August 2027 - 7 days
Register for 2027 and we will contact you when confirmed details including finalised dates and prices are available
Discover the unparalleled biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands, a volcanic archipelago that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution accompanied by Darwin scholar, James Costa. Sail aboard the intimate Solaris yacht, accommodating just 15 guests – including five dedicated solo traveller cabins (at no extra cost) – while exploring the pristine islands of Genovesa, Santa Fe and San Cristóbal.
Begin your Galapagos adventure on Baltra Island, then sail to the remote Genovesa Island, a bird-lover’s paradise where you can observe nesting red-footed and Nazca boobies and other seabirds in their natural habitat. Continue to Santa Fe Island, home to endemic species such as the Galapagos hawk, land iguanas, and Galapagos penguins, while its pristine beaches and turquoise waters provide excellent snorkeling opportunities. Your journey concludes at San Cristóbal Island, where you can explore historical sites, swim or snorkel at Witch Hill, and enjoy the unique landscapes and abundant wildlife that make the eastern islands of the archipelago unforgettable.
Embark on daily guided hikes across volcanic landscapes and explore thriving underwater ecosystems while snorkelling, gaining an up-close look at the islands’ remarkable biodiversity.
You will be accompanied throughout by passionate naturalist, Darwin and Wallace scholar, lecturer, and author, James (Jim) Costa. Between excursions, relax on board and join engaging talks with expert naturalist and renowned Darwin and Wallace scholar Dr James Costa, whose deep knowledge and storytelling bring the Galapagos’ unique geology, wildlife and evolutionary history vividly to life.
We have carefully selected the Solaris yacht, an intimate expedition vessel designed to accommodate just 15 guests including 5 dedicated solo cabins, ensuring an exclusive and immersive experience with minimal environmental impact and expert naturalist guides on board. This spacious and stylish yacht is small enough to navigate into bays that larger expedition ships can't go near, so you get to truly immerse yourself in the stunning islands. You can choose to be active via daily short hikes and snorkelling opportunities or relax aboard the well-appointed yacht.
In partnership with The Ultimate Travel Company.
Cruise route map
Day 1: Arrive in Quito and meet the group
On arrival in Quito, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city at your own pace.
With Pichincha volcano on one side and Machangara gorge on the other, plus the equator passing directly through, few cities can rival Quito's setting, nor the splendour of its old town, with its colonial churches, mansions and plazas. Quito was named a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978. This historical city sits at an altitude of 2850 metres and has the largest and best-preserved historic centre and colonial quarters in Latin America.
In the evening, you will meet Jim Costa, as well as a local guide who will take you over the itinerary for the next day.
Day 2: Fly to the Galapagos, embark the Solaris and visit bachas (Santa Cruz)
This morning, you will be transferred to the airport for an early flight to Baltra in the Galapagos Islands that will take about 3.5 hours with a short stop in Guayaquil where you will stay on the plane.
On arrival in the Galapagos, you will be met and transferred to board the Solaris yacht. Once on board, cabins will be assigned. You will also meet the crew members and get to know your onboard naturalist guide while enjoying a delicious lunch.
Sitting in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador are the 19 islands and dozens of rocks and islets that make up the impeccable, otherworldly archipelago of the Galapagos Islands. Serving as inspiration for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, it will come as no surprise that a myriad of exotic species inhabit the islands and around the sea of rocky formations and islets.
During your cruise, your tour guide will lead the daily excursions and give evening briefings. In addition, you will be accompanied throughout by Jim Costa, who will give a series of lectures on board; he will also accompany the daily excursions.
In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic visit to the Santa Cruz Highlands, a cool, misty region of the island renowned for its unique highland ecosystem. Begin at the El Chato Tortoise Reserve, where you can observe the iconic Galapagos Giant Tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat, often wandering through volcanic pits and lush vegetation. The journey continues to the Twin Craters, two dramatic volcanic formations nestled within a thriving scalesia cloud forest, home to plant species found only in the Galapagos. Keep your eyes open for the carpenter finch, famous for using tools to extract insects from trees, and the striking vermillion flycatcher, whose vivid red plumage adds a splash of color to the verdant landscape.
Return to the Solaris.
Day 3: Seymour island and Mosquera island
Begin the day with a visit to Seymour Island, a flat, low-lying island that provides some of the best nesting sites in the Galapagos for magnificent frigatebirds, whose dramatic red throat pouches are impossible to miss during mating season. In the more open areas, the famous blue-footed boobies perform their comical courtship dances, while sea lions lounge along the beaches, adding to the lively wildlife spectacle.
Return to the boat for a leisurely lunch on board, continue to Mosquera Island in the afternoon for a gentle beach walk. This tiny sandbar island is home to playful Galapagos sea lions and a variety of shorebirds, including waders and sanderlings. Observant visitors may also spot red-cliff crabs, the striking, yellow-crowned night-heron, or even a red-footed booby resting among the low vegetation, making this a perfect introduction to the islands’ coastal ecosystems.
Day 4: Darwin bay and Phillip's steps on Genovesa Island
Start the day with a visit to Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island, a remote and windswept paradise that is considered one of the most dramatic landscapes in the Galapagos. The bay is framed by towering cliffs and volcanic formations, creating a sheltered haven for an incredible diversity of seabirds. Here, flocks of red-footed boobies, masked boobies, and the unique swallow-tailed gulls can be seen nesting and gliding overhead.
After enjoying lunch on board, take a dinghy ride along the eastern arm of the caldera to reach Prince Philip’s Steps, a series of steep cliffs that rise sharply from the sea. Disembark and hike up the stairs to reach the top, where panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs, caldera, and sparkling waters reward your effort. Along the way, you’ll notice red-footed boobies making use of these scarce nesting spots, while the area is alive with other seabirds such as swallow-tailed gulls and masked boobies, offering incredible opportunities for wildlife observation in a truly unique setting.
Day 5: South plaza Island, Santa Fe
Begin the day with a guided walk on South Plaza Island, a small but striking island known for its dramatic cliffs and vibrant vegetation. This is one of the best places in the Galapagos to encounter endemic land iguanas, often basking among the cacti and rocky terrain. The cliffs also serve as important nesting sites for the swallow-tailed gull, the only nocturnal gull in the world, whose unique red-rimmed eyes make it instantly recognisable.
Return for lunch onboard, before continuing with an afternoon visit to Santa Fe Island, a haven for endemic wildlife. Here, you could spot Galapagos hawks soaring above, the elusive Galapagos snake, and the island’s distinct Galapagos mockingbirds. At the foot of the central mountain, a small colony of Galapagos penguins may be seen splashing in the shallow waters, while the island is also home to rice rats and one of the two species of land iguanas found in the archipelago, offering an unforgettable glimpse into the Galapagos’ rich biodiversity.
Day 6: Disembark the Solaris, visit Witch hill and fly to Quito
In the morning, disembark the Solaris. From here you will visit to Witch Hill, a dramatic volcanic promontory rising from the turquoise waters. This site is historically significant, as it was one of the first places visited by Charles Darwin during his pioneering voyage, adding a sense of history to its natural beauty.
After your visit, return to Baltra airport for your onward flight back to mainland Ecuador.
Please note that Galapagos itineraries may occasionally change due to local conditions, wildlife activity, or other operational considerations. Any adjustments are made to ensure your safety and to provide the most engaging and rewarding experience possible in this unique and fragile environment.
Day 7: Depart Quito
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before being transferred to the airport for your onward journey.
Please note that Galapagos itineraries may occasionally change due to local conditions, wildlife activity, or other operational considerations. Any adjustments are made to ensure your safety and to provide the most engaging and rewarding experience possible in this unique and fragile environment.
