M/C Elite Galapagos

Destination: Ecuador

Galapagos Islands (10 - 14 Nights) | From $1100++/night

Galapagos naturalist cruise

M/c elite Quick Pitch

The M/C Elite is one of the newest yachts cruising the Galapagos. With its twin-hull design, the spacious vessel offers luxurious amenities onboard such as a semi-covered sky deck, an alfresco dining area, and a cozy bar-salon. With an excellent crew, guests are sure to have an amazing experience exploring the Galapagos aboard the M/C Elite.

Location

Guests traveling with the M/C Elite can arrive at the San Cristobal Airport or the Baltra Airport depending on their itinerary.

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Accommodations

Types of Cabins, Amenities and Photos

M/C Elite Accommodation Details

The M/C Elite offers guests luxurious and comfortable accommodations in their Golden Suites. The Suites are the perfect place to relax after a day of adventures and exploring the islands. All suites can be configured with one queen-sized bed or two single beds and come complete with rainforest-style ensuite bathrooms. The highlight of these accommodations is the panoramic windows which showcase the amazing ocean and lead to the outdoor balcony. A single cabin is also available on the upper deck, perfect for guests on a solo adventure.

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General Facilities

M/C Elite Boat Features

• Semi-covered sky deck
• Alfresco dining area
• Cozy salon
• Jacuzzi
• Cocktail bar

Food & Drinks Aboard the M/C Elite

Guests are served breakfast and lunch buffet-style aboard the Elite, while dinner is served based on a delicious menu and buffet. Guests also can make specific food requests before the trip. The Endemic and its crew is always eager to cater to guests' food preferences and tastes. 

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M/C ELite Deck Plan

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Schedule, Rates & Availability

M/C Elite Schedule & Rates

RATES & AVAILABILITY

For more information on departure dates, rates, and availability email us at info@bluewaterdivetravel.com or call us at +1-310-915-6677 and we will gladly help you plan your dream dive vacation!

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ITINERARIES

Itinerary A - 8 days/7 nights

• Saturday AM: Arrive at San Cristobal airport.
• Saturday PM: El Junco Lagoon
• Walk up the rocky path surrounded by rich vegetation and wildlife to the rim of the El Junco Lagoon, an impressive crater lake located in the highlands of San Cristobal island. Here you will enjoy superb panoramic views of the island, and you can often catch frigate birds diving and bathing in the crystal clear water below.
• Sunday AM: North Seymour
• North Seymour Island is a small island named after Lord Hugh Seymour, a senior British Royal Navy officer. Walking amongst the low, bushy vegetation you will be able to observe a large variety of birds, including blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and a large population of frigate birds.
• Look out for the marvelous bright red chests of the male frigates used to attract a mate.
• Sunday PM: Santa Cruz Dragon Hill
• The name Dragon Hill refers to the large population of Galapagos land iguanas that have made their home here. As you walk along the rocky coastline and through the forests of cacti and Palo Santo trees, you will no doubt encounter a number of these incredible creatures that resemble miniature dragons.
• The high tide also makes this a fantastic place to snorkel as the coral attracts a plethora of colorful fish close to the shoreline.
• Monday AM: Tintoreras / Sierra Negra Volcano
• Las Tintoreras is a chain of islets off the coast of Isabela Island that is characterized by dark lava formations and has created a unique habitat for a variety of wildlife. It is, therefore, a fantastic site for water activities such as a panga ride, snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding, and visitors are often treated to close-up sightings of turtles, sharks, penguins, and sea lions.
• The Sierra Negra is one of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos and has the second largest caldera in the world. As you walk up to the top of the caldera you will encounter forests of guava trees and on a clear day, you will be treated to spectacular views of the other five volcanoes on the island.
• Monday PM: Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center / Isabela Wetlands
• The Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center, where two species of giant tortoise are bred to increase the population of these incredible animals, plays an essential role in protecting the future of the Galapagos.
• As you walk around the center you will also be able to enjoy the beautiful gardens that boast of a wide variety of native plants.
• Just outside Puerto Villamil, you can also take a walk around the Isabela wetlands, comprised of lagoons, swamps, and mangroves, which have become a paradise for migratory birds such as stilts and flamingos.
• Tuesday AM: Isabela / Moreno Point
• Moreno point is located on the west coast of Isabela Island and although it appears a barren lava flow at first, a walk along one of the trails soon reveals a multitude of beautiful green lagoons and mangroves and is a fantastic place to see penguins, blue herons, and flamingos.
• Meanwhile, a panga ride or snorkel along the rocky shoreline is a wonderful way to spot green sea turtles and white-tip sharks.
• Tuesday PM: Isabela / Urbina Bay
• Urbina Bay is located at the foot of the Alcedo Volcano and is the result of a major volcanic uplift that took place in 1954 and resulted in 6km of the coral reef being lifted out of the ocean. Walking along this new shore, you can observe the corals and remains of marine life that were stranded due to this event.
• However, it is now home to giant land iguanas and giant tortoises and it is often a good spot to see Galapagos hawks and flightless cormorants. It is also ideal for snorkeling as turtles, rays, and tropical fish frequent the coastline.
• Wednesday AM: Fernandina / Espinosa Point
• Fernandina is the youngest island in the Galapagos and Espinosa point is a wonderful area of natural beauty. Snorkeling and swimming from the zodiac allow you to see the marine iguanas feeding underwater.
• On the rocks, you will often see large numbers of colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs. On land, the walking trails enable you to explore the fascinating mangrove plants, lava cacti, and striking black lava formations where marine iguanas enjoy basking themselves in the sun.
• Wednesday PM: Isabela / Vicente Roca Point
• Accessible by panga, Vicente Roca Point on the northwest coast of Isabela Island is a beautiful large bay with two coves that provide nesting sites for blue-footed and Nazca boobies, gulls, storm petrels, and Brown Noddy Terns.
• Snorkeling is also a great activity here as the cooler waters result in an abundance of food for marine life, and it is common to see groups of whales, dolphins, sea lions, and marine birds gorging themselves.
• Thursday AM: Rabida
• Rabida Island is most known for its dark red sand beach surrounded by a backdrop of cliffs and steep volcanic hills full of Palo Santo trees and endemic cacti.
• A panga ride around the shoreline gives the chance to spot blue-footed and nazca boobies and water activities such as snorkeling, kayaking or paddleboarding are ideal for seeing white-tipped sharks and rays.
• On the beach, you will find a large noisy colony of sea lions and the surrounding salt brush is home to a nesting colony of pelicans.  Inland, bird watchers will delight in seeing mockingbirds, yellow warblers, and Darwin finches – Rabida is the only site where all nine Darwin’s finches are found.
• Thursday PM: Bartholomew Island
• Bartholomew Island is an islet located in Sullivan Bay and its most famous landmark is a huge volcanic cone named Pinnacle Rock. A walking trail leads up to a viewpoint at the summit of the island where you can enjoy spectacular views of Pinnacle Rock and the surrounding lava flows.
• The northern beach, a nesting site for green sea turtles, is perfect for snorkeling where sightings of spotted eagle rays, penguins, and reef sharks are possible.
• Friday AM: Kicker Rock / Witch Hill
• They say your culture influences the way you look at things, and Kicker Rock may just be the proof of that. Kicker Rock is a distinctive, boot-shaped rock formation located off of San Cristobal Island. In English, it gets its name from this shape. In Spanish, its name is “León Dormido,” or “Sleeping Lion.” Does it look more like a boot or a lion? You’ll get a nice close-up chance to look for yourself and make up your mind.
• Witch Hill features an idyllic white sand beach that can be accessed by panga and is a superb vantage point for seeing Kicker Rock in the south of the island. The hill itself is an eroded tuff cone and the calm waters at the base of it offer a magnificent spot for snorkeling.
• Meanwhile, a walk along the beach or on one of the inland paths provides opportunities to see a variety of shore birds, finches, and mockingbirds.
• Friday PM: Giant Tortoises’ Reserve, off San Cristobal
• The visit to the Giant Tortoise’s Reserve is the longest hike on San Cristobal; the walk is about 5 km one way and may be quite hot.
• This is an excellent site for observing giant tortoises in their natural habitat. San Cristobal has a population of six thousand giant tortoises; in a good day, hundreds of them can be seen along with other endemic species, such as lava lizards, and mockingbirds.
• Snorkel is a great activity as you have opportunities to see sea turtles and tintoreras (white-tipped reef sharks). The beach of this visitor site is a nesting area for sea turtles.
• Saturday AM: San Cristobal Interpretation Center
• A short distance from the center of San Cristobal is the San Cristobal Interpretation Center, which provides an overview of the fascinating history of the islands. The main areas of focus, which are addressed through a number of expositions are: natural history, human history, and conservation for the future.
• You can also take one of the trails behind the center that lead to some great viewpoints of the ocean and volcanic rocks below.
• Saturday PM: San Cristobal Airport
• Depart from San Cristobal airport.

itinerary b - 8 days/7 nights

• Saturday AM: Arrive at San Cristobal airport.
• Saturday PM: David Rodriguez Breeding Center
• A visit to the David Rodriguez Breeding Center provides information about the origin and evolution of the giant tortoise and explains why the center is so vital in safeguarding the future of these incredible creatures.
• Walking through the trails of the reserve, you can see baby tortoises being reared in semi-natural conditions – a brilliant demonstration of the commitment the local people have to preserve the wildlife that makes the Galapagos so special.
• Sunday AM: Española / Suarez Point
• Suarez Point is packed with wildlife and is best explored by following the circular walking trail. This memorable walk will take you past nesting sites of large colonies of nazca and blue-footed boobies and mockingbirds.
• Unique to Española island is also the beautiful waved albatross, which can be seen majestically launching themselves out across the ocean from the cliffs and the red and green marine iguanas.
• A geological highlight is several blowholes, capable of shooting water 25m into the air, that make for a spectacular photo.
• Sunday PM: Gardner Bay, Gardner, and Osborn Islet
• The pristine white sandy beach of Gardner Bay dotted with sea lions provides a perfect spot to relax and kayaking or paddleboarding is a fantastic way to observe the large number of waved albatross who use this beach as a breeding site.
• A short panga ride will take you to the Gardner and Osborn Islets, which are superb locations for snorkeling with young sea lions and a variety of colorful tropical fish and corals.
• Monday AM: Floreana – Cormorant Ponit / Champion Islet
• Cormorant Point features two contrasting beaches: one with green-tinted sand due to the high content of olivine crystals, and another with pure white sand (commonly known as ‘Flour Beach’) derived from pulverized coral.
• The saltwater lagoon is a must-see as it is frequented by one of the largest population of Galapagos flamingos as well as other shorebirds such as stilts, white-cheeked pintails and large-billed flycatchers.
• A panga ride to Champion Islet, an extinct shield volcano, provides a fantastic opportunity for snorkeling in an area that is known for having a high diversity of fish.
• Monday PM: Post Office Bay / The Baroness’ Lookout
• Post Office Bay is a man-made site that offers an insight into a remarkable mailing tradition developed by British whalers in the 18th century, that visitors can still take part in today. The beach here provides for good snorkeling and kayaking and it is also possible to descend into and walk through a lava tube.
• Next, take a panga ride to the Baroness’ Lookout, a volcanic rock formation named after an Australian baroness, who visited the island in the 1930s and is believed to have mysteriously disappeared.
• A short trail leads to a brilliant vantage point with panoramic views of the surrounding mangroves and coastline.
• Tuesday AM: Baltra / Mosquera Islet
• Mosquera Islet is a small, flat, sandy islet located between Baltra and North Seymour islands.
• With no fixed trail, you are free to explore the beautiful surroundings on foot, where you will encounter a large population of sea lions, shorebirds, and the striking Sally Lightfoot crabs that cling to the dark rocks.
• The numerous coral reefs also make it a fantastic site for snorkeling and catching sight of a range of marine life including sharks, turtles, and rays.
• Tuesday PM: Charles Darwin Research Station
• The Charles Darwin Research Station provides an unmissable opportunity to find out about the vital work that is being carried out to preserve the archipelago’s ecosystems.
• One element of this is a significant breeding program for Galapagos tortoises, whose numbers have been in decline since the 1970s.
• These captivating enormous reptiles are very accustomed to humans, so be sure to bring your camera for some close-ups.
• Wednesday AM: Genovesa – Prince Philip’s Steps / El Barranco
• El Barranco, also known as Prince Philip’s Steps, is a rocky stairway that will lead you past a colony of nazca and red-footed boobies lead up to a plateau of dried lava. Continuing through the thin Palo Santo forest and looking out over the plain, visitors are often treated to sites of storm petrels launching out over the ocean.
• A panga ride or kayaking/paddleboarding along the edge of the cliffs provides a good chance to see the elusive Galapagos fur seals nestled on the rocks, and snorkeling is a great activity if you fancy a dip with a variety of shark species.
• Wednesday PM: Genovesa / Darwin Bay
• Darwin Bay has a small sand and coral beach that provides the perfect spot for snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding in calm, sheltered waters in the company of hammerhead sharks, rays, and a plethora of colorful reef fish.  Onshore, a short trail leads along a tidal lagoon and mangroves, home to a variety of land bird species, including Nazca and red-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls.
• The trail culminates at a viewpoint that offers a stunning view overlooking the cliffs and the bay below.
• Thursday AM: Santiago – Espumilla Beach / Buccaneer Cove
• Espumilla beach, located on the northern coast of Santiago island, is an exquisite white sand beach, whose name refers to the meringue-like trails of foam left by the lapping of the waves. Sally Lightfoot crabs are in abundance here and as a result, it is common to see predatory birds such as hawks, herons, and pelicans.
• This idyllic location is perfect for snorkeling or kayaking/paddleboarding amongst a raft of marine life, including species of octopus, eels, and sharks. Buccaneer Cove has an interesting history as it is where sailors, buccaneers, and whalers frequently anchored their vessels in search of food and water. In more recent times it has become an important nesting site for turtles and is also popular with sea lions.
• A panga ride along the eroded shoreline provides views of intriguing rock formations that provide excellent ledges for boobies, pelicans, and gulls.
• Thursday PM: Egas Port
• Egas Port was once the site of a salt mine, but now this impressive black sand beach is an excellent location for snorkeling and observing shorebirds, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and marine iguanas.
• A stroll along the wide trails inland leads you past tidal pools and rocky volcanic formations known as grottoes where it is possible to spot fur seals enjoying a spot of shade.
• Friday AM: Santa Cruz – Bachas Beach
• Bachas Beach is a glorious white sand beach on which the remnants of a rusted barge, thought to have been abandoned by the Americans during WWI, can be seen. It is a popular nesting site for turtles, so if you go for a snorkel, you might find yourself sharing the water with these wonderful creatures.
• The beach is also full of vibrant Sally Lightfoot and hermit crabs and elegant pink flamingos that frequent the saltwater lagoon behind.
• Friday PM: Twin craters and the highlands of Santa Cruz
• The best way to appreciate these remarkable, almost identical crater-like holes, caused by the collapse of empty lava chambers, is to take the trail that leads up and around the rims.
• From this vantage point, one can revel in the beauty of the surrounding highlands, lush with ferns and an abundance of Scalesia trees.
• Here, Bird enthusiasts can also enjoy spotting the distinct red feathers of Vermilion Flycatchers, Darwin’s finches, Galapagos doves and, with a bit of luck, an endemic short-ear owl.
• Saturday AM: Lobos Island / San Cristobal
• Accessed by panga, Lobos island gets its name from the herds of sea lions that have made their home here.
• Snorkeling in the calm clear water provides a unique opportunity to see these inquisitive and playful animals up close and it is also common to be accompanied by green turtles and rays as well.
• Inland there is a trail where you can expect to encounter nesting sites for blue-footed boobies and frigates.
• Saturday: San Cristobal Airport
• Depart from San Cristobal Airport.

itinerary c - 4 days/3 nights

• Saturday AM: Arrive at San Cristobal airport.
• Saturday PM: David Rodriguez Breeding Center
• A visit to the David Rodriguez Breeding Center provides information about the origin and evolution of the giant tortoise and explains why the center is so vital in safeguarding the future of these incredible creatures.
• Walking through the trails of the reserve, you can see baby tortoises being reared in semi-natural conditions – a brilliant demonstration of the commitment the local people have to preserve the wildlife that makes the Galapagos so special.
• Sunday AM: Española / Suarez Point
• Suarez Point is packed with wildlife and is best explored by following the circular walking trail. This memorable walk will take you past nesting sites of large colonies of nazca and blue-footed boobies and mockingbirds.
• Unique to Española island is also the beautiful waved albatross, which can be seen majestically launching themselves out across the ocean from the cliffs and the red and green marine iguanas.
• A geological highlight is several blowholes, capable of shooting water 25m into the air, that make for a spectacular photo.
• Sunday PM: Gardner Bay, Gardner, and Osborn Islet
• The pristine white sandy beach of Gardner Bay dotted with sea lions provides a perfect spot to relax and kayaking or paddleboarding is a fantastic way to observe the large number of waved albatross who use this beach as a breeding site.
• A short panga ride will take you to the Gardner and Osborn Islets, which are superb locations for snorkeling with young sea lions and a variety of colorful tropical fish and corals.
• Monday AM: Floreana – Cormorant Ponit / Champion Islet
• Cormorant Point features two contrasting beaches: one with green-tinted sand due to the high content of olivine crystals, and another with pure white sand (commonly known as ‘Flour Beach’) derived from pulverized coral.
• The saltwater lagoon is a must-see as it is frequented by one of the largest populations of Galapagos flamingos as well as other shorebirds such as stilts, white-cheeked pintails, and large-billed flycatchers.
• A panga ride to Champion Islet, an extinct shield volcano, provides a fantastic opportunity for snorkeling in an area that is known for having a high diversity of fish.
• Monday PM: Post Office Bay / The Baroness’ Lookout
• Post Office Bay is a man-made site that offers an insight into a remarkable mailing tradition developed by British whalers in the 18th century, that visitors can still take part in today. The beach here provides for good snorkeling and kayaking and it is also possible to descend into and walk through a lava tube.
• Next, take a panga ride to the Baroness’ Lookout, a volcanic rock formation named after an Australian baroness, who visited the island in the 1930s and is believed to have mysteriously disappeared.
• A short trail leads to a brilliant vantage point with panoramic views of the surrounding mangroves and coastline.
• Tuesday AM: Baltra / Mosquera Islet
• Mosquera Islet is a small, flat, sandy islet located between Baltra and North Seymour islands.
• With no fixed trail, you are free to explore the beautiful surroundings on foot, where you will encounter a large population of sea lions, shorebirds, and the striking Sally Lightfoot crabs that cling to the dark rocks.
• The numerous coral reefs also make it a fantastic site for snorkeling and catching sight of a range of marine life including sharks, turtles, and rays.
• Tuesday PM: Santa Cruz – Baltra Airport
• Transfer from the yacht to the airport.

itinerary d - 5 days/4 nights

• Tuesday AM: Baltra Airport
• Arrive at Baltra Airport.
• Tuesday PM: Charles Darwin Research Station
• The Charles Darwin Research Station provides an unmissable opportunity to find out about the vital work that is being carried out to preserve the archipelago’s ecosystems.
• One element of this is a significant breeding program for Galapagos tortoises, whose numbers have been in decline since the 1970s.
• These captivating enormous reptiles are very accustomed to humans, so be sure to bring your camera for some close-ups.
• Wednesday AM: Genovesa – Prince Philip’s Steps / El Barranco
• El Barranco, also known as Prince Philip’s Steps, is a rocky stairway that will lead you past a colony of nazca and red-footed boobies lead up to a plateau of dried lava. Continuing through the thin Palo Santo forest and looking out over the plain, visitors are often treated to sites of storm petrels launching out over the ocean.
• A panga ride or kayaking/paddleboarding along the edge of the cliffs provides a good chance to see the elusive Galapagos fur seals nestled on the rocks, and snorkeling is a great activity if you fancy a dip with a variety of shark species.
• Wednesday PM: Genovesa / Darwin Bay
• Darwin Bay has a small sand and coral beach that provides the perfect spot for snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding in calm, sheltered waters in the company of hammerhead sharks, rays, and a plethora of colorful reef fish.  Onshore, a short trail leads along a tidal lagoon and mangroves, home to a variety of land bird species, including Nazca and red-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls.
• The trail culminates at a viewpoint that offers a stunning view overlooking the cliffs and the bay below.
• Thursday AM: Santiago – Espumilla Beach / Buccaneer Cove
• Espumilla beach, located on the northern coast of Santiago island, is an exquisite white sand beach, whose name refers to the meringue-like trails of foam left by the lapping of the waves. Sally Lightfoot crabs are in abundance here and as a result, it is common to see predatory birds such as hawks, herons, and pelicans.
• This idyllic location is perfect for snorkeling or kayaking/paddleboarding amongst a raft of marine life, including species of octopus, eels, and sharks. Buccaneer Cove has an interesting history as it is where sailors, buccaneers, and whalers frequently anchored their vessels in search of food and water. In more recent times it has become an important nesting site for turtles and is also popular with sea lions.
• A panga ride along the eroded shoreline provides views of intriguing rock formations that provide excellent ledges for boobies, pelicans, and gulls.
• Thursday PM: Egas Port
• Egas Port was once the site of a salt mine, but now this impressive black sand beach is an excellent location for snorkeling and observing shorebirds, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and marine iguanas.
• A stroll along the wide trails inland leads you past tidal pools and rocky volcanic formations known as grottoes where it is possible to spot fur seals enjoying a spot of shade.
• Friday AM: Santa Cruz – Bachas Beach
• Bachas Beach is a glorious white sand beach on which the remnants of a rusted barge, thought to have been abandoned by the Americans during WWI, can be seen. It is a popular nesting site for turtles, so if you go for a snorkel, you might find yourself sharing the water with these wonderful creatures.
• The beach is also full of vibrant Sally Lightfoot and hermit crabs and elegant pink flamingos that frequent the saltwater lagoon behind.
• Friday PM: Twin craters and the highlands of Santa Cruz
• The best way to appreciate these remarkable, almost identical crater-like holes, caused by the collapse of empty lava chambers, is to take the trail that leads up and around the rims.
• From this vantage point, one can revel in the beauty of the surrounding highlands, lush with ferns and an abundance of Scalesia trees.
• Here, Bird enthusiasts can also enjoy spotting the distinct red feathers of Vermilion Flycatchers, Darwin’s finches, Galapagos doves, and, with a bit of luck, an endemic short-ear owl.
• Saturday AM: Lobos Island / San Cristobal
• Accessed by panga, Lobos island gets its name from the herds of sea lions that have made their home here.
• Snorkeling in the calm clear water provides a unique opportunity to see these inquisitive and playful animals up close and it is also common to be accompanied by green turtles and rays as well.
• Inland there is a trail where you can expect to encounter nesting sites for blue-footed boobies and frigates.
• Saturday: San Cristobal Airport
• Depart from San Cristobal Airport.

[See: Galapagos Dive Travel Guide]

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Other Information

Boat Specifications

• Year built: 2019
• Length: 123 feet (37.5 meters)
• Beam: 44 feet (13.5 meters)
• Speed: 12 knots
• Propulsion: 2 x Marine Generator Drive Engines 500 HP each
• Passengers: 16
• Number of cabins: 9
• Crew: 10 + Cruise Service Officer + Guide

Practical Information

• Time Zone: UTC-6
• Local Currency: USD (U.S. dollar)
• Language Spoken: English and Spanish
• Electricity: 110 and 220 volt
• Payment Onboard: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express

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