Cruise Description
Exclusive Small-Ship Expedition through the Galápagos Islands
Experience the Galápagos aboard the elegant M/Y Beluga, a 6-day small-ship journey designed for intimate exploration of the islands. Built to Smart Voyager and SOLAS international safety standards, the vessel offers a secure, responsible, and comfortable way to discover this extraordinary ecosystem.
With a maximum of just 16 guests, the M/Y Beluga provides a warm, intimate atmosphere with 8 double cabins, each featuring a private bathroom. Personalized service and the presence of a bilingual naturalist guide ensure an enriching and insightful experience throughout the journey.
This 6-day itinerary includes carefully selected National Park–approved sites, offering a rich and immersive introduction to the Galápagos in a shorter format. For those wishing to extend their adventure, itineraries can be combined into a 15-day Grand Expedition.
The experience includes full board accommodation, guided excursions, snorkeling activities, wetsuits, and all necessary equipment, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable journey through the Galápagos Islands.
Accommodation: 8 double cabins with private bathroom onboard the M/Y Beluga.
Meet Your Travel Advisor
Melanie
General Manager
- melanie@sierratours.io
- 991 658 730
- Group Travel Division
- Spanish
Melanie leads operations in Peru and drives regional strategy and growth across Latin America’s group travel division, ensuring efficiency and scalable market expansion.
Travel Experience
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Peru
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Mexico
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Brazil
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Colombia
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Chile
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Cuba
Explore Ecuador in 6 Days
Onboard Experience
Comfortable social areas and a dining space with warm wood interiors and
large windows—perfect for relaxing after daily excursions.
Overall Sailing Pattern
You are essentially sailing in a loop through the central and western Galápagos, covering:
Baltra → Santa Cruz → Bartolomé → Santiago → Isabela → North Seymour → BaltraItinerary
This itinerary from Sierra Tours is designed for travelers who want to experience the highlights of the Galápagos Islands in a short time, while staying aboard a comfortable yacht without the need to change accommodation.
It is ideal for couples, families, and first-time visitors looking for an intimate and well-organized way to explore the islands. Guests enjoy guided daily excursions by land and sea directly from the yacht, offering seamless access to the archipelago’s most iconic sites. The experience includes close encounters with unique wildlife, breathtaking volcanic landscapes, cultural highlights, and excellent opportunities for swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. This program provides a smooth, immersive, and well-balanced introduction to the natural wonders of the Galápagos Islands.
Description
Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, guests are welcomed by the crew and transferred to the M/Y Beluga. After boarding and a safety briefing, the journey begins with a visit to the Santa Cruz Highlands. This unique ecosystem offers the first opportunity to observe giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat, surrounded by lush vegetation and volcanic formations.
Meals
- Lunch
- Dinner
Highlights
- Baltra Airport arrival and transfer
- Boarding the M/Y Beluga
- Santa Cruz Highlands visit
- Giant tortoise encounter
Description
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Highlights
- Sailing experience under wind power
- Pinnacle Rock viewpoint hike
- Snorkeling with marine wildlife
- Volcanic landscape exploration
Description
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Highlights
- Egas Port coastal walk
- James Bay volcanic beaches
- Marine iguanas and sea lions
- Optional snorkeling and kayaking
Description
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Highlights
- Open sea navigation
- Dolphin and whale sightings
- Tagus Cove exploration
- Darwin Lake viewpoint
Description
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Highlights
- Frigatebird display behavior
- Blue-footed booby colonies
- Sea lion encounters
- Dry forest ecosystem walk
Description
Meals
- Breakfast
Highlights
- Los Gemelos twin craters
- Final highlands exploration
- Transfer to Baltra Airport
- End of expedition
Travel package information
This information outlines the itinerary, highlighting what's included and what's not, along with key details such as a travel essentials list, departure date, travel duration, best time to travel, price, payment terms, group size, and other important facts, helping travelers fully understand the package and know what to expect during their trip.
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Accommodation onboard (6 nights)
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All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks)
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Daily guided excursions to National Park-approved sites
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Bilingual certified naturalist guide
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Airport assistance (arrival & departure)
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Transfers between airport and vessel
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Use of snorkeling gear (mask, fins, snorkel)
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Wetsuit during water activities
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All planned activities while onboard
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Zodiac (panga) boat transfers for landings
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Small group experience (max 18 passengers)
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International flights to/from Galápagos
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Galápagos National Park entrance fee
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INGALA transit card
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Alcoholic beverages & soft drinks (unless specified)
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Personal travel insurance (mandatory recommended)
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Tips for crew and guide
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Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
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Optional activities not listed in itinerary
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Wi-Fi (if available onboard, usually limited and paid)
Frequently Asked Questions - Cruises
Find answers to common questions about our cruise packages.
Your cruise package includes accommodations onboard, meals as specified in the itinerary, selected activities, and access to the ship’s facilities. Additional meals, shore excursions, and optional services may incur extra charges and are clearly indicated in the tour program.
All travel documents, including boarding passes and cruise tickets, are sent via email or made available through our online portal approximately 7–10 days before departure. Ensure all personal and passport information is up to date to avoid delays.
Pack light, breathable clothing, swimwear, comfortable shoes, and a jacket for cooler evenings. Don’t forget sun protection, a reusable water bottle, and any personal items you may need during shore excursions. Specific packing recommendations may vary by cruise itinerary.
Meals included depend on your cruise package. Typically, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included onboard, but some specialty restaurants or off-ship excursions may require additional payment. Always check the itinerary for details.
Cruises offer a variety of activities, including guided excursions, entertainment shows, fitness programs, and cultural experiences. Activity schedules may vary by ship and itinerary.
Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost belongings. Some itineraries may require proof of insurance.
Cancellation policies vary depending on the cruise package. Generally, refunds are possible if cancellation occurs within the timeframe specified in the booking terms. Always review the itinerary and booking conditions before confirming your reservation.
Travel essentials list
About your Trip
Need help
Together with you, we plan a customized trip according to your preferences, with the content and standard you desire. The travel advisor will discuss the trip layout with you and provide new suggestions based on your wishes.