10-day yacht itinerary: Hammerhead snorkel, giant tortoises, waved albatross dance. Itineraries, boats, park rules.

Galapagos Islands Wildlife Cruise Guide 2026

Darwin\'s laboratory: animals ignore humans. Cruise hits 10+ islands, land-based misses half.

Why Cruise Over Land-Based?

Yacht speed = more islands. Zodiac landings beaches. Snorkel gear always ready.

Day 1: Baltra airport, Santa Cruz North Seymour (frigatebirds).

Day 2: Santiago: Sullivan Bay lava, Chinese Hat snorkel.

Day 3: Bartolomé Pinnacle Rock (hammerheads!).

Day 4: Genovesa: Darwin Bay boobies, Prince Philip Steps.

Day 5: Isabela: Punta Vicente Roca (flightless cormorants).

Day 6: Fernandina: Espinoza Point marine iguanas.

Day 7: Santa Cruz: tortoise reserve, Puerto Ayora.

Day 8: Española: albatross mating dance (April-Jun).

Day 9: Floreana post office barrel.

Day 10: Depart San Cristobal.

Economy: $4k pp, shared cabins.

Tourist Superior: $6k, AC.

First Class: $8k, diving platform.

Luxury: Elite ($12k+), jacuzzi.

Recommend: Corinthian, Grace, Origin.

Pack: Rash guard, reef shoes, binoculars 8x42, seasick meds. Wet landing shoes.

Rules: 100m from animals, no touching, guided only. $100 park fee.

| Category | Cost USD |

|----------|----------|

| Cruise | $6,000 |

| Flights US-Quito-Galapagos | $1,200 |

| Quito Hotel | $200 |

| Tips $15/day | $150 |

| Total | $7,550 |

Galapagos: evolution live. Book year ahead, choose small ship <20 pax.

---