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Suited for environmentally friendly operation in the Galapagos National Park and the Galapagos Marine Reserve, the 48 capacity La Pinta’s “expedition” experience bonds nature with everything the islands hold for your discovery: intimate contact with the natural world; a vast ocean to navigate, activities like snorkeling, swimming, whale and dolphin watching and full days of wildlife viewing, led by naturalist field experts. In the quiet evenings enjoy being pampered aboard LA PINTA, with dinner followed by naturalist lectures, stargazing on the sky deck, reading a book from the library, E-mailing your loved ones, or enjoying a cocktail in the lounge.

Our Galapagos cruises combine the finest small ships with the most talented naturalist guides and offer a range of activities designed to bring you into intimate contact with the unique creatures and ecosystems of the Galapagos. Spend more time ashore hiking among nesting frigate birds or albatross, more time snorkeling with sea lions, or perhaps just relaxing on a crescent beach.

The La Pinta cruise packages begin and end in colonial Quito, Ecuador and include Quito hotel accommodations, airport/hotel transfers, round trip flights from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands and a half day tour of Quito's old town, a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site. Join us and see why, quite simply, our small ship and yacht cruises to the Galapagos Islands have all the ingredients for a vacation of a lifetime!

Day 1 - Arrive Quito Ecuador

Upon arrival at the Quito, Ecuador international airport you are met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel.

Accommodations: Hotel Patio Andaluz or similar
Included Meals: none

Day 2 - Colonial Quito

South America's oldest capitol city, Quito sits at 9,184-feet elevation. It has been amazingly preserved and is protected as a UNESCO world heritage site. Enjoy a three hour guided walking tour of Quito's colonial center including Independence Plaza, La Compania Church and San Francisco Cathedral. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy this lively city, rest or prepare for your Galapagos Cruise.

Accommodations: Hotel Patio Andaluz or similar
Included Meals: breakfast

Day 3 - Quito to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Isla Lobos and Playa, San Cristobal Island

This morning depart on a three-hour flight to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the small and cozy capital of Galapagos. This attractive port is the provincial capital of the Galápagos Islands (population ca 4,000), along a crescent-shaped bay. Meet your Expedition Leaders then continue on to visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, located in a natural setting, that allows visitors to obtain information for a better understanding of the natural history of the Galápagos, with a great emphasis on human history and conservation. Transfer to board Y/LA PINTA. Welcome introductory briefing, and lunch. Boat Drill and other activities will be explained by the staff.

A zodiac ride along the rocky shoreline of Isla Lobos: a rugged satellite islet of San Cristobal, home of Galapagos sea lions, brown pelicans, and marine iguanas. A small colony of frigate birds, trees and stunning vistas of nearby kicker Rock. A wet landing on a coralline beach (Playa Ochoa) will offer the first opportunity to swim or snorkel. Highlights ashore include the Chatham (San Cristobal) Mockingbird, Chatham Lava Lizard; both species are endemic to this island, and seen nowhere else in Galapagos. We may also spot Yellow Warblers, Galapagos flycatchers etc. These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835, as San Cristobal was the first island where he set foot in the Galapagos. Back on board, join us at the bar saloon for a cocktail offered by the Captain, enjoy the expedition plan for the next day followed by dinner.

Accommodations: La Pinta
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - North Seymour Island, Guy Fawkes and Cerro Dragón (Santa Cruz Island)

Morning disembarkation (dry landing) for a walk along the coast and the interior of North Seymour Island, observing bird colonies of blue footed boobies, frigate birds, swallow tailed gulls and also sea lions and marine iguanas. An opportunity for snorkeling or coastal exploration. Lunch on board.

Guy Fawkes is a group of four small islets, remains of eroded tuff cones, two of which still show their crescent face protected to the leeward side. Fantastic locations to enjoy the marine reserve, including Galápagos sharks, turtles and sea horses along with myriads of reef fish. Afterwards, explore the northern shore of Santa Cruz Island, at Cerro Dragon, where an important project to save the endemic land iguanas was successful in protecting these reptiles against introduced predators. Today the iguana population is booming again, and individuals may be seen basking in the sun or feeding on the opuntia cacti. To reach this “Dragon Hill” we pass a small lagoon, feeding ground for colorful waders like stilts and greater flamingoes. Back on board, our expedition plan will reveal the details of next day’s activities.

Accommodations: La Pinta
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Post Office Bay and Punta Cormorant

Wet landing at Post Office Bay, Floreana Island to visit the historic barrel that served as a post office, to learn about the human side of the islands, its early inhabitants and the adventures of pirates and whalers. Possibility to snorkel from the zodiacs around Champion Islet or a ride on the glass-bottom boat. A zodiac ride along Champion islet may show the rarest land bird in Galápagos: the Charles Mockingbird. Lunch on board.

Disembark at Punta Cormorant (wet landing) for an easy walk to see the flamingos that inhabit a brackish-water lagoon, and other birds like stilts and sandpipers. Return to the beach and possibility to swim; there is great snorkeling at this site or kayak from the beach. Next day’s expedition plan and dinner

Accommodations: La Pinta
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Punta Moreno and Punta Espinoza

Dry landing over a young lava field at Punta Moreno, Isabela Island. A dramatic scenery of pahoe-hoe lava that stretches to the foot of some of the most active volcanoes in Galápagos (Cerro Azul and Santo Tomás a.k.a. Sierra Negra). The landscape will be briefly interrupted by small scattered brackish lagoons. Lush vegetation and brightly colored birds are a striking contrast with the surrounding jet black lava. A panga ride along the shore will reveal mangrove tenants like rays, young sharks, nesting pelicans and flightless birds like penguins and the endemic cormorant. Lunch on board.

The afternoon brings us to the jewel of the Galapagos National Park, and youngest island, Fernandina. Disembark (dry landing)at Punta Espinoza for a one-mile walk. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with much wildlife. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their space with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorant. Expedition plan and dinner.

Accommodations: La Pinta
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Santa Cruz Highlands and Charles Darwin Research Station

After breakfast, disembark (dry landing) to visit the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, an Scalesia forest and the twin pit craters geology formation, Los Gemelos. From December to mid-April a visit to see the giant tortoises in the wild may be included, if weather conditions are good. Return to Puerto Ayora for lunch at the poolside of the Finch Bay Eco Hotel.

Afternoon visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens, including tortoise celebrities like “Lonesome George” within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. Late afternoon stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora before embarking on Yacht LA PINTA. Next day’s expedition plan and dinner.
Accommodations: La Pinta
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Bartolome Island and Rabida Island

A small satellite island of the neighboring Santiago Island, Bartolomé Island is a landmark of Galápagos. Broken volcanic material reveals some of the most striking volcanic landscapes: the Pinnacle rock. After a dry landing, the short, yet somewhat steep trail will unfold virtually every volcanic feature expected to be found in Galápagos. Lava flows, tuff, cinder and spatter cones. To reach the summit a wooden staircase was build to minimize erosion on the island´s slopes. The vista is the prize: The Pinnacle Rock next to golden beaches and turquoise waters. This is the introduction to the next activity: swimming and snorkeling along the north beach of Bartolomé. Glass Bottom boat is an option for non-snorkelers. Lunch on board.

Only a short sailing distance from Bartolomé is the colorful island of Rábida. Aquatic activities will include swarms of reef fish, sea lions and often large rays. The day can end with a rewarding stroll along the trail up to the viewing rocks over the red beach. A deciduous forest of palo santo trees, home to Darwin finches and Galápagos doves. Expedition plan and dinner. Weather permitting, stargazing from the outer deck at night.

Accommodations: La Pinta
Included Meals: breakfast,lunch and dinner

Day 9 - Gardner Bay & Punta Suarez, Espanola Island

After breakfast, disembark (wet landing) at Gardner Bay, a white coral beach where you can take a short walk and watch the sea lions, Hood mockingbirds, finches or enjoy the beach. There is great snorkeling in this area (snorkeling equipment is available for guests at no extra cost), or ride the glass-bottom boat. Lunch on board. In Punta Suarez we make an afternoon dry landing for an exciting walk on lava terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the Waved Albatrosses (May - December), colonies of Nazca- and blue footed boobies, swallow tailed gulls and the famous blowhole. Departure briefing and dinner.

Accommodations: La Pinta
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 - Puerto Baquerizo Moreno to Quito

This morning after breakfast, bid farewell to the Galapagos Islands and board your flight back to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, you will be transferred to your hotel where you will spend the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Accommodations: Hotel Patio Andaluz or similar
Included Meals: breakfast

Day 11 - Depart Quito

Transportation will be provided to the Quito International Airport. Consider extending your Galapagos Cruise with an excursion into the Amazon Basin rainforest or Machu Picchu, Peru.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast


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Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be flexible makes our style of Galapagos cruising unique.

Single Travelers: The La Pinta offers three designated 'single' cabins. Advance reservations are highly recommended. Twin/Double cabins for single use have a surcharge of %100 of the price.

Family Travelers: Children under 12 receive a discount. Six cabins are connected, for the convenience of families traveling together, and there are also 4 triple cabins of approximately 22 square meters (236 square feet). These triple cabins accommodate 2 adults and 1 child in a sofa bed. Minimum child age is 7 years old. Beginning in 2009, our “Young Pirates” program allows children, 7 to 12 years old, to fully absorb Galapagos --at their own pace. Young guests will enjoy a different educational approach with “children only” activities, special meals, interpretative recreational material and books. Our goal is that everyone can thoroughly enjoy this natural paradise, appreciate the efforts for its conservation and fully participate in all planned activities.

Land Cost Includes: Quito hotel accommodations with breakfast included, all airport/hotel transfers, round trip flight from Quito to the Galapagos Islands, Galapagos National Park entrance fees & taxes, Galapagos transit card, Galapagos cruise including all meals and activities while aboard, an experienced Galapagos Islands naturalist guide and snorkeling gear. Hairdryers are available on board by request.

Not Included: Airfare from US to Quito; excess baggage charges; airport departure tax from Quito; tips to local staff and items of a personal nature such as soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, laundry fees and insurance of any kind.

Arrival and Departure: This trip begins and ends in Quito, Ecuador. Plan flights to arrive at any time on Day 1 and depart anytime on the last day. Airport transfers are included for travelers arriving and departing on scheduled arrival/departure days. This trip can also be arranged to begin and end in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: We charge a higher deposit of $1000 for our Galapagos trips at the time of booking with the final payment due 90 days from departure. A special cancellation policy applies to all Galapagos trips, which is stricter than the AdventureSmith Explorations policy. When a trip cancellation is received inside of 70 days from departure, all trip costs are 100% non-refundable. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

Accommodations Aboard: The La Pinta can accommodate 48 guests. La Pinta’s ample staterooms provide Galapagos explorers with unparalleled comfort. Its 24 cabins are located mid-ship, in the Upper Deck, with double beds (32” x 79” inches), which can be converted to one Queen bed (64” x 79” inches), with private bathroom and air conditioning. Six cabins are connected, for the convenience of families traveling together, and there are also 4 triple cabins of approximately 22 square meters (236 square feet). These triple cabins can accommodate 2 adults and 1 child in a sofa bed. Bedding is fine cotton, down duvets and a choice of pillows. Bathrooms have all the amenities, hair dryer and plenty of plush towels. The crew includes: the captain, multilingual naturalist guides, cook, barman/waiter, mechanic and crew. All meals are prepared and served by the crew on board and all meals are free seating with no dress code. Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase on board.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Daily excursions from the boat to the islands will be made in pangas (dinghies). It is compulsory to wear a life vest during all dinghy rides between the ship and shore. Trip members will hike from the landing point to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours roundtrip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Given the islands volcanic origin, and the fact that most walking is done over pristine and irregular volcanic terrain, guests must be in suitable physical condition. Two types of shore landings are planned in the Galapagos Islands. On Dry Landings guests will step from the dinghy directly onto rocks or a dock. On wet Landings, as the dinghy edges onto a sandy beach, guests step into knee deep water and wade ashore. There are numerous opportunities to swim and snorkel.

Snorkeling: The underwater experience is an integral part of any Galapagos cruise. We encourage all travelers to try snorkeling. Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, floating vest and net bag) are provided for the duration of the cruise. Shortie wet suits may be available for rent and are recommended from June to December. If interested, please advise your adventure coordinator upon booking.

Extending Your Trip: Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining this trip with our Mainland Ecuador and Peru: Machu Picchu extensions.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations 'Terms & Conditions'. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

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