Turquoise bay with a sandy beach, rugged volcanic cliffs, and sparse green vegetation.
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Galapagos Yacht Charter

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A living museum where nature writes its own rules

Few places on Earth rival the Galápagos Islands as a yacht charter destination — an isolated volcanic archipelago straddling the Equator, teeming with wildlife found nowhere else on the planet. Protected by Ecuador and recognized by UNESCO, the Galápagos remain one of the last truly untouched corners of the natural world, where crystal-clear waters meet dramatic lava-formed coastlines.

Every stop along a Galápagos yacht charter feels like stepping into a different chapter of the islands' story: giant tortoises roaming the highlands of Santa Cruz, waved albatross performing centuries-old courtship rituals on Española, and Kicker Rock offering some of the best shark and ray encounters anywhere in the world. Whether you're drawn by the marine life, the volcanic scenery, or the chance to follow in Darwin's footsteps, no two days aboard feel the same.

A private yacht remains the only way to truly experience the islands at their own pace, reaching remote anchorages beyond the range of standard tours. Let Denison's charter specialists design a custom Galápagos itinerary built around the wildlife encounters and landscapes that matter most to you.

Charter Itinerary

For a full itinerary, or to build your own experience, please inquire.

Two sea lions on a white sand beach with turquoise water and distant islands.

Day 1

Santa Cruz

Start your Galápagos adventure by visiting the highlands of Santa Cruz. The lush vegetation on the island attracts a host of exciting birds and provides visitors with a rare opportunity to see giant Galápagos tortoises in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, you can visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and Galápagos National Park headquarters. After a day of roaming Santa Cruz, it’s time to meet your yacht and enjoy a lovely dinner on board.

Four marine iguanas rest on a pristine white sand beach beside the ocean under a blue sky.

Day 2

Espanola & Punta Suarez

After cruising overnight, you will awake in the morning off Española Island. It is one of the oldest islands, thought to be about four million years old, and is renowned for the variety and quantity of its wildlife. The island has a number of endemic species, including the Española mockingbird, lava lizard and waved albatross. In the afternoon, visit Punta Suarez, famed for its albatross breeding colony. The birds, which mate for life, can be observed between mid-April and November, performing an intriguing mating dance that can last for several days.

Galapagos volcanic coastline with turquoise bay, sandy beach, and distinctive rock pinnacle.

Day 3

San Cristobal & Kicker Rock

You’ll awake off San Cristóbal, the island where Darwin first went ashore. Head for Punta Pitt, which is the only place where you can see all three species of boobies: blue-footed, red-footed and Nazca. In the afternoon, take a short ride in the tender out to Kicker Rock, which offers fantastic snorkeling and is one of the best places in the world to swim with sharks. Watch the stunning sunset against the orange rock formation.

Aerial view of turquoise ocean, volcanic islands, and white boats in a sunny bay.

Day 4

Santa Fe & South Plaza

Arrive at Santa Fe Island, also known as Barrington Island after the British admiral, Samuel Barrington. Its white sand beaches are normally covered with sea lions, and the island is also famous for its land iguanas. Go kayaking or snorkeling in the turquoise waters, which are packed with a variety of fish, including eels and rays, as well as urchins. In the afternoon, visit the small island of South Plaza, which has one of the biggest sea lion colonies in the archipelago.

Rugged volcanic coastline with dark rocks, deep blue ocean, and a distant cliff.

Day 5

Genovesa & Prince Phillip's Steps

The next morning your yacht will arrive at the horseshoe-shaped Genovesa Island. Disembark at Darwin Bay on to a small sand and coral beach and follow a short trail along a tidal lagoon for truly wonderful views. In the afternoon, visit Prince Philip’s Steps, a natural stairway in the rocks named after the British royal who visited in 1965 and again in 1981.

Blue canoe on a sandy beach with clear ocean, towering volcanic rock formations.

Day 6

Santiago & Bartolome Islands

The penultimate day will be spent taking in the islands of Santiago and Bartolomé. Santiago is thought to be the second island visited by Darwin and is now one of the most popular tourist sites. You can start your day at Sullivan Bay, which will allow you to walk across recent lava flow. In the afternoon, visit Pinnacle Rock, which juts out from Bartolomé’s northern bay. Then either climb the trail to the top of the island to take in the stunning views or you can snorkel in the bay, enjoying a rare opportunity to swim with penguins.

Vibrant turquoise ocean meets a white sandy beach with green trees and blue sky.

Day 7

Rabida Islands

On the final day of your adventure you can visit the islands of Rábida and Sombrero Chino. You will land at Red Beach, which is famous for its wading birds and ghost crabs. Behind the beach there is a saltwater lagoon that, at certain times of the year, will allow you to spot feeding and breeding flamingos. After lunch, visit the tiny Sombrero Chino island. On shore you can land at a small white sand beach before walking along a trail that allows you to see several kinds of lava. Then head back on board for one more dinner before disembarking at Baltra Island the next morning.

Three smiling women stand behind a counter at an outdoor event with boats.

Ready to start your charter adventure?

Get in touch with us and one of our dedicated charter specialists will be at your service to answer all of your questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to visit the Galápagos by yacht?

Yes, all visitors must be accompanied by a licensed naturalist guide and follow Galápagos National Park regulations, which are typically arranged as part of the charter.

Can you snorkel and dive on a Galápagos yacht charter?

Yes, the Galápagos offers world-class snorkeling and diving, including opportunities to swim with sea lions, rays, reef sharks, and even penguins at sites like Kicker Rock and Bartolomé.

How much does it cost to charter a yacht in the Galápagos?

Galápagos yacht charters typically start around $90,000 per week and can exceed $150,000+ depending on yacht size, itinerary, and season.

What wildlife can you see on a Costa Rica yacht charter?

Expect giant tortoises, marine iguanas, sea lions, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, waved albatross, penguins, and reef sharks, along with rays and a wide variety of marine life while snorkeling.

What is the best time of year for a Galápagos yacht charter?

The garúa season (June to November) offers cooler temperatures and calmer waters, ideal for wildlife viewing, while the warm season (December to May) brings warmer water, better visibility for snorkeling, and occasional rain showers.