Galápagos Wildlife Odyssey
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Aboard the M/Y La Pinta
Type of Trip: Nature & Wildlife Length: 10 days Season: Year-round Rating: Grade I
Embark on an extraordinary journey through the Galápagos archipelago with Southwind Adventures. This 7-day expedition aboard the first-class M/Y La Pinta promises an unparalleled exploration of Darwin’s living laboratory. Immerse yourself in the comfort of this 48-passenger vessel, where every detail is crafted to enhance your adventure, from upper deck cabins to gourmet cuisine, all while surrounded by the breathtaking natural history features of these legendary islands.
Your odyssey begins with a night in the charming Ecuadorian capital of Quito before whisking you away to Baltra Island, Galápagos. As you cruise through this natural wonderland, expert English-speaking naturalists will unveil the secrets of the archipelago’s unique ecosystems. From the otherworldly landscapes of Fernandina to the vibrant wildlife of Floreana, each day brings new marvels. Snorkel with playful sea lions, witness the courtship dance of blue-footed boobies, and stand in awe of ancient giant tortoises. This is more than a vacation; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime expedition into the heart of nature’s most captivating workshop.
Trip Highlights:
- Close-up photography of unique animals such as blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and flightless cormorants
- Walk by friendly sea lions while they relax and sunbathe on sandy beaches
- Spot Galápagos Penguins, one of the smallest species and the only one found north of the equator
- Swim and snorkel with colorful fish, sea lions, sea turtles and other sea creatures
- Hike through the scenic petrified lava landscape on Fernandina Island
- Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and learn closely about giant tortoises
- Navigate by Isabela and Fernandina Islands looking for dolphins, orcas and whales
Brief Itinerary
DAY 1: USA / QUITO
Begin your adventure in Quito, Ecuador’s enchanting capital nestled high in the Andes at 9,350 feet. As you arrive, feel the excitement built for the journey ahead.
DAY 2: QUITO
Immerse yourself in Quito’s rich history and culture with a full-day tour. Stand on the equator at Mitad del Mundo, walk in old town center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marvel at panoramic views from Panecillo Hill, and savor a delicious traditional Ecuadorian lunch.
DAY 3: QUITO / BALTRA ISLAND / NORTH SEYMOUR (GALAPAGOS)
Fly to the Galápagos and board the M/Y La Pinta. Witness nature’s spectacle on North Seymour Island, where blue-footed boobies perform their comical courtship dance amidst one of the archipelago’s largest seabird colonies.
DAY 4: ISABELA / FERNANDINA ISLANDS
Explore Vicente Roca Point by zodiac, snorkeling with penguins and sea turtles. In the afternoon, step onto Fernandina’s otherworldly black lava fields at Punta Espinosa, observing unique wildlife adaptations among marine iguanas and flightless cormorants.
DAY 5: ISABELA ISLAND
Discover Urbina Bay’s geological wonders, walking among colorful land iguanas, and occasionally giant tortoises. Later, hike, swim, snorkel, or kayak at historic Tagus Cove, once a pirate hideout.
DAY 6: RABIDA / SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS
Disembark at Rabida Island, marvel at red sand beaches and spot flamingos in hidden lagoons. On Santa Cruz, hike to a picturesque saltwater lagoon, a haven for diverse bird species.
DAY 7: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Delve into conservation efforts at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Journey to the lush highlands to explore the remarkable twin sinkholes of Los Gemelos and encounter giant tortoises in their natural habitat.
DAY 8: FLOREANA ISLAND
Navigate Floreana’s intricate northern channels by dinghy. Enjoy world-class kayaking and swimming or riding the glass-bottom boat. At Punta Cormorant, walk on a green olivine crystal beach and observe flamingos in their vibrant glory.
DAY 9: BALTRA ISLAND / QUITO
Bid farewell to the Enchanted Isles and fly back to Quito. Enjoy some leisure time before your journey home, reflecting on your unforgettable adventure.
DAY 10: QUITO / USA
Return home with a wealth of memories and a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the Galápagos.
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, difficulty rating, weather, and other planning details.Departures
On request any week throughout the year, subject to availability
This trip is customizable according to your travel dates and preferences. To enhance your Galápagos experience, a land-based hotel stay can be arranged in combination with the M/C Endemic.
Plan ahead to secure your space!
Read more about booking a cruise with Southwind2025 Land Cost* (7-day cruise)
4-6 participants: from $10,300 p.p.d.
7-12 participants: from $10,100 p.p.d.
Single Supplement: from $550 (hotels only)p.p.d. = per person based on double occupancy. Price does not include international or local flights. Southwind ticketing affiliate helps coordinate flights to match your itinerary.
*This trip is a total of 10 days and features a 7-day cruise.
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, inclusions/exclusions, estimated airfare, and other info.Guayaquil: Wyndham Hotel
The Wyndham Guayaquil is a splendid high rise hotel overlooking the Guayas River. Its modern and comfortable interior fulfills the needs of all travelers and keeps them in the Guayaquil commercial district which is an area very close to entertainment, history, shopping and food.
Quito: Swissotel
Centrally located in Quito near the colonial center, the Swissotel offers guests not only modern, deluxe accommodations and first-class service, but also an opportunity for a great culinary experience, shopping, nearby unique museums, restaurants and cultural exploration of the city. With 275 room, 4 restaurants, a deli, pool and a spa, this splendid hotel is sure to meet every guest’s needs.
Hotel Oro Verde
The Oro Verde is a full-service boutique hotel offering the ultimate in sophistication and comfort for business and leisure travelers alike. Its superb location in the downtown Guayaquil commercial and financial district means you are within walking distance of popular tourist attractions, entertainment and shopping, and cultural sites.
Galápagos: M/Y La Pinta
La Pinta is a luxury expedition yacht that sails with 48 passengers, making for a personalized voyage. Elegant public areas feature a stylish and modern atmosphere, with plenty of natural light and a nautical touch. All 24 outside cabins have panoramic windows. La Pinta is a family-friendly vessel offering 6 connecting cabins and 4 triple cabins.
Browse All Galápagos Vessels
Southwind works with a dozen of the foremost yachts operating in the Galápagos Islands. Criteria for choosing these vessels include safety, comfort, guides, and itinerary.
Lake District Haciendas
Length: 3 Days/2 Nights from Quito
Season: Year-round
A 2-hour drive north from Quito lie the fertile valleys of the Lake District. Here we find the charming and historic Haciendas Cusin or Pinsaqui. Enjoy hiking, horseback riding, cycling, birding, and meeting local residents.Cloud Forest & Western Rainforest
Length: 3 days/2 nights from Quito
Season: Year-round
Choose one of three unique lodges as a base. Each is located in the lush, pre-montane cloud forest. Enjoy wildlife viewing, birdwatching, nature hikes to secluded waterfalls, biking rolling hills, or the zip-line at Mindo.Testimonials
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“The trip went beyond my expectations. I didn’t expect to be swimming with giant sea turtles, sea lions, penguins and sharks. It was an incredible experience to say the least.”
Al McNay – Westland, MI
★★★★★ -
“The week in the Galápagos aboard La Pinta proved to be the single most satisfying travel experience we’ve ever had. We have nothing but praise for the boat’s facilities, its staff, its naturalists. Just to make everything that much better, the 31 passengers were as compatible a group as I’ve traveled with. I think all of us felt the same. Of course, the Galápagos would be remarkable in almost any situation, but I can’t envision a better way to visit than the way we did.”
R. Frost – Plattsburgh, NY
★★★★★ -
“Our trip was fantastic from start to finish. We loved every minute of it, the staff and guides at the Sacha Lodge were excellent, as were the ones on Isabela II in Galápagos. The best grades go to Carlos and his team – they are unbelievable at what they do. Thanks for yet another amazing experience. No doubt we will be booking through you again in the future!”
Troy Cuminskey – Toronto, Canada
★★★★★