Galapagos Cruise with Darwin Yacht

About this trip

Explore the Galapagos with M/Y Darwin – Intimate, Authentic, Unforgettable

Step aboard the M/Y Darwin, a charming motor yacht that offers a truly immersive journey through the Galapagos Islands. Designed for travelers who value close encounters with nature, personalized service, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, the Darwin brings you face-to-face with the magic of the archipelago — one island, one wildlife encounter, one unforgettable sunset at a time.

A Comfortable, Intimate Setting

With space for just 16 guests, the Darwin ensures an experience that is both personal and enriching. You will feel at home in any of the 8 double cabins, located on the lower, main, or upper decks. Each cabin is equipped with:

  • Private bathroom
  • Hot and cold water
  • Air conditioning
  • Ample storage

The yacht’s shared spaces include a cozy indoor lounge, a welcoming dining area, a small bar, and a spacious sundeck — the perfect place to enjoy the sea breeze, share stories, or simply relax as the islands unfold around you.

A Journey Guided by Experts

Each itinerary aboard the Darwin is led by a bilingual naturalist guide (Level III) with deep knowledge of the islands’ ecosystems, species, and history. This ensures that every excursion is not only exciting, but also educational and inspiring.

You will visit diverse islands and landscapes, discovering the unique biodiversity that makes the Galapagos one of the most celebrated natural destinations on Earth.

Activities That Bring the Islands to Life

A cruise aboard the Darwin includes a variety of dynamic, hands-on experiences each day:

  • Guided hikes across lava fields, forests, and cliffside trails
  • Snorkeling with sea lions, rays, reef fish, and marine turtles
  • Close-up wildlife viewing, from blue-footed boobies to giant tortoises
  • Panga (dinghy) rides into mangroves and secluded bays
  • Beach time on pristine white sands
  • Optional kayaking or paddleboarding, depending on the site

All activities are designed to offer genuine contact with nature, always respecting the delicate balance of the Galapagos environment.

Flexible Itineraries for All Styles of Travel

The Darwin offers a variety of cruise lengths and routes, with itineraries crafted to showcase the rich diversity of the islands:

Western Route – Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, and more

Expect volcanic landscapes, penguin sightings, flightless cormorants, and dramatic coastlines.

Southern Route – Española, Floreana, Santa Fe, and nearby islands

Ideal for birdwatchers, marine life lovers, and those drawn to colorful beaches and rich human history.

Itinerary lengths range from 4 to 8 days, making the Darwin a flexible choice whether you are planning a short adventure or a more extended voyage.

Why Choose the M/Y Darwin?

  • Small-group atmosphere for a more connected, personalized journey
  • Experienced crew dedicated to your comfort, safety, and satisfaction
  • Authentic Galapagos exploration, with daily land and marine activities
  • Balanced mix of comfort, nature, and adventure

With the M/Y Darwin, every day is a new discovery — and every moment brings you closer to the heart of the Galapagos.

 

Included & Not included

Included

  • Airport assistance (Quito or Guayaquil, if flights are booked through LT)
  • Transfers in Galapagos
  • Accommodation on board in double cabin
  • All meals during the cruise
  • Naturalist Bilingual Guide level III
  • All visits and excursions according to the itinerary
  • Snorkel Gear(mask, tube and fins)
  • Kayaks
  • Unlimited purified water, coffee and tea

Not included

  • Round trip flight to/from Galapagos
  • Galapagos National Park Entrance fee USD 200 p/p
  • Galapagos Ingala card USD 20 p/p
  • Tips
  • Local Taxes
  • Travel Insurance
  • Meals and services not mentioned above
  • Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks
  • Extras and personal expenses

 

Available Packages

8 Days Adventure

During the 8-Day Adventure itinerary you will first visit San Cristobal with its great highlights:

  • Pitt Point (Great trek and chance to spot 3 types of boobies).
  • Kicker Rock (Amazing landscape and snorkeling site).
  • Witch Hill (Beautiful beach and great snorkeling opportunity).
  • Lobos Island (Snorkel with playful sea lions).

After San Cristobal you will head to Santa Cruz where you will visit the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station for a chance to mingle with Giant Tortoises and learn a bit more about the history of the Galapagos Islands. Next stop is Isabela island. You will visit Isabela Island where you will head to the Giant Tortoise breeding center, wetlands and Flamingo Lagoon.

At the end of the Adventure 8-Day itinerary, you will return to the central islands of the archipelago to visit Rabida and Santiago island.

 

8 Days Discovery

The Discovery 8-day itinerary is the tourists favorite aboard the Darwin yacht. You will head to Floreana and Española and get to visit more iconic Galapagos sites.

In Española expect great landscapes, sea lions, great snorkeling and a chance to spot the giant albatross take off a cliff.

Floreana island is one of the favorite islands in the Galapagos archipelago. Tons of wildlife and the best snorkeling site when you head to the Devil´s Crown.

You will also visit Bartholomew island where you can take the quintessential Galapagos picture with Pinnacle rock in the background. Santa Fe gives you the chance to spot the endemic Santa Fe land iguana.

The shorter itineraries do either the Adventure or Discovery itineraries on less days.

We have always said that the best itinerary onboard the cheapest Galapagos cruise, the Darwin, is their Discovery 8-Day itinerary.

You get to visit great islands and the experience is excellent. If you don’t have a week to travel to the Galapagos you can opt for the shorter 5-day Discovery itinerary where you will still visit Española and Floreana and get to snorkel at the Devil´s Crown.

 

7 Days Discovery

MONDAY

AM: Baltra: Arrival to Baltra Airport and Transfer to the boat
PM: Santa Cruz Island: Twin Craters

TUESDAY

AM: Santiago Island: Egas Port
PM: Santiago Island: Espumilla Beach
Santiago Island: Buccaneer Cove

WEDNESDAY

AM: Bartholomew Island
PM: Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay

THURSDAY

AM: North Seymour
PM: Santa Cruz Island: Bachas Beach

FRIDAY 

AM: San Cristobal Island: Pitt Point
PM: San Cristobal Island: Kicker Rock

SATURDAY

AM: San Cristobal Island: Witch Hill
PM: San Cristobal Island: Lobos Island

SUNDAY

AM: Santa Cruz Island: Fausto Llerena Breeding Center
PM: Baltra: Transfer to Baltra Airport

 

5 Days Adventure

SUNDAY

AM: Baltra: Arrival to Baltra Airport and Transfer to the boat
PM: Santa Cruz Island: El Chato Tortoise Reserve

MONDAY

AM: Isabela Island: Las Tintoreras
PM: Isabela Island: The Wetlands
Isabela Island: Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center
Isabela Island: Flamingos Lake

TUESDAY

AM: Rabida
PM: Santa Cruz Island: Dragon Hill

WEDNESDAY

AM: Chinese Hat Islet
PM: Santa Cruz Island: Black Turtle Cove

THURSDAY

AM: Daphne Minor
Baltra: Transfer to Baltra Airport

 

5 Days Discovery

THURSDAY

AM: Baltra: Arrival to Baltra Airport and Transfer to the boat
PM: Mosquera islet

FRIDAY

AM: South Plaza
PM: Santa Fe Island

SATURDAY

AM: Española Island: Gardner Bay/Islet
Española Island: Osborn Islet
PM: Española Island: Suarez Point

SUNDAY

AM: Floreana Island: Post Office Bay
PM: Floreana Island: Devil’s Crown
Floreana Island: Cormorant Point

MONDAY

AM: Santa Cruz Island: Fausto Llerena Breeding Center
Baltra: Transfer to Baltra Airport

 

4 Days Discovery

MONDAY

AM: Baltra: Arrival to Baltra Airport and Transfer to the boat
PM: Santa Cruz Island: Twin Craters

TUESDAY

AM: Santiago Island: Egas Port
PM: Santiago Island: Espumilla Beach
Santiago Island: Buccaneer Cove

WEDNESDAY

AM: Bartholomew Island
PM: Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay

THURSDAY

AM: Santa Cruz Island: Bachas Beach
Baltra: Transfer to Baltra Airport

 

4 Days Adventure

THURSDAY

AM: Baltra: Arrival to Baltra Airport and Transfer to the boat
PM: North Seymour

FRIDAY

AM: San Cristobal Island: Pitt Point
PM: San Cristobal Island: Kicker Rock

SATURDAY

AM: San Cristobal Island: Witch Hill
PM: San Cristobal Island: Lobos Island

SUNDAY

AM: Santa Cruz Island: Fausto Llerena Breeding Center
Baltra: Transfer to Baltra Airport