Western Galápagos Cruise - La Pinta
You'll love this lovely mid-size ship operated by a veteran company that knows how to provide a fantastic experience in the Galápagos Islands.
SPECIAL OFFER
9.1*
ECO SCORE
48
PASSENGERS
7
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Galápagos: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
La Pinta
We’re delighted to have you onboard for this journey of discovery to some of the most beautiful islands in the Galápagos. This itinerary will take us to the true origins of the archipelago, to a world only recently created by the titanic tectonic upheavals of our Earth’s crust, whose volcanic hot spot formed the islands in a blink of an eye in geological time. You will find all corners of the Galápagos stunning, and they will delight you in different ways. Rest assured the crew aboard La Pinta will do their utmost to ensure your Galápagos experience is truly deeply moving and memorable.
- • Visit a wonderful selection of islands teeming with exotic animals on this itinerary.
• Snorkel and play with baby sea lions who are excited to engage with you again and again--until their mamas come back!
• Lean into the over 65 years of experience this operator has offering trips in the region.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Carbon
Utilizes physical and bio sequestration to off set their carbon footprint
Energy
Has invested in and implemented several forms of alternative energy
Conservation
Owns and preserves ~3,200 acres of tropical rainforest
Itinerary
Day 1: Baltra Island & North Seymour Island
Our adventure begins with a morning flight to Baltra Island and immediate transfer to the dock to board Yacht La Pinta. There’s an introductory welcome briefing, boat drill, cabin assignment followed by lunch. Following an afternoon disembarkation, we enjoy a walk along the coast and the interior of this beautiful flat island, observing numerous bird colonies as well as sea lions and land iguanas. There are opportunities for coastal exploration by dinghy. Evening briefing, welcome cocktail and dinner.
Day 2: Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela Island & Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island
Since there is no landing site at this location, the coastal exploration is by panga, while the naturalist guide explains the dramatic geology of the area, with remains of lava flows and tuff stone layers. There is abundant wildlife and, depending on the conditions of the ocean, we’ll be able to snorkel along the cliffs, hopefully in the company of green sea turtles.
In the afternoon, we visit the youngest and most pristine island of the archipelago, Fernandina, one of many visitors’ all-time favourites. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness and abundant wildlife. Highlights include hawks, penguins, flightless cormorants and astounding views of the surrounding volcanic landscapes.
Day 3: Urbina Bay, Isabela Island & Tagus Cove, Isabela Island
After breakfast, we disembark at Urbina Bay, on the western side of Isabela Island, the result of an uplifting of the ocean floor. Here you can see corals, shells, and large and very colourful Galápagos land iguanas, as well as (occasionally) giant tortoises. Navigating the Bolívar Channel, there are good chances of spotting several species of whales. On the northwest of Isabela, secluded Tagus Cove provided a favourite anchorage for pirates and whalers over the centuries, and today makes a great visitor site. An uphill hike takes us to the back of Darwin Crater, filled with salt water. We can snorkel or ride kayaks amid the dramatic landscape before going on our hike.
Day 4: Rabida Island & Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill), Santa Cruz Island
In the morning, we disembark at Rabida Island’s red-coloured beach. A stroll along the beach allows us to observe marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin’s finches. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach. For non-snorkelers, we can ride our glass-bottom boat for an exploration of life underneath the waves.
The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill). Our walk includes circling a brackish water lagoon frequented by lagoon birds, while further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as the chance to observe land iguanas.
Day 5: Puerto Ayora & Charles Darwin Research Station, Santa Cruz
The morning visit heads to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest. These are the Galápagos’ headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration.
After lunch, we head up to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island by vehicle. This is a great place to look for the emblematic Darwin’s Finches and the endemic Scalesia trees. The highlands are also great for exploring the exuberant vegetation where giant tortoises roam in the wild. This will surely be one of the most remembered visits of the whole voyage.
Day 6: Post Office Bay, Champion Islet & Punta Cormorant, Floreana Island
After breakfast, we land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries. Panga rides along the maze of channels on Floreana’s north shore can also be enjoyed. Views from La Lobería and the Baroness Viewpoint are quite rewarding. There’s great kayaking and swimming from the beach as well.
Before disembarking at Punta Cormorant we can snorkel or ride our glass-bottom boat along the coast of an extinct cone called “Champion Islet”. Later in the afternoon, our visit to Punta Cormorant takes in an olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk by a brackish water lagoon where bird species like american flamingos may be observed. On the other side of the island, we come to a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night to nest.
Day 7: Baltra Island
Our journey ends at Baltra Island, where we transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland. Baltra’s flat substrate (due to its uplifted origin) is the reason why the island was chosen back in the 1940s as the location for building an airport.
Please Note: Itineraries for reference only. Routes and programs may vary according to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety and operational reasons, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Wetsuit Rental: $70 per person for the 7-day itinerary.
Children: 25% discount for children under the age of 12 at time of Galápagos cruise. Child discounts are conditional and may not apply on certain departures.
Galápagos Air: Air transportation to / from Galápagos and airport taxes are not included. Rates given at time of booking.
Galápagos National Park Entrance Fee: US$ 100 (subject to change without prior notice)
La Pinta
La Pinta is a luxury vessel, featuring some of the largest cabins in the Galápagos, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious interiors and an overall design that minimizes the possibility of seasickness. Above all, this Yacht offers you the true definition of luxury in the Archipelago: full, unmitigated access. Small groups – average just 12 guests or fewer per guide- are guaranteed and all the required equipment is ready and set for your convenience: a Glass-bottom boat, kayaks, snorkeling equipment, and our large and comfortable pangas. The ideal vessel for exploring the Galápagos in the most comfortable, stylish way. Complete with a Cordon-Bleu gastronomy director, La Pinta will open up the islands for you like no other ship sailing these amazing waters.
Guests: 48
Cabins: 24
Specialists: Naturalist Guides, Expert Crew
ACHIEVEMENTS
2020 Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Award
World Travel Market Responsible Tourism Award
"La Pinta is a spacious, bright ship with big picture windows and comfortable furnishings. At 48 passengers, she's a wonderful size for the Galápagos if you're someone who likes to meet people yet doesn't want to be overwhelmed on a larger ship. Her guides are expert as this company has been in the Galápagos for over 60 years and they have great crew retention and loyalty. Simply one of the most experienced crews in the islands, La Pinta's staff will guarantee you a memorable experience of this otherworldly location."
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
Click to enlarge
Questions?
Rates
La Pinta is a wonderful size for you if you enjoy meeting people, yet like some anonymity too. She offers comfort, a relaxed atmosphere, and stellar wildlife viewing.
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Accommodation; All meals; Soft drinks*; Island sightseeing; Naturalist guides and lecture services in English/Spanish only; Wet suit rental and snorkeling gear; Internet*; Taxes and transfers in the islands; Transfer from main hotels in Quito (Casa Gangotena, Hilton Colón, Swissôtel, Marriott, Dann Carlton) and in Guayaquil (Hilton Colón, Oro Verde, Wyndham, Sheraton) to airport for flights to / from Galápagos are included in these rates.
* Please note: Soft drinks include juices and carbonated drinks, not “virgin” cocktails.
** Wi-Fi is available in the yacht’s social areas; due to the Galápagos’ remote location, internet connections are intermittent and low-bandwidth.
