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This itinerary is no longer available. View the Mary Anne Galapagos Cruise Main Page for current sailings.

Venture to the far West of the Galapagos Islands aboard the Sailing Ship Mary Anne. This cruise focuses on the Western Galapagos Islands where astute dolphins, enormous whales and deep sea creatures head to the wild seaward shores of the Galapagos. Visit 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.

Mary Anne's West & Beyond Galapagos Cruise can be combined with the Central & Northern Islands cruise, the Southern Islands Cruise or both to create trips of 10, 11 or 15 days in length. View the West & Beyond Cruise details below or click on the following links to view details of other Mary Anne Galapagos Cruises.

Central & Northern Galapagos Islands 5 day/4 night

Southern Galapagos Islands 6 day/5 night

Mary Anne Galapagos Cruise Main Page

Day 1 - Baltra, Charles Darwin Research Station

Santa Cruz Arrival at Baltra airport; transfer to Puerto Ayora and embark on the S/S Mary Anne. After lunch, 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. Spend the late afternoon strolling along the main thoroughfare of Puerto Ayora.

Accommodations: Mary Anne
Included Meals: lunch and dinner

Day 2 – Punta Moreno & Elizabeth Bay, Isabela

Travel to Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos. After breakfast, step ashore at Punta Moreno (dry landing) onto a superb pahoehoe lava flow surrounded by giant shield volcanoes, some still active! Later, enjoy a Panga ride in and around Elizabeth Bay, a salt-water lagoon surrounded by the largest red mangroves of the Galapagos.

Accommodations: Mary Anne
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Urbina Bay & Punta Espinosa, Fernandina

After an early breakfast, disembark at Urbina Bay (wet landing) onto a black sand beach, nesting site for Green Sea Turtle. Take a brief hike inland in search of land iguanas and giant tortoises (seasonal) that migrate to and from the highlands. At the beach, admire the remains of a geological uplift exposing coral heads and marine fossils; a wonderful snorkeling site. Afterward, cross Bolivar Channel to Fernandina Island, one of the world’s most unspoiled sites, and disembark (dry landing) at Punta Espinosa. Strolling along the shoreline, keep a look out for Flightless Cormorants, Galapagos sea lions, sooty-colored marine iguanas and bright red-orange Sally Lightfoot Crabs.

Accommodations: Mary Anne
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Tagus Cove & Punta Albemarle

Start with 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. Make a dry landing at Punta Albemarle where Flightless Cormorant and the largest marine iguanas of the Islands await to greet you at a site virtually untouched by Man.

Accommodations: Mary Anne
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Espumilla & Puerto Egas, Santiago

After three days exploring the fabulous western islands, head to central Santiago to disembark at Espumilla (wet landing), onto a golden-colored sand Green Sea Turtle nesting site. A forest trail winds 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. Follow this with a wet landing at Puerto Egas, to 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".

Accommodations: Mary Anne
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - North Seymour, Return to Baltra

Prior to leaving for the airport at Baltra, make a dry landing at the small uplifted island of North Seymour, which hosts the largest colony of magnificent frigate birds: one of the two species that nest in Galápagos. Male frigate birds display their large red throat pouch to attract a female, while on ground; blue-footed boobies step out in their courtship dance. Itinerary B comes to an end as we bus ride back to Baltra airport for flights back to Quito.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

GALAPAGOS CRUISE INCLUSIVE PACKAGE: For your convenience we offer an Inclusive Package with three nights hotel accommodations in Quito, all airport/hotel transfers, Galapagos flights, Galapagos National Park entrance fees and taxes, Galapagos migration card and your Galapagos Coral cruise. View details of our Galapagos Cruise Inclusive Package.

Travelers not interested in our inclusive package must purchase Galapagos flights in conjunction with their Galapagos Cruise.

GALAPAGOS CRUISE CUSTOM PACKAGE: If you are booking a cruise only program our experts can assist with hotels, transfers, flights and tours. Call AdventureSmith Explorations about customizing your tour or the possibilities of combining this trip with our Mainland Ecuador and Peru: Machu Picchu extensions. We are Galapagos cruise and Ecuador travel experts and our staff can help you customize the perfect Galapagos Cruise or Ecuador Tour Package.

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 adventure travel and cruising unique.

Single Travelers: Single cabins are available for single supplement of 30%. Single travelers willing to share with a same sex traveler at the time of booking are guaranteed the double rate, even if a roommate is not found.

Family Travelers: Children under 12 receive a discount when traveling with at least 1 adult (Not valid Christmas and New Years). The S/S Mary Anne features some rooms that can accommodate triples. An adult must accompany children under 18 years old. Children under 10 years of age are not allowed on board.

Cost Includes: All accommodations aboard, Galapagos cruise including all meals while aboard and an experienced Galapagos Islands naturalist guide, land and sea transportation, use of snorkeling equipment and kayaks.

Not Included aboard Mary Anne: International airfare; Airfare from mainland Ecuador; Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee (US $100 per adult, $50 for children under 12 years old. This can be paid directly by passengers [cash only] or it is included in our INCLUSIVE PACKAGE TOURS), Galapagos National Institute Migration Control Card (US $10 per person; departure tax ($40.80), Gratuities for guides, crew, drivers or local staff; alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages; other personal expenses; medical services or insurance of any kind.

Arrival and Departure: Most flights to the Galapagos will depart Quito or Guayaquil between 7:00am-9:00am on day 1 and return between 2:00pm-5:00pm on the final day. We highly recommend travelers arrive Ecuador 2 days prior to their Galapagos Cruise.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: A cruise deposit of $700 per person is required at the time of booking. For land packages a deposit of $300 per person is required at the time of booking. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions for cancellation fees.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Accommodations Aboard: The Mary Anne accommodate 16 guests in 10 double cabins, all with private bathrooms and air-conditioning. There is also a bar, interior dining room, and an open-air dining area. Life aboard a small boat requires some physical agility and a flexible and social nature. Accommodations are in double cabins, each with toilet and shower. The crew is comprised of the captain, multilingual naturalist guides, cook, barman/waiter, mechanic and two to four sailors. All meals are prepared and served by the crew on board. Alcoholic beverages 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). 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 round trip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist. 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 available for free aboard Mary Anne. 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 and 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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