguanas lounging in the sun, while the tide pools are a favorite playground for sea lions. Further along, Galapagos cormorants build their nests near the shore, not far from other species such as herons, oystercatchers and other shorebirds, while hawks often perch in the mangroves in search of prey. Snorkel: The nutrient -rich waters are the reason for the great diversity of species in this area, including penguins, cormorants, sea lions and many sea turtles. The abundance of algae makes this place the best place to see marine iguanas feeding underwater. Attractions: Galapagos hawks, marine iguanas, cormorants, penguins, sea lions, turtles, herons, shorebirds, zayapa crabs.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Yacht Bonita
Level: 2 Dry landing and hiking

DAY 4

ISABELA ISLAND

Wednesday: Isabela Island

AM: URBINA BAY
This place is known for the dramatic uplifting that happened here during the 1950’s. A large portion of the coast was pushed up, exposing many hectares of previously submerged land. Look carefully along the trail and you will find small shells and corals, a proof that the area was underwater more than sixty years ago. The trail will give the opportunity to see land iguanas and, during certain seasons, giant tortoises. Galapagos hawks nest in the area and are often seen flying or perched on the trees. Snorkel: You can snorkel from the beach to see sea turtles, cormorants and penguins. Fish are also abundant in the area. Highlights: Galapagos hawks, land iguanas, Galapagos hawks, Galapagos mockingbirds, Darwin finches, flycatchers.
Trail: Short trail: 1,2 km / 0,7 mi. Long Trail: 3,0 km / 1,8 mi
Level: 1 Wet landing and hiking
PM: TAGUS COVE
Tagus cove is one of the places Charles Darwin visited during his exploration of the Galapagos islands. A trail will take you through the dry Palo Santo forests where you can see Darwin finches and mockingbirds. You will get great views of Darwin’s lake and the large volcanoes of northern Isabela. A boat tour along the shore will give you chances to see penguins, cormorants, marine iguanas and a very unique species: The Galapagos martin, a small endemic bird which is one of the most endangered species on the island. Snorkel: The nutrient -rich waters around Tagus Cove attract a lot of sea turtles and a great diversity of fish, but also penguins, who feast on large schools of anchovies. It is common to see cormorants underwater as they chase fish through the reef. Highlights: Galapagos hawks, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, herons, penguins, sea turtles, sea stars.
Trail: 2,6 km / 1,6 mi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Yacht Bonita
Level: 3 Dry landing and hiking

DAY 5

ISABELA ISLAND

Thursday: Isabela Island

AM: ELIZABETH BAY
Elizabeth Bay is a beautiful sheltered bay surrounded by large mangroves and barren lava fields. There is no trail here so you will take a dinghy tour to explore many channels, pools and coves teeming with life. This is one of the best locations in the islands to see Galapagos penguins, but don’t expect to see thousands of them, as the entire population of the islands is only about 3.000 of them. Flightless cormorants also nest in the area and blue-footed boobies and pelicans often fish in these shallow and rich waters. Rays and sea turtles are also very abundant.
Highlights: Galapagos hawks, sea turtles, rays, Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, herons.
Level: 1 Panga Ride
PM: MORENO POINT
Moreno Point is a magical place with extensive lava fields which look lifeless at first sight. Once inland, scattered brackish lagoons form an oasis of life where you can find flamingos, gallinules, ducks and herons. Along the shore we will look for penguins, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, oystercatchers and other shore birds. Snorkel: We will snorkel to see sea turtles, cormorants and many species of fish. Look carefully in the long seaweeds and you might find a seahorse. Highlights: American flamingos, ducks, gallinules, penguins, cormorants, marine iguanas, sea lions, Galapagos mockingbirds, Darwin finches.
Trail: 1,6 km / 1 mi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Yacht Bonita
Level: 3 Dry landing and hiking

DAY 6

SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

Friday: Santa Cruz Island

AM: CHARLES DARWIN STATION
The Charles Darwin Station is a nonprofit organization which has been working for decades together with the Galapagos National Park to preserve the biodiversity of these unique islands. During this visit, you will learn about the projects that both institutions carry together to protect the native species and eradicate the invasive ones which are threatening the Galapagos environment. One of the most important and emblematic projects has been reproducing giant tortoises in captivity. The visit is mostly outdoors in a beautiful dry native forest with giant cactus and many other interesting native plants. It is also a fantastic place to find several endemic Darwin finches, as well as flycatchers and mockingbirds.
Highlights: Galapagos giant tortoise & land iguanas breeding program, Darwin finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, Galapagos flycatchers, yellow warblers.
Trail: 2 km / 1,2 mi
Level: 1 Dry landing and hiking
PM: HIGHLANDS
Either if you do this visit starting from Baltra or from Puerto Ayora, a bus will take you to the highlands stopping along the way at one of the reserves to visit the lush highland forests where you will look for Galapagos Giant tortoises in their natural environment. This is the best place in the Galapagos to see these gentle giants (reaching over 300 kg / 600 pounds!) casually grazing and resting in freshwater ponds. This is also home for a great diversity of birds rarely found at the lowlands, including finches (tree, woodpecker and vegetarian finches), flycatchers and several species of water birds. You will visit a lava tunnel (depending on the itinerary) and learn how these extraordinary formations were created by ancient volcanic eruptions.
Highlights: Giant tortoises, Darwin finches, barn owls, white -cheeked pintails, Galapagos flycatchers, Lava tunnels.
Trail: 1 -1,5 km / 0,6 -0,9 mi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinne r
Lodging: Yacht Bonita
Level: 1 Dry landing and hiking

DAY 7

SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

Saturday: Santa Cruz and transfer to the Airport

AM: TWIN CRATERS
The Twin Craters or also known as “Los Gemelos”, are located on the way to the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island. You will find them on both sides of the road leading from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. In fact, they are not real craters, they were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. You will have a wonderful view of the local flora, like Scalesia plants. On this site it is also possible to observe the endemic short-ear owl.
Then, transfer to the airport to take your flight back to continental Ecuador.
Meals: Breakfast
Level: 1 Dry landing and hiking

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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

Included:

Airport assistance Transfers in Galapagos
Accommodation in double cabin
All meals during the cruise
Naturalist Bilingual Guide
All visits & excursions according to the itinerary
*Snorkel Gear (mask, tube and fins)
*Kayaks, paddle boards
*Wetsuits, beach towels
Unlimited purified water, coffee and tea
Soft drinks

*Restrictions apply. Please contact us for more information.

Not Included:

Local flight to/from Galapagos
Galapagos National Park Entrance fee
Galapagos Transit card
Alcoholic drinks
Tips
Local Taxes
Travel Insurance
Meals and Services do not specified as included

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 What does the Bonita Yacht Route A cruise cover over its 6 nights?

This 6-night cruise runs Sunday to Saturday through the western islands. It visits Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz, Santiago (Buccaneer Cove and Espumilla Beach), Isabela and Fernandina, including Vicente Roca Point, Urbina Bay and Elizabeth Bay, then returns to Santa Cruz for the Charles Darwin Station and Twin Craters.

13 What are the facilities on board the Bonita yacht for Route A?

The Bonita is a Superior-Class yacht fully refurbished in 2019 that carries just 16 passengers across three decks, looked after by 8 crew and 1 naturalist guide. Social areas include an indoor lounge, dining room, library, an outdoor terrace and a sundeck with loungers.

14 Which cabins can I choose for the Bonita Yacht Route A cruise?

You can choose a King Size Cabin, a Twin Cabin or a Triple Cabin. Every cabin has a private en-suite bathroom, storage space, charging ports and reading lights, and cabins on the main and upper decks have sea views. The fare for each cabin type is shown with the departure on this page.

15 What is and is not included in the Bonita Yacht Route A fare?

The fare includes airport assistance and transfers in Galapagos, your cabin, all meals on board, a bilingual naturalist guide, all visits and excursions in the itinerary, snorkel gear, kayaks, paddle boards, wetsuits, beach towels, purified water, coffee, tea and soft drinks (some gear is subject to restrictions). Not included are the flight to and from Galapagos, the National Park entrance fee, the transit card, other beverages, tips, local taxes and travel insurance.

16 Can I see Galapagos penguins and flightless cormorants on Route A?

Yes, the western islands are the best area for them. Elizabeth Bay on Isabela is one of the best locations to see Galapagos penguins, whose entire population is only about 3,000, and flightless cormorants nest there too. Vicente Roca Point and Urbina Bay also offer chances to see penguins and cormorants while snorkelling.

17 What is unusual about Urbina Bay on Isabela?

A large section of the Urbina Bay coast was pushed up during the 1950s, exposing land that had been underwater, and you can still find small shells and corals along the trail. Land iguanas, Galapagos hawks and, in certain seasons, giant tortoises can be seen, and you can snorkel from the beach.

18 Does the Bonita Route A cruise visit the Charles Darwin Station?

Yes, on Friday you visit the Charles Darwin Station on Santa Cruz to learn about conservation work with the Galapagos National Park, including the giant tortoise breeding programme. On Saturday morning you stop at the Twin Craters in the highlands, where the endemic short-eared owl may be seen, before the airport transfer.

19 What deposit is needed to reserve the Bonita Yacht Route A cruise and when is the balance due?

A deposit of 20% of the cruise fare secures your cabin on the Bonita Yacht Route A cruise. The remaining balance is due 65 days before departure. Galapagos flights, park entrance fee and transit card are separate from the cruise fare, so plan for those costs as well.

20 How do I ask a question or book the Bonita Yacht Route A cruise?

You can 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 reply. When departures for the Bonita Yacht Route A cruise are listed on this page they can be booked directly from the departure list, and the exact fare for each departure is shown there. If no date suits you yet, send us your preferred travel month and cabin type and we will check availability for you.