TBA Escapes

All Female Tours

Galapagos Islands

Luxury Yacht Eco Expedition

Join us on a life-enriching, seven-night, all-female expedition around the Galapagos Islands! Explore one of the most pristine destinations on Earth from the comfort of a privately chartered, carbon-neutral, luxury yacht.

Our cruise will explore the very best of the Galapagos; the amazing wildlife, striking landscapes, and magnificent marine environment. Each day, you will explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site on guided land excursions led by female expert naturalist guides.

Activities include walks along pristine beaches and guided nature walks on volcanic lava rock or among lush vegetation. Observe wildlife that is unafraid of human visitors, up close, such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas, sea lions, penguins, and blue-footed boobies! Explore the marine environment by zodiac, or while snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Luxury

Eco

Cruise

Wildlife

Dates:

Apply now for future tours

trip Length:

7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS

Max Group Size:

18

Accommodation

Double Occupancy

Demographic

Women (18+)

MV Evolve Luxury Yacht

Embark on MV Evolve, Ecoventura’s brand new yacht (opening in 2023)! This carbon-neutral luxury yacht has all the amenities a girl could ask for– including ocean view rooms and a sundeck with jacuzzi! Explore this remote island destination in comfort while getting 1-on-1 education from your female expert naturalist guides.

  • All Meals + Open Bar Included
  • Onboard Gym & Library
  • Kayaks, Snorkeling, Panga Rides Included

Sample Tour Itinerary

Day 1

San Cristobal Island

After the welcome briefing and safety drill, a delicious buffet lunch is served on board. In the afternoon, travel by bus to Cerro Tijeretas (Frigatebird Hill), one of two sites where you can see nesting colonies of both species of frigatebirds (Great and Magnificent), as well lava lizards, the medium ground finch, and the San Cristobal mockingbird. Walk along the trail to Punta Carola for scenic views, then return to the MV Evolve in the evening for a briefing followed by our Captain’s welcome party and dinner.

Highlights
  • Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
  • Cerro Tijeretas (Frigatebird Hill)

Day 2

San Cristobal Island

Go ashore this morning at Punta Pitt, a tuff formation that serves as a nesting site for many seabirds including all three types of boobies – blue-footed, red-footed and Nazca, both frigatebird species, swallow-tailed gulls, storm petrels, shearwaters, and brown pelicans. Punta Pitt is considered one of the best sites for birds in the archipelago and is also home to a colony of sea lions. At Pitt Rock, we snorkel or swim with sea lions and colorful fish such as King Angel and Surgeonfish.

Return to the MV Evolve for lunch. Spend the afternoon at Cerro Brujo, a breathtaking white coral beach, with expansive views and good birdwatching. Take a peaceful walk along the beach, swim with sea lions or use the kayaks or stand-up paddle boards. Enjoy a zodiac ride through a cave called The Cathedral before returning to the MV Evolve for a briefing followed by dinner.

Highlights
  • Punta Pitt
  • Cerro Brujo

Day 3

Espanola Island

Disembark at Punta Suarez on Espanola (Hood) Island, home to the greatest number of endemic species found in Galapagos. Sea lions bark noisy greetings as we land on the beach, while curious mockingbirds peck at our shoelaces. Colonies of blue-footed boobies engage in sky-pointing to show off for potential mates. From April to December, the waved albatross, found only on Espanola, performs its wild mating ritual.

Other easily spotted wildlife are the Nazca Boobies busily caring for their young, stunning swallow-tailed gulls, the only nocturnal gulls in the world. We also find Darwin’s Finches, Galapagos Doves, red-billed tropicbirds, and Galapagos Hawks, as well as a unique species of marine iguanas with traces of red and green colorings. Follow the trail to the dramatic ocean blow hold, watch for colorful sally lightfoot crabs crawling along the shoreline.

Return to the MV Evolve for lunch on board. Disembark at Gardner Bay, where large colonies or sea lions dot the seemingly endless white-sand beach. Enjoy time to take a leisurely stroll or relax on the beach, watching for birds such as the Galapagos hawk, Darwin’s finch, or Hood Mockingbird. Swim with the playful sea lions from the beach, explore the bay and islets by kayak or take a Zodiac ride to explore the caves covered with invertebrates. Admire the colorful array of underwater life at the excellent snorkeling site near Tortuga Rock. Return to the MV Evolve for a briefing followed by dinner.

Highlights
  • Punta Suarez
  • Gardner Bay

Day 4

Floreana Island

Step ashore at Punta Cormorant on Floreana (Charles) Island, where the olive-sand beach is alive with the sounds of sea lions, lava herons, yellow-crowned night herons, blue-footed boobies, and penguins. Follow a trail to a brackish lagoon, home to Bahama ducks, common stilts, Galapagos flycatchers, yellow warblers and the greater flamingos. Wind your way past a rich variety of plants including the morning glory, cut-leaf daisies, mangroves (black, red and white), paloverde and scalesia.

The trail leads to a beach where sea turtles lay their eggs in the powdery sand dunes and sting rays swim in the shallow water. After the walk, there is an opportunity to snorkel at Devil’s Crown, a shallow sunken crater colonized by a brilliant array of colorful fish and coral, white-tipped sharks, sea turtles, spotted eagle rays and sea stars. Lunch is served back on board the MV Evolve on the sundeck, weather permitting. Floreana is one of the few populated islands in Galapagos with a rich and intriguing human history.

After lunch, visit one of the most famous sites in Galapagos, Post Office Bay, where a post barrel was erected in the late 18th Century for use by English whaling vessels. Visitors are invited to leave a postcard and to pick up any mail destined for their home area. There is an opportunity to swim from the beach with sea lions. Late afternoon, take a Zodiac ride near Baroness Point to look for sea turtles and rays. Return to the MV Evolve for a briefing followed by dinner.

Highlights
  • Punta Cormorant
  • Devil’s Crown
  • Post Office Bay
  • Baroness Point

Day 5

Santa Cruz Island

Disembark at Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, the largest town of the Galapagos. Travel by bus to the highlands, passing through all seven vegetation zones found in Galapagos. Visit a tortoise reserve, a private farm that protects giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Stop at the largest lava tubes in the archipelago, and visit Los Gemelos, (The Twins), a pair of large craters.

Return to the MV Evolve for lunch on board. This afternoon we visit the Centro de Crianza Fausto Llerena (formerly the Charles Darwin Research Station). Visit the tortoise corals and the breeding center with hatchlings and miniature tortoises that will be repatriated when grown. Scientists from all over the globe conduct biological research at the station from anatomy to zoology.

Visit the new exhibit honoring Lonesome George, a worldwide icon of conservation as the last surviving tortoise from Pinta Island that tragically died of natural causes. Stroll through town to shop for souvenirs or stop at an internet café. Return to the MV Evolve for dinner or, if you wish, remain ashore for dinner on your own. Zodiac shuttles from MV Evolve to the main dock will be offered throughout the evening.

Highlights
  • Highlands of Santa Cruz
  • Darwin Station

Day 6

Sombrero Chino + Bartolome Island

Go ashore today at Sombrero Chino (Chinese Hat), a small island off the southern tip of Santiago that owes its name to its shape. After landing on a beach with colonies of sea lions, follow the trail to a primeval landscape of volcanic rubble including cracked lava formations and tubes. Marine iguanas and pairs of oystercatchers are commonly seen. Snorkel at a site frequented by large numbers of Galapagos penguins.

After lunch, disembark at Bartolome, a young island inhospitable to most plants and animals. Climb the long wooden staircase to the summit of a dormant volcano, pausing along the way to marvel at lava bombs, spatter cones and cinder cones. It seems as if we are walking on the moon! The panoramic view from the top encompasses the entire island, including the distinctive eroded tuff cone known as Pinnacle Rock.

The crystal clear water below beckons for snorkeling with schools of tropical fish, white-tipped reef sharks, and Galapagos Penguins. Take a Zodiac ride along the rocky shoreline. Return to the MV Evolve for the evening briefing and dinner.

Highlights
  • Las Bachas
  • Bartolome Island
  • Sombrero Chino

Day 7

South Plaza Island + North Seymour

Today’s visit is at South Plaza, a small geological uplift with tall cliffs where swallow-failed gulls, shearwaters, and red-billed tropicbirds build their bests. The trail leads us through Opuntia (prickly pear) and Sesuvium, and land iguanas are seen here feeding on cactus leaves. The island is also home to a colony of bachelor sea lions, with dominant bulls in various stages of recovery from battles over prime beach territory.

Return to the MV Evolve and snorkel between North and South Seymour in deeper water. After lunch, go ashore at North Seymour, a small geological uplift to observe swallow-tailed gulls, blue-footed boobies and endemic land iguanas. Visit the largest colony of Magnificent Frigatebirds in the Galapagos, and watch for marine iguanas and sea lions body surfing the northern swells. Return to the MV Evolve for the Captain’s farewell cocktail party and dinner, followed by a slide show presentation.

Highlights
  • South Plaza Island
  • North Seymour

Day 8

Disembark in San Cristobal

Travel by bus to the Interpretation Center on San Cristobal to gain a more complete understanding of the natural and human history of the Islands. Afterward, spend time in port before heading to the airport for your flight back to the mainland.

Highlights
  • Interpretation Center
  • Free Time in San Cristobal
  • Airport Transfer

DISCLOSURE: Itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather or other factors outside of our control. Keep in mind that every activity is optional and you can opt-out of activities you aren’t comfortable with. For more information on our COVID health and safety procedures, visit our FAQ.

Meet Your Naturalist Guides

Karina Lopez, Naturalist Guide

K

Karina Lopez was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism and Hospitality, a second technical degree as a Professional Guide of Ecuador, and a third diploma in French language at the Alliance Francaise.

“I’m a global traveler who turned my passion for tourism, languages, and guiding into a lifelong adventure.”

Malena Cruz

M

After studying professional tourism guiding at university, Malena became a licensed naturalist guide in 1994. Be sure to ask her about her favorite Galápagos topics of conversation (sea currents, geology, and the marine reserve). When she isn’t guiding, Malena manages her family’s hotel on San Cristobal Island, and enjoys reading, music and fishing.

“I guide with a fervent love for nature, a deep passion for the Galápagos, and an abundance of knowledge about this incredible place.”

Testimonials

Nicki P.

“This was my second tour with TBA Escapes and it far exceeded my expectations. Caity and Kiki took care of every detail and partnered with an amazing eco yacht line (Ecoventura) that defined luxury cruise – outstanding accommodations, impeccable service, delicious cuisine, and unreal vistas. We had 2 Naturalist guides that presented the pristine beauty and wildlife of the Galapagos Islands perfectly as we explored each destination. The pace of the tour was just right with a mix of nature excursions and educational activities. This was a bucket-list trip that I will never forget and am privileged to have shared with other like-minded women!”

Maureen D.

“The Galapagos trip in July 2023 was my second TBA Escapes adventure – and it wildly exceeded my expectations. From pre-trip communication, to accommodations (Evolve and its crew were top notch!) and activities, I was incredibly impressed. It was such a special place to visit, and I really appreciated the incorporation of the history of the islands and its inhabitants – it made it much more meaningful. We had a great group of women, and I enjoyed learning from and about all of them. It will be very hard to top this trip – it has a special place in my heart for sure!”

Christina S.

“This was my second tour with TBA Escapes and it was really incredible. It exceeded all of my expectations. The Galápagos are a huge trip and I felt that we were able to do and see so much with a perfect mix of relaxing with cocktails and watching the sunset and swimming with sea lions and taking awesome nature walks. I felt the tour was adventurous, and our guides were really awesome. Definitely worth every penny and I will absolutely be joining another tour ASAP. I also love that every single detail is taken care of and you can just show up and enjoy the trip.”

Scotty W.

“The Galapagos tour was an incredible experience from beginning to end! Prior to the trip, TBA Escapes assisted with our preparation, including sending a packing list (complete with photos, tips, and links) — which was very helpful since the unique climate and activities in the Galapagos required some special clothing and equipment. The daily schedule was curated with the perfect balance of activities and downtime. Experiencing the wonder of this amazing destination alongside a group of women who share a passion for adventure and learning elevated the experience to a level above and beyond my (high) expectations. I left the tour feeling completely fulfilled yet relaxed. I can’t wait to book my next (…fourth!) tour with TBA Escapes!”

Courtney M.

“The TBA Galapagos tour is amazing! The enchanted islands have always been a bucket list destination for me and the chance to experience this magical place with a group of amazing women was too good to pass up. The ship is amazing, the guides are knowledgeable, the organization is great, and the amount of activities is perfect. Almost every day you get to be in the water with wild unique amazing animals as well as seeing them on land and from the ship. The crew are so accommodating and caring and made the whole trip feel so luxurious. There’s no better way to see the Galápagos Islands than with a group of like minded women who are experiencing the magic right beside you around every corner!”

Lyndsy H.

“TBA Escapes took me on an incredible adventure to Ecuador and the Galápagos! This was my first experience with any sort of tour based trip and it definitely set the bar pretty high! The communication leading up to and during the tour was exceptional. Every detail was thought out and even though we had a group of 18 girls, I felt like I had individual attention when it came to coordinating my flights and hotel arrangements, as I arrived and stayed longer in Ecuador. The group of women was inspiring and positive adventurous travel companions, who made the experience that much better! I will definitely be booking another trip with TBA Escapes in the future!”

Christina M.

“The TBA Escapes Tour to the Galápagos was an experience I will never forget. The Galápagos never really crossed my mind as a typical travel destination for me. The Blonde Abroad inspired me to visit this pristine location and I could not be more thankful that I was able to travel here with TBA Escapes. If I had not traveled to the Galápagos with TBA Escapes, I don’t think that I would have the same appreciation for my time there. Being with a group of women who also have the same appreciation for travel and new experiences made it that much more special. TBA Escapes’ attention to detail when planning and organizing this trip was much appreciated. I can honestly say that I will be telling all my female friends to take a trip with TBA Escapes if they ever get the opportunity to. I can’t wait to see what new destinations are added to TBA Escapes in the future and I am already itching to go on another adventure!”

Katelyn P.

The Galápagos Islands are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This was a personal bucket list item I can cross. The TBA escapes tour was very well executed from start to finish. Our naturalist guides were highly trained and knowledgeable on all things Galápagos. Tba did an amazing job selecting the boat, guides, and accommodations for this trip. Having the opportunity to travel with a diverse group of women was empowering and enriching. The trip provided a safe haven to explore new ground and cultivate new memories. I’m looking forward to my future trips within TBA escapes.

Inclusions

  • All Onboard Meals (Sourced using fresh, locally sourced ingredients)
  • Beverages + Open Bar (Wine & Spirits)
  • Guided Shore and Zodiac Excursions (Twice Daily)
  • Use of Wetsuit + Snorkeling Equipment
  • Use of Library, Jacuzzi and Fitness Center
  • Oceanview Cabin (Double Occupancy)
  • WiFi (Please be aware that the WiFi connection may be intermittent as we are located in the middle of the ocean)

Exclusions

  • International Airfare to Quito
  • Return Airfare from Quito to Galapagos $570 (We will assist with reservation)
  • Hotel in Quito (The night before your cruise)
  • Travel & Medical Insurance (Required)
  • Galapagos Entrance Fee $100 (Required)
  • Transit Control Card $20 (Required)
  • Gratuities for Crew $400 (Required)
  • Laundry Service ($3-$5 per item, 6 items per cabin per day)

Payment Info

$10395 USD

7 Nights / 8 Days

Includes 25% Non-Refundable Deposit

Only 18 Spots Available

Payment Plans Available

Apply Today!