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This elegant boat’s eight cabins all offer balconies and sea views, and it social areas boast a bar, a lounge and a jacuzzi – the perfect set up for the very best holiday to the archipelago.
Built in 2011, you will travel in style while discovering the Galapagos and its wildlife, the islands and their volcanoes.
The best guides make sure that yours will be the trip-of-a-lifetime.
Get close to giant tortoises, iguanas and numerous bird species on land, while discovering all about Galapagos’ formation by volcanic activity.
Itineraries feature plenty of snorkelling with the marine fauna, and there are also kayaks aboard in case you wish to paddle alongside turtles, sharks and sea lions.
Choose twin, double or a single cabin for your cruise, with the incredible itineraries offering flexibility too – sail for 4, 5 or 8 days (or more).
The Cormorant’s attentive staff with an eye for detail make this boat one of the top-rated cruises in the Galapagos Islands.
Modern yacht with spacious twin and double cabins - all with balconies, sea views, private bathroom, hot/cold shower and air conditioning. Suite rooms have corner sofas for extra comfort.
Built in 2011, the Cormorant is very stable in the water. Social areas include a jacuzzi, bar, lounge and sun deck.
One single cabin, located on the lower deck - no panoramic window, but with a porthole.
Fantastic itineraries - itinerary A taking in the east, south and central islands, and itinerary B remote north and west - with 4 and 5 day options, too.
Three meals served daily, after-excursion snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
Kayaks, snorkels and wetsuits available aboard.
We both felt our South America holiday was the highlight of the year. Our highlight overall was probably the Galapagos cruise and we never guessed how fascinated we’d become by the landscapes, the island and sea animal life, and the history of the islands. Guide was excellent in the Galapagos. All the information given out beforehand was very comprehensive and I can’t think of anything on the ‘we wish we’d known that before leaving’ list. We were shocked how much and how high quality the food on both the Inca Trail and Galapagos cruise was.
R. Brackenbury, Galapagos
Aarrive at Baltra Island in the morning.
After passing through immigration and baggage claim you are met by Cormorant staff and transferred to the yacht. You will be shown to your cabin where you will have some time to settle in before lunch and a welcome briefing.
The afternoon visit, Bachas Beach, is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz, and is a great swimming beach.
One of the few remnants of the U.S. World War II, a floating pier, remains. You may see flamingos, Sally-Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, Black-Necked Stilts, and Whimbrels. Sea turtles also nest off the beach.
Head to the yacht for dinner and briefing.
Our morning visit includes Bartolome (Bartholomew), home of the famous Pinnacle Rock.
Bartholomew consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black and even green volcanic formations. We take a trail of stairs to the summit of the volcano (about 30 or 40 minutes), from where you can enjoy one of the best views of the Galapagos.
We also visit a small, beautiful beach, surrounded by the only vegetation found on this barren island. The beach is perfect for snorkelling where you may see Galapagos penguins.
Next, and located southeast of Santiago Island, we head to Sullivan Bay, of great geological interest. The area is covered by Pahoehoe lava flows combined with A’A lava. It was very active 200 years ago.
This flow is geologically very young. The magma formed is flat, but the movement of underground lava, the rapid cooling and other eruptions led to the break in many places – you can see patterns of vegetation that were burned during the eruption.
A visit to this area of black lava is preferable in the afternoon because the temperature is more pleasant and the light is better for photographs.
Swimming with sea lions and other wildlife from the shore is a lovely way to finish off the day.
Return to the yacht for a briefing and dinner.
In the morning, we head to South Plaza. This small island with steep cliffs was formed by rising lava and is now covered by Opuntia cacti. It is also home to one of the largest sea lion colonies as well as colourful yellow and red land iguanas. The most characteristic plant is the Sesuvium.
During the rainy season its colour is a greenish to yellowish tone and in the dry season (end of June through January) a bright red.
Our afternoon visit is to Santa Fe Island, formed by a volcanic uplift. Santa Fe (Barrington) is home to the small picturesque bay and anchorage on the island northeast coast. The bay has two visitor trails, one leading to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff and the other spanning from a small beach to a tall prickly pear cactus forest.
The island is home to a colony of sea lions which would be more than happy to join you for a swim. Santa Fe also has its own sub-species of land iguana.
We visit Witch Hill (Cerro Brujo) in the morning and explore one of the nicest beaches in the Galápagos – powdered, soft, white sand. With a colony of sea lions and Blue-footed Boobies, this scenic place is bustling with life.
Just beyond the beach is a lagoon, thriving with Egrets and Great Blue Herons. The turquoise water and abundant marine life invite you to snorkel their midst.
In the afternoon we visit Pitt Point.
Pitt Point holds its own as the northeastern most site on Isabela. After an easy hike, we arrive at the only nesting site which hosts all three species of Galápagos Boobies.
The attractive volcanic tuff formations have geologists and laymen alike imagining the forces of nature that possessed the earth to create this land.
In the morning we visit Lobos Island, a rocky bay just a 30-minute walk from Puerto Baquerizo. Note the beautifully coloured plants in the area down by the beach, and the enormous colony and nursery that Galapagos sea lions call home.
Sea lions are normality here – dozens can be seen at any time as well as shore birds and marine iguanas.
In the afternoon we enjoy a dinghy ride and snorkelling around Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido), known as such because of its resemblance to a sleeping lion.
This site is located off the coast of San Cristobal. Kicker Rock is the remains of a lava cone eroded by the sea and two vertical rocks rising 500 feet above the ocean, forming a small channel that is navigable by small boats.
This Galapagos Islands natural monument has become a favourite sight for cruises due to the many tropicbirds, Frigate birds and Boobies that fill the surrounding air.
Beneath the sea the crystal waters offer a brilliant show of colourful tropical fish and invertebrates.
Española Island is the southernmost island of the Galapagos and is the breeding site of nearly all of the Waved Albatrosses in the entire world.
Española is densely populated with Mockingbirds, Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies, Darwin finches, Galapagos Doves, Hawks and more, plus red and green marine iguanas, and loads of sea lions.
In the morning we arrive at Suarez Point. This area is great for spotting Blue-footed Boobies, Albatrosses and Nazca Boobies. A beautiful site on the ocean front, the large Waved Albatrosses use the cliff as a launching pad.
A famous attraction is the magnificent blowhole, spurting water high into the air. This site presents wonderful photographic opportunities.
Gardner Bay, on the eastern side of the island, is the breeding site of nearly all of the world’s 12,000 pairs of Waved Albatrosses. It has an ample white sandy beach with a myriad of sea lions, perfect for relaxing and snorkelling in the turquoise waters. Its rocky shores make this site a great place for diving and snorkelling.
After landing at Osborn Islet, you can walk across a lovely white sand beach amongst a busy sea lion colony or dive into the water to swim with sea lion pups. This small island is a marine visit where you can enjoy fantastic snorkelling and swimming.
We visit two sites on Floreana Island today.
Floreana is known for its fabulous snorkelling sites, its vibrantly pink flamingos and its black sand beaches.
First up is Cormorant Point in the northern part of Floreana. Here, we land on a green-coloured beach from the olivine crystals it is composed of.
Enjoy a hike to a salt-water lagoon which is home to flamingoes and other sea birds.
The trail continues to another beach known as Flour Beach because of the very fine white-sand particles it is made of, it is also really important to the turtles that nest there. You also get to swim in Champion, one of the best snorkelling sites in the Galapagos Islands.
In the afternoon, we visit the famous Post Office Bay and Baroness View Point.
We land on a beach and head to a spot where 18th century whalers once placed a wooden barrel for use as an unofficial mail box. The custom continues to this day with Galapagos visitors. So, don’t forget your postcards, and don’t be surprised if the post card arrives to its destination before you even get home.
Baroness View Point offers spectacular views of the coastline and is a great place to learn more about the endemic Mangroves.
Dinner on the yacht completes your day, as we sail back towards Santa Cruz.
In the morning we start at the Charles Darwin Station and Breeding Centre “Fausto Llerena” – home to turtles ranging from 3-inches (new hatchlings) to 4-feet long.
Here we can observe the various sub-species of turtles interacting with each other, and possibly with you. Many of the older turtles are accustomed to humans, and may stretch out their heads for a pet.
The babies are only kept until they are about four years old, or large enough to survive in the wild. These conservation efforts continue to be extremely successful.
After this visit we transfer to the airport for your flight back to the mainland.
Upon arrival to the airport in Baltra you will be greeted by Cormorant staff and taken across the Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz before boarding the boat. The visit includes a short hike. Dress appropriately with sturdy shoes, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt due to the climate of this area.
On Santa Cruz you see a unique ecosystem, the Highlands, which consists of a humid cloud forest where giant tortoises dwell and birds find sanctuary. This ecosystem contrasts with the dry coastal areas of the islands and the beautiful white sandy beaches, characteristics of the volcanic Islands.
A boxed lunch is served and afterwards we visit the town of Puerto Ayora before embarking.Once on the Cormorant Yacht you have time to settle in and make yourself at home.
In the morning we visit the Tintoreras Islet or Sierra Negra – depending on conditions and the group.
Tintoreras is located a short distance from Puerto Villamil and is the home to a great variety of wildlife. Its turquoise, crystalline waters are inhabited by White-Tipped reef sharks, Galapagos penguins, marine turtles and sea lions. One of its beaches, surrounded by mangroves is one of the few sites where marine iguanas can reproduce successfully.
Sierra Negra boasts the largest volcanic basaltic caldera in Galapagos at 9 x 10km. The site offers impressive views and the opportunity to observe up to seven species of finches and a rich display of vegetation.
The north side of the caldera provides evidence of its most recent volcanic activity in 2005.
In the afternoon, again we have a choice. The Wetlands of Isabela Island are located just outside of Puerto Villamil and consist of lagoons, swamps, and mangroves. They are home to a variety of unique bird species such as Common Stilts, Whimbrels, White-Cheeked Pintails, and Gallinules. The Wetlands can be visited on foot via a path that winds through the swamps.
Return to the yacht for a briefing and dinner, or choose the Breeding Centre visit (discuss with guide).
In the morning we visit Moreno Point, located south west of Elizabeth Bay.
Here, a dry landing onto what was once flowing lava is possible. The lava has left craters in its wake, which formed crystal tide pools. By looking into the pools, you can peer into another world, as the marine life drifts by. In the brackish pools of this area, you may see pink flamingos, White-Cheeked pintails, and Common gallinules. If you look carefully into the pools you may see White-Tipped reef sharks and some sea turtles.
The afternoon visit takes us to Elizabeth Bay, a secluded space lacking any landing sites. We take a traditional ‘panga’, or dinghy ride, passing the red mangroves and amongst the wildlife of the lively bay. Elizabeth is known for its marine life; you may see sea turtles and rays skimming the surface of the water. You may also see the Brown Pelicans diving for fish, Galapagos penguins, Blue-footed Boobies and even possibly spot humpback whales.
In the morning we head for Mangle Point.
A visit to Mangle Point gives amazing views and wildlife of the coast of Fernandina. Mangle Point is a small inlet on Fernandina’s coast where you can snorkel to your hearts delight and watch playful sea lions, curious penguins, and also catch a glimpse of Flightless Cormorants.
In the afternoon, we land at Urbina Bay, which presents some fascinating geological formations.In 1954, an uplift from the sea formed the bay; which has been characterised by the resulting terrestrial coral reef ever since.
Expect to see stingrays and sea turtles swimming near the surface of the water, along with Flightless Cormorants, Pelicans, and marine iguanas. You get a breathtaking view of Volcano Alcedo.
Fernandina – no foreign species have ever invaded this island and therefore it is one of the world’s most pristine island ecosystems. Fernandina is the youngest island in Galapagos.
Access to this site is extremely restricted by the Galapagos National Park and you will be one of those very lucky visitors. The volcano “La Cumbre”, dominates the land space with lava fields reaching the ocean.
Crossing the Bolivar Channel that divides Isabela and Fernandina Islands, we land at Espinosa Point. After walking past a colony of marine iguanas and a group of sea lions, we reach the island’s highlight: the Flightless Cormorant nesting site.
This area also provides a great opportunity to see the Galapagos Hawk.
In the afternoon we visit Isabela Island once again – Vicente Roca Point. Comprised of two separate coves, this site is a large bay with spectacular sea life. Keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating Mola-mola sunfish.
Back aboard for dinner and briefing.
Egas Port is a well-known site in the Galapagos Islands that is also known as James Bay on the western side of Santiago Island.
There are trails that lead to tide pools with lava lizards scattering along the trail and remains of an old salt mine operation can be seen on one of the trails.
Fur seals and marine birds can be seen nearby and snorkelling can be enjoyed and very much recommended here. Years ago Buccaneer Cove was a safe haven where pirates in the 1600 and 1700s would stake out on the Northwestern side of Santiago Island. Sea turtles now take the pirates place and dig their nests for their eggs near the Mangrove trees. It is a great location for snorkelling and many marine birds and sea lions can be found here.
Espumilla Beach is another famous visitor site in the Galapagos Islands. After a wet landing, find yourself on a large beach where the guide leads you on a path through a Mangrove Forest.
After weaving through the Mangroves, find an inland lake where Flamingoes, Pintail Ducks and Stilts reside. The site is mostly inhabited by Flamingoes that nest and feed in this location.
The morning takes us to El Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps, whose steep, rocky path leads you up 25 metere (82 ft) to a cliff-face.
After marvelling at the view we take a 2km trek through Palo Santo vegetation. Look out for Red-footed Boobies, Short-Eared Lava Owls, Galápagos Swallows, and Galápagos Doves – all are abundant.
Our afternoon visit takes us to the beach at Darwin Bay. This white-sand coral beach heads a 750m trail that winds down through mangroves that are filled with land birds.
You may see Nazca Boobies, Red-Footed Boobies, and Swallow-Tailed Gulls. Further down the path, you may see sea lions playing in tidal pools. We arrive at a cliff-side and as the spectacular views soak in, the Boobies and iguanas will keep us company.
Back aboard for our farewell dinner!
Our last trip of the tour!
North Seymour Island: Galapagos Sea Lions, Blue-Footed Boobies and Magnificent Frigate birds are abundant on North Seymour Island. The island was formed by series of submarine lavas containing layers of sediment that were uplifted by tectonic activity. The island is characterised by its arid vegetation zone.
Alas, it’s time to say goodbye. Your guide accompanies you to the airport and you fly back to the continent, or stay on for more Galapagos exploration.
Prices From $7,545 / £6,036 per person
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Accommodation, all meals plus purified water, tea and coffee, snacks, naturalist bilingual Galapagos guides level II/III, shore excursions, snorkelling equipment, transfers in the Islands between the airport and dock, kayak use
International flights, Round trip flights to the Galapagos Islands, Galapagos National Park fee, Galapagos Ingala fee, soft and alcoholic drinks, personal items, souvenirs, tips, wetsuit hire, travel insurance, personal items, Ecuador services
The Cormorant features eight double cabins, which can be twin and doubles, and each has a balcony, private bathroom with hot/cold shower and air conditioning.
In the social areas, there is a lounge, library, dining room and bar on the main deck, plus another eating area and bar on the upper deck.
The sun deck has loungers and a jacuzzi, as well as a shaded area.
The crews are “Galapagueños”, guides, captains and crew members were born and raised in the Galapagos Islands.
They know the area well and are prepared to show you the islands only like a native can do it.
The Naturalist, English-speaking guides have studied and been trained at Charles Darwin Scientific Station, and have long years of experience guiding at the Galapagos Islands.
The boat uses as much locally sourced produce as possible, including fish, coffee, eggs, fruits and meat farmed in Galapagos, to reduce carbon footprints and make sure the best ingredients are used.
The chef prepares three main meals a day, with snacks and drinks available after activities.
All dietary requirements can be catered for, vegetarians, vegans, lactose intolerant and more.
Breakfast usually features a juice, tea and coffee, toast, jams, eggs and pastries.
Lunch will include soups, then a main meal of rices, pastas, fish, omelettes and many more options, and often a small pudding.
Dinner will again be a hearty affair, with a starter, main meal and pudding, with water, teas and coffees available.
There is a bar with beers and cocktails available at extra cost.
Walks
Every visit to each island involves an easy or moderate walk, which can last between 2 to 3 hours, and are not considered strenuous. On these walks you will be led by an expert naturalist guides in a small group along clearly marked trails. They will explain in great detail all the wonders of each of our carefully selected itineraries. Most days there are two guided walks on a specific island where you will be able to walk and hike on beaches, lava fields, alongside cliffs and around mangrove estuaries.
Snorkelling
Snorkelling in the Islands is the highlight of the Galapagos cruise for many of our guests. You have the opportunity to go snorkelling almost every day – snorkelling with marine iguanas and with playful sea-lions are some of the highlights, as well as with green sea turtles, penguins and an incredible variety of colourful reef fish. On the western islands the water is a little colder but teaming with life. There are beach snorkels for beginners and deeper waters.
Zodiac rides
Dinghies, or “Pangas” as they are known in Galapagos, are inflatable zodiacs that serve as the main transportation method from our Galapagos yachts to the visitor sites. At several times during your week-long Galapagos travel adventure, you will have the chance to enjoy dinghy (or panga) rides in shores, mangrove estuaries, coves and caves.
One of the most luxurious catamarans available, rooms have private balconies plus there are interconnecting rooms for families.
These magical islands comprise of 50 volcanic islands of varying shapes and sizes, which lie 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador.
Here, unlike anywhere else on Earth, you can enjoy a thousand close encounters with a weird and wonderful variety of ‘friendly locals’, including giant tortoises, fur seals, sea iguanas, frigate birds and blue-footed boobies.
Read our Galapagos Islands Guide and more about diving.
In 1535, Tomás de Berlanga, Bishop of Panama, floated into this archipelago and named it Galapagos after the giant tortoises he encountered. Pirates used the islands for refuge and to bury their stolen treasure after that.
The islands’ most celebrated visitor was Charles Darwin, who arrived aboard the HMS Beagle in 1835. The rare life forms he encountered helped him formulate his theory of evolution, which he published in The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
It wasn’t until 1959 when it became part of Ecuador’s national park system that this fragile ecosystem with its rare and endemic species came under protection.
In 1979 the Galapagos archipelago was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Good kit is vital for every trip.
Book with Andean Trails and get 15% off Páramo’s fantastic ethical and high performance outdoor gear.
Galapagos – general advice
Galapagos is warm and humid, and you will need t-shirts (moisture wick-away or breathable t-shirts can be very useful, it can get very hot in the day), shorts, lightweight skirt or trousers and bathing suits.
One or two cotton shirts can be used to protect you from sunburn, especially when snorkelling (not very elegant worn in the water over a swimsuit, but practical – and Galapagos is NOT an elegant place!).
You may want to change into different clothes for the evening, but don’t take anything dressy or smart – there really is a very relaxed atmosphere on board.
Pack something warm for going on deck in the early morning or evening a fleece, maybe, and a sweatshirt – and a waterproof for the Highlands.
Strong sandals, trainers, or light hiking boots are ideal footwear – you may like to have something suitable for easy walks and another for tougher terrain – your guide will advise you daily what the walking will be like. Most boats ask passengers not to wear heavy shoes on board.
Do take a hat!
Seasickness tablets if you think you will have problems – i.e. Sturgeon, or Mareol if you buy them in Quito. The sea can be choppy, so it is recommended to take them as a precaution.
Galapagos – detailed kit list
The Galapagos Islands are a very fragile environment and the arrival of more and more inhabitants to the islands, as well as tourist have an impact.
Please try to minimise your impact by:
Quito
Pleasantly warm during the day, but can be quite chilly during the morning or at night when you might want a jacket or a fleece, plus a waterproof.
You may want to dress up a little more in the evening here, depending on where you are staying, and what sort of restaurant you like.
Guayaquil
Conditions here are similar to Galapagos – hot and humid. T-shirts and shorts in the day, and like Quito, something smarter for eating out in restaurants at night.
Official name: Republic of Ecuador
Country population: 15,000,000
Capital city: Quito (2.51 million)
Largest cities: Guayaquil, Quito, Cuenca, Machala
Languages: Spanish (official), Quechua
Latitude/Longitude: 2º S, 77º 30 W
Official currency: US dollar
Major industries: bananas, shrimp, oil, gold, roses
Time zone: GMT-5 (Galapagos GMT-6)
When to visit Galapagos Islands: weather and wildlife
There is no real ‘best’ time to visit Galapagos on holiday as there is always wonderful wildlife and weather to enjoy. Read our blog for more.
Most animals – tortoises, sharks, sea lions and boobies – are found year round and many of the species here are non-migratory.
The Galapagos Islands are located right on the equator so air and water temperatures do not vary by much.
Having said that, there are two recognised seasons, and each months brings natural marvels for the visitor to enjoy.
Below is our quick guide to the weather and wildlife you can find on the Galapagos Islands.
General weather information
The warm season (Jan-Jun)
Sea temperatures: 22-25°C / 72-77°F
Land temperatures: 21-32°C / 72-90°F
The dry ‘garua’ season (Jun-Dec)
Sea temperatures: 15-22°C / 60-72°F
Land temperatures: 18-24°C / 65-75°F
Air and sea temperatures in Galapagos, month-by-month
Select an available date to view pricing and information for that particular trip.
8 days (Sat-Sat) USD 7,665 per person 5 days (Sat-Wed) USD 4,835 per person 4 days (Wed-Sat) USD 3,580 per person 2021 price, per person, including fuel surcharge Single supplement applies - ask about cabin shares Supplements apply to peak season dates Cabin upgrades available
$7,545 / £6,036
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