When you cruise on The Eden you go with locals born and raised in the Galapagos Islands and thus get an inside look at the most spectacular places the islands have to offer. Join a small group (up to sixteen places) or charter the whole boat and custom design your itinerary and diving experience.
The Eden provides great value, as the yacht is larger and more luxurious than others in its class and price range. She offers elegant furnishings, eight double cabins, each with a private bath and hot shower, and a library, TV with VHS video, a restaurant, bar, and sundeck. The Eden offers a full eight-day tour featuring motor boating, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Trips begin and end at Baltra Island.
Highlights
16 passenger yacht with 8 air conditioned double cabins with private hot water showers
Onboard library, T.V., VHS, restaurant/bar, and sundeck.
Luxurious way to travel the Galapagos. ...view more details
Abbreviated Itinerary
SUN: Baltra / Bachas
MON: North Seymour / Santa Fe
TUE: Española (Punta Suarez / Gardner Bay)
WED: Floreana
THU: Darwin Center / Santa Cruz Highlands
FRI: James Bay / Bartolome
SAT: Genovesa
SUN: Black Turtle Cove / Baltra ...see full itinerary
Trip Options
2009 prices
8 day charter, 16 pax - $45,000
Children (under 12 yrs) - $2,250 ...view more details
Why should I choose this trip? What makes it better (different) than other trips?
The sixteen passenger Eden offers a supremely luxurious tour of the Galapagos. The small group size means a more intimate experience both with the Islands and with your fellow passengers, yet the boat offers ample space for relaxing. ...view more details
What kind of person will enjoy this trip?
The Aida Maria is the perfect choice if you want to travel with as much comfort as possible. ...view more details
**Sample Itinerary: Trips vary and can be customized to cater to your preferences**
Day 1: Baltra, Santa Cruz Island & Las Bachas Beach
Fly from the Ecuadorian mainland to the islands on an early morning 90-minute flight. As you prepare to land in Baltra, peer out the window. The landscape below will seem out of this world - and it is for you have come to a place like no other.
The Galapagos Islands are unique to the world and you are about to see why. Your bilingual naturalist guide will greet you at the airport and assist you through customs. During lunch he/she will introduce you to the islands and specifically the flora and fauna you will encounter at our first destination, Las Bachas Beach.
On the sandy white beaches of Las Bachas we will get a close look at a sea turtle nesting area and a lake frequented by leggy pink flamingos and other migratory birds. Afterward, we cool ourselves off with our first dip in the deliciously blue Pacific Ocean. As this is our first evening together, the crew will invite us to a pre-dinner cocktail on the yacht before the welcome dinner. If the night is clear, as it usually is, the stars above will bedazzle; look for the Southern Cross, the Big Dipper (turned up-side down!) and Orion.
Day 2: South Plazas Island & Santa Fe Island
After breakfast we will sail to Plazas Island, where a large colony of sea lions lounges daily in the equatorial sun.
Soon you will notice their subtly diabolic grins and wonder what they find so humorous; you only hope the joke isn't on you! Plaza also boasts excellent examples of typical Galapaganean flora such as the towering cacti "trees" that form the principal diet for both the land iguanas and the cactus finch. Other birds that may flutter by include lava gulls, yellow warblers and red-billed tropicbirds with their elaborate tails.
After lunch on the yacht, we continue to Santa Fe Island, a sea journey of 2 1/2 hours. Upon arrival to the island, we will be treated to a noisy welcome by the local sealion colony. Following our naturalist guide on the island paths we will come to Santa Fe's main attraction, a towering forest of giant cacti. Scattered around the cacti trees you will see a number of the island's indigenous sun-seekers: marine and land iguanas, the rainbow-streaked lava lizards and, if you are lucky, land tortoises - the namesakes of the islands.
After our walk we will plunge into the salty sea and snorkel in the company of sealions, lion fish and sea turtles. Finally, we will return to the yacht for dinner.
Day 3: Espanola Island, Suarez Point & Garner Bay
Espanola is one of the most magical of all the islands. It is a place where the animals reign supreme and we humans are merely guests. As your dingy brings you to shore you will see sea lion pups sunbathing with marine iguanas and blue footed boobies nesting in between. Nearby may be a Galapagos Hawk. If it is boobie mating season watch the bonded pairs do the infamous boobie dance (if it's not mating season ask your guide to demonstrate - after all it's his job to teach you about the local fauna).
Following lunch on board the yacht, we will visit Garner Bay, a great place for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling. Lion fish, flycatchers, and Galapagos hawks will keep us company as we relax under the rays of the evening sun. Dinner on the yacht completes our day.
Day 4: Floreana Island, Cormorant Point & Corona del Diablo
Today when you awake and peer out your porthole you will see Floreana, one of the greenest islands in the archipelago. Ask your guide to tell you about its mysterious history laden with rumors of witches, murderous baronesses, blackmail and dubious disappearances. Our first stop is Punta Cormorant, where we follow a footpath to a lagoon inhabited by flaming-pink flamingos. We will also pass by Carolina Beach, a sea turtle nesting area and a superb spot for watching sea birds and sea rays. Back on our yacht, we skirt the island's coast until we arrive at La Corona del Diablo (the Devil's Crown), a sub-marine crater that offers some of the most spectacular snorkeling in the Galapagos. After returning to the boat for lunch we will sail on to Post Office Bay, where the island's original post office - really only a wooden barrel - was established in 1793. The current system still functions as it did three centuries ago.
Day 5: Santa Cruz Island
We will visit the station's Tortoise Rearing Center. Here we can find itty bitty tortoises, hand-sized between the ages of one and five, and marvel at how they achieve such a large size as adults (500 lbs. or more!). Galapagos tortoises are believed to have a lifespan of over 100 years, so the young ones have a long life ahead of them as long as they receive the protection they need.
Aside from the Station headquarters, Santa Cruz boasts the largest town and economic center of the Galapagos, Puerto Ayora. In this port-side town we can buy souvenirs of the islands (postcards, t-shirts, books, etc.). Check-out the uniquely Galapaganean ceramic shop near the entrance of the Charles Darwin Station.
After shopping in Puerto Ayora and lunch on the boat (guests may dine in town if they desire), we will explore the upper region ('parte alta') of the island, a moisture-rich area with fertile volcanic soils. We will learn about the vegetation and animal life of this zone, often strikingly different than that found at lower elevations.
(If your tour is a 5 day tour, our visit to Charles Darwin Station will complete our Galapagos adventure. From the station we will take a bus to the airport for departure).
Day 6: Rabida Island, Santiago Island
Wake-up in the morning to the sound of barking sea lions and the lapping of the sea. After breakfast travel by dingy to the seashell-pink sands of Rabida Island. Here we will see a pelican nesting area on the beach, and then we will set off on the short path across the island, gazing at the sea birds whirling overhead. After stopping at two Kodak-worthy viewpoints we will return to the boat for lunch.
Two hours of sailing after lunch will bring us to our second stop for the day, Santiago Island.
Egas Port we disembark and follow a footpath across the island, admiring the grinning marine iguanas, Darwin finches, rainbowed lava lizards, and endemic Galapagos hawks along the way. A special sight on Santiago are the endangered fur seals cooling off in the shade formed by the seashore grottos.
Day 7: Santiago Island, Sullivan Bay & Bartolome Island
Our second day on Santiago Island takes us to awe-inspiring Sullivan Bay. At the turn of the century a huge lava flow spilled forth and right down to the sea; today you can stroll across this black volcanic expanse admiring its time-frozen ripples, bubbles and ropes.
After lunch we will visit nearby Bartolome Island, which at its highest point (114m) has one of the most photographed vistas in the archipelago. This island is quite young and quite volcanic. Therefore, it's relatively unpopulated; only a small handful of die-hard plant and animal speicies have survived long enough to call this otherworldly lava-land home.
Day 8: North Seymour Island
After an early breakfast we will disembark at our last stop, North Seymour Island. Here we will see frigatebirds, the clownish blue-footed booby, and of course the ubiquitous sea lions. With luck we will witness the striking courtship display of the male frigatebird, in which he inflates a red balloon-like sac below his throat and struts his stuff for all of the young females. After our visit to North Seymour we will sail to Baltra Island to catch our plane back to the mainland.
To review this trip please register or login (if already registered).
Overall Rating:
3 customer reviews
Destination:
5.0
Activity:
5.0
Equipment:
4.3
Food:
4.0
Guides & Service:
5.0
Provider Rating: 9 trip reviews
Equipment:
2.7
Food:
2.7
Guides & Service:
4.2
Social & Environmental Responsibility:
3.4
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Galapagos on the Eden
by Brian S., Proficient,
Mar 17, 2008
This was a great trip. The Galapagos Islands are an excellent destination for nature lovers. The Eden had great guides and staff, but the food fell a little short of our expectations. I'd recommend this trip to all my friends!
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Galapagos Islands on the Eden
by Steve R, Feb 20, 2007
People who like natural history will love this trip – it is wonderful. The Eden is really quite good and highly recommended. The food was much better than expected, both in variety and presentation. Our only complaint was there was no brewed coffee in the morning---we always had to make our own from instant.
Our guide was great--a native of the Galapagos and very knowledgeable.
Several passengers on our trip also were on the Aida Maria briefly, and they wished they had stayed on the Eden for the whole trip.
We also did several dives and while nice they were not as colorful as the Caribbean.
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Heaven on Earth
by Stefanie, Feb 12, 2007
The M/Y Eden was great, food fabulous, crew out of this world. Gaby was very helpful with some confusion we had with TAME airlines as well as a boat transfer. We were also pleased with the professionalism that was given to us in regards to the refund in matters dealing with the transfer from Eden to Ada Maria. I have suggested to anyone that will listen that a trip to the Galapagos on-board the Eden is heaven on earth. I hope to use your travel agency again in the future.
All meals, accommodation on board, visits to the islands, English speaking guide, transfers in Galapagos
Not Included
Not Included
Galapagos Entrance Fee $100 (in cash, upon arrival)
Galapagos Transit Card $10 (in cash, upon arrival)
Drinks, tips, departure taxes
Transportation On Trip
Transportation Types
Yacht/Sailboat
Lodging - Accommodations
What are the accommodations like?
Each of the eight double cabins has a private bath and hot shower, air conditioning. The boat also has a group sundeck, library, and T.V. room.
Lodging Types
7 Nights Yacht
Average number of rooms in boat/lodge/hotel average
6-10
Lodging capacity (Average)
16
Details
What special equipment will we use on this trip? Tell me about it.
Engines: 10 knots / 2 Detroit diesel
Electricity: 2 honda generator 110 v
Fuel Capacity: 2500 gallons/diesel
Fresh Water Capacity 2500 gallons
Complete navigation and safety equipment, 2 dingies with 16 hp outboard motor.
Maximum Age
None
Weather
From month to month there are some differences in what you can see in the islands, however ,the differences in the experience itself are small,for example, from April to December you can see the waved albatrosses but not many sea turtles,the rainy season (December to May) is when land birds are mating and in the Dry season (June to November) sea birds have their mating season.
The average year-round temperature is 24°C
Yachts - Ships - Live Aboard Boats
Boat Length
24 meters
Travel Provider
Provider Name
Aida Maria Travel
Why should I choose this provider?
Aida Maria Travel/Galapagostours has been providing world class naturalist cruises for over 30 years. The company's roots stem from when the current owner's grandfather arrived in the islands in the 1940´s. Now with a new fleet of boats, which include the First Class Yacht Eden, Premium class Aida Maria, and Tourist Class Rumba, Aida Maria Travel offers tours around the Galapagos for all budgets.For our clients with special interests we have implemented a new line of first class products,the S/C Valkiria and M/Y Maverick to cover multi activities adventure tours and a mixture of the natural wonders of the Galapagos with the local culture.
Our fleet offers a great variety of options for naturalist and special interest cruises in the Galapagos Islands. Nature, advenutre and supreme comfort will be always part of a once in a life time journey.
Provider FAQ's
When is the best time of the year to go to Galapagos?
Absolutely the most frequently asked question. Darwin said it all:
Considering that these islands are placed directly under the equator, the climate is far from being excessively hot; this seems chiefly caused by the singularly low temperature of the surrounding water, brought here by the great southern polar current. Excepting during one short season, very little rain falls, and even then it is irregular.
CHARLES DARWIN, 1845
From month to month there are some differences in what you can see in the islands, however ,the differences in the experience itself are small,for example, from April to December you can see the waved albatrosses but not many sea turtles,the rainy season (December to May) is when land birds are mating and in the Dry season (June to November) sea birds have their mating season.
The average year-round temperature is 24°C
What should I bring in my trip?
We recommend you to pack comfortable light clothes, shorts, T-shirts, swimsuits ,good hiking shoes are required to walk over the lava rock paths as well as sandals(flip flops-tevas) for wet landings and easy walks.
For shore excursions comfortable clothing is a must, preferably easy drying shorts, bathing suit, hats, enough sun screen, tennis shoes, windbreaker/rain jacket, binoculars, camera and lots of film.
Traveling Alone?
No problem,there are two ways you can visit the islands alone,since we operate our own boats we are in charge of the cabins asignment,actually half of our guests are couples and the other half are singles,if you are willing to share a double cabin we will guarantee that the other person in your cabin if of your same gender,if you are not willing to share please contact us for more information and prices.
Do I need a passport or visa to go to Ecuador and Galapagos?
A passport is required,most North American and European countries citizens do not require a visa in advance ,this is issued on arrival for a maximum of 3 months. Your travel agency can advise you of any visa requirements for your particular country when traveling to Ecuador.
Are vaccinations required?
To visit the Galapagos Islands there are no vaccinations neither required nor recommended. If you,are anyway planning to spend more time in Ecuador, especially in the rain forest or amazon area, vaccinations and inmunizationsis strongly recommended. Since this varies from time to time please consult with your local health office (or the Institute for Tropical Diseases) several weeks before your trip.
How are the Flights to the Galapagos Islands?
The flight time depends you departing city ,this Flights to the Galapagos leave from Quito making a stop in Guayaquil so you don't have to necesarily board in Quito to get from Quito to Guayaquil takes about thirty minutes and about one and a half hours from Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands. All flights leave from 7am to 11am in the morning and return between 1pm and 5pm.
How about luggage restrictions on the airplanes?
Only one suitcase 20kg and one carry-on piece are allowed on the plane.
What currency do we use in Galapagos and Ecuador?
Since the year 2000 the Ecuadorian government adopted the US Dollar as the national currency so if you already live in a country where You use them you can just bring them alone,otherwise make sure you exchange money before arrival.
How are the comunications facilities on board and on the islands?
During your Galapagos cruise regardless of the extent,you most likely will visit one of the inhabited islands,most likely Puerto Ayora which is the largest town in the Galapagos,there you can find many internet cafes as well as phone booths to make international calls,while you are onboard you will be able to receive urgent messages inmediately.
Can we smoke on the Islands or on the boat?
One of the main rules for visitors to the Galapagos is that it is not allowed to smoke on the islands. On the boats, however, you can smoke on deck but not in the inside social areas,for sure not in the cabins.
What is the electricity on the boat?
The Aida Maria,Eden,Rumba and Guantanamera have 110v outlets in all the cabins and bathrooms,please keep in mind that the sockets are the american type(flat - not round) so you migh want to bring an adaptor if you have different shaped sockets in your country.
Is there a dress code on the boats?
No dress code is applied on board our Galapagos yachts. The only requirement for lunch and dinner is to wear shoes or sandals.
What is the payment policies ?
Once you have decided to book a cruise 30% deposit is required and after that you will receive a time limit for making the full payment,we will send you the details for making a wire or internet payment to our bank account.
What is included in the price?
Double accommodation with private bathrooms (or single if requested) ,All meals on board ,Guided visit to the islands with english speaking guides ,bottled pure drinking water , coffe and tea at the bar any time, trasnportation in the islands, direct support from our office.
Not inlcuded
Round trip tickets to Galapagos US$ 390.00 per person (subject to change without prior notice) ,galapagos entrance fee US$ 100.00 for per person ,children under 12 years of age US$ 50.00 as well as students with valid international student ID,tips and personal expenses.
Provider Policies
Cancellation Policies
INDIVIDUAL PASSENGERS
• A 25% DEPOSIT must be accomplished within the next 5 days after confirmation to keep spaces.
• NON REFUNDABLE in case of cancellation.
COMPLETE PAYMENT must be credited in our bank account 60 days prior sailing date*
LAST MINUTE BOOKINGS (within 45 days prior departure)
• Full payment is mandatory within the next 5 days after confirmation.
• NON REFUNDABLE in case of cancellation.
In case of cancellation between 31 to 60 days prior sailing date, the penalty fee will be 50% of the cruise rate.
In case of cancellation within 30 days prior sailing date, the penalty fee will be the TOTAL cruise amount and a 25% fee will be charged for the air ticket.
CHARTERS & GROUPS
• A 30% DEPOSIT must be accomplished within the next 5 days after confirmation to keep spaces.
COMPLETE PAYMENT must be credited in our bank account 60 days prior sailing date*
In case of cancellation between 31 to 60 days prior sailing date, the penalty fee will be 50% of the cruise rate.
In case of cancellation within 30 days prior sailing date, the penalty fee will be the TOTAL cruise amount and a 25% fee will be charged for the air ticket.
*FAILURE TO RECEIVE PAYMENT OF A CONFIRMED BOOKING BASED ON THE TIME FRAMES GIVEN, SPACES WILL BE RELEASED AUTOMATICALLY AND CONSEQUENTLY THE BOOKING CANCELLATION.
Detour, The Adventure Travel Marketplace - Galapagos Islands on the Eden
