The San José takes you around the remote and most exceptional islands of the archipelago, following original and flexible routes that can easily be combined. Even the shorter routes visit some of the most impressive and out-of-the-way sites!
The programs include a wide range of activities, such as guided hikes, inflatable dinghy-rides, visits to giant tortoise breeding projects, interpretive botanic trails and visitor centres. Additional activities, such as snorkelling, are part of the itineraries as well. These activities depend on local conditions and will be coordinated together with the guide. Scuba diving can be booked optionally.
RoutesRoute A (West) is an 8-day naturalist cruise. Route B (East) has the built-in option to book a shorter 4 or a 5-day itinerary, but can be booked as an 8-day trip as well.
You should note that during all these cruises the first and last day of the itinerary are partially occupied by traveling to the Galapagos or back to the continent. When booking an 8-day B or longer cruise, you may experience a change of fellow passengers. In such a case you will have some free time to spend on your own on board, which is an ideal moment to relax, read a book from our library or maybe to select best photos you have taken. On these ‘passenger change days’ the morning excursion will normally be done with the passengers leaving the yacht and the afternoon excursion will be done with the passengers arriving on the yacht.
- 8-day western itinerary is a spectacular expedition along the remote western coast of Isabela (clockwise around this largest island) to the very pristine Fernandina (with flightless cormorants, marine iguanas and penguins). This circuit starts with the incredible shark canal out off the coast of Isabela, and probably spotting flamingos in the wetlands. After one of Galapagos’ highlight submarine sites at Vicente Roca Point we can submerge ourselves again in the historic James Bay on the western coast of Santiago and its tiny neighbours Rabida with its red beach and Chinese Hat. Of course you will also visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and quest for giant tortoises in the wild. This extensive cruise concludes with a visit to the thriving booby- and frigate colonies on North Seymour.
- 8-day eastern itinerary visits most popular destinations of eastern Galapagos plus the exclusive bird-island of Genovesa (with red-footed boobies and the short-eared owl)! Other highlights are the albatross and booby colonies and marine iguanas on Española, and the flamingo lagoon of Floreana! Of course we visit the really not to be missed highlight of South Plaza and extraordinary Santa Fe (both with land iguanas and giant cactus trees). Most elder islands of Southeastern Galapagos have azure bays and striking beaches of white coral sand, which are favorite place for large colonies of sea lions. Moreover this route combines three of the most spectacular snorkel sites of Galapagos: Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido), Champion Islet and Bartolome, where you might snorkel with fishing penguins.
- 5-day itinerary gives a quite complete overview of Galapagos. Moreover this route combines two of the most spectacular snorkel sites of Galapagos: Champion Islet and Bartolome, where you might snorkel with fishing penguins. This intense cruise begins in San Cristobal (with lots of sea lions in the harbor), where your visit will be concluded by an interesting visit of the Interpretation Center, where you can learn what makes Galapagos so unique, and which conservation challenges are confronted. Most elder islands of Southeastern Galapagos have azure bays and striking beaches of white coral sand, which are favorite place for large colonies of sea lions. This route passes also the albatross and booby colonies and marine iguanas on Española, and the flamingo lagoon of Floreana. During an impressive ‘moonwalk’ on the barren lava flow of Sullivan Bay and a short climb to the summit of Bartolome you will get impressed by the volcanic forces that have created the islands.
The shortest route gets the most out of just four days Galapagos. It combines the exclusive bird-island of Genovesa (with red-footed boobies and the short-eared owl) with the popular highlights of South Plaza and Santa Fe (both with land iguanas and giant cactus trees). On the last morning you will sail around the bizarre-shaped rock formation of Kicker Rock or Leon Dormido (Sleeping Lion), just out off the coast of San Cristobal. This intense route ends in the harbour with lots of sea lions waving goodbye.
Longer combinations: you are only in the Galapagos once
Shorter cruises give an excellent impression of Galapagos if you have little time or a limited budget, but you cannot see all highlights. When you want to get the most out of your visit, and explore practically all the different islands in every corner of the archipelago, we do suggest you extend your cruise by combining routes. You probably will visit Galapagos only once in a lifetime, and really each island is different and well-worth a visit. Longer cruises are the only way to see albatrosses on Española, and land iguanas on South Plaza, red-footed boobies on Genovesa and penguins and flightless cormorants in the western archipelago.
Yacht Design
M/Y San Jose was carefully designed for navigating the Galapagos Archipelago, with the comfort of her guests in mind. It was built in 2003–2004 and is classified as Tourist Superior Class. This innovative yacht accommodates up to 16 passengers in 8 stretched and comfortable twin cabins on the quieter front half of the main and upper deck (as far as possible from the engine room). It is equipped with two powerful engines that give a cruising speed of 10 knots (ca. 18.5 km/hour).
Outside social areas: Because this spacious yacht accommodates only 16 passengers, its design leaves ample room for a large sun and an as well shaded deck, both with loungers. This outside deck space is excellent for relaxing, enjoying panoramic views and wildlife observation.
Interior social areas: The interior part of the main deck contains the cozy living/dining room with comfortable sofas, 3 rectangular tables, a buffet bar and a coffee station where coffee, tea and water are available for free. In this lounge the on board naturalist guide also presents every night his (or her) previous briefings. It is facilitated as well with a TV, DVD-player and a small library.
Thanks to the innovative design all 8 twin cabins are located in the quieter upper front half of the yacht, and not directly above or next to the engine room, which is located beneath the dining room. This guarantees a better sleep during the mainly overnight passages, minimizing disturbance from engine noise in your cabin. Meals are served when the ship has anchored and the engines have been turned-off.
The very spacious cabins of the San José stretch from port to starboard and measure 2.50 x 5.80 m. (8 x 19 ft.), including the private bathroom with hot/cold water and a bright sea view window with curtain as well.
Furthermore, all the higher deck cabins have windows and are exterior facing and these have a seaside door (instead of dark cabins with just a small porthole, common on many yachts sailing in Galapagos). Both can be opened to let in daylight and fresh air. All cabins have privately controlled air conditioning as well.
Furnishing
All cabins have twin beds, which are convertible in one double configuration if desired (no bunk beds). There are also a nightstand and a small desk with an inspiring sea view (also ideal for photographers that want to backup and select their shots in the privacy of their cabin). There is a closet to store your luggage.
Summary of itineraries8 DAYS - TUESDAY-TUESDAY "A"
TUE : AM Board at Baltra PM Bachas Beach Board Balta/ S. Cruz
WED : AM Tintoreras PM Wetlands, Wall of Tears, Isabela
Breeding Centre
THU : AM Punta Moreno PM Punta Mangle, Tagus Cove Fernandina
FRI : AM Punta Espinoza (Fernandina) PM Punta Vicente Roca Isabela
SAT : AM Espumilla Beach, Bucanero Cove PM Puerto Egas Santiago
SUN : AM Rabida PM Sombrero Chino Rabida / Sombrero Chino
MON : AM Charles Darwin Research Station PM Highlands Santa Cruz
TUE : AM North Seymour Disembark Baltra
8 DAYS - TUESDAY-TUESDAY "B"
TUE : AM Board Baltra PM Mosquera Baltra / Mosquera
WED : AM Darwin Bay PM El Barranco Genovesa
THU : AM Plazas Sur PM Santa Fe Plaza Sur / Santa Fe
FRI : AM Interpretation Center PM Cerro Brujo, Leon Dormido San Cristobal
SAT : AM Gardener Bay, Gardener Islet PM Punta Suarez Espanola
SUN : AM Post Office PM Punta Cormorant, Champion Islet Floreana
MON : AM Sullivan Bay PM Bartolome Santiago / Bartolome
TUE : AM Seymour Disembark Baltra
5 DAYS - FRIDAY TO TUESDAY "B"
FRI : AM Board San Cristobal PM Interpretation Center Board San Cristobal
SAT : AM Gardener Bay, Gardener Islet PM Punta Suarez Espanola
SUN : AM Punta Cormorant, Champion PM Baronesa Balcony, Post Office Floreana
MON : AM Sullivan Bay PM Bartolome Santiago / Bartolome
TUE : AM Seymour Dismebark Baltra
4 DAYS - TUESDAY TO FRIDAY "B"
TUE : AM Board Baltra PM Mosquera Board Baltra / Mosquera
WED : AM Darwin Bay PM El Barranco Genovesa
THU : AM Plazas Sur PM Santa Fe Plaza Sur / Santa Fe
FRI : AM Cerro Brujo, Deboard San Cristobal
Leon Dormido
SAN JOSE - RATES 2015
GROSS RATES 15D/14N 12D/11N 11D/10N 8D/7N 5D/4N 4D/3N
Standard Cabin USD 7.400 USD 6.100 USD 5.250 USD 3.750 USD 2.350 USD 1.600
** these rates don´t include 12% VAT
The programs include a wide range of activities, such as guided hikes, inflatable dinghy-rides, visits to giant tortoise breeding projects, interpretive botanic trails and visitor centres. Additional activities, such as snorkelling, are part of the itineraries as well. These activities depend on local conditions and will be coordinated together with the guide. Scuba diving can be booked optionally.
RoutesRoute A (West) is an 8-day naturalist cruise. Route B (East) has the built-in option to book a shorter 4 or a 5-day itinerary, but can be booked as an 8-day trip as well.
You should note that during all these cruises the first and last day of the itinerary are partially occupied by traveling to the Galapagos or back to the continent. When booking an 8-day B or longer cruise, you may experience a change of fellow passengers. In such a case you will have some free time to spend on your own on board, which is an ideal moment to relax, read a book from our library or maybe to select best photos you have taken. On these ‘passenger change days’ the morning excursion will normally be done with the passengers leaving the yacht and the afternoon excursion will be done with the passengers arriving on the yacht.
- 8-day western itinerary is a spectacular expedition along the remote western coast of Isabela (clockwise around this largest island) to the very pristine Fernandina (with flightless cormorants, marine iguanas and penguins). This circuit starts with the incredible shark canal out off the coast of Isabela, and probably spotting flamingos in the wetlands. After one of Galapagos’ highlight submarine sites at Vicente Roca Point we can submerge ourselves again in the historic James Bay on the western coast of Santiago and its tiny neighbours Rabida with its red beach and Chinese Hat. Of course you will also visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and quest for giant tortoises in the wild. This extensive cruise concludes with a visit to the thriving booby- and frigate colonies on North Seymour.
- 8-day eastern itinerary visits most popular destinations of eastern Galapagos plus the exclusive bird-island of Genovesa (with red-footed boobies and the short-eared owl)! Other highlights are the albatross and booby colonies and marine iguanas on Española, and the flamingo lagoon of Floreana! Of course we visit the really not to be missed highlight of South Plaza and extraordinary Santa Fe (both with land iguanas and giant cactus trees). Most elder islands of Southeastern Galapagos have azure bays and striking beaches of white coral sand, which are favorite place for large colonies of sea lions. Moreover this route combines three of the most spectacular snorkel sites of Galapagos: Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido), Champion Islet and Bartolome, where you might snorkel with fishing penguins.
- 5-day itinerary gives a quite complete overview of Galapagos. Moreover this route combines two of the most spectacular snorkel sites of Galapagos: Champion Islet and Bartolome, where you might snorkel with fishing penguins. This intense cruise begins in San Cristobal (with lots of sea lions in the harbor), where your visit will be concluded by an interesting visit of the Interpretation Center, where you can learn what makes Galapagos so unique, and which conservation challenges are confronted. Most elder islands of Southeastern Galapagos have azure bays and striking beaches of white coral sand, which are favorite place for large colonies of sea lions. This route passes also the albatross and booby colonies and marine iguanas on Española, and the flamingo lagoon of Floreana. During an impressive ‘moonwalk’ on the barren lava flow of Sullivan Bay and a short climb to the summit of Bartolome you will get impressed by the volcanic forces that have created the islands.
The shortest route gets the most out of just four days Galapagos. It combines the exclusive bird-island of Genovesa (with red-footed boobies and the short-eared owl) with the popular highlights of South Plaza and Santa Fe (both with land iguanas and giant cactus trees). On the last morning you will sail around the bizarre-shaped rock formation of Kicker Rock or Leon Dormido (Sleeping Lion), just out off the coast of San Cristobal. This intense route ends in the harbour with lots of sea lions waving goodbye.
Longer combinations: you are only in the Galapagos once
Shorter cruises give an excellent impression of Galapagos if you have little time or a limited budget, but you cannot see all highlights. When you want to get the most out of your visit, and explore practically all the different islands in every corner of the archipelago, we do suggest you extend your cruise by combining routes. You probably will visit Galapagos only once in a lifetime, and really each island is different and well-worth a visit. Longer cruises are the only way to see albatrosses on Española, and land iguanas on South Plaza, red-footed boobies on Genovesa and penguins and flightless cormorants in the western archipelago.
Yacht Design
M/Y San Jose was carefully designed for navigating the Galapagos Archipelago, with the comfort of her guests in mind. It was built in 2003–2004 and is classified as Tourist Superior Class. This innovative yacht accommodates up to 16 passengers in 8 stretched and comfortable twin cabins on the quieter front half of the main and upper deck (as far as possible from the engine room). It is equipped with two powerful engines that give a cruising speed of 10 knots (ca. 18.5 km/hour).
Outside social areas: Because this spacious yacht accommodates only 16 passengers, its design leaves ample room for a large sun and an as well shaded deck, both with loungers. This outside deck space is excellent for relaxing, enjoying panoramic views and wildlife observation.
Interior social areas: The interior part of the main deck contains the cozy living/dining room with comfortable sofas, 3 rectangular tables, a buffet bar and a coffee station where coffee, tea and water are available for free. In this lounge the on board naturalist guide also presents every night his (or her) previous briefings. It is facilitated as well with a TV, DVD-player and a small library.
Thanks to the innovative design all 8 twin cabins are located in the quieter upper front half of the yacht, and not directly above or next to the engine room, which is located beneath the dining room. This guarantees a better sleep during the mainly overnight passages, minimizing disturbance from engine noise in your cabin. Meals are served when the ship has anchored and the engines have been turned-off.
The very spacious cabins of the San José stretch from port to starboard and measure 2.50 x 5.80 m. (8 x 19 ft.), including the private bathroom with hot/cold water and a bright sea view window with curtain as well.
Furthermore, all the higher deck cabins have windows and are exterior facing and these have a seaside door (instead of dark cabins with just a small porthole, common on many yachts sailing in Galapagos). Both can be opened to let in daylight and fresh air. All cabins have privately controlled air conditioning as well.
Furnishing
All cabins have twin beds, which are convertible in one double configuration if desired (no bunk beds). There are also a nightstand and a small desk with an inspiring sea view (also ideal for photographers that want to backup and select their shots in the privacy of their cabin). There is a closet to store your luggage.
Summary of itineraries8 DAYS - TUESDAY-TUESDAY "A"
TUE : AM Board at Baltra PM Bachas Beach Board Balta/ S. Cruz
WED : AM Tintoreras PM Wetlands, Wall of Tears, Isabela
Breeding Centre
THU : AM Punta Moreno PM Punta Mangle, Tagus Cove Fernandina
FRI : AM Punta Espinoza (Fernandina) PM Punta Vicente Roca Isabela
SAT : AM Espumilla Beach, Bucanero Cove PM Puerto Egas Santiago
SUN : AM Rabida PM Sombrero Chino Rabida / Sombrero Chino
MON : AM Charles Darwin Research Station PM Highlands Santa Cruz
TUE : AM North Seymour Disembark Baltra
8 DAYS - TUESDAY-TUESDAY "B"
TUE : AM Board Baltra PM Mosquera Baltra / Mosquera
WED : AM Darwin Bay PM El Barranco Genovesa
THU : AM Plazas Sur PM Santa Fe Plaza Sur / Santa Fe
FRI : AM Interpretation Center PM Cerro Brujo, Leon Dormido San Cristobal
SAT : AM Gardener Bay, Gardener Islet PM Punta Suarez Espanola
SUN : AM Post Office PM Punta Cormorant, Champion Islet Floreana
MON : AM Sullivan Bay PM Bartolome Santiago / Bartolome
TUE : AM Seymour Disembark Baltra
5 DAYS - FRIDAY TO TUESDAY "B"
FRI : AM Board San Cristobal PM Interpretation Center Board San Cristobal
SAT : AM Gardener Bay, Gardener Islet PM Punta Suarez Espanola
SUN : AM Punta Cormorant, Champion PM Baronesa Balcony, Post Office Floreana
MON : AM Sullivan Bay PM Bartolome Santiago / Bartolome
TUE : AM Seymour Dismebark Baltra
4 DAYS - TUESDAY TO FRIDAY "B"
TUE : AM Board Baltra PM Mosquera Board Baltra / Mosquera
WED : AM Darwin Bay PM El Barranco Genovesa
THU : AM Plazas Sur PM Santa Fe Plaza Sur / Santa Fe
FRI : AM Cerro Brujo, Deboard San Cristobal
Leon Dormido
SAN JOSE - RATES 2015
GROSS RATES 15D/14N 12D/11N 11D/10N 8D/7N 5D/4N 4D/3N
Standard Cabin USD 7.400 USD 6.100 USD 5.250 USD 3.750 USD 2.350 USD 1.600
** these rates don´t include 12% VAT