Deck Plan S/S Mary Anne

S/S Mary Anne / The Southern Islands (6 days)

The Southern Islands

Fencing albatrosses, mischievous alpha males, multicoloured marine iguanas

Take a walk along unspoilt white sand beaches where Galapagos Sea Lions bask in the sun and marine iguanas crawl out of the sea to dry off on the sun-baked lava rocks.

As you sail through the charismatic Southern Islands you will encounter dramatic cliff edge landscapes teeming with seabirds, booby nesting sites that showcase in real life the everyday trials of the ‘survival of the fittest’, and the subtle differences in wildlife and geology that make each of the islands in the Galapagos archipelago unique, from those with green sand to islands fringed in powdery white, from colonies of sooty-toned iguanas to those fire-red, from finches that in one site crush their food with heavy beaks to those that, only a brief sail’s distance away, delicately tap their narrow bill on wood to grab a bite.

At Española, you will be greeted by overly friendly mockingbirds, and flamingos of Floreana may honour you with a synchronized dance.

Green prickly pear cacti, reddish sea portulaca, white coralline beaches and coppery-orange land iguanas will colour your expeditions inland. Back on board afternoon cocktails and empanadas, first-class dinners and the telling of mysterious island legends under the stars will wrap a day’s worth of adventure. Step out into the surf and wade ashore for a unique encounter with courting albatrosses, the one and only Santa Fe Land Iguana and the Green Sea Turtle’s epic nesting story. And don’t forget to mail your postcards from Post Office Bay

DAY 1: WEDNESDAY - Arrival and first taste of the Islands.
PM: Arrival at Baltra airport and transfer to the S/S Mary Anne; set sail for Mosquera Islet. After a leisure lunch, we will step ashore (wet landing) onto a beautiful white coralline beach, home to the largest Galapagos sea lion colony in the archipelago. We end the day at Punta Carrión for introductory snorkelling in shallow waters.

DAY 2: THURSDAY - Heading Eastward
AM: Dry landing on one of the oldest docks of the Archipelago, colourful Plaza Sur is home to vibrant green prickly pears, deep red Sesuvium and coppery-orange land iguanas; impressive seaward cliffs are excellent for a variety of coastal birds.
PM: Arrive at Santa Fe (wet landing) where we will be looking for the endemic species of land iguana, larger and yellower than land iguanas on other islands. The largest prickly pear cacti in the Galapagos are also found here.

DAY 3: FRIDAY - Isla San Cristóbal
AM: Wet landing onto Cerro Brujo, one of the most scenic white sand beaches of the Galapagos. Black-necked Stilt and White-cheeked Pintail, the only native duck of the Islands, can be found on a picturesque brackish lagoon.
PM: Wet landing onto Punta Pitt; we'll hike up to a spectacular viewpoint and watch seabirds riding the thermals: Red-footed Booby, Nazca Booby, Great Frigatebird, among others.

DAY 4: SATURDAY - From albatrosses to blowholes
AM: We will spend the day in fantastic Española, starting with Gardner Bay (wet landing), an outstanding beach with sea lions, marine iguanas, and the intrepid Española Mockingbird.
PM: Punta Suárez (dry landing) is a spectacular walk into the intimacies of life at sea, with nesting sites of Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies, as well as the fascinating breeding rituals (April to December) of Waved Albatross. Lined with neon-colored marine iguanas (January), and lazy Galapagos sea lions, we walk up to an amazing viewpoint of the famous blowhole.

DAY 5: SUNDAY - The Baroness’ domain
AM: We spend the day on Floreana, legendary homestead of infamous Baroness Boise Bosquet de Wagner Whereborn. Wet landing onto the olivine beaches of Punta Cormorant; we will be seeking Greater Flamingos on our way to another special beach with the finest sand you’ll set your foot on, a sea turtle nesting ground where sharks and rays also visit regularly. We end the outing on a short panga ride to Devil’s Crown, an key snorkelling site.
PM: After lunch we will visit Post Office Bay (wet landing), where you can drop your postcards in the barrel as the whalers did centuries ago.

DAY 6: MONDAY - Tortoises in the Mist
AM: Dry landing at Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz Islands, from which we will visit the wet forests of the highlands in hopes of finding giant tortoises (seasonal). Who would have expected it to be so lush and green on these supposed arid islands? Itinerary A comes to an end as we bus ride back to Baltra airport.
NOTE: Passengers ending their trip on this day will be transported by bus to the airport at Baltra. We offer additional tourist packages for passengers who want to spend more time at Puerto Ayora. Passengers starting their trip on this day will be transported from Baltra to Puerto Ayora by bus. A certified guide will accompany passengers at all times.

S/S Mary Anne / The West and Beyond (6 days)

The West and Beyond

Mythical reptiles, whale-watching and giant shield volcanoes

Venture to the Galapagos’ far west, where astute dolphins, enormous whales and deep sea creatures of all shape and form head to the wild seaward shores of these special islands, some of the youngest, most fascinating and best kept destinations in the world that evoke in their geology the beginning of time. Head to backwater lagoons to enjoy the flamingo’s courtship performances, watch Flightless Cormorants feeding their young at their nests, and swim with sea turtles, penguins, sea lions and hundreds of tropical fish.

Spend an afternoon kicking back on the sundeck or sea gazing from the bow on the look out for Orcas or Spotted Eagle Rays. Shy Galapagos Fur Seals on Santiago Island shelter among pools formed by the lava carved from the swelling ocean currents. Sally Lightfoot Crabs scuttle over and around mingling lava lizards and marine iguanas. Meet Lonesome George and learn the hardships and inspiring victories of the Darwin Research Station’s conservation efforts.

DAY 1: MONDAY - Puerto Ayora and Darwin Research Station
PM: Santa Cruz Arrival at Baltra airport; we will transfer to Puerto Ayora and embark on the S/S Mary Anne. After lunch, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, home to legendary Lonesome George, the last remaining individual of his species; an inspiring introduction to the ecological relevance of the Galapagos Islands. Breeding and reintroduction programs of giant tortoises and land iguanas have proven increasingly successful. We spend the late afternoon strolling along the main thoroughfare of Puerto Ayora.

DAY 2: TUESDAY - An initiation to the western islands
AM: We travel to Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos. After breakfast, we step ashore at Punta Moreno (dry landing) onto a superb pahoehoe lava flow surrounded by giant shield volcanoes, some still active!
PM: Panga ride in and around Elizabeth Bay, a salt-water lagoon surrounded by the largest red mangroves of the Galapagos.

DAY 3: WEDNESDAY - Marine abundance
AM: We disembark at Urbina Bay (wet landing) onto a black sand beach, nesting site for Green Sea Turtle. We take a brief hike inland in search of land iguanas and giant tortoises (seasonal) that migrate to and from the highlands. At the beach, we will admire the remains of a geological uplift exposing coral heads and marine fossils; a wonderful snorkeling site.
PM: We cross Bolivar Channel to Fernandina Island, one of the world’s most unspoilt sites, and disembark (dry landing) at Punta Espinosa. Strolling along the shoreline, we will be on the look out for Flightless Cormorants, Galapagos sea lions, sooty-coloured marine iguanas and bright red-orange Sally Lightfoot Crabs.

DAY 4: THURSDAY - Pirate’s abode
AM: Dry landing near Tagus Cove, historic pirate hideaway where names of countless ships are recorded for posterity on the cliff face. Hike through beautiful Galapagos landscapes to Darwin Lake, a salt-water crater lagoon surrounded by tuff stone.
PM: At Punta Albemarle (dry landing), Flightless Cormorant and the largest marine iguanas of the Islands await to greet you at a site virtually untouched by Man

DAY 5: FRIDAY - Grottos and fur seals
AM: After three days exploring the fabulous western islands, we head to central Santiago to disembark at Espumilla (wet landing), onto a golden-coloured sand Green Sea Turtle nesting site. A forest trail will take us through some of the largest specimens of Palo Santo on the islands to observe Yellow Warblers, the unbelievably tame Galapagos Flycatcher and the ever-intriguing Darwin’s finches.
PM: At Puerto Egas (wet landing) we disembark on a dark sand volcanic beach with an interesting history of human settlement. Sleepy Galapagos fur seals lounge under arches of lava carved by the ocean and occasionally dip into the crystalline pools, also known as grottos.

DAY 6: SATURDAY - The bird’s den
AM: Prior to reaching Baltra airport, we disembark on North Seymour (dry landing), a small uplifted island, where we will walk right up to bird nesting colonies of the two species of Frigatebirds, Blue-footed Boobies and Swallow-tailed Gulls, and experience, depending on season, spectacular displays.
NOTE: On the final day the yacht sails on to the Baltra airport, where departing passengers disembark and arriving passengers join on

S/S Mary Anne / Central and Northern Islands (5 days)

Central and Northern Islands

Volcanic contours and colours, and the exotic north

This tour focuses on the central islands and sets sail to fabulous northern Genovesa, prime nesting site of Red-footed Booby, to enter deep, silent coves where Green Sea Turtles swim, admire the volcanic contours of iconic Pinnacle Rock and red sand beaches where sea lions lazily soak in the equatorial sun. After a delicious breakfast of fresh fruit juice and French toast, a panga ride will escort you inside mangrove canals where White-tipped Sharks and Golden Rays glide alongside.

Share Nazca Booby nesting rituals and swim-time with curious Galapagos Penguins. Don your life jacket for a dry landing at Prince Philip Steps and maybe even enjoy a face-to-face encounter with a groggy Short-eared Owl. Arrive on moonlike landscapes spawn with prehistoric shrubbery, fresh pahoehoe lava formations where lava bubbles are contained in crystallized minerals and pioneering plants strive to survive. Spend the evening star gazing and relaxing with a book before being rocked to sleep as we make our way to our next adventure.

DAY 1: SATURDAY - Mangrove wildlife
PM: Upon arrival at Baltra airport we board the Mary Anne and navigate a short distance to Black Turtle Cove, a large mangrove lagoon on the north coast of Santa Cruz Island. Pelicans and herons roost on the branches, while marine dwellers such as Green Sea Turtle or Golden Ray may cruise right next to the panga as it makes its way through the mangroves.

DAY 2: SUNDAY - Up north
AM: We travel to Genovesa Island and reach Darwin Bay (wet landing), a unique site lined with red mangrove and soft-haired prickly pear cacti where Red-footed Boobies and Great Frigatebirds perch tamely.
PM: At Prince Philip Steps (dry landing), we climb the edge of a cliff where Frigatebirds, Nazca Boobies, and Red-footed Boobies nest. We will be seeking out the impressive Red-billed Tropicbird amidst Galapagos Storm Petrels.

DAY 3: MONDAY - Contours of Sullivan Bay
AM: Dry landing at Bartholomew to climb up the wooden steps and reach the summit of this spatter cone for a most breathtaking panorama of the islands well photographed Pinnacle Rock, views of neighbouring Santiago and many other central islands in the distance.
PM: We head across to Sullivan Bay (dry landing) in Santiago to walk over a recent lava flow, including very fresh pahoehoe lava formations, lava bubbles containing crystallized minerals, and pioneer plants. Along the shoreline, we may find Galapagos penguins and herons going after small fish.

DAY 4: TUESDAY - Mars on Earth
AM: Wet landing onto Rábida’s deep-red beaches to explore the red island’s fascinating interior and saltwater lagoon. Darwin's finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, and yellow warblers feed off the vegetation; given the right time of the year brown pelicans nesting on salt bushes that fringe the beach.
PM: We head across to Cerro Dragón on Santa Cruz’s north-west shore (dry landing); we visit a saltwater lagoon, home to Greater Flamingos, Black-necked Stilts, and White-cheeked Pintails. Further inland we find a fantastic land iguana nesting site.

DAY 5: WEDNESDAY - A last look
AM: Before heading to Baltra airport we circumnavigate the tiny islet of Daphne where the longest ongoing evolutionary field research is being currently carried out. The cliffs teem with Nazca boobies and red-billed tropicbirds, and Darwin's finches have been showing the scientific community how evolution works.
NOTE: On the final day the yacht sails on to the Baltra airport, where departing passengers disembark and arriving passengers join on.

S/S Mary Anne / The Southern Islands / The West and Beyond (11 days)

The Southern Islands

Fencing albatrosses, mischievous alpha males, multicoloured marine iguanas

Take a walk along unspoilt white sand beaches where Galapagos Sea Lions bask in the sun and marine iguanas crawl out of the sea to dry off on the sun-baked lava rocks.

As you sail through the charismatic Southern Islands you will encounter dramatic cliff edge landscapes teeming with seabirds, booby nesting sites that showcase in real life the everyday trials of the ‘survival of the fittest’, and the subtle differences in wildlife and geology that make each of the islands in the Galapagos archipelago unique, from those with green sand to islands fringed in powdery white, from colonies of sooty-toned iguanas to those fire-red, from finches that in one site crush their food with heavy beaks to those that, only a brief sail’s distance away, delicately tap their narrow bill on wood to grab a bite.

At Española, you will be greeted by overly friendly mockingbirds, and flamingos of Floreana may honour you with a synchronized dance.

Green prickly pear cacti, reddish sea portulaca, white coralline beaches and coppery-orange land iguanas will colour your expeditions inland. Back on board afternoon cocktails and empanadas, first-class dinners and the telling of mysterious island legends under the stars will wrap a day’s worth of adventure. Step out into the surf and wade ashore for a unique encounter with courting albatrosses, the one and only Santa Fe Land Iguana and the Green Sea Turtle’s epic nesting story. And don’t forget to mail your postcards from Post Office Bay

The West and Beyond

Mythical reptiles, whale-watching and giant shield volcanoes

Venture to the Galapagos’ far west, where astute dolphins, enormous whales and deep sea creatures of all shape and form head to the wild seaward shores of these special islands, some of the youngest, most fascinating and best kept destinations in the world that evoke in their geology the beginning of time. Head to backwater lagoons to enjoy the flamingo’s courtship performances, watch Flightless Cormorants feeding their young at their nests, and swim with sea turtles, penguins, sea lions and hundreds of tropical fish.

Spend an afternoon kicking back on the sundeck or sea gazing from the bow on the look out for Orcas or Spotted Eagle Rays. Shy Galapagos Fur Seals on Santiago Island shelter among pools formed by the lava carved from the swelling ocean currents. Sally Lightfoot Crabs scuttle over and around mingling lava lizards and marine iguanas. Meet Lonesome George and learn the hardships and inspiring victories of the Darwin Research Station’s conservation efforts.

DAY 1: WEDNESDAY - Arrival and first taste of the Islands.
PM: Arrival at Baltra airport and transfer to the S/S Mary Anne; set sail for Mosquera Islet. After a leisure lunch, we will step ashore (wet landing) onto a beautiful white coralline beach, home to the largest Galapagos sea lion colony in the archipelago. We end the day at Punta Carrión for introductory snorkelling in shallow waters.

DAY 2: THURSDAY - Heading Eastward
AM: Dry landing on one of the oldest docks of the Archipelago, colourful Plaza Sur is home to vibrant green prickly pears, deep red Sesuvium and coppery-orange land iguanas; impressive seaward cliffs are excellent for a variety of coastal birds.
PM: Arrive at Santa Fe (wet landing) where we will be looking for the endemic species of land iguana, larger and yellower than land iguanas on other islands. The largest prickly pear cacti in the Galapagos are also found here.

DAY 3: FRIDAY - Isla San Cristóbal
AM: Wet landing onto Cerro Brujo, one of the most scenic white sand beaches of the Galapagos. Black-necked Stilt and White-cheeked Pintail, the only native duck of the Islands, can be found on a picturesque brackish lagoon.
PM: Wet landing onto Punta Pitt; we'll hike up to a spectacular viewpoint and watch seabirds riding the thermals: Red-footed Booby, Nazca Booby, Great Frigatebird, among others.

DAY 4: SATURDAY - From albatrosses to blowholes
AM: We will spend the day in fantastic Española, starting with Gardner Bay (wet landing), an outstanding beach with sea lions, marine iguanas, and the intrepid Española Mockingbird.
PM: Punta Suárez (dry landing) is a spectacular walk into the intimacies of life at sea, with nesting sites of Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies, as well as the fascinating breeding rituals (April to December) of Waved Albatross. Lined with neon-colored marine iguanas (January), and lazy Galapagos sea lions, we walk up to an amazing viewpoint of the famous blowhole.

DAY 5: SUNDAY - 'The Baroness' domain
AM: We spend the day on Floreana, legendary homestead of infamous Baroness Boise Bosquet de Wagner Whereborn. Wet landing onto the olivine beaches of Punta Cormorant; we will be seeking Greater Flamingos on our way to another special beach with the finest sand you'll set your foot on, a sea turtle nesting ground where sharks and rays also visit regularly. We end the outing on a short panga ride to Devil's Crown, an key snorkelling site.
PM: After lunch we will visit Post Office Bay (wet landing), where you can drop your postcards in the barrel as the whalers did centuries ago.

DAY 6: MONDAY - Tortoises in the Mist
AM: Dry landing at Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz Islands, from which we will visit the wet forests of the highlands in hopes of finding giant tortoises (seasonal). Who would have expected it to be so lush and green on these supposed arid islands?
PM: Santa Cruz After lunch, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, home to legendary Lonesome George, the last remaining individual of his species; an inspiring introduction to the ecological relevance of the Galapagos Islands. Breeding and reintroduction programs of giant tortoises and land iguanas have proven increasingly successful. We spend the late afternoon strolling along the main thoroughfare of Puerto Ayora.

DAY 7: TUESDAY - An initiation to the western islands
AM: We travel to Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos. After breakfast, we step ashore at Punta Moreno (dry landing) onto a superb pahoehoe lava flow surrounded by giant shield volcanoes, some still active!
PM: Panga ride in and around Elizabeth Bay, a salt-water lagoon surrounded by the largest red mangroves of the Galapagos.

DAY 8: WEDNESDAY - Marine abundance
AM: We disembark at Urbina Bay (wet landing) onto a black sand beach, nesting site for Green Sea Turtle. We take a brief hike inland in search of land iguanas and giant tortoises (seasonal) that migrate to and from the highlands. At the beach, we will admire the remains of a geological uplift exposing coral heads and marine fossils; a wonderful snorkeling site.
PM: We cross Bolivar Channel to Fernandina Island, one of the world’s most unspoilt sites, and disembark (dry landing) at Punta Espinosa. Strolling along the shoreline, we will be on the look out for Flightless Cormorants, Galapagos sea lions, sooty-coloured marine iguanas and bright red-orange Sally Lightfoot Crabs.

DAY 9: THURSDAY - Pirate’s abode
AM: Dry landing near Tagus Cove, historic pirate hideaway where names of countless ships are recorded for posterity on the cliff face. Hike through beautiful Galapagos landscapes to Darwin Lake, a salt-water crater lagoon surrounded by tuff stone.
PM: At Punta Albemarle (dry landing), Flightless Cormorant and the largest marine iguanas of the Islands await to greet you at a site virtually untouched by Man

DAY 10: FRIDAY - Grottos and fur seals
AM: After three days exploring the fabulous western islands, we head to central Santiago to disembark at Espumilla (wet landing), onto a golden-coloured sand Green Sea Turtle nesting site. A forest trail will take us through some of the largest specimens of Palo Santo on the islands to observe Yellow Warblers, the unbelievably tame Galapagos Flycatcher and the ever-intriguing Darwin’s finches.
PM: At Puerto Egas (wet landing) we disembark on a dark sand volcanic beach with an interesting history of human settlement. Sleepy Galapagos fur seals lounge under arches of lava carved by the ocean and occasionally dip into the crystalline pools, also known as grottos.

DAY 11: SATURDAY - The bird’s den
AM: Prior to reaching Baltra airport, we disembark on North Seymour (dry landing), a small uplifted island, where we will walk right up to bird nesting colonies of the two species of Frigatebirds, Blue-footed Boobies and Swallow-tailed Gulls, and experience, depending on season, spectacular displays.
NOTE: On the final day the yacht sails on to the Baltra airport, where departing passengers disembark and arriving passengers join on.

S/S Mary Anne / The West and Beyond / Central and Northern Islands (10 days)

The West and Beyond

Mythical reptiles, whale-watching and giant shield volcanoes

Venture to the Galapagos’ far west, where astute dolphins, enormous whales and deep sea creatures of all shape and form head to the wild seaward shores of these special islands, some of the youngest, most fascinating and best kept destinations in the world that evoke in their geology the beginning of time. Head to backwater lagoons to enjoy the flamingo’s courtship performances, watch Flightless Cormorants feeding their young at their nests, and swim with sea turtles, penguins, sea lions and hundreds of tropical fish.

Spend an afternoon kicking back on the sundeck or sea gazing from the bow on the look out for Orcas or Spotted Eagle Rays. Shy Galapagos Fur Seals on Santiago Island shelter among pools formed by the lava carved from the swelling ocean currents. Sally Lightfoot Crabs scuttle over and around mingling lava lizards and marine iguanas. Meet Lonesome George and learn the hardships and inspiring victories of the Darwin Research Station’s conservation efforts.

Central and Northern Islands

Volcanic contours and colours, and the exotic north

This tour focuses on the central islands and sets sail to fabulous northern Genovesa, prime nesting site of Red-footed Booby, to enter deep, silent coves where Green Sea Turtles swim, admire the volcanic contours of iconic Pinnacle Rock and red sand beaches where sea lions lazily soak in the equatorial sun. After a delicious breakfast of fresh fruit juice and French toast, a panga ride will escort you inside mangrove canals where White-tipped Sharks and Golden Rays glide alongside.

Share Nazca Booby nesting rituals and swim-time with curious Galapagos Penguins. Don your life jacket for a dry landing at Prince Philip Steps and maybe even enjoy a face-to-face encounter with a groggy Short-eared Owl. Arrive on moonlike landscapes spawn with prehistoric shrubbery, fresh pahoehoe lava formations where lava bubbles are contained in crystallized minerals and pioneering plants strive to survive. Spend the evening star gazing and relaxing with a book before being rocked to sleep as we make our way to our next adventure.

DAY 1: MONDAY - Puerto Ayora and Darwin Research Station
PM: Santa Cruz Arrival at Baltra airport; we will transfer to Puerto Ayora and embark on the S/S Mary Anne. After lunch, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, home to legendary Lonesome George, the last remaining individual of his species; an inspiring introduction to the ecological relevance of the Galapagos Islands. Breeding and reintroduction programs of giant tortoises and land iguanas have proven increasingly successful. We spend the late afternoon strolling along the main thoroughfare of Puerto Ayora.

DAY 2: TUESDAY - An initiation to the western islands
AM: We travel to Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos. After breakfast, we step ashore at Punta Moreno (dry landing) onto a superb pahoehoe lava flow surrounded by giant shield volcanoes, some still active!
PM: Panga ride in and around Elizabeth Bay, a salt-water lagoon surrounded by the largest red mangroves of the Galapagos.

DAY 3: WEDNESDAY - Marine abundance
AM: We disembark at Urbina Bay (wet landing) onto a black sand beach, nesting site for Green Sea Turtle. We take a brief hike inland in search of land iguanas and giant tortoises (seasonal) that migrate to and from the highlands. At the beach, we will admire the remains of a geological uplift exposing coral heads and marine fossils; a wonderful snorkeling site.
PM: We cross Bolivar Channel to Fernandina Island, one of the world’s most unspoilt sites, and disembark (dry landing) at Punta Espinosa. Strolling along the shoreline, we will be on the look out for Flightless Cormorants, Galapagos sea lions, sooty-coloured marine iguanas and bright red-orange Sally Lightfoot Crabs.

DAY 4: THURSDAY - Pirate’s abode
AM: Dry landing near Tagus Cove, historic pirate hideaway where names of countless ships are recorded for posterity on the cliff face. Hike through beautiful Galapagos landscapes to Darwin Lake, a salt-water crater lagoon surrounded by tuff stone.
PM: At Punta Albemarle (dry landing), Flightless Cormorant and the largest marine iguanas of the Islands await to greet you at a site virtually untouched by Man

DAY 5: FRIDAY - Grottos and fur seals
AM: After three days exploring the fabulous western islands, we head to central Santiago to disembark at Espumilla (wet landing), onto a golden-coloured sand Green Sea Turtle nesting site. A forest trail will take us through some of the largest specimens of Palo Santo on the islands to observe Yellow Warblers, the unbelievably tame Galapagos Flycatcher and the ever-intriguing Darwin’s finches.
PM: At Puerto Egas (wet landing) we disembark on a dark sand volcanic beach with an interesting history of human settlement. Sleepy Galapagos fur seals lounge under arches of lava carved by the ocean and occasionally dip into the crystalline pools, also known as grottos.

DAY 6: SATURDAY - The bird’s den
AM: We disembark on North Seymour (dry landing), a small uplifted island, where we will walk right up to bird nesting colonies of the two species of Frigatebirds, Blue-footed Boobies and Swallow-tailed Gulls, and experience, depending on season, spectacular displays.
PM: We will navigate a short distance to Black Turtle Cove, a large mangrove lagoon on the north coast of Santa Cruz Island. Pelicans and herons roost on the branches, while marine dwellers such as Green Sea Turtle or Golden Ray may cruise right next to the panga as it makes its way through the mangroves.

DAY 7: SUNDAY - Up north
AM: We travel to Genovesa Island and reach Darwin Bay (wet landing), a unique site lined with red mangrove and soft-haired prickly pear cacti where Red-footed Boobies and Great Frigatebirds perch tamely.
PM: At Prince Philip Steps (dry landing), we climb the edge of a cliff where Frigatebirds, Nazca Boobies, and Red-footed Boobies nest. We will be seeking out the impressive Red-billed Tropicbird amidst Galapagos Storm Petrels.

DAY 8: MONDAY - Contours of Sullivan Bay
AM: Dry landing at Bartholomew to climb up the wooden steps and reach the summit of this spatter cone for a most breathtaking panorama of the islands well photographed Pinnacle Rock, views of neighbouring Santiago and many other central islands in the distance.
PM: We head across to Sullivan Bay (dry landing) in Santiago to walk over a recent lava flow, including very fresh pahoehoe lava formations, lava bubbles containing crystallized minerals, and pioneer plants. Along the shoreline, we may find Galapagos penguins and herons going after small fish.

DAY 9: TUESDAY - Mars on Earth
AM: Wet landing onto Rábida’s deep-red beaches to explore the red island’s fascinating interior and saltwater lagoon. Darwin's finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, and yellow warblers feed off the vegetation; given the right time of the year brown pelicans nesting on salt bushes that fringe the beach.
PM: We head across to Cerro Dragón on Santa Cruz’s north-west shore (dry landing); we visit a saltwater lagoon, home to Greater Flamingos, Black-necked Stilts, and White-cheeked Pintails. Further inland we find a fantastic land iguana nesting site.

DAY 10: WEDNESDAY - A last look
AM: Before heading to Baltra airport we circumnavigate the tiny islet of Daphne where the longest ongoing evolutionary field research is being currently carried out. The cliffs teem with Nazca boobies and red-billed tropicbirds, and Darwin's finches have been showing the scientific community how evolution works.
NOTE: On the final day the yacht sails on to the Baltra airport, where departing passengers disembark and arriving passengers join on

S/S Mary Anne / Central and Northern Islands / The Southern Islands (10 days)

Central and Northern Islands

Volcanic contours and colours, and the exotic north

This tour focuses on the central islands and sets sail to fabulous northern Genovesa, prime nesting site of Red-footed Booby, to enter deep, silent coves where Green Sea Turtles swim, admire the volcanic contours of iconic Pinnacle Rock and red sand beaches where sea lions lazily soak in the equatorial sun. After a delicious breakfast of fresh fruit juice and French toast, a panga ride will escort you inside mangrove canals where White-tipped Sharks and Golden Rays glide alongside.

Share Nazca Booby nesting rituals and swim-time with curious Galapagos Penguins. Don your life jacket for a dry landing at Prince Philip Steps and maybe even enjoy a face-to-face encounter with a groggy Short-eared Owl. Arrive on moonlike landscapes spawn with prehistoric shrubbery, fresh pahoehoe lava formations where lava bubbles are contained in crystallized minerals and pioneering plants strive to survive. Spend the evening star gazing and relaxing with a book before being rocked to sleep as we make our way to our next adventure.

The Southern Islands

Fencing albatrosses, mischievous alpha males, multicoloured marine iguanas

Take a walk along unspoilt white sand beaches where Galapagos Sea Lions bask in the sun and marine iguanas crawl out of the sea to dry off on the sun-baked lava rocks. As you sail through the charismatic Southern Islands you will encounter dramatic cliff edge landscapes teeming with seabirds, booby nesting sites that showcase in real life the everyday trials of the ‘survival of the fittest’, and the subtle differences in wildlife and geology that make each of the islands in the Galapagos archipelago unique, from those with green sand to islands fringed in powdery white, from colonies of sooty-toned iguanas to those fire-red, from finches that in one site crush their food with heavy beaks to those that, only a brief sail’s distance away, delicately tap their narrow bill on wood to grab a bite.

At Española, you will be greeted by overly friendly mockingbirds, and flamingos of Floreana may honour you with a synchronized dance. Green prickly pear cacti, reddish sea portulaca, white coralline beaches and coppery-orange land iguanas will colour your expeditions inland. Back on board afternoon cocktails and empanadas, first-class dinners and the telling of mysterious island legends under the stars will wrap a day’s worth of adventure. Step out into the surf and wade ashore for a unique encounter with courting albatrosses, the one and only Santa Fe Land Iguana and the Green Sea Turtle’s epic nesting story. And don’t forget to mail your postcards from Post Office Bay.

DAY 1: SATURDAY - Mangrove wildlife
PM Upon arrival at Baltra airport we board the Mary Anne and navigate a short distance to Black Turtle Cove, a large mangrove lagoon on the north coast of Santa Cruz Island. Pelicans and herons roost on the branches, while marine dwellers such as Green Sea Turtle or Golden Ray may cruise right next to the panga as it makes its way through the mangroves.

DAY 2: SUNDAY - Up north
AM: We travel to Genovesa Island and reach Darwin Bay (wet landing), a unique site lined with red mangrove and soft-haired prickly pear cacti where Red-footed Boobies and Great Frigatebirds perch tamely.
PM: At Prince Philip Steps (dry landing), we climb the edge of a cliff where Frigatebirds, Nazca Boobies, and Red-footed Boobies nest. We will be seeking out the impressive Red-billed Tropicbird amidst Galapagos Storm Petrels.

DAY 3: MONDAY - Contours of Sullivan Bay
AM: Dry landing at Bartholomew to climb up the wooden steps and reach the summit of this spatter cone for a most breathtaking panorama of the islands well photographed Pinnacle Rock, views of neighbouring Santiago and many other central islands in the distance.
PM: We head across to Sullivan Bay (dry landing) in Santiago to walk over a recent lava flow, including very fresh pahoehoe lava formations, lava bubbles containing crystallized minerals, and pioneer plants. Along the shoreline, we may find Galapagos penguins and herons going after small fish.

DAY 4: TUESDAY - Mars on Earth
AM: Wet landing onto Rábida’s deep-red beaches to explore the red island’s fascinating interior and saltwater lagoon. Darwin's finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, and yellow warblers feed off the vegetation; given the right time of the year brown pelicans nesting on salt bushes that fringe the beach.
PM: We head across to Cerro Dragón on Santa Cruz’s north-west shore (dry landing); we visit a saltwater lagoon, home to Greater Flamingos, Black-necked Stilts, and White-cheeked Pintails. Further inland we find a fantastic land iguana nesting site.

DAY 5: WEDNESDAY - The islets
AM: We circumnavigate the tiny islet of Daphne where the longest ongoing evolutionary field research is being currently carried out. The cliffs teem with Nazca boobies and red-billed tropicbirds, and Darwin’s finches have been showing the scientific community how evolution works.
PM: Set sail for Mosquera Islet. After a leisure lunch, we will step ashore (wet landing) onto a beautiful white coralline beach, home to the largest Galapagos sea lion colony in the archipelago. We end the day at Punta Carrión for introductory snorkelling in shallow waters.

DAY 6: THURSDAY - Heading Eastward
AM: Dry landing on one of the oldest docks of the Archipelago, colourful Plaza Sur is home to vibrant green prickly pears, deep red Sesuvium and coppery-orange land iguanas; impressive seaward cliffs are excellent for a variety of coastal birds.
PM: Arrive at Santa Fe (wet landing) where we will be looking for the endemic species of land iguana, larger and yellower than land iguanas on other islands. The largest prickly pear cacti in the Galapagos are also found here.

DAY 7: FRIDAY - Isla San Cristóbal
AM: Wet landing onto Cerro Brujo, one of the most scenic white sand beaches of the Galapagos. Black-necked Stilt and White-cheeked Pintail, the only native duck of the Islands, can be found on a picturesque brackish lagoon.
PM: Wet landing onto Punta Pitt; we'll hike up to a spectacular viewpoint and watch seabirds riding the thermals: Red-footed Booby, Nazca Booby, Great Frigatebird, among others.

DAY 8: SATURDAY - From albatrosses to blowholes
AM: We will spend the day in fantastic Española, starting with Gardner Bay (wet landing), an outstanding beach with sea lions, marine iguanas, and the intrepid Española Mockingbird.
PM: Punta Suárez (dry landing) is a spectacular walk into the intimacies of life at sea, with nesting sites of Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies, as well as the fascinating breeding rituals (April to December) of Waved Albatross. Lined with neon-colored marine iguanas (January), and lazy Galapagos sea lions, we walk up to an amazing viewpoint of the famous blowhole.

DAY 9: SUNDAY - The Baroness’ domain
AM: We spend the day on Floreana, legendary homestead of infamous Baroness Boise Bosquet de Wagner Whereborn. Wet landing onto the olivine beaches of Punta Cormorant; we will be seeking Greater Flamingos on our way to another special beach with the finest sand you’ll set your foot on, a sea turtle nesting ground where sharks and rays also visit regularly. We end the outing on a short panga ride to Devil’s Crown, an key snorkelling site.
PM: After lunch we will visit Post Office Bay (wet landing), where you can drop your postcards in the barrel as the whalers did centuries ago.

DAY 10: MONDAY - Tortoises in the Mist
AM: Dry landing at Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz Islands, from which we will visit the wet forests of the highlands in hopes of finding giant tortoises (seasonal). Who would have expected it to be so lush and green on these supposed arid islands? Itinerary A comes to an end as we bus ride back to Baltra airport.
NOTE: Passengers ending their trip on this day will be transported by bus to the airport at Baltra. We offer additional tourist packages for passengers who want to spend more time at Puerto Ayora. Passengers starting their trip on this day will be transported from Baltra to Puerto Ayora by bus. A certified guide will accompany passengers at all times

S/S Mary Anne / Central, Northern and Southern Islands / The West and Beyond (15 days)

The Southern Islands

Fencing albatrosses, mischievous alpha males, multicoloured marine iguanas

Take a walk along unspoilt white sand beaches where Galapagos Sea Lions bask in the sun and marine iguanas crawl out of the sea to dry off on the sun-baked lava rocks. As you sail through the charismatic Southern Islands you will encounter dramatic cliff edge landscapes teeming with seabirds, booby nesting sites that showcase in real life the everyday trials of the ‘survival of the fittest’, and the subtle differences in wildlife and geology that make each of the islands in the Galapagos archipelago unique, from those with green sand to islands fringed in powdery white, from colonies of sooty-toned iguanas to those fire-red, from finches that in one site crush their food with heavy beaks to those that, only a brief sail’s distance away, delicately tap their narrow bill on wood to grab a bite.

At Española, you will be greeted by overly friendly mockingbirds, and flamingos of Floreana may honour you with a synchronized dance. Green prickly pear cacti, reddish sea portulaca, white coralline beaches and coppery-orange land iguanas will colour your expeditions inland. Back on board afternoon cocktails and empanadas, first-class dinners and the telling of mysterious island legends under the stars will wrap a day’s worth of adventure. Step out into the surf and wade ashore for a unique encounter with courting albatrosses, the one and only Santa Fe Land Iguana and the Green Sea Turtle’s epic nesting story. And don’t forget to mail your postcards from Post Office Bay.

The West and Beyond

Mythical reptiles, whale--watching and giant shield volcanoes

Venture to the Galapagos’ far west, where astute dolphins, enormous whales and deep sea creatures of all shape and form head to the wild seaward shores of these special islands, some of the youngest, most fascinating and best kept destinations in the world that evoke in their geology the beginning of time. Head to backwater lagoons to enjoy the flamingo’s courtship performances, watch Flightless Cormorants feeding their young at their nests, and swim with sea turtles, penguins, sea lions and hundreds of tropical fish.

Spend an afternoon kicking back on the sundeck or sea gazing from the bow on the look out for Orcas or Spotted Eagle Rays. Shy Galapagos Fur Seals on Santiago Island shelter among pools formed by the lava carved from the swelling ocean currents. Sally Lightfoot Crabs scuttle over and around mingling lava lizards and marine iguanas. Meet Lonesome George and learn the hardships and inspiring victories of the Darwin Research Station’s conservation efforts.

Central and Northern Islands

Volcanic contours and colours, and the exotic north

This tour focuses on the central islands and sets sail to fabulous northern Genovesa, prime nesting site of Red-footed Booby, to enter deep, silent coves where Green Sea Turtles swim, admire the volcanic contours of iconic Pinnacle Rock and red sand beaches where sea lions lazily soak in the equatorial sun. After a delicious breakfast of fresh fruit juice and French toast, a panga ride will escort you inside mangrove canals where White-tipped Sharks and Golden Rays glide alongside.
Share Nazca Booby nesting rituals and swim-time with curious Galapagos Penguins. Don your life jacket for a dry landing at Prince Philip Steps and maybe even enjoy a face-to-face encounter with a groggy Short-eared Owl. Arrive on moonlike landscapes spawn with prehistoric shrubbery, fresh pahoehoe lava formations where lava bubbles are contained in crystallized minerals and pioneering plants strive to survive. Spend the evening star gazing and relaxing with a book before being rocked to sleep as we make our way to our next adventure.

DAY 1: WEDNESDAY - Arrival and first taste of the Islands.
PM: Arrival at Baltra airport and transfer to the S/S Mary Anne; set sail for Mosquera Islet. After a leisure lunch, we will step ashore (wet landing) onto a beautiful white coralline beach, home to the largest Galapagos sea lion colony in the archipelago. We end the day at Punta Carrión for introductory snorkelling in shallow waters.

DAY 2: THURSDAY - Heading Eastward
AM: Dry landing on one of the oldest docks of the Archipelago, colourful Plaza Sur is home to vibrant green prickly pears, deep red Sesuvium and coppery-orange land iguanas; impressive seaward cliffs are excellent for a variety of coastal birds.
PM: Arrive at Santa Fe (wet landing) where we will be looking for the endemic species of land iguana, larger and yellower than land iguanas on other islands. The largest prickly pear cacti in the Galapagos are also found here.

DAY 3: FRIDAY - Isla San Cristóbal
AM: Wet landing onto Cerro Brujo, one of the most scenic white sand beaches of the Galapagos. Black-necked Stilt and White-cheeked Pintail, the only native duck of the Islands, can be found on a picturesque brackish lagoon.
PM: Wet landing onto Punta Pitt; we'll hike up to a spectacular viewpoint and watch seabirds riding the thermals: Red-footed Booby, Nazca Booby, Great Frigatebird, among others.

DAY 4: SATURDAY - From albatrosses to blowholes
AM: We will spend the day in fantastic Española, starting with Gardner Bay (wet landing), an outstanding beach with sea lions, marine iguanas, and the intrepid Española Mockingbird.
PM: Punta Suárez (dry landing) is a spectacular walk into the intimacies of life at sea, with nesting sites of Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies, as well as the fascinating breeding rituals (April to December) of Waved Albatross. Lined with neon-colored marine iguanas (January), and lazy Galapagos sea lions, we walk up to an amazing viewpoint of the famous blowhole.

DAY 5: SUNDAY - The Baroness’ domain
AM: We spend the day on Floreana, legendary homestead of infamous Baroness Boise Bosquet de Wagner Whereborn. Wet landing onto the olivine beaches of Punta Cormorant; we will be seeking Greater Flamingos on our way to another special beach with the finest sand you’ll set your foot on, a sea turtle nesting ground where sharks and rays also visit regularly. We end the outing on a short panga ride to Devil’s Crown, an key snorkelling site.
PM: After lunch we will visit Post Office Bay (wet landing), where you can drop your postcards in the barrel as the whalers did centuries ago.

DAY 6: MONDAY - Tortoises in the Mist
AM: Dry landing at Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz Islands, from which we will visit the wet forests of the highlands in hopes of finding giant tortoises (seasonal). Who would have expected it to be so lush and green on these supposed arid islands?
PM: Santa Cruz After lunch, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, home to legendary Lonesome George, the last remaining individual of his species; an inspiring introduction to the ecological relevance of the Galapagos Islands. Breeding and reintroduction programs of giant tortoises and land iguanas have proven increasingly successful. We spend the late afternoon strolling along the main thoroughfare of Puerto Ayora.

DAY 7: TUESDAY - An initiation to the western islands
AM: We travel to Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos. After breakfast, we step ashore at Punta Moreno (dry landing) onto a superb pahoehoe lava flow surrounded by giant shield volcanoes, some still active!
PM: Panga ride in and around Elizabeth Bay, a salt-water lagoon surrounded by the largest red mangroves of the Galapagos.

DAY 8: WEDNESDAY - Marine abundance
AM: We disembark at Urbina Bay (wet landing) onto a black sand beach, nesting site for Green Sea Turtle. We take a brief hike inland in search of land iguanas and giant tortoises (seasonal) that migrate to and from the highlands. At the beach, we will admire the remains of a geological uplift exposing coral heads and marine fossils; a wonderful snorkeling site.
PM: We cross Bolivar Channel to Fernandina Island, one of the world’s most unspoilt sites, and disembark (dry landing) at Punta Espinosa. Strolling along the shoreline, we will be on the look out for Flightless Cormorants, Galapagos sea lions, sooty-coloured marine iguanas and bright red-orange Sally Lightfoot Crabs.

DAY 9: THURSDAY - Pirate’s abode
AM: Dry landing near Tagus Cove, historic pirate hideaway where names of countless ships are recorded for posterity on the cliff face. Hike through beautiful Galapagos landscapes to Darwin Lake, a salt-water crater lagoon surrounded by tuff stone.
PM: At Punta Albemarle (dry landing), Flightless Cormorant and the largest marine iguanas of the Islands await to greet you at a site virtually untouched by Man

DAY 10: FRIDAY - Grottos and fur seals
AM: After three days exploring the fabulous western islands, we head to central Santiago to disembark at Espumilla (wet landing), onto a golden-coloured sand Green Sea Turtle nesting site. A forest trail will take us through some of the largest specimens of Palo Santo on the islands to observe Yellow Warblers, the unbelievably tame Galapagos Flycatcher and the ever-intriguing Darwin’s finches.
PM: At Puerto Egas (wet landing) we disembark on a dark sand volcanic beach with an interesting history of human settlement. Sleepy Galapagos fur seals lounge under arches of lava carved by the ocean and occasionally dip into the crystalline pools, also known as grottos.

DAY 11: SATURDAY - The bird’s den
AM: We disembark on North Seymour (dry landing), a small uplifted island, where we will walk right up to bird nesting colonies of the two species of Frigatebirds, Blue-footed Boobies and Swallow-tailed Gulls, and experience, depending on season, spectacular displays.
PM: We will navigate a short distance to Black Turtle Cove, a large mangrove lagoon on the north coast of Santa Cruz Island. Pelicans and herons roost on the branches, while marine dwellers such as Green Sea Turtle or Golden Ray may cruise right next to the panga as it makes its way through the mangroves.

DAY 12: SUNDAY - Up north
AM: We travel to Genovesa Island and reach Darwin Bay (wet landing), a unique site lined with red mangrove and soft-haired prickly pear cacti where Red-footed Boobies and Great Frigatebirds perch tamely.
PM: At Prince Philip Steps (dry landing), we climb the edge of a cliff where Frigatebirds, Nazca Boobies, and Red-footed Boobies nest. We will be seeking out the impressive Red-billed Tropicbird amidst Galapagos Storm Petrels.

DAY 13: MONDAY - Contours of Sullivan Bay
AM: Dry landing at Bartholomew to climb up the wooden steps and reach the summit of this spatter cone for a most breathtaking panorama of the islands well photographed Pinnacle Rock, views of neighbouring Santiago and many other central islands in the distance.
PM: We head across to Sullivan Bay (dry landing) in Santiago to walk over a recent lava flow, including very fresh pahoehoe lava formations, lava bubbles containing crystallized minerals, and pioneer plants. Along the shoreline, we may find Galapagos penguins and herons going after small fish.

DAY 14: TUESDAY - Mars on Earth
AM: Wet landing onto Rábida’s deep-red beaches to explore the red island’s fascinating interior and saltwater lagoon. Darwin's finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, and yellow warblers feed off the vegetation; given the right time of the year brown pelicans nesting on salt bushes that fringe the beach.
PM: We head across to Cerro Dragón on Santa Cruz’s north-west shore (dry landing); we visit a saltwater lagoon, home to Greater Flamingos, Black-necked Stilts, and White-cheeked Pintails. Further inland we find a fantastic land iguana nesting site.

DAY 15: WEDNESDAY - A last look
AM: Before heading to Baltra airport we circumnavigate the tiny islet of Daphne where the longest ongoing evolutionary field research is being currently carried out. The cliffs teem with Nazca boobies and red-billed tropicbirds, and Darwin's finches have been showing the scientific community how evolution works.