Galapagos: La Pinta | 5 days

From Baltra to Baltra OR From Baltra to Baltra

Tour Overview

Yacht La Pinta has been designed comfort as you discover some of the most beautiful islands in the Galapagos. 

Your 5 day Northern Galapagos journey starts on Santa Cruz with a visit to the highlands and your first encounter with giant Galapagos tortoises. During this cruise you will visit the Chinese Hat, or Sombrero Chino, once you see the shape of the island you will understand where the name came from. There will be time to explore the different islands on foot, by dinghy, kayak or glass bottom boat. Encounter sea lions, marine iguanas, blue footed boobies, the magnificent frigate birds and with a bit of luck some Galapagos penguins. One of the iconic sites of the archipelago awaits: Bartolome Island, with its wooden walkway up to a panoramic viewpoint, golden sandy beach and great snorkelling opportunities. Close-by, Sullivan Bay gives us a great introduction to the volcanic origins of the islands. Next up is an exploration of the wild and beautiful north coastline of Santa Cruz, home to land iguanas, flamingos and many more amazing Galapagos Island species.

With lots of photos and fantastic memories your adventure will come to an end in Baltra.

This is an exciting 5 day itinerary on board the comfortable La Pinta yacht, where you will enjoy gourmet meals and ample deck space with only 48 other guests. La Pinta offers two 5-day and one 7-day itinerary options carefully designed to help maximize wildlife viewing opportunities!

Please see below for the 5 day Eastern itinerary too!

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All cabins on the La Pinta have floor-to-ceiling windows which offer spectacular views of the stunning scenery. The common areas also have panoramic windows for better viewing

With 3 guides onboard, they can offer multiple activities at the same time - Kayaking, Snorkelling, SUP, Glass bottom boats, hikes, swimming... means more choice and doing more of what you enjoy!

Visit the Giant Tortoise Breading centre in the highlands of Santa Cruz and learn more about their habitat. Plus opportunities to see flamingos, blue footed boobies, sea lions, marine iguanas, penguins and more!

Tour Itinerary

 
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Day 1
Baltra Santa Cruz Highlands

Baltra Airport

After arriving at Baltra Airport, we’ll take a short ferry to the northern shore of Santa Cruz Island. Then, we’ll go on a bus journey to the highlands to explore the unique ecosystems and rich biodiversity of Santa Cruz before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.

Highlands (Santa Cruz Island)

After lunch, we’ll take a bus to a reserve famous for giant tortoise sightings. We’ll observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat and explore lava tunnels. Then, we’ll head to Puerto Ayora and board Yacht La Pinta for the next part of our journey.

Day 2
Eden Islet (Santa Cruz Island) Chinese Hat Inlet

Eden Islet (Santa Cruz Island)

Start your day with a scenic panga ride to Eden Islet, just off the coast of Santa Cruz. See blue-footed boobies, reef sharks, and frigate birds. Snorkel and take a glass-bottom boat tour. The volcanic landscape features cinder cones, tuff cones, and eroded lava flows.

Chinese Hat Islet

Explore the Chinese Hat Islet, known for its distinctive shape resembling a traditional Chinese hat. This young islet offers a 400-meter trail from a beautiful white sandy beach. You can swim or snorkel in the clear waters and encounter white-tipped reef sharks and iconic Galapagos penguins. Learn how the Humboldt current brought Humboldt penguins to the Galapagos archipelago, where they evolved into the renowned Galapagos penguin.

Day 3
Bartolome Island Santiago Island

Bartolome Island

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Bartolome Island, a true Galapagos icon. Enjoy a panoramic view from the wooden staircase, ride dinghies around Pinnacle Rock, and snorkel on the beach. Look out for Galapagos penguins and ride in a glass-bottom boat for an up-close view of the underwater world.

Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island)

After a fulfilling lunch, we went to Sullivan Bay on the pangas. The beach has white coral sand and is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. You can also explore a trail across a lava field formed less than 130 years ago and observe the unique wildlife thriving in this environment.

Day 4
Genovesa Darwin Bay

Prince Philip’s Steps

Our journey northward led us to Prince Philip’s Steps. Today, we’ll climb up a wooden staircase to “bird island” and take a scenic stroll, spotting Nazca and red-footed boobies, frigate birds, and the short-eared owl hunting storm petrels. Look for fur seals along the cliffs and consider a tranquil kayak paddle for an enhanced experience.

Darwin Bay

In the afternoon, unwind on the beautiful white coral beach and participate in aquatic activities. You can also observe diverse marine and land bird species. For a more adventurous outing, trek over lava formations for stunning views of the surroundings. Marvel at the collapsed caldera from our anchorage, adding geological wonder to your exploration.

Day 5
Baltra Island Depart

After our expedition, we head to Baltra Island’s airport for our return flight to the mainland. The island’s flat terrain, a result of its uplifted geological origins, made it an ideal airport location in the 1940s.

**ask us about the 5 day Eastern & 7 day Western itineraries on La Pinta

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Day 1
Baltra Santa Cruz Island

YACHT LA PINTA Eastern Islands. 5 Days

*Galapagos excursions are subject to change without prior notice. Changes in plans may arise due to weather conditions, National Park regulations, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Baltra Airport
This adventure begins with your flight to Baltra Island, followed by a transfer to the nearby dock to board Yacht La Pinta. You will be invited to lunch after an introductory briefing on board and an emergency drill.

South Plaza Island
Along the coastline, we will walk by sea lion colonies while seabirds play along the cliffs of this small but spectacular island. Crawling around this entire scene are the yellow-greyish land iguanas.

Day 2
Santa Fe Island San Cristobal Island

Santa Fe Island
We take the dinghy over to this white-sand beach. The yellow Santa Fe land iguana, exclusive to this island, might also be spotted. Following the walk, you’ll choose swimming, snorkeling, or riding aboard our glass-bottom boat.

Cerro Colorado & Tortoise Breeding Center
After lunch, we will disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Once at Cerro Colorado, we will visit the Breeding Center for giant tortoises.

Day 3
San Cristobal Island

Punta Pitt
This morning, we land at the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island. The trail that ascends from the beach provides spectacular views of the shoreline, allowing the chance to observe frigatebirds and sea lions.

Cerro Brujo
After lunch, a dinghy ride along the shores will take us to Cerro Brujo. This is a great site for walking and spotting plenty of seabirds and shorebirds. Galapagos sea lions will also be present.

Day 4
Española Island

Punta Suarez
The morning outing at Punta Suárez provides a walk to visit the unique seabird colonies that live here. Waved albatrosses, boobies, and the famous “blowhole” geological formation await! Afterward, we will head back onboard for lunch.

Gardner Bay
In the afternoon, we will disembark for a short walk to observe the sea lions, mockingbirds, and finches. You can opt to kayak or ride aboard our glass-bottom boat.

Day 5
Santa Cruz Island Baltra Island Departure

Charles Darwin Research Station /Baltra Airport

After disembarking at the Puerto Ayora docks, we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and get a chance to visit the breeding program for giant tortoises. Afterward, we will take a bus that will take us to the opposite coast. Once there, a short ferry ride will take us across the channel to Baltra Island and the airport.

**ask us about the 5 day Northern & 7 day Western itineraries on La Pinta

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What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 Cabin on board with ensuite
  • Included Copy 31 Cabin upgrades available
Food
  • Included Copy 20 All meals onboard
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 Guided excursions with top Naturalist guides
  • Included Copy 20 Presentations and talks hosted by Galapagos National Park certified naturalist guides
  • Included Copy 20 Snorkeling gear and wetsuits
  • Included Copy 20 Internet in common areas*
  • Included Copy 20 Transfers airport/yacht/airport in Galapagos
  • Included Copy 20 Use of kayaks, glass bottom boat, dinghy rides
  • Included Copy 20 Onboard Medical Assistance*
  • Included Copy 20 Carbon offsetting included
  • Included Copy 7 Galapagos Islands National Park Entrance Fee & TCT USD$220 (Subject to change)
  • Included Copy 7 Return flights to the Galapagos Islands
Transportation

La Pinta

48 Passengers

Activities

  • Included Swimming, snorkelling and kayaking opportunities
  • Included Excursions by dinghy or glass-bottom boat
  • Included Walk, hike plus relax in the Galapagos
  • Included Photography opportunities – stunning views from Pinnacle Rock, Dragon Hill and more
  • Included Visit the Giant Tortoise Breading centre on Santa Cruz
  • Included Take a panga ride to spot marine turtles, marine iguanas,sealions, pelicans, frigates and boobies!
  • Included Bird watching - Flamingos, Frigate birds, Galapagos hawks and more
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Duration

5 days

Price from

$5,871 USD

Per person, sharing

Based on a standard Cabin

Departs on select Mondays & Thursday
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