Galapagos: Elite

Tick the Galápagos off your Wish List in unforgettable style aboard the luxury catamaran Elite.

Cruise these extraordinary islands and encounter iconic wildlife up close – from giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies to sea lions, marine iguanas and colourful reef life while snorkelling. Explore dramatic volcanic landscapes, pristine white and red sand beaches, and remote island ecosystems by foot, dinghy, kayak or paddleboard.

With expert Naturalist guides, exceptional onboard comfort and panoramic views from your suite or the sky deck, this is an immersive, once-in-a-lifetime journey through one of the world’s most remarkable destinations.

Highlights

Wildlife up close, every day – From snorkelling with sea turtles, rays and playful sea lions to watching colonies of red‑footed, Nazca and blue‑footed boobies up on their nesting cliffs, this cruise feels like stepping into a nature documentary.

Epic variety of landscapes and water‑based fun – Each stop brings something new: pristine white and volcanic black beaches, dramatic volcanic formations, calm coral lagoons for paddling or snorkelling, and trails through mangroves and palo santo forests. Kayaks, stand‑up boards and dinghies let you pick your adventure on your terms. 

Luxury small‑ship comfort – The Elite is a sleek 16‑passenger catamaran with panoramic windows, private balconies and comfy communal spaces. After a day of wildlife watching, you can sip a sundowner on deck, savour meals with local flavour and genuinely disconnect while cruising between islands in style.

Pricing

5 days in a Golden Suite

from

$11,053*

Per person twin share

What's Included

Golden Suite with ensuite

All meals and snacks, soft drinks and juices

Captain’s welcome and farewell cocktail

One complimentary glass of local beer or house red wine per night

Transfers airport/yacht/airport in Galapagos

Guided excursions with top Naturalist guides and crew

Use of sea kayaks and paddle-boards

Supplied expedition gear (mask, snorkel, fins & wet suit)

Cruise Service Officer

Use of yoga mats

Complementary Wifi

What's Not Included

Return flights Quito or Guayaquil / Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Islands National Park Entrance Fee & TCT USD$220 (Subject to change)

Itinerary

Day 1 - Baltra Airport - Santa Cruz Island

AM: Baltra Airport to Elite.

Arrival to Baltra airport and transfer to the vessel

PM: Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz

Bachas Beach is a beautiful white-sand beach on which the remnants of a rusted barge, thought to have been abandoned by the Americans during WWI, can be seen. It is a popular nesting site for turtles, so if you go for a snorkel, you might find yourself sharing the water with these wonderful creatures.  

The beach is also full of vibrant Sally Lightfoot and hermit crabs, and elegant pink flamingos that frequent the saltwater pond located just behind the beach. 

Day 2 - Genovesa Island

AM: Prince Philip’s Steps/El Barranco, Genovesa Island

El Barranco, also known as Prince Philip’s Steps, is a rocky stairway that will lead you past a colony of nazca and red-footed boobies leads up to a plateau of dried lava. Continuing through the thin Palo Santo forest and looking out over the plain, visitors are often treated to sites of storm petrels launching out over the ocean.

A dinghy ride or kayaking/paddle boarding along the edge of the cliffs provides a good chance to see the elusive Galapagos fur seals nestled on the rocks, and snorkeling is a great activity if you fancy a dip with a variety of shark species.

 PM: Darwin Bay, Genovesa Island

Darwin Bay has a small sand and coral beach that provides the perfect spot for snorkeling, kayaking or paddle boarding in calm, sheltered waters in the company of hammerhead sharks, rays and a plethora of colorful reef fish. Onshore, a short trail leads along a tidal lagoon and mangroves, home to a variety of land bird species, including Nazca and red-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls.

The trail culminates at a viewpoint that offers a stunning view overlooking the cliffs and the bay below.

Day 3 - Santiago Island

AM: Buccaneer Cove | Espumilla Beach, Santiago Island

Espumilla beach, located on the northern coast of Santiago island, is an exquisite white sand beach, whose name refers to the meringue-like trails of foam left by the lapping of the waves. Sally Lightfoot crabs are in abundance here and as a result, it is common to see predatory birds such as hawks, herons and pelicans.

This idyllic location is perfect for snorkeling or kayaking/paddle boarding amongst a raft of marine life, including species of octopus, eels and sharks. Buccaneer Cove has an interesting history as it is where sailors, buccaneers and whalers frequently anchored their vessels in search for food and water. In more recent times it has become an important nesting site for turtles and is also popular with sea lions.

A dinghy ride along the eroded shoreline provides views of intriguing rock formations that provide excellent ledges for boobies, pelicans and gulls.

PM: Egas Port

Egas Port was once the site of a salt mine, but now this impressive black sand beach is an excellent location for snorkeling and observing shorebirds, Sally Lightfoot crabs and marine iguanas.

A stroll along the wide trails inland leads you past tidal pools and rocky volcanic formations known as grottoes where it is possible to spot fur seals enjoying a spot of shade.

Day 4 - Santa Cruz Island

AM: Black turtle cove, Santa Cruz Island.

The first visit of the day is to Black Turtle Cove, which is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz. It is a living illustration of how mangroves alter the marine environment to create a rich and unique habitat. Three mangrove species crowd the area from the shore out into a shallow lake which reaches almost a mile inland.  

As you drift through quiet waters in the dinghy, you are likely to see spotted eagle rays and diamond-shaped mustard rays, which swim in a diamond formation. White-tipped reef sharks slip beneath the dinghy and Pacific green sea turtles come to the surface for air and to mate. Waterfowl, including pelicans, herons and egrets, all feed in the cove. It’s a peaceful place where visitors often have up-close encounters with Galapagos wildlife, often making it a highlight of the trip!  

PM: Highlands | Charles Darwin Research Station, Santa Cruz Island

On the highlands of Santa Cruz, you’ll have the opportunity to see the famous giant tortoises in the wild. So renowned are these endemic animals that they gave the archipelago its name. Birdwatching is also one of the activities do to in the Santa Cruz highlands, since this area is home of finches and other Galapagos birds.

After the visit to the highlands, we continue to the famous Charles Darwin Research Station that provides guests with a unique opportunity to find out about the vital work that is being carried out to preserve the archipelago’s ecosystems.  

The Research Center is also home to a significant breeding program for Galapagos tortoises, whose numbers have been in decline since the 1970’s.  

These captivating reptiles are very accustomed to humans, so be sure to bring your camera for some close-ups. 

Day 5 - San Cristobal Island - San Cristobal Airport

 AM: Lobos Island, off San Cristobal

Accessed by dinghy, Lobos Island gets its name from the herds of sea lions that have made their home here.

Snorkeling in the calm clear water provides a unique opportunity to see these inquisitive and playful animals up close and it is also common to be accompanied by green turtles and rays as well.

Inland, there is a trail where you can expect to encounter nesting sites for blue-footed boobies and frigates.

PM: Depart from San Cristobal airport.

Galapagos excursions are subject to change without prior notice. Changes in plans may arise due to weather conditions, National Park regulations, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Elite | Galapagos Cruise Ship

The mega catamaran Galapagos Elite set sail in June 2019 with 16 guests on board. Reinventing luxury, comfort and class, it was specifically designed for sailing the sapphire waters of the Enchanted Islands.

As a sleek,twin-hulled catamaran, it provides its guests with a steady, safe cruise without the rocking and swaying common to the older, single-hulled yachts that dominated the island cruise industry for decades. In addition to better stability, the design of the Elite allows for more space for everything on board, including panoramic social indoor and outdoor areas and panoramic suites. Guests of all ages can enjoy the ample, semi-covered sky deck, the al fresco dining area and the cozy bar-salon on the sky deck. The Galapagos Elite features state-of-the-art navigation technology and safety equipment: safety and reliability are essential parts of any Galapagos luxury experience.

All Suites on board the Galapagos Elite are spacious, comfortable and well-appointed: the perfect place to relax and recharge after a day spent exploring the islands. Each suite has ocean view and outdoor private balcony and restroom. All suites can have either one king-sized or two twin beds. Unlike the heavy, round porthole windows of the older yachts, each suite on the Elite has grand windows offering panoramic views.

Terms and Conditions

Prices advertised are NZD but based on USD and are subject to change due to currency fluctuations. Prices are subject to change and subject to availability at time of booking. 

Prices are in NZD (unless specified otherwise) per person, in complete twin/double share accommodation (or single occupancy or family share where specified), valid for new bookings only, subject to availability. Offers are capacity-controlled and may be reduced, changed, extended or withdrawn at any time, without notice. Unless specified, airfares (and often transfers) are additional. Pricing variations may occur due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Prices include savings/discounts where applicable and all taxes/charges (which are subject to change). Offers valid for travel originating in New Zealand only. Required deposit amounts and deposit/final payment dates vary. Deposits may or may not be refundable. Amendment and cancellation fees apply. All products and itineraries are subject to change at the discretion of the supplier. Prices are based on cash, Eftpos, or Direct Credit payment only. We accept all major credit cards, however, processing fees apply. World Travellers reserve the right to correct any errors or omissions at any time. To be read in conjunction with the booking terms and conditions applicable to Viva Expeditions. Travel documents & vaccination requirements are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Professional service fees may apply. Airfares & transfers are additional (unless specified otherwise). Some staterooms are based on a 'guarantee' stateroom. The exact stateroom grade, number and location on the ship will be allocated at the discretion of the cruise line. Some staterooms have obstructed views.