
Northern Islands Galápagos cruise
4 Days Galápagos cruise on board the Monserrat
Length
4 Days
Ship category
Classic
Ship type
Small Yacht
Capacity
16 Passengers
Northern Islands
14 Reviews
Trip highlights
Scientific discoveries at the C. Darwin Research Station.
Gardner Bay: Immaculate, white sandy beaches.
Giant tortoises can be found in their natural habitat on Santa Cruz Island.
Hammerheads at Champion Islet.
The Galapatours experience
Great value for money
Relajado, Acogedor Sentimiento
English-speaking guide for all activities
Lectures in the evening.
Discover the highlights of Galápagos on the beautiful Monserrat with this Naturalist cruise! This Expedition Cruise will introduce you to the incredible wildlife of the Galápagos Islands. On Española, the oldest and greenest of the islands, you can enjoy amazing hikes and see many endemic species, such as the Española Mockingbird, Lava Lizard, and hopefully the famous Waved Albatross. At Floreana, you can take exciting dinghy rides, go snorkeling, and learn about the fascinating human history of the Galápagos. On San Cristóbal, you can snorkel in crystal clear waters, relax on white sand beaches with sea lions, and learn about the evolution of giant tortoises. And on Santa Cruz, you can observe the famous Galápagos Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat and learn about their preservation and scientific study.
Your ship: Monserrat



Built in 2004 and fully refurbished in 2023, Monserrat is a charming, larger than average Galápagos cruise yacht. Because the Galápagos National Park limit the number of guests that can be taken into the park at 16 per qualified guide, Monserrat’s maximum of 16 guests enjoy a more intimate experience. Her two guides mean that you will receive a more personal introduction to the wonders of Galápagos, and after a day of remarkable adventures you can enjoy cruising to your next destination in her comfortable surroundings.
When it comes to motor yachts, size does matter. Because of this, Monserra … Read more about Monserrat
Cabins




Amenities
All meals
Travel for good: Your Each booking contributes to Ventura’s Conservation Project.
Air conditioning & private bathroom
Snorkel gear (free of charge)
Transfers to and from ship
English guides
Kayaks on board
Standup paddle boards
Single cabin without supplement
Triple cabins
Water, Coffee, Tea & fresh juices
Wetsuits
Internet/Wifi
Food & Drinks
The food served on our Galapagos Cruises is some of the best in all of South America. Our on-board chefs are highly trained and have experience working in top hotels and restaurants in Ecuador and around the world.You can expect a variety of high-quality dishes, including fresh fruits and vegetables, locally sourced poultry and seafood, and rice and pasta dishes. Many boats also offer traditional Ecuadorian dishes during the cruise. If you have any dietary restrictions, our chefs can usually accommodate them as long as you give us advance notice when booking. Please inform us of any allergies or dietary requirements at the time of booking, as it may not be possible to accommodate them if you wait until you arrive at the dock.Most boats serve meals in a dish style, with a range of options available. Some first-class and luxury boats may have more formal dining options where you will be served at your seat. However, the atmosphere on our cruises is always relaxed and never stuffy or formal.
Map
Itinerary
Your itinerary below may vary, depending on the weather, wildlife breeding, and local conditions.
Pre-trip add-ons



Day 1
AM
Arrival at Baltra airport+transfer to ship
Baltra • Arrival at Baltra airport+transfer to ship

Welcome to Galápagos! After your flight lands, and you have completed the immigration process, our English-speaking guide will meet you in the Arrivals lounge if you booked your flight tickets with us for the same cruise dates. The guide will then escort you to your transfer vehicle for a short journey to your waiting ship.
If you did not book your flight tickets with us, your voucher will specify the meeting point & time. Please note that the transfer to the meeting point is not included.
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.
Day 2
AM
Darwin Bay
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.
Day 2
PM
Prince Philip's Steps
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
A walk on Bartholomew
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!
Day 3
PM
Ballena, or Whale Bay
Santa Cruz • Ballena, or Whale Bay

This is one of the quieter and least visited sites in the Galápagos. Ballena, or Whale, Bay has a beach with green sand, caused by the high percentage of olivine crystals present here. This is also one of the few visitor sites in the Galápagos which is more open, allowing visitors to wander somewhat freely and explore for themselves.
Behind the beach is a hill, and the climb from the inland side is easiest to enjoy fine views from the top. It is thought that Whale Bay is so-named because it was a popular point for the whaling vessels to weigh anchor while their crews headed inland from here in search of fresh water. It's thought that in the 1800s this beach was the head of the only trail into the highlands of Santa Cruz. The crews would return to the semi-circular beach with water and with their prize of giant tortoise, which were easy to catch and were a good source of meat to stock up with for their journey back to their home ports. In fact, the small group of tortoises that live near the beach have been found to be Pinzon tortoises, and their presence may be the result of escapees from the whalers' clutches scurrying away from the beach.
The beach is good for snorkeling, and if you keep your eyes skywards you may also spot Galápagos Hawks circling overhead.
Day 4
AM
Bachas Beach & Transfer to Baltra airport
Santa Cruz • Bachas Beach

The name "Bachas Beach" (or "Las Bachas" in Spanish) actually comes from a mispronunciation! After the second world war, American forces stationed on Santa Cruz abandoned some of their barges there - "bachas" was the nearest some of the locals could get to pronouncing the English word, and the name has stuck. You can still see the remains of one of the floating docks the soldiers set up on one of the two beaches that make up Las Bachas Beach.
This beach is covered in white coral sand, and it's a major nesting site for Galápagos green turtles. There's also a lagoon just behind the sand which often hosts flamingos, ducks and migratory birds. You can also often find marine iguanas feeding on the rocky outcrops near the tide line.
The main beach is perfect for swimming, being very sheltered from the ocean swells, and is a very pleasant spot to cool off and to indulge in some snorkeling.
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.
Note: If you want to spend some time in Galápagos after your cruise, please let us know. This is no problem at all and the transfer from Baltra to Puerto Ayora couldn't be easier.
Post-trip add-ons



Dates & Prices
When do you want to travel?
From
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Info
Availability
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21
Aug
2025
24
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2025
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USD 2,395
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USD 1,677
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USD 1,677
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USD 1,916
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USD 1,916
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USD 2,036
USD 2,395
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15% Discount
USD 2,036
USD 2,395
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USD 2,036
USD 2,395
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USD 2,036
USD 2,395
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2026
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USD 2,395
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11
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2026
USD 2,395
Preferred date unavailable? Contact us
Info
Single Cabin Supplement
When booking online, you can choose the option to "Upgrade to single occupancy". This will guarantee you the whole cabin to yourself, for an additional fee. If you don't select this option, then another traveler of the same sex might be placed into the same cabin with you.
What's included
All meals served on board (featuring both international and Ecuadorian cuisine). We are able to accommodate almost all dietary restrictions with advance notice - please inform us of your needs.
Snorkeling sessions - whenever possible and permitted by the National Park.
Extensive Zodiac rides for up-close exploration of shorelines and mangrove forests.
All transportation to and from the ship: Your guide will pick you up directly from the airport (if you arrive on the first day) and drop you off directly at the airport (if you depart on the last day).
English-speaking naturalist guides will accompany you on all excursions.
Evening briefings where your guide will discuss the activities planned for the following day.
Lectures in the evenings covering a variety of topics such as geology, marine biology, natural history, human history, and more.
Entrance fees for museums, research stations, breeding stations, etc.
We offset 100% of all CO2 emissions from your trip, including transportation, your cruise, and your flights (if booked through us). Carbon offset is achieved through a Gold Standard Climate Protection Project. Learn more
What's not included
Alcoholic beverages
International flights
Local flights
Gratuities
Some optional activities
Credit card charges may apply
A fuel surcharge may apply at a later stage. More info
The ship operator may charge a fee if you don't book your flights to and from Galápagos through them. More info
Credit card charges may apply
A fuel surcharge may apply at a later stage. More info
The ship operator may charge a fee if you don't book your flights to and from Galápagos through them. More info
Reviews
FAQs
How and when can I pay for the trip?
After completing your booking, you will receive an invoice from your travel specialist by email. A deposit of 20% of the trip price is required to secure your booking. Payment can be made through bank transfer or by credit card through a secure payment link.
Full payment is expected 30 days before your trip. Payment can be made in installments.
Are their any customs restrictions for travel to Galapagos?
Under Ecuadorian law, if you are only temporarily visiting the Galápagos then you are exempted from the requirement to pay any customs charges on items that you are bringing in to the country. This includes new or used portable electronics such as cameras, laptops, music players, etc.
You MUST NOT bring any agricultural or plant materials or any unprocessed food products to the islands. To avoid problems at customs and bag check we suggest only traveling to Galápagos with pre-wrapped snack products such as chocolate bars, etc. Food is plentiful and freshly cooked on your Galapatours cruise, with a wide range of choice on offer to suit all tastes - you really don't need to bring anything with you!
Do I need a visa to go to Galápagos?
As the Galapagos Islands are part of Ecuador, and all flights to the Galapagos depart from mainland Ecuador, you will need to enter Ecuador first.
Entering Ecuador: Every traveler is responsible for checking the individual visa requirements for their nationality. We recommend using https://www.passportindex.org/ to find out if you need a visa for Ecuador. At the time of writing, U.S. citizens do not need to apply for a visa beforehand. Similarly, visitors from the UK, Germany, and most other European countries do not require a visa for the Galapagos Islands. Upon entering the country, you will be given a visa stamp that permits you to stay in Ecuador for up to 90 days. This also applies to many other countries, but please verify the current visa regulations yourself before booking any tickets. In any case, your passport must be valid for at least six more months from the date of entry into Ecuador. You will also need to show proof of onward or return travel out of Ecuador to customs and immigration officials upon arrival; this can be a return or onward airline ticket. If you do not meet these requirements, you may not be allowed to enter the country.
Entering Galapagos: To enter Galápagos, the first official requirement is a valid Ecuadorian tourist visa stamp in your passport - this should have been issued to you upon arrival to mainland Ecuador.
What are the entry requirements for Galápagos?
This is a multi-layered question, that we have tried to answer in various articles. Please click on the corresponding links to learn more about the different topics. To recap:
- Passport & Visa: Tourists visiting the Galapagos Islands must have a valid passport and, in most cases, can obtain a visa upon arrival in Ecuador. Click here to read more.
- Luggage Check: When leaving Ecuador's main land, tourists' luggage will be checked for restricted items by the Tourist Control and Certification (TCC) to ensure the preservation of the islands' unique environment and wildlife. This check costs 20USD and is done at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil, before checking in for your flight to Galapagos.
- Entrance Fee: A Galapagos National Park entrance fee must be paid upon arriving in Galapagos.
- Travel Insurance: A travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation and medical expenses. is highly recommended, and even obligatory on board of some ships.
- Vaccinations: At the following link you can find out more about vaccinations for a Galápagos trip.
What is the SICGAL baggage check and the Goods Declaration Form?
To protect the fragile ecosystems of the Galápagos, all travelers must complete two essential biosecurity procedures before their flight. First, travelers aged 18 and over are required to fill out the mandatory online Goods Declaration form up to 48 hours before departure. This declaration requires you to report any food, plants, seeds, camping equipment, or recent contact with animals. After submitting the form, you will receive a QR code via email, which must be presented to authorities upon arrival in the Galápagos.
Second, you must take your luggage to the SICGAL inspection counter at the airport in either Quito or Guayaquil. Here, officials will conduct a physical check of your bags to ensure no prohibited items are being brought to the islands.
To make sure you don't have any trouble here, please do not attempt to travel with any foods other than small quantities of pre-wrapped snack items like chocolate bars or similar, and certainly don't have any plants or plant materials in your bags. Once checked, you will receive an approval label to attach to your bags, and you can then make your way to your airline check in.


What is the entrance fee for Galápagos National Park?
The Galápagos National Park Entrance fee is levied on all visitors to the islands. For foreign visitors, the entry fee is 200 USD per person (100 USD for children under 12 years old). If you are a citizen of a country in South America you might pay less, check here for more information.
Important: This fee must be paid, in cash, at the airport of arrival. If you do not pay, you will not be allowed to leave the terminal - so please make sure you have the means to pay the Galápagos entrance fee! Therefore, the payment of this entrance fee is indispensable to take part in a Galapagos cruise.
The entrance fees collected will be allocated to various local entities to support sustainability and community development in the Galápagos Islands. The proceeds are split between several important institutions as follows:
- 40% to the Galápagos National Park
- 20% to Galápagos Municipalities
- 10% to the National Institute
- 10% to Galápagos Province Local Government
- 5% to the National Navy
- 5% to the Ministry of Environment
- 5% to Quarantine and Pest Control
- 5% to the Galápagos Marine Reserve
For more information about the entrance fee structure and the distribution of funds, please visit the official website of the Galápagos National Park Administration.

Northern Islands
4.3
(14)
From
USD 1,677
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