Set sail on a 5-day Galapagos cruise to discover the extraordinary natural splendor of Ecuador’s iconic archipelago. This carefully designed route travels through the captivating eastern and central realms, providing an immersive journey across pristine volcanic terrain. Along the way, guests explore remarkable sites across Baltra, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, South Plaza, Bartolomé, Santiago, and Rábida.
Daily outings reveal the archipelago’s famous wildlife, offering memorable encounters with flamingos, land iguanas, and giant tortoises. Dive deep into Galápagos’ beauty by snorkeling most days alongside sea turtles, sea lions, rays, and tropical fish, then explore the coastline by kayak or stand-up paddleboard.
The vessel offers a welcoming retreat between island visits, featuring air-conditioned cabins and inviting social spaces to unwind. Equipped with modern amenities, two panga tenders, and comprehensive safety equipment, the craft provides a smooth and safe trip through one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.
Full itinerary: giant tortoises in the Santa Cruz highlands; land iguanas on Santa Fe and South Plaza; the Pinnacle Rock viewpoint on Bartolomé and the lava flows of Sullivan Bay on Santiago; the red-sand beach of Rábida and Chinese Hat Islet; Las Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz.
Pinnacle Rock from the viewpoint on Bartolomé Island, the red sand and flamingo lagoon of Rábida, and penguins, rays, and sea lions around Chinese Hat Islet.
Snorkeling on most days with sea turtles, sea lions, rays, and reef fish, plus free use of kayaks and paddleboards.
Wild giant tortoises on Santa Cruz, in the native forest of the El Chato Reserve in the highlands, with lunch at a local farm on Day 1.
Volcanic landscapes on Day 3: the climb to the Bartolomé viewpoint, then a walk across the black lava flows of Sullivan Bay on Santiago.
A small ship Galapagos cruise in the true sense: 16 guests, 10 cabins, and a crew of 8, so you are never one of a crowd at a nest or a snorkel site.
Excursions led by a naturalist guide certified by the Galapagos National Park, with a small group from the yacht.
All-inclusive experience: the round-trip flight from mainland Ecuador to Baltra, the airport and yacht transfers, 4 nights aboard, all meals, snorkel gear, kayaks and paddleboards, and a naturalist guide.
Please note: The program below is the planned route. Daily schedules, anchorages, and landing sites remain subject to adjustment by the captain and the Galapagos National Park based on weather, ocean conditions, or conservation guidelines. Your guide will outline the confirmed plan for the following day during each evening briefing.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Baltra / Embarkation / Santa Cruz Highlands, El Chato Giant Tortoises
ArrivalBaltra Airport (Seymour, GPS) · ~9:50 AM
EmbarkationShort transfer to the pier · Welcome and orientation
WalkSanta Cruz highlands, El Chato Reserve · Wild giant tortoises
Your Galápagos cruise begins at Baltra Airport, a small island off the north coast of Santa Cruz, where a naturalist guide meets you at the arrivals gate and the crew takes your luggage. A short bus transfer brings you to the pier to board the yacht, with a welcome orientation and a light snack.
Lunch is served at a local farm in the green highlands of Santa Cruz. In the afternoon, explore the native forest of the El Chato Reserve, where giant tortoises live free in their natural habitat. Back on board, guests gather for an orientation on the archipelago, followed by a welcome cocktail and dinner served on board.
Meals included: Lunch (local farm) / Dinner
Day 2
Santa Fe Island / South Plaza Island
WalkSanta Fe · Endemic land iguanas
Snorkel, kayak, paddleboardSanta Fe bay
WalkSouth Plaza · Sea lions, cactus forest, land iguanas
The morning is on Santa Fe, known for its distinctive vegetation and a population of land iguanas unique to the island. Back at the shore, there is time to snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard before lunch on board.
In the afternoon, land on South Plaza, a small island off the east coast of Santa Cruz, where a walk crosses a cactus forest alive with sea lions, land iguanas, and tropical birds. The low cliffs are a good place to watch swallow-tailed gulls and red-billed tropicbirds ride the wind. The day ends with dinner and the nightly briefing.
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3
Bartolomé Island / Pinnacle Rock / Sullivan Bay, Santiago
HikeBartolomé · Pinnacle Rock viewpoint
Snorkel, panga rideBartolomé
WalkSullivan Bay, Santiago · Lava flows
In the morning, land on Bartolomé and hike up to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Pinnacle Rock and the surrounding volcanic landscape. Your guide will tell you where there is time to swim and snorkel.
After lunch on board, explore Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, where a walk crosses black lava flows and the guide explains the volcanic origins of the islands. Dinner and the evening briefing follow.
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4
Rábida Island / Chinese Hat Islet
WalkRábida · Red-sand beach, coastal lagoon
Snorkel, kayak, paddleboardRábida and Chinese Hat Islet
WildlifePenguins, rays, sea lions
The morning is on Rábida, known for its red-sand beach and a coastal lagoon where flamingos are sometimes seen. There is time to snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard before lunch on board.
In the afternoon, explore Chinese Hat Islet, a small volcanic formation with excellent chances to watch marine life such as Galápagos penguins, rays, and sea lions. The last nightly briefing is after dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5
Las Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz / Disembarkation at Baltra
Walk and snorkelLas Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz · Flamingo lagoon
DisembarkationFarewell breakfast on board
Transfer and flightBaltra Airport · Return to the mainland
In the morning, the tenders land at Las Bachas Beach, a white-sand beach on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, where a coastal lagoon often draws flamingos. As you explore, the guide shares insights into the wildlife of the area.
After a farewell breakfast on board, you are transferred to Baltra Airport in time for your flight back to mainland Ecuador. That is the end of your 5-day Galápagos cruise.
Meals included: Breakfast
What is Included
Round-trip transfer (Baltra Airport ⇌ the yacht, in Galapagos)
Round-trip flight from mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil) to Baltra, arranged by the operator
4-night stay aboard the yacht, in the cabin category you book
Meals (full board, from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 5)
Snorkel gear for the cruise and free use of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards
Guided tours (the Santa Cruz highlands, Santa Fe, South Plaza, Bartolomé, Sullivan Bay on Santiago, Rábida, Chinese Hat Islet, and Las Bachas)
A naturalist guide certified by the Galapagos National Park
On-board Wi-Fi, in designated areas
Hot-drink station and filtered drinking water all day
Not included
Flight tickets (international and any flight other than the included mainland Ecuador ⇌ Baltra ticket)
Hotel night in Quito or Guayaquil before or after the cruise
Galápagos National Park entrance fee and the INGALA Transit Control Card (US$ 200 and US$ 20 per person, paid locally)
Wetsuit rental
Bottled and alcoholic drinks and personal items (paid in cash on board; cards are not accepted)
Gratuities for the guide and crew
Travel and health insurance (strongly recommended)
Visas and vaccinations, where they apply
Guests remain aboard the M/Y Tip Top IV throughout this 4-night Galapagos cruise. Measuring 38.26 meters in length with a 12-knot cruising speed, this first-class motor yacht hosts up to 16 passengers alongside an 8-member crew and a certified naturalist guide.
Onboard amenities include an indoor dining salon, a comfortable social lounge, outdoor deck spaces for ocean viewing, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Two panga tenders handle all shore excursions and landings.
The vessel features an eco-friendly reverse-osmosis desalination unit for fresh water and an advanced sewage-treatment system. Safety provisions adhere strictly to international coast guard standards, featuring life jackets, two dedicated tenders, and two life rafts.
M/Y Tip Top IV
Situated across two decks, every cabin includes air conditioning, a private ensuite bathroom with hot and cold water, a hair dryer, a safe, and a 110V power outlet with a USB charging port.
Lower Deck (cabins 1 to 6)
Six cabins on the lower deck, each with a porthole for natural light. Two single lower beds (convertible to a queen), up to 2 guests.
Upper Deck (cabins 7 to 10)
Cabins are one level up, with large windows looking out to sea and on the same deck as the covered outdoor terrace. Two single lower beds (convertible to a queen), up to 2 guests.
All meals are served on board, from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 5, with fresh, local ingredients. Lunch on Day 1 is at a local farm in the Santa Cruz highlands.
Filtered drinking water and a hot-drinks station are available all day. Bottled and alcoholic drinks are not included in the cruise fare and are paid in cash on board (credit cards are not accepted). Tap water on board is not for drinking.
Dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, pork-free, or allergy-related needs, can be accommodated. Tell us when you book and confirm your needs before sailing.
FAQ
Reviews
“An amazing trip with the crew. The boat was really cosy. The staff always had a smile on their faces. Enrique got to know us by name which was such a lovely personal touch. The food was amazing, delicious and nicely presented. We were so well fed. The skippers always would point out wildlife. Charles, our guide, was very knowledgeable and had a good sense of humour. We were very lucky to have him as a guide which made the history of the islands come alive. Would definitely recommend a cruise on this intimate boat of 15 people”
— Wendy A
“We had an Epic trip with fourteen other good friends from Canada. All eight couples were blown away at being able to be so close to so many animals, many not seen anywhere else in the world. The crew was amazing, and our fabulous guide, Lulu, really brought the history, geology, and understanding of these unusual animals and their behavior to life for us. Her great interpretive information, photos, and sense of humor made our trip! And, we got to see so many more animals that any of us expected -- the male frigatebirds puffing up their bright red throat pouches, the huge Galapagos turtles, blue-footed boobies and albatross engaging in their ritual mating dances, and Lulu even took us snorkeling with hammerhead sharks, playful sea lions, and penguins! It was truly a trip of a lifetime.”
— Kathy R
“We spent New Year's 2019 on this cruise and highly recommend it. Marcos met our group of 16 at the Baltra airport. He was our naturalist guide for the entire trip and was wonderful. Incredibly well educated about geology, animals, history, culture... he'd answer every question we had with knowledge. He was also a lot of fun, and everyone from the teenagers to the grandma on the trip appreciated him. The ship was very comfortable. We had plenty of storage (although we packed little) and the bathrooms in each room had soap, shampoo, towels, and hairdryers. We were all provided stainless steel water bottles and foot towels. Each room has a safe, although we pretty much left our door open most of the time. It felt very safe--like a little family. We paid more for an upper cabin and loved the two large windows the cabin had. Food was plentiful and yummy and varied. Even our picky teenagers loved it. The chef was very capable of providing options for the vegetarians and our kid with allergies. Every time we returned from one activity or another, there'd be wonderful treats out for us. The entire staff was so nice and helpful. We all felt comfortable and totally spoiled and very safe at all times. We loved the activities--walking, kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, dinghy rides... The Galapagos actually lets visitors on the islands in a very limited timeframe, so we were sometimes on land for only 1-2 hours a day. But there was so much else do do on or in the water that we never felt bored. It is important to note that there is snorkeling every day. It's optional, but is a big part of the trip. (And totally amazing and glorious if you like the water--penguins, sea lions, fish everywhere, small sharks, rays, cormorants, octopus, swimming iguanas...) Even the most avid snorkelers/divers on our trip were just blown away by what we saw. Land excursions were just as glorious, and we saw so many birds and animals up close. This truly was the trip of a lifetime. Marcos did a great job of briefing us on what we saw each day and the plan for the following day. It was so well organized and efficient. The boat has 3 very nice outdoor areas for hanging out. Some shaded, some not. We loved every minute of this trip and feel fortunate to have been with Marcos on this boat.”
— Ellen Mac
“It was a bucket list wish that became true with a spectacular cruise of 5 days and 4 nights. Magnificent snorkeling, beautiful walks on the islands, with great experience on board with 5* service. Very friendly and helpful staff, excellent food, from breakfast, snacks, lunch and dinner. Would definitely book with them again.”
— Marc
“The whole week was a dream come true for our family, it was more than what we had imagined or hoped for. From day1 pickup at the airport to the last day, the service was impeccable. The boat was a pleasure to hang out in; it was just the right size, very clean, well maintained and and beautiful with wood accents. The crew was friendly and everything went smoothly like clock work. My family had no complaints about the food and there was plenty. All soups and salads were delicious! I was a bit apprehensive about the whole cruise based tour of the islands, having never been on a group tour before. But everyone got along great and both guides Felipe and Joed(he had his own sub-group) were excellent on and off the islands. Felipe, our guide, was unassuming, charming & fun and we couldn't have asked for anyone better! I realize now that it was more fun in a small group as opposed to just our family- at least it felt that way in this case. I'd book this again without hesitation, if we ever get the chance. P. S: We had the lower level cabins and it was not a problem whatsoever!”
— David
“I booked this cruise. From the booking process to arriving in the Galapagos, everything went very smoothly. The boat was just amazing! The cabins clean and comfortable and the lounge and dining room large and spacious. The crew on the boat were outstanding and very friendly, plus the food was really good. Each day consisted of a snorkelling session and a walk with a naturalist guide in the morning and again after lunch. The variety of land animals and sea creatures was just incredible! Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and very considerate for those that were nervous in the water or were not accomplished swimmers. He also had an incredible knowledge of the local flora and geology. I would recommend this cruise for anyone that has an interest in nature and the outdoors. My only regret was that I did not book a longer trip.”
— Andy W
“We (two couples, mid-50s) did this cruise and it was fantastic. The ship is very comfortable and with 16 passengers it is easy to do lots of stops each day. The food was plentiful and tasty. Our guide, Felipe, was excellent. Everyone on the ship saw every wildlife species on their list, excepting an albatross. So many encounters with all 3 boobys, frigate birds, dolphins, short-eared owl, Galapagos hawk, herons, penguins, sea turtles, 4 kinds of ray, flightless cormorants, sharks, sea lions, marine and land iguanas, giant tortoises, flamingoes, and so much more. We did four activities most days - a mix of hikes, dinghy rides and snorkeling. Everything was very well organized and the service was top notch. This cruise gets our highest recommendation!”
— Ellen M
“Spent exceptional days on board - the whole crew went out of their way to make this an exceptional experience - each day seemed to have a new theme and exposed us to new Galápagos splendours - each day had 3-4 activities including hikes, snorkeling and kayaking - for a person with a lot of energy, this is the trip for you - we swam with penguins, sea turtles, sea lions and marine iguanas - we saw wildlife and birds up close - and despite the Galápagos Islands having more than 200 000 visitors per year, the national park guides take conservation seriously and there was no litter/plastic anywhere - it remains a gem that you don’t want to miss with this exceptional company as your guide”
— Sarah B
“We had an amazing time on this cruise. Service, food, and experience were exceptional! Charles was our very knowledgeable guide; he's grown up on the islands and his enthusiasm for the animals and local region is contagious. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this very professional company.”
— Court D
“My husband and I recently returned from this cruise. This is an excursion for the serious traveler. Most days we were out of the boat at 7:45 am for a hike, snorkeling, possibly a panga ride and back to the boat for lunch, a quick rest and repeat. They run a tight schedule and all of us had to adhere to their timings etc. We went on a variety of hikes and loved all the snorkeling. The water in some places was quite cold, and I was glad we had rented the wetsuits from the boat. Our naturalist on board, Fabricio, was very knowledgeable and took care of all the passengers very well. The boat had a capacity of 16 passengers, but there were only 11 of us on board. We got to know the others well and enjoyed our trip thoroughly. The cabin was quite small, with a small cabinet space and some shelves. We were on the lower level, which was fine with us as we were hardly ever in the room, other than to to take a nap or sleep at night. The lounge area of the boat was very comfortable and inviting with snacks, and that's where we hung with the other passengers. The deck areas are quite comfortable too with lots of lounge chairs. The staff is excellent, especially Roberto, Pilar, Fernando, Richard and other crew members who were always so helpful and courteous. The food was excellent!!! Enjoyed every meal, and they even took care of our vegetarian food request. Lots of tea, coffee and cookies throughout the day. Overall, we couldn't have had a better holiday while seeing the fascinating flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands.”
