The La Pinta cruise ship is a respected mid-sized cruise ship for 48 passengers with a range of on-board services to make any Galapagos cruise that little bit extra special.
La Pinta's internal design is both luxurious and modern, and additional services such as the beautiful sun deck, fitness room and use of a glass-bottomed boat and kayaks adding to the cruise experience both while on board and away from the ship on an excursion. Daily excursions are provided by 4 experienced and passionate naturalist guides which keeps group sizes small.
The La Pinta cruise ship operates three unique itineraries to choose from: two different 5-day cruises and a longer 7-day cruise. It is also possible to combine the two 5-day cruises back-to-back for a longer 9-day adventure through the Galapagos. All the cruise options visit a variety if islands, include fabulous opportunities to spot the famous Galapagos wildlife (including finches, iguanas, blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, sea lions and giant tortoises), and provide a variety of excursions sich as overland walking trails, swimming, snorkelling and visits to breeding centres. See below for full details on each itinerary, or contact us for further information.
5 Day Cruise (Eastern Islands) - from £3360pp
Departs every 14 days.
Day 1 (Thu) AM: Arrive in the Galapagos Islands to start your La Pinta cruise / PM: Sea lions and birdlife at South Plaza Island
Day 2 (Fri) AM: A walking trail across Santa Fe Island to spot land iguanas / PM: Visit the Galapagos Giant Tortoise breeding centre at Cerro Colorado
Day 3 (Sat) AM: Overland trail at Punta Pitt on San Cristobal Island to observe frigate birds / PM: The beautiful beach at Cerro Brujo
Day 4 (Sun) AM: A Galapagos highlight with a visit to admire the birdlife at Punta Suarez on Espanola Island / PM: The majestic beach at Gardner Bay
Day 5 (Mon) AM: Visit Charles Darwin Research Station / PM: Return to Ecuador mainland
5 Day Cruise (Northern Islands) - from £3360pp
Departs every 14 days
Day 1 (Mon) AM: Arrive in the Galapagos / PM: Observe Galapagos Giant Tortoises in the Santa Cruz highlands
Day 2 (Tue) AM: Tour the coastline of Eden Islet spotting blue-footed boobies / Snorkelling at Chinese Hat to observe the incredible Galapagos sealife
Day 3 (Wed) AM: Visit Pinnacle Rock and climb up Bartolome Island for iconic views of the Galapagos archipelago / PM: Visit the bizarre lava landscape of Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island
Day 4 (Thu) AM: Birdlife and sealife at Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island / PM: Climb Prince Philip's Steps for stunning views and incredible wildlife
Day 5 (Fri) AM: Transfer from your cruise ship back to the Galapagos airport / PM: Return to Ecuador mainland
7 Day Cruise (Western Islands) - from £5050pp
Departs every 14 days
Day 1 (Fri) AM: Arrive in the Galapagos to start your La Pinta cruise / PM: Visit North Seymour Island and admire the incredible wildlife
Day 2 (Sat) AM: Coastal tour of Isabela Island coast at Punta Vicente Roca by dinghy boat / Explore Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island
Day 3 (Sun) AM: Spot land iguanas at Urbina Bay / PM: Trek to the stunning vista at Darwin Crater
Day 4 (Mon) AM: Explore the red beach of Rabida Island and spot birdlife / PM: Follow an overland trail up Dragon Hill
Day 5 (Tue) AM: Visit the famous Charles Darwin Research Station / PM: Spot Darwin's finches and Giant Tortoises in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island
Day 6 (Wed) AM: On Floreana Island visit the historic Post Office Bay / PM: Snorkelling at Champion Islet followed by the flamingo lagoon at Punta Cormorant
Day 7 (Thu) AM: Transfer back from the cruise ship to the Galapagos airport / PM: Return to Ecuador mainland
Extended Cruise: 9 Days Eastern and Northern Islands
A longer 9 day cruise itinerary is available by combining the 5 Day Eastern Islands itinerary with the 5 Day Northern Islands itinerary back-to-back. If you would like further information on this combined itinerary please just contact us.
Detailed Itineraries: Please contact us for detailed itineraries of these or any of our other Galapagos cruises.
Options: These cruises can be booked by themselves, can include flights and services on the Ecuador mainland, or can be combined with any of our other holidays in South America.
Prices Include: The Galapagos cruise, all excursions with a naturalist guide, all food during the cruise including water, tea and coffee, the INGALA Galapagos Transit Control Card, transfers to/from the airport in the Galapagos, and 100% financial protection. Prices are per person based on two people travelling together in a shared standard cabin. Cabin upgrades (suite cabins) are available for an additional cost, please contact is for further information. Single person supplement may apply.
Prices Do Not Include: The Galapagos National Park Entry Fee (payable on arrival in the Galapagos airport, currently US$100 although subject to change), flights to / from the Galapagos (see below), alcoholic drinks, tips and additional personal expenses during the cruise.
Flights to the Galapagos Islands - £500pp: Flights between the Galapagos Islands and the Ecuador mainland (either Guayaquil or Quito) when booked with us cost £500 per person (economy-class) and we can include these flights for you if required - just let us know. Any flight-inclusive package holiday booked through us would be ATOL-protected through our ATOL license. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/atolcertificate
- Class: Luxury
- Vessel Name: La Pinta
- Type: Cruise Ship
- Speed: 10 knots
- Year of Construction: 1983 (completely refitted in Peru in 2007)
- Capacity: 48 passengers
- Crew: 27 crew members (captain, officers, engineer, chefs, barman / waiters etc) and 4 multi-lingual naturalist guides.
- Cabins: 24 cabins (double or twin) each with en suite private bathrooms, hot water, heating and air conditioning.
- Social Areas / Services: This mid-sized cruise ship is well equipped with a variety of social areas and services for passengers including a two bars (one inside, and a sky bar), dining room, lounge, library area, reception area for guest services, sun deck with jacuzzis, a small gym / fitness centre, a glass-bottomed boat for shore excursions, a medical room (with a medical officer) and a shop. Snorkelling equipment and kayaks are also provided for passengers.
- More information: www.cruises.ec/yachtlapinta
The La Pinta is a spacious large cruise ship operating in the Galapagos, and the three passenger decks (consisting of a main deck, cabin deck and top deck) provide all the space, services and comfort you will need during your Galapagos cruise.
Top Deck
The top deck of the La Pinta is a fabulous and luxurious statement of comfort, with stunning views of the islands from the outside bar or observation lounge, and a selection of additional services not found on smaller vessels including a hot tub / jacuzzi, fitness / exercise room and library featuring books on natural history and the Galapagos Islands.
Cabin Deck
The La Pinta's passenger decks are all situated in the middle deck away from the social and communal areas of the ship.
Main Deck
The main deck is where you will find the main restaurant, the guest reception area in case you have any needs during your cruise, a small shop and a medical room.