Yacht La Pinta
Origin of Species Southeast Cruise
5 Days
Thursday to Monday
12 of 15
Galapagos Iconic Species known as the BIG 15
From
USD 6000
per guest
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Explore Galapagos Islands Aboard Yacht La Pinta
- 2026: 5 Days from USD 6000 per guest
- 2027: 5 Days from USD 6150 per guest
Embark on the Humboldt Isles Expedition, an unforgettable journey through the southeastern Galapagos inspired by Alexander von Humboldt’s spirit of exploration. Discover the vibrant wildlife of South Plaza, the turquoise bays of Santa Fe, and the dramatic landscapes of San Cristobal. Explore the pristine shores of Española Island, home to some of the archipelago’s most iconic species, before visiting the lush highlands of Santa Cruz. Along the way, encounter remarkable endemic wildlife, spectacular volcanic scenery, and the extraordinary ecosystems that make the Galapagos one of the world’s most fascinating natural destinations.
Galapagos Islands You’ll Visit on this Itinerary:
- Baltra
- South Plaza
- Santa Fe
- San Cristobal
- Española
- Santa Cruz
Day by Day
Day 1 - Baltra & South Plaza Islands
Baltra Airport on Baltra Island
- Early flight to Baltra Island — transfer to the dock and board Yacht La Pinta.
- Welcome briefing, safety drill, and cabin assignment before setting sail.
- Enjoy lunch aboard as the yacht repositions toward South Plaza.
South Plaza Island
- Afternoon landing on South Plaza — walk trails edged with vivid prickly pear cactus and volcanic scenery.
- Spot colorful Galápagos land iguanas basking on lava outcrops above sea lion colonies on the cliffs.
- Observe seabirds from the cliff edge: Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and frigatebirds.
- Evening briefing and dinner aboard Yacht La Pinta.
Wildlife: Galapagos Land Iguanas · Galapagos Sea Lions · Nazca Boobies · Swallow-tailed Gulls · Frigatebirds
Day 2 - Santa Fe & San Cristobal
Santa Fe Island
- Dinghy arrival at white-sand beach with sea lions
- Part of the “Humboldt quartet,” rich in biodiversity
- Unique species: Galapagos hawk, Santa Fe land iguana
- Morning activities: kayaking, coastal exploration, and glass-bottom boat.
Cerro Colorado Tortoise Habitat
- Afternoon at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno — the same port where Darwin disembarked in September 1835.
- Visit the Cerro Colorado giant tortoise breeding center: hatchlings in enclosures, adults in open pasture.
- Spot San Cristóbal mockingbirds and lava lizards along the trail.
- Free time to explore the town and harbor before returning to the yacht.
Wildlife: Santa Fe Land Iguana · Galapagos Sea Lions · Green Sea Turtles · Galapagos Giant Tortoise · San Cristobal Mockingbird · Galapagos Hawk
Day 3 - San Cristobal Island
Punta Pitt
- Morning hike at Punta Pitt on San Cristobal’s eastern tip — sweeping coastal views and frigatebirds circling overhead.
- The only site in the Galapagos where red-footed, Nazca, and blue-footed boobies all nest together.
- Spot bachelor sea lion colonies on the rocks; optional panga ride for coastal wildlife viewing.
- Your naturalist explains why this convergence of species exists here — and nowhere else in the archipelago.
Cerro Brujo
- Afternoon at Cerro Brujo — one of the finest beaches in the Galápagos, backed by eroding tuff formations.
- Snorkel in crystal-clear water above lava rock formations and reef life.
- Watch for marine iguanas and shorebirds moving along the waterline.
- Arrive early to absorb the stillness before the afternoon light shifts — the Galapagos does not ask you to hurry.
Wildlife: Red-Footed Booby · Nazca Booby · Blue-Footed Booby · Magnificent Frigatebird · Marine Iguana · Galapagos Sea Lion
Day 4 - Española Island
Punta Suarez
- Morning exploration at Punta Suarez over lava and boulders
- Spot waved albatrosses (April–January), boobies, gulls, and the blowhole
- See colorful marine iguanas unique to this area
- Return onboard for a well-earned lunch
Gardner Bay
- Afternoon at Gardner Bay — white coral sand, turquoise water, and a sea lion colony that makes no room for anyone.
- Snorkel, kayak, or take the glass-bottom boat; sea turtles and reef sharks move through the water below.
- Walk the beach with mockingbirds and Darwin’s finches at your feet.
- The snorkeling at Gardner Bay is the kind that travelers describe for the rest of their lives.
Wildlife: Waved Albatross · Blue-Footed Booby · Española Marine Iguana · Galapagos Sea Lion · Green Sea Turtle · White-tipped Reef Shark · Española Mockingbird
Day 5 - Santa Cruz & Baltra Islands
Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)/Baltra Airport
- Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and giant tortoise program
- Bus across Santa Cruz Island and ferry to Baltra
- End the journey at Baltra Airport for the flight back to the mainland
- Baltra’s flat landscape reflects its unique uplifted geological history
Wildlife: Galapagos Giant Tortoise · Darwin’s Finches · Endemic Coastal Birds
Itinerary Map
Baltra & South Plaza Islands
Santa Fe & San Cristobal
San Cristobal Island
Española Island
Santa Cruz & Baltra Islands
Prices
Prices in 2026
Starting at USD 6000 per guest
Prices in 2027
Starting at USD 6150 per guest
Sailing Dates
Please select the year first, then click on the date that suits you best.
The Big 15 Iconic Species of the Galapagos
Why Book With Us
Unmatched Experiences & Expert Care
Choose expedition vessels for an authentic and intimate experience.
Consider the comfort level with the ideal space-to-guest ratio during your journey.
All our itineraries allow you to discover 11 to 12 of the Big 15 iconic species and the top 4 islands in just 5 to 7 days.
Take part in the multi-guided itineraries for a unique experience of the Galapagos Islands.
Our carefully designed itineraries guarantee exclusivity and optimal wildlife viewing opportunities during island visits.
Enjoy multiple activities around the islands at no extra cost during your Galapagos expedition.
Rest assured, our Galapagos cruise ships have onboard medical professionals to attend to any medical needs.
Ensure the Galapagos National Park authorizes your cruise for activities and island visits.
Gallery
Included
- Shared transfers between select Quito hotels and the airport for Galapagos flights
- 24/7 On-board Medical Officer
- Accomodation and all meals on board
- Informative lectures
- Luggage assistance
- Starlink Wi-Fi
- Soft drinks
- Snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards, and a glass-bottom boat
- Wetsuits
- Island expeditions with Park-certified Naturalist Guides
Reminder: We can assist with tickets and fees for entry to Galapagos.
Not Included
- International airfare
- Galapagos National Park fee (USD 200)
- INGALA migration card (USD 20)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses, gratuities & taxes
- Fuel surcharges*
- Non-alcoholic beverages are included on board only.
- Fees and surcharges are subject to change without prior notice.
