Galapagos

North & South Galapagos Islands

6 Days aboard M/C Endemic . From NZD $13,130$12,483pp.
Details

Overview

World Cruise Awards Winner “Latin America’s Best Cruise Line 2024”

Spending six days on board the luxurious Endemic, you will visit the Northern and Southern Galapagos Islands, each region offering spectacular activities and sightings. From pristine and immaculate snorkelling spots in the South, to finding yourself in a birdwatcher's paradise in the North! Swimming with sea lions, rays, turtles and penguins will be the highlight of your unforgettable trip to the Galapagos, and tick off all three species of boobies on your list as they wander about on Genovesa Island.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Snorkel with the penguins and sea lions in Galapagos' warm tropical waters!  
  • Spectacular viewpoints from Baroness' Overlook
  • Enjoy a panga ride along the jagged coastlines of Floreana Island
  • Prince Philip's Steps is a paradise for birdwatchers 

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Arrive in Baltra - Bartolome Island
  • Day 2: Devil's Crown & Cormorant Point, Baroness' Overlook & Post Office Bay, Floreana Island
  • Day 3: Chinese Hat & North Seymour Island
  • Day 4: Black Turtle Cove & Las Bachas Beach 
  • Day 5: Darwin Bay & Prince Philip's Steps, Genovesa Island
  • Day 6: Twin Craters - Depart Baltra 

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1: Arrive in Baltra - Bartolome Island

Upon arrival, reception and assistance at the airport, transfer from Baltra Airport to the M/C Endemic. After lunch, you will discover Bartholomew Island. Once here, you will ascend to admire the spectacular panorama of the Sullivan Bay and the famous Pinnacle Rock. The beaches at the foot of the Pinnacle Rock are excellent for snorkeling from which you can discover the marvelous underwater world, and with a little luck, you’ll get to snorkel with penguins.

Activities: dinghy ride, snorkeling & hiking (1.2 mi/2km)
Type of landing: Wet landing
Difficulty: Easy

Day 2: Punta Cormorant, Devil's Crown, Post Office Bay & Baroness' Overlook, Floreana Island

In the morning, after breakfast, the first spot to be visited is Devil ́s Crown that is an underwater volcanic crater, almost covered completely by Galapagos waters. Just a small portion of the rock formation can be seen from above and it looks like a crown. The underwater world is very rich in coral reefs, abundant marine species. Birds are also part of this visitor point due to its location in open waters. Or visit Cormorant Point where you will land on a green olivine sand beach. Following a 100 meters long path you will soon reach a lagoon with flamingos.

Activities: Dinghy ride, snorkeling & walk
Type of landing: Wet landing
Difficulty: Easy/ moderate

In the afternoon, you will visit the Baroness’ Lookout (Mirador de la Baronesa). This viewpoint is located on the north of Floreana Island. The way up and trail is very easy, steps are placed in this area for security. Your naturalist guide will tell the murder and mystery legend of the Baroness. Or you will go to the Post Office Bay, which keeps the legendary post barrel that whalers historically used to post their mail in.

Activities: Short hike (less than 0.6mi/ 1km) & snorkeling
Type of landing: Wet landing
Difficulty: Easy

Day 3: Chinese Hat, Santiago Island - North Seymour Island

In the morning, after breakfast you will visit Chinese Hat, which is a small islet off the south coast of Santiago, with a maximum elevation of 160 feet (52 meters). Though within easy reach of Santa Cruz, Chinese Hat is typically only visited by those aboard a Galapagos Cruise.

Activities: hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, dinghy ride
Type of landing: Wet landing
Difficulty: Easy

In the afternoon, North Seymour island will be discovered. It is located slightly to the north of Baltra. It is a low, flat island, formed by submarine lava formation uplift. Covered with low, bushy vegetation, it contains the largest colony of magnificent frigate birds in the Galapagos. There is also a large population of blue-footed boobies that perform an amusing courtship dance when nesting conditions are right.

Activities: Short hike, snorkeling, kayaking, dinghy ride
Type of landing: Dry landing
Difficulty: Moderate/ difficult

Day 4: Black Turtle Cove - Las Bachas Beach

After breakfast, enjoy the visit 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 the lagoon, which reaches almost a mile inland. As you drift through quiet waters in the zodiac, 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 boat and Pacific green sea turtles come to the surface for air and to mate. Waterfowl, including pelicans, herons and egret, all feed in the cove. This is a peaceful place that will make you feel calm.

Activities: dinghy ride, snorkeling
Type of landing: No landing
Difficulty: Easy

In the afternoon, visit to Las Bachas, which is a beautiful white-sand beach, located on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. There you can go for a stroll or do some easy snorkeling in the gentle surf. Sea turtles lay their eggs at the edge of the vegetation. You can also look for a rusted pontoon, a relic of the Second World War. In fact, “bachas” is a poor pronunciation of “barges,” two of which were wrecked offshore at that time: the locals is pronounced the name and it stuck.

Activities: Swimming
Type of landing: Wet landing
Difficulty: Easy

Day 5: Darwin Bay & Prince Philip's Steps, Genovesa Island

In the morning, visit to Darwin Bay, which is the only sandy beach found in the caldera on Genovesa. Colonies of the Great Frigates are found along the beach. Male exhibit their red balloon pouch to females for hope of a match. Red-footed boobies nest in the trees in contrast to the other two booby species which do so on the ground.

Activities: Hiking (0.9 mi/ 1. 5 km), snorkeling, kayaking & dinghy ride
Type of landing: Wet landing
Difficulty: Easy/ Moderate

In the afternoon, you will go to El Barranco (Prince Philip’s Steps), a carved out of stone stair. This will lead you to a wide plateau, where you can observe large colonies of masked boobies, frigate birds, storm petrels and ducks. During this easy stroll you will cross a small Scalesia forest, habitat of the short-eared owl. The same path will lead you back to your boat.

Activities: Hiking (0.9 mi/ 2 km)
Type of landing: Dry landing
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 6: Twin Craters - Depart Baltra

Early in the morning, after breakfast, we will visit the Twin Craters. Located in the highlands of Santa Cruz, these scenic craters are approximately 30 meters deep. These two huge land depressions are surrounded by a Scalesia forest with abundant birds such as the yellow warbler and the Vermilion Flycatcher. Gorgeous views of the leafy green highlands forest are also part of the excursion.

Activities: Short hiking
Type of landing: Dry landing
Difficulty: Moderate

After this last visit, transfer to Baltra airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador. Assistance and farewell at the airport.

Next Departure Date: 06 Feb 2025
DatesCabinFromSpecial Offer
06 Feb 2025 - 11 Feb 2025 NZD$13870ppExpand to view offers
Golden Suite - Main DeckNZD$13870ppContact us
06 Mar 2025 - 11 Mar 2025 NZD$13870ppExpand to view offers
03 Apr 2025 - 08 Apr 2025 NZD$13130ppExpand to view offers
01 May 2025 - 06 May 2025 NZD$13130ppExpand to view offers
29 May 2025 - 03 Jun 2025 NZD$13130ppExpand to view offers
26 Jun 2025 - 01 Jul 2025 NZD$12483ppExpand to view offers
24 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025 NZD$12483ppExpand to view offers
16 Oct 2025 - 21 Oct 2025 NZD$13870ppExpand to view offers
13 Nov 2025 - 18 Nov 2025 NZD$13870ppExpand to view offers
11 Dec 2025 - 16 Dec 2025 NZD$13870ppExpand to view offers

Cabin Details

Golden Suite - Main Deck

• Panoramic views and private balcony
• King-size bed convertible to two twin-size beds
• Air-conditioning with remote control
• Electrical current 110 V – 220 V
• Housekeeping three times a day
• Towels, robe and slippers
• Speaker for activity announcements
• Internet available

CLOSET
• Life jacket
• Safes
• Towels disposal container

IN-SUITE RESTROOM
• Biodegradable toiletries
• Hairdryers

Golden Suite - Main Deck
Golden Suite - Main Deck
Single Cabin - Upper Deck

• Panoramic views and private balcony
• One twin-size bed
• Air-conditioning with remote control
• Electrical current 110 V – 220 V
• Housekeeping three times a day
• Towels, robe and slippers
• Speaker for activity announcements
•Internet Available

CLOSET
• Life jacket
• Safes
• Towels disposal container

IN-CABIN RESTROOM
• Biodegradable toiletries
• Hairdryers

Single Cabin - Upper Deck
Single Cabin - Upper Deck

M/C Endemic Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

  • Inaugural cruise: July 2018
  • Category: Luxury
  • Length: 35 mt / 115 ft
  • Beam: 14 mt / 45 ft
  • Draft to Baseline:1.85 mt / 6.1 ft
  • Crew: 10 members + chef + guide + Cruise Service Officer
  • Capacity: 16 passengers
  • Speed: 12 knots
  • Propulsion: 2 x High Power Engines – 500 HP 

Whats included?

  • On-board accommodation
  • Transfers
  • Activities/shore excursions as specified
  • Bilingual naturalist guide
  • Use of snorkelling and kayak equipment 
  • All meals during  voyage 
  • Glass of wine during dinner 
  • Captain's welcome and farewell cocktail 

What’s not included?

  • International and internal airfares
  • Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable
  • Galápagos National Park fee: US$200 per person
  • Transit control card: US$20 per person
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities 
  • Any items not mentioned as included 

Notes

*Rates are subject to change and different rates may apply during holiday seasons and special events. 

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Galapagos

This once in a lifetime destination is a nature lovers dream. Watch the famous Galapagos tortoises and blue footed boobies in the morning and snorkel with sea lions in the afternoon, then relax on your cruise to the next destination tomorrow!

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

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North & South Galapagos Islands

6 Days aboard M/C Endemic . From NZD $13,130$12,483pp.