Galapagos Islands EcoGalaxy Catamaran

(1 customer review)

The EcoGalaxy Catamaran is one of the most efficient first class boat out there! The EcoGalaxy is spacious and comfortable, offering high quality service, delicious food, knowledgeable and helpful guides and professional crew.

Trip Lengths: 5, 6, 10, 11, or 15 Days
Destination: Galapagos Islands
Lodging: 16-Passenger, First Class yacht
Activities: Wildlife viewing, naturalist walks, snorkeling, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding

WHY THIS TRIP

The EcoGalaxy Catamaran is one of the most efficient first class boat out there! The EcoGalaxy is spacious and comfortable, offering high quality service, delicious food, knowledgeable and helpful guides and professional crew.

TRIP DESCRIPTION

The EcoGalaxy Catamaran was built with an ecological propose: reduce the negative environmental impact of tourism.

  • Lowest fuel consumption of all the 16 passenger first class vessels in the Galapagos
  • Reuse water, once it has been treated, we will use it to wash external parts of the boat
  • Energy Savings, through use of LED lamps and bulbs.
  • In construction, minimum use of wood.
  • Our food is prepared with locally grown products, supporting the island’s local population.
  • Every 3 months: training to our staff in: customer service, conservation of the islands, species invasion
  • Use water-saving faucets
  • Our clean and bath products are biodegradable
  • Paint free of tin
  • Use of non-toxic refrigerants
  • Support to local foundations and schools

LOCAL OPERATOR: GALAGENTS

Galagents owns and operates on four boats in the Galapagos: the Galaxy Yacht, the EcoGalaxy Catamaran, the Bonita Yacht, and the Alya Luxury Catamaran. They put a great deal of thought and care into their boats, guide and crew selection, and itineraries. As a consequence of their commitment with the environment in the Galapagos Islands to develop responsible tourism, and their work in the local community, they have been rewarded important local commendations: the Galapagos Quality and international award for Smart Voyager Certification.

Itinerary

Click the Abbreviated Itinerary to see the Detailed Itinerary

Itineraries

DAY 1: Arrive in Galapagos / San Cristobal Island: Kicker Rock

Fly from mainland Ecuador (either Quito or Guayaquil) to San Cristobal airport. Reception at airport. Transfer In. Welcome on board EcoGalaxy Cruise. Welcome drink and lunch.

LOBOS ISLAND: Panga ride, swimming and snorkeling. Here, we can walk, swim and snorkel among the seals, frigate birds, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and the small endemic Galapagos snake.

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

DAY 2: Santa Fe Island & South Plazas Island

SANTA FE: Wet landing, activities for this day: hiking, swimming and snorkeling. Description of this place: With 24 Km2 and 60 meters of height above sea level, it is an almost central island that has a unique place of visit: an incredible bay with turquoise water protected by a natural barrier of rocks and from you can appreciate colonies of seals and hawks flying over.

It is home of one of the two species of land iguanas that have the islands, their main food are the leaves and fruits of the large and thick cactus. Crabs, nocturnal herons, marine iguanas, cucuves and land doves are seen frequently. The Bay is excellent place to swim and to do snorkeling. Marine Tortoises, rays, sea lions and tropical fishes are an amazing attraction! Snacks and refreshing beverages expect for you on board. Lunch.

SOUTH PLAZAS are two small islands, created by land uplift where land iguanas are known to be smaller; they nest during warm time. The hike goes along an extraordinary cliff where sea birds nest. Approximately, in this Island there are 1000 sea lions (Zalophus wollebaeki)and they are located in south side of Plazas.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: North Seymour Island & Mosquera Islet

NORTH SEYMOUR: This Island was formed by the lifting of volcanic marine lava. Marine fossil where found in this island; the fossil dates from Pleistocene. In 1932 Captain Alan Hancock and his crew took 72 land iguanas from Baltra Island and the iguanas were introduced in North Seymour Island; the reason of this change was that the iguanas could live in better conditions than in Baltra.

The crew of Capitan Hancock found malnourished iguanas in Baltra; in 1934 colonizing people verified that the iguanas were in good conditions. The vegetation of North Seymour is bushy and host nest of Real Frigates of Galapagos. Return to EcoGalaxy. Lunch

MOSQUERA ISLET: This islet is located between Baltra Island and North Seymour. Here, we find the biggest sea lions colony; also it is possible to observe several species of birds.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: Genovese Island: Darwin Bay & Barranco

DARWIN BAY: wet landing, coral beach, activities for this day: short walks, photography, swimming, snorkeling. The Genovesa is a small island situated to the north of Galapagos our unloading in Darwin bay will be wet.

Near to the beach we will find a small forest of mangrove swamp where we will discover a colony of Frigates, marine iguanas, red-foot boobies and mask boobies, the great terrestrial finch, seagull, herons, finch of cactus. After this visit in land, we have the option that our passengers enjoy swimming in the bay.

BARRANCO: dry landing, activities: hiking. Also known as Prince Felipe’s stairs. Here, we will have a walk for the Barranco path. In our journey we will observe tropical birds, petrels, common frigate, red-foot boobies, mask boobies, dove, and finches.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: Santa Cruz Island: Highlands / Depart Galapagos

HIGHLANDS: Here we go trekking and will find giant tortoises in their natural habitat; this is a natural spectacle. For this visit we recommend the use of athletic shoes, long pants, raincoat, hat and sun block. After the visit, transfer to airport.

Fly from Baltra Airport to mainland Ecuador (either Quito or Guayaquil).

Meals Included: Breakfast

** This itinerary is subject to change without notice, due to seasonal changes, weather conditions, or Galapagos National Park regulations. **

DAY 1: Arrive in Galapagos / Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Station

Fly from mainland Ecuador (either Quito or Guayaquil) to Baltra airport. Reception at airport. Transfer in. Welcome on board EcoGalaxy Cruise. Welcome drink and lunch.

CHARLES DARWIN STATION is located in the Main Port of Santa Cruz Island, we will take our private bus that take us to the entrance of the center of breeding where we go to appreciate tortoises and land iguanas in captivity, this center is the main site of breeding of the islands. Animals that were in danger of extinction in the different islands are maintained in captivity and thanks at dedicated work of several institutions some species are saving, here was where the most famous tortoise “the Solitary George” the last survivor of the species of Pinta Island lived.

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

DAY 2: Isabela Island: Tintoreras & Moreno Point

TINTORERAS: Located at south of Puerto Villamil, we will arrive to this place by panga. There is a small bay with turquoises water where you can appreciate sea lions, marine tortoises, marine iguanas and rays. The most part of this trail we will find volcanic lava of type AA. The Tintoreras is one of places where the introduction iguana has been successful. Also, in this place you have opportunity to see Galapagos sharks known like: Tintoreras.

MORENO POINT. After lunch, we will disembark at Moreno Point, which is located near Elizabeth Bay on the west coast of Isabela Island. The plethora of birds seen during a dinghy ride along the striking rocky shores or a hike along a path through lava rocks leading to tide pools and mangroves, create a birdwatcher’s delight. In the tide pools, green sea turtles and white-tip sharks can be spotted.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Isabela Island: Elizabeth Bay & Urbina Bay

ELIZABETH BAY: This is one of the island’s breeding sites for penguins. Located on the west coast of Isabela, Elizabeth Point is a marine visitor site. Visit red mangrove cove: Brown pelicans, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays andsea lionsare often seen.

URBINA BAY: this place is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano between Elizabeth Bay and Tagus Cove. Wet landing. Trail length is around 3.20 Km; during this walking we can observe land iguanas, hawks, tortoises; also it is possible to see red and blue lobsters.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: Fernandina Island: Espinoza Point & Isabela Island: Vicente Roca Point

ESPINOZA POINT: Fernandina is the 3rd island bigger of Galapagos and has just one visit place: Espinoza Point. Espinoza Point is famous site because you will find big colonies of marine iguanas and to be the unique place where the flightless Cormorant lives, Galapagos penguin, hawk, snakes of Galapagos and many other.

From Espinoza Point we can admire Fernandina Island and its volcano which last eruption was on May 2005. Fernandina is the only island that doesn’t have any mammal introduced and the open areas are very fragile. In nesting time of marine iguana (January to June) we have a lot care when we are walking. Return to EcoGalaxy.

VICENTE ROCA POINT: is comprised of two separate coves, this site is a large bay with spectacular sea life. Keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating Mola-mola (sunfish).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: Santiago Island: Egas Port & Rabida Island

EGAS PORT: In this site we find a black sand beach; at south of this beach there is a volcano called Pan de Azucar, it has volcanic deposits which have contributed to the formation of this black sand beach. The crater of this volcano has a salt lake which in warm time becomes dry and it is possible to appreciate a salt mine.

Between 1928 and 1930 there were some explorations to this mine but they didn’t function; additionally, it caused damages to the environment because of workers use endemic woods. It is not allowed go down to salt mine.

RABIDA ISLAND: The visitor site is located on the east coast of Rabida Island, consists of a red sand beach, a coastal lagoon behind the beach, and a loop trail. The approximate distance of the trail is 1.1 kilometers.

The color of the rocks and sand on the beach is due to the very porous volcanic material, which with the help of environmental factors (rain, salt water and sea breeze, has acted as an oxidizing agent. The main attraction of the place is the red sand beach, scenery, aside from the vegetation of the arid zone and the presence of native and endemic species. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 6: Santa Cruz Island: Black Turtle Cove / Depart Galapagos

BLACK TURTLE COVE: Welcome on board. After lunch our first visit is to Black Turtle Cove which is situated in the northern of Santa Cruz. This bay is surrounded by mangroves and is accessible by dinghy only. The superficial cove is a safe refuge for marine life. Black-tip reef sharks, marine turtles, and a variety of rays are often spotted here. Transfer to the airport.

Fly from Baltra Airport to mainland Ecuador (either Quito or Guayaquil).

Meals Included: Breakfast

** This itinerary is subject to change without notice, due to seasonal changes, weather conditions, or Galapagos National Park regulations. **

DAY 1: Arrive in the Galapagos / Santa Cruz Island: Bachas Beach

Fly from mainland Ecuador (either Quito or Guayaquil). Arrive to Baltra Airport where you will be treated by your guide and transferred to the boat.

BACHAS BEACH: This beautiful beach is located at north of Santa Cruz Island; the beach has total extension of 1Km. The site takes its name since Second War when the American army left two barges in the beach, the first colonizing people couldn’t pronounce that name correctly: barges, so they called Bachas.

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

DAY 2: Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay & Bartolome Island

SULLIVAN BAY: wet landing and hiking. Description of the place: all the road and the island is composed of lava flows that still they are virtually without eroding and they cover an extensive area, lava pohoehhoe or of cords, hornitos, mollugo, this plant grows in the lava. Lava Colonizers.

BARTOLOME ISLAND: Dry landing, landing wet for the beach, activities to carry out in this island: walk, swimming, snorkeling, and photography. We will walk for a path to the top (114 m) pioneering plants that will observe in this place tiquilia, chamaesyce, and scalesia, the island is formed by cones, pipes of lava by where lava flow.

Wet landing, path to the south beach through mangrove swamps and vegetation of dunes. North beach: Swimming and snorkeling will be the activities that are going to carry out. Since the top of the island Bartolome we will be able to observe the islands as Santiago, Rabida, Isabela. We can find penguins in the Rock Pinnacle.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Santa Cruz Island: Highlands & Charles Darwin Research Station

HIGHLANDS OF SANTA CRUZ: here we have a short hike and we will find the giant tortoises in their natural habitat, this is a natural spectacular. For this visit we recommend to use sport shoes, long pants, raincoat, hut and sun block.

CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION is located in the Main Port of Santa Cruz Island, we will take our private bus that take us to the entrance of the center of breeding where we go to appreciate tortoises and land iguanas in captivity, this center is the main site of breeding of the islands.

Animals that were in danger of extinction in the different islands are maintained in captivity and thanks at dedicated work of several institutions some species are saving, here was where the most famous tortoise “the Solitary George” the last survivor of the species of Pinta Island lived.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: Floreana Island: Punta Cormorant, Post Office Bay, & Devil’s Crown

PUNTA CORMORANT: wet landing, snorkeling and short trekking. This point is located at west of Floreana Island and it is famous to has a dark green beach due to the great quantity of olivine crystals. You can see many marine invertebrates, as well as also sea lions, sea iguanas, the frigates and pelicans.

DEVIL’S CROWN: Activities in this place: panga ride and optional swimming and snorkeling. Panga ride around of a small island, this place was a satellite islet of the island Floreana. Here, we will find a group of rocks that seem to a crown, due to the constant erosion caused by the sea. It is one of the better places to do snorkeling (superficial diving) in the interior and around of the crown, excellent visibility to admire a great variety of fishes and sea animals.

POST OFFICE: Wet landing. Activities in this place: short walk, swimming, snorkeling, review of the mail. Description of the Place: it is situated to the north of Floreana Island. The Post Office Bay name is because of Capitan James Colnett installed an empty Ron barrel, to use it as post office for the whaling fleets that frequented for a long time the Galapagos Islands. You can send some postcards from here to your friends and relatives or interchange letter to deliver in their destiny. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 5: Española Island: Suarez Point & Gardner Bay

SUAREZ POINT: dry landing, activities that were carried out in this place: walking; recommendable clothes: sports shoes, hat, cap, solar lotion. There is not color more amazing and outstanding in this tropical desert island that the blue-foot boobies; they have an impressive form to “greeting” and it is a real spectacle to see the ritualistic parade of the entourage.

In several islands we can admire this bird due to that nests and feed are located in diverse places close to the coast. In this place we will be able to observe the Albatross with a weight from three to four kilograms and an importance of more than two meters, this creature of aristocratic aspect is one of the largest birds of the islands.

Around twelve thousand couples have their nests in the Española Island (some few in the Silver Island near of main land Ecuador). This specie is considered endemic from this island during our walking we will be able to observe these fantastic birds, we will be part of the beautiful and only landscapes that offers this island.

Important Note: Albatross will be not possible to see between January and March. Also we will observe colonies of marine iguanas, zayapas, mask boobies, finches, Española cucuves, and seagulls unique of the island. Our walking will be for lava rock path where we will be able to admire the hollow blowers. The vegetation of this island is of red mangrove.

GARDNER BAY: wet landing, activities for this visit: short walking, swimming, snorkeling, and observation of seals colony. The sea lion is one of the animals in Galapagos which gets the total attention of the visitors in the Galapagos: they are curious and playful, but at times aggressive; they are nice and loving, but also lazy.

In Gardner Bay, we are going to find many of them relaxing in the beach enjoying of the sun. Snorkeling in the area where we will be able to swim with them, besides you observe these fascinating animals, we will swim with the sea turtles, diversity of tropical fish, marine iguanas etc. We will return to the ship, to sail toward the following island. Visit to: Gardner & Osborn Islets.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: San Cristobal Island: Interpretation Center / Depart Galapagos

INTERPRETATION CENTER: Dry landing. This center is location in the Main Port. After our breakfast we will go toward our first visit: Interpretation Center of San Cristobal. The most modern and sophisticated architectural space destined for the natural interpretation of Galapagos, where you can know from the volcanic formation of the islands, the evolution of the species, passing for the history of the human settlements to come to understand to its complex systems and model of management. Transfer out.

Fly from San Cristobal Airport to mainland Ecuador (either Quito or Guayaquil).

Meals Included: Breakfast

** This itinerary is subject to change without notice, due to seasonal changes, weather conditions, or Galapagos National Park regulations. **

travel logistics

Getting To and From the Trip: 

The trip begins with the flight to the Galapagos from either Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador on the first morning of the trip, and ends with the return flight from the Galapagos to either Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador, on the last day of the trip, arriving in the late afternoon. These flights are not included in the trip price, but they will be arranged for you and the cost added to your bill.

You need to overnight in your choice of departure city, either Quito or Guayaquil, at least one night before the trip begins as you will fly to the Galapagos early in the morning of Day 1 of your trip. At the end of the trip we recommend overnighting in Ecuador one night before moving on to your next adventure or flying home, although it is possible to catch a late night flight out on this day.

We do not sell international airfare but partner with a flight specialty company, Exito Travel, who can arrange all of your flights for you, simplifying the process of this part of your trip.

Trip Start: Trip begins with a flight from Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador, to the Galapagos (flights arranged for you) on Day 1. You will need to overnight in either Quito or Guayaquil the night before this flight (see our Quito and Guayaquil packages here).

Trip End: Trip ends with the flight from the Galapagos to either Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador, arriving late afternoon on the last day of the trip. You may want to overnight there that night (see our Quito and Guayaquil packages here) before continuing with your adventure.

Complete Your Trip

This trip is sold a la carte, meaning it is just the yacht trip and does not include hotels or services before or after the trip. We sell the trip this way so you can choose whatever hotels or services you want, rather than us forcing you into something particular. You will need to overnight at least one night in Quito or Guayaquil before the cruise, and one night after the cruise.  That said, to make it simple for you to complete the package, we offer Quito Hotels and Tours.

In addition to the Galapagos cruise, we suggest you visit the Amazon jungle, the highlands of Ecuador, or Machu Picchu in Peru.

 

Prices & Dates

2023 PRICES:

Prices are per person, and based on double occupancy.

Prices change dependent on multiple factors. Please enquire for accurate prices. 

  • Rates are subject to change, but we guarantee the rate with previous deposit only.
  • Children discount (under 12 years old): 10% off the rate
  • The minimum age is 7 years old
  • Roundtrip flights between mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands must be issued by the cruise operators in order to confirm your spaces on this cruise.
  • Holiday Supplement: 50% of the cruise rate
  • Children discount (ages 6 to 11 years): None
  • The minimum age is 6 years old
  • Roundtrip flights between mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands must be issued by the cruise operators in order to confirm your spaces on this cruise.

 

2024 PRICES:

Prices are per person, and based on double occupancy.

Prices change dependent on multiple factors. Please enquire for accurate prices. 

  • Rates are subject to change, but we guarantee the rate with previous deposit only.
  • Children discount (under 12 years old): 10% off the rate
  • The minimum age is 7 years old
  • Roundtrip flights between mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands must be issued by the cruise operators in order to confirm your spaces on this cruise.
  • Holiday Supplement: 50% of the cruise rate
  • Large Group Discount: None
  • Children discount (ages 6 to 11 years): None
  • The minimum age is 6 years old
  • Roundtrip flights between mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands must be issued by the cruise operators in order to confirm your spaces on this cruise.

 

 

 

 

What's Included / Not Included

INCLUDED: 
  • Airport Assistance
  • Transfers in Galapagos
  • Accommodation in double cabin
  • All meals during the cruise, from lunch on the first day to breakfast on the last day
  • Professional Bilingual Naturalist Guide
  • Visits & excursions according itinerary
  • Snorkel gear (mask, tube, and fins)
  • Kayaks and stand up paddle boards
  • Wetsuits
  • Purified water, coffee and tea
  • Beach towels
NOT INCLUDED: 
  • Flights: Quito or Guayaquil – Galapagos – Quito or Guayaquil: about $500* per person (must be booked through the cruise operator, or a penalty fee of $60* per person will be applied)
  • Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee: $100* per adult / $50* per child age 11 years or younger (can be pre-paid)
  • Galapagos Migration Transit card: $20* per person (can be pre-paid)
  • Isabela Island dock Tax ($10* per person) applies in Itinerary B or D
  • Soft & alcoholic drinks
  • Tips to guide and crew
  • Services not indicated
  • Accommodations and services in mainland Ecuador (can be added upon request)
  • International flights (booked on your own or with our travel partner Exito – for a quote please let us know your home airport)
  • Travel and health insurance (highly recommended)

* Rates subject to change

View Terms and Conditions:
http://detourdestinations.com/terms-and-conditions/galagents

Accommodations

The EcoGalaxy has 8 double cabins: 4 located on the upper deck and 4 on the main deck. All cabins can be twin or matrimonial beds. Private facilities in each cabin: private bathrooms, cold/hot water, air conditioning, hair dryer, telephone for internal communication on board, safe box, and speaker.

Private Bathroom
Private Bathroom in all the cabins

Rooming Options

ROOMING OPTIONS: Double, Single, Willing to Share, Single Supplement

 

1 review for Galapagos Islands EcoGalaxy Catamaran

  1. Diana C. –

    We had such a fantastic trip. Everything Layna planned for us was perfect and helped us experience the highlights of Ecuador. I reached to Detour to book a Galapagos cruise. After booking the cruise I asked Layna if she had any tips for spending a week in mainland Ecuador and she was able to plan excursions for us we wouldn’t have been able to do independently without a guide for a very reasonable price. I worked with Layna over several months to plan this trip and she was incredibly responsive and insightful.

    What moment or experience do you think you will remember most one year from now? Swimming, kayaking, and hanging out on the beach with baby sea lions.

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