The M/Y Galapagos Odyssey is a brand new luxury yacht, offering the highest level of comfort of any boat its size in the Galapagos Islands.
The Galapagos Odyssey was built to fulfill the highest expectations of any traveler seeking to experience the wonders of the Galapagos Islands in the most exclusive way.
This luxury yacht has been designed especially for small groups to offer you more privacy and comfort, and to reduce the impact on the fragile Galapagos eco-system.
DAY |
ISLAND |
PLACES |
SUN |
SANTA CRUZ |
AM: Baltra Airport PM: Dragon Hill |
MON |
RABIDA CHINESSE HAT |
AM: Rabida Island PM: Sombrero Chino |
TUE |
GENOVESA |
AM: Prince Philip's Steps PM: Darwin Bay |
WED |
BARTOLOME SANTIAGO |
AM: Bartolome Island PM: Sullivan Bay |
THU |
SANTA CRUZ |
AM: Highlands PM: Charles Darwin Station |
FRI |
ISABELA |
AM: White Tipped Reef Shark Canal PM: Tortoise breeding center |
SAT |
ISABELA |
AM: Moreno Point PM: Elizabeth Bay |
SUN |
FERNANDINA ISABELA |
AM: Espinosa Point PM: Tagus Cove |
MON |
SANTIAGO |
AM: Espumilla Beach - Buccaneer Cove PM: Egas Port |
TUE |
SAN CRISTOBAL |
AM: Lobos Island PM: Cerro Colorado/Puerto Chino Beach |
WED |
ESPAÑOLA |
AM: Suarez Point PM: Gardner Bay |
THU |
FLOREANA |
AM: Punta Cormorant / Devil's Crown |
FRI |
SANTA FE SOUTH PLAZA |
AM: Santa Fe |
SAT |
SEYMOUR NORTE SANTA CRUZ |
AM: North Seymour |
SUN |
ISLOTE MOSQUERA |
AM : Mosquera PM:Tour ends. Transfer to Baltra Airport |
Morning flight from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra (Galapagos).
SANTA CRUZ: DRAGON HILL
This morning you will fly from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Airport.
After welcome, check-in, lunch, briefing and the safety-drill we head for our first visitor’s site, " Dragon Hill ". It is located just about 25 km / 15 mi West from the airport of Baltra (navigation time about 2:30 h). The ‘dragons’ that live on this hill are iconic inhabitants of the National Park, wherefore this guided walk will be an excellent start of your cruise (Easy level; about 2,4 km / 1.5 mi.).
Before dinner your guide will give the first daily briefing for tomorrow, and he/she will explain the yacht’s and National Park rules. Then the captain and his crew will present and toast with a welcome cocktail to celebrate your first evening on board.
Because we stay in the heart of the archipelago, we will lift the anchor in the dead of the night and sail just about 3 hours Northwest to the islet of Rabida.
RABIDA ISLAND AND CHINESE HAT
On a clear morning it could be well-worth to get-up early to enjoy an unforgettable sunrise on the flaming red cliffs and beach. After breakfast you will make a wet landing (barefeet) in " Rabida Island " to make 2 short guided nature hikes from the remarkable red beach and along the breeding colony of brown pelicans (Easy level; about 0,4 + 1 km / 0.25 + 0.6 mi.). On return you will be picked-up by the inflatable dinghies, which will bring you back on board for a snack and to prepare yourself for first-time snorkeling or a dinghy-ride.
Before lunch we lift the anchor and continue about 2 hours to another islet just out off the coast of Santiago: " Chinese Hat ". Perhaps you can spot some Galapagos penguins, which even can show-up during today’s 2nd snorkeling excursion. During the late-afternoon walk you will learn a lot about the geology on this typical volcano-islet (Easy level; about 0,7 km / 0.5 mi.).
After dinner we leave for the longest, about 7 hours passage to the northern island of Genovesa, and meanwhile will cross the equator.
PRINCE PHILLIP'S STEPS AND DARWIN BAY
Today we have a full program. All impressions you gather will be nearly too much for a single day! After early breakfast you will make a wet landing at the isolated and peaceful beach of " Darwin Bay " for a guided nature walk (Moderate level; ca. 3 km / 2 mi.). Afterwards you can enjoy a snack aboard and a refreshing snorkelling excursion again. You can also ask your guide for the alternative option of a sea kayak-tour.
Around lunch-time we will sail to the entrance of the caldera where our second visitor’s site is located: " Prince Philip’s Steps ". There we have programmed another inflatable dinghy-ride and another spectacular guided nature walk (Moderate level; about 3 km / 2 mi.).
Heading back to Santiago this night, we have to navigate about 6 hours again, and lift the anchor after dinner.
BARTOLOME ISLAND AND SULLLIVAN BAY
In the early morning, we will undertake a charming inflatable dinghy-ride along the barren shoreline of this volcanic islet. After breakfast, when it is not yet too hot, you will follow the steep stairs of the Summit Trail to the top, rewarded by spectacular and panoramic views, hopefully illuminated by the golden, early morning sun (Moderate level; about 800 m / 0.5 mi. with 114 m / 364 ft. altitude difference). Next it’s time for a refreshing swim, snorkelling at the foot of " Pinnacle Rock ", or just walking around or relaxing on the beach.
After 15 minutes of navigation you can enjoy our delicious lunch buffet again. " Bartolome " is right in front of another fascinating place: " Sullivan Bay ". You will land on the black lava flow for an impressive moonwalk, whilst you will learn more on the distinct forms of volcanism (Easy level; ca. 1,5 km / 1 mi.). A hot afternoon will be concluded again with another opportunity to explore underwater life.
Before dinner you can enjoy a farewell cocktail with the crew and your fellow passengers. By that time we are already on our way to Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz), which we will reach before midnight. While floating in the harbour you can enjoy a quiet sleep during your last night on board.
HIGHLANDS AND CHARLES DARWIN STATION
After early breakfast you can enjoy the cosy town of Puerto Ayora between the morning excursion and lunch aboard.
Our inflatable dinghy brings you to the harbour of Puerto Ayora, from where we will travel by road to the highlands for our last excursion. In the agricultural zone you can see Galapagos giant tortoises in the wild.
Then you will visit the famous " Charles Darwin Research Station " for an interesting introduction to Galapagos. You will also get some free time to stroll through the cozy town of Puerto Ayora.
Before dinner short before midnight we will lift the anchor and start our first nightly crossing to Puerto Villamil on Isabela. Depending on the sea state we will navigate about 6 hours in Western direction, leaving late night
ISABELA: WHITE TIPPED REEF SHARK CANAL AND SIERRA NEGRA VOLCANO
Today you have a full program, so we will start with an early breakfast before leaving. First you will visit the Tintoreras-islets for a guided hike on a rough volcanic rock trail passing a unique tidal channel which is a resting-place for " Whitetip reef sharks ", among other trapped species, and where you will find huge marine iguanas (Easy/Moderate Level).
From there the inflatable dinghies will put you directly ashore to the harbour of Puerto Villamil, where you will board a bus that brings you to the lush highlands of Isabela. You will hike to the impressive rim of " Sierra Negra Volcano " and explore the mysterious and complete different world of the cloud-forest (Moderate Level; about 6,5 km / 4 mi.). Back aboard you can enjoy a well-earned lunch.
In the afternoon you will return to Puerto Villamil, where you will visit the local tortoise breeding center and make a tour by local bus through the marshes around, where you can observe American flamingos and other aquatic and song birds. Before returning aboard you will have the opportunity to enjoy the paradisiacal beaches full of countless marine iguanas. and Sally lightfoot crabs.
After dinner we will lift the anchor and start to round the southern lob of Isabela to its far west coast. This night navigation will take about 8 hours.
Additional options scuba-diving: Isla Tortuga, Cuatro Hermanos or Roca Viuda (advanced).
ISABELA: MORENO POINT AND ELIZABETH BAY
After breakfast you will make a guided morning hike across the crumbling, pitch black lava fields of " Moreno Point " with its bird-rich pools and sparkling intertidal life (Moderate Level; about 2 km / 1.25 mi.). After a snack we can make an inflatable dinghy-ride or emerge ourselves first-time for snorkelling.
At noon we sail for 2 hours to next visitor’s site, Elizabeth Bay, and meanwhile you can enjoy the delicious lunch buffet and a short siesta. Then we will undertake an adventurous ride by inflatable dinghy to some offshore rocks with a Galapagos penguin colony and from there we will turn to the estuary of " Elizabeth Bay " and penetrate the forest-like mangles.
At dinner-time we will continue to Fernandina, where we will anchor about midnight.
ESPINOSA POINT AND TAGUS COVE
You will start with a guided walk on the lava tongue of " Espinoza Point ", which is full of marine iguanas, the iconic flightless cormorant and the Galapagos penguin! (Easy/Moderate Level; about 2 km / 1.25 mi.). After a snack we will bring you to today’s snorkeling site.
While having lunch we will cross the Bolivar Channel, back to Isabela’s western coast. On the bridge and through the panoramic windows of the dining room we will careful watch for fountains, hence this is one of the best places in Galapagos for viewing whales and dolphins.
At " Tagus Cove " you will make the longer guided nature walk at this geologic and historic interesting site (Moderate Level; about 3 km / 2 mi.). Subsequently we will make a dinghy-ride along the shoreline, or you will have today’s second snorkeling opportunity.
Before dinner we will start our 12 hour’s navigation around the northern cape of Isabela to Santiago (and we will cross the equator two times).
SANTIAGO: ESPUMILLA BEACH AND EGAS PORT
From " Espumilla Beach " you will make a guided walk; uphill and land inward (Easy Level; about 2 km, 1.25 mi.). Afterwards you can explore Galapagos’ submarine world again, which is even more varied than island life.
Around lunch-time we navigate 12 km / 7 mi south and reach " Egas Port " with its famous fur seal grottos, where you will make another, very different guided walk along the coastline (Easy Level).
After this impressive day we leave for the longest navigation of this cruise route to the easternmost San Cristobal (about 13 hours). During this last night on board, you can enjoy a farewell cocktail with the crew and your fellow passengers.
SAN CRISTOBAL: LOBOS ISLAND AND COLORADO HILL
On the eastern end of the archipelago you can enjoy one more morning excursion. After a dry landing you will make a guided nature walk on the rocky trail of " Lobos Islet ", with its Galapagos sea lions and lots of birds; including blue-footed boobies (Moderate Level; About 850 m / 0.6 mi. or 400 m / 0.25 mi.).
In the afternoon, the journey starts with the visit of San Cristobal. You will see the " El Junco Laggon ", one of the sweet water lagoons in the archipelago. Furthermore you are offered the possibility to see Galapagos giant tortoises at the breeding center on " Colorado Hill ". Also, there is an interpretive botanical trail and an interesting visitors center. Beside explanations about the giant tortoises you have the oportunity to see some fascinating flora an fauna on the trail, such as yellow warbles, large-billed flycatchers and the Chatham mockingbird.
ESPAÑOLA: SUAREZ POINT AND GARDNER BAY
After breakfast your island excursion will start with a so called ‘dry landing’ (with footwear) at " Suarez Point ". This morning promises to be a highlight of your cruise. During a longer guided walk (Moderate Level; 4 km, 2.5 mi, about 2 hours) you will pass spectacular sea bird colonies on top of the cliffs, which contain some short scrambling passages (avoidable depths).
Back on board we will navigate in about an hour to our afternoon’s exotic visitor’s site. After lunch you will make your first ‘dive’ in the alluring turquoise-coloured " Gardner Bay ", where you can admire colourful tropical reef fish, snorkel side by side with a Pacific green turtle, or be in the middle of playful Galapagos sea lions. Then you will make a ‘wet landing’ (bare feet) on the wide sand beach. This is a good spot for a stroll along the sea lions colony (Easy Level), or a moment of reflexion, relaxation, or rolling with the sea lions in the surf.
After dinner we will navigate the longest stretch of Route A, which will take about 7 hours, navigating West to the neighbouring island of Floreana.
FLOREANA: CORMORANT POINT - DEVIL'S CROW AND BARONESS LOOKOUT - POST OFFICE BAY
After breakfast the inflatable dinghies will bring you to the rocky rim of " Devil’s Crown ", which is located just outside the bay of " Cormorant Point ". If fantastic deep-water snorkelling (with sometimes stronger currents) is not your thing or if you rather prefer birdwatching, alternatively you can make a great ride by inflatable dinghy (landing is prohibited on these marine visitor’s sites).
After a snack we make a wet landing on the greeny beach of Cormorant Point. From here you will follow the sandy path to the other, powdery sand beach of the peninsula, which has been formed by a lava tongue (Easy Level; about 1,5 km, 1 mi). En route you can observe the American flamingo lagoon from different viewpoints and perspectives.
After a short displacement to " Post Office Bay " and lunch, you can post your holiday greetings in the traditional barrel just behind the beach (wet landing), which is also a comfortable place to relax. Next you can explore the submerged crater rim that surrounds the neighbouring bay of " Baroness Lookout " in your own pace by sea-kayak, or by inflatable dinghy.
Around midnight we will navigate about 5 hours Northeast to the extraordinary island of Santa Fé.
SANTA FE ISLAND AND SOUTH PLAZA ISLAND
After breakfast and another wet landing you will make a guided walk from the " Beach of Santa Fe ". There is an easy shorter circuit or a strenuous longer hike land inward (Moderate Level; ca. 3 km / 2 mi.); the guide will decide which path will be followed. Don’t forget to retain some strength for excellent swimming or snorkelling in the clear azure waters of Barrington Bay.
Around lunchtime we will proceed to " South Plaza " (about 2,5 h Northwest), possibly accompanied by bottle nose delphins. South Plaza is one out of two islets close to the eastern coast of Santa Cruz. On this Jurassic islet you will undertake a contrasty guided nature walk (avoidable depths on the cliff-edge; Easy Level; ca. 1,25 km / 0.75 mi).
Before – a hopefully spectacular – sunset we will leave to tomorrow’s destination, North Seymour, following the coast of Santa Cruz to the heart of the archipelago (about 4 hours). We drop the anchor in the Itabaca Channel, where you can enjoy a quiet floating sleep.
Additional options scuba-diving: Gordon Rocks (Expert/Advanced) or Santa Fe (All levels)
NOTH SEYMOUR ISLAND AND BACHAS BEACH
After an early snack you will make a guided walk through the waking seabird’s colonies, following a circular loop (Easy Level; 2 km / 1.25 mi, about 2 hours). Filled with impressions you will return on board to fill up your stomach with our delicious breakfast buffet. Later in the morning snorkeling is on the program.
As usual you will be welcomed on board with a snack, while we continue about 2 hours West to " Bachas Beach ", where we will serve lunch. In the afternoon you will make another wet landing followed by an easy stroll along the waterline of this coral sand beach.
Before dinner we will sail back to the heart of the Archipelago, where you will spend your last night on board, enjoying a farewell cocktail with the crew and your fellow passengers, and enjoying another quiet sleep, while floating.
MOSQUERA ISLET
Short after the wake-up call and another snack you will undertake this last excursion. Depending on the tide and the check-in time for your flight to Guayaquil or Quito we do or don’t have the opportunity to go on land, where you can freely stroll around. Otherwise we will make an interesting dinghy-ride along the rocky shore, full of sea birds. After breakfast it’s time say goodbye and leave the yacht. We will accompany you and your luggage to the airport, where you can check-in and return to Guayaquil or Quito.
Important: Itineraries and activities subject to change without prior notice. Depending on weather conditions and water currents, some wildlife described above may not be visible.
Year of Construction | Guayaquil 2007/2008 |
Capacity | 16 passenger on board |
Lenght | 134 Feet ( 41 m) |
Width | 26.67 Feet (8 m) |
Crew | 10 experienced and certified by IMO (International Maritime Organization) + 1 Multilingual naturalist guide certified by the National Park. |
Speed | 10 Knots |
Machinery | 2 engines Cummins 465 HP |
Accommodation: |
Main bridge:
Top deck:
Bottom cover:
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Services |
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