Golden Galapagos aboard Monique

Your itinerary begins on arrival in the Galapagos, with flights available from either Quito* in the Ecuadorian highlands or Guayaquil* on Ecuador’s Pacific coast. From your starting city you fly to Baltra airport in the Galapagos Islands where you’ll be welcomed and transferred to the Monique Catamaran. Once settled on board, your first exploration takes you to Las Bachas on Santa Cruz Island — a pristine stretch of white sand backed by lagoons and coastal vegetation. This peaceful landing offers a gentle introduction to the archipelago, with time for a relaxed walk or snorkel, and the chance to spot sea turtles in one of their important nesting areas. Later, cruise around Daphne Major Islet, a dramatic volcanic cone rising from the ocean. While landing is not permitted, the circumnavigation reveals its stark beauty and thriving birdlife, offering an early glimpse into the ecological richness that defines the Galapagos. Activities: Walking, Snorkelling, Circumnavigation Difficulty: Easy NB* For travel to the Galapagos Islands, we recommend arriving in Quito or Guayaquil at least one day prior to your scheduled cruise departure in case of flight delays or cancellations. We also strongly recommend not booking onward flights from Quito or Guayaquil on the same day your cruise concludes. Please note itineraries are flexible and subject to change due to weather conditions, National Park regulations and other circumstances beyond our control. Guests will follow one of two itineraries operating on alternate weeks; your consultant will confirm the itinerary scheduled for your selected departure date. While wildlife sightings in the Galapagos are abundant, sightings of specific animals or bird species cannot be guaranteed.

Meals:  L,D

Step ashore on Rabida Island, instantly recognisable for its deep red sand beach — one of the most striking landscapes in the Galapagos. A guided walk reveals a mix of cactus forests and dry vegetation, while a nearby lagoon may host flamingos. Along the shoreline, pelicans nest and marine life thrives just offshore, making this an excellent location for snorkelling or exploring by kayak or paddleboard. In the afternoon, continue to Chinese Hat, a small volcanic islet off Santiago Island. Its sculpted lava formations and low-lying profile create a stark yet beautiful setting. Here, enjoy a coastal walk and time in the water, where calm conditions often provide rewarding snorkelling opportunities. Activities: Walking, Snorkelling, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Dinghy Ride Difficulty: Moderate (Rabida) / Easy (Chinese Hat)

Meals:  B,L,D

The day begins along the remote northwest coast of Isabela at Vicente Roca Point, a site accessible only by dinghy. Towering cliffs and sheltered coves create ideal conditions for marine life, and the nutrient-rich waters make this one of the standout snorkelling locations of the journey. Encounters with sea lions, turtles and rays are common, while seabirds circle above. By afternoon, arrive at Espinoza Point on Fernandina Island — one of the most pristine environments in the archipelago. This young, volcanically active island remains untouched by introduced species. Walk across lava fields lined with marine iguanas and observe the raw, elemental beauty of this remote landscape, before exploring its waters by snorkel. Activities: Snorkelling, Dinghy Ride, Walking Difficulty: Moderate (Vicente Roca Point) / Easy to Moderate (Espinoza Point)

Meals:  B,L,D

At Moreno Point, a seemingly barren lava field gives way to hidden lagoons and mangrove-fringed pools. Walking trails reveal a surprising abundance of life, from flamingos and herons to Galapagos penguins. Along the shoreline, snorkelling or a dinghy ride offers the chance to encounter turtles and reef sharks in clear, sheltered waters. Later, glide through the mangrove-lined channels of Elizabeth Bay by dinghy or kayak. With no landing permitted, the experience is entirely water-based, allowing for a quiet, immersive exploration of this protected ecosystem where rays, sea turtles and seabirds are frequently seen. Activities: Walking, Snorkelling, Dinghy Ride, Kayaking, Paddleboarding Difficulty: Moderate (Moreno Point) / Easy (Elizabeth Bay)

Meals:  B,L,D

Urbina Bay offers a fascinating glimpse into the geological forces that shape the Galapagos. Once part of the ocean floor, this area was uplifted by volcanic activity and now supports a mix of marine and land species, including iguanas, sea lions and flightless cormorants. Time here may be spent walking the uplifted terrain or enjoying the beach. In the afternoon, visit Tagus Cove, historically used by pirates and whalers navigating these waters. A hike leads to elevated viewpoints overlooking the cove and surrounding volcanic formations, while the area’s mangroves provide habitat for rare bird species. Water-based activities round out the experience, with opportunities to snorkel or paddle along the coastline. Activities: Walking, Snorkelling, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Dinghy Ride Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Meals:  B,L,D

Espumilla Beach welcomes you with a broad sweep of golden-white sand and active marine life. Marine iguanas bask along the shore while Sally Lightfoot crabs move across the rocks, attracting a variety of birdlife. The waters here are rich and inviting, making it an excellent spot for snorkelling among reef species. Continue to Buccaneer Cove, once a refuge for pirates and sailors and now a dramatic coastal landscape of cliffs and eroded rock formations. Wildlife has reclaimed the area, with seabirds nesting along the cliffs and sea lions resting at the water’s edge. Explore by dinghy for close-up views, or enter the water to discover the vibrant marine environment below. Activities: Walking, Snorkelling, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Dinghy Ride Difficulty: Moderate

Meals:  B,L,D

North Seymour Island is a highlight for birdlife encounters. Walking trails wind through low vegetation where blue-footed boobies perform their courtship displays and frigate birds inflate their vivid red throat pouches. The density of wildlife here offers exceptional photographic and observational opportunities. In the afternoon, visit Mosquera Islet, a small sandy outcrop between Baltra and North Seymour. With no defined trails, exploration is relaxed and informal. The island is home to a lively sea lion colony, and the surrounding waters are ideal for snorkelling, with frequent sightings of rays, turtles and reef sharks. Activities: Walking, Snorkelling, Dinghy Ride Difficulty: Easy (North Seymour) / Moderate (Mosquera)

Meals:  B,L,D

Your final visit takes you to the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island. Here, learn about the conservation efforts that protect the Galapagos, including the breeding and reintroduction of giant tortoises. After the visit, transfer to Baltra Airport for your onward journey, concluding your expedition through this extraordinary archipelago. Activities: Walking Difficulty: Easy

Meals:  B