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Yacht La Pinta

Darwin's Legacy

Navigating the Diverse Southwestern Volcanic Archipelago

7 Days

Friday to Thursday

12 of 15

Galapagos Iconic Species known as the BIG 15

From

USD 7,867
per guest

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Home / Galapagos Islands Tours Itineraries / Yacht La Pinta Central and Southwestern Galapagos Itinerary

Overview

Set forth on a transformative expedition with our Darwin’s Legacy expedition, where the spirit of Charles Darwin’s groundbreaking discoveries comes to life. This itinerary takes you into the heart of the southwestern Galapagos, a region forged by recent tectonic upheavals and rich with geological wonders that are teeming with life.

In the southwestern Galapagos, you’ll witness the true origins of the archipelago, a land where volcanic forces have sculpted a dramatic and otherworldly landscape, and also—a land where recent creation unfolds. Fernandina Island, our first destination, is renowned as one of the most untouched environments on the planet, where life continues to evolve in isolation, entirely immune from human influence. This region provides remarkable glimpses into the unique adaptations of the local wildlife, which is complemented by a visit to the Charles Darwin at the Research Station—a site where we’ll get to learn more about the intricate science that’s at play in the Galapagos. Ultimately, the pristine environments on this trip, many of which are untouched by human intervention, are guaranteed to reveal nature’s adaptability and resilience.

Each stop on our journey through the southwestern volcanic region of archipelago reveals a different aspect of the Galapagos’ dynamic ecosystem, making this expedition a comprehensive and awe-inspiring exploration of one of the world’s most unique and evolving natural environments!

  • Baltra
  • North Seymour
  • Isabela
  • Fernandina
  • Rabida
  • Santa Cruz
  • Floreana
Blue footed booby North Seymour

Day by Day

Day 1 - Baltra & North Seymour Islands​

Baltra Island

  • Early flight to Baltra Island
  • Transfer to dock and board Yacht La Pinta
  • Welcome briefing, boat drill, and cabin assignment
  • Enjoy lunch onboard

North Seymour Island

  • Afternoon visit to North Seymour Island

  • Walk along coast and inland to see birds, sea lions, and land iguanas

  • Optional dinghy ride for coastal exploration

  • Evening briefing, welcome cocktail, and dinner onboard

Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island)

  • Explore Punta Vicente Roca by panga, no landing site

  • Naturalists highlight lava flows and tuff stone formations

  • Spot diverse wildlife during the ride

  • Snorkel along cliffs if conditions allow, with chances to see green sea turtles

Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)

  • Afternoon visit to Fernandina Island, the youngest in the archipelago

  • Explore Punta Espinoza’s stark yet wildlife-rich landscapes

  • Spot Galapagos hawks, penguins, and flightless cormorants

  • Admire volcanic scenery and dramatic coastal views

Urbina Bay (Isabela Island)

  • Morning visit to Urbina Bay on Isabela Island

  • Explore uplifted seafloor with corals, shells, and land iguanas

  • Possible sightings of giant tortoises

  • Learn about geology and evolution, like Darwin did

  • Watch for whales while crossing the Bolívar Channel

Tagus Cove (Isabela Island)

  • Visit historic Tagus Cove, once used by pirates and whalers

  • Hike uphill to view Darwin Crater, a saltwater-filled formation

  • Snorkel or kayak in the bay’s clear waters

  • Enjoy scenic landscapes and a memorable trek

Rabida Island

  • Morning landing at Rabida Island’s red sand beach

  • Spot marine iguanas, mockingbirds, warblers, and Darwin’s finches

  • Snorkel directly from the beach

  • Glass-bottom boat option for non-snorkelers

Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz Island)

  • Visit Dragon Hill on northern Santa Cruz

  • Walk around a brackish lagoon with diverse birdlife

  • Inland trail offers panoramic bay and island views

  • Spot iconic Galapagos land iguanas

Puerto Ayora & Charles Darwin Research Station

  • Morning visit to Charles Darwin Research Station

  • Explore facilities and giant tortoise pens

  • Learn about conservation and scientific work in the Galapagos

  • Enjoy lunch on the island

Highlands of Santa Cruz Island

  • Afternoon visit to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz

  • Spot Darwin’s finches and unique Scalesia trees

  • Observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat

  • Visit a tortoise reserve for close encounters

  • Return to the yacht in the evening

Post Office Bay

  • Panga ride through Floreana’s north shore channels

  • Visit Baroness Cove for stunning coastal views

  • Stop at historic Post Office Bay with its two-century-old barrel

  • Learn about the 1835 Beagle expedition observation

  • Optional kayaking and snorkeling at Post Office Bay

Champion Islet & Punta Cormorant

  • Snorkel or take a glass-bottom boat ride near Champion Islet

  • Afternoon visit to Punta Cormorant’s olivine-crystal beach

  • Walk by a brackish lagoon with greater flamingos

  • Visit white-sand beach known for sea turtle nesting at night

Baltra Island

Conclude our unforgettable journey on Baltra Island, where we transition to the airport for our return flight to the mainland. Due to its uplifted formation, the island’s level terrain was pivotal in its selection as the ideal airport site in the 1940s.

Itinerary Map

Day 1

Baltra & North Seymour Islands

Day 2

Isabela & Fernandina Islands

Day 3

Urbina Bay and Tagus Cove

Day 4

Rabida & Santa Cruz Islands

Day 5

Santa Cruz Island

Day 6

Floreana Island

Day 7

Baltra Island

frigatebirds
galapagos fur seal
galapagos giant tortoise
galapagos hawk
galapagos penguin
galapagos sea lion
marine iguana
nazca booby
american flamingo
blue footed booby

Prices

Prices in 2025

Starting at USD 7,867 per guest

Prices in 2026

Starting at USD 7,946 per guest

Sailing Dates

Please select the year first, then click on the date that suits you best.

Contact us for availability

The BIG15: Must-See Wildlife of the Galapagos

Because the Galapagos Islands are so extensive, picking where to visit and what to see can be difficult. To create our itineraries and enable guests to see the best balance of Galapagos species, we spoke with researchers, Naturalist Guides, and island aficionados to select the archipelago’s most unique and fascinating animals. Their choices inspired our Galapagos BIG15, which features the most iconic Galapagos wildlife.

Land Iguana, Galapagos
Galapagos Flamingo
Fur Seal
Flightless Cormorant
Galapagos Penguin
Nazca Booby
Sea Lion
Blue-footed Booby
Frigatebird
Galapagos Tortoise
Galapagos Hawk
Marine Iguana

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

La Pinta
Snorkeling, La Pinta
Luxury Twin Cabin, La Pinta
Luxury Interconnected, La Pinta
La Pinta, Sun Deck
Kayaking
La Pinta, Restaurant
La Pinta, Paddleboarding
La Pinta, Glass Bottom Boat
La Pinta, Expedition Room
La Pinta, Al Fresco Lunch
Hot Tub, La Pinta

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.

Talk to an expert that´s
Sailed aboard!

Melissa Altamirano
“Melissa has been fantastic! She answers all my questions, gets back to me quickly, and has mapped out a wonderful trip for us. I couldn’t be happier with the service I have received.” —Mary Kabat
CHAT WITH US

See what people are
saying about us!

Your hotel manager on the yacht, Roxana, was so sweet and did a wonderful job making our stay on La Pinta fantastico!! Roxana, and all the staff on the La Pinta were outstanding!!

Review by Lori R.

The Galapagos portion of the trip was eye-opening! La Pinta was the perfect ship for the voyage, with excellent food and accommodations. The officers and crew were welcoming, highly experienced, and entertaining. The cabin staff made hilarious towel animals for our entertainment.

Review by John D.

The crew members of Yacht La Pinta were delightful– always courteous and helpful. Every guide was knowledgable and encouraged questions from our groups. I appreciated their patience and assistance with my parents, especially my dad who has difficulties with his back.

Review by Roy B.

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Are you a Travel Agent?*
At Metropolitan Touring we process the information you provide us with in order to respond to the request made by you in relation to the services we provide and the products we supply. You can exercise the rights of access, rectification and updating of inaccurate data or, where appropriate, request the deletion or elimination, limitation or suspension of the processing of your data or oppose the processing of your data. Contact us at [email protected]


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