The Monique Galapagos Cruise Tour
Aboard the Monique Galapagos Cruise, you will embark on an unforgettable voyage through one of the world’s most extraordinary natural sanctuaries.
You will be aboard one of the newest luxury catamarans in the Galapagos. The Monique combines modern elegance with sustainability, offering a refined experience for just 16 guests. Discover the diverse ecosystems of Santa Cruz, Isabela, Santiago, Rábida, and Fernandina, each revealing its own story of evolution and wonder. Guided by expert naturalists, you’ll explore the archipelago’s most iconic sites.
Explore incredible habitats from the white sands of Las Bachas Beach to the volcanic cliffs of Tagus Cove and the wildlife-rich waters of Vicente Roca Point.
Between excursions, you will relax in the Monique’s panoramic social spaces designed to immerse you in the surrounding scenery. With three spacious decks and a near 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, personalized service and comfort are at the heart of every moment.
Each suite reflects the ship’s modern design philosophy. They are bright, airy, and elegantly appointed for ultimate relaxation. Enjoy soothing ocean views, deluxe bedding, and eco-friendly amenities that complement the vessel’s commitment to sustainability.
Your dining experience aboard the Monique is a celebration of flavor and artistry. The Epicure Cuisine Experience brings together regional ingredients and international flair, offering an array of diverse, beautifully presented dishes that capture the spirit of the islands. Guests can savor each meal in the indoor dining room or dine al fresco under the open sky, accompanied by refreshing sea breezes.
Throughout your journey, experience guided island walks, kayaking, snorkeling, and Zodiac adventures. Each day will unveil new wildlife encounters and awe-inspiring landscapes. From the birdlife of North Seymour to the dramatic lava fields of Sullivan Bay, every moment you spend aboard the Monique promises discovery, connection, and lasting memories.
The Monique Galapagos Cruise Tour Summary
You will enjoy an extraordinary adventure aboard the Monique. Explore five remarkable islands of Santa Cruz, Isabela, Santiago, Rábida, and Fernandina. Each of these will reveal its own blend of wildlife, scenery, and unforgettable moments.
Our Galapagos expedition packages aboard the Monique cater to both short and extended voyages, offering you a memorable and enriching adventure. Regardless of duration, your expert naturalist guides will lead you on captivating daily excursions to iconic sites such as Las Bachas Beach, Tagus Cove, Vicente Roca Point, North Seymour, and Sullivan Bay.
See the next tab for an example itinerary. Choose from 3, 4, and 7-night cruises.
Tour Info
- Focus Area: Galapagos National Park
- Duration: 4, 5, & 8 days
- Start Point: Baltra Island / San Cristobal
- End Point: Baltra Island / San Cristobal
The Monique Galapagos Cruise Itinerary
Upon arrival, reception and assistance at the airport, transfer from Baltra Airport to the M/C Monique.
PM: Santa Cruz – Highlands
In the highlands of Santa Cruz, you’ll have the chance to see giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural environment. These iconic animals are one of the main symbols of the archipelago. The lush highlands are also excellent for birdwatching, with several finch species and other native birds commonly seen.
Activities: Walking
Difficulty: Moderate
(-, L, D)
Begin your morning exploring Champion Islet, famous for its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs. During a panga ride and snorkeling session, you may encounter sea lions, sea turtles, and vibrant schools of fish. This small sanctuary also protects one of the last populations of the Floreana mockingbird.
Continue to Cormorant Point, known for its two contrasting beaches—one with striking olive-green sand due to olivine crystals, and the other a bright white coral beach. A nearby saltwater lagoon is home to flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, stilts, and other shorebirds.
Your visit concludes at Devil’s Crown, an underwater volcanic crater whose jagged remains rise above the surface. Snorkelers can explore coral formations and a wide variety of marine life. Birds are frequently seen flying above the open waters surrounding the site.
Activities: Walk, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking/paddleboarding
Difficulty: Moderate
PM: Post Office Bay and/or Baroness’s Lookout – Floreana Island
Post Office Bay preserves a unique mailing tradition created by 18th-century whalers, which visitors can still participate in. The beach is excellent for snorkeling and kayaking, and there is also an opportunity to walk through a lava tunnel.
Continue by dinghy to the Baroness’s Lookout, named after an Australian baroness who lived on the island in the 1930s and mysteriously disappeared. A short trail leads to panoramic views of the mangroves and coastline.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking/paddleboarding
Difficulty: Easy
(B, L, D)
Suarez Point is rich in wildlife and best explored along a circular walking trail. You will pass nesting colonies of Nazca and blue-footed boobies, mockingbirds, and the unique Española subspecies of marine iguana. The island is also home to the waved albatross, which can be seen taking off from the cliffs. Geological features include impressive blowholes that can shoot water up to 25 meters into the air.
Activities: Walking
Difficulty: Moderate
PM: Gardner Bay – Española Island
In the afternoon, relax on the white sand beach of Gardner Bay, where sea lions rest along the shoreline. Swim, snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard in turquoise waters filled with colorful fish, rays, and playful juvenile sea lions. Nearby Gardner and Osborn Islets offer excellent snorkeling opportunities above vibrant coral reefs.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking/paddleboarding
Difficulty: Moderate
(B, L, D)
Visit the San Cristobal Interpretation Center to gain insight into the geological history, unique wildlife, and conservation challenges of the archipelago. Modern exhibits trace the islands’ natural and human history.
Activities: Walking
Difficulty: Easy
PM: Witch Hill & Kicker Rock – San Cristobal Island
In the afternoon, explore Witch Hill, a beautiful bay with fine sand and clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. From the beach, enjoy views of Kicker Rock’s dramatic silhouette.
Continue with a circumnavigation of Kicker Rock, an impressive twin-peaked volcanic formation rising sharply from the sea. Seabirds such as frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies are often spotted on the cliffs.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking/paddleboarding (Kicker Rock circumnavigation)
Difficulty: Easy
(B, L, D)
Begin with a visit to Santa Fe, one of the oldest islands in the archipelago. Hike through forests of towering Opuntia cacti in search of the pale-yellow land iguanas that live here. After your walk, enjoy swimming or snorkeling in the calm blue waters of the bay, where sea lions, rays, and colorful reef fish are often seen.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking/paddleboarding
Difficulty: Moderate
PM: South Plaza Island
In the afternoon, visit South Plaza, a small but biodiverse island. Its vibrant Sesuvium vegetation creates a striking contrast with black volcanic rock and tall prickly pear cacti. Seabirds such as tropicbirds and swallow-tailed gulls nest along the cliffs, riding the rising air currents above the waves.
Activities: Walking, dinghy ride, kayaking/paddleboarding
Difficulty: Easy
(B, L, D)
Ascend to the summit of Bartolome for one of the most iconic views of the Galapagos—Pinnacle Rock and the surrounding bays. At the base of the rock, enjoy exceptional snorkeling, with chances to swim alongside penguins and discover a rich underwater world.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling, dinghy ride
Difficulty: Easy
PM: Sullivan Bay – Santiago Island
In the afternoon, land on a white coral sand beach before walking across lava flows formed less than 100 years ago. This stark landscape offers a firsthand look at the volcanic origins of the islands, with unique pioneer plants emerging from the lava fields. Snorkeling here reveals additional marine life among the rocks and reefs.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling, dinghy ride
Difficulty: Easy
(B, L, D)
Climb the stone steps to reach a plateau filled with birdlife. Masked boobies, frigatebirds, storm petrels, and other seabirds nest here. A small Scalesia forest provides habitat for the elusive short-eared owl. The same trail leads back to your vessel.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking/paddleboarding
Difficulty: Moderate
PM: Darwin Bay – Genovesa Island
Visit Darwin Bay, the only sandy beach in the caldera of Genovesa. Here, great frigatebirds display their bright red throat pouches, while red-footed boobies nest in the trees. The bay offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling and wildlife observation.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking/paddleboarding
Difficulty: Moderate
(B, L, D)
Enjoy a peaceful dinghy ride through the mangrove-lined waters of Black Turtle Cove. Three species of mangroves form a sheltered habitat for eagle rays, mustard rays, reef sharks, and Pacific green sea turtles. Pelicans, herons, and egrets often feed along the shores.
Activities: Dinghy ride
Difficulty: Easy
After the visit, transfer to Baltra Airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador. Assistance and farewell at the airport.
(B, -, -)
End of cruise
Rates & Inclusions
4 days / 3 nights
Golden Stateroom (Double Occupancy): $4,190
5 days / 4 nights
Golden Stateroom (Double Occupancy): $5,190
8 days / 7 nights
Golden Stateroom (Double Occupancy): $8,290
Notes
- Rates are subject to change in case of additional taxes, fuel price increases or any other unforeseen circumstances.
- Programs 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 in the Galapagos: airport/catamaran/airport
- Airport reception and assistance
- Guided expeditions based on itineraries
- Top bilingual National Park guide (English / Spanish)
- Cruise Service Officer
- Daily briefing of activities
- All meals and snacks
- Soft drinks and juices
- Captain’s welcome and farewell cocktails
- Supplied expedition gear
- Use of yoga mats
Not Included
- Round trip to Galapagos
- Galapagos National Park Entrance fee ($100 – subject to change)
- Transit Control Card ($20 – subject to change)
- Alcoholic and bottled 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.
