Galápagos Islands: Wildlife Encounters Aboard a Private Yacht

Location: South America
Duration: 9 Days
Price: From $9,295
Activity Level: Level 2 – Moderate

Galápagos Islands: Wildlife Encounters Aboard a Private Yacht

Location: South America
Duration: 9 Days
Price: From $9,295
Activity Level: Level 2 – Moderate

Overview

Experience the Galapagos Islands from the comfort of an intimate private yacht, exploring extraordinary landscapes and wildlife-rich shores with an expert naturalist guide. Every guest will enjoy the privacy of her own single cabin. Cruise among remarkable islands where you may encounter blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, giant tortoises, sea lions, and Galápagos penguins. Hike volcanic trails and enjoy opportunities to kayak quiet bays and snorkel turquoise waters alive with rays, turtles, sharks, and tropical fish. Along the way, discover vital conservation work, dramatic geology, and the fascinating adaptations that inspired Darwin. Shared discoveries, elegant onboard comforts, and ever-changing island views make this women-only adventure an unforgettable immersion in one of Earth’s wildest places imaginable.

Main Attractions

Explore by Private Yacht

Cruise among the remarkable Galápagos Islands aboard the intimate Coral I or Coral II, enjoying comfortable cabins, welcoming gathering spaces, and ever-changing ocean views.

Snorkel Wildlife-Rich Waters

Swim and snorkel from beaches and dinghies, looking for playful sea lions, graceful rays, sea turtles, tropical fish, sharks, and perhaps Galápagos penguins.

Encounter Iconic Galapagos Wildlife

Look for giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and other endemic species while gaining fascinating insights from your expert naturalist guide.

Map showing flight routes from Guayaquil, Ecuador, to Baltra and San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands, with labeled islands, travel paths, and an inset map of the region.
Two women wearing orange life jackets sit on a boat against a backdrop of calm water and clouds. One holds a camera.
A group of six women pose happily in front of a cathedral with gothic architecture, surrounded by trees and an ornate iron gate.
A seal sits on a sandy beach with its eyes closed, facing forward. The sand is reddish-brown and appears damp.
A blue-footed booby stands on a rocky ledge against a textured rock wall.
Sign for Parque Nacional Galápagos in Ecuador, surrounded by trees and vegetation.
A person in a blue jacket poses playfully in front of a large white boat named "Coral II," with people standing on the deck.
Seven people in wetsuits and yellow vests pose on a beach with snorkeling gear, against a backdrop of water and distant hills.
People hiking up a rocky staircase by the ocean, with clear blue water and rocks in the background.

Itinerary

Six women stand outdoors on rocky terrain, smiling at the camera. The sky is partly cloudy with some blue patches, and there are distant mountains in the background.

Welcome to Ecuador!

Arrive in Guayaquil, Ecuador, at any time today and take the hotel shuttle to the Wyndham Puerto Santa Ana. Look for your name on a sign, then check in under AdventureWomen and settle into your comfortable room. Situated near historic Santa Ana Hill, the hotel offers a convenient introduction to the city. Relax after your travels, explore the surrounding area, or enjoy dinner independently at the hotel restaurant as you anticipate tomorrow’s flight to the Galapagos Islands.

Three women sitting on a boat couch, smiling and raising glasses for a toast, with large windows showing water and a distant shoreline in the background.

Welcome to the Galapagos

Meet your group early this morning and fly from Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands. Your guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the dock to board the Coral I or Coral II, your home for the week. After a yacht orientation and lunch, visit the Interpretation Center to learn about the islands’ formation, global importance, conservation challenges, and ongoing protection efforts. Continue to Frigatebird Hill for an easy hike, excellent birdwatching, and sweeping views across the bay.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Several birds fly over the ocean near rocky cliffs, with a large rock formation rising from the water in the background.

San Cristobal’s Wild Shores

Explore San Cristobal Island, beginning near Kicker Rock, a dramatic volcanic formation rising approximately 480 feet above the sea. At Cerro Brujo, walk a sandy beach shared with sea lions, snorkel from shore, kayak, or visit a hidden lagoon frequented by shorebirds. Later, land at Punta Pitt and climb an eroded volcanic cone where red-footed, Nazca, and blue-footed boobies can all be seen. Frigatebirds circle overhead as you hike, snorkel, kayak, or explore by dinghy with your expert naturalist guide.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Two sea lions lying side by side on a rocky surface near a pool of water.

Wildlife of Espanola Island

Discover Espanola Island’s remarkable wildlife at Punta Suarez, where marine iguanas and sea lions welcome you ashore. Follow a rocky trail past endemic lizards, gulls, nesting boobies, and a dramatic blowhole. From April through December, watch for waved albatrosses and their elaborate courtship displays. Continue to Gardner Bay, a magnificent sweep of white sand and turquoise water inhabited by a relaxed sea lion colony. Walk among curious Hood mockingbirds and Darwin’s finches, then snorkel or kayak in the clear, sheltered bay.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A sandy shoreline borders a calm lagoon with several flamingos wading; green hills and clouds appear in the background.

Visit Historic Post Office Bay

Step ashore on Floreana Island at Punta Cormorant or Champion and walk toward a broad lagoon where pink flamingos may be feeding. Continue to a soft, white-sand beach used as a nesting site by green sea turtles, then snorkel in the surrounding waters. At historic Post Office Bay, learn how sailors established an informal mail barrel in 1793. Continue the tradition by leaving an unstamped postcard or carrying one toward its destination, then watch for finches, warblers, lava lizards, and playful sea lions.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A large tortoise partially submerged in a muddy puddle surrounded by green grass.

Tortoises of Santa Cruz

Venture into the lush Santa Cruz highlands for an unforgettable encounter with wild Galapagos giant tortoises, some weighing up to 600 pounds. Walk through their natural habitat while watching for highland birds, including several species of Darwin’s famed finches. Continue to the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the giant tortoise breeding program and broader efforts to protect the archipelago’s fragile ecosystems. Later, explore Punta Carrion by dinghy and snorkel in a turquoise lagoon where sharks, blue-footed boobies, and colorful fish may appear.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A group of people wearing hats and backpacks walk up a wooden staircase on a rocky hillside overlooking the ocean under a cloudy sky.

Genovesa’s Seabird Colonies

Explore Genovesa Island, beginning at Prince Philip’s Steps, where a steep stairway leads from the lava cliffs to an extraordinary seabird colony. Follow the rocky trail among nesting Nazca and red-footed boobies, then cross a lava plain where wedge-rumped storm petrels dart overhead. At Darwin Bay, land on a small sand-and-coral beach and walk beside a tidal lagoon. Look for swallow-tailed gulls, lava gulls, herons, and vast colonies of red-footed boobies while hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, or exploring offshore by dinghy.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A snorkeler in a wetsuit reaches toward a school of fish underwater near some rocks in clear blue water.

Rábida and Bartolome

Discover the varied landscapes of Rábida Island on a shoreline hike or dinghy excursion, watching for fur seals, pelicans, blue-footed boobies, and Nazca boobies. Swim or snorkel in waters frequented by rays, white-tipped sharks, sea lions, and colorful fish. Later, climb Bartolome Island’s 372-step wooden trail to the summit for panoramic views of famous Pinnacle Rock and the volcanic terrain. Return to the shore to snorkel with tropical fish and perhaps penguins or sea lions, then celebrate your journey at a farewell dinner.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A group of women poses for a photo on a sandy beach near the ocean, while a sea lion sits in the foreground facing the camera.

Farewell to the Galápagos Islands

Make one final Galapagos excursion at the Pit Craters on Santa Cruz Island. Walk through an endemic Scalesia forest and learn how these dramatic depressions formed when surface material collapsed into underground cracks rather than through direct volcanic action. Watch for vermilion flycatchers and enjoy another opportunity to see giant tortoises. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil, or Quito if continuing to the Amazon extension. Depart Guayaquil after 8:00 p.m. or stay overnight, using the hotel shuttle for your onward flight.

Meals breakfast
A rocky spire rises from the blue water at a bay surrounded by volcanic hills and sparse vegetation under a partly cloudy sky.

Accommodations

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

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

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, comfortable yacht offering charming social areas distributed on multiple decks, with both outdoor and interior spaces allowing you to enjoy an intimate expedition experience in your own way. 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, Wi-Fi

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

What People Are Saying

The organization and details related to everything from entering Ecuador and the Galapagos were handled perfectly. Our guide Juana, driver, tour guide for Guayaquil, crew on the Coral II were just amazing. I am so pleased with everything on this trip and will be looking at additional trips with AdventureWomen. It is hard to list a highlight as everything was amazing.

What People Are Saying

“The trip was extraordinary! Sea turtles, boobies of all varieties, sea lions, marine iguanas, land iguanas, parrot fish, sharks, tortoises, and more were our companions throughout our journey. Juana, our amazing naturalist, had a bountiful depth of knowledge of both the flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands, an obvious love for the area, and a passion to keep the area pristine to ensure it endures for many years to come. The crew aboard our boat provided top-notch service, prepared delicious meals, and were always ready to help with whatever was needed. Definitely need to put this on the “do it again!” list.”

Dates & Pricing

Start Date End Date Availability Starting At Booking Link
Aug 31, 2027 Sep 8, 2027
Space Available
$9,295
Standard Cabin – Single | Only 3 left
$9,295 total, $800 deposit
Junior Cabin – Single
$10,895 total, $800 deposit

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

What's Included

  • Accommodation as listed, based on double occupancy
  • Domestic airfare
  • Activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • All meals, as listed in the itinerary
  • All transportation throughout the trip
  • 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 passports, visas, immunizations
  • Travel Insurance: cost of medical expenses, hospitalization, evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities
Trip Extensions

Amazon Exploration

The Ecuadorian Amazon is a region of unparalleled biodiversity and natural beauty, and home to an incredible array of wildlife. Following your Galápagos adventure, spend a peaceful evening in Quito before descending into a world of lush greenery and vibrant wildlife. In the Amazon, immerse yourself in the wonders of the rainforest—learn how chocolate is made from cacao beans, explore jungle trails, and encounter native wildlife at the amaZOOnico rescue center. Drift peacefully down the Arajuno River on an inner tube and visit with a local Kichwa family. With every step, you’ll uncover the deep connection between the people, plants, and animals of this extraordinary region.

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

FAQs

Absolutely! You belong here. AdventureWomen welcomes all women and individuals who identify as part of the women’s community. We celebrate all races, backgrounds, orientations, abilities, and ages. Our adventures reflect the vibrant diversity of our travelers.

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. Internal flights are included.

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.

  • Level One: Easy Pace Our Easy Pace trips are thoughtfully designed for women who enjoy gentle activity, cultural immersion, and plenty of time to savor the scenery. They feature light walking, easy terrain like cobblestone streets or flat nature trails, and optional activities such as city tours, wildlife safaris, and scenic boat rides. This level offers a relaxed pace with flexible itineraries and minimal physical exertion.
  • Level Two: Moderate For women who enjoy staying active, balanced with some downtime, our Moderate trips offer a blend of movement and relaxation. Activities may include walking on gently rolling trails, with occasional uneven terrain like forest paths or shallow creek crossings. With activities like beginner kayaking or short e-bike excursions, this level is perfect for those eager to explore while trying something new.
  • Level Three: Dynamic Designed for adventurous women ready for a challenge, our Dynamic trips feature regular activity on varied terrain with moderate elevation gains. Expect natural obstacles such as rocky paths and shallow creek crossings. From glacier walks and whitewater rafting to ziplining and kayaking in calm to lightly-choppy waters, this level is perfect for those with hiking and outdoor experience and a sense of adventure.
  • Level Four: High Energy Our High Energy adventures are designed for women who crave being on the go! You should be prepared for full days of hiking across rugged, moderate-altitude terrain. With some steeper inclines and rocky paths, these trips often feature back-to-back adrenaline-fueled activities like canyoneering, multi-day treks, and Class IV whitewater rafting—perfect for experienced adventurers and hikers with good stamina and a passion for pushing their limits.
  • Level Five: Challenging Our Challenging trips are crafted for seasoned adventurers ready to take on remote, high-altitude terrain, and full-day treks. These trips 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 14 miles per day with steep ascents, rugged trails, and elevations reaching 19,500 feet. These are strenuous trips that require endurance and a commitment to training before departure.

A trip extension is an optional add-on to your main AdventureWomen itinerary. Extensions allow you to explore a destination more deeply, visit nearby regions, or enjoy additional activities before or after your scheduled trip. You can request an extension by contacting your Trip Manager. We’ll confirm availability with our local partners and send you the details, pricing, and next steps. For more information about AdventureWomen extensions, please visit our FAQs.