Golondrina, Galapagos

Name: Itinerary C (Baltra - Baltra)
Start: 2026-12-04
End: 2026-12-11
Location: Galapagos

8.6 Fabulous

Naturalist Guide
En-Suite bathrooms
Aircon Cabins

from $ 368 / day Check dates

“I saw sharks and sea lions and large schools of other fish.”
Anonymous, United States

Highlights

Freshly prepared local cuisine
Snorkeling, swimming, and hiking activities

Join the Golondrina yacht for an exciting small-ship cruise in the Galapagos Islands. Catering to just 16 guests, she offers attention to detail, a relaxing atmosphere, and personalized service. Eight twin bunk-bed cabins are available, each carpeted with en-suite bathrooms, hot water showers, and AC. Social areas include a comfortable dining room where local freshly prepared dishes are served a la carte style, an indoor salon and bar with entertainment facilities, and a sun deck perfect for relaxing between activities.

The Golondrina yacht offers 5- and 8-day itineraries designed so guests experience the best of the Galapagos Islands and the incredible wildlife diversity. Snorkel with sea lions and penguins, swim with turtles and rays, and hike to spectacular panoramic viewpoints. Itineraries can also be combined back to back to see everything the Galapagos offers.

The experienced and professional crew of the Golondrina yacht is on hand to help during your memorable small-ship cruise. Book online today.

Choose your departure date

Date

Itinerary

Price

Select

23 Oct

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 3,190

Select Cabin available

30 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,840

FULL

30 Oct

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 3,190

FULL

02 Nov

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,840

Select Cabin available

03 Nov

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,480

Select Cabin available

06 Nov

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 3,190

Select Cabin available

13 Nov

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,840

Select Cabin available

13 Nov

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 3,190

Select Cabin available

16 Nov

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,840

Select Cabin only 3 spaces left

17 Nov

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,480

Select Cabin only 3 spaces left

20 Nov

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 3,190

Select Cabin available

27 Nov

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,840

Select Cabin available

Included: VAT, Airport Transfer, Drinking Water, Tea & Coffee, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Land Excursions, Naturalist Guide, Cabin Towels.

Required Extras: National Park Fees ($220).

Optional Extras: Gratuities, Local Flights ($525 / trip), Alcoholic Beverages, Soft drinks, Rental Gear, Snorkel Gear ($35 / trip).

Book now, pay later: You can easily place your booking online. We will then hold the spaces for you and you can confirm with a payment later.

* Extra fees are shown per person.

Pay by bank transfer or online with

Best Price Guaranteed

Boat features

Naturalist Guide
En-Suite bathrooms
Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
Air Conditioned saloon
Sun Deck
Naturalist Itineraries
Non-Smoking Rooms
Indoor Saloon
Audio & video entertainment
Local & International Crew
Snorkeling Equipment
Daily housekeeping
Bar
Naturalist Guide

Food & Drinks

Vegan Options
Vegetarian Options
Beer available
Buffet style
Western Food
Local Food

If you have any specific dietary requirements whilst on-board your cruise, you can add this to your special requests on step 2 of the booking form. We advise limiting these requests to religious beliefs or food allergies.

Languages Spoken

The crew speaks English and Spanish.

Gear Rental

Equipment is available for rent on this boat. Please provide your rental needs on the booking form. If the rental gear is not included in the price, you will need to pay for it on board the boat. Show prices

Drawings & Vessel Layouts

Cabin Types

Boat Specifications

Length: 22.22 meters

Beam: 5.09 meters

Cruising speed: 8 knots

Max guests: 16

Number of cabins: 8

Number of bathrooms: 8

Boat navigation and safety

Radar
GPS
Radio VHF/DSC/SSB
E.P.I.R.B. Distress System
Emergency Rafts
Life Vests
Fire Alarm & Fire Extinguishers
First Aid Kits
Emergency flares

Golondrina Reviews

8.6 Fabulous

Vessel

7.5
Crew

8.6
Food

9.4
Activities

8.8
Value

8.6

8.0 Very good
HAN D
China

very good experience
I like the GENOVESA ISLAND SPECIALLY.
Recommended for
clean, friendly crew, good tour guide
08 Apr, 2019

10 Exceptional
Iris B
Germany

Great experience but I was upgraded to another ship
snorkeling, learning from our guide, the landscape
Recommended for
snorkeling, learning from our guide, the landscape
23 Sep, 2022

7.6 Good
Jonathan S
United States

Wonder of a trip
The other passengers were wonderful, the islands are superb if not magical. Cruising the islands on the boat’s outdoor deck, the sun and breeze drying the salt water in your hair… bare feet and comfortable.
Recommended for
Food, excursions, and outdoor space on the boat.
01 Jul, 2024

6.8 Review score
Alison W
Australia

Enjoyable cruise but definitely not luxury
For me the highlight of the trip was the early morning boat ride through the mangroves watching the manta rays and turtles gliding by. Just beautiful.
Recommended for
Cruising the Galápagos Islands, wildlife, crew and guide,
01 Jun, 2023

9.6 Exceptional
Janice W
United States

I couldn't think of a better way to see the Galapagos than on a small ship cruise; the experience was delightful and the service was excellent.
Seeing the land tortoises in their native habitat as well as the breeding facilities at the Charles Darwin Station was really special. I enjoyed all the wildlife we saw, especially when in their natural settings (sea lions, marine turtles, sharks, rays, land iguanas, marine iguanas, hawks, flamingos, blue-footed boobies, flightless cormorants, and a myriad of other bird species, as well as the tropical fish). The snorkeling experiences were also great.
Recommended for
The cruise was well organized and the crew was exceptional. Our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful as well. All activities were safely supervised.
18 Dec, 2021

9.2 Superb
Michaela R
Germany

Beautiful cruise
We had a wonderful 5 day cruise with the Golondrina in June 2025. The crew of the Golondrina fulfilled all our wishes and the cook was sensational. The ship itself offered plenty of storage space, plenty of space to relax and had a fantastic hot shower.
Recommended for
Snorkel. Snorkel. Snorkel.
09 Jul, 2025

Translated from German

9.6 Exceptional
Russell W
United States

Take the trip!
The experience was phenomenal. Everything and I mean everything was a highlight but if i had to pick one thing it would be swimming with the penguins.
Recommended for
The food was great. The Captain and crew went out of their way to make sure you had anything you needed and always helped with the excursions.. Jorge our guide was very knowledgeable and had amazing animations of the animals etc. He's been a guide since 1989 and definitely knows what he's talking about!.
29 Aug, 2025

10 Exceptional
Anne G
Germany

The highlight of our honeymoon.
Snorkeling with sharks, turtles, sea lions, ...
Recommended for
snorkeling with animals that you only know from documentaries, friendly staff, local and healthy food
22 Aug, 2022

8.0 Very good
Remo B
Italy

Rabid
It was great to learn that there are still places in the world not dominated by humans
Recommended for
Visit to Rabida, a lot of natural resources, great guide
14 Aug, 2022

8.0 Very good
Anonymous
United States

We had a good experience, they kept us busy with snorkeling and hiking each day at a new location.
I liked the snorkeling the best. I saw sharks and sea lions and large schools of other fish.
Recommended for
Waking up at a new island each day. Snorkeling with lots of fish and sea lions. Hiking the islands and seeing the birds nesting.
03 Feb, 2023

35 reviews

8.6 Fabulous
35 Verified Reviews

Sort reviews by:

10 Exceptional
Andrea P
United Kingdom

Fantastic experience amazing value for money
Seeing all the wildlife and the snorkelling was fantastic
Recommended for
The guide the animals the boat
05 Dec, 2019

8.0 Very good
Tarja K
Finland

Laiva oli FRAGATA (ei Golondrina), joten en voi arvostella Golondrinaa (ei kokemusta)
Koko GALAPAGOS (saaret, luonto, eläimet) ja sitä vartenhan tämän matkan halusin!
Recommended for
Opas laivalla, laivan miehistö, kaikki Galapagoksen eläimet!
22 Oct, 2021

9.6 Exceptional
Elizabeth M
Canada

A fabulous experience!
The scenery and animals (both above and below the water) exceeded my expectations!
Recommended for
The guide (Roberto), the food, the friendly, helpful crew.
18 Nov, 2023

10 Exceptional
Sheena R
Canada

Fantastic experience of a lifetime
Every day brought new experiences and fresh excitement. It was completely stunning to be able to be so close to all the wonderful creatures of the Galapagos
Recommended for
Roberto, our guide; the food; the activities
10 Feb, 2024

8.8 Fabulous
Nora F
United States

A lot in a small package
The ship was small enabling the crew to assist each of us almost on a one on one basis. This let me feel more comfortable attempting the lava fields and the ocean snorkeling. The knowledge of our guide about each island and animal species left me feeling as if I had lived in that area for years. I highly recommend the Golondrina and her wonderful crew.
Recommended for
The great support of the crew, the indegenious wildlife, the friendliness of the passengers
01 Nov, 2022

8.8 Fabulous
Matan B
Israel

Good value for money, economy ship but amazing trip
The diverse itinerary gave us numerous opportunities for close-up encounters wit animals. Diving with 5 sea-turtles was best.
Recommended for
The guide, The food, The Itinerary
02 Oct, 2018

10 Exceptional
Cheri P
United States

Amazing
Photographing blue footed Boobies, walking the islands, snorkeling, meeting people
Recommended for
Guide, staff, activities
04 Feb, 2022

8.0 Very good
Anna D
Belgium

Would do it again
I loved it. The crew was really nice, the other guest as well. The guide was really good and friendly. Not 100% my style of guiding but that is just really personal. The boat is an old boat and that came with some problems. One of them was that the airconditioning was not working in my room. So I slept some nights with the door open. Half way the trip some some guest got off (they only booked 5 days), then I changed to a room with working airconditioning. My trip on this boat is more for young people or really active older people who don’t mind the problems that can be expected with an old boat.
Recommended for
Wildlife, snorkelling, good company/crew
02 May, 2023

8.0 Very good
Colleen M
Canada

A once in a lifetime trip
Seeing the Galapagos Islands and the wildlife
Recommended for
Access to the islands, crew and guild friendliness, and the small group
26 May, 2023

8.8 Fabulous
Elodie B
France

Rudimentary comfort, simple food and a unique sightseeing experience! Great value for money!
Every day each island has its own specificities and was a pure pleasure for the eyes!
Recommended for
- visits and discoveries of incredible nature
14 Aug, 2022

Translated from French

6.0 Review score
Peter R
United Kingdom

The most appalling unhealthy ship I have ever been on, it should be condemned as a threat to health and your company should not promote it.
The wonderful bird and marine life, the scenery, the guide and crew. What a wonderful experience, but sadly at the end of the holiday it was wonderful to get off such an appalling ship.
Recommended for
The islands, the guide and the captain and crew.
24 Jan, 2023

8.0 Very good
Meredith P
United States

Basic accommododies but great food, crew and guides
Snorkeling, tortoises and sea turtles galore! Did the 5 day but really only 3 days on boat, I wouldve booked the 8 day if I could go back in time, you see a lot more and is less time on the boat then I thought. Only recommend if you are ok with tight uncomfy sleeping quarters, rest of boat was nice and comfy.
Recommended for
places visted, guide knowledge and food
31 Jan, 2023

8.4 Very good
anja B
Switzerland

view abd natur of galappagos are worth it allways
last snorkeling in the volcano animals and natur (flora and fauna) crew drawings of the guide every day (programm)
Recommended for
crew, food, natur (snorkeling)
26 Feb, 2020

8.8 Fabulous
Ram H
Israel

An amazing wonderful experience in Galapagos
Swimming with Sea lions and turteles.walking among Frigates Albatross Boobies Iguanas and Sea lions...
Recommended for
Islands nature. Snorkeling. Guide and crew..
08 Aug, 2022

9.6 Exceptional
Mark P
United States

We got switched last minute to the "Fragata"...so review is for the "FRAGATA"...not "GOLONDRINA"...just FYI.
So...here's my take on a 'cruise in the Galapagos Islands' aboard the "FRAGATA". Again, we were moved from the 'GOLONDRINA', last minute, to the 'FRAGATA'...probably because of COVID & perhaps there were fewer bookings? Not sure. The 'FRAGATA' is a bit larger than the 'GOLONDRINA' but we didn't board the 'GOLONDRINA' so I cannot compare the 2. We were advised from friends who had been, that one doesn't go to the Galapagos & stay on 'land'...one takes a 'cruise' through the islands. Ok...well, we did both. We first spent 4 days in Puerto Ayora then 5 days on a cruise. I must tell you...for the price of the cruise (& this was one of the less expensive cruises), we would have been better off just staying put in Puerto Ayora & doing 'daily excursions' from there to other islands. Our main focus was doing things in the WATER...i.e, SNORKELING. I guess there are a few people who go to the Galapagos to do hiking treks on the islands. But that was NOT our goal. These islands, for the most part, are some of the UGLIEST islands we've seen. They are desolate, dry, scrubby, volcanic terrain. Yes, there are birds & iguanas & crabs that live on the islands themselves. But I suspect most people visit the Galapagos to be IN THE WATER. That is where the ACTION is. I was quite disappointed that we did not stop at more places to snorkel. It wasn't the crew's fault that we lost an engine...so most of the cruise we were playing 'catch up' to get to our destinations, sailing overnight. Flying into the Galapagos, one sees these beautiful turquoise lagoons hugging the coast of these islands. Makes a snorkeler's mouth water. Unfortunately, most of the places we snorkeled were not those places, for some reason. We were offered as many, if not more opportunities to 'hike' as to snorkel, which, again, was sorely disappointing. Like I said, we could have done SO MUCH MORE snorkeling if we had just stayed put in Puerto Ayora & did day trips to SNORKEL. Our very last day of this 5 day trip was the best. We stopped at Mexican Hat...a snorkel paradise. WHY there weren't MORE of these days is beyond me & again, a HUGE disappointment. I opted to STOP going on the boring hikes & just opted to jump into the water. I got a LOT more out of it by not going on the hikes. The sea life in the Galapagos is why most people go there. ONE hike would have been enough, if that. Honestly, I could have done without ANY land hikes. These islands are NOT 'Hawai'i' or 'Tahiti'...quite the opposite. Though I must say, Puerto Ayora is quite more near being 'tropical' as they grow pineapples, coconuts & bananas. The highlands of Santa Cruz are quite green & can produce a lot of food. Most likely why this is the most populated island. My advice, if you don't wish to spend $2,000.00/day on a cruise is to just stay in Puerto Ayora & do as many day trips as you want. I suspect we could have saved TONS of $$$ by doing that & would have experienced a LOT more sea life. It was a good experience, the cruise. The crew was outstanding, helpful, generous, kind, considerate & very professional. KUDOS to all of them, including our guide. This boat, the "FRAGATA", is an old vessel that has probably been refurbished more than once. Had a lot of old world charm...felt a bit like stepping back in time. Food was excellent, delicious & very healthy. They accommodated us vegetarians with delightful substitutes. We are grateful for their efforts in that regard. We realize these islands are quite remote & it is expensive & difficult to get parts & supplies for ANYTHING into these islands. That being said, I must say that the 'dingy rides' were a mixed bag. The dingy captains were amazing & very skilled at their jobs & very kind & very helpful. My only complaint was the ENORMOUS amount of POLLUTION that SPEWED OUT from each dingy motor. OMG! On top of sometimes choppy seas (thank all of the gods for DRAMAMINE!), the addition of breathing down gallons of pu
Recommended for
Crew, food, water activities
18 Mar, 2022

8.0 Very good
Friedrich S
Germany

Will not use the same tour with Tour guide Jorge.
The tour in general was great, I made one in 2017 with another ship and a perfect guide. The problem this time was the tour guide Jorge (nice guy), who had absolut great knowledge in the nature, but chaotic organization and explanation system. After detailed chaos information on board, very few people knew how the day would go.
Recommended for
We were changed the ship to Fragata, because of tecnical issue (not used Golondrina). Land, Nature and Livestock. Staff off the ship was great..
06 Apr, 2025

8.0 Very good
Krijn V
Netherlands

Very, very beautiful
The hikes and snorkeling trips with the guide
Recommended for
.
04 Feb, 2022

Translated from Dutch

9.2 Superb
suzanne B
United States

Best trip ever!
I highly recommend this trip if you are considering it. Golinidria staff were excellent communicators from someone meeting us at the airport to get our pass to Galapagos and getting our boarding pass. As welll as meeting us at the airport and making sure we got on the correct bus. Once we arrived at our boat we met the crew who were welcoming and king. Roberto our guide was a wealth of information. He was patient and able to answer all of our questions. He made the most out of our 3 nights and 4 days, making sure we got see as many animals as we could and experiencing the different islands. This trip is a highlight of my life. I traveled with my son who has a visual impairment and I can't compliment Roberto and the staff for accommodating his impairment. I am so grateful to have been able to experience this. It is an unforgetable trip and you will not be disappointed. The Sea Lions were my favorite but it was such a joy to see all of the animals in the natural habitat. This trip filled my cup several times over. The food was plentiful and tasty and there was always fresh water available. I cannot recommend this trip and company enough. You will not be disapointed!! Just do it!
Recommended for
The expertice of out guide was invaluable. Everyday was full of information to increase our enjoyment of activities. The variety and pace of activities was perfect. I was never bored or too tired. Every hike and snorkeling event was enjoyable.. The staff was extremely welcoming and kind. They all went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable and well informed..
12 Aug, 2024

7.6 Good
Amy M
United States

Safety and comfort were issues
Snorkeling was amazing. However the Boats to take us in to snorkel did not work properly Engines kept failing and was not safe. The crew did their best with what was given to them so not their fault but the owner of the boat needs to update engines and comfort of boat. No hot water for showers after freezing in ocean. Life jackets had a lot of broken clips.
Recommended for
The guide and crew did excellent job
10 Jan, 2023

9.2 Superb
Daniel P
United States

A very interesting and educational experience.
Seeing the variety on each island and swimming with sharks and turtles.
Recommended for
The crew, the variety of God’s creation, snorkeling
17 Dec, 2018