Monserrat Yacht
Montserrat is named after the Virgin of Montserrat, the patron saint of Catalonia in Spain. For centuries, sailors worldwide have adopted her as their loyal companion and revered her as their protector on their sea journeys. Our yacht proudly bears her name as a talisman for our crew and our guests.
A First-Class Cruise Ship built for navigating the Galápagos Islands.
Refurbished in 2018, the Monserrat was specially designed for exploring the Galápagos Islands in the utmost comfort, offering the highest levels of safety and environmental care. The Monserrat has 7 twin cabins and 3 double-bed cabins located on the yacht’s lower and upper levels. All cabins feature private bathrooms and air conditioning. Our 6 upper-level cabins have windows, while our 4 lower-level cabins are equipped with portholes that provide abundant natural light.
Beautiful social areas to relax after a day of adventure!
The yacht boasts many indoor and outdoor social areas for passengers to enjoy while unwinding after an exciting day in the Galápagos. The outdoor areas include a sun deck on the upper level and a partially covered area on the solarium, all furnished with loungers.
Itinerary
ITINERARY C 4D/3N (Mon-Thu)
DAY 1 - MONDAY
AM - San Cristobal Airport
You will arrive at the San Cristobal Airport, where your guide will meet you and assist with your luggage and the local transit procedures. From here, you will be transferred to your vessel to settle in and enjoy your first lunch on board. This will be the starting point of your journey through the "Enchanted Isles," where you will begin to discover the unique natural wonders of the archipelago.
PM - Lobos Island
Your afternoon will take you to Isla Lobos, a small, tranquil island located just a short navigation from San Cristobal. After a dry landing, you will explore a trail where you will encounter a vibrant colony of Galapagos Sea Lions resting on the shore and playful pups swimming in the surf. You will also witness Blue-footed Boobies nesting nearby and enjoy the serene beauty of the white-sand coastline, offering your first intimate look at the islands' remarkable wildlife.
DAY 2 - Tuesday
AM Española Island: Gardner Bay
Your morning will begin with a spectacular dry landing on Gardner Bay, located on Española Island. This location will greet you with a breathtaking, long stretch of pristine white beach, composed entirely of pulverized coral. Here, you'll have an extended opportunity to walk and relax, sharing the shore with massive, playful colonies of sea lions. You will witness their social dynamics firsthand, with pups approaching you out of curiosity—an unforgettable welcome!
Following your beach exploration, the calm, crystalline waters will invite you for a refreshing dip. You can take a delightful swim or snorkel right off the beach. As you explore the shallow bay, you will discover the colorful marine life and may even see groups of sharks resting on the sandy bottom. This ideal morning setting perfectly balances relaxation with unique wildlife interaction.
PM Española Island: Suarez Point
In the afternoon you will enjoy a fascinating visit to Suarez Point, the wildlife epicenter of Española Island. After a smooth dry landing, you will embark on an extensive two-mile (3.2 km) circular trail that weaves along spectacular lava cliffs. Along this incredible route, you will observe the worldwide known "Christmas Iguanas”, the largest marine iguanas in the world—uniquely marked with striking red and green colors—before reaching the main nesting area.
Here, you will be thrilled to see hundreds of Nazca Boobies and the bright feet of the Blue-footed Boobies performing their signature dance. If you visit the Galapagos Islands, you will witness the impressive Waved Albatrosses, performing their curious courtship rituals just meters away from you.
The journey ends at the blowhole, where high tides will send water spraying dramatically into the air—a truly fitting finale!
DAY 3 - WEDNESDAY
AM Floreana Island: Cormorant Point
Your morning adventure will start with an exciting wet landing at Cormorant Point on Floreana Island. Prepare to be amazed by the geological contrast: you will first encounter a striking green-sand beach, its color derived from microscopic olivine crystals. After a short walk, you will transition to the famous "Flour Sand Beach," a pristine white stretch composed of finely ground coral, which serves as a vital nesting ground for Pacific Green Sea Turtles.
You will follow a well-defined trail inland that leads to a large, brackish lagoon. There, you will focus your attention on finding the majestic Greater Flamingos, which often congregate in large numbers, feeding in the shallow waters alongside other wading birds like White-cheeked Pintails and Black-necked Stilts.
Finally, after absorbing the unique terrestrial views, you will gear up for a refreshing snorkeling experience just off the shore, where you will witness the playful sea lions and may even glide beside a calm sea turtle in its natural element.
PM: Floreana Island: Post Office Bay
Your afternoon will take you back in time as you visit the legendary Post Office Bay on Floreana Island. Following a simple wet landing, you’ll find the famous wooden barrel that has served as an unofficial postal service since the 18th century, used initially by whalers and pirates. You will participate in this unique maritime tradition: you’ll search through the postcards left by previous visitors for any mail addressed near your home. If you find one, you will become the postal carrier, delivering it by hand!
Next, you will take a delightful panga (dinghy) ride along the coast, exploring the historical anchoring spot and observing the coastal wildlife, including the playful sea lions and marine birds. This site offers a perfect blend of unique human history and natural beauty, ensuring a memorable and interactive afternoon.
DAY 4 - THURSDAY
AM: Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Station
Your final morning will be dedicated to conservation and science with a visit to Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. This stop will offer you a crucial, inspiring perspective on the efforts to save the archipelago's unique ecosystems before you depart.
You will walk through the breeding and rearing facilities and you will witness the dedicated work being done to rescue and reintroduce endangered species, most notably the Galapagos Giant Tortoises. You will see tortoises of various sizes and ages in the captive breeding program, from small hatchlings to majestic adults. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the conservation challenges and the success stories that ensure the future of the islands' unique inhabitants. This final, thoughtful encounter will serve as a powerful reminder of the delicate balance of life in Galapagos.
