Galapagos

Northern Galapagos Islands (Itinerary D)

5 Days aboard M/C Monique. From AUD $8,109pp.
Small Ship Expeditions
Details

Overview

This 5-day Galapagos journey reveals a perfect balance of dramatic volcanic scenery, pristine beaches, and thriving wildlife habitats. From red-footed boobies and land iguanas to sea lions, reef sharks, and sea turtles, every island visited offers unforgettable encounters and a deeper appreciation of these extraordinary islands.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Walk among towering cacti, colorful ground vegetation, and unique land iguanas on Santa Fe and South Plaza Islands.
  • Experience the birdlife of Genovesa, where frigatebirds, boobies, and storm petrels fill the skies.
  • Glide through the mangrove-fringed waters of Black Turtle Cove, spotting rays, reef sharks, and sea turtles in a tranquil setting.

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: San Cristobal Airport Arrival - Witch Hill & Kicker Rock (San Cristobal Island)
  • Day 2: Santa Fe Island - South Plaza Island
  • Day 3: Bartolomew Island - Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island)
  • Day 4: Prince Philip´s Steps (Genovesa Island) - Darwin Bay (Genovesa Island)
  • Day 5: Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz Island) - Transfer to Baltra Island Airport

Ship Information

For more information on the M/C Monique please view the ship page.

View M/C Monique

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1: San Cristobal Airport Arrival - Witch Hill & Kicker Rock (San Cristobal Island)

AM: San Cristobal Airport Arrival
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and assisted at the airport, then transferred from San Cristobal Airport to the M/C Monique.

PM: Witch Hill & Kicker Rock (San Cristobal Island)
In the afternoon, head to Witch Hill, a secluded bay with fine white sand and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming or snorkeling. Its shallow saltwater lagoon offers a peaceful setting ideal for spotting marine life and enjoying views of Kicker Rock from a unique vantage point.

During a circumnavigation, you will enjoy breathtaking views of Kicker Rock — a towering, twin-peaked volcanic formation rising from the sea. This iconic landmark is a haven for seabirds such as blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds, often seen perched on its narrow ledges

Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling, Dinghy ride, Kayaking/paddleboarding (Kicker Rock circumnavigation)
Difficulty: Easy

Lunch and Dinner included.

Day 2: Santa Fe Island - South Plaza Island

AM: Santa Fe Island
Begin your morning by landing on Santa Fe, one of the oldest islands in the Galapagos, known for its towering forests of Opuntia cacti and distinctive pale-yellow land iguanas. Hike along scenic trails that lead you across the island’s arid landscape or into the highlands where these endemic iguanas bask under the sun. After your walk, cool off in the calm, crystal-clear waters of the bay — ideal for swimming or snorkeling alongside playful sea lions, rays, and colorful reef fish.

Activities: Walking, Snorkeling, Dinghy ride, Kayaking/paddleboarding
Difficulty: Moderate

PM: South Plaza Island
In the afternoon, explore the compact yet incredibly diverse South Plaza Island. Its vivid red and green Sesuvium ground cover contrasts dramatically with the island’s black lava and towering prickly pear cacti. Here, you can often see swallow-tailed gulls, tropicbirds, and other seabirds nesting or riding the thermals above the crashing waves.

Activities:  Walking, Dinghy ride, Kayaking/paddleboarding
Difficulty: Easy

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 3: Bartolomew Island - Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island)

AM: Bartolomew Island
In the morning, you will discover Bartholomew Island. Once here, you will ascend to admire the spectacular panorama of the Sullivan Bay and the famous Pinnacle Rock. The beaches at the foot of the Pinnacle Rock are excellent for snorkeling from which you can discover the marvelous underwater world, and with a little luck, you’ll get to snorkel with penguins.

Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling, Dinghy Ride
Difficulty: Easy

PM: Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island)
In the afternoon, you will visit Sullivan Bay, located on the east coast of Santiago Island. We land on a white coral sand beach and begin our walk over lava that flowed less than 100 years ago. This is the perfect place to see and feel the volcanic origin of Galapagos. Also, in this area you will admire flora that grows in lava fields.

Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling, Dinghy ride
Difficulty: Easy

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 4: Prince Philip´s Steps (Genovesa Island) - Darwin Bay (Genovesa Island)

AM: Prince Philip´s Steps (Genovesa Island)
In the morning, you will go to El Barranco (Prince Philip’s Steps), a carved out of stone stair. This will lead you to a wide plateau, where you can observe large colonies of masked boobies, frigate birds, storm petrels and ducks. During this easy stroll you will cross a small Scalesia forest, habitat of the short-eared owl. The same path will lead you back to your boat.

Activities: Walking, Snorkeling, Dinghy Ride, Kayaking / Paddleboarding
Difficulty: Moderate

PM: Darwin Bay (Genovesa Island)
In the visit to Darwin Bay, which is the only sandy beach found in the caldera on Genovesa. Colonies of the Great Frigates are found along the beach. Male exhibit their red balloon pouch to females for hope of a match.

Red-footed boobies nest in the trees in contrast to the other two booby species which do so on the ground.

Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling, Dinghy Ride, Kayaking / Paddleboarding
Difficulty: Moderate

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 5: Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz Island) - Transfer to Baltra Island Airport

AM: Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz Island)
In the morning, you'll explore Black Turtle Cove, located along the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. This site vividly demonstrates how mangroves shape the marine ecosystem, forming a vibrant and unique habitat. Three different species of mangroves extend from the shore deep into the water, stretching nearly a mile inland.

While gliding silently through the calm waters aboard a dinghy, you may spot spotted eagle rays and mustard rays gracefully swimming in formation. Keep an eye out for white-tipped reef sharks gliding beneath the surface and Pacific green sea turtles surfacing to breathe or mate. The area is also a haven for waterfowl, such as pelicans, herons, and egrets, all drawn by the cove’s rich feeding grounds.

Activities and Excursions: Dinghy ride
Difficulty: Easy

After this last visit, transfer to Baltra airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.

Assistance and farewell at the airport.

Breakfast included.

Next Departure Date: 12 Jul 2026
DatesCabinFromAdditional
12 Jul 2026 - 16 Jul 2026 AUD$8109ppExpand to view prices
Double StateroomAUD$8109ppContact us
26 Jul 2026 - 30 Jul 2026 AUD$8109ppExpand to view prices
23 Aug 2026 - 27 Aug 2026 AUD$8109ppExpand to view prices
06 Sep 2026 - 10 Sep 2026 AUD$8109ppExpand to view prices
04 Oct 2026 - 08 Oct 2026 AUD$8109ppExpand to view prices
01 Nov 2026 - 05 Nov 2026 AUD$8109ppExpand to view prices
13 Dec 2026 - 17 Dec 2026 AUD$8109ppExpand to view prices
10 Jan 2027 - 14 Jan 2027 AUD$8578ppExpand to view prices
24 Jan 2027 - 28 Jan 2027 AUD$8578ppExpand to view prices
07 Feb 2027 - 11 Feb 2027 AUD$8578ppExpand to view prices
21 Feb 2027 - 25 Feb 2027 AUD$8578ppExpand to view prices
07 Mar 2027 - 11 Mar 2027 AUD$8578ppExpand to view prices
21 Mar 2027 - 25 Mar 2027 AUD$8578ppExpand to view prices
04 Apr 2027 - 08 Apr 2027 AUD$8578ppExpand to view prices
02 May 2027 - 06 May 2027 AUD$8578ppExpand to view prices
30 May 2027 - 03 Jun 2027 AUD$8578ppExpand to view prices
27 Jun 2027 - 01 Jul 2027 AUD$8578ppExpand to view prices
11 Jul 2027 - 15 Jul 2027 AUD$8578ppExpand to view prices
25 Jul 2027 - 29 Jul 2027 AUD$8578ppExpand to view prices
22 Aug 2027 - 26 Aug 2027 AUD$8578ppExpand to view prices
05 Sep 2027 - 09 Sep 2027 AUD$8578ppExpand to view prices
31 Oct 2027 - 04 Nov 2027 AUD$8578ppExpand to view prices
12 Dec 2027 - 16 Dec 2027 AUD$8578ppExpand to view prices

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Cabin Details

Single Stateroom

Size: 20.9 mt/ 224.97 ft2

Single Stateroom
Single Stateroom
Double Stateroom

Size: 23 mt2/247.57 ft2

Double Stateroom
Double Stateroom

M/C Monique Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

  • Year Built: 2026
  • Type: Catamaran
  • Category: Premium
  • Length: 33.96 mt/111.42 ft
  • Beam: 12.9 mt/42.32 ft
  • Draft to Baseline: 2.5 mt/8.20 ft
  • Crew: 9 crew members
  •            + Cruise Service Officer + Guide
  • Capacity: 16 passengers
  • Speed: 12 knots
  • Propulsion: 2 John Deere Tier 3 engines, 425 HP each
  • Solar Panels: 20 flexible monocrystalline panels, 500 watts each

What's included?

  • Transfers airport/yacht/airport in Galapagos
  • Airport reception and assistance
  • Guided expeditions according to the itinerary
  • Top bilingual National Park guide (English / Spanish)
  • Double accommodation
  • Cruise Service Officer
  • Wifi Onboard
  • Activity daily briefing
  • All meals and snacks
  • Soft drinks and juices
  • Captain’s welcome and farewell cocktail
  • Use of sea kayaks and paddle-boards
  • Expedition gear
  • Yoga mats
  • Kettlebells and dumbbells
  • Stargazing laser pointer
  • One glass of wine or local beer (per guest/per night)

What's not?

  • Round flight to Galapagos
  • Galapagos National Park Entrance fee ($200 - subject to change)
  • Transit Control Card ($20 - subject to change)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Gratuities for guide and crew
  • Travel and health insurance

Important notes and additional information

  • Itineraries are subject to change without prior notice due to weather conditions, National Park regulations, emergencies on board or any unforeseen situation.
  • B-Corp certified since 2025

Golden Single Stateroom

  • Single supplement for Staterooms is 50%
  • 100% supplement applies for a second single stateroom within the same booking.
  • Not applicable during high occupancy dates and subject to availability.

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Galapagos

This once in a lifetime destination is a nature lovers dream. Watch the famous Galapagos tortoises and blue footed boobies in the morning and snorkel with sea lions in the afternoon, then relax on your cruise to the next destination tomorrow!

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

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Northern Galapagos Islands (Itinerary D)

5 Days aboard M/C Monique. From AUD $8,109pp.