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Darwin Yacht Galapagos Cruise Experience
Deep in the Ecuadorian Amazon, along the Cuyabeno River, lies one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. This is not just a jungle tour. It is immersion into one of the last untouched regions of the Amazon rainforest.
Tucan Eco Lodge is one of the newest lodges inside the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, located approximately 30 kilometers downstream from the park entrance and accessible year round by canoe. The journey itself is part of the adventure. From the moment you step into the canoe, the forest begins to surround you.
La Selva Lodge: Luxury Amazon Exploration in Yasuni National Park
Hidden deep within the Ecuadorian Amazon, La Selva Lodge offers one of the most immersive rainforest experiences in South America. Located on the banks of the Napo River inside the vast Amazon basin, this lodge combines comfort, conservation, and authentic exploration.
La Selva was one of the first rainforest lodges of its kind in Ecuador and has helped shape the model of sustainable eco-tourism in the region. Surrounded by pristine rainforest and extraordinary wildlife, the lodge provides travelers with the rare opportunity to experience the Amazon in both comfort and authenticity.
This is where luxury meets wilderness, and where every day brings a new discovery.
What Makes Cuyabeno Special with Secret Garden?
Cuyabeno is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. It is home to monkeys, sloths, caimans, pink dolphins, hundreds of bird species, frogs, medicinal plants and indigenous communities that have lived in harmony with the forest for generations.
Unlike crowded tourist routes, Cuyabeno offers a slower, deeper connection with nature. You move by canoe. You walk through primary forest. You listen before you see.
Our team is prepared to show you the best places in CUYABENO.
Discover the Galapagos in an Expedition Cruise
Each itinerary aboard the Darwin Yacht is designed to maximize wildlife encounters and natural exploration.
Guests travel between islands aboard the yacht and then explore each location through guided land walks, snorkeling excursions, and boat rides led by certified bilingual naturalist guides.
Every island offers a completely different landscape and ecosystem.
You may encounter giant tortoises walking through volcanic landscapes, blue-footed boobies nesting on cliffs, sea lions playing in the water, marine iguanas basking on lava rocks, and colorful fish swimming beneath the surface.
Because the Galapagos wildlife evolved without fear of humans, animals can often be observed at incredibly close distances.
This makes every excursion feel like stepping into a living documentary.
Location
Galapagos Islands
trip type
Relaxing
Swimming
Duration
4, 5 or 8 days
Starting at
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Yacht Darwin was built in the year 1995 at Santa Cruz Island and entirely refurbished in the year 2012 with yearly maintenance and repairs to comply with international safety regulations and standards. The small beautiful yacht can conformably accommodate up to 16 passengers in 8 bunk-bedded cabins well distributed in the three decks of the motor boat; all cabins have private facilities and air-conditioning.
The yacht also offers a spacious sundeck, well-provided bar, a cozy living room and a pristine dining room where guests can enjoy amazing international and Ecuadorian cuisine. The Darwin follows carefully designed itineraries that allows the eager visitor to enjoy a fantastic adventure at a very reasonable cost, which makes it and excellent option for traveler’s looking for an affordable, yet complete Galapagos adventure.
Itinerary for 4 days – Adventure
THU: Baltra airport & North Seymour
FRI: San Cristobal island: Pitt Point, Kicker Rock
SAT: San Cristobal Island: Witch Hill, Lobos Island
FRI: Santa Cruz: Charles Darwin Station & Puerto Ayora
Itinerary for 4 days – Discovery
THU Santa Cruz island: Puerto Ayora, Twin Craters
FRI: Santiago island: Egas Port, Espumilla Beach, Bucaneer Cove
SAT: Bartholomew island & Santiago island: Sullivan Bay
FRI: Bachas Beach & Baltra airport
5 DAYS – DISCOVERY
Thursday: Baltra airport & Mosquera
Friday: South Plaza & Santa Fe island
Saturday: Española island: Gardner Bay, Gardner & Osborn islets, Suarez Point
Sunday: Floreana island: Post Office Bay, Cormorant Point, Devil’s Crown
Monday: Santa Cruz island: Charles Darwin Station, Puerto Ayora
5 DAYS – Adventure
Thursday: Puerto Ayora & Chato Highlands
Friday: Isabela: Tintoreras, Tortoise Breeding Center/ Mangrove Wetlands/Flamingo lagoon, optional Sierra Negra Volcano (extra payment)
Saturday: Rabida & Dragon Hill
Sunday: Chinese Hat & Black Turtle Cove
Monday: Daphne & Baltra airport
7 DAYS-DISCOVERY
Monday: Puerto Ayora & Twin Craters
Tuesday: Santiago island: Egas Port, Espumilla Beach, Bucaneer Cove
Wednesday: Bartholomew island & Santiago island: Sullivan Bay
Thursday: Bachas Beach, Baltra airport, North Seymour
Friday: San Cristobal island: Pitt Point, Kicker Rock
Saturday: San Cristobal Island: Witch Hill, Lobos Island
Sunday: Santa Cruz: Charles Darwin Station & Puerto Ayora
8 DAYS – ADVENTURE
THURS: Baltra airport, North Seymour
FRI: San Cristobal: Pitt Point, Kicker Rock
SAT: San Cristobal: Witch Hill, Lobos Island
SUN: Santa Cruz: Charles Darwin Station, Chato Highlands
MON: Isabela: Tintoreras, Tortoise Breeding Center/Mangrove Wetlands/Flamingo lagoon, optional Sierra Negra Volcano (extra payment)
TUE: Rabida & Dragon Hill
WED: Santa Cruz: Chinese Hat, Black Turtle Cove
THURS: Daphne & Baltra airport
8 DAYS-DISCOVERY
THURS: Baltra airport & Mosquera
FRI: South Plaza & Santa Fe island
SAT: Española island: Gardner Bay, Gardner & Osborn islet, Suarez Point
SUN: Floreana island: Post Office Bay, Cormorant Point, Devil’s Crown
MON: Santa Cruz island: Charles Darwin Station, Twin Craters
TUES: Santiago island: Egas Port, Espumilla Beach, Bucaneer Cove
WED: Bartholomew island & Santiago island: Sullivan Bay
THURS: North Seymour & Baltra airport
Meals: From lunch on Day 1 until breakfast on the final day.
Accommodation with private bathroom.
Excursions as listed in the itinerary, with a certified naturalist bilingual guide (Spanish/English).
Drinking water, tea, coffee, snacks.
Bus ticket Baltra Airport / Itabaca channel – $5 pp *Depending on the cruise.
Entrance fees Galapagos:
Galapagos National Park $100 pp (subject to change).
Galapagos transit control card $20 pp (subject to change).
Isabela docking fee $15 pp *Depending on the cruise.
Santa Cruz Highland Tortoises Ranch $5 *Depending on the cruise.
Bus ticket Baltra Airport / Itabaca channel – $5 *Depending on the cruise.
Flight: International Flights.
Quito/Guayaquil – Galapagos – Quito/Guayaquil.
Airport transfers in Quito or Guayaquil.
Singles supplement *Depending on the cruise.
Tips for Guides and crew.
Any other personal expenses.
Alcholic / Soft Drinks / TIPS
Snorkeling 8 days $30 – 5 days $20 & 4days $15
Wet suit 8 days $60 – 5 days $40 &4days $30
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Darwin Yacht Galapagos Cruise
Tucan Lodge is located deep inside the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, accessible only by canoe. You stay in the heart of the jungle, explore primary forest, navigate rivers, paddle in traditional canoes and have direct wildlife encounters. The experience focuses on nature immersion rather than sightseeing from afar.
The Darwin Yacht is a small expedition vessel that accommodates up to 16 passengers in 8 cabins, creating a more intimate and personalized Galapagos cruise experience.
Guests will enjoy a variety of activities including guided island hikes, wildlife observation, snorkeling, boat excursions, and visits to famous Galapagos locations such as Kicker Rock, Gardner Bay, and the Charles Darwin Research Station.
The Darwin Yacht offers several itinerary options ranging from 4-day, 5-day, 7-day, and 8-day cruises, each exploring different islands and wildlife areas across the Galapagos archipelago.
Yes. Transportation from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Airport is not included in the cruise package. Guests must arrange their own flights to the Galapagos before boarding the yacht.
Travel to Cuyabeno usually involves transport by bus or flight from Quito to the Cuyabeno Bridge or nearby towns, followed by a canoe ride down the river to the lodge. Transport between Quito and the bridge is not included in the standard package, but options like flights or buses can be arranged separately.
If you have any other questions about Quito, transportation, tours, safety, or what to do during your stay, our team at Quito Garden is 100% prepared to help you. We’re happy to provide personalized recommendations and make sure your experience in Quito is smooth, safe, and unforgettable. Just reach out — we’re here for you.
