Private Trip Available Experience the wonders of the Galápagos Islands on this 15-day expedition that brings you face-to-face with one of the most dynamic ecosystems on Earth. Begin in Ecuador’s misty cloud forest, alive with tropical birds and orchids, before flying to the islands to board the Samba, a small-group yacht built for discovery and designed to reach places larger vessels can’t. With a highly experienced resident naturalist as your guide, you’ll explore the islands through morning and afternoon shore landings when wildlife is most active and light is ideal for photography. Each day unveils new marvels: Blue-footed Boobies nesting on volcanic cliffs, Waved Albatross soaring effortlessly overhead, playful sea lions, sleek sharks, and the ever-curious Galápagos Penguins. As you journey between islands, snorkel among schools of colorful fish, rays, and sea turtles in crystal-clear waters, and witness the raw geological beauty that continues to shape the archipelago. Whether you’re photographing unique wildlife, walking across lava fields, or simply soaking in the serenity of these isolated islands, this voyage offers an intimate, in-depth encounter with the evolutionary story that changed how we see the natural world.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “The in-depth tour of both routes and Juan’s encyclopediac knowledge meant we were constantly in a state of awe, seeing so much and learning so much. I did a 7 night tour in the past and this was so much better. The small group was also key in making our experience feel very personal and special.” – Jayne Parker |
Itinerary Updated: December 2025
| Date | Description | Lodge | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 1 | Welcome to Quito. Arrive in Ecuador’s capital and transfer to your hotel. | Holiday Inn Quito Airport, Quito | |
| May 2 | Cloud Forest Birding Excursion. Explore Yanacocha and the Old Nono-Mino Road, with opportunities to spot the Andean Cock-of-the-rock. | Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge, Tandayapa | B, L, D |
| May 3 | Morning at Bellavista & Return to Quito. Spend a final morning around the lodge before returning to Quito. | Holiday Inn Quito Airport, Quito | B, L, D |
| May 4 | Fly to the Galápagos & First Landing. Take a morning group flight to the Galápagos where you will be welcomed aboard the Samba. Make your first landing on Mosquera Islet. | Aboard the Samba | B, L, D |
| May 5 | Genovesa. Discover Darwin’s Bay, home to various bird species and excellent snorkeling. Get local conservation insights. | Aboard the Samba | B, L, D |
| May 6 | Marchena. Experience remote Marchena, where few travelers go. Snorkel with rays, turtles, and sharks, while keeping an eye out for passing whales. | Aboard the Samba | B, L, D |
| May 7 | Isabela. Visit Punta Albermarle’s Flightless Cormorant colony, then Punta Vicente Roca for penguins and volcanic scenery. | Aboard the Samba | B, L, D |
| May 8 | Fernandina & Isabela. Venture to Punta Espinoza, a marine iguana paradise. Continue to Urbina Bay for dramatic geology and excellent snorkeling. | Aboard the Samba | B, L, D |
| May 9 | Isabela. Cruise mangroves at Elizabeth Bay before discovering Punta Moreno’s lava fields and lagoons. | Aboard the Samba | B, L, D |
| May 10 | Floreana. Join the postcard tradition at Post Office Bay, explore Floreana’s highlands, wildlife-rich Champion Islet, then anchor in Academy Bay. | Aboard the Samba | B, L, D |
| May 11 | Santa Cruz. Observe giant tortoises in Santa Cruz’s highlands. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see conservation work up close. | Aboard the Samba | B, L, D |
| May 12 | Floreana. Walk to Punta Cormorant’s flamingo lagoon, snorkel the Devil’s Crown, and end the day with views from the Baroness Lookout. | Aboard the Samba | B, L, D |
| May 13 | Española. Explore the world’s largest Waved Albatross colony on Punta Suárez. In the afternoon, snorkel at Gardner Bay. | Aboard the Samba | B, L, D |
| May 14 | San Cristóbal. Begin at Punta Pitt, where all three booby species reside. Continue to Cerro Brujo’s white-sand beach and finish the day snorkeling at Isla Lobos. | Aboard the Samba | B, L, D |
| May 15 | Santa Fé. Trek to observe the unique Santa Fé land iguana before exploring the cliffs of Plaza Sur. | Aboard the Samba | B, L, D |
| May 16 | Sombrero Chino Islet & Bartolomé. View Sombrero Chino’s lava formations from land and sea. Hike Bartolomé for panoramas of the iconic Pinnacle Rock. | Aboard the Samba | B, L, D |
| May 17 | Santiago & Rábida. Explore tidepools and the Fur Seal Grotto before walking Rábida’s red beach. Spend your final evening aboard the Samba. | Aboard the Samba | B, L, D |
| May 18 | Farewell to the Galápagos. Disembark on Seymour Norte for a final morning of wildlife viewing before flying back to Quito. | Holiday Inn Quito Airport, Quito | B |
| May 19 | Depart Home. Transfer to the airport for your flights home. | B |
Juan grew up in the Galapagos Islands where he developed his passion for wildlife while sailing on his father's boat. He received a degree from the University of San Francisco, Quito after studying Applied Ecology, Biology, and Geology. Juan also earned a skipper certificate after studying sailing and navigation in Los Angeles. Involvement in Environmental Education projects in the Galapagos Islands and on mainland Ecuador fills his spare time.
Arrive in Quito, Ecuador, where a local representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. If you’d like to come in early to adjust to the altitude or enjoy more time in the city, we’re happy to arrange additional nights and airport transfers.
Travel from the high Andes to the cloud forest, watching the climate, vegetation, and geology shift as you descend. Visit Yanacocha Reserve and drive through the bird-rich Old Nono-Mindo Ecoroute, home to a dazzling variety of Andean birdlife. Spend time at an active Andean Cock-of-the-rock lek, where brightly colored males perform their unforgettable courtship displays. After settling in at the lodge in the late afternoon, enjoy a group dinner and keep a lookout for nocturnal mammals close by.
Enjoy a relaxed morning exploring the vibrant birdlife around Bellavista Lodge. Countless hummingbirds crowd the feeders, while tanagers and other colorful species flit through the forest canopy. After lunch, return to Quito with the afternoon free to rest or explore the city.
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galápagos. Upon arrival, you’ll head to the dock to board the Samba, your home for the coming adventure.
All routings and visitor sites on the Galápagos Islands are subject to change by the Galápagos National Park Service to minimize traffic and impact.
Following introductions and a safety briefing, make your first landing on Mosquera Islet, a beautiful stretch of pale sand created by volcanic uplift about 100,000 years ago. Here you’ll encounter Galápagos sea lions, sally lightfoot crabs, and an array of shorebirds. Back aboard, enjoy a welcome cocktail and get acquainted with the Samba’s friendly crew before sailing overnight toward Genovesa. Under the moonlight, watch for the bioluminescent glow of comb jellies and other plankton—sometimes even illuminating dolphins riding the bow
Anchor inside the immense flooded caldera that forms Darwin Bay. The surrounding cliffs are prime habitat for the rare Galápagos fur seal and nesting Red-billed Tropicbirds. Walk up Prince Philip’s Steps for excellent views of Red-footed and Nazca Booby colonies and a large nesting colony of Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrels. Scan carefully for the Short-Eared Owl, which hunts these petrels during the day.
After your first snorkel of the trip, spend the afternoon observing thousands of Red-footed Boobies and Great Frigatebirds nesting along the cliffs. Watch the spectacular aerial chases as frigatebirds attempt mid-air theft of nesting materials. Genovesa is also home to four species of Darwin’s finches—Common Cactus-Finch, Green Warbler-Finch, Gray Warbler-Finch, and Large Ground-Finch—making it one of the best places to observe their varied bill shapes and behaviors. You’ll spend a peaceful night anchored in the calm, sheltered bay.
Today brings the rare privilege of exploring the waters around Marchena, an island few travelers ever see. Although landings aren’t permitted, Marchena offers some of the best snorkeling in the archipelago, with rays, sea turtles, sharks, eels, and abundant tropical fish. Look for hermatypic corals—an unusual sight in the Galápagos. The waters surrounding Marchena are also exceptionally rich in whales, so keep your binoculars ready during the voyage.
Arrive at Punta Albermarle, a seldom-visited and remote site with one of the most charming Flightless Cormorant colonies in the islands. This marks your first step onto Isabela, the largest of the archipelago’s islands.
Continue to Punta Vicente Roca, perched at the edge of deep, cold, nutrient-rich waters. This area is excellent for spotting Galápagos Penguins, Brown Noddies, sea turtles, Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies, marine iguanas, and even the strange but magnificent sunfish (Mola mola).
As you begin your journey toward Fernandina, keep watch for whales—this region is known for sightings of orcas, pilot whales, and sperm whales. A landmark study by Hal Whitehead highlighted the abundance of sperm whales here, drawn by the nutrient-rich Cromwell Current that supports dense populations of squid.
Cross the calm Bolívar Channel to reach Punta Espinoza on Fernandina, one of the most pristine islands on Earth, untouched by introduced species. Here, marine iguanas gather in the hundreds along the black lava shoreline, and Flightless Cormorants nest close to the water. Galápagos Penguins, lava lizards, and pelicans are also common. Walk across young basalt flows to find the unusual lava cactus, a species that thrives directly on fresh lava. (Snorkeling is no longer allowed at this site to protect the marine iguanas’ essential algae beds.)
In the afternoon, return to Isabela for a landing at Urbina Bay, dramatically uplifted from the sea in 1954. Wander among stranded coral heads and exposed marine fossils—tangible evidence of the islands’ ever-changing geology. Look for large land iguanas, marine iguanas, and occasionally giant tortoises. Snorkel in the cool waters offshore, keeping warm in your full wetsuit.
Begin with a peaceful panga ride through the mangrove channels of Elizabeth Bay, gliding past sea turtles and rays in this serene green oasis. Cold, nutrient-rich waters support excellent habitat for Flightless Cormorants and Galápagos Penguins.
Continue to stark Punta Moreno—its black basalt lava fields stretch toward the flanks of Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes. Here, hidden lagoons thrive with birdlife amid the lava. As you travel this evening through plankton-rich waters, keep scanning for whales.
Visit historic Post Office Bay, where you can participate in the centuries-old mariner tradition of dropping off and picking up postcards for hand delivery.
Explore Floreana’s highlands, a landscape cloaked in lichens and epiphytes, while the surrounding waters are frequented by dolphins and rich seabird life—including Waved Albatross, storm-petrels, shearwaters, and diving boobies. Enjoy time at Champion Islet, an excellent wildlife site, before continuing to Santa Cruz for a quiet dinner anchored in Academy Bay.
Anchor in Academy Bay beside Puerto Ayora, the islands’ bustling hub. Head into the highlands to explore Los Gemelos—two massive volcanic sinkholes ringed by towering Scalesia forest, essentially the world’s largest daisies. Keep an eye out for Galápagos Rails, Short-eared Owls, Tree-Finches, Vegetarian Finches, and the tool-using Woodpecker Finch. Walk through a lava tube formed during the island’s volcanic past.
In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, the heart of conservation and evolutionary research in the Galápagos. Observe the resident tortoises and learn about the captive-breeding programs designed to restore native tortoise populations. This is one of your best opportunities for close-up tortoise photography.
Land at Punta Cormorant and walk to the Flamingo Lagoon to search for shorebirds and the island’s few flamingoes. The vegetation here includes another species of the unique Scalesia.
Later, snorkel the spectacular Devil’s Crown, known worldwide for its vibrant fish life—rays, surgeonfish, parrotfish, jacks, wrasses, and more. In the afternoon, explore the human history of Floreana at the Baroness Lookout, a site tied to the island’s famous tales of pirates, early settlers, and unsolved mysteries.
Punta Suárez is one of the most wildlife-rich sites in the entire archipelago. Here you’ll see enormous breeding colonies of birds and iguanas, including the planet’s largest population of nesting Waved Albatross. Witness the mesmerizing courtship displays of newly paired albatrosses and admire fearless Española Mockingbirds, Swallow-tailed Gulls, Galápagos Hawks, and vibrant marine iguanas. Watch for the impressive blowhole shooting water nearly 75 feet into the air.
This afternoon, relax on the pristine beach at Gardner Bay. Snorkel with playful sea lions and enjoy excellent photography opportunities of shorebirds and the inquisitive Española Mockingbird. Look for the Large Cactus-Finch among the dunes.
Begin the day at Punta Pitt, one of the oldest and most striking sites in the archipelago. Stretch your legs on a scenic hike, observing vegetation that includes endemic flowering plants such as Calandrinia galapagosa and Lecocarpus darwinii. Continue to Cerro Brujo, a beautiful tuff cone with powdery white sand and dramatic volcanic formations.
Later, visit Isla Lobos along the northern coast, an excellent area for both wildlife viewing and snorkeling. Look for frigatebirds, sea turtles, sea lions, boobies, tropicbirds, marine iguanas, Swallow-tailed Gulls, and possibly dolphins.
Land on the shores of Santa Fé Island and hike to a low plateau through forests of giant prickly-pear cactus and Scalesia trees. Keep watch for the Santa Fé land iguana—a unique species that can reach up to five feet in length.
In the afternoon, visit the small but extraordinary island of Plaza Sur, where land and marine iguanas roam a landscape splashed with red and green Portulaca. Search the cacti for several finch species and enjoy views of bachelor sea lions lounging along the cliffs while Red-billed Tropicbirds glide overhead.
If light conditions are favorable, begin the day exploring Sombrero Chino, a perfectly shaped cinder cone surrounded by lava tubes and bright white coral sand.
In the afternoon, land on Bartolomé and climb to its 360-foot summit for one of the most iconic views in the Galápagos—Pinnacle Rock rising dramatically from the sea. Later, snorkel in the sheltered waters below, where Galápagos Penguins, colorful fish, starfish, and even harmless whitetip reef sharks are often seen swimming among underwater lava formations.
Land at James Bay and explore tidal pools during low tide, following them to Fur Seal Grotto, where Galápagos fur seals rest and swim in emerald-green pools formed by collapsed lava tubes.
In the afternoon, visit Rábida, instantly recognizable for its deep red sands. Photograph sea lions playing in the surf and enjoy the striking colors of late-day light on the ochre landscape. In the evening, sail east toward North Seymour for your final night aboard the Samba.
Your final landing brings you to wildlife-rich Seymour Norte. Walk among breeding Blue-footed Boobies and the large colony of Magnificent Frigatebirds, where males puff up brilliant red throat pouches to attract mates. Look for displays of sky-pointing boobies and calling frigatebirds, iconic Galápagos courtship behaviors. You’ll also encounter sea lions, marine iguanas, noddies, Lava Gulls, and more in a landscape dotted with palo santo trees and prickly-pear cactus.
Afterward, transfer to Baltra to bid farewell to the Samba and fly back to Quito for your final night.
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, carrying unforgettable memories of this extraordinary voyage.
The Samba is a 78-foot steel-hulled motor yacht, built strong and stable to explore the Galápagos Islands in comfort. With her graceful European Dutch design, she combines performance, charm, and reliability for travelers seeking an intimate, immersive experience.
Her classic lines and high bow help her cut smoothly through ocean swells, ensuring a steadier ride in open waters. A stabilizing sail adds further balance, reducing motion while enhancing fuel efficiency and sailing performance. These features make the Samba ideal for reaching remote island shores and navigating with precision.
Designed for long-range ocean travel, she blends rugged construction with warm, welcoming interiors. Guests can relax and enjoy both safety and style on board. The yacht’s thoughtful layout provides excellent visibility from multiple vantage points, allowing for wildlife viewing throughout the journey.
The Samba hosts just 14 passengers, offering an exclusive, small-group experience far from crowded cruise ships. With fewer guests, the crew delivers personalized service, deeper exploration, and more time ashore. Her size and agility allow landings on smaller beaches and access to isolated coves.
Her decks provide great space for photography, birdwatching, and simply taking in the views. You’ll find comfortable cabins, cozy shared spaces, and opportunities to socialize or enjoy solitude.
Every element of Samba’s design supports the expedition spirit. Her hull handles ocean swells with ease, while her stabilizing sail keeps the voyage smooth. She’s a top choice for travelers who value sustainability, close wildlife encounters, and meaningful adventure.
Whether watching marine iguanas sunbathe or snorkeling alongside sea lions, your Galápagos experience will feel personal and profound aboard the Samba. It’s not just a cruise—it’s an intimate voyage through one of Earth’s most iconic natural wonders.
Conservation| Type | Description | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Deck | Double occupancy, twin-sized upper and lower beds, private bath, and drawers for storage. | $12,550 |
| Upper Deck | Double occupancy, double bed, private bath, windows that open, closet, and drawers for storage. | $13,700 |
Costs are per person, depending on cabin type, double occupancy, not including airfare, singles extra. See Included and Not Included sections for more details.
If you are a single traveler, we will try to find a roommate for you, but if we cannot pair you with a roommate, we will not charge you a single supplement. If space is available, some cabins can be booked as a single by adding 90% over the listed cabin cost.
We cannot guarantee a specific cabin number, but if changes occur, we will assign a cabin of equal or greater value.
| Payment | Due Date | Amount Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | Due now to reserve your space | $500 |
| Final | November 22, 2026 | Remaining balance |
Payments are due based on the schedule above. All reservations require a deposit to confirm reservation of your space.
Refunds are given depending on the time left before departure according to the following table. Through September 21, 2026, the cancellation fee of $300 per person can be applied toward another trip if reserved within six months of the canceled trip’s departure date. Cancellations are non-transferable.
| Dates | Forfeited Amount per Person |
|---|---|
| On or before September 21, 2026 | $300 |
| September 22 to October 21, 2026 | 10% of tour cost |
| October 22 to November 21, 2026 | 40% of tour cost |
| On or after November 22, 2026 | 100% of tour cost |
Average temperatures range from the low to mid-60s°F (15 to 18°C) at night up to the 80s°F (26 to 31°C) during the day. The water temperature averages 70 to 74°F (21 to 23°C). Average temperatures during your mainland excursion range from nighttime lows in the 50s°F (10 to 15°C) to mid 60s°F (18°C) to daytime highs from mid 60s°F (18°C) to low 80s°F (26°C).
Walks on shore vary from short strolls on the beach to a few miles over uneven terrain. If you are not accustomed to walking long distances, you will still enjoy most activities as your pace allows you to see, appreciate, and photograph the unique nature of the Galápagos. If you anticipate struggling with the walks, do some hiking beforehand to get in good shape. You must be comfortable going up and down stairs and ladders on board and getting in and out of the panga (small boat). All lower deck cabins have bunk beds, so you should also be comfortable getting in and out of a top bunk.
Although snorkeling is not mandatory, it is a significant part of the voyage as you are in the water every day, sometimes twice a day. Even if you do not have to have snorkeling experience, proficient swimming abilities will allow you to fully enjoy this activity. Most snorkeling will be panga-based, sometimes over deep water, which is not an ideal place to learn to snorkel, especially if you are uncomfortable or intimidated by these conditions. It’s beneficial to get some experience in advance, however, the Samba crew will always assist you if needed. Please contact us if you have any health concerns that may make this trip challenging.
Detailed logistical information is included in the Trip Planning Materials we will send you.
Flights you book
Flights we book
Don’t let a fear of motion sickness keep you away! Even those who have experienced seasickness reported that the incredible wildlife and overall experience were well worth the temporary discomfort. If you are susceptible to seasickness or are concerned that you might be, please come prepared! The key to avoiding seasickness is to act before you experience nausea. Do your own research and consult your doctor before taking any medications. A good night of sleep, eating well, limiting alcohol, and using your favorite seasickness remedy is sufficient for most travelers. Find more information on our Coping with Seasickness webpage (this information is applicable to any form of motion sickness) and contact us if you have any questions.
Our company ethos has always regarded conservation as inseparable from responsible tourism. We struggle with the dilemma that traveling worldwide expends climate-changing carbon. However, we wholeheartedly believe that traveling with us will cultivate your passion for conserving our beautiful world while stimulating each destination’s local economy. We encourage you to explore the various ways in which Cheesemans’ operates within this context:
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Juan Manuel Salcedo