Trip Overview
Cruise the enchanting Galápagos Islands by private yacht with AdventureWomen in 2021 for an unforgettable, and awe-inspiring wildlife experience. From the slo-mo giant land tortoises and bizarrely endearing marine iguanas to the fabulous blue-footed boobies and descendants of Darwin’s finches, wander in wonder as you witness nature’s infinite variety in one of the last pristine places on Earth. Cruise to five volcano-forged islands aboard your yacht, the perfect environment for celebrating new friendships and each other’s adventurous spirit.
A private yacht to call home, eight glorious days in a natural wonderland, and unique wildlife (on land and below the waters) that knows no fear… Welcome to the Galápagos Islands! By day, enjoy hiking and outstanding snorkeling adventures; in the evenings, toast to tangerine sunsets and marvel at the profusion of stars illuminating the pure darkness.
Get acquainted with your AdventureWomen traveling companions in colorful Guayaquil before flying to Baltra the next morning. Board the comfortable Coral II yacht, cruise to nearby Santa Cruz, and begin your journey with an introduction to giant Galápagos tortoises of all sizes and ages at the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, renowned for their dedicated preservation efforts. A scenic hike up Dragon Hill introduces you to the yellow-hued land iguanas and numerous endemic bird species.
Your expert Galápagos naturalist-guide joins you throughout your journey, offering onshore and onboard talks about the islands, surrounding sea, and their resident wildlife. You are also accompanied by an AdventureWomen Ambassador, committed to helping make your experience a fun and personally rewarding adventure, and cheering you on as you reach beyond your comfort zone to take on new challenges in your own unique way.
Leaning out from the cliffs of Bartolome Island, Pinnacle Rock is one of the emblematic features of the Galápagos. Dock at the base of a 372-step wooden stairway and climb to the top for incredible views of the island’s volcanic formations. Your yacht repositions to a golden sand beach where you can don your gear and snorkel right off the beach, perhaps meeting nose-to-nose with a sea lion or sighting a Galápagos penguin, swimming past at warp speed. Watch for sea turtles fanning the sandy bottom; if you’re lucky they’ll swim with you, in near synchronicity, in the green waters – truly magical.
A hike on Rábida Island, distinctive for its iron-rich red sands, reveals a briny lagoon and flamingo habitat. This is the only island that’s home to all nine species of Darwin’s finches. White-tipped shark or graceful rays just might be your reward during a leisurely snorkel here. The beach at Buccaneers Cove is a prime sea turtle nesting site; the distinct sand prints are moving reminders of the arduous task at hand – the preservation of their species.
Ride a dinghy into Turtle Cove sanctuary in photogenic morning light, watching for turtles, pelicans, and herons. Then land on Santiago, Darwin’s favorite island, and drive into the humid highlands for a scenic walk in search of the Galápagos Giant Tortoises. As they lumber through pastures or alongside the trails, seize the fantastic opportunities to photograph each other close to these magnificent beings.
Seahorse-shaped Isabela Island, the largest of the archipelago, is rich both in marine and landscape ecosystems, offering the best deep-water snorkeling adventure of the trip. Slide off your dinghy and let the current carry you past rocky coastal walls often covered with starfish. Focus on the depths below and watch for gatherings of gentle white tipped sharks, or the streamlined flightless cormorants on a fishing mission. Take a dinghy ride along the cliffs where blue-footed boobies and resting sea lions enjoy a rest in nooks and crannies. Continue to Fernandina, famed for its vast number of marine iguanas that pile upon one another along the rocky shores. Their scaly bodies, and spiky crest give these “dragons” a decidedly prehistoric appearance.
Your final hike in southeastern Santiago takes you across a surreal landscape of undulating, twisted, and twirled lava flows stopped in its tracks as it cooled. As you take in the uninterrupted 360-degree views of this vast, sinewy landscape, it’s easy to really “feel” the volcanic origins of the Galápagos.
The festive farewell dinner onboard your yacht this evening brings everyone together to share the special memories of the past week, along with “personal first” AdventureWomen triumphs on land and in the water. As the sunset gives way to evening stars, toast to this tiny, precious dot on the map and that it remains safe and healthy for the generations to come.
Main Attractions
- Cruise to five distinct Galápagos Islands aboard the intimate Coral II, enjoying hospitable services and fresh meals on the outdoor deck and in the cozy dining area
- Explore starkly beautiful volcanic landscapes, climb to an island peak, walk through ghostly forests and through lush highlands
- Swim and snorkel right from the dinghies or off the beach, viewing sea turtles, rays, Galápagos penguins, sea lions, sharks, and numerous colorful reef inhabitants
- Observe Galápagos Giant Tortoises, land iguanas, and iconic marine iguanas, photographing them at close range
- With your expert Galápagos naturalist guide, identify many of the 56 resident bird species, including blue-footed boobies, Darwin’s finches, flamingos, and flightless cormorants
What You'll See and Do
- Anthropology
- Birding
- Hiking
- Natural History
- Photography
- Private Chartered Yacht
- Snorkeling
- Swim with Sea Lions
- Swimming
- UNESCO Site
- Walking
- Wildlife Viewing
