La Pinta Galapagos Cruise travelers walk over hardened black lava field near brown mountains on a cloudy day.

Two people admire and photograph sea lions that are sunbathing on the Galapagos Islands

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La Pinta Galapagos Cruises

1/10

$5812^USD

Starting At

5-7

Days

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Overview
Itinerary
Rates & Dates
Accommodations
Expert Reviews
Testimonials
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South America Galapagos Islands Cruise

La Pinta Galapagos Cruises

The gorgeous 209-foot expedition yacht La Pinta is home away from home during 5- and 7-day La Pinta Galapagos Cruises. Enjoy a sophisticated, upscale travel experience aboard the 48-guest expedition yacht, with 24 cabins known to be some of the largest in the Galapagos. Spacious and family friendly for Galapagos family cruises, La Pinta is the result of generations of experience and thoughtfulness by captains, expedition leaders, hotel managers and guests combined.

She is suited for environmentally friendly operation in the Galapagos National Park and the Galapagos Marine Reserve and offers an expedition experience that bonds nature and discovery. Enjoy intimate contact with the natural world; a vast ocean to navigate; activities like snorkeling, swimming, whale and dolphin watching; riding in a glass-bottom boat; 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, emailing loved ones with free WiFi or enjoying a cocktail in the lounge.

The 7-day La Pinta Western Galapagos Islands Cruise aboard La Pinta is the perfect balance of iconic Galapagos highlights. Visit Baltra, North Seymour, Fernandina, Isabela, Rabida, Santa Cruz and Floreana Islands. Highlights include the young western islands with their volcanic landscapes and special wildlife including hawks, penguins and flightless cormorants. Seek out whales in the Bolivar Channel and various species of Darwin’s finches on the red-sand-beach of Rabida. And send a postcard home via the barrel on Floreana’s Post Office Bay.

The 5-day La Pinta Eastern Galapagos Islands Cruise begins in Baltra, visits South Plaza, Santa Fe, San Cristobal, Espanola and Santa Cruz islands. Highlights include swimming from the idyllic white-sand beach of Santa Fe, visiting giant tortoises in the forests of San Cristobal and walking over the lava/boulder terrain of Punta Suarez (where waved albatross can be seen April through January).

The 5-day La Pinta Northern Galapagos Islands itinerary sails round-trip from Baltra and focuses on the islands of Santa Cruz, Santiago, Bartolome and Genovesa with highlights like Pinnacle Rock, Prince Philip’s Steps, Darwin Bay and the Santa Cruz Highlands. Explore the rarely visited Eden Islet with its volcanic debris and blue-footed boobies. Hike the often-photographed Bartolome Island for sweeping views of its Pinnacle Rock. And birders can delight in Genovesa’s abundance of avian species.

La Pinta’s three Galapagos cruise itineraries can be combined in various ways to create longer 9-, 11- or 15-day cruises. View the Itinerary for more details, and contact our Galapagos small ship cruise experts for the inside scoop on which route is best for you. AdventureSmith Explorations’ award-winning crew has personal experience sailing in the Galapagos Islands and can recommend the best options to suit your travel interests and timeline.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Galapagos cruises and Galapagos trips.

Itinerary

7-Day West Itinerary

The 7-day La Pinta Western Galapagos Islands Cruise operates round-trip from Baltra and visits North Seymour, Fernandina, Isabela, Rabida, Santa Cruz and Floreana Islands.

Route map for La Pinta 7-Day West Galapagos Cruise with visits to Baltra, North Seymour, Fernandina, Isabela, Rabida, Santa Cruz and Floreana Islands.

Day 1

FRI - Embark Baltra to North Seymour

This Galapagos adventure begins with a morning flight to Baltra Island and immediate transfer to the dock to board the yacht La Pinta for an introductory welcome briefing, boat drill, cabin assignment and lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a walk along the coast of North Seymour Island, then to the interior of this beautiful flat island, observing numerous bird colonies as well as sea lions and land iguanas. There are also opportunities for coastal exploration by dinghy. In the evening, enjoy a briefing, welcome cocktail and dinner.

Accommodations

La Pinta

Meals

lunch, dinner

Day 2

SAT - Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela) & Punta Espinoza (Fernandina)

Begin today at Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island. Since there is no landing site at this location, the coastal exploration is by dinghy, while a naturalist guide explains the dramatic geology of the area, remains of lava flows and tuff stone layers. There is abundant wildlife and, depending on the conditions of the ocean, possible snorkeling along the cliffs, hopefully in the company of green sea turtles.

In the afternoon, visit the youngest and most pristine island of the archipelago, Fernandina, an all-time favorite. Explore Punta Espinoza with its amazing combination of barren terrain and abundant wildlife. Highlights include seeing hawks, penguins, flightless cormorants and astounding views of the surrounding volcanic landscapes.

Accommodations

La Pinta

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3

SUN - Urbina Bay & Tagus Cove (Isabela)

After breakfast, disembark at Urbina Bay, on the western side of Isabela Island, the result of an uplifting of the ocean floor. Observe corals, shells and colorful Galapagos land iguanas, as well as (occasionally) giant tortoises. While the yacht navigates the Bolivar Channel, there are good chances of spotting several species of whales.

This afternoon, enjoy the secluded Tagus Cove on the northwest of Isabela, a favorite anchorage for pirates and whalers over the centuries and now a great visitor site. Snorkel or ride kayaks amid the dramatic landscape then hike uphill to the back of Darwin Crater, which is filled with salt water.

Accommodations

La Pinta

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4

MON - Rabida & Cerro Dragón (Santa Cruz)

In the morning, disembark at Rabida Island’s red-colored beach. Stroll along the beach and observe marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin’s finches. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach, while non-snorkelers can ride the glass-bottom boat for an exploration of life underneath the waves.

After lunch, explore the north shore of Santa Cruz, which hosts the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill). The walk includes circling a brackish water lagoon frequented by lagoon birds, while farther 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.

Accommodations

La Pinta

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5

TUE - Darwin Research Station & Highlands (Santa Cruz)

This morning, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest. These are the Galapagos’s headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. A delicious lunch is served poolside at the Finch Bay Eco Hotel.

After lunch, head up to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island by vehicle, 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 – surely one of the most remembered visits of the whole voyage.

Accommodations

La Pinta

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6

WED - Post Office Bay, Champion Islet & Punta Cormorant (Floreana)

After breakfast, land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries. Enjoy a dinghy ride along the maze of channels on Floreana’s north shore. Take in the views from La Lobería and the Baroness Viewpoint and enjoy great kayaking and swimming from the beach as well.

This afternoon, snorkel or ride in the glass-bottom boat along the coast of an extinct cone called Champion Islet. Later, visit Punta Cormorant, an olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk by a brackish water lagoon where bird species like greater flamingos may be observed. On the other side of the island, enjoy a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night to nest.

Accommodations

La Pinta

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7

THU - Disembark Baltra

End at Baltra Island, where you will be transferred to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Details

Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations; all meals; soft drinks (juices and carbonated drinks, not “virgin” cocktails); island sightseeing; naturalist guides and lecture services in English/Spanish only; wetsuit rental; snorkeling gear; internet (internet connections onboard consist of 2 computer stations in the library and Wi-Fi in the yacht’s social areas; due to the Galapagos Islands’ remote location, internet connections are intermittent and low-bandwidth); luggage handling; medical care on board (excluding cost of medication); taxes and transfers in the islands; shared transfers from main hotels in Quito (Casa Gangotena, Hilton Colon, Mercure, Sheraton, JW Marriott, Dann Carlton; for Casa Gangotena, a further feeder service is provided to/from Hilton Colón, this service does not have additional cost) and in Guayaquil (Hilton Colon, Oro Verde, Sheraton, Wyndham) to airport for flights to/from Galapagos.

Exclusions

Air transportation to/from Galapagos and airport taxes (subject to change without previous notice); Galapagos National Park entrance fee (US $100 cash per adult and $50 for children under 12 years old for entries prior to August 1, 2024; US $200 cash per adult and $100 for children under 12 years old for entries beginning August 1, 2024); TCT-Galapagos Transit Control Card (US $20 subject to change without previous notice); fuel surcharge ($20 per person, per day); insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages (guests who wish to bring bottles of wine and/or spirits aboard incur a corkage fee of US $28+taxes); gratuities; laundry; valet service; gifts and items of a personal nature.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 61 days – 100% of deposit
60 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

Most flights to the Galapagos will depart Quito or Guayaquil between 6:00am and 11:00am on Day 1 and return between 2:00pm and 6:00pm on the final day. We highly recommend travelers arrive to Ecuador two days prior to their Galapagos cruise. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page. Note: Your passport must be valid 6 months after your Ecuador trip concludes.

Internal Flights

Flights from mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil) to the Galapagos are not included in the cruise price, but are arranged for you by AdventureSmith Explorations through your ship. Your Adventure Specialist will book these flights for you on the scheduled Galapagos flight for your particular departure. Airfares vary by departure; your Adventure Specialist will detail these for you in their proposal and on your invoice. On flights from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands, baggage weight limits are currently 50 pounds for checked items, and 17 pounds for carry-on plus a small personal item. Subject to change.

Activities

There are numerous opportunities to hike, kayak, swim and snorkel. 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. Wetsuits are available, either free of charge or to rent for a fee (see Inclusions and Exclusions), and are recommended from June to December.

Daily excursions from the boat to the islands will be made in pangas (inflatable skiffs). 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.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at a 100% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. 3 Luxury Cabins are available for single use at a 50% supplement of the per-person listed rate, based upon availability. Luxury Plus Triple Cabins for double occupancy incur a 50% supplement per person (100% per person during peak season).

Families & Children

Kids 6 years and older are welcomed aboard the yacht La Pinta. Kids under 12 years old at the time of sailing receive 10% off when sharing the cabin with 2 adults (applies only to one child per adult paying full fare). No child discounts apply on Peak Season dates, when an additional fee of $175 (2024) per child is incurred.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

We strongly recommend that you travel to Galapagos Province with travel insurance that contains medical coverage. Be certain to bring your insurance plan ID documents with you when you travel.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. Due to the active nature of volcanoes in the Western Galapagos, alternate excursions may be offered. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

5-Day East Itinerary

The 5-day La Pinta Eastern Galapagos Islands Cruise operates round-trip from Baltra and visits South Plaza, Santa Fe, San Cristobal, Espanola and Santa Cruz islands.

Route map for La Pinta 5-Day East Galapagos Cruise with visits to Baltra,, South Plaza, Santa Fe, San Cristobal, Espanola and Santa Cruz islands.

Day 1

THU- Embark Baltra to South Plaza

Arrive to Baltra Island on a morning flight and immediate transfer to the dock to board the yacht La Pinta. There is a welcome introductory briefing, boat drill, cabin assignment and then lunch. In the afternoon, sail to South Plaza Island, where the turquoise waters of the channel contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline. A carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus beyond, populated by yellow-grey land iguanas. Along the coastline, look for sea lion colonies lounging and seabirds playing with the thermals that form along the cliffs of this small but spectacular island.

Accommodations

La Pinta

Meals

lunch, dinner

Day 2

FRI - Santa Fe & Cerro Colorado Tortoise Habitat (San Cristobal)

This morning, take a dinghy to the idyllic sandy-white beach of Santa Fe Island, populated by colonies of sea lions. Galapagos hawks are often observed, perched atop salt bushes. The Santa Fe land iguana, unique to just this island, may be spotted during this morning’s walk. Snorkel and swim along a natural wave barrier or ride the glass-bottom boat.

After lunch, disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island’s capital, and drive 40 minutes to the island’s southern shore. At Cerro Colorado, visit the breeding center for highly endangered giant tortoises in the midst of a fantastic deciduous forest, home to dozens of bird species, including the San Cristobal mockingbird and the San Cristobal lava lizard, both island endemics.

Accommodations

La Pinta

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3

SAT - Punta Pitt & Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal)

Begin today on the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island at Punta Pitt, taking a trail that ascends from the beach to spectacular views above the shoreline. Observe frigatebirds and a colony of bachelor sea lions. If conditions are favorable, there is a chance to swim from the beach and snorkel. Following lunch on board, enjoy a dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers to Cerro Brujo’s expansive, white coral beach. Enjoy a walk with rewarding bird-watching, featuring seabirds and shore birds. Also, look out for Galapagos sea lions lounging on the same shores Charles Darwin walked in September 1835.

Accommodations

La Pinta

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4

SUN - Punta Suarez & Gardner Bay (Espanola)

This morning’s outing at Punta Suarez on Espanola Island is an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique seabird colonies, including the waved albatross (April-January), boobies and swallow-tail gulls, as well as the famous “blowhole” lava formation. Keep an eye out for red-green-black marine iguanas. Many regard this site as the best in the Galapagos!

After lunch on board, enjoy a short walk along Gardner Bay, a beautiful, white coral beach, and observe sea lions, mockingbirds and finches, and swim at the beach. There is great snorkeling in this area, or else there’s time to kayak or ride the glass-bottom boat.

Accommodations

La Pinta

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5

MON - Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz) to Baltra

In the morning, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the captive rearing program for the giant tortoises. Witness the efforts and results of Galapagos fieldwork and studies done in the name of science. Transfer via bus across Santa Cruz Island and take a short ferry ride to Baltra. The journey ends at Baltra Island, where you will be transferred to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Details

Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations; all meals; soft drinks (juices and carbonated drinks, not “virgin” cocktails); island sightseeing; naturalist guides and lecture services in English/Spanish only; wetsuit rental; snorkeling gear; internet (internet connections onboard consist of 2 computer stations in the library and Wi-Fi in the yacht’s social areas; due to the Galapagos Islands’ remote location, internet connections are intermittent and low-bandwidth); luggage handling; medical care on board (excluding cost of medication); taxes and transfers in the islands; shared transfers from main hotels in Quito (Casa Gangotena, Hilton Colon, Mercure, Sheraton, Marriott, Dann Carlton; for Casa Gangotena, a further feeder service is provided to/from Hilton Colón, this service does not have additional cost) and in Guayaquil (Hilton Colon, Oro Verde, Sheraton, Wyndham) to airport for flights to/from Galapagos.

Exclusions

Payment & Cancellation

Terms & Conditions

Arrival & Departure

Internal Flights

Activities

Room Configuration

Families & Children

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that you travel to Galapagos Province with travel insurance that contains medical coverage. Be certain to bring your insurance plan ID documents with you when you travel.

Itinerary Notes

5-Day North Itinerary

The 5-day La Pinta Northern Galapagos Islands itinerary operates round-trip from Baltra and visits Santa Cruz, Santiago, Bartolome and Genovesa.

Route map for La Pinta 5-Day North Galapagos Cruise with visits to Baltra, Santa Cruz, Santiago, Bartolome and Genovesa Islands.

Day 1

MON - Baltra to Tortoise Reserve & Highlands (Santa Cruz)

Following a morning arrival at Baltra airport, transfer to the Itabaca Channel for a small ferry ride across the channel to the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. Enjoy a bus ride to the highlands to learn about Santa Cruz’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. Please dress comfortably upon arrival: wear walking shoes, bring sun protection and a small backpack with any essentials for the day. You will be reunited with your luggage in the evening upon embarkation.

After lunch, continue by bus to a reserve that is one of the best places in the archipelago to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The tortoises are easy to spot, lumbering around, eating grass and leaves and wallowing in the small pools. There are several lava tunnels in the reserve, too. A short bus ride takes you down to Puerto Ayora to board yacht La Pinta.

Accommodations

La Pinta

Meals

lunch, dinner

Day 2

TUE - Eden Islet & Chinese Hat (Santa Cruz)

After breakfast, take a panga ride to Eden Islet located off the coast of Santa Cruz to spot blue-footed boobies diving into the water, reef sharks and frigatebirds. There’s a chance to snorkel and, if weather conditions permit, to ride in the glass-bottom boat. The volcanic setting of this area is quite stunning due to its variety of volcanic debris, including cinder cones, tuff cones and semi-eroded lava flows.

This afternoon, visit Chinese Hat, the tiny island that gets its name from its appearance. This islet, formed fairly recently, boasts beautiful wildlife viewing along a trail approximately 0.2 miles long, which begins at a crescent-shaped white sandy beach. The cove offers excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities amid white-tipped reef sharks and Galapagos penguins.

Accommodations

La Pinta

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3

WED - Bartolome & Sullivan Bay (Santiago)

This morning, a Galapagos icon awaits: Bartolome Island. A great way to start the day is with a steep climb up a wooden staircase—the view from the top is worth the effort! Next, take to the dinghies for a ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, followed by time to enjoy the beach and some snorkeling. You may also ride in the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.

After lunch, board the dinghies to land at Sullivan Bay on the east coast of Santiago, a white coral sand beach great for swimming and snorkeling. A trail over a lava field that flowed here less than 100 years ago is the perfect place to see and feel the volcanic origin of Galapagos while observing its wildlife.

Accommodations

La Pinta

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4

THU - Darwin Bay & Prince Philip's Steps (Genovesa)

In the morning, begin to explore Genovesa Island with an easy stroll to observe marine and land birds. There is an optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain for dramatic views, or else return to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkeling at this beautiful natural harbor. Those feeling more adventurous may snorkel along the cliffs or paddle sea kayaks.

This afternoon, take an interesting dinghy ride along the cliffs before disembarking for a short but steep climb up a wooden staircase, known as Prince Philip’s Steps. At the top, the land is flat, allowing for a captivating walk of about a mile to the other side of this small island, observing large colonies of Nazca boobies, frigatebirds, storm petrels and the elusive short-eared owl.

Accommodations

La Pinta

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5

FRI - Disembark Baltra

Your journey ends at Baltra Island, where you will be transferred to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Details

Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodations; all meals; soft drinks (juices and carbonated drinks, not “virgin” cocktails); island sightseeing; naturalist guides and lecture services in English/Spanish only; wetsuit rental; snorkeling gear; internet (internet connections onboard consist of 2 computer stations in the library and Wi-Fi in the yacht’s social areas; due to the Galapagos Islands’ remote location, internet connections are intermittent and low-bandwidth); luggage handling; medical care on board (excluding cost of medication); taxes and transfers in the islands; shared transfers from main hotels in Quito (Casa Gangotena, Hilton Colon, Mercure, Sheraton, Marriott, Dann Carlton; for Casa Gangotena, a further feeder service is provided to/from Hilton Colón, this service does not have additional cost) and in Guayaquil (Hilton Colon, Oro Verde, Sheraton, Wyndham) to airport for flights to/from Galapagos.

Exclusions

Air transportation to/from Galapagos and airport taxes (subject to change without previous notice); Galapagos National Park entrance fee (US $100 cash per adult and $50 for children under 12 years old for entries prior to August 1, 2024; US $200 cash per adult and $100 for children under 12 years old for entries beginning August 1, 2024); TCT-Galapagos Transit Control Card (US $20 subject to change without previous notice); fuel surcharge ($20 per person, per day); insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages (guests who wish to bring bottles of wine and/or spirits aboard incur a corkage fee of US $27+taxes); gratuities; laundry; valet service; gifts and items of a personal nature.

Payment & Cancellation

Terms & Conditions

Arrival & Departure

Internal Flights

Activities

Room Configuration

Families & Children

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that you travel to Galapagos Province with travel insurance that contains medical coverage. Be certain to bring your insurance plan ID documents with you when you travel.

Itinerary Notes

Rates & Dates

Galapagos Cruise Rates & Dates

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Apr 22 - Apr 26, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Apr 26 - May 02, 2024

La Pinta • 7 days

From $7789^USD

Per Person

May 02 - May 06, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

May 06 - May 10, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

May 16 - May 20, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

May 20 - May 24, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

May 24 - May 30, 2024

La Pinta • 7 days

From $7789^USD

Per Person

May 30 - Jun 03, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Jun 03 - Jun 07, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Jun 07 - Jun 13, 2024

La Pinta • 7 days

From $7789^USD

Per Person

Jun 13 - Jun 17, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Jun 17 - Jun 21, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Jun 21 - Jun 27, 2024

La Pinta • 7 days

From $7789^USD

Per Person

Jun 27 - Jul 01, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Jul 01 - Jul 05, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Jul 05 - Jul 11, 2024

La Pinta • 7 days

From $7789^USD

Per Person

Jul 11 - Jul 15, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Jul 15 - Jul 19, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Jul 19 - Jul 25, 2024

La Pinta • 7 days

From $7789^USD

Per Person

Jul 25 - Jul 29, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Jul 29 - Aug 02, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Aug 02 - Aug 08, 2024

La Pinta • 7 days

From $7789^USD

Per Person

Aug 08 - Aug 12, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Aug 12 - Aug 16, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Aug 16 - Aug 22, 2024

La Pinta • 7 days

From $7789^USD

Per Person

Aug 22 - Aug 26, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Aug 26 - Aug 30, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Aug 30 - Sep 05, 2024

La Pinta • 7 days

From $7789^USD

Per Person

Sep 05 - Sep 09, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Sep 09 - Sep 13, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Sep 13 - Sep 19, 2024

La Pinta • 7 days

From $7789^USD

Per Person

Sep 19 - Sep 23, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Sep 23 - Sep 27, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Sep 27 - Oct 03, 2024

La Pinta • 7 days

From $7789^USD

Per Person

Oct 03 - Oct 07, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Oct 07 - Oct 11, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Oct 11 - Oct 17, 2024

La Pinta • 7 days

From $7789^USD

Per Person

Oct 17 - Oct 21, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Oct 21 - Oct 25, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Oct 25 - Oct 31, 2024

La Pinta • 7 days

From $7789^USD

Per Person

Oct 31 - Nov 04, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Nov 04 - Nov 08, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Nov 08 - Nov 14, 2024

La Pinta • 7 days

From $7789^USD

Per Person

Nov 14 - Nov 18, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Nov 18 - Nov 22, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Nov 22 - Nov 28, 2024

La Pinta • 7 days

From $7789^USD

Per Person

Nov 28 - Dec 02, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Dec 02 - Dec 06, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Dec 06 - Dec 12, 2024

La Pinta • 7 days

From $7789^USD

Per Person

Dec 12 - Dec 16, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Dec 16 - Dec 20, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Dec 20 - Dec 26, 2024

La Pinta • 7 days

From $8079^USD

Per Person

Dec 26 - Dec 30, 2024

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

Dec 30 - Jan 03, 2025

La Pinta • 5 days

From $5812^USD

Per Person

North Galapagos Islands

West Galapagos Islands

East Galapagos Islands

Accommodation

Learn About the Galapagos Ship on Your Itinerary

Mid-Sized Cruiser

La Pinta

La Pinta is a gorgeous 209-foot expedition yacht, with capacity for 48 guests. She offers a relaxed yet lavish expedition atmosphere, with large outward-facing cabins and complimentary gear for snorkeling, kayaking and rides in a glass-bottom boat.

Expert Review

Reviews From Our Experts so You Know What to Expect

Peter Avedschmidt • December 9th, 2019

Expert Review: La Pinta Galapagos Cruise

This La Pinta Galapagos cruise review recaps an AdventureSmith expert’s time aboard the 48-guest La Pinta expedition ship and his numerous, incredible Galapagos wildlife encounters, from flying flamingos to algae-eating marine iguanas!

Testimonials

Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

"The Arrangements Were Perfect"

The arrangements were perfect. Not a glitch in the entire nearly two weeks. I am just very happy to have found AdventureSmith.

Overall

5 /5

Accommodations

5 /5

Meals

4 /5

"More Than Met Expectations"

Everything more than met expectations - the boat was wonderful, the wildlife was abundant, the naturalists and crew were friendly and knowledgeable, and we saw penguins swimming, calling, and even mating!

Overall

5 /5

Accommodations

5 /5

Meals

5 /5

"Everything Was First Class"

Everything was first class, the crew, the guides, the itinerary, my spacious cabin and the help that I had from the ground staff just before my departure for my flights via Baltra.

Overall

5 /5

Accommodations

5 /5

Meals

5 /5

Rob B. - Scottsdale, Arizona

"The Arrangements Were Perfect"

Overall

5 /5

Accommodations

5 /5

Meals

4 /5

All the arrangements were effected without a hitch. Drivers and guides met us at the airports and hotels. They were never late - in fact, they often came early. The expedition on La Pinta was just right for us - the itinerary, boat size, and amenities were perfect. Lastly, the trip to Cuenca was interesting and we very much enjoyed the architecture, restaurants, scenery, and the nearby gem of a national park.

The trip was all about the Galapagos Islands, and they did not disappoint. Seeing how treating animals with respect results in a very peaceful coexistence was eye-opening. I came away with some amazing pictures and experiences, including swimming with playful sea lions and stepping around iguanas and tortoises. That said, Cuenca was wonderful. We may very likely go back there after I retire to spend the winter months at least one year. What a beautiful city!

Quito is a big city and not particularly attractive. Our tour guide was good, but that did not change the fact that it was not somewhere we would want to spend a lot of time. We were told not to go out at night (though one restaurant had a free car service and it was worth the trip), versus in Cuenca where we went to a great restaurant about fifteen minutes from our hotel and walked back along the city streets after dark with no concern. There are some areas to avoid, but generally it seems to be a very safe city that also boasts clean tap water (though a several day acclimation period is recommended).

Accommodations Review

The hotels in Quito and Cuenca were very nice - particularly the one in Cuenca, which like many hotels there is a converted home of some wealthy resident. The accommodations on La Pinta were roomier than I had expected, with a large bed, big window and a bathroom with excellent water pressure and plentiful hot water. The boat, with 41 tourists on board, was just the right size.

Meals Review

The meals we had on our own on the mainland were good, particularly the breakfasts in Quito. On the boat, we enjoyed the meals very much, though breakfast and lunch buffets were clearly the highlight and the sit-down dinners were less impressive. We also had salmon our first night on the boat that could have been fresher. However, the lunches more than made up for the minor glitches.

Crew & Guides Review

All of our guides/naturalists on La Pinta were good. They were very knowledgeable, friendly and enthusiastic. In Quito, we had a good guide, notwithstanding she had a limited palette of locations to work with. Our guide in Cuenca was excellent too. All guides and naturalists were very proficient in English, though when we were off the boat, we tried speaking Spanish as often as we could.

The arrangements were perfect. Not a glitch in the entire nearly two weeks. I was so pleased that drivers and guides were always there when they were supposed to be there and made us feel like we were in good hands.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Andrew was great. That's why I'm planning a trip to Peru through him. Information was provided in a very clear and relatively concise manner. We kept the trip instructions close at hand, particularly when on the mainland. The only thing I did on my own without instructions to prepare for the trip was to visit the Mayo Clinic's travel clinic, where they made sure certain vaccinations were up to date and prescribed Diamox for altitude sickness in case I had an issue, as well as something for stomach upset (which was really not an issue).

I am just very happy to have found AdventureSmith. The agency and agent, Andrew, were recommended by friends of ours who were on the same boat as we were some years ago. I am looking forward to working with Andrew and AdventureSmith again when my younger daughter and I travel to Machu Picchu. I have already mentioned AdventureSmith to several people.

Traveler Advice

Just that they should do their homework to get the most out of the trip, bring the proper clothes (we traveled very light but were just fine), and check in with a doctor to make sure you don't spend days dealing with altitude sickness or have some other issue (after visiting the doctor, we bought DEET mosquito repellent which was not necessary all that often, but we are glad we did). I took Diamox and my wife (who did not take any meds) had just one day on arrival in Quito when she had a splitting headache, but then we both hiked for a couple hours at nearly 13,000 feet and we were both fine. I will definitely make sure my daughter and I have Diamox before we land in Cusco.

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Featured in this Traveler Review

La Pinta Galapagos Cruises
La Pinta
Quito & Guayaquil Galapagos Travel Package

Kim C. - Asheville, NC

"More Than Met Expectations"

Overall

5 /5

Accommodations

5 /5

Meals

5 /5

I brought my 11-year-old son on this trip because he had a rough year with his parents splitting up, and he has always had an obsession with penguins. Everything more than met expectations - the boat was wonderful, the wildlife was abundant, the naturalists and crew were friendly and knowledgeable, and we saw penguins swimming, calling, and even mating! My son has never learned to swim due to a severe fear of putting his face in the water, but he was so enamored of the islands that he was able to overcome his fear and learn to snorkel. Genovesa Island was a miracle of wildlife. Sea kayaking along the cliffs was wonderful, as we could see all the animals and the cliffs themselves were beautiful. Snorkeling with penguins, sea turtles, and sharks was amazing.

Accommodations Review

La Pinta was the perfect size and very comfortable. We chose La Pinta because of the size of the ship (not too big or too small), the itinerary (north islands), planned activities for kids, and the availability of a glass-bottom boat. Not a big fan of Quito, but that was a necessary stop. The recommended hotel in the old town area was wonderful.

Meals Review

Lots of options, all of them excellent. Staff worked very hard to accommodate my picky son's whims and were extremely respectful of my choice to be vegetarian.

Crew & Guides Review

The naturalists aboard La Pinta could not have been more professional or knowledgeable. We appreciated Paul sitting with us at lunch and getting to know us personally, and Dennis's enthusiasm about Charles Darwin was contagious. We enjoyed having several guides with different perspectives, but they were all phenomenal.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Nick M. was friendly, attentive, communicative, and very helpful. I handled much of it myself (transportation), but the portion handled by AdventureSmith all ran very smoothly, which was much appreciated.

Traveler Advice

Don't put it off - everyone tells me it's on their bucket list. My son wanted to see penguins, and I was not willing to travel to Antarctica so the Galapagos was the next best option.

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Featured in this Traveler Review

La Pinta Galapagos Cruises
La Pinta

Tess C. - Dana Point, CA

"Everything Was First Class"

Overall

5 /5

Accommodations

5 /5

Meals

5 /5

I enjoyed my experience on La Pinta. Everything was first class, the crew, the guides, the itinerary, my spacious cabin and the help that I had from the ground staff just before my departure for my flights via Baltra. Been wanting to go to the Galapagos for over a decade, felt that it was a suitable time to go since a lot of people would still be reluctant to travel, so the islands would be quieter for our enjoyment.

I enjoyed everyday of my cruise, even though the days were rather packed with waking up early, I looked forward to the day from the moment I woke up. I also enjoyed the company of my group very much and the other passengers were also very friendly when I got to talk to them.

Accommodations Review

The service on board was amazing. My cabin on La Pinta exceeded my expectations, it was the first time that I felt so comfortable staying on a ship.

Meals Review

The choices and the flexibility from the kitchen with our group’s requests were excellent. Our server, Luis, was absolutely amazing, always very gracious and patient with our requests. I personally did not like any of the desserts, I suppose I was comparing them with the excellent meals that I had in Quito the week before the cruise.

Crew & Guides Review

Our group had a wonderful guide, Dennis, he was extremely knowledgeable and helpful with everything that we needed. Dennis was fantastic, our group felt very fortunate to have him guiding us for the entire week, very professional, knowledgeable, helpful, and a fantastic photographer too. The other guides, even though we did not spend much time with them, were all very attentive and professional.

Transporation Review

I did find it extremely stressful to receive the email from Metropolitan Touring two days before my departure to Baltra asking me to fill in the forms electronically and to receive the email from Leslie concerning the Salvoconducto shortly before my departure when we realized that there was a mistake with my passport number. I feel that Metropolitan Touring could have sent this important document out much earlier rather than waiting for the same week of departure. The hotel that I stayed at in Santa Cruz after my cruise managed to send me a similar document the day after I made the booking.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Leslie was excellent to work with, she was always there and very helpful with my queries and concerns. All my flight details were very clear. I would definitely recommend AdventureSmith Explorations to the others, my experience with the whole process of booking my trip with Leslie was easy and professional. I would be more than happy to work with her again on other trips.

COVID Logistics Review

I filled out [the health declaration form] on the plane and someone took it upon arrival to UIO airport. Nobody asked for travel insurance at either the Quito or Galapagos airport.

For COVID testing, the owner of my hotel translated between the nurse and I. After taking the sample, the nurse asked for my email address and gave me contact information for the lab. I expected the results that evening but instead received them the next morning after following up.

We travelers were not assisted with our Transit Control Card; instead we were expected to fill it out in advance. Some of us got an email the morning of our Galapagos flight informing us to complete it online.

In Quito everything is very compliant. Grocery stores and restaurants take temperatures & provide hand sanitizer. In the Galapagos I felt like they didn’t take it that seriously—nobody asked for additional documentation for my extended stay in the Galapagos. They only asked for my Salvoconducto from the cruise operator but did not ask for my Salvoconducto from the Galapagos hotel operator.

On board La Pinta and during excursions, masks remained on most of the time. The only time we took it off was when we spent time on the beach by ourselves, or when we had pictures taken or during dinner. during lectures and social hours everyone kept masks on. When getting back on La Pinta after excursions, we were sprayed through a chamber.

Traveler Advice

Make the most of what the Galapagos have to offer, it is best to go there when one is still in good health and in good shape. There was quite a bit of walking and even hiking to do, the days were pretty active, and I feel that some of my older friends would not have been able to take part in some of the activities on the cruise if they had come along. In other words, go soon and don’t wait for too long.

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Featured in this Traveler Review

La Pinta Galapagos Cruises
La Pinta

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Book your Galapagos small ship cruise with AdventureSmith Explorations for our broad knowledge of this famed archipelago. Our Adventure Specialists are Galapagos travel experts, savvy on Galapagos travel news and planning tips, and our travelers are extensions of this team, providing further insight to enhance our guests’ experience.

This series of travel guides and journals will help you learn more about the Galapagos Islands and get inspired. We travel to the Galapagos several times each year and update our guides frequently, so consult these posts regularly for the most up-to-date information.

Travel Journal • November 1st, 2016

Galapagos, An Adventure for the Senses

Sea lions, turtles, tortoises, penguins, iguanas... marvel at the wildlife with this AdventureSmith traveler who recounts her La Pinta cruise in the Galapagos Islands.

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7-Day West Itinerary

5-Day East Itinerary

5-Day North Itinerary

Galapagos Cruise Rates & Dates

Learn About the Galapagos Ship on Your Itinerary

Reviews From Our Experts so You Know What to Expect

Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

Accommodations Review

Meals Review

Crew & Guides Review

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Traveler Advice

Accommodations Review

Meals Review

Crew & Guides Review

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Traveler Advice

Accommodations Review

Meals Review

Crew & Guides Review

Transporation Review

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

COVID Logistics Review

Traveler Advice

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Galapagos Cruise

Inspiration, Education & Travel Journals

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