The Eminence Galapagos Cruise Tour
Aboard the Eminence, you will explore the Galapagos gliding through the mesmerizing islands on a next generation luxury cruise.
This next-generation 16-passenger catamaran brings barefoot luxury to a new level, with two state-of-the-art Lofts, two Panorama Suites with private terrace and personal jacuzzi, and five Golden Suites, each with an expanded private balcony. A panoramic elevator connects the Main Deck to the Sky Deck, so every corner of the ship stays easy to reach. Choose from 3, 4 and 7-night curated itineraries.
Between excursions, you can unwind in the fully equipped gym, spa, and infrared sauna, or take in the view from the al fresco bar and outdoor jacuzzi on the Sky Deck. Each suite is designed for comfort and privacy, with plenty of natural light and space to relax after a day on the water.
Dining on board follows an Epicure Cuisine concept, built around each itinerary and served in settings that suit the mood, whether that's an open-air lounge or a private indoor space.
The Eminence is also built with sustainability at its core. Solar panels, a water reuse system, and dedicated treatment plants for blackwater, greywater, and oily water support a legal commitment to carbon neutrality within the ship's first year of operation, so your journey through the islands leaves a lighter footprint.
Guided by expert naturalists, you'll head out to encounter the iconic wildlife and dramatic landscapes the Galapagos is known for, with excursions ranging from island walks to kayaking, snorkeling, and Zodiac rides. Eminence begins operations in April 2027 and will be the largest catamaran in Golden's fleet, offering an intimate, refined way to discover the archipelago.
The Eminence Galapagos Cruise Tour Summary
You will visit secluded islands to find fascinating wildlife and incredible scenery, from marine iguana colonies and playful sea lions to giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies.
Our Galapagos expedition packages aboard the Eminence combine bespoke hospitality with expert-led exploration, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Regardless of duration, our naturalist guides will lead you on captivating daily excursions, from coastal walks and snorkeling to kayaking, paddleboarding, and dinghy rides through mangrove channels. Choose from 4, 5, and 8-day cruises, up to a 15-day in-depth Galapapagos itinerary.
Tour Info
- Country: Ecuador
- Focus Area: Galapagos National Park
- Duration: 4, 5, 8+ days
- Start Point: Baltra Island / San Cristobal
- End Point: Baltra Island / San Cristobal
The Eminence Galapagos Cruise Itinerary
Choose your itinerary
Click a duration to see the day-by-day programme for this cruise.
Other itineraries may be available — send a request to check options and pricing.
Day 1 · Wednesday
San Cristobal Arrival & Lobos Island
You'll land at San Cristobal Airport, where the crew is waiting to take you straight to the vessel. Lobos Island follows in the afternoon, a gentle first stop with sea lions resting along the trail and blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds nesting close by.
Day 2 · Thursday
Suarez Point & Gardner Bay
Española's Suarez Point is one of the richest wildlife sites in the Galápagos, its trail passing marine iguanas, courting blue-footed boobies and, in season, waved albatross, before ending at a blowhole where waves crash against the cliffs. Gardner Bay offers a quieter afternoon, a long white beach with resting sea lions and snorkeling near Osborn Islet where rays and turtles are common.
Day 3 · Friday
Post Office Bay & Punta Cormorant
Floreana's Baroness Viewpoint sets the scene for Post Office Bay, where visitors have exchanged letters through a wooden barrel since the 18th century. In the afternoon, Punta Cormorant's green-tinged beach and lagoon often hold flamingos, while Champion Islet offshore ranks among the best snorkeling in the group, with sea lions, rays and reef sharks.
Day 4 · Saturday
Highlands & Departure
The Santa Cruz highlands make for a green, unhurried close to the trip, with giant tortoises roaming freely and finches working the trees. From there it's a transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight back to the mainland.
Day 1 · Saturday
Baltra Arrival & Bachas Beach
You'll land at Baltra Airport, where the crew is waiting to take you straight to the vessel. In the afternoon you'll visit Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island, a soft stretch of white sand backed by lagoons that draw flamingos and coastal birds, with calm water good for a first snorkel among rays and reef fish.
Day 2 · Sunday
El Barranco & Darwin Bay
Genovesa Island opens with a climb up El Barranco, known as Prince Philip's Steps, to a plateau thick with red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, frigatebirds and storm petrels. In the afternoon Darwin Bay's sandy trail runs through more nesting colonies, with sea lions on the shore and rays and reef fish in the water below.
Day 3 · Monday
South Plaza & Santa Fe Island
South Plaza's cliffs and cactus groves hold one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the islands, land iguanas resting in the shade while seabirds work the updrafts above. Santa Fe follows in the afternoon, home to its own endemic land iguana and a calm bay where sea lions and colorful fish share the shallows.
Day 4 · Tuesday
Pitt Point & Witch Hill
On San Cristobal's eastern side, Pitt Point is one of the few places you'll see three species of booby together, its trail climbing from the beach through volcanic ground to coastal viewpoints. Witch Hill closes the day with a wide white beach looking out to Kicker Rock, sea lions on the sand and calm water for an easy swim.
Day 5 · Wednesday
Breeding Center & Departure
A morning visit to the San Cristobal Breeding Center rounds out the trip, where giant tortoises at every stage of growth reflect the conservation work carried out across the archipelago. From there it's a short transfer to San Cristobal Airport for your flight back to the mainland.
Day 1 · Saturday
Baltra Arrival & Bachas Beach
You'll land at Baltra Airport, where the crew is waiting to take you straight to the vessel. In the afternoon you'll visit Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island, a soft stretch of white sand backed by lagoons that draw flamingos and coastal birds, with calm water good for a first snorkel among rays and reef fish.
Day 2 · Sunday
El Barranco & Darwin Bay
Genovesa Island opens with a climb up El Barranco, known as Prince Philip's Steps, to a plateau thick with red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, frigatebirds and storm petrels. In the afternoon Darwin Bay's sandy trail runs through more nesting colonies, with sea lions on the shore and rays and reef fish in the water below.
Day 3 · Monday
South Plaza & Santa Fe Island
South Plaza's cliffs and cactus groves hold one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the islands, land iguanas resting in the shade while seabirds work the updrafts above. Santa Fe follows in the afternoon, home to its own endemic land iguana and a calm bay where sea lions and colorful fish share the shallows.
Day 4 · Tuesday
Pitt Point & Witch Hill
On San Cristobal's eastern side, Pitt Point is one of the few places you'll see three species of booby together, its trail climbing from the beach through volcanic ground to coastal viewpoints. Witch Hill closes the day with a wide white beach looking out to Kicker Rock, sea lions on the sand and calm water for an easy swim.
Day 5 · Wednesday
Interpretation Center & Kicker Rock
A morning at the Interpretation Center traces the natural and human history of the islands, from their volcanic origins to the conservation work now protecting them. The afternoon runs out to Kicker Rock, a sheer volcanic pinnacle rising from the sea with some of the best snorkeling in the Galápagos, then on to Lobos Island for a walk among nesting seabirds and sea lion colonies.
Day 6 · Thursday
Suarez Point & Gardner Bay
Española's Suarez Point is one of the richest wildlife sites in the Galápagos, its trail passing marine iguanas, courting blue-footed boobies and, in season, waved albatross, before ending at a blowhole where waves crash against the cliffs. Gardner Bay offers a quieter afternoon, a long white beach with resting sea lions and snorkeling near Osborn Islet where rays and turtles are common.
Day 7 · Friday
Post Office Bay & Punta Cormorant
Floreana's Baroness Viewpoint sets the scene for Post Office Bay, where visitors have exchanged letters through a wooden barrel since the 18th century. In the afternoon, Punta Cormorant's green-tinged beach and lagoon often hold flamingos, while Champion Islet offshore ranks among the best snorkeling in the group, with sea lions, rays and reef sharks.
Day 8 · Saturday
Highlands & Departure
The Santa Cruz highlands make for a green, unhurried close to the trip, with giant tortoises roaming freely and finches working the trees. From there it's a transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight back to the mainland.
Day 1 · Saturday
Baltra Arrival & Breeding Center
You'll land at Baltra Airport, where the crew is waiting to take you straight to the vessel. In the afternoon you'll visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center at the Charles Darwin Research Station, where giant tortoises at every stage of growth introduce the conservation work protecting the islands.
Day 2 · Sunday
Tintoreras & Sierra Negra
Isabela Island opens at Tintoreras, a cluster of lava islets where marine iguanas, sea lions and Galápagos penguins gather and white-tipped reef sharks rest in shallow channels. The morning continues at Sierra Negra, whose vast caldera is one of the most dramatic volcanic landscapes in the archipelago, before an afternoon stop at the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center to see more of Isabela's native tortoises.
Day 3 · Monday
Moreno Point & Elizabeth Bay
Moreno Point's dark lava fields give way to inland lagoons where flamingos and pintail ducks gather, marine iguanas warming themselves on the rocks nearby. Elizabeth Bay is explored entirely by dinghy in the afternoon, its mangrove channels sheltering penguins, sea turtles, rays and flightless cormorants.
Day 4 · Tuesday
Espinoza Point & Vicente Roca Point
Fernandina's Espinoza Point holds one of the largest marine iguana colonies in the Galápagos, alongside sea lions, Sally Lightfoot crabs and flightless cormorants on raw lava shoreline. In the afternoon, Vicente Roca Point's cliffs and nutrient-rich water make for some of the richest snorkeling of the trip, with turtles, rays and penguins moving through the bay.
Day 5 · Wednesday
Egas Port & Buccaneer Cove
Santiago's Egas Port pairs a rugged coastal walk with tide pools and a fur seal grotto tucked into the lava. The afternoon continues to Buccaneer Cove and Espumilla Beach, once a refuge for pirates, where the day may include snorkeling, kayaking or a dinghy ride along the cliffs.
Day 6 · Thursday
Bartholomew & Sullivan Bay
A wooden stairway on Bartholomew climbs to one of the most photographed views in the Galápagos, overlooking Pinnacle Rock and the bays below, with snorkeling among tropical fish and the occasional penguin at the base. Sullivan Bay's afternoon walk crosses a vast, relatively recent lava field, its patterns and textures already giving way to the first pioneer plants.
Day 7 · Friday
Chinese Hat & Dragon Hill
Chinese Hat, named for its distinctive cone shape, offers a short walk across lava formations past marine iguanas and sea lions, with clear water below for snorkeling. Dragon Hill follows in the afternoon, a dry trail through cacti and palo santo to lagoons where flamingos gather, and one of the best places to see land iguanas reintroduced to the wild.
Day 8 · Saturday
North Seymour & Departure
North Seymour closes the trip with one of the best seabird nesting sites in the islands, blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds visible at close range, males inflating their red throat pouches in courtship. From there it's a short transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight back to the mainland.
Rates & Inclusions
4 days / 3 nights
Golden Suite (Double Occupancy): $5,950
Panorama Suite & Loft (Double Occupancy): $8,890
Charter rate: $100,390
from $6,274pp at max capacity (16 guests)
5 days / 4 nights
Golden Suite (Double Occupancy): $7,390
Panorama Suite & Loft (Double Occupancy): $11,090
Charter rate: $124,890
from $7,806pp at max capacity (16 guests)
8 days / 7 nights
Golden Suite (Double Occupancy): $11,850
Panorama Suite & Loft (Double Occupancy): $17,750
Charter rate: $200,150
from $12,509pp at max capacity (16 guests)
11 days / 10 nights
Golden Suite (Double Occupancy): $16,250
Panorama Suite & Loft (Double Occupancy): $24,190
Charter rate: $274,590
from $17,162pp at max capacity (16 guests)
12 days / 11 nights
Golden Suite (Double Occupancy): $17,750
Panorama Suite & Loft (Double Occupancy): $26,590
Charter rate: $299,750
from $18,734pp at max capacity (16 guests)
15 days / 14 nights
Golden Suite (Double Occupancy): $22,150
Panorama Suite & Loft (Double Occupancy): $33,250
Charter rate: $374,350
from $23,397pp at max capacity (16 guests)
Notes
- Rates are subject to change in case of additional taxes, fuel price increases or any other unforeseen circumstances.
- Regular rate is per person based on double occupancy
- Suites have king size beds or two twin size beds.
- New surcharges will be published in a timely manner.
- High occupancy dates: A 10% surcharge applies
- High occupancy dates: 100% Single Supplement applies
- Single Suite: Single supplement for suites is 50%
- Single Suite: 100% supplement applies for a second single stateroom, based on the cruise departure occupancy.
- Single Suite: Not applicable during high occupancy dates and subject to availability.
- Children policy: 25% discount per child (#1) applies out of the gross rates when traveling with two adults.
- Children policy: Children must be under 12 years old when they board the cruise.
- Children policy: Not applicable on Christmas and New Years' Eve departures.
- Supplied Expedition Gear Sea kayaks, Ocean paddle boards, Wetsuits and fins, Water containers, Masks and snorkels, Expedition Binoculars, Action Cameras, Micro SD Card 4K (Surcharge)
Included
- Transfers airport-yacht-airport in Galapagos
- Airport reception and assistance
- Double accommodation
- Guided expeditions according to the itinerary
- Top Bilingual National Park Guide (English/Spanish)
- Activity daily briefing
- Cruise Service Officer
- Free Wi-Fi (NEW!)
- All meals & snacks
- Soft drinks and juices
- Captain's welcome and farewell cocktail
- A complimentary glass of beer OR house red wine per night/per adult (minors excluded) (NEW!)
- Use of yoga mats, kettlebells and dumbbells; stargazing laser pointer
- Expedition gear: sea kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, wet suit, fins), water container, and binoculars)
Not Included
- Round trip flights 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
Operated By Golden Experiences
About Golden Experiences
Golden Experiences & Travel own and operate unique premium experiences in Ecuador, including La Selva Lodge & Spa and the luxury-class Ocean Spray, Endemic, Elite and Petrel cruises for the Galapagos Islands. These modern and luxurious catamarans are spacious, comfortable, steady, and eminently seaworthy, setting a new standard for luxury yachts in the Galapagos
Golden Experiences promotes a sustainable relationship with the natural and social environment. They offer high-quality service, trained motivated staff, responsible management practices, and maintain positive relationships with the communities they work with.
Golden Experiences Details
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