Golondrina Galapagos Cruise

From $1480 per person

★ 4.2/5 · 74 reviews

Explore the Galapagos Islands on the Golondrina Yacht for an Unforgettable Cruise Adventure

The Golondrina Yacht is a comfortable and accessible option for exploring the Galapagos Islands. Despite being a budget-friendly option, its facilities are welcoming, and its crew is committed to providing exceptional service. Furthermore, it employs eco-friendly practices onboard to contribute to the conservation of the Galapagos National Park.

The Golondrina Yacht allows for an in-depth exploration of the archipelago, providing the opportunity to admire the unique flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands, such as Galapagos giant tortoises, sea lions, Galapagos penguins and marine iguanas, as well as a wide variety of birds such as the blue-footed booby and the flightless cormorant.

Among the Galapagos cruises, the Golondrina Yacht is the perfect choice for travelers seeking an authentic experience in the Enchanted Islands; this cruise combines comfort, sustainability, and adventure in an unparalleled natural setting.

If, for any reason, you’re unable to do the Golondrina Yacht or it’s unavailable, we can offer you the Galapagos Island Hopping, a great alternative to explore the islands.

Ship at a Glance

Guests

16

Crew

4

Cabins

8

Built

1996

Guide ratio

16:1

Specifications

Type

Small Yacht

Year built / refurbished

1996

Length

22.22 m (72.83 ft)

Beam

5.09 m (16.70 ft)

Decks

2 decks + sun deck

Cruising speed

8 knots

Guests

16

Cabins

8

Crew

4

Hull

Single-hull motor yacht

Electricity

Highlights

Comfort and personalized service, Frigate Yacht offers comfortable cabins, spacious social areas, and a team committed to providing first-class service.
Exclusive itineraries, explore the less-visited corners of the Galapagos Islands with the opportunity to see giant tortoises, Galapagos sharks, blue-footed boobies, and the famous marine iguanas, among other species that inhabit the Galapagos.
Sustainability and respect for nature, Frigate Yacht operates under strict ecological regulations, ensuring that your trip contributes to the conservation of the unique ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands.
Expert naturalist guides on board, you will have certified guides who will enrich your experience with fascinating information about the flora and fauna of the Galápagos.
On board, you will enjoy delicious meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients; It also has a bar area where you can experience unforgettable moments.

What's Included

Accommodation on board and/or in a hotel in Ayora Port
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Snacks after the visits
Bilingual naturalist guide (English-Spanish)
Fresh drinking water, tea, and coffee
Bus service between the airport and the pier or the airport and the Itabaca Canal (only if passengers travel during our operating dates)

Not Included

Airfare to/from Galapagos
Ingala transit card: USD 20
Wetsuit (snorkeling suit): USD 25 for 5-day rentals, USD 35 for 8-day rentals
Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins): USD 25 per person for 5-day rentals, USD 35 per person for 8-day rentals
Extra drinks
Tips
Personal expenses
Special conditions: single cabins have an 80% supplement over the regular rate
Special Itinerary Supplement: 10% over the regular rate
Entrance fee to Galapagos National Park (USD 100 per person)

Cabins & Suites

Lower Deck Cabin

Lower deck · Double · bunk beds · private bathroom

from $1690 p.p.

Main Deck Cabin

Main deck · Double · bunk beds · private bathroom

from $1790 p.p.

Deck Plans

Main Deck

Upper Deck

Sun Deck

Rates by Season

2026 · 4-day · Itinerary A: $1480 p.p.

2026 · 5-day · Itinerary B: $1840 p.p.

2026 · 8-day · Itinerary C: $3190 p.p.

2026 · 8-day · Itinerary D: $3190 p.p.

2026 · 5-day · Itinerary H: $2670 p.p.

Itineraries

4-Day Western

4 days / 3 nights · From $1480 pp

Islands visited: Baltra, Isabela, Santa Cruz, Rabida

Day 1 – Baltra Airport – Primicias Finch

Day 2 – Isabela Island (Tintoreras Islet – Breeding Center Arnaldo Tupiza – Wetlands – Wall of Tears)

Day 3 – Santa Cruz Island (Rabida Island – Dragón Hill)

Day 4 – Santa Cruz Island (Black Turtle Cove) – Transfer to Baltra Airport

5-Day Western (A)

5 days / 4 nights · From $1840 pp

Islands visited: Santa Cruz, Baltra, Mosquera, Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, Chinese Hat

Day 1 – Santa Cruz Island (Baltra Airport) – Mosquera Islet

Day 2 – Isabela Island (Vicente Roca Point) – Fernandina Island (Espinoza Point)

Day 3 – Isabela Island (Urbina Bay – Caleta Tagus)

Day 4 – Santiago Island (Egas Port) – Chinese Hat

Day 5 – Santa Cruz Island (Charles Darwin Research Station) – Transfer to Baltra Airport

5-Day Western

5 days / 4 nights · From $2670 pp

Islands visited: Santa Cruz, Baltra, Isabela, Rábida

Day 1 – Santa Cruz Island (Baltra Airport) – (Tortuga Bay Beach)

Day 2 – Santa Cruz Island (Charles Darwin Research Station) – Primicias Ranch

Day 3 – Isabela Island (Tintoreras Islet – Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center – Wetlands – The Wall of Tears)

Day 4 – Santa Cruz Island (Rábida – Dragón Hill)

Day 5 – Santa Cruz Island (Black Turtle Cove)

8-Day Northern & Southern

8 days / 7 nights · From $3190 pp

Islands visited: Santa Cruz, Baltra, Genovesa, Bartolome, Santiago, South Plaza, Santa Fe, San Cristóbal, Kicker Rock, Lobos, Española, Floreana

Day 1 – Santa Cruz Island (Baltra Airport) – Bachas Bay

Day 2 – Genovesa Island (Prince Philip’s Steps – Great Darwin Bay)

Day 3 – Bartolome Island – Santiago Island (Sullivan Bay)

Day 4 – Plazas Sur Island – Santa Fe Island

Day 5 – San Cristóbal Island (Kicker Rock – Witch Hill–Lobos Island)

Day 6 – Española Island (Suarez Point – Gardner Bay – Gardner Bay – Osborn Islet)

Day 7 – Floreana Island (Cormorant Point – Devils Crown – Santa Cruz Island (Charles Darwin Research Station))

Day 8 – Seymour Island – Transfer to Airport

8-Day Western

8 days / 7 nights · From $3190 pp

Islands visited: Santa Cruz, Baltra, Mosquera, Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, Chinese Hat, Rábida

Day 1 – Santa Cruz Island (Baltra Airport) – Mosquera Islet

Day 2 – Isabela Island (Vicente Roca Point) – Fernandina Island (Espinoza Point)

Day 3 – Isabela Island (Urbina Bay – Tagus Cove)

Day 4 – Santiago Island (Egas Port – Chinese Hat)

Day 5 – Santa Cruz Island (Charles Darwin Research Station – Primicias Ranch)

Day 6 – Isabela Island (Tintoreras Islet – Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Wetlands, The Wall of Tears)

Day 7 – Santa Cruz Island (Rábida Island – Dragón Hill)

Day 8 – Santa Cruz Island (Black Turtle Cove )

Gallery

Life Aboard

Onboard

Activities included

Snorkeling — gear provided
Panga (dinghy) rides
Guided nature hikes with a naturalist
Wildlife & birdwatching
Beach visits & swimming

Dining & Your Crew

Dining on board

All meals are included — home-style Ecuadorian and international dishes served in the dining room, with drinking water, coffee and tea throughout the day. Dietary needs can be arranged with advance notice.

Your crew & guide

4 members + 1 multilingual naturalist guide

Wildlife — the Galápagos Big 15

Aboard the Golondrina you’ll have the chance to encounter the Galápagos “Big 15”:

Giant Tortoise
Marine Iguana
Santa Fe Land Iguana
Galápagos Land Iguana
Blue-footed Booby
Nazca Booby
Red-footed Booby
Flightless Cormorant
Galápagos Penguin
Waved Albatross
Frigatebird
Galápagos Hawk
American Flamingo
Galápagos Sea Lion
Galápagos Fur Seal

Plus green sea turtles, rays, reef sharks, dolphins and Darwin’s finches.

Good to Know

Who it's for

Budget-conscious and first-time travellers who want an authentic, small-group Galápagos cruise with the essentials covered, a private bathroom in every cabin and a dedicated naturalist guide. Cabins have bunk beds.

What to bring

Light, quick-dry clothing & walking shoes
Hat, sunglasses & reef-safe sunscreen
Swimwear & a light jacket
Reusable water bottle
Binoculars & a camera

Snorkel gear is provided on board.

National Park entrance fee and Transit Control Card are paid on arrival · 4, 5 & 8-day itineraries available · contact us for current budget rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many guests does the Golondrina carry?

16 guests in 8 cabins, each with a private hot-water bathroom, served by a crew of 5 plus a bilingual naturalist guide.

What class of yacht is it?

A tourist/economy-class motor yacht — a comfortable, good-value option with the Galápagos essentials covered.

Do the cabins have private bathrooms?

Yes. All 8 cabins have a private bathroom with a hot-water shower; cabins have bunk beds.

Is there a naturalist guide?

Yes, a bilingual (English/Spanish) Galápagos National Park guide leads every excursion and snorkel.

What activities are included?

Snorkeling (gear provided), panga rides, guided nature hikes and beach visits with the naturalist.

What is not included?

Flights, the National Park entrance fee (US$200) and Transit Control Card (US$20), alcoholic drinks, tips and travel insurance.

Request a Quote for the Golondrina Galapagos Cruise

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