Overview
Exploring the Enchanted Islands: A Luxurious Galapagos Cruise Aboard the Grand Majestic
Embark on an extraordinary 10-day journey through the breathtaking Galapagos Islands aboard the luxurious Grand Majestic yacht. From the moment you step on board, experience world-class service, exquisite meals, and the adventure of a lifetime. Explore iconic sites like North Seymour Island, Bartholomew Island, and Tagus Cove, encountering unique wildlife such as blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, and playful sea lions. This exclusive cruise offers snorkeling with vibrant marine life, hiking through volcanic landscapes, and relaxing in the comfort of your stateroom or suite. Ideal for those seeking an unforgettable mix of adventure and luxury in one of the world’s most unique ecosystems.
Pricing and Payments:
All prices are displayed in AUD
Dates: 11th May – 20th May 2025
Twin share: $13,550.00 AUD Per Person
Single Supplement: $7,500.00 AUD Extra
(twin share is available for friends or family members sharing or upon request as a willing to share option with another guest- subject to availability and T&Cs)
Add Return Flights from AUS or NZ From: To be quoted
Deposit of $2,990 AUD, Due at time of Booking.
4 x progress payment due thereafter
Full comprehensive travel insurance is required to attend.
Book Online Now! We accept Credit card or Bank transfer
Highlights
- Travel with a group of like-minded women
- Fully guided aboard the luxurious Grand Majestic yacht
- Explore the stunning volcanic landscapes of the Galapagos Islands
- Snorkel alongside playful sea lions, rays, and tropical fish
- Witness the famous blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds on North Seymour Island
- Hike to the summit of Bartholomew Island for panoramic views of Pinnacle Rock
- Spot Galapagos penguins during a scenic boat ride
- Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation efforts
- Get up close with the iconic giant tortoises in their natural habitat
- Paddle through calm waters surrounded by mangroves and rich wildlife at Black Turtle Cove
- Marvel at the unique lunar-like landscape of lava fields and volcanic formations
- Swim with sea turtles and experience diverse marine life in the pristine waters
- Take guided walks through picturesque beaches like Bachas Beach
- Enjoy thrilling dinghy rides around hidden coves and isolated islands
- Observe rare species such as flightless cormorants and Galapagos hawks
- Visit the David Rodriguez Breeding Center to see hatchling turtles
- Experience the rich cultural and natural history of the islands
- Relax and unwind with onboard amenities after a day of adventure
- Savor gourmet meals prepared by expert chefs while sailing between islands
- Create lasting memories with fellow adventurous women as you explore one of the world’s most unique ecosystems
Whats Included:
Inclusions
- Assistance, quotes, and booking of international flights from anywhere worldwide
- Visa assistance provided if required
- Airport meet-and-greet with private transfer to accommodation
- All transfers,internal flights, tour transport, cruise as per itinerary
- Experienced English-speaking local tour guides and drivers throughout with All shore excursions with an English-speaking naturalist guide during the cruise
- Fully escorted and managed by LWT hostess
- Daily breakfasts included
- 8 lunches, and 8 dinners provided
- 2 nights of luxury accommodation throughout Ecuador and 7 nights aboard a Luxury yacht
- All listed experiences and activities included
Exclusion
- Travel and medical insurance (required)
- Alcohol (unless listed)
- Additional snacks and meals
- Tips
- Souvenirs
- International flight cost
- Galapagos National Park Fee (USD 200 per person)
- Migration Control Card (USD 20 per person)
Itinerary
Welcome to Ecuador! Upon arrival at the airport in either Quito or Guayaquil, you will be greeted by a friendly representative holding a welcome sign with your name. They will assist you with your luggage and provide a private transfer to your hotel for the night. Once checked in, you’ll have the rest of the day at your leisure to relax, explore the local area, or prepare for the exciting Galapagos adventure ahead.
Meals: –
Accommodation: Quito or Guayaquil (depending on your flight arrival)
AM: After breakfast, a representative will assist you with check-in for your flight to San Cristobal Island, the gateway to the Galapagos. Upon arrival, you will pass through immigration and baggage claim before being greeted by another representative who will transfer you to the luxurious Grand Majestic yacht. Once aboard, you will settle into your cabin and enjoy a delicious lunch, followed by a welcome briefing to kick off your cruise.
PM: In the afternoon, visit the David Rodriguez Breeding Center on San Cristobal Island. Here, you will witness hatchling giant tortoises and learn about the conservation efforts to protect these incredible creatures. Take a short hike through the area to see sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and a variety of land and sea birds.
Possible Activities: Hiking, wildlife viewing
Difficulty: Easy / moderate
Type of Landing: Dry landing
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Grand Majestic
AM: North Seymour Island
Start your day with an exciting visit to North Seymour Island, home to an abundance of wildlife. You’ll encounter Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and magnificent frigatebirds. The island’s landscape, formed by submarine lava uplift, is characterized by arid vegetation and is teeming with unique animal species. Take a hike to observe land and marine iguanas, and enjoy snorkeling opportunities to see rays, reef sharks, and colorful fish.
Highlights: Land & marine iguanas, frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, sea lions
Possible Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride
Type of Landing: Dry landing
Difficulty: Moderate / difficult
PM: Black Turtle Cove
In the afternoon, explore the tranquil Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz Island. Accessible only by dinghy, this peaceful inlet is surrounded by mangroves and serves as a sanctuary for young marine life. As you quietly drift through the cove, keep an eye out for black-tip and white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, and rays. The calm waters make it a perfect opportunity to spot baby hammerhead sharks and a variety of sea birds.
Highlights: Baby hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, rays, sea birds
Possible Activities: Dinghy ride
Type of Landing: No landing
Difficulty: Easy
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Grand Majestic
AM: Bartholomew Island
Your morning begins with a visit to the stunning Bartholomew Island, home to the iconic Pinnacle Rock. Hike to the summit of an extinct volcano via a series of steps for one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the Galapagos. Along the way, observe fascinating volcanic formations in various shades of red, orange, and black. After the hike, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel at the island’s pristine beach, where you may encounter Galapagos penguins, reef sharks, and vibrant marine life.
Highlights: Pinnacle Rock, panoramic views, volcanic formations, penguins, snorkeling
Possible Activities: Hiking, snorkeling
Type of Landing: Dry and wet landings
Difficulty: Moderate/difficult (hike to summit: 114 meters, 375 steps)
PM: Egas Port (James Bay)
In the afternoon, explore Egas Port, also known as James Bay. This area is famous for its rich wildlife, including the Galapagos hawk, lava lizards, and curious Galapagos fur sea lions basking in the sun. A walk along the coastline reveals stunning tidal pools and grottos filled with marine life. After the hike, enjoy another snorkeling opportunity to see reef sharks, turtles, rays, and a variety of fish in the crystal-clear waters.
Highlights: Galapagos fur sea lions, tidal pools, marine iguanas, Galapagos hawks, snorkeling with reef sharks and turtles
Possible Activities: Hiking, snorkeling
Type of Landing: Wet landing
Difficulty: Easy / moderate
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Grand Majestic
AM: Flight to Galapagos
Today, you will take a flight to the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival, you will be required to pay a $20 fee for the migration control card, as mandated by the Galapagos Government.
Once you arrive in Santa Cruz, you’ll pass through an airport inspection to ensure no foreign plants or animals are being introduced to the archipelago. This is also where you’ll pay the entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park: $200 for foreign passengers and $100 for children under 12 (as of September 2024).
Your guide will greet you at the airport, assist with your luggage, and guide you to a bus for transfer to a motorized boat called a “Panga,” which will take you to the Catamaran Seaman Journey, your home for the next few days.
PM: Bartolome Island
AM: Tagus Cove
This morning, visit the historical Tagus Cove on Isabela Island, a sheltered bay that has served as an anchorage site for ships since the 1800s. Hike along trails that wind by Lake Darwin and up to a ridge with spectacular views of the surrounding area, including Darwin Volcano. This area is rich in wildlife, with sightings of Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, and marine iguanas. You will also have the chance to snorkel in the clear waters, where you might spot sea turtles, rays, and other marine species.
Highlights: Penguins, flightless cormorants, Darwin Volcano, Lake Darwin, snorkeling with turtles and rays
Possible Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride
Type of Landing: Dry landing
Difficulty: Moderate / difficult
PM: Urbina Bay
In the afternoon, continue to Urbina Bay, located at the base of the Alcedo Volcano. This area experienced a significant uplift in 1954, causing the shoreline to rise, stranding marine life on land. Here, you’ll witness one of the largest land iguanas in the Galapagos, along with hawks and giant tortoises. Urbina Bay is also a great snorkeling site, offering chances to see sea turtles, rays, and colorful tropical fish.
Highlights: Land iguanas, Galapagos hawks, coral reef, giant tortoises, snorkeling with turtles and fish
Possible Activities: Hiking, snorkeling
Type of Landing: Wet landing
Difficulty: Easy / moderate
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Grand Majestic
In the afternoon, you’ll visit Bartolome Island, located across from Sullivan Bay. Standing 114 meters high, the island offers one of the most spectacular views in the Galapagos, with its volcanic cones, lunar-like craters, lava fields, and the iconic Pinnacle Rock, eroded by the sea. Although the island has sparse vegetation, it is home to two stunning beaches, where marine turtles nest. At the base of Pinnacle Rock, you may also spot a small colony of Galapagos penguins.
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Seaman Journey Yacht
AM: Espinoza Point (Fernandina Island)
Start your day with a visit to Espinoza Point on Fernandina Island, one of the most pristine ecosystems in the world as no foreign species have invaded the island. The landscape is dominated by the active La Cumbre Volcano, with lava fields stretching down to the ocean. This is one of the best places to see the endemic flightless cormorant, which has adapted to its surroundings by losing the ability to fly. You’ll also encounter large colonies of marine iguanas, sea lions, and penguins.
Highlights: Flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, sea lions, penguins, active volcano La Cumbre
Possible Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride
Type of Landing: Dry landing
Difficulty: Moderate
PM: Vicente Roca Point (Isabela Island)
In the afternoon, head to Vicente Roca Point, located on the northwestern coast of Isabela Island. This large bay, divided into two coves, offers an excellent opportunity for snorkeling and observing fascinating marine life, including sea turtles, seahorses, rays, and the elusive Mola mola (sunfish). Above the water, you’ll spot blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and Galapagos penguins resting on the cliffs.
Highlights: Sea turtles, seahorses, Mola mola (sunfish), penguins, blue-footed and Nazca boobies
Possible Activities: Snorkeling, dinghy ride
Type of Landing: No landing
Difficulty: Easy / moderate
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Grand Majestic
AM: Buccaneer Cove (Santiago Island)
This morning, visit the historic Buccaneer Cove on Santiago Island, a refuge for British pirates in the 17th and 18th centuries. The pirates would anchor in this bay to repair their ships and stock up on supplies, including tortoise meat. Today, the area is known for its steep cliffs and striking rock formations, where hundreds of seabirds perch. The red sand beach and surrounding waters are ideal for snorkeling, with the chance to see vibrant marine life.
Highlights: Historic pirate cove, seabirds, rock formations, snorkeling
Possible Activities: Snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking
Type of Landing: No landing
Difficulty: Easy
PM: Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island)
In the afternoon, explore the fascinating Sullivan Bay, home to one of the most amazing lava fields in the Galapagos. The lava, which flowed here less than 100 years ago, creates a dramatic landscape of solidified black rock. As you walk through this unique environment, you will see various lava formations, including pahoehoe lava, and have the chance to explore the pristine coral sand beach nearby. The area also offers excellent snorkeling opportunities, where you may spot sea turtles and colorful fish.
Highlights: Pahoehoe lava, coral sand beach, snorkeling with sea turtles and fish
Possible Activities: Hiking, snorkeling
Type of Landing: Wet landing
Difficulty: Easy / moderate
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Grand Majestic
AM: Bachas Beach (Santa Cruz Island)
Your morning begins with a visit to Bachas Beach, a beautiful white sand beach located on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. This beach is an important nesting site for sea turtles and is also home to a variety of wildlife, including flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and hermit crabs. The calm waters offer a great opportunity for swimming and snorkeling, allowing you to observe the underwater world, including marine life such as rays and colorful fish.
Highlights: Sea turtles, flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, snorkeling
Possible Activities: Snorkeling, swimming, hiking
Type of Landing: Wet landing
Difficulty: Easy
PM: Charles Darwin Station / Fausto Llerena Breeding Center
In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, where you will learn about the conservation efforts to protect the unique species of the Galapagos, including the giant tortoises. Here, you can observe tortoises of various ages, from hatchlings to fully grown adults. This is also a great opportunity to gain insight into the long-term preservation of the islands’ delicate ecosystems.
Highlights: Giant tortoises in captivity, conservation programs, tortoise hatchlings
Possible Activities: Hiking, educational tour
Type of Landing: Dry landing
Difficulty: Easy
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Grand Majestic
AM: Kicker Rock (San Cristobal Island)
On your final morning in the Galapagos, visit the impressive Kicker Rock, also known as Leon Dormido (Sleeping Lion). This striking rock formation juts out of the ocean, reaching heights of over 500 feet. The narrow channel between the two towering rocks is one of the best places in the Galapagos for snorkeling and diving, as the waters are teeming with marine life. While snorkeling around Kicker Rock, you may encounter sharks, rays, sea turtles, and a variety of colorful tropical fish. Above the water, you can observe blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and Nazca boobies perched on the rock formations.
Highlights: Sharks, tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies
Possible Activities: Snorkeling, circumnavigation
Type of Landing: No landing
Difficulty: Easy
After this final excursion, you will be transferred to San Cristobal Airport for your flight back to the Ecuadorian mainland. Once you arrive in Quito or Guayaquil, you will be taken to your hotel for your final night in Ecuador.
Meals: B
Accommodation: Quito or Guayaquil
After breakfast, depending on the time of your international flight, you will be transferred from your hotel in Quito or Guayaquil to the airport for your journey home.
Reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the past days spent exploring the Galapagos Islands and the incredible wildlife and landscapes you encountered. We hope to welcome you on another adventure soon!
Meals: B
Inclusions
- Assistance, quotes, and booking of international flights from anywhere worldwide
- Visa assistance provided if required
- Airport meet-and-greet with private transfer to accommodation
- All transfers,internal flights, tour transport, cruise as per itinerary
- Experienced English-speaking local tour guides and drivers throughout with All shore excursions with an English-speaking naturalist guide during the cruise
- Daily breakfasts included
- 8 lunches, and 8 dinners provided
- 2 nights of luxury accommodation throughout Ecuador and 7 nights aboard a Luxury yacht
- All listed experiences and activities included
-
Exclusion
- Travel and medical insurance (required)
- Alcohol (unless listed)
- Additional snacks and meals
- Tips
- Souvenirs
- International flight cost
- Galapagos National Park Fee (USD 200 per person)
- Migration Control Card (USD 20 per person)
- Go Quito Hotel (or similar) – 3 nights in Quito
- El Porvenir Hacienda (or similar) – 1 night near Cotopaxi National Park
- Seaman Journey – 4 nights on the Galapagos Islands Cruise
Please take the time to read and understand the booking terms and conditions prior to booking a trip with us.
Deposits and Payment Schedule
To join any of our captivating Luxury Women’s Tours (LWT) itineraries, a per-person deposit, tailored to your selected trip, is required to confirm and secure your reservation.
The final balance payment must be settled 90 days before your journey begins. If you book within this 90-day window, the full amount becomes due at the time of booking.
All cancellations must be done in writing. If a cancellation is received more than 121 days prior to the tour departure date a penalty of 10% of the total price will be retained as a cancellation fee.
If a cancellation is received between 120 days and 61 days prior to the tour departure date, 20% of the total price will be forfeited.
In the case of a cancellation received less than 60 days prior to the boat departure the full amount will be retained.
*Penalty charges may vary and are subject to change.
All flights are subject to airline terms and conditions.
Pricing
Published trip prices include all applicable taxes and are based on shared occupancy. Solo travelers are thoughtfully matched with roommates to avoid additional single supplement fees. Single supplements are available with a surcharge, subject to availability.
Please note that LWT is not responsible for fees related to currency exchange or charges imposed by your credit card company or bank for foreign currency transactions.
All Flight Booking Conditions
Be aware that terms, conditions, and cancellation fees imposed by flight carriers are applicable in accordance with the airline’s policies.
Cancellation by the Client
In case a Client needs to cancel their reservation, we request written notification sent to jamie@luxurywomenstours.com.au.
Upon receiving written confirmation of cancellation from LWT, your reserved spot on the trip will be released, and rebooking availability is not guaranteed.
Refund terms for client-initiated cancellations are as follows:
- All cancellations must be done in writing. If a cancellation is received more than 121 days prior to the tour departure date a penalty of 10% of the total price will be retained as a cancellation fee.If a cancellation is received between 120 days and 61 days prior to the tour departure date, 20% of the total price will be forfeited.
In the case of a cancellation received less than 60 days prior to the boat departure the full amount will be retained.
*Penalty charges may vary and are subject to change.
Cancellation of a Tour by Luxury Women’s Tours
Our trips are confirmed to depart with a minimum group size booked. LWT reserves the right to cancel any trip for any reason, though cancellations less than 60 days before departure are rare, except for Force Majeure or unforeseen circumstances beyond LWT’s control.
If LWT cancels a tour before the agreed departure date for reasons other than Force Majeure or the fault of the Client, you have the following options:
- Choose a substitute tour of equivalent or higher price, paying the difference.
- Opt for a substitute tour of lower price, receiving the difference in price as a refund.
- Receive a full refund of all monies paid under the contract.
LWT is not responsible for incidental expenses or consequential losses incurred by the Client, such as visa fees, vaccinations, non-refundable flights or rail tickets, non-refundable parking, loss of earnings, or loss of enjoyment.
For questions, contact us at Jamie@luxurywomenstours.com.au or call 0401293235.