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The white Majestic yacht at anchor on calm blue sea under a clear sky, seen from the stern quarter

Twin Craters Southern Explorer

Trip highlights:

  • Suárez Point
  • Devil's Crown
  • Genovesa
  • Post Office Bay
  • Giant tortoises
  • Waved albatross

From $7,245£5,483 per person

Show the trip's details
Ship
Grand Majestic
Next departure
25 Jan – 1 Feb 2027
Duration:
8 Days
Comfort level:
Luxury
Total guests:
16

Your journey

An eight-day luxury trip that suits small groups.

You start at El Junco crater lake, then Post Office Bay and Devil's Crown on Floreana. Española has albatross and boobies at Suárez Point and sea lions at Gardner Bay. You finish with giant tortoises on Santa Cruz and Genovesa's seabird colonies. Eight days on the Grand Majestic, a luxury yacht often chartered by private groups.

Map of the Galápagos Islands this trip visits, with each day numbered as in the itinerary Equator Isabela Fernandina Santiago Santa Fe Pinzón Marchena

Mainland Ecuador

© OpenStreetMap contributors
  1. 1 Day 1: San Cristobal Island

    In the morning, you'll arrive at San Cristobal Airport and transfer to the boat. In the afternoon, you'll visit El Junco Lagoon on San Cristobal Island, observing freshwater birdlife in a unique Galapagos ecosystem.

    San Cristóbal

  2. 2 Day 2: Floreana Island

    In the morning, you'll visit Post Office Bay, participating in the historic mail tradition, followed by exploring the scenic Baroness Viewing Point and its intriguing history. In the afternoon, you'll observe flamingos at Cormorant Point's lagoon and unique beaches, like the Green Beach and Flour Sand Beach.

    Floreana

  3. 3 Day 3: Española Island

    In the morning, you'll explore Española's Suarez Point, observing diverse birdlife, including albatrosses and boobies, and capturing photos of the blowhole. In the afternoon, you'll visit Gardner Bay, Gardner Islet, and Osborn Islet, enjoying a white-sand beach with sea lions and potential snorkeling.

    Española

  4. 4 Day 4: Santa Cruz Island

    In the morning, you'll visit the Twin Craters on Santa Cruz Island, enjoying breathtaking views of these formations created by collapsed underground chambers. In the afternoon, you'll visit the Tortoise Breeding Center on Santa Cruz Island, observing giant tortoises of various ages and learning about their conservation.

    Santa Cruz

  5. 5 Day 5: Genovesa Island

    In the morning, you'll explore El Barranco on Genovesa Island, enjoying cliff-top views and observing unique birdlife and Palo Santo vegetation along its rocky paths. In the afternoon, you'll visit Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island, observing diverse bird species and playful sea lions along its white-sand beach and mangrove trails.

    Genovesa

  6. 6 Day 6: Rabida & Chinese Hat

    In the morning, you'll explore Rabida Island, enjoying its unique red sand beach, diverse birdlife, and excellent snorkeling. In the afternoon, you'll visit Chinese Hat Islet, observing its distinct shape and geological formations like lava tubes and flows.

    Rabida, Chinese Hat

  7. 7 Day 7: San Cristobal Island

    In the morning, you'll visit Witch Hill on San Cristobal Island, enjoying its picturesque beach, observing wildlife, and snorkeling. In the afternoon, you'll explore Lobos Island, encountering sea lions and snorkeling, with potential sightings of blue-footed and Nazca boobies.

    San Cristóbal, Lobos

  8. 8 Day 8: San Cristobal Island

    In the morning, you'll visit the Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center on San Cristobal Island, learning about the Galapagos' history and conservation efforts. Later on, you will transfer to the San Cristobal Airport.

    San Cristóbal

What's included...

  • Seven nights aboard the luxury Grand Majestic Yacht with all meals onboard included and prepared by onboard chefs.
  • Accommodation in selected cabin
  • All meals throughout cruise
  • On shore excursions escorted by an English-speaking Naturalist guide
  • Transfers to and from the Islands
  • Use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits
  • Use of kayaks (depending on the itinerary)
  • Water, coffee and tea
  • Carbon Footprint Compensation
  • FREE airport assistance*
  • 2 FREE hotel nights in Quito or Guayaquil the days before or after the cruise for 8-day cruises**
  • 2 FREE transfers for Galapagos flights and airport assistance for 8-day cruises**
  • 1 FREE hotel night in Quito or Guayaquil the day before the cruise for 4 and 5-day cruises**
  • 1 FREE transfer for Galapagos flight and airport assistance for 4 and 5-day cruises**

Not included...

  • Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($200 per adult, $100 per child (12 and under)
  • Transit Control Card (TCT) – $20 per person
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (available for purchase onboard)
  • Personal expenses, tips, and travel insurance

*Applies only for 8-day cruises when purchasing roundtrip Galapagos airfare from Cruise Operator (does not apply on 2X1 promotions). Contact us for details.

Comfort level: Luxury

Grand Majestic

Speed, Privacy and Style

On board:

  • Expert Naturalist Guides
  • Kayaks on board
  • Sun deck with Jacuzzi
  • Wetsuits
  • 25 knots (fastest yacht in Galapagos)

Cabins

Master Suite

The Grand Majestic’s Master Suite features a king-size bed and panoramic windows that fill the space with natural light and island views. It also offers his-and-hers bathrooms with hot water, a TV and air conditioning. There is one Master Suite, located on the Main Deck.

Size
39m² (420 ft²)
Beds
Double
Location
Main Deck
Guests
2
  • Panoramic windows
  • Air conditioning
  • TV
  • Seating area
  • Private Bathroom
  • A double cabin with a bed against a padded headboard and a wide window looking out over a harbour with boats at anchor
  • A marble-walled bathroom with a bowl basin on a wood vanity, a glass-screened bath with a shower and an oval porthole

Main Deck Stateroom

The Grand Majestic’s Main Deck Stateroom features a matrimonial bed that can be converted into two twin beds, along with panoramic windows that bring in natural light and island views. It also includes a TV, air conditioning and a private bathroom with hot water.

Size
12m² (129 ft²)
Beds
Double or twin
Location
Main deck
Guests
2
  • Panoramic windows
  • Air conditioning
  • TV

Lower Deck Stateroom

The Grand Majestic’s Lower Deck Staterooms feature a matrimonial bed that can be converted into two twin beds, along with porthole windows. Each also includes a TV, air conditioning and a private bathroom with hot water. Six of these staterooms are available on the Lower Deck.

Size
17m² (183 ft²)
Beds
Double or twin
Location
Lower deck
Guests
2
  • Porthole windows
  • Air conditioning
  • TV
  • Private Bathroom

Extend your trip

Adding extra nights on land gives you more time to relax, explore and enjoy your destination at your own pace. Arrive before your cruise to settle in, recover from your journey and start your holiday feeling refreshed. Or extend your trip after disembarkation to discover more of the local sights, culture and cuisine before heading home.

  • A traveller in a sun hat walks down stone steps towards the ruins and terraces of Machu Picchu

    Post-cruise Machu Picchu Highlights

  • Quito's palm-lined Plaza Grande seen from above, with colonial buildings and the twin spires of the Basílica behind

    Pre-cruise Quito Express

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When is the best time to visit the Galápagos?

    The Galápagos is a year-round destination. December to May is the warm season, with sunny days, occasional tropical showers and calmer seas. June to November is cooler and drier, with cloudier skies, livelier seas and richer marine life. Christmas, New Year, Easter and July–August are the busiest times and sell out first, so we recommend booking 9–12 months ahead for those dates.

  • How long should my cruise be?

    Cruises run from 4 to 15 days. Four or five days covers one region of the islands well. Seven or eight days lets you reach more remote islands and see a wider range of wildlife. For the ultimate Galápagos experience, cruises of up to 15 days complete a full loop of the archipelago, visiting its central, southern, western and northern islands. We recommend at least five days if you can!

  • How do I get to the Galápagos Islands?

    Fly into Quito or Guayaquil on mainland Ecuador, then take a short domestic flight to Baltra or San Cristóbal, where your cruise begins. We recommend arriving in Ecuador at least a day before your cruise. We can book your domestic flights and time them to your ship’s departure.

  • Are there any entry fees?

    Yes. Every visitor pays a Galápagos National Park fee of US$200 per adult (US$100 for children under 12, free for under-2s), plus a US$20 Transit Control Card. Normally the park fee is paid in cash on arrival and the card is bought at Quito or Guayaquil airport before your flight. To save you the hassle, we can pre-book both for you, so they’re ready when you travel.

  • What’s included in the price?

    Cruise prices usually include your cabin, all meals and snacks on board, soft drinks and juices, and all listed excursions and activities. You’ll be accompanied by dedicated bilingual naturalist guides, certified by the Galápagos National Park. Snorkelling equipment is also provided.

  • Should I choose a cruise or a land-based trip?

    A cruise lets you reach remote islands and visitor sites that can’t be visited on day trips, and you travel between islands while you sleep. A land-based trip suits travellers who prefer staying on dry land, want more flexibility or are travelling on a tighter budget. We can also combine the two.

  • Which itinerary is best for seeing specific wildlife?

    Each itinerary visits different islands, and some species only live in certain areas. For example, waved albatrosses nest on Española, penguins and flightless cormorants are found in the west, and Genovesa is famous for red-footed boobies. Tell us what you most want to see and we’ll match you to the right route.

  • Is a Galápagos cruise suitable for children?

    Yes, all our ships welcome families. Most ships have a minimum age of 7, but a few especially family-friendly ships have no minimum age at all. We can recommend the best options and cabins for your family.

  • Can you cater for dietary requirements?

    Yes. Most ships can cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary needs, as well as allergies. Just let us know when you book and we’ll pass the details to the ship in advance.

  • Is there Wi-Fi on board?

    Some luxury ships offer free Wi-Fi, while others charge extra for it. Connection is usually via satellite and can be limited, so expect to be largely offline while at sea. Most guests find it part of the magic.

  • Can I combine my cruise with mainland Ecuador or Peru?

    Absolutely. Many guests add a few nights in the Andes, the Amazon rainforest or Quito’s historic centre, or extend to Machu Picchu in Peru. We’ll build your whole trip around your cruise dates.

  • I’m travelling solo - can I join a cruise?

    Absolutely. Many travellers cruise the Galápagos on their own. Some ships offer shared cabins with another guest of the same gender, some have single cabins with no supplement, and others charge a single supplement for a private cabin. We’ll find the best option for you.

  • Can I go scuba diving on a cruise?

    Most cruises focus on snorkelling rather than diving. Some ships offer diving as an optional extra, and there are also dedicated liveaboard dive cruises for certified divers. Let us know if diving is a priority and we’ll recommend the right ship.

  • How much luggage can I bring?

    Domestic flights to the Galápagos usually allow one checked bag of up to 23 kg and one carry-on. Soft-sided bags are easier to store on board. All luggage is checked at the airport to stop non-native plants, seeds and animals reaching the islands.

  • Will I get seasick?

    Some crossings can be choppy, especially from June to November. Catamarans and larger ships tend to be the most stable. Bring seasickness tablets or patches just in case, and let us know if you’re worried. We can suggest itineraries with shorter crossings.

  • What should I pack?

    Pack light, breathable clothing, plus a warm layer and a waterproof jacket. You’ll also want a hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sun cream, swimwear, comfortable walking shoes and sandals for wet landings. Don’t forget binoculars and a camera.

  • What currency is used, and should I bring cash?

    Ecuador uses the US dollar. Bring cash for park fees, tips and small purchases, as ATMs are limited on the islands and some places don’t accept cards.

  • Do I need travel insurance?

    Travel insurance isn’t mandatory, but we highly recommend it. Choose a policy that covers medical treatment, emergency evacuation and cancellation for your whole trip.

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