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Galapagos Exploration by Sea
Aboard Angel Yacht
Sail the exceptional islands of the Galapagos, renowned as the birthplace of the theory of natural selection. The vast majority of flora and fauna species are endemic to these islands, and you’llexperience this true voyage of discovery upon a first class yacht.
Traverse lava fields, sandy beaches and take in spectacular views from rugged cliffs. Snorkel the seas with frolicking sea lions, marine iguanas, reef sharks and garden eels. On land seek out land iguanas, lava lizards and penguins. Look to the skies for Galapagos hawks, mockingbirds, pelicans, flamingoes and blue footed boobies.
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about giant tortoise breeding program and conservation the work they are doing to tackle the most urgent threats to the biodiversity of the islands.
Wake up every morning to breathtaking views from the panoramic window of your cabin aboard your premier yacht.
Why You'll Love This Trip
- Unforgettable Wildlife Experiences: This volcanic archipelago is teeming with unusual fauna. Penguins and fur seals live alongside land iguanas and lava lizards. Here you’ll also find the world’s largest colonies of seabirds.
- Intimate Sailing Experience: Designed for just sixteen passengers with a crew of eleven, you are sure to be well taken care of. There’s no queueing for excursions, you’ll be assisted straight into dinghy’s or kayaks and out exploring volcanic islands, to ensure you make the most of every moment.
Day 1, Arrive Quito
Upon arrival in Quito you’ll be met and transferred to your boutique hotel in the old town of Quito. Here you’ll have some time to acclimatize to the attitude and recuperate after your long journey at this beautiful boutique hotel.
Accommodation: Illa Experience Hotel
Day 2, Exploring Quito
After breakfast you’ll meet your guide in reception to learn all about this UNESCO world heritage city. Strolling through the Old Town you’ll see some of the best examples of colonial architecture in Latin America. Learn about the Incan history and sample some local cuisine for lunch. The tour is a full day, and you’ll get the chance to stand on both sides of the equator!
Accommodation: Illa Experience Hotel
Day 3, Quito – Baltra – North Seymour
Today you’ll leave the city behind and be transferred back to the airport for your flight to Baltra. Here you’ll be met and transferred to your yacht to settle in before lunch and a welcome briefing. In the afternoon set sail for North Seymour where you can snorkel with sea lions, garden eels and reef sharks. Look for frigate birds and blue footed boobies.
Accommodation: Galapagos Angel Yacht
Day 4, Exploring Santiago Island- Chinese Hat Islet & Sullivan Ba
Named for the shape of the islet, you’ll find interested geological lava flows and tunnels on Chinese Hat. Snorkel the seas for sharks, rays & penguins. In Sullivan Bay survey small volcanoes formed by lava flows.
Accommodation: Galapagos Angel Yacht
Day 5, Exploring Genovesa – Darwin Bay & El Barranco
Visit the white sandy beaches of Darwin Bay, rich in birdlife. You may spot Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies and swallow tail gulls on your walk. Climb Prince Phillip’s Steps at El Barranco to be rewards with a fantastic view. Spot short-eared owls, storm-petrels and Galapagos doves.
Accommodation: Galapagos Angel Yacht
Day 6, Santiago & Rabida Islands
Walk the coastline trail at Egas Port beside sunbathing fur seals. Snorkel alongside turtles, rays, marine iguana and colourful fish here and in the waters near Rabida Island. Radiba’s red sandy beaches are also a favourite of Galapagos vermillion flycatchers and hawks.
Accommodation: Galapagos Angel Yacht
Day 7, Exploring Santa Cruz – Tortoise Breeding Centre & Highlands
Visit the giant tortoise breeding centre where giant tortoise hatchlings are kept until the age of four, when they are strong enough to survive on their own. In the highlands, walk through enormous otherworldly lava tunnels.
Accommodation: Galapagos Angel Yacht
Day 8, Exploring Espanola – Gardner Islet & Bay & Suarez Point
In Gardner Bay, stroll amongst the sea lions and mockingbirds on the white sandy beach. Suarez Point is the breeding site of nearly all the worlds 12,000 waved albatrosses. Capture a photograph of the famous blowhole in action as water spurts dramatically from the rocks.
Accommodation: Galapagos Angel Yacht
Day 9, Santa Fe & South Plaza Islands
On Santa Fe Island take the trail up to the prickly pear cactus forest. On South Plaza Island look out for the red and yellow land iguanas and visit one of the largest sea lion colonies in the Galapagos Islands.
Accommodation: Galapagos Angel Yacht
Your Accommodation
Illa Experience Hotel & Spa
With rooms designed to reflect the historic architecture of the old town and provide ultimate comfort, with fine linens and heated blankets. This hotel provides an immersive experience in Ecuadorian culture as well as exceptional service, located in the charming old town of the city.
Galapagos Angel Yacht
With two large suites and six convertible cabins this motor yacht provides an intimate sailing adventure. Awake each morning to incredible island views from your panoramic windows. With eleven staff for just sixteen guests the Galapagos Angel offers attentive service as well as excellent guiding.
Galapagos Exploration by Sea Gallery
Client Reviews
- —Kendra Price, Galapagos, 2025
I booked with NWS for a trip of a lifetime to the Galápagos Islands! I was very well taken care of from the original contact with their office through the final trip to the airport to return home. My NWS contact for the trip helped me determine the right adventure for my available dates and provided excellent communication and partnership in answering all of my questions.
Once in Ecuador, the local team was amazing! My driver and tour guide in Quito was excellent and knowledgeable. When I got to the Islands, I immediately fell in love with the Galapagos, this ship, the crew, and the 2 naturalist guides. Because of their excellence, I had the opportunity to experience a wide array of unique wildlife and participate in hikes, kayaking, and snorkelling.
NWS provides exclusive accommodations, ships, crew, and guides that make already special experiences even more unforgettable. Even better - these are experiences with a small amount of guests, and that allows for the maximum amount of time actually having the adventure and not waiting around. 100% recommend!