In the Steps of Pirates & Darwin
8 Days - M/V Evolution
Cruise the Galapagos in style on this 8 day voyage on board the charming M/V Evolution. This 32-guest yacht is one of the most luxurious vessels cruising the Galapagos Islands and provides spacious rooms and social areas including inside and outside dining. The Evolution's expert naturalist guides will ensure you experience the incredible nature of the Galapagos in an up-close and personal manner.
from AUD $12339pp
Home » 8 Day M/V Evolution: In the Steps of Pirates & Darwin
Itinerary Highlights
- Plenty of swimming and snorkeling opportunities amongst marine creatures
- Enjoy your time at the magnificent long white sand beach of Gardner Bay
- Great opportunities to see live dolphins and whales
- Visit Charles Darwin Research Station and spot the giant tortoise
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Arrive to Baltra Island Airport - Daphne Island
- Day 2: Isabela Island: Punta Vicente Roca - Fernandina Island: Punta Espinoza
- Day 3: Isabela Island: Urbina Bay - Isabela Island: Tagus Cove
- Day 4: Santiago Island: Bartolome - Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay
- Day 5: Santa Cruz Island: Bachas Beach - Rabida Island
- Day 6: Santa Cruz Island: Pit Craters & Highlands (Tortoises Reserve) - Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Research Station
- Day 7: Española Island: Punta Suarez - Española Island: Gardner Bay
- Day 8: San Cristobal: Interpretation Center - San Cristobal Island Airport
Day 1: Arrive to Baltra Island Airport - Daphne Island
This morning we fly to Baltra Island in the Galapagos. Flight time is just under 2 hours from the mainland. Upon arrival we board M/V Evolution where you will have lunch and a quick briefing en route to our first visitor site: Daphne Major Islet.
We will circumnavigate Daphne Major Islet which is home to a variety of birds including Galapagos martins, blue footed boobies, nazca boobies, short eared owls, red billed tropic birds amongst others.
Day 2: Isabela Island: Punta Vicente Roca - Fernandina Island: Punta Espinoza
In the morning, we visit Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island. Snorkeling is incredible here as a result of the nutrient-rich waters of the Humboldt Current that bathe the western side of the archipelago. We will have a chance to see colorful fish, sea lions, penguins and sea turtles in the water.
Afternoon visit to Fernandina Island, home to La Cumbre volcano, which erupts frequently (most recently in May 2005). We visit Punta Espinoza, a narrow spit of land, where a number of unique species, such as flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, sea turtles, Galapagos Penguins and Galapagos hawks can be seen in close proximity.
Day 3: Isabela Island: Urbina Bay - Isabela Island: Tagus Cove
Urbina Bay is directly west of Isabela's Volcano Alcedo, where we will make an easy, wet landing (a hop into a few inches of water). We walk on a stretch of three miles (5 km) of the marine reef that has been uplifted by as much as 13 feet (4 meters) out of the water. A highlight of this excursion are the giant land iguanas and giant tortoises, as well as the opportunity to go snorkeling amongst marine creatures, or just relaxing on shore.
In the afternoon we visit Tagus Cove on Isabela Island. A wooden stairway rises to the trail entrance and continues around Darwin Lake through a dry vegetation zone, and ends in a promontory formed by spatter cones. The site provides spectacular views of our anchorage in the bay, as well as Darwin and Wolf Volcanoes. The green algae underwater pastures of the cove offer the chance to snorkel with marine iguanas, sea turtles, penguins and sea horses.
Day 4: Santiago Island: Bartolome - Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay
In the morning we visit Bartolome Island, famous for Pinnacle Rock, where we will see Galapagos Penguins and sea lions. We will also hike a trail to Bartolome's summit where you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Pinnacle Rock and our beach, where the crystal blue waters of the bay cradle your yacht.
Afternoon visit to Sullivan Bay, one of the most outstanding volcanic sites in the Galapagos. In the nearly 100 years since the Sullivan Bay Flow, only a few plants like Mollugo and Lava cacti have managed to take root in this harsh environment. Oystercatchers can be seen fishing for crabs and mollusks in the tide pools of Sullivan Bay. After exploring the lava flow, there is swimming and snorkeling with playful sea lions off two small coraline beaches. relaxing on shore.
Day 5: Santa Cruz Island: Bachas Beach - Rabida Island
In the morning, visit Las Bachas, a sandy white-coral beach that is a major egg-laying site for sea turtles. The name Bachas refers to the remains of landing craft left here at the end of WWII. Ashore marine iguanas mingle with flamingos and other wading birds in another of the many super saline lagoons found in the Galapagos.
Rabida Island, commonly known by its English name of Jervis, is unique for the very red colour of the beach and cliffs, beneath which one can find gliding sea turtles and perched blue footed boobies. A thick forest of Palo Santo trees sits back from the beach sheltering a yellow saltwater lagoon. Pelicans next in the thickets and brightly coloured pink flamingoes graze the lagoon. A sea lion colony likes to laze on the red sands of the beach. We hike up a tiny peninsula for a wonderful view of the beach and lagoon. Sea caves invite exploration further down the coast.
Day 6: Santa Cruz Island: Pit Craters & Highlands (Tortoises Reserve) - Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Research Station
Santa Cruz is the second largest island in the Galapagos and its capital, Puerto Ayora, is the economic center of the Islands. In the morning we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to visit the Giant Tortoise and Land Iguana Breeding and Rearing Program. Here we used to find Lonesome George (now deceased), the last of his particular race of tortoise.
Afternoon visit to the Highlands, where the dry coastal vegetation transitions to lush wet fields and forests overgrown with moss and lichens. Our destination is the Tortoise Reserve, where we will have chances see these animals in the wild.
Day 7: Española Island: Punta Suarez - Española Island: Gardner Bay
Española, also known as Hood, is the southernmost island of the archipelago, and is one of the most popular due to the breathtaking variation and number of fauna that inhabit the island. In the morning we visit Punta Suarez where you will witness the largest variety of marine iguanas in the Galapagos, masked boobies and blue footed boobies nesting along the cliff's edge, as well as the nesting site of the famous waved albatross.
In the afternoon, visit Gardner Bay, a magnificent long white sandy beach, where colonies of sea lions laze in the sun, sea turtles swim offshore, and inquisitive mockingbirds boldly investigate new arrivals.
Day 8: San Cristobal: Interpretation Center - San Cristobal Island Airport
Today, your Galapagos cruise comes to an end, but before you bid farewell to the Evolution and her crew, pay a visit to the Galapagos National Park Visitor Centre on San Cristobal Island. The Centre presents a comprehensive exhibit of the islands' natural history, human interaction, ecosystems, flora & fauna and your naturalist will use the exhibits to provide an illustrated overview of life on the Islands. A short trail arrives at Frigate Bird Hill, where both "magnificent-frigates" and "great-frigates" can be seen in the same colony.
After, return to the airport for your outbound flight home.
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
14 Dec 2024 - 21 Dec 2024 | AUD $12339pp | ||
Deluxe Stateroom | AUD $12339pp | Contact us | |
Premium Stateroom | AUD $13306pp | Contact us | |
Suite | AUD $15081pp | Contact us | |
Master Suite | AUD $15887pp | Contact us | |
28 Dec 2024 - 04 Jan 2025 | AUD $12339pp | ||
Deluxe Stateroom | AUD $12339pp | Contact us | |
Premium Stateroom | AUD $13306pp | Contact us | |
Suite | AUD $15081pp | Contact us | |
Master Suite | AUD $15887pp | Contact us | |
11 Jan 2025 - 18 Jan 2025 | AUD $15323pp | ||
Deluxe Stateroom | AUD $15323pp | Contact us | |
Premium Stateroom | AUD $16290pp | Contact us | |
Suite | AUD $17742pp | Contact us | |
Master Suite | AUD $18387pp | Contact us | |
25 Jan 2025 - 01 Feb 2025 | AUD $15323pp | ||
Deluxe Stateroom | AUD $15323pp | Contact us | |
Premium Stateroom | AUD $16290pp | Contact us | |
Suite | AUD $17742pp | Contact us | |
Master Suite | AUD $18387pp | Contact us | |
08 Feb 2025 - 15 Feb 2025 | AUD $15323pp | ||
Deluxe Stateroom | AUD $15323pp | Contact us | |
Premium Stateroom | AUD $16290pp | Contact us | |
Suite | AUD $17742pp | Contact us | |
Master Suite | AUD $18387pp | Contact us | |
22 Feb 2025 - 01 Mar 2025 | AUD $15323pp | ||
Deluxe Stateroom | AUD $15323pp | Contact us | |
Premium Stateroom | AUD $16290pp | Contact us | |
Suite | AUD $17742pp | Contact us | |
Master Suite | AUD $18387pp | Contact us | |
08 Mar 2025 - 15 Mar 2025 | AUD $15323pp | ||
Deluxe Stateroom | AUD $15323pp | Contact us | |
Premium Stateroom | AUD $16290pp | Contact us | |
Suite | AUD $17742pp | Contact us | |
Master Suite | AUD $18387pp | Contact us | |
22 Mar 2025 - 29 Mar 2025 | AUD $15323pp | ||
Deluxe Stateroom | AUD $15323pp | Contact us | |
Premium Stateroom | AUD $16290pp | Contact us | |
Suite | AUD $17742pp | Contact us | |
Master Suite | AUD $18387pp | Contact us | |
05 Apr 2025 - 12 Apr 2025 | AUD $15323pp | ||
Deluxe Stateroom | AUD $15323pp | Contact us | |
Premium Stateroom | AUD $16290pp | Contact us | |
Suite | AUD $17742pp | Contact us | |
Master Suite | AUD $18387pp | Contact us | |
19 Apr 2025 - 26 Apr 2025 | AUD $15323pp | ||
Deluxe Stateroom | AUD $15323pp | Contact us | |
Premium Stateroom | AUD $16290pp | Contact us | |
Suite | AUD $17742pp | Contact us | |
Master Suite | AUD $18387pp | Contact us | |
03 May 2025 - 10 May 2025 | AUD $15323pp | ||
Deluxe Stateroom | AUD $15323pp | Contact us | |
Premium Stateroom | AUD $16290pp | Contact us | |
Suite | AUD $17742pp | Contact us | |
Master Suite | AUD $18387pp | Contact us | |
17 May 2025 - 24 May 2025 | AUD $15323pp | ||
Deluxe Stateroom | AUD $15323pp | Contact us | |
Premium Stateroom | AUD $16290pp | Contact us | |
Suite | AUD $17742pp | Contact us | |
Master Suite | AUD $18387pp | Contact us | |
31 May 2025 - 07 Jun 2025 | AUD $15323pp | ||
Deluxe Stateroom | AUD $15323pp | Contact us | |
Premium Stateroom | AUD $16290pp | Contact us | |
Suite | AUD $17742pp | Contact us | |
Master Suite | AUD $18387pp | Contact us | |
14 Jun 2025 - 21 Jun 2025 | AUD $15323pp | ||
Deluxe Stateroom | AUD $15323pp | Contact us | |
Premium Stateroom | AUD $16290pp | Contact us | |
Suite | AUD $17742pp | Contact us | |
Master Suite | AUD $18387pp | Contact us | |
28 Jun 2025 - 05 Jul 2025 | AUD $15323pp | ||
Deluxe Stateroom | AUD $15323pp | Contact us | |
Premium Stateroom | AUD $16290pp | Contact us | |
Suite | AUD $17742pp | Contact us | |
Master Suite | AUD $18387pp | Contact us | |
12 Jul 2025 - 19 Jul 2025 | AUD $15323pp | ||
Deluxe Stateroom | AUD $15323pp | Contact us | |
Premium Stateroom | AUD $16290pp | Contact us | |
Suite | AUD $17742pp | Contact us | |
Master Suite | AUD $18387pp | Contact us | |
26 Jul 2025 - 02 Aug 2025 | AUD $15323pp | ||
Deluxe Stateroom | AUD $15323pp | Contact us | |
Premium Stateroom | AUD $16290pp | Contact us | |
Suite | AUD $17742pp | Contact us | |
Master Suite | AUD $18387pp | Contact us | |
09 Aug 2025 - 16 Aug 2025 | AUD $15323pp | ||
Deluxe Stateroom | AUD $15323pp | Contact us | |
Premium Stateroom | AUD $16290pp | Contact us | |
Suite | AUD $17742pp | Contact us | |
Master Suite | AUD $18387pp | Contact us | |
23 Aug 2025 - 30 Aug 2025 | AUD $15323pp | ||
Deluxe Stateroom | AUD $15323pp | Contact us | |
Premium Stateroom | AUD $16290pp | Contact us | |
Suite | AUD $17742pp | Contact us | |
Master Suite | AUD $18387pp | Contact us | |
06 Sep 2025 - 13 Sep 2025 | AUD $15323pp | ||
Deluxe Stateroom | AUD $15323pp | Contact us | |
Premium Stateroom | AUD $16290pp | Contact us | |
Suite | AUD $17742pp | Contact us | |
Master Suite | AUD $18387pp | Contact us | |
20 Sep 2025 - 27 Sep 2025 | AUD $15323pp | ||
Deluxe Stateroom | AUD $15323pp | Contact us | |
Premium Stateroom | AUD $16290pp | Contact us | |
Suite | AUD $17742pp | Contact us | |
Master Suite | AUD $18387pp | Contact us | |
04 Oct 2025 - 11 Oct 2025 | AUD $15323pp | ||
Deluxe Stateroom | AUD $15323pp | Contact us | |
Premium Stateroom | AUD $16290pp | Contact us | |
Suite | AUD $17742pp | Contact us | |
Master Suite | AUD $18387pp | Contact us | |
18 Oct 2025 - 25 Oct 2025 | AUD $15323pp | ||
Deluxe Stateroom | AUD $15323pp | Contact us | |
Premium Stateroom | AUD $16290pp | Contact us | |
Suite | AUD $17742pp | Contact us | |
Master Suite | AUD $18387pp | Contact us | |
01 Nov 2025 - 08 Nov 2025 | AUD $15323pp | ||
Deluxe Stateroom | AUD $15323pp | Contact us | |
Premium Stateroom | AUD $16290pp | Contact us | |
Suite | AUD $17742pp | Contact us | |
Master Suite | AUD $18387pp | Contact us | |
15 Nov 2025 - 22 Nov 2025 | AUD $15323pp | ||
Deluxe Stateroom | AUD $15323pp | Contact us | |
Premium Stateroom | AUD $16290pp | Contact us | |
Suite | AUD $17742pp | Contact us | |
Master Suite | AUD $18387pp | Contact us | |
29 Nov 2025 - 06 Dec 2025 | AUD $15323pp | ||
Deluxe Stateroom | AUD $15323pp | Contact us | |
Premium Stateroom | AUD $16290pp | Contact us | |
Suite | AUD $17742pp | Contact us | |
Master Suite | AUD $18387pp | Contact us | |
13 Dec 2025 - 20 Dec 2025 | AUD $15323pp | ||
Deluxe Stateroom | AUD $15323pp | Contact us | |
Premium Stateroom | AUD $16290pp | Contact us | |
Suite | AUD $17742pp | Contact us | |
Master Suite | AUD $18387pp | Contact us | |
27 Dec 2025 - 03 Jan 2026 | AUD $15323pp | ||
Deluxe Stateroom | AUD $15323pp | Contact us | |
Premium Stateroom | AUD $16290pp | Contact us | |
Suite | AUD $17742pp | Contact us | |
Master Suite | AUD $18387pp | Contact us |
Alternative itinerary options:
Please note that prices change and vary based on occupancy levels per departure and seasonality. These are “from” prices, please contact us for an exact quote on your preferred dates.
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Deluxe Stateroom
16m-19m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, located on darwin deck, porthole, private bathroom, bathroom amenities, shower, storage space, safe, A/C.
Premium Stateroom
15-18m², 2 single beds or 1 king bed in rooms C2, C3, C6, C7 & C8, queen bed in rooms C1, C4, C5, C6, C7 & C8, located on cormorant deck, porthole, private bathroom, bathroom amenities, shower, storage space, safe, A/C. Extra bed available in rooms C1, C2, C6, C7 & C9 on request.
Suite
18-18.8m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed or 1 king bed, located on albatross deck, window, private bathroom, bathroom amenities, shower, storage space, safe, A/C.
Master Suite
24.4m², 2 single beds or 1 queen or 1 king bed, located on albatross deck, window, private bathroom, bathroom amenities, shower, storage space, safe, A/C, reading area.
M/V Evolution Deckplan
Specifications
- Capacity: 32 Guests
- Guest to Guide Ratio: 10 to 1
- Number of Staterooms & Suites: 16
- Last Renovation: 2017
- Type: Motor Yacht / Expeditions Vessel
- L.O.A: 192 feet / 58.5 meters
- Beam: 29 feet / 8.9 meters
- Engines: Caterpillar 3512 TITA 1300hp
- Generators: Northern Lights 150 KVA
- Builder: Kanasashi Shipyard, Japan
- Crusing Speed: 10-12 knots
- Crew: 18 plus up to 2 naturalist guides & 1 cruise director.
- Dingies: 3 dingies (pangas/zodiacs). 2 dingies are for 16 pax each / 1 for 12 pax
- Navigation Equipment: 72 mile Furuno Radar 19-53 CBB Navnet, Furuno GPS satellite navigator system, Furuno Depth Sounder, Simrad HS50 Electronic Girocompass, speed and distance log, compasses, barometers, forward looking echo sounder
- Onboard Safety Equipment: EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon), 4 x 25 person open sea life rafts, life jackets, flares and signals, fire extinguishing system, and sprinkler system throughout the vessel. Safety equipment on board either meets or exceeds USA Coast Guard regulations
- Communications Equipment: UHF, VHF radio, Satellite Phones
- Electricity: 110 volts AC / 60 Hz: 2 flat prongs
Whats included?
- Expert guidance and service from your own personal Expedition Designer
- Comprehensive pre-and post-cruise information material
- Daily buffet breakfast and lunch offering a wide choice of dishes
- Daily served dinner offering a choice of two main courses
- Guides & activities throughout the cruise
- All transfers (with rest of group) while in Galapagos
- Soft drinks, juice, coffee, hot chocolate, water and tea throughout the cruise
- Lectures and entertainment on board
- Snorkeling equipment (masks, snorkels & fins) and wetsuits (3mm long wetsuits)
- Kayaks and equipment
What’s not included?
- Flights, accommodations, meals, excursions and transfers other than those included in the itinerary
- Galapagos flights (required to book with Quasar)
- Galápagos National Park fee: US$200 per person
- Transit control card: US$20 per person
- Alcoholic beverages purchased at the yacht’s bar (all-inclusive packages available)
- Gratuities to guides, crew and staff
- Personal expenses (communication, Wi-Fi, souvenirs, etc.)
- Trip Insurance and Medical Evacuation Insurance
- Personal travel insurance (required by Quasar)
- Temporary Fuel Surcharge of $150 USD per person
Notes
- 15% discount off the above rates (cruise only) for children 15 years and younger. Maximum of 3 children discounts per family, per booking. (discounts do not apply for Christmas and New Year's cruises)
- 75% Supplement surcharge for Single travelers on suites. 50% Single Supplement surcharge applies to all other staterooms.
- 100% Single Supplement applies to all staterooms for Christmas and New Year’s cruises.
- An additional $800 per person holiday surcharge applies for FIT (individual passengers) for Christmas and New Year’s cruises for 2022.
- Private charter surcharges apply for Christmas and New Year’s cruises. Please inquire with us for full details.
Please note that prices change and vary based on occupancy levels per departure and seasonality. These are “from” prices, please contact us for an exact quote on your preferred dates.