
Eastern Galápagos Cruise
8 Days Galápagos cruise on board the Passion
From USD 6,130
A 8-day Expedition Cruise
7 Reviews
The Trip Highlights
Snorkel with Hammerheads at Darwin Bay
A bird lover's paradise: Hiking on Genovesa
Gardner Bay: Pristine, white sand beaches
Playful Sea Lions in South Plaza
Galapatours 'Plus' Experience
Ultimate in exclusivity
only 14 guests
English-speaking guide for all activities
Lectures in the evening
Get to know the highlights of Galápagos with this Naturalist cruise on board the beautiful Passion! On this Expedition Cruise, you will discover the incredible wildlife of the Galápagos Islands: On Española, the oldest and arguably the greenest of the Galápagos Islands, incredible hikes await. You will get to see many endemic species, including the Española Mocking Bird, the Española Lava Lizard, and, hopefully, the famous Waved Albatross. On Genovesa, breathtaking dinghy rides, stunning views and close encounters with the most iconic birds of the Archipelago await you. Blue-footed Boobies, Red-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies and many more species can be seen here. During your time spent on Rábida, you will have the opportunity to watch wild Flamingos and walk on a blood-red sandy beach. During your time on Santa Cruz, you will have the chance to observe the famous Galápagos Giant Tortoises in the wild and learn more about the preservation and scientific study of these amazing animals. Your visit to Santa Fe will involve a beautiful short hike, during which you can observe Galápagos Hawks, Darwin's Finches, Galápagos Mockingbirds. and Galápagos Sea Lions. On Santiago, an island formerly inhabited by pirates, you will be able to enjoy hikes and dinghy rides. A walk across South Plaza is one of the best visitor experiences in the Galápagos thanks to the large number of species living in such a small area.
Your ship: Passion
- Stunning former private yacht
- Ultimate in exclusivity - only 14 guests
- Automatic stabilizers for comfort
- 1:1 staff to guest ratio!
For many people owning a private luxury yacht is the ultimate in indulgence. Thanks to the Motor Yacht Passion you can now experience this for yourself as you discover the wonders of Galápagos. Built originally as a private family floating palace, Passion entered the Galápagos cruise fleet in 2015. Intended to be the standout luxury experience in the islands, her name perfectly describes what the owners and crew have for your comfort and for the archi … Read more about Passion
Amenities
Transfers to and from ship
Snorkel gear (free of charge)
100% CO2 carbon footprint offset
Air conditioning & private bathroom
Single cabin without supplement
Water, Coffee, Tea & fresh juices
Triple cabins
English guide
Wetsuits
-20% for children ≤ 12
All meals
Kayaks on board
Food & Drinks
The food on our Galapágos Cruises is among the very best you will find in South America. Most of the on-board chefs are internationally trained and have prior experience working in the best hotels and restaurants in Ecuador and indeed around the world.
You can expect a first-class selection of food, including a good variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, locally sourced poultry and fish/seafood, rice and pasta dishes. Most boats will always include some typical Ecuadorian dishes on the menu during your cruise. If you have specific dietary requirements then these can usually be accommodated by the chef providing you have given advance notice. Please make sure you tell us about any allergies or dietary requirements you have at the time you book with us. If you leave it until you arrive at the dockside, then it may well be impossible to accommodate your needs.
Most boats serve a range of options at meal times in a relaxed buffet-style. At the first class and luxury end of the market, some boats have more formal dining where you will be served at your seat. However the atmosphere is always relaxed on board our cruises, and never stuffy or formal.



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Optional Module Before First Day
Day 1
AM
Baltra • Arrival at Baltra airport+transfer to ship

Welcome to Galápagos! Once your flight has landed and you went through the immigration process, you'll be met in the Arrivals lounge by our English-speaking guide who will take you to your transfer vehicle for the short journey to your waiting ship.
Baltra Island, where your arrival airport is, was used as an important Air Force base in the Second World War. This is the primary airport for the Galápagos Islands and you'll be rubbing shoulders with fellow tourists, international naturalists and conservationists, researchers and academics, and Galápagos residents alike. The airport has been built as a "green" airport, and as well as using recycled materials in its construction, it's special design keeps the buildings relatively cool without the need for any air conditioning.
Once on board your ship, you will be introduced to the crew and given a welcome briefing as well as an important safety drill. After this you'll be shown to your cabin. While you're served a well-deserved and delicious lunch, the captain will cast off and your adventure truly starts.
Note: If you plan to spend a few days prior to the cruise in Puerto Ayora and want to do the cruise later this is no problem at all. The transfer from Puerto Ayora to Baltra is very easy.
PM
Santa Cruz • Black Turtle Cove

The only way into Black Turtle cove is by panga (motorised dinghy). This "secret" corner of the Galápagos feels like your own personal hideout, and once the panga motor is shut off you're surrounded only with the gentle sounds of nature as you drift through the mangroves.
Rich with wildlife, you'll often see Galápagos green turtles feeding, or even mating, in the calm water, as well as different shark species and Galápagos rays.
This is a very different visitor site, showing another side to the Galápagos away from the noise of surf on the beaches and barking sea lions.
Day 2
AM
Genovesa • Darwin Bay

Darwin Bay is a must-visit site for birdwatchers. Starting with a landing on a beautiful white coral beach you are able to follow an easy half-mile trail that will take you through bird-filled mangroves. Species that can be seen on this part of the trail include Nazca Boobies, Galápagos red-footed Boobies, and Swallow-Tailed gulls.
As the path continues you will find tidal pools - favourite spots for Galápagos Sea Lions to lazily swim and play. At the path's end you will come to the top of a cliff which will reward you with a spectacular view.
PM
Genovesa • Prince Philip's Steps

Named after Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, who visited the Galápagos Islands twice, the Prince Philip's Steps pier uses natural rock formations to allow you to land and admire the variety of seabirds that inhabit Genovesa. With careful steps on the wet and slippery lower rocks, you begin your hike near a small colony of Galápagos sea bears before reaching the beautiful vantage point further up with views of the lava plains.
The birdlife will surround you from all sides and you will enjoy the sight and sounds of many wonderful species, including blue-footed boobies, red-footed boobies and Nazca boobies, but also small Galápagos owls and Galápagos pigeons.
Day 3
AM
Bartholomew • A walk on Bartholomew

Bartholomew (known as Bartolomé locally) is the most popular excursion for Galápagos visitors, and its iconic scenery is the most photographed in the whole archipelago.
To start your walk on this island you will land in the small bay opposite the famous Pinnacle Rock. You then start the climb to the 375ft peak of Bartholomew. You’ll travel along a half mile trail that includes a series of wooden steps that have been built by the National Park Service to protect the ground here from erosion caused by tourists hiking to the summit.
When you arrive at the top of island the spectacular views will have made your efforts worthwhile. Your Galapatours expert guide will point out all the landmarks you will see from here - Pinnacle Rock itself, jutting skywards. The huge black lava flows of Sullivan Bay. The islands of Daphne Major and Daphne Minor.
On the way back down, you will be able to recognise the different volcanic formations evident on the island, such as tuff cones and volcanic spatter. You'll also see some remarkable examples of the Galápagos' ability to highlight the adaptation of species. For example the bushes that all look dead are actually very much alive, with leaves covered with special grey hairs that help to reflect the harsh sun and reduce moisture loss for the plants.
Back at the beach there is excellent snorkeling, thanks to the underwater caves and rocks in the area. You will see various sharks, rays and tropical fish. You may also see Galápagos Penguins swimming with you!
PM
Santiago • Chinese Hat

Chinese Hat ("Sombrero Chino" to locals) is an islet set just a short distance off the southeastern coast of Santiago. The small channel between Chinese Hat and mainland Santiago is fairly deep yet sheltered, and the water here is a glistening turquoise.
The islet gets its name because if you approach from the north, you will see that this small volcanic cone does indeed look like the traditional bamboo or rice hat. Viewed from above on a satellite image, however, you will see that this islet is actually more of an oval shape.
There is a short hiking trail on Chinese Hat that runs along the western coast of the islet. This is a harsh landscape of volcanic rubble and lava formations, a very atmospheric reminder of the fiery origins of the Galápagos.
Along the cost of both Chinese Hat and the opposite Santiago shore you are likely to see Galápagos Sea Lions and Galápagos Penguins, either basking in the sun or seeking shade to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Overhead, you might catch a glimpse of the magnificent Galápagos Hawk.
The stand-out reason for a visit to Chinese Hat however is to snorkel in that turquoise channel. Here you can see various species of sharks, rays, and a variety of tropical fish. Not all Galápagos boats can visit, and permits are only given to a select few boats and guides. Here at Galapatours we offer itineraries on all of these specially selected boats, so if a visit to Chinese Hat is important to you, speak to one of our Galápagos experts today to help choose the perfect itinerary.
Day 4
AM
Rábida • A walk on Rabida Island

Rabida is a small, steeply-sloped island with red-sand shores, and was originally called Jervis. Despite its small size, Rabida has one of the highest concentrations of volcanic features in the Galápagos, and it's thanks to the iron-rich lava deposits that its sands and soils are so red.
After a wet landing on the northern coast you will often see Galápagos Sea Lions and marine iguanas around the beach, especially near the sheltered caves in hot weather. Just behind the beach is a nesting site for brown pelicans, who use the saltbush as cover. Rabida is one of the best spots in the archipelago to observe pelicans. Sometimes flamingos can also be seen in the lagoon here.
There is a short hiking trail that leads further inland through Opuntias where there are good opportunities to see land birds like Darwin's finches, Galápagos Doves and Galápagos Mockingbirds.
After your trip inland you can then have a relaxing swim and enjoy some snorkeling, which is very good in the clear waters off the beach. While you swim, you'll be able to see Blue-Footed Boobies taking off over your head from their cliff-top roosts.
PM
Santa Cruz • Dragon Hill

Dragon Hill is the site of a success story in the history of Galápagos conservation. In 1975 almost the entire population of land iguanas in this part of northeast Santa Cruz was wiped out by packs of feral dogs. The Charles Darwin Research Center swung into action with an emergency breeding and rearing program for land iguanas. The program was extremely successful, and the last captive-bred land iguana was released from the breeding center onto Dragon Hill in 1991. Iguanas continue to be released here every 3 or 4 years from other breeding centers in the Galápagos to ensure the continued success of the Dragon Hill Iguanas.
As well as being the landing site to visit the Hill, the rocky shoreline here is a great snorkeling site where you can swim with green turtles, sharks and rays. A trail leads inland past two saltwater lagoons which often play host to flamingos. As you continue to circle Dragon Hill on the trail you'll be able to see land iguanas in the wild, and you can find their burrows all along the path.
As well as the land iguanas, the area around Dragon Hill is full of other species including Darwin's Finches, Galápagos Mockingbirds, and the native Opuntia cactus. This is one of the longer walking trails, and your Galapatours guide will recommend you use good footwear, especially as the trail can be uneven in places and gets slippery and muddy after wet weather.
Day 5
AM
Santa Cruz • Santa Cruz Highlands

Santa Cruz is the only island on the Galápagos that allows you to travel through every habitat type that exists in the archipelago. This makes the journey north from the coast up into the highlands a fantastic opportunity to experience the breadth of life that exists on these islands.
Your bus journey starts from Puerto Ayora on the coast and you slowly start to climb through the agricultural zone where open fields begin to give way to lush, green, mist-covered forests. This is a marked contrast to many of the islands which are at much lower elevation and much more arid. This rich verdant landscape is predominantly made up of dense Scalesia forest.
Your expert Galapatours guide will stop several times along the route to allow you to explore various different sites. Among the stops will be a Giant Tortoise reserve, and also a visit to the famous lava tubes. Over half a mile long, a walk through these natural volcanic features is eerie and unforgettable.
Also along the way you will stop for refreshments, and you'll be able to try locally-grown Galápagos coffee - we think it's among the best we've ever tasted!
PM
Santa Cruz • Charles Darwin Research Station

The world famous Charles Darwin Research Center is just a 10 minute walk from downtown Puerto Ayora, and is the home of the non-profit Charles Darwin Foundation.
Inside, you'll find exhibits about the geography, geology and climate of the Galápagos, and the evolution of her unique species. There is also lots of information on the Foundation's current conservation and education programs.
As well as conducting it's own key research, the Charles Darwin Center also hosts international scientists, and supports the work of government agencies like the Galápagos National Park.
Next door is the site of the Galápagos' first giant tortoise breeding center, where pioneering work has been done since 1965 for the preservation of these species. Here you can see newly hatched babies, up to juveniles and full-grown adults ready to be released back into the wild.
Day 6
AM
South Plaza • A walk on South Plaza

Whilst her twin, North Plaza, is closed to visitors, South Plaza is one of the best visitor sites in the Galápagos thanks to the large number of species present on her small area.
The Plazas were formed as the result of a geological uplift, and because this was uneven they both have cliffs on their south sides and low lying shores on their northern coasts.
The most noticeable (and noisiest) of South Plaza's residents are her Galápagos Sea Lions, who have a large colony here. Less obvious are her land iguanas (the smallest in the islands), many marine iguanas and large numbers and varieties of seabirds.
Inland is a mix of scrubby vegetation and giant opuntia cactus forest, providing food for the iguanas. As you follow the circular hiking trail you will come to the summit of the cliffs here where you'll be among countless nesting seabirds.
PM
Santa Fe • A walk on Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a small, flat island right in the center of the Galápagos archipelago, and is thought to be one of the oldest volcanoes here. Dating of the rocks below the water estimates they were formed almost 4 million years ago.
Santa Fe had its own breed of Giant Tortoise that became extinct at some point in the 1800s due to being hunted for meat. There are two species that are unique to the island still present here - the Santa Fe Land Iguana, and the Santa Fe Rice Rat.
There is one visitor site on Santa Fe, and you will have a panga ride to a wet landing on the beach at Barrington Bay on the island's north coast. From here there are two hiking trails. One is a short loop close to the beach that takes you into an Opuntia forest filled with these massive cactus. This is the best opportunity to see the Santa Fe land iguanas and also other species such as Galápagos Hawks.
The second trail is a tougher proposition as it climbs quite steeply to the top of a cliff from where you will enjoy stunning views over the island's unspoilt interior.
Back on the beach you can join the Galápagos Sea Lions who often play in the waves and you can enjoy some wonderful snorkeling in the clear blue-green waters here.
Day 7
AM
Española • Gardner Bay

Gardner Bay is a wonderfully sheltered area on the eastern shore of Espanola Island. It boasts one of the best beaches in the Galápagos, with superb white sand. There is nowhere better on the archipelago to simply sit back, relax, and take in the marvels of the wildlife around you.
The beach here is home to a large colony of Galápagos Sea Lions, who seem to love sunbathing on the beach as much as we humans do! As well as the fun-loving Sea Lions you can also find Galápagos Mockingbirds here. These birds are full of curiosity, and have been known to come and investigate bootlaces, camera straps and other equipment!
The wonderful Galápagos Green Sea Turtle can also often be seen in the shallows here, and along with a large variety of colorful reef fish, this makes Gardner Bay a great place to swim and snorkel.
Española • Osborn Islet

Accessible only by panga, the tiny Osborn Islet is a great place for snorkeling and swimming. Large schools of colorful tropical fish are often found in the waters around Osborn, and it's common to see Angel Fish and Parrot Fish among many others.
Galapatours visitors also report seeing manta rays gliding through the waters here, as well as a variety of sharks and even Galápagos Sea Lions have been known to come and swim with us!
PM
Española • Suarez Point

Suarez Point is on the western tip of Espanola and is one of the most wildlife-packed of all the visitor sites in the Galápagos. After a wet landing on a beach that's frequented by Galápagos Sea Lions you can enjoy a 2 mile hike along a trail that will take you up around the cliffs.
The range of wildlife on show here is simply stunning. This is a great place to view the remarkable Galápagos Blue-Footed Booby as well as their cousins the Nazca Booby. You can also see the rare Waved Albatross at Suarez Point, where they use the cliff tops to launch themselves into the air over the ocean.
Another famous natural feature here is the blowhole. This geological formation funnels the incoming waves into a chamber where it gets compressed and then the air and seawater are forced out at great speed, making a spectacular plume of water shoot high into the air.
Day 8
AM
Santa Cruz • Twin Craters

Los Gemelos (or the Twin Craters) are not, in fact, craters - although no less impressive for it! These two large pits were actually caused by the collapse of empty magma chambers after a volcanic uprising. They are easy to access from the Puerto Ayora to Baltra road.
There is a lovely walking trail here that leads up to and then around the rim of both craters. The hike takes you through the wonderful Scalesia Forest, which is full of bird life. It's likely you will see Galápagos Doves, Darwin's Finches, the stunning Vermilion Flycatcher, as well as short-eared owls and many other species.
As you climb up to the rim of the craters you are rewarded with a breathtaking view over the Scalesia canopy, it's lush green a real contrast to the arid vegetation on much of the other Galápagos Islands you can visit.
Baltra • Transfer to Baltra airport

Your Galápagos adventure ends with the arrival of your ship back at Baltra Island. After what many guests describe as an emotional goodbye to your ship and its crew, you'll board the transfer vehicle that will take you on the short journey to the airport in plenty of time for your flight back to the mainland.
Baltra airport serves both Guayaquil or Quito, and we can arrange flights that fit best with your onward plans - particularly if you are continuing a South America tour. Speak to one of our travel experts as we are often able to beat even internet pricing on flights to and from Galápagos.
Note: If you plan to spend a few days in Galápagos after your cruise this is no problem at all. Just let us know and we will arrange for the logistics. The transfer from Baltra to Puerto Ayora, for example, is very easy.
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Reviews

Kathy
Gracias, danke, thank you! Our family had an awesome 8 days on the luxury yacht Passion. 8 days of hikes, 6 days snorkeling with sea turtles, sea lions, penguins, reef sharks, greeted aboard with warm towels. Gourmet meals. The trip of a lifetime!
Drew K.
Best cruise ever We just returned from a week in the Galapagos onboard the Passion. It was a wonderful experience. The crew was a joy. And like true professionals, they took care of us in style every minute of every day. There was only one other couple onboard, so the 4 of us had all (I think) 13 crew members to ourselves. And like good stage performers, they performed as if to a full house. Our Guide Fernando was a PRO. He took us on each island and lovingly shared his animals, plants and geology with us. He was a dive master for years (I’m an avid diver although we could only snorkel on this trip) so he pointed out the penguins, sea lions and fish with great glee and passion. He also headed a conservation group so he was very protective of the animals as he should be. It’s a very aggressive schedule. Each morning we toured an island. Then we came back and had breakfast. Next often a snorkeling trip. Then lunch and then another island and maybe another snorkeling trip. We never had a spare minute. You won’t be bored, but you might be tired. The trails on the island are often quite challenging. But the crew was great about helping us. I thanked them for saving my life, as in one location, two crew members came ashore to support us as we crossed the rocks at the landing site while two others helped us on and off the Panga (Zodiac) and another piloted the Panga so it was against the rocks as each of us entered and exited. I share this so you’ll know that you will be helped. Not sure how a ship with a large group handles it all. But at all times, on and off the Yacht, wet or dry landings, the crew was 100% marvelous. The suites were great. Frankly better than on most full size cruise ships we’ve been on. We had a king bed, 2 bathrooms and a nice tub and separate shower. All very nice when we were leaving early in the mornings... We had the VIP Suite. There was also a bigger suite and 4 normal cabins, each with a nice bathroom and tub/shower. The common areas were large and the entire ship was spotless. I saw some reviews that noted that the cabins were made up often, but that they never saw anyone do it. I guess they do it while we’re off the ship. Our room was always clean and they even folded the clothes that I left on the bed. We ate breakfast and lunch on deck under a canopy on deck. And dinner was in a very nice dining room on a spectacular alabaster table. Even the centerpieces were new every day. The food was really great. Perfectly cooked and never repeated, except for breakfast where I ordered the same type of eggs each morning. One night our guide Fernando made dinner and it was fabulous. Very much like a whole catfish that we get at a restaurant we like in Los Angeles. I wish I could remember all the crew names, because they were all cheerful and wonderfully helpful especially getting on and off the boat several times a day. but I do remember Roberto who handled serving us meals. He and the rest of the crew were second to none, the best we’ve had. And as an example, I drink a lot of diet coke and soda water. There was always a bottle nearby. All I had to do was look up. It’s not an inexpensive trip. But I’d be hard pressed to think of any way that the service or accommodations could be improved. Book the Passion. You’ll be glad you did. Source: goo.gl/Sgxqwd
Sarah Lee
Comfort and luxury We recently returned from an amazing cruise on the M/Y Passion. The ship, the crew, the service, the food and the islands were all wonderful. We can’t say enough good things. We were a multi-generational family group, twelve in total, including two grandparents, four parents and six children (ages 4 – 13). The crew effortlessly handled each and every one of our needs, from serving a “children’s meal” in the evening to making sure that there were snorkels and wetsuits for all. Our staterooms were kept impeccably clean and the entire ship was immaculate. The excellent service from the crew allowed us to relax and enjoy being together as a family, more than on any vacation that we have experienced. The ship is extremely comfortable and large enough that there is plenty of room for everyone, including twelve crew members. There is a lovely outdoor dining area on the upper deck where we enjoyed numerous meals and spent countless hours enjoying one another’s company. The living room area inside the ship has a large television and comfortable seating for all. And the moment we sat down to watch a movie our cruise director, Roberto, appeared with popcorn for everyone, as if anticipating our needs. The staterooms are all expertly appointed and large enough for adults and children alike, each with an en-suite bathroom. The food was fantastic, the best we experienced in Ecuador. Our chef, Anna, created interesting and delicious meals and would cater her menu to the tastes and needs of our group. Every meal was thoughtfully prepared and expertly served. The landscape and wildlife of the Galapagos was also incredible. Young and old alike were amazed at the creatures we saw on land and that we swam with in the water. We were all thrilled the first time a penguin swam with us while snorkeling and when the sea lions would play it was even better. The children are still talking about the experiences they had and the memories from the trip will last a lifetime. Our exploration was as impactful as it was due to our guide, Sandie, who was wonderful. She was extremely knowledgeable about all of the flora and fauna in the islands, including the ability to speak sea lion. She expertly introduced us to all of the wonders of the Galapagos and skillfully balanced the needs of the different age groups. She willingly snorkeled with some of the younger children while their parents explored deeper waters. She took time to explain the history of the islands and the animals so that everyone could understand. She diligently sat on the deck of the ship, scanning the seas for whales, dolphins and other wildlife. The level of guide provided by the ship assured us that this was a first class operation in every imaginable way. We were truly privileged to have spent time on the M/Y Passion. It is an outstanding ship with an energetic and creative crew. The owners have made every effort to ensure that the passengers have a most enjoyable stay on board. Our entire party would all highly recommend the M/Y Passion. Source: goo.gl/EzFbRj
JoeForzani [Calgary Alberta Canada]
Just amazing the Passion I was one of the fortunate few on the maiden voyage of Yacht Passion through the Galapagos Islands.It was a 1st Class experience for me,unforgettable in many ways. Fiddi,the captain,focused on comfort detail,quality diverse food experiences and truly professional guides educating passengers on the unique historical/wildlife on the Islands .Fiddy has many years of experience of taking passengers through the Islands,and it shows.The ship was very clean,well prepared and attention to first class luxury a priority.I would highly recommend the yacht Passion to anyone travelling the Galapagos Islands. JoeForzani [Calgary Alberta Canada] Source: goo.gl/Nup9aP
Peter G.
Excellent choice I just want to emphasize on the Passion crew's professionalism and attention to detail. 1) The crew really places their customer needs as a top priority. They know that we are traveling to the Galapagos to see wild animals, and would even stop the cruise's navigation to do just that! We were lucky enough to see a shark and sea lion feeding frenzy during our navigation, and the captain actually stopped the boat for about an hour to let us observe the phenomenon. 2) Not only will you receive fresh towels coming back from each excursion, but depends on the activity! Cold when snorkeling, here's a warm hot hand tower to warm you up! Sweaty after an excursion? Have a nice ice cool tower to wipe your face. And snacks that the guest would receive after each excursion aren't your typical nuts and crackers, but rather hot meals prepared fresh from the kitchen. It's the attention to detail that made the Passion so wonderful. 3) There was another incident where we navigated past a lobster fishing boat. And without the guest requesting, the crew arranged a deal with the lobster fisherman to spontaneously change our dinner menu to surf and turf. Just another one of the numerous examples of placing guest's priority as their own. If price is not an issue, the Passion would exceed your expectations for your once in a life time Galapagos trip. Source: goo.gl/ChFjZW