Yacht La Pinta
Darwin's Legacy Galapagos Cruise
Navigating the Diverse Southwestern Volcanic Archipelago
7 Days
Friday to Thursday
12 of 15
Galapagos Iconic Species known as the BIG 15
From
USD 7950
per guest
We are here to Help You!
Explore Galapagos Islands Aboard Yacht La Pinta
- 7 Days from USD 7950 per guest
Set forth on a transformative journey with our Darwin’s legacy Galapagos cruise. This itinerary takes you into the heart of the southwestern archipelago, a region forged by recent tectonic upheavals and rich with geological wonders teeming with life.
Here, you will witness the dramatic origins of the islands, sculpted by volcanic forces. On Fernandina Island, Galapagos, you will explore one of the most untouched environments on the planet. Life continues to evolve here in isolation, allowing you to observe remarkable wildlife adaptations, including the rare Galapagos flightless cormorant.
Our voyage also includes a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, where we explore the intricate science shaping these islands. The pristine environments on this trip consistently reveal nature’s incredible adaptability and resilience.
Each stop through this volcanic region highlights a different aspect of the dynamic ecosystem. This expedition offers a comprehensive exploration of a truly unique and ever-evolving natural world.
- Baltra
- North Seymour
- Isabela
- Fernandina
- Rabida
- Santa Cruz
- Floreana
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
Wildlife: Frigatebirds · Blue-footed Boobies · Galapagos Sea Lions · Land Iguanas
Day 2 - Isabela & Fernandina Islands
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
Wildlife: Marine Iguanas · Galapagos Flightless Cormorant · Galapagos Penguin · Green Sea Turtles · Galapagos Hawk
Day 3 - Urbina Bay and Tagus Cove
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
Wildlife: Giant Tortoises · Land Iguanas · Penguins · Possible Whale Sightings
Day 4 - Rabida & Santa Cruz Islands
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
Wildlife: Marine Iguanas · Darwin’s Finches · Mockingbirds · Santa Cruz Land Iguanas · Flamingos
Day 5 - Santa Cruz Island
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
Wildlife: Giant Tortoises · Darwin’s Finches · Highland Birds · Scalesia Forest
Day 6 - Floreana Island
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
Wildlife: Greater Flamingos · Sea Turtles · White-tipped Sharks · Tropical Fish · Shore Birds
Itinerary Map
Baltra & North Seymour Islands
Isabela & Fernandina Islands
Urbina Bay and Tagus Cove
Rabida & Santa Cruz Islands
Santa Cruz Island
Floreana Island
Baltra Island
Prices
Prices in 2026
Starting at USD 7950 per guest
Prices in 2027
Starting at USD 8150 per guest
Sailing Dates
Please select the year first, then click on the date that suits you best.
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.
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.
