
Eastern Galápagos Cruise
4 Days Galápagos cruise on board the Passion
From USD 2,232
A 4-day Expedition Cruise
7 Reviews
The Trip Highlights
Snorkel with Hammerheads at Darwin Bay
A bird lover's paradise: Hiking on Genovesa
Mars-like landscapes at Rábida
Giant Tortoises in the wild on Santa Cruz
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 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. On Santiago, an island formerly inhabited by pirates, you will be able to enjoy hikes and dinghy rides.
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.



No dates selected
Multiple Addons possibe
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 • Sullivan Bay

Sullivan Bay is on the eastern coast of Santiago Island. This visitor site is all about the geology and volcanic origins of the Galápagos, and although there is little wildlife here, the eerie landscape that was formed only 150 years ago has a real beauty all of its own.
On the hiking trail you will walk along lava that bubbled up from the ground, flowed and solidified in the second half of the 18th century. We recommend good sturdy shoes for walking in these lava fields. The landscape here is eerie and apparently barren - some of our Galapatours guests liken it to a "lunar landscape".
As the trail moves inland, the textures and colors change as you encounter much older lava fields. Here you can start to see signs of nature beginning to colonize this "new land". The small green plants that have started to grow in the cracks and crevices are called Mollugo.
Your Galapatours expert guide will be able to explain more about the volcanic processes that formed Santiago and all the Galápagos Islands, as well as how species begin to colonize the bare landscape.
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.
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.
Multiple Addons possibe
Optional Module After Last Day
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