Galapagos by Private Charter

Upon arrival, an English-speaking guide will greet you outside of Customs holding a sign with your name on it. This representative will direct you to your awaiting private driver and vehicle, and will also accompany you to your accommodation to assist with check-in.

A city of narrow cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed walls and home to many spectacular historic churches, Quito has one of the best-preserved colonial centers in all of South America. Join your private guide and walk through the city's Main Plaza to see the Government Palace, the spectacular gilded church of La Compañía, and some of the most important churches built through the 16th and 17th centuries, including the San Francisco Monastery. Visit La Ronda, the city’s famous colonial street to learn about traditional jobs in colonial Quito. Your final stop will be Panecillo, a hill that divides Quito between north and south. Here you will be able to admire the famous statue Our Lady of the Panecillo, built by Bernardo de Legarda, while taking in spectacular views of the city. This day of discovery concludes with a private transfer back to your hotel.

Experience pre-Columbian art and culture in a different way, taking the time to visit one of the most exclusive and highly-regarded museums of Quito with the help of a local expert. Guided by the museum curator – an archaeologist with years of experience – you will encounter pre-Columbian art and history like never before. An intimate look at the museum’s behind-the-scenes operation, you’ll be invited to go into the storage rooms to admire treasures typically removed from public view, explain how each exhibit is conceptualized, and speak to all that is still left to discover. An exclusive experience in Quito, this can’t-miss tour is only available on Wednesdays.

Upon arrival to Baltra Island Airport, proceed through immigration and baggage control. Just beyond Customs you will be greeted by a representative of the M/Y Grand Majestic who will direct you to an awaiting coach which will transfer you and your guests to the ship. The Charles Darwin Research Station and Fausto Llerena Breeding Center is home to turtles ranging from three-inches (new hatchlings) to four-feet long and serves as the perfect introduction to this remarkable region. Subspecies of turtles interact with one another and many of the older turtles are accustomed to humans, regularly stretching out their heads for a perfect photo opportunity. Babies are kept until they are about four years old and strong enough to survive on their own and are then released into the wild. Following your experience at the Charles Darwin Research Station and Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, you will be returned to the M/Y Grand Majestic.

Known as Prince Phillip's Steps, the steep, rocky path known as El Barranco leads up a high cliff-face. A moderately arduous walk, the effort is rewarded with a marvelous view you are sure to enjoy. Naturalists and wildlife lovers will find the site interesting for other reasons, as the region is also home to Palo Santo vegetation as well as red-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls, Galapagos swallows, storm-petrels and Galapagos doves. Following a wet landing, begin an easy stroll on the white sand and coral beach of Darwin Bay along a half-mile (750 meter) trail that winds through mangroves filled with an assortment of land birds; Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls are often spotted here. Further down the path are tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully, many times joined by circling hammerhead sharks and colorful reef fish. .

Rabida Island, also known as Jervis Island, is one of the most colorful and varied islands in the archipelago. A great snorkeling site, Rabida is also famous for its maroon sandy beach, several impressive lookouts, and remarkable range of rare birds which include nine varieties of finches, large-billed flycatchers, white-cheeked pintail ducks, Galapagos hawks and brown pelicans. You’ll reach Rabid Island via a wet landing, and also participate in a short hike that lasts just over half a mile (one kilometer), making for a relatively easy morning experience. Chinese Hat Island is located near the southeast coast of Santiago Island. Its name comes from the distinct shape of the islet's summit. This small islet is a great location to view many geological formations such as lava tubes and lava flows.

Located on the northern coast, the eroded Witch Hill and its surroundings present one of the most picturesque beaches in the Galapagos. Enjoy the area's white powdery sand and an impressive abundance of animals. Wildlife includes sea turtles, mockingbirds, sponge coral, rays, and various types of booby birds. The clear water provides an excellent opportunity for enjoying swimming, snorkeling or kayaking. Experience the natural wonders of Lobos Island, translated to "Sea Lion Island." This appropriately-named island is ripe with noisy, frolicking, jolly sea lions who will welcome you to their home with open fins. Lobos also offers great snorkeling opportunities as well as the chance to see blue-footed and Nazca boobies. After reaching the island via dry landing, set out on a short hike to explore the island, then set out on leisurely and informative dinghy ride or instead take a dip in the azure waters.

Your five-day adventure exploring the wonders of the archipelago is best put into perspective with a visit the Interpretation Center on San Cristobal Island, which you will do after breakfast on board and bidding a fond farewell to captain and crew of the M/Y Grand Majestic. Opened in 1998, here you will find exhibits detailing the history of the islands – natural and human – as well as information regarding local conservation initiatives to protect wildlife and the natural environment through both population and tourism control. Following your visit to the Interpretation Center on San Cristobal Island, you will be transferred to San Cristobal Airport. Please be sure to pack your luggage the night prior to departure as the ship's crew will porter your luggage from the M/Y Grand Majestic to San Cristobal Airport during your visit to the Interpretation Center. Board a flight in the Galapagos with service to Quito, connecting via Guayaquil.