Galapagos Yacht Adventure

Quito Ecuador

Your Galápagos Yacht Adventure begins the moment you land in Ecuador. Fly into the cultural capital of Quito—well-served by major international airlines and don’t forget, we’ve got your included airport transfer covered.

Quito sits at an elevation of 9,350 ft (2,850 m). Ecuador is your launchpad to the magic of the Galápagos. So take a deep breath, soak in the first sights, and know this: your wild island adventure is officially in motion.

Please note this is Western Islands route for 2026.

Accommodations

Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel

Quito – Galápagos Islands

This is it—the day your Galápagos Yacht Adventure sets sail!

After breakfast, we jet off on a scenic 90-minute flight from Quito to Baltra Island, right in the heart of the Galápagos Islands. This remote archipelago is a true natural wonder—Darwin’s playground and your next great love story with the wild.

Once you touch down in the islands, after a short bus ride to the boat, you’ll step aboard the stunning National Geographic Delfina—your 16-guest floating home for this once-in-a-lifetime small ship expedition.

Post-lunch and settling in, hop aboard your first Zodiac cruise to Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove). Picture gliding through tranquil mangrove-lined lagoons on Santa Cruz Island, spotting gentle green turtles, stealthy sharks, and graceful schools of golden and eagle rays swimming right beneath you.

Get ready for wild beauty, jaw-dropping wildlife, and a whole lot of wonder.

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations

National Geographic Delfina

Exploring The Galápagos Islands

Wake up sailing across the Equator into the blissful northern reaches of the Galápagos, where warm tropical waters welcome you to a seabird paradise. Think red-footed and Nazca boobies, elegant swallow-tailed gulls, and majestic frigate birds nesting all around you—nature’s very own bustling bird sanctuary.

In the afternoon, dive into your adventure—kayak, paddleboard, snorkel, and explore along the dramatic caldera walls, eyes wide open for spectacular wildlife sightings.

Later, ascend the legendary Prince Philip’s Steps for an awe-inspiring walk among bustling seabird colonies, leading to a mesmerizing lava field filled with storm petrels. It’s like stepping right into your own Galápagos documentary!

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations

National Geographic Delfina

A Volcanic Wonderland

In the morning— lace up your boots and hike across Sullivan Bay’s lava fields—think nature’s abstract art gallery meets volcanic wonderland. Marvel at spatter cones, mini hornitos, and the incredible tapestry of jet-black lava formations born from the fiery 1897 eruption, famously witnessed by passing buccaneers.

In the afternoon, we’ll take the stairway to adventure—ascending 300 feet to jaw-dropping panoramic vistas atop this volcanic gem. Then cool off with a refreshing swim or snorkel right from the pristine beach. Paradise? Check.

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations

National Geographic Delfina

Nature’s Secret Playground

Today’s Galápagos Yacht Adventure kicks off by crossing the Equator at Volcán Ecuador—Isabela Island’s stunning northernmost shield volcano. Glide along in Zodiacs or dive into a snorkel sesh along this dramatically sculpted coastline, where playful penguins, curious fur seals, and graceful green turtles put on a marine show in these nutrient-rich waters.

In the afternoon, step foot onto Fernandina—the Galápagos’ youngest and most pristine island—for an epic hike across striking lava landscapes. Explore tide pools bustling with quirky marine iguanas, playful sea lions, and nesting flightless cormorants (talk about unique!). This untouched corner of the Galápagos feels like stepping straight into nature’s secret playground.

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AccomModations

National Geographic Delfina

Walk in Darwin’s Footsteps

This morning we adventure through Urbina Bay’s dry, rugged forest—a fascinating coastline dramatically lifted from the sea floor! Keep your eyes peeled for vibrant land iguanas and gentle giant tortoises casually roaming free. Afterward, dive into the refreshing waves at the dreamy black sand beach.

In the afternoon—channel your inner explorer at Tagus Cove, following the legendary footsteps of Charles Darwin and Herman Melville. This historic bay was once the playground of pirates and whalers—now it’s your turn!

Hike the volcanic crater rim for breathtaking views of Darwin’s Lake, then kayak, paddleboard, or snorkel the crystal-clear cove waters.

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AccomModations

National Geographic Delfina

Santiago’s Wild History

Ready to discover hidden gems at Puerto Egas? Wander through intriguing tide pools and secret basalt grottos, where sleepy fur seals lounge in shady nooks. Take in a dash of human history at an old salt mine, then dive into crystal-clear waters alongside playful sea lions and chilled-out marine iguanas.

Next stop is the stunningly secluded Buccaneers Cove—once the secret hangout for pirates—where kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, and paddleboarding adventures await.

In the afternoon: Immerse yourself in lush coastal forests buzzing with Galápagos hawks and colorful land birds at Playa Espumilla. Or, opt for a leisurely stroll along its wide, picturesque beach—a favorite nesting spot for sea turtles.

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AccomModations

National Geographic Delfina

Heart Of The Island

Welcome to Puerto Ayora—the heart of the Galápagos action! Explore the vibrant hub that’s home to the Galápagos National Park and the legendary Charles Darwin Research Station.

Witness conservation firsthand at the giant tortoise breeding center, then journey into the lush highlands to spot these gentle giants strolling freely in their natural habitat.

Bonus: Enjoy a tasty farm-to-table lunch at a local ranch, and if you’re feeling inspired, visit the Tomás de Berlanga School, proudly supported by the National Geographic Fund. Plus—most evenings you’ll get to hear from local scientists and experts from the legendary Charles Darwin Research Station as they often join us on board!

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AccoMmodations

National Geographic Delfina

A Sweet Galápagos Goodbye

Rise and shine! Step onto the deck at sunrise as we cruise around Daphne Major, a tiny but mighty island famous for groundbreaking wildlife research—nature’s classroom at its finest. Soak in one last wave of Galápagos wonder on our Galápagos Yacht Adventure before savoring breakfast onboard.

Afterward, we’ll dock at Baltra and transfer to the airport for your flight back to the mainland. The adventure doesn’t have to end here—flights touch down in Quito by 7:00 PM.

Included Meals

Breakfast

AccomModations

Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel

A Farewell

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then it’s either airport transfer time or savor a few more moments relaxing at your hotel (checkout’s at 11:00 AM).

Included Meals

Breakfast

Arrival Day

Welcome to Ecuador—your first taste of adventure before we set sail.

You’ll arrive in Quito, Ecuador’s highland capital—perched at 9,350 feet and rich with colonial charm.

Whether you start your journey by the sea or in the mountains, you’ll have the option to customize your experience with extra hotel nights, city tours, or immersive nature extensions before heading to the Galápagos with Wild Women.

Please note this is the Eastern Islands route for 2027.

Accommodations

Hotel Oro Verde Guayaquil

A World Like No Other

It’s time to head to the Galápagos! After breakfast, you’ll fly from Quito to Baltra Island, located in the heart of the archipelago. As soon as you land, the atmosphere shifts—you’re stepping into one of the planet’s most extraordinary ecosystems. A short bus ride takes you to the harbor, where our expedition team will be waiting to welcome you aboard the National Geographic Delfina.

Your first island landing is South Plazas, a stunning uplifted lava formation covered in scarlet succulents and golden light.

The moment you step ashore, you’re greeted by the calls of bachelor sea lions lounging on the rocks and the slow, steady movements of land iguanas blending into the landscape.

Above, swallow-tailed gulls, frigatebirds, and other seabirds ride the thermals along the cliff edge. It’s a wild, colorful welcome—and just a hint of what’s to come.

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations

National Geographic Delfina

Boobies & Beaches

Welcome to San Cristóbal, one of the oldest islands in the Galápagos—and a haven for birdlife. You’ll land on a small, shimmering beach at Punta Pitt, where a trail leads up to a dramatic plateau with sweeping views of land and sea.

This is one of the only places in the Galápagos where you’ll find blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca (masked) boobies nesting side by side. As you hike, keep an eye out for lava lizards, endemic San Cristóbal mockingbirds, and the island’s other unique inhabitants. The landscape here is dry, otherworldly, and teeming with life.

After lunch, board a Zodiac to cruise along the base of Cerro Brujo, a volcanic cone sculpted by wind and sea. Then step ashore onto a breathtaking white-sand beach, where you can swim, walk the shore, or test out your snorkeling gear in the turquoise shallows.

The day wraps with a scenic sunset sail around Kicker Rock, a dramatic stone formation that rises from the sea like a natural cathedral—marking one of the most iconic sights in the archipelago.

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations

National Geographic Delfina

Sea lions, Seabirds & Sand

Wake up to one of the most idyllic beaches in the Galápagos—Gardner Bay, where the white sand stretches wide and sea lions nap undisturbed along the shore. This peaceful cove is perfect for a relaxed start: you can swim straight from the beach, or opt for a snorkeling session among offshore islets, where reef fish, rays, and playful sea lions dart through the shallows. Kayaks and paddleboards are available for a quiet paddle along the coast—offering a different view of this stunning shoreline.

After lunch, step ashore at Punta Suarez, a wildlife hotspot and one of the most significant seabird nesting sites in the archipelago. Here, you’ll walk among marine iguanas in vibrant hues, pass breeding sea lions, and follow the trail to dramatic cliffs teeming with seabirds.

Keep your eyes peeled for blue-footed and Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and—seasonally—the island’s most iconic visitor: the waved albatross, found only here during breeding season. Watching them take flight from cliff edges is a moment you won’t soon forget.

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations

National Geographic Delfina

Floreana’s Surprising Charm

Step into one of the Galápagos’ most charming traditions at Post Office Bay, where 19th-century whalers once left letters in a wooden barrel for passing ships to carry home. Today, you can do the same—leave a postcard, and if one’s addressed near your hometown, take it and deliver it the old-fashioned way.

Then, paddle or kayak through the mangroves along the coast of Baroness Lookout, named after Eloise Bosquet de Wagner, an infamous early settler with a story as wild as the island itself.

Your morning continues with a visit to Champion Islet, one of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago. Swim alongside sea lions and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish—or join a Zodiac cruise to search for the critically endangered Floreana mockingbird, found only on a few islets in the region.

Later, you’ll land at Punta Cormorant, where the beach shimmers green from olivine crystals—a unique volcanic mineral. Hike past a brackish lagoon frequented by flamingos, stilts, and other shorebirds, before reaching a second beach of fine white sand, often used by green sea turtles for nesting.

It’s a day rich in contrast—between human stories and untouched nature, tradition and evolution, salt air and slow time.

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AccomModations

National Geographic Delfina

Slow Down by the Sea

Begin your day with a pre-breakfast Zodiac excursion to the volcanic islets of Tintoreras, where the coastline is jagged, the lava formations surreal, and the wildlife exceptional. Keep watch for Galápagos penguins, marine iguanas, sea turtles, and the occasional ray gliding through the shallows. Walk through a stark, lunar-like landscape to a narrow fissure filled with seawater—home to resting white-tipped reef sharks, known locally as tintoreras. It’s otherworldly. And unforgettable.

In the afternoon, you’ll have two ways to experience Isabela, the largest and one of the most geologically active islands in the Galápagos.

Choose to head into the highlands for a scenic drive followed by a hike up to the massive caldera of Sierra Negra Volcano—one of the six shield volcanoes that shape Isabela’s dramatic profile. The views from the rim are expansive and humbling.

Prefer to keep things more relaxed? Stay closer to sea level and explore the coastal town of Puerto Villamil. Stroll the wetlands rich with birdlife, or visit a local lagoon.

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AccomModations

National Geographic Delfina

Culture & Nature

Today you’ll visit Puerto Ayora, the beating heart of the Galápagos and its largest town. This vibrant coastal hub is also home to two of the archipelago’s most vital conservation organizations: the Galápagos National Park Directorate and the Charles Darwin Research Station—both long-time grantees of the Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic Fund.

Here, you’ll gain insight into the long-term efforts to protect the islands’ unique biodiversity. Walk through the giant tortoise breeding corrals, a pioneering program that has helped return several species to their natural habitats across the islands.

After a bit of time to explore the town at your own pace, we’ll gather for a special Galápagos-style lunch at a local waterfront restaurant.

We’ll head into the highlands of Santa Cruz, where the cool, misty forest offers a lush contrast to the coastal landscapes. Visit a local ranch set along the traditional migration route of Santa Cruz’s giant tortoises. Here, you’ll walk among these gentle giants in their natural habitat—an unforgettable encounter that perfectly captures the spirit of the islands: wild.

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AccomModations

National Geographic Delfina

Flamingoes and Islets

Start your day with a pre-breakfast nature walk on Rábida Island, famous for its striking red sand beach and volcanic terrain. As you explore, keep your eyes peeled for flamingos and shorebirds feeding in a brackish lagoon, and listen for the calls of Galápagos hawks, doves, and other endemic land birds.

After breakfast, the island’s rugged coastline becomes your playground. Paddle a kayak or stand-up paddleboard through calm inlets, or snorkel among vibrant marine life in the sheltered coves.

We’ll explore Sombrero Chino (Spanish for “Chinese Hat”), a small, perfectly conical islet just off the coast of Santiago Island. Explore by Zodiac, kayak, or snorkel in its clear, turquoise waters—home to a bustling underwater world. With luck, you may spot the elusive Galápagos penguin darting along the rocky shoreline.

This is one of the most scenic and tranquil spots in the archipelago—perfect for savoring the last few days of your journey.

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AccomModations

National Geographic Delfina

A Sweet Galápagos Goodbye

After breakfast, you’ll disembark on Baltra Island and transfer to the airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador. It’s time to trade sea breezes for city sights—but the stories and moments from this journey are just beginning to settle in.

Your flight should arrive in Quito by 7:00 PM. The late afternoon and evening are yours to relax or explore, depending on your travel plans.

Included Meals

Breakfast

AccomModations

Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel

A Farewell

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to the airport for your onward flight, or spend a few final hours relaxing at the hotel. Hotel checkout is at 11:00 AM, and your expedition officially comes to a close—though we know the memories will travel home with you.

About Your Galápagos Itinerary

In the Galápagos, no ship can visit the same site twice within a two-week period—a unique conservation policy introduced by the Galápagos National Park in 2011. Lindblad Expeditions was proud to be the first to voluntarily adopt this approach.

This rotation system helps minimize impact on fragile ecosystems while providing guests with a more intimate and varied experience. Each weekly route has been carefully designed to offer an ideal mix of terrain, wildlife, and island diversity—no one week is “better” than another, just different.

Please note: All itineraries are determined by the Galápagos National Park and are subject to change.

Included Meals

Breakfast