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Grand Ocean Spray Galapagos Luxury Cruise - 7 Nights, Itinerary A (Saturday to Saturday)

8 Days (7 Nights)
Grand Ocean Spray Galapagos Luxury Cruise - 7 Nights, Itinerary A (Saturday to Saturday)

Overview

This 7-night Itinerary A sails Saturday to Saturday aboard the M/C Grand Ocean Spray and visits Chinese Hat, Isabela, Fernandina, Santa Cruz, South Plaza, Santa Fe, Espanola and San Cristobal. Fares start at US$10,745 per person in a double cabin, with departures listed below through 2028. Best value in the fleet for balcony suites, with a spa and whirlpool on a brand-new hull.

The M/C Grand Ocean Spray is a 16-guest catamaran launched in October 2026 as the successor to the well-known Ocean Spray. All eight Golden Suites are identical in size and layout, each with a private balcony, panoramic shower and walk-in closet, and they are split evenly between the main and upper decks so nobody draws a lesser cabin.

The main deck holds the dining room, a fully stocked bar, a snack station and four lounging areas; the upper deck adds a covered open-air terrace, a panoramic spa and a sun terrace; the sky deck has al-fresco dining, a cocktail bar and a premium whirlpool. Solar panels and a CO2-neutral design carry over from the fleet's newer builds.

Every landing is led by licensed Galapagos National Park naturalist guides in groups of eight or fewer. Snorkelling gear, wetsuits, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are included in the fare.

Islands you will visit

  • Chinese Hat
  • Isabela
  • Fernandina
  • Santa Cruz
  • South Plaza
  • Santa Fe
  • Espanola
  • San Cristobal

Itinerary

Itinerary

DAY 1
BALTRA ISLAND

Day 1 - Saturday: Baltra Airport arrival / Chinese Hat

  • Morning: Baltra Airport arrival
  • the M/C Grand Ocean Spray.
  • Afternoon: Chinese Hat
  • This site offers rare, up close viewing of Galapagos wildlife and well-preserved remnants of fragile volcanic rock that can't be found in such a unique condition anywhere else. The island is named after the similarity of an Asian type of hat. Here you can see American Oystercatchers and Galapagos Penguins swimming along the shores.
  • Activities: Walking, snorkeling, kayaking, dinghy ride
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Landing: Wet landing
  • Possible Wildlife: Sea lions, various shorebirds, white-cheeked pintail ducks, penguins,
  • Galapagos Hawks, various tropical fish, sally lightfoot crabs.
  • Meals on board: lunch, dinner
DAY 2
ISABELA ISLAND

Day 2 - Sunday: Isabela - Vicente Roca Point / Fernandina - Espinoza Point

  • Morning: Isabela - Vicente Roca Point
  • Vicente Roca Point has outstanding geological formations and is a great place to see various bird species. Because this visitor site is located on the western area of the island, the Cromwell Current provides cold water that carries many nutrients for bot h land and aquatic species, offering the chance to see amazing feeding frenzies.
  • Activities: Dinghy ride, snorkeling
  • Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
  • Landing: No landing
  • Possible Wildlife: Sea lions, various shorebirds, blue -footed boobies, nazca boobies, fur seals, whales, sea turtles, various tropical fish, sally lightfoot crabs and other marine species.
  • Afternoon: Fernandina - Espinoza Point
  • As one of the most pristine islands in the archipelago, Fernandina has never had a foreign species invade. It is also the most active island and farthest west. Espinoza point is the only visitor site on the entire island. Here you can see marine iguanas, Galapagos hawks and enjoy a walking and snorkeling activity at one of the most natural, unspoiled sites in the entire world.
  • Activities: Walking, snorkeling
  • Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
  • Landing: Dry landing - may be slippery
  • Possible Wildlife: Flightless cormorant, marine iguanas, land iguanas, penguins, sea lions, various shorebirds, Galapagos Hawks, various tropical fish, sally lightfoot crabs, sea turtles.
  • Meals on board: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 3
ISABELA ISLAND

Day 3 - Monday: Isabela - Tagus Cove / Isabela - Urbina Bay

  • Morning: Isabela - Tagus Cove
  • If you like historic remnants, then you will enjoy finding what was left behind by pirates and sailors in the 1800s. This site was one of their preferred pit stops while traveling the seas. The walking here will provide incredible views of the cove and on the other side the mangrove forest where the last 35 pairs of Mangrove finches thrive.
  • Activities: Walking, snorkeling, kayaking, dinghy ride
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
  • Landing: Dry
  • Possible Wildlife: Sea lions, various shorebirds, flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas, sally lightfoot crabs, mangrove finches.
  • Afternoon: Isabela - Urbina Bay
  • Millions of years ago, Urbina Bay was once laying on the ocean floor. Volcanic uplifts caused it to rise and now it is occupied by sea lions, land iguanas and flightless cormorants. It is a great place to enjoy some free time on the beach or the guide ma y suggest a walk.
  • Activities: Walking, snorkeling
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
  • Landing: Wet
  • Possible Wildlife: Sea lions, various shorebirds, flightless cormorant, marine iguanas, sea turtles, land iguanas, Galapagos Hawk, sally lightfoot crabs, Galapagos tortoise.
  • Meals on board: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 4
ISABELA ISLAND

Day 4 - Tuesday: Isabela - Elizabeth Bay / Isabela - Moreno Point

  • Morning: Isabela - Elizabeth Bay
  • This visitor site is visited by dinghy only as the park authorities have no authorized
  • landing in order to protect the island. While in the dinghy you can appreciate a large abundance of marine life that can be seen in the clear waters.
  • Activities: Dinghy ride
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Landing: No Landing
  • Possible Wildlife: Sea lions, frigate birds, sea turtles, various shorebirds, flightless cormorant, marine iguanas, pelicans, sally lightfoot crabs, tropical fish and marine life such as Galapagos sharks.
  • Afternoon: Isabela - Moreno Point
  • The beautiful rocky shores of Moreno Point offers a plethora of birds to be seen. It is truly a birders delight. The main attraction are the coast lagoons where white tipped sharks can be seen and the panoramic views of Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes cannot be missed.
  • Activities: Walking, snorkeling and dinghy ride
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Landing: Wet
  • Possible Wildlife: Sea lions, great blue herons, various shorebirds, flightless cormorant, marine iguanas, sally lightfoot crabs, sea turtles, land iguanas, Galapagos Hawk, Galapagos tortoise.
  • Meals on board: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 5
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

Day 5 - Wednesday: Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Station / Santa Cruz - Highlands

  • Morning: Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Station
  • The Charles Darwin Research Station is one of the Galapagos Island's most important sites for visitors. It is a research facility that has an extensive collection of Galapagos plant life specimens carefully preserved and also acts as a biological research station and active breeding center operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation. Their biggest conservation efforts are to one day eliminate all invasive and non -native plants and animals destroying endemic species within the islands.
  • Activities: Walking
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
  • Landing: Dry
  • Possible Wildlife: Galapagos tortoises in captivation and various stages of tortoises.
  • Afternoon: Santa Cruz - Highlands
  • The highlands are located in the northern part of Santa Cruz and can reach elevations up to 1500 meters. This area is rich with hills, ferns, volcanoes and wildlife. A great contrast to the molten lava hardened beaches and rocky areas of other islands al ready seen. It is home to giant tortoises, mockingbirds, finches and many other species.
  • Activities: Walking
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Landing: Dry
  • Possible Wildlife: Galapagos tortoises, finches, mockingbirds, lava lizards, pintail ducks, other shorebirds.
  • Meals on board: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 6
SOUTH PLAZA ISLAND

Day 6 - Thursday: South Plaza Island / Santa Fe Island

  • Morning: South Plaza Island
  • South Plaza is one of the smallest islands with a visitor site, but is home to an incredible amount of diverse flora and fauna. It has a large population of Sesuvium plants like the prickly pear cactus tree that is an important source of food for the land iguana. Just a few years ago mice were finally eradicated from the island, helping the population of land iguanas grow healthily once more. The amazing colors of the turquoise waters against the black lava create a setting for amazing photography opportunities.
  • Activities: Walking
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Landing: Dry
  • Possible Wildlife: frigatebirds, sally lightfoot crabs, sea lions, land iguanas, swallow - tailed gulls, various shorebirds and seabirds.
  • Afternoon: Santa Fe Island
  • Santa Fe is home to the endemic Santa Fe iguana. The island was created by a volcanic uplift that now hosts a forest of Opuntia and Palo Santo trees. It is a picturesque island with two different trails, one leading to a scenic viewpoint and the other leading to a small beach. Giant tortoises were once native here but went extinct after pirates and sailors took them aboard as a source of food.
  • Activities: Walking, snorkeling, kayaking, and dinghy ride
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Landing: Dry
  • Possible Wildlife: Santa Fe land iguanas, frigatebirds, sally lightfoot crabs, sea lions, finches, various shorebirds.
  • Meals on board: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 7
ESPAñOLA ISLAND

Day 7 - Friday: Espanola - Suarez Point / Espanola - Gardner Bay / Osborn & Gardner islets

  • Morning: Espanola - Suarez Point
  • This is a phenomenal site where you will get to see many of Espanola Island's endemic species. The trail will pass by the only Waved Albatross breeding site in all of Galapagos. If you are lucky you might see a young albatross take off for its first flight for up to five years at sea. Older birds stay at sea for months at a time, only coming back to breed. They have the same mate for life and will meet each other each year, only here to reproduce. Other species that can be seen are marine iguanas that stay brightly colored year round, Galapagos doves, Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropic birds, and Darwin finches.
  • Activities: Walking
  • Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
  • Landing: Dry
  • Possible Wildlife: Sea lions, marine iguanas, Galapagos hawk, waved albatross, red - billed tropic birds, various shorebirds, nazca boobies, swallow tailed gulls, finches and sally lightfoot crabs.
  • Afternoon: Espanola - Gardner Bay / Osborn & Gardner islets
  • This white sandy beach is home to a large colony of sea lions and incredibly blue and turquoise waters. Three different finches can be seen, as well as the Espanola mockingbird. Over time, the mockingbird must have been offered water or food from tourists and now they have no fear of walking on your things or landing very close to you. Or visit the Osborn and Gardner islets that are amazing for underwater discovery. Snorkeling is a highlight on this visitor point. It is so important not to feed or touch the animals. It can disrupt their normal behaviors and threaten their future.
  • Activities: Walking, snorkeling, kayaking and dinghy ride
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Landing: Wet landing
  • Possible Wildlife: Sea lions, various shorebirds, mockingbirds, stingrays, sea turtles.
  • 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 centre of San Cristobal is the San Cristobal Interpretation Center, open to the public since 1998, which provides an extensive knowledge about the fascinating history of the archipelago and give visitors a more holistic understanding of these islands' unique habitats and wildlife. The main areas of focus, which are addressed through a number of expositions are: natural history, human history and conservation for the future. For those who are interested in the geology of the archipelago there is a complete exhibit on the volcanic birth of the Galapagos and how this impacted on the habitats present here.
  • Activities: Walking
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Landing: Dry Landing
  • Depart from San Cristobal airport. After this last visit, transfer to San Cristobal airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador. Assistance and farewell at the airport.
  • Meals on board: breakfast

Book This Tour

Grand Ocean Spray Galapagos Luxury Cruise - 7 Nights, Itinerary A (Saturday to Saturday)
Choose Departure and Occupancy
Prices per person
Date
Golden Suite
2026 Departures
Sat
28Nov
2026
Golden Suite
Per person
US$ 10,745.00
Golden Suite
Sat
12Dec
2026
Golden Suite
Per person
US$ 10,745.00
Golden Suite
2027 Departures
Sat
12Jun
2027
Golden Suite
Per person
US$ 11,290.00
Golden Suite
Sat
10Jul
2027
Golden Suite
Per person
US$ 11,290.00
Golden Suite
Sat
7Aug
2027
Golden Suite
Per person
US$ 11,290.00
Golden Suite
Sat
4Sep
2027
Golden Suite
Per person
US$ 11,290.00
Golden Suite
Sat
2Oct
2027
Golden Suite
Per person
US$ 11,290.00
Golden Suite
Sat
27Nov
2027
Golden Suite
Per person
US$ 11,290.00
Golden Suite
Sat
11Dec
2027
Golden Suite
Per person
US$ 11,290.00
Golden Suite
2028 Departures
Sat
19Feb
2028
Golden Suite
Per person
US$ 12,450.00
Golden Suite
Sat
18Mar
2028
Golden Suite
Per person
US$ 12,450.00
Golden Suite
Sat
15Apr
2028
Golden Suite
Per person
US$ 12,450.00
Golden Suite
Sat
13May
2028
Golden Suite
Per person
US$ 12,450.00
Golden Suite
Sat
10Jun
2028
Golden Suite
Per person
US$ 12,450.00
Golden Suite

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 Grand Ocean Spray Itinerary A visit?

The 7-night Itinerary A visits Chinese Hat, Isabela, Fernandina, Santa Cruz, South Plaza, Santa Fe, Espanola and San Cristobal, 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 Grand Ocean Spray 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 Grand Ocean Spray 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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