Galápagos Islands: Wildlife Cruise by Private Yacht – A New Look

Location: South America
Duration: 9 Days
Price: From $6,995
Activity Level: Active

Galápagos Islands: Wildlife Cruise by Private Yacht – A New Look

Location: South America
Duration: 9 Days
Price: From $6,995
Activity Level: Active

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable Galápagos cruise aboard a private yacht. Start in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and explore the islands’ unique wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. After a flight to the islands, board the Coral II yacht for daily excursions. Visit iconic spots like North Seymour, Santa Cruz, South Plaza, and Santa Fe Islands, encountering endemic species and pristine beaches. Discover Leon Dormido, Punta Suarez, and Floreana’s Post Office Bay. Conclude with a visit to the Highlands Tortoise Reserve before returning to Guayaquil, wrapping up your adventure in the world’s most diverse ecosystems. Note: This itinerary offers a unique opportunity to explore different sites compared to our traditional Galapagos cruise, giving you a fresh perspective on this incredible biological wonder.

Main Attractions

Private Yacht

Cruise to five distinct Galápagos Islands aboard the intimate Coral II, enjoying hospitable services and fresh meals on the outdoor deck and in the cozy dining area.

Volcanic Landscapes

Explore starkly beautiful volcanic landscapes, climb to island peaks, and walk through ghostly forests and lush highlands.

Snorkeling & Wildlife

Swim and snorkel viewing sea turtles, rays, Galápagos penguins, sea lions, sharks, and colorful reef inhabitants, while observing giant tortoises, land iguanas, and many of the 56 resident bird species with the help of an expert naturalist guide.

Map showing air and sea routes between Guayaquil and the Galápagos Islands, highlighting various islands such as Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, and Española.
A sea turtle swims surrounded by a school of red fish over a coral reef in clear blue water.
Two people pose behind a large tortoise on grass in a lush, green setting.
Three women standing on a boat deck, smiling with an ocean and cloudy sky in the background.
A pelican stands on a dark rock in the water, with green shrubs and distant landscape in the background.
Three women sitting together on a boat, enjoying drinks at sunset with the ocean in the background.
People hiking up a rocky staircase by the ocean, with clear blue water and rocks in the background.
A group of six women pose happily in front of a cathedral with gothic architecture, surrounded by trees and an ornate iron gate.
Two people wearing life vests sit on a boat in front of a rocky island formation in the Galapagos, with clear blue water and sky in the background.

Itinerary

Sign for Parque Nacional Galápagos in Ecuador, surrounded by trees and vegetation.

Welcome to Ecuador

Arrive in Guayaquil and take the hotel shuttle to the Wyndham Guayaquil, Puerto Santa Ana. Settle in and prepare for an unforgettable adventure exploring the precious ecosystems of the Galápagos Islands, a crucial location in the history of biology. Throughout your journey, you’ll get to know your expert Galápagos naturalist guide, who will offer onshore and onboard talks about the islands, the surrounding sea, and their resident wildlife. Enjoy dinner at the lovely hotel restaurant this evening as you get ready for the days ahead.

Two women wearing orange life jackets sit on a boat against a backdrop of calm water and clouds. One holds a camera.

Your Adventure Begins!

Meet your group early in the morning (be packed and ready to go!) and head to the airport for your flight to the Galápagos Islands, where you’ll be greeted by your guide and transferred to the dock to board your yacht. After getting acquainted with the yacht, your home for the next week, and settling into your cabin before lunch, you’ll venture to North Seymour Island where you’ll depart on a two-hour walk and snorkeling adventure to. Observe large colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent and great frigate birds, and swallow-tailed gulls, providing an in-depth look at sea bird breeding cycles and sea lions marking the start of an unforgettable adventure.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A group of people stand outdoors holding a banner that reads "adventure women" near a large tortoise on the grass.

Visit Charles Darwin Research Station

Today, explore Santa Cruz Island. Start your day with Charles Darwin Research Station, located within the Galapagos National Park Service, the center features various interpretative buildings. The grounds, with extensive native vegetation, are one of the best spots to see some of the rare Darwin’s finches. Then, journey to wet land on Mosquera Islet. This flat, sandy island has a large colony of sea lions. It is also an excellent site to observe shorebirds such as herons and lava gulls.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Four people in casual outdoor attire and sunglasses pose together on a rocky path near the ocean. A boat is visible in the distance under a cloudy sky.

Hiking, Snorkeling, and Hybrid Iguanas

Today, explore South Plaza Island, home to a cactus forest and vibrant yellow and red land iguanas. Spot hybrid iguanas and tropicbirds at the highest point. Then, visit Santa Fe Island, known for its white sand beaches and sea lion colonies. Hike through an endemic cactus forest, home to the island’s largest land iguanas. The island also hosts species like the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snakes, and the endemic rice rat. Experience unique wildlife and breathtaking landscapes on both islands.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Two blue-footed boobies stand on rocky ground, with green foliage in the background.

Blue Footed Boobies on Lobos Island

Isla Lobos is home to a small population of blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and sea lions. During the boat ride, you’ll have the opportunity to spot various shorebirds. Once you arrive on the island, you can explore a 0.5-mile trail that combines rocky terrain with an easy sandy path. Then, explore the interpretation center, delivering a lesson on the formation of the Galapagos, its global significance, and conservation endeavors. End your exploration with a hike to Frigatebird Hill to view frigatebirds, accompanied by a bonus breathtaking view of the bay below.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A blue-footed booby stands on rocky terrain near the ocean, with large rock formations in the background under a cloudy sky.

Unforgettable Wildlife on San Cristobal Island

Explore San Cristobal Island’s iconic Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock), two towering volcanic tuff rocks resembling a sleeping lion. From the pangas, admire the cliffs of Sorcerer’s Hill. Enjoy the beach with sea lions, snorkel, or visit a hidden lagoon to spot black-necked stilts, whimbrels, and pintails. Ascend the tuff cone for stunning views, where you can see all three booby species—red-footed, Nazca, and blue-footed—alongside frigatebirds. This unique spot offers unforgettable wildlife encounters and breathtaking scenery.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Two marine iguanas rest on a rock by the ocean.

Punta Suarez Island Snorkeling

Today, visit Punta Suarez on Española Island, where you’ll encounter marine iguanas, sea lions, and diverse wildlife, including boobies, endemic lizards, and gulls. Explore the island’s blowhole and connect with the endemic waved albatross during their breeding season. Later, head to Gardner Bay, a beautiful stretch of white sand and turquoise waters, home to Galapagos sea lions, Hood mockingbirds, and Darwin’s finches. Enjoy snorkeling in the bay’s shallow waters, discovering the vibrant marine life right from the beach.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A group of people posing on a hilltop with hats and casual attire. A scenic view of a bay and mountains is in the background under a cloudy sky.

Exploring Floreana Island and Post Office

Start the day with a stroll to a shallow lagoon, often home to vibrant pink flamingos, followed by a visit to a white-sand beach where green turtles nest. Arrive at Post Office Bay on Floreana Island, named after a wooden barrel, set up by Captain James Colnett in 1793 as a post office for sailors. Today, visitors continue the tradition of leaving unstamped postcards. Spot Darwin’s finches, Yellow Warblers, and Lava Lizards. Snorkel with sea lions before enjoying a farewell dinner to celebrate your unforgettable adventure.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A vibrant orange sunset over the ocean with the sun partially hidden by clouds and a rippling water surface in the foreground.

Farewell to Galapagos

Spend the morning on Santa Cruz Island exploring the Galapagos mountains and Highlands Tortoise Reserve, where you can marvel at a diverse array of birds. The journey to the reserve allows you to witness the island’s various ecosystems, and it’s common to encounter Galapagos Giant Tortoises and serves as a haven for birdwatchers. After the visit, meet with some local female artisans who will show you how they handmake their crafts. Afterwards, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil (or to Quito if you’ve purchased an Amazon extension).

Meals breakfast
A sea lion sits on a sandy beach with the ocean and an island in the background.

Accommodations

Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.

Night view of a modern building with a "Wyndham" logo, illuminated alongside palm trees and streetlights, adjacent to waterfront.

Wyndham Puerto Santa Ana, Guayaquil

Situated just steps from the historic Santa Ana Hill and its famous Lighthouse, and minutes to the vibrant Malecon 2000, the Wyndham Guayaquil hotel offers an ideal location near Guayaquil’s many attractions.

AMENITIES: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, free Wi-Fi

A large white yacht named "Coral I" is anchored on a calm blue sea under a clear sky.

M/Y Coral II

The Coral II is a gorgeous yacht offering charming social areas distributed on multiple decks, with outdoor and interior spaces. The vessel offers open-deck areas with a Jacuzzi to make the best of your relaxing time while cruising the islands.

AMENITIES: En suite bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, free Wi-Fi

Curved glass-fronted Wyndham hotel beside a calm waterfront, with a paved walkway and distant view of land under a clear sky.

Wyndham Puerto Santa Ana, Guayaquil

Situated just steps from the historic Santa Ana Hill and its famous Lighthouse, and minutes to the vibrant Malecon 2000, the Wyndham Guayaquil hotel offers an ideal location near Guayaquil’s many attractions.

AMENITIES: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, free Wi-Fi

What People Are Saying

Just when I thought I could not be amazed anymore, something even more amazing and awe-inspiring happened. Being buzzed by sea lions, walking in the rain among the carpet of land iguanas and turning to see the rainbow, waking at 2am to see the volcano glowing in the distance. Every day was something more awesome than the last.

What People Are Saying

It was an amazing experience, very well planned out. The education and knowledge provided about the Galapagos and the amazing sights! Snorkeling was fantastic.

What People Are Saying

An unforgettable journey through the Galápagos Islands! The expert guides and seamless logistics made this adventure truly exceptional. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Dates & Pricing

Start Date End Date Availability Pricing Booking Link
Mar 28 Apr 5
Space Available
$6,995*
Standard Room, Single
$8,295 total, $800 deposit
Standard Room, Double
$6,995 total, $800 deposit
Junior Suite, Single
$10,095 total, $800 deposit
Junior Suite, Double
$8,295 total, $800 deposit

*Additional Pricing Information: 2026 Optional Single Accommodation: $1,300

Arrival: Arrive in Guayaquil, Ecuador (GYE) on Day 1 any time

Departure: Depart Guayaquil, Ecuador (GYE) on Day 9 after 8 PM or the following day at any time (an extra night at the Wyndham Santa Ana in Guayaquil is included)

What's Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • Activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • All transportation throughout the trip
  • Round-trip flights Guayaquil – Galápagos Islands as indicated in the itinerary. Back to Quito for extension only.
  • Entrance fees and Galápagos entry card
  • English-speaking, naturalist guide in the Galápagos Islands
  • English-speaking guide throughout the Amazon trip (extension only)

What's Not Included

  • International airfare to and from Ecuador
  • Optional activities
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities
Trip Extensions

Amazon Exploration

Your extension begins in Quito, the vibrant capital of Ecuador, where you’ll settle in for a peaceful evening before embarking on your Amazon adventure the next morning. The Ecuadorian Amazon is a region of unparalleled biodiversity and natural beauty, and home to an incredible array of wildlife, including over 1,400 animal species, 200 mammals, 121 reptiles, nearly 600 bird species, 70,000 types of insects, and 1,000 species of trees. You’ll experience canoe rides along the Napo and Arajuno Rivers, visit a wildlife rescue center, enjoy a picnic on the riverbank, and a visit to a Kichwa family, before returning to Quito to head home.

Aerial view of a winding river flowing through a lush green valley with hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

FAQs

Absolutely! We happily welcome all women as long as you are physically capable of doing the activities on your chosen trip. Our guests range from 18-85+! It is important to us to talk to each guest to make sure each woman chooses the right trip for her physical ability and interest.

You can process your registration on our online booking system or over the phone. Most deposits are $800. In many cases, and unless otherwise indicated, your deposit is transferable if you notify us in writing 120 before your trip departs.

Be sure to check the ‘What’s Included’ section of the trip you are interested in. Once you get to the departure city and meet the group, we often include most meals, all accommodations, all activities (although there might be an optional activity at an additional cost), transportation while on the adventure, qualified local guide(s) and some trips also include an AdventureWomen Ambassador. Our trips do not include airfare to/from the arrival and departure cities. However, internal flights are included in some itineraries so please read the itinerary carefully.

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it! Many of the women who travel with AdventureWomen come solo. For those that do not choose a single supplement, we pair you with a roommate. Usually, when we change accommodations on a trip, we will change roommates if we can, so you get a chance to know others in our group. A limited number of single supplements may be available for an additional charge.

That depends entirely on the trip! AdventureWomen adventure travel trips are rated according to the physical fitness level demanded by the included activities.

  • Moderate: These adventures exercise your mind more than your body and are designed for women who prefer a leisurely, less rigorous experience. For example, you could walk up to 2 miles per day through cities and villages, stand in museums for a few hours, relax on a boat, or view wildlife from a vehicle.
  • Active: Adventures that get you on your feet! You should be in good physical condition where you are comfortable walking on uneven surfaces, such as cobblestone streets, biking manicured nature trails or kayaking calm waters.
  • High Energy: These adventures are designed for women who enjoy a physical challenge and crave being on the go! You should be prepared for itineraries that include (but are not limited to): a full day of biking on a rolling terrain, hiking 5-8 miles on moderate to steep trails, being active at high altitudes, whitewater rafting, or skiing.
  • Challenging: Adventures that get your heart rate pumping, these are demanding yet deeply rewarding and designed for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. You should be in excellent physical condition, and be able to hike up to 10 miles, in steeper, more rugged terrain.