This comprehensive itinerary makes it easy to access the Galapagos Islands with an included pre-cruise hotel in Guayaquil, your roundtrip domestic airfare included and other added-value inclusions not common among most other Galapagos cruises. A handpicked 6-night Galapagos itinerary shows you the best of the Islands as you sail between the western island of Fernandina and the southern island of Floreana on this special charter of the 48-guest La Pinta by UnCruise Adventures.

In 2026, the trip starts with one night on the Ecuadorian mainland at a riverfront Guayaquil hotel. In 2027, the trip starts with two nights in Quito, including a full day of guided exploration on Day 2. Once in the Galapagos, expert guides lead shore walks to view iconic wildlife such as giant Galapagos tortoises, blue-footed boobies, land and marine iguanas and Darwin’s finches. Marine excursions offer opportunities to snorkel with sea lions, rays or maybe even with a Galapagos penguin. Step ashore on seven islands and islets, including Baltra, North Seymour, Isabela, Fernandina, Rabida, Santa Cruz and Floreana. Hike, snorkel and kayak to discover the unexpected as Charles Darwin did in 1835.

UnCruise Galapagos Highlights:   

  • 1 night pre-cruise hotel stay at the riverfront Wyndham Guayaquil (2026)
  • 2 nights pre-cruise hotel stay in colonial Quito, with a day exploring Quito (2027)   
  • 6-night Galapagos cruise aboard La Pinta   
  • Set foot on 7 islands/islets   
  • Charles Darwin Research Center   
  • Nesting birds and wildlife in their natural habitat   
  • View marine life by snorkel, panga and glass-bottom boat   
  • Certified guides escort small groups of 12   
  • Round-trip air between Guayaquil and Galapagos
  • Alcoholic beverages included on La Pinta

The gorgeous 209-foot expedition yacht La Pinta, chartered by UnCruise Adventures for these special sailings, will be your home away from home . Enjoy a sophisticated, upscale travel experience aboard the 48-guest expedition yacht, with 24 cabins known to be some of the largest in the Galapagos. Spacious and family friendly for Galapagos family cruises, La Pinta is the result of generations of experience and thoughtfulness by captains, expedition leaders, hotel managers and guests combined.

View the itinerary for more details, and contact our Galapagos small ship cruise experts to learn more and compare this itinerary with other Galapagos cruises aboard this ship. AdventureSmith Explorations’ award-winning crew has personal experience sailing in the Galapagos Islands and can recommend the best Galapagos trip options to suit your travel interests and timeline.

2026 Darwin's Discoveries Itinerary

Guayaquil, EcuadorBaltra to Guayaquil, Ecuador & Depart

In 2026 the itinerary begins with a hotel overnight in Guayaquil. Then enjoy a 6-night Galapagos itinerary that shows you the best of the Islands, from the western island of Fernandina to the southern Floreana.

Green and blue colored map showing the route of the Darwin's Discoveries cruise in the Galapagos Islands

Welcome to Ecuador! Begin the journey in this port city known as the gateway to the Pacific. The first stop is Wyndham Guayaquil, where you’ll stay the night. This dazzling riverside hotel is a short walk to the vibrant Malecon 2000 boardwalk as well as historic Santa Ana Hill and its famous lighthouse. Explore the city sights on your own, relax at the rooftop pool and get a good night’s rest before the adventure.

ACCOMMODATIONS Wyndham Guayaquil
MEALS N/a

Get an early start and travel to the legendary Galapagos Islands—UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Guayaquil, fly to Baltra where the captain and crew welcome you aboard Yacht La Pinta. As Charles Darwin certainly was in 1835, be awed by the unique beauty of the islands while taking the first exploratory steps on North Seymour—home to blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds. Formed by volcanic uplift, the small island of scruffy vegetation is ideal nesting terrain. Get an up-close view of these birds’ quirky characteristics by hike and panga ride.

ACCOMMODATIONS La Pinta
MEALS Breakfast

Explore Punta Vicente Roca, a marine site of impressive geological formations, by panga—the guide helps with decoding the visible clues of the islands’ fiery beginnings. Beyond the geology, spy winged residents including blue-footed boobies and flightless cormorants. The wildly rocky coast with a partially sunken cave provides phenomenal conditions for a menagerie of fish and green sea turtles. If conditions allow, don a mask, fins, and snorkel and dive in for a close-up view. Later, take a guided walk to experience one of the most pristine islands in the Galapagos, Fernandina. The island’s active volcano erupted as recently as 2009. Thousands of bright land iguanas reside here and it’s also a favorite haunt of Galapagos penguins.

ACCOMMODATIONS La Pinta
MEALS Breakfast

Large in landmass and young at 1 million years old, Isabela supports abundant wildlife and sea life. An Urbina Bay shore walk reveals large, colorful land iguanas and perhaps giant tortoises. Crossing from Urbina Bay to Tagus Cove, scan the water for whales and dolphins that frequent Bolivar Channel from one of La Pinta’s spacious decks.

At Tagus Cove—an otherworldly landscape of eroded tuff cones—there’s a chance to snorkel, kayak, or ride a panga before hiking the backside of Darwin Crater to a saltwater lake. There’ll be excellent opportunities for viewing penguins, Galapagos hawks, cormorants, petrified rain (bits of lava that cooled quickly after contacting water), and old signatures from pirates and whalers etched into the rock—the oldest dating back to 1836.

ACCOMMODATIONS La Pinta
MEALS Breakfast

Rabida’s unusual red beach is a favorite sunbathing spot for sea lions and marine iguanas. Go eye-to-eye with blue-footed and Nazca boobies, yellow warblers, several species of Darwin’s finches and pelicans. The warm maroon-colored beach also makes a great jumping in spot for from-the-beach snorkeling. Or watch above the waterline, inspecting marine life from the glass-bottom boat. Enjoy a birds-eye view from Santa Cruz hiking Cerro Dragon—Dragon Hill—and enjoy a well-earned panorama of the western islands, the bay below and possibly even lounging land iguanas.

ACCOMMODATIONS La Pinta
MEALS Breakfast

Today, it’s all about the magnificent giant tortoise. Touring the Charles Darwin Research Station, witness the exceptional conservation program where baby tortoises, “galapaguitos,” are reared in protective captivity until they are old enough to safely repatriate back to their native areas. Embrace Galapagos conservation by learning about threats that still endanger this fragile ecosystem. Bring your passport along if you’d like a special Galapagos stamp. Time permitting, stroll through town as you please. After lunch at the Finch Bay Eco Hotel, explore the misty, forested highlands and see the lumbering and charming tortoises in their natural habitat.

ACCOMMODATIONS La Pinta
MEALS Breakfast

Today will be chock full of adventure, with opportunities to snorkel, hike, kayak, skiff, ride the glass-bottom boat, or simply relax on the beach. Send a note home from Post Office Bay, dropping your postcard in Floreana’s famous, historic barrel mailbox. Then take in the island’s geologic history with a panga ride or kayak investigation of its maze of volcanic channels. A tale of two beaches: walk along the green olivine beach of Punta Cormorant to a brackish lagoon known to be a flamingo hideout, then on to a white-sand beach where green sea turtles come ashore to nest.

ACCOMMODATIONS La Pinta
MEALS Breakfast

This adventure of a lifetime aboard La Pinta concludes back on Baltra. From here, transfer to the airport for the flight to Guayaquil to then meet a connecting flight home.

ACCOMMODATIONS n/a
MEALS Breakfast

Included

1 night hotel accommodation in Guayaquil; airfare between Guayaquil/Galapagos Islands; port taxes/fees; UnCruise group transfers and baggage handling between hotel/airport/vessel on Day 1 and embark/disembark day. Entry fees to national parks/preserves; from-the-vessel adventure activities and equipment; exclusive activities and shore visits; all meals aboard the vessel; premium wine, beer and liquor (excludes super-premium wines); non-alcoholic beverages; wellness amenities; onboard expedition/heritage guides and guest experts.

Exclusions

Airfare to and from your home city, discretionary gratuities to vessel’s crew, travel protection (& travel insurance of any kind), optional excursions and land tours.

Payment & Cancellation

For bookings made on or after October 1, 2025
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
121 days or more – 50% of deposit
120 to 91 days – 50% of total trip cost
90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

For bookings made up to September 30, 2025
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
91 days or more – 100% of deposit (transferable to a Future Travel Certificate)
90 to 61 days – 67% of total trip cost
60 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The UnCruise Galapagos Cruise Aboard La Pinta begins and ends in Guayaquil, Ecuador (GYE). Plan flights to arrive to Guayaquil anytime on Day 1 of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Guayaquil no earlier than 5:00pm on Day 8. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page. Note: Your passport must be valid 6 months after your Ecuador trip concludes.

Internal Flights

Flights from mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil) to the Galapagos are included in the cruise price and are arranged for you by AdventureSmith Explorations through your ship. Your Adventure Specialist will book these flights for you on the scheduled Galapagos flight for your particular departure. On flights from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands, baggage weight limits are currently 50 pounds for checked items, and 17 pounds for carry-on plus a small personal item. Subject to change.

Activities

There are numerous opportunities to swim, kayak, stand-up paddleboard and snorkel. The underwater experience is an integral part of any Galapagos cruise. We encourage all travelers to try snorkeling. Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, floating vest and net bag) are provided. Wetsuits are available, either free of charge or to rent for a fee, and are recommended from June to December.

Daily excursions from the boat to the islands will be made in pangas (dinghies). Trip members will hike from the landing point to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours round-trip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are “wet,” requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist.

Room Configuration

Select cabins are available for single occupancy at 175% of double occupancy rate. Triple accommodations are available in the Admiral cabins. Inquire for pricing details.

Families & Children

Children 6 years & older are welcomed aboard. Exceptions for children 5 years & under may be allowed with special pre-approval. It is the responsibility of parents and guardians to supervise their children at all times. Save $500 per child, ages 6 to 17, with the exception of holiday departures. Contact AdventureSmith for more details.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

We strongly recommend that you travel to Galapagos Province with travel insurance that contains medical coverage. Be certain to bring your insurance plan ID documents with you when you travel.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. Due to the active nature of volcanoes in the Western Galapagos, alternate excursions may be offered.  The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

2027 Darwin's Discoveries Itinerary

Quito, EcuadorBaltra to Guayaquil, Ecuador & Depart

In 2027 the itinerary begins with two hotel overnights in Quito, including a full day exploring the colonial city. Then enjoy a 6-night Galapagos itinerary that shows you the best of the Islands, from the western island of Fernandina to the southern Floreana.

Green and blue colored map showing the route of the Darwin's Galapagos Discoveries cruise with a start in Quito, Ecuador.

Arrive in Ecuador and check in to your hotel in Quito. No meals are included this day, but there are many great restaurants to try in town or at your hotel. Settle in before a day of exploration.

ACCOMMODATIONS Hotel TBA
MEALS N/a

Experience Quito as Quiteños do on this full-day exploration of a UNESCO World Heritage city. Wander historic neighborhoods, visit a museum filled with pre-Incan treasures, and take in sweeping views from El Panecillo, home to the iconic Virgin of Quito statue. Stroll through Independence Square, where daily life and history meet, surrounded by the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral and other landmarks. Step inside the gold leafed La Compañía Church and explore San Francisco Church and Monastery, home to an impressive collection of Colonial religious art.

After a busy morning, enjoy an exquisite lunch at a local Restaurant. In the afternoon, rest at your hotel and prepare for your cruise. In the evening, enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant and get a good night’s sleep before your early flight to the Galapagos.

ACCOMMODATIONS Hotel TBA
MEALS Breakfast

Fly from Quito to Isla Baltra and board the ship La Pinta. Your first excursion is to Isla Seymour Norte to see blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds. A hike and panga ride reveal striking geological formations and abundant birdlife.

ACCOMMODATIONS La Pinta
MEALS Breakfast

By panga, explore Punta Vicente Roca on Isla Isabela, known for its dramatic coastlines and rich marine life. Look for flightless cormorants and blue-footed boobies. Snorkel among fish and green sea turtles. Later, hike on pristine Isla Fernandina to observe marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins and other wildlife.

ACCOMMODATIONS La Pinta
MEALS Breakfast

Stroll in Urbina Bay to search for large, colorful land iguanas and possibly giant tortoises. Cross the Bolívar Channel while scanning for whales and dolphins. At Tagus Cove, snorkel, kayak, or take a panga ride before hiking to an overlook above Darwin Crater.

ACCOMMODATIONS La Pinta
MEALS Breakfast

Rábida’s red-sand beach attracts sea lions, marine iguanas and pelicans. Snorkel from the beach or observe marine life from a glass-bottom boat. In the afternoon, land at Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill) on Santa Cruz to look for flamingos and land iguanas basking in the sun.

ACCOMMODATIONS La Pinta
MEALS Breakfast

Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about giant tortoise conservation and see hatchlings raised for repatriation. Enjoy lunch at the Finch Bay Eco Hotel. In the afternoon, travel into the highlands of Santa Cruz to search for wild giant tortoises in their natural habitat.

ACCOMMODATIONS La Pinta
MEALS Breakfast

Snorkel, hike, kayak, or explore by glass-bottom boat around Isla Floreana. At Post Office Bay, drop a letter in the historic barrel and see if there is one you can hand-deliver back home. A hike to Baroness Viewpoint offers panoramic views and the chance to spot flamingos or green sea turtles.

ACCOMMODATIONS La Pinta
MEALS Breakfast

Return to Isla Baltra and disembark. Fly to Quito for connecting flights home or continue your adventure with an optional Machu Picchu land extension.

ACCOMMODATIONS n/a
MEALS Breakfast

Included

2 nights hotel accommodation in Quito; airfare between Quito/Galapagos Islands; port taxes/fees; UnCruise group transfers and baggage handling between hotel/airport/vessel on Day 1 and embark/disembark day. Entry fees to national parks/preserves; from-the-vessel adventure activities and equipment; exclusive activities and shore visits; all meals aboard the vessel; premium wine, beer and liquor (excludes super-premium wines); non-alcoholic beverages; wellness amenities; onboard expedition/heritage guides and guest experts.

Exclusions

Airfare to and from your home city, discretionary gratuities to vessel’s crew, travel protection (& travel insurance of any kind), optional excursions and land tours.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
121 days or more – 50% of deposit
120 to 91 days – 50% of total trip cost
90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The UnCruise Galapagos Cruise Aboard La Pinta begins and ends in Quito, Ecuador (UIO). Plan flights to arrive to Quito anytime on Day 1 of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Quito no earlier than 5:00pm on Day 9. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page. Note: Your passport must be valid 6 months after your Ecuador trip concludes.

Internal Flights

Flights from mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil) to the Galapagos are included in the cruise price and are arranged for you by AdventureSmith Explorations through your ship. Your Adventure Specialist will book these flights for you on the scheduled Galapagos flight for your particular departure. On flights from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands, baggage weight limits are currently 50 pounds for checked items, and 17 pounds for carry-on plus a small personal item. Subject to change.

Activities

There are numerous opportunities to swim, kayak, stand-up paddleboard and snorkel. The underwater experience is an integral part of any Galapagos cruise. We encourage all travelers to try snorkeling. Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, floating vest and net bag) are provided. Wetsuits are available, either free of charge or to rent for a fee, and are recommended from June to December.

Daily excursions from the boat to the islands will be made in pangas (dinghies). Trip members will hike from the landing point to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours round-trip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are “wet,” requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist.

Room Configuration

Select cabins are available for single occupancy at 175% of double occupancy rate. Triple accommodations are available in the Admiral cabins. Inquire for pricing details.

Families & Children

Children 6 years & older are welcomed aboard. Exceptions for children 5 years & under may be allowed with special pre-approval. It is the responsibility of parents and guardians to supervise their children at all times. Save $500 per child, ages 6 to 17, with the exception of holiday departures. Contact AdventureSmith for more details.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

We strongly recommend that you travel to Galapagos Province with travel insurance that contains medical coverage. Be certain to bring your insurance plan ID documents with you when you travel.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. Due to the active nature of volcanoes in the Western Galapagos, alternate excursions may be offered.  The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

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Learn About the Galapagos Ship on Your Itinerary

Learn all about La Pinta as chartered by UnCruise for their Galapagos sailings. See photos, her deck plan & our review from being aboard this yacht, complete with kayaks and a glass-bottom boat.

Mid-Sized Cruiser 48 GUESTS 209 FEET

The Wyndham Guayaquil offers 175 riverside guest rooms overlooking the city. Located 3 miles from the airport and nearby to major attractions, this hotel features amenities that make every stay fulfilling, including a rooftop pool.

Hotel

Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

Inspiration, Education & Travel Journals

Book your Galapagos small ship cruise with AdventureSmith Explorations for our broad knowledge of this famed archipelago. Our Adventure Specialists are Galapagos travel experts, savvy on Galapagos travel news and planning tips, and our travelers are extensions of this team, providing further insight to enhance our guests’ experience.

This series of travel guides and journals will help you learn more about the Galapagos Islands and get inspired. We travel to the Galapagos several times each year and update our guides frequently, so consult these posts regularly for the most up-to-date information.

View All Galapagos Travel Guides
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