Galapagos Wildlife Odyssey aboard the M/Y La Pinta

This upgraded version of our classic program offers a superior value in the archipelago, featuring a comprehensive 8-day itinerary, aboard one of the finest vessels in the islands, the M/Y La Pinta. This generously proportioned all-First-Class ship with a small yacht atmosphere offers the highest levels of comfort, safety and service and is an ideal base of exploration of these remarkable islands.

Starting with an overnight in Quito, our first day is spent in the Lake District of Ecuador visiting with artists from a variety of handicraft specialties. On Friday morning, we catch a flight to Baltra Island and start exploring aboard our comfortable 48-passenger, luxury expedition boat. Accompanied by some of the best English-speaking naturalist guides in the Galápagos, we learn about the natural history of these enchanted islands, visiting the most outlying sites as well as important central and southern islands.

Brief Itinerary

Days 1-2 : Arrive to Quito Wednesday evening. Visit the Lake District's famed artists and weavers and experience Otavalo's handicrafts market on Thursday.

Day 3 : After the flight to the Galápagos, settle in aboard the boat and enjoy the first shore excursion.

Days 4-9 : The La Pinta anchors off-shore at two visitor sites per day which feature nature walks with a certified naturalist guide plus several opportunities for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. Islands visited typically include: North Seymour & Santa Cruz Islands; Floreana Island-Champion Islet & Punta Cormorant; Isabela Island - Punta Moreno; Fernandina Island - Punta Espinosa; Santa Cruz Island – Puerto Ayora, the Highlands and the Charles Darwin Research Station; Bartolomé & Rábida Islands; Hood Island – Gardner Bay & Punta Suarez; San Cristóbal Island - Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Days 10-11 : Return to Quito for a farewell dinner and the flight home or extend on to Peru and Machu Picchu.

Plan ahead to ensure your participation on an amazing Galápagos adventure! Due to high-demand year round, we recommend making your reservation at least 4-6 months in advance (a year for holiday departures) to secure your space.

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"The week in the Galápagos aboard La Pinta proved to be the single most satisfying travel experience we've ever had. We have nothing but praise for the boat's facilities, its staff, its naturalists. Just to make everything that much better, the 31 passengers were as compatible a group as I've traveled with. I think all of us felt the same. Of course, the Galápagos would be remarkable in almost any situation, but I can't envision a better way to visit than the way we did."
R. Frost (Plattsburgh, NY)