The Calipso Galapagos Cruise offers a compelling first-class experience combining comfortable design, panoramic viewing areas, and expertly guided exploration of the Galápagos Islands. Recently refurbished and equipped with a dedicated dive deck, a Jacuzzi sundeck, and inviting social spaces, Calipso is ideal for travelers seeking a rich mix of wildlife discovery, scenic cruising, and active adventure.
With four distinct itineraries — including naturalist and diving formats — Calipso caters to a wide range of interests, from those wanting a memorable introduction to the archipelago’s iconic wildlife to experienced divers aiming for some of the world’s most renowned underwater sites. Structured around knowledgeable bilingual naturalist and dive guides, each cruise balances adventure, insight, and relaxation.
Calipso’s cabins are designed with comfort and scenic immersion in mind. The yacht accommodates up to 16 guests across a mix of well-appointed staterooms, each featuring climate control, private en-suite facilities, and generous storage space. Large panoramic windows ensure natural light and ocean views throughout the day.
Standard cabins measure approximately 11–14 m² (120–140 ft²), providing adequate space for relaxation after active days of exploration. Flexible bedding arrangements (twin or matrimonial) allow accommodations for couples, friends, or small families with ease. The thoughtful cabin layout, combined with stylish finishes, creates an inviting environment to unwind between excursions.
Calipso is well matched to travelers who want a complete Galápagos experience without the formality of ultra-luxury yachts but with more refined comfort than basic expedition offerings. Its size and design appeal to couples, active friends, and small family groups who value structured wildlife exploration and scenic cruising at a comfortable pace.
This cruise suits guests who appreciate a thoughtful blend of guided wildlife walks, snorkeling adventures, coastal hikes, and relaxed downtime on deck. Travelers who prioritize value, naturalist interpretation, and well-rounded route variety will find this vessel delivers a satisfying experience.
Travelers often choose Calipso for its combination of itinerary versatility, approachable comfort, and knowledgeable guide support. The yacht’s social areas, including shaded outdoor decks and indoor lounges, provide inviting spaces to share stories or enjoy panoramic views between excursions.
Certified bilingual naturalist guides lead landings and water activities each day, offering insight into Galápagos ecology, species behavior, and conservation context. This interpretive depth enhances every stop, from iconic wildlife encounters to serene snorkeling sites.
Calipso’s range of itinerary formats — spanning both 5-day and extended 8-day options — allows guests to match their travel window with the experience that best fits their interests, making it a consistent favorite among travelers seeking depth without excessive formality.
Days aboard Calipso typically begin with early shore excursions led by certified naturalists, timed to coincide with peak wildlife activity or optimal snorkeling conditions. After returning onboard for meals and rest, the yacht navigates to the next destination, offering panoramic cruising time from the sundeck or shaded outdoor lounges.
Afternoon activities may include guided hikes, panga rides, or additional water exploration, depending on the chosen itinerary. Evenings begin with a briefing outlining the following day’s plans, followed by dinner in a relaxed, social atmosphere.
The daily rhythm balances active exploration with scenic leisure, ensuring guests feel engaged without being rushed, and has become a defining characteristic of the Calipso cruise experience.
Designed for experienced divers, this eight-day itinerary combines world-class underwater exploration with classic archipelago highlights. Dive sites around Wolf and Darwin Islands provide opportunities to encounter hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and abundant marine life, while surface excursions take in scenic islands and terrestrial wildlife.
In the morning when you arrive at San Cristobal Airport, we will collect you and transfer you to the yacht for the start of your Galapagos diving experience. There will be some time for lunch and settling in before heading for your first dive. We will visit Lobos Island for dives of 10-33 feet 3-10 meters). A special highlight here is the sea lions which love to play with the divers.
Wildlife to spot here: Sea lion, rays, turtles, marine iguana, star fish.
This morning we can dive or do snorkeling at Espejo Point. This spot is interesting for its unusual and unspoiled wildlife, since this island has never been inhabited. In the afternoon there is a chance for snorkeling or diving at Mejia Point. Some believe the diving here is among the best the Islands have to offer. This is an excellent spot for seeing rays, and it is also possible to spot hammerhead sharks sometimes.
Galapagos wildlife to observe here: Marine iguana, Sea turtle, reef fish, sea lion, hammerhead shark, tropical fish, eels.
The spectacular diving site at Wolf Island is only visited by live aboard dive cruises. It is possible to see some amazing marine life here, but the diving is challenging and is only for those with a lot of experience. We may visit La Ventana Islet, La Banana, Shark Bay Point or El Derrumbe on this fascinating day of diving.
Wildlife you can see today: Hammerhead shark, dolphin, whale shark, rays, colorful fish, corals and more.
Darwin’s Arch is an impressive site, rising 50 feet (15 meters) above the sea. The diving here is considered among the best in the world with good reason, and it is only visited by live aboard diving cruises. You’ll need a minimum of 50 dives to dive here, and experience in cold water, current and surge too. The dives are from 20 to 130 feet (9 to 40 meters). We will visit Darwin’s Arch and El Arenal.
Galapagos wildlife to observe underwater: Turtle, dolphin, Galapagos sharks, whale shark, hammerhead shark, tropical fish, rays, and others.
Given the underwater delights of Wolf and Darwin Islands, we remain in this area for the whole day today. This morning there will be another chance to dive in the area of Darwin’s Island, either at Darwin’s Arch or El Arenal, depending what was done the previous day. In the afternoon we’ll head over to Wolf Island for La Banana or Shark Bay Point.
Look out for this Galapagos wildlife: Turtle, dolphin, Galapagos sharks, whale shark, hammerhead shark, tropical fish.
Today we dive at spots close to the Western Isles. At Cape Douglas, divers with Advanced open water and a minimum of 40 logged dives can dive to a depth of 66 feet (20 meters). This dive off Fernandina Island is done from June to December, while from January to May we visit Coka Port off Isabela Island instead, due to the conditions. In the afternoon we can dive at Cape Marshall (January to May) or Vicente Roca Point (June to December). Cape Marshall is for advanced divers and offers the chance to maybe see the Galapagos black striped salema. Vicente Roca Point offers up an array of marine life including sea horses, sun fish, batfish and frogfish, among others, for open water divers.
Galapagos species: Galapagos penguin, marine iguana, sea lion, Chevron barracuda, yellow fin tuna, rays, snappers.
At Cousin’s Rock, Santiago Island, advanced divers with 30 logged dives can sometimes see giant mantas as well as sea horses and sea turtles. This is another spot where sea lions love to play with divers. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the El Chato Tortoise Reserve to see and learn more about giant tortoises in the Islands.
Wildlife to observe here: Hammerhead, Galapagos sharks, rays, sea horse, sea turtle, frogfish, octopus, giant tortoise, Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers.
This morning your Calipso Galapagos diving adventure draws to a close. After breakfast we will transfer you to San Cristobal Island for your return flight to the Ecuadorian mainland. With you, you’ll be sure to take memories that will last for a lifetime.
This eight-day route explores the heart of the Galápagos archipelago from north to south, linking iconic visitor sites with diverse ecosystems. Highlights include visits to volcanic landscapes, endemic wildlife hotspots on islands like Fernandina and Isabela, seabird colonies, and scenic stops at South Plaza, Floreana, and Santa Fe — offering a rich naturalist immersion.
This morning you will be met at San Cristobal Airport by our representative and transferred to the Calipso boat. There will be time for settling in and some lunch. In the afternoon we will visit the spectacular Witch Hill, with its beautiful beach to give you a taste of the rest of your trip. Hiking, kayaking and snorkeling are all possible here.
Galapagos Wildlife you might see today: blue footed booby, sea turtles, rays, tropical fish, mockingbird, sea lions.
In the morning you’ll wake to a stunning view of Bartolome Island, with its iconic scenery. We’ll go for some hiking on the Island, along a volcanic trail, to enjoy the views. When snorkeling here, it is often possible to see the Galapagos penguin. In the afternoon we will visit Chinese Hat, an island so named for its distinctive shape.
Galapagos animals to see: Galapagos penguin, sea lions, tropical fish, Sally Lightfoot crabs, marine iguana, lava lizard.
At Espinosa Point on Fernandina Island this morning we can enjoy the fascinating volcanic landscape, and some interesting hiking along a short trail. In the afternoon we will visit to Isabela Island’s Tagus Cove for some snorkeling and hiking, and a look at the interesting mangrove ecosystem here.
Animals to spot today include: Flightless cormorant, sea lion, Galapagos penguin, Galapagos hawk, marine iguana.
This morning, our next stop on Isabela Island is Urbina Bay for a hike along some short trails, and another snorkeling opportunity. The coast here rose during an uplift in the 1950s, leading to a unique marine ecosystem.
Birdwatchers in particular will love this afternoon’s visit to Moreno Point, where during our informative dinghy ride, we will see a variety of species.
Galapagos wildlife today: land iguana, turtles, rays, giant tortoise, flamingos, pin tail ducks, penguins, and more.
Another birdwatcher’s delight, North Seymour Island is a place where several species like to nest. There is a chance to hike along a trail to view the wildlife here.
This afternoon there is the chance to experience jaw-dropping scenery, with stunning steep cliffs and fabulous views a highlight of the hiking at South Plaza Island.
Galapagos wildlife to look for: Blue footed booby, magnificent frigate birds, sea lions, reef shark, marine iguana, land iguana, Nazca booby, swallow tailed gull.
Today’s visits are both on the delightful Floreana Island. In the morning we will visit Post Office Bay to learn about the informal historic mail system from here. There is also a chance for snorkeling and hiking along a short trail. At Cormorant Point in the afternoon we can enjoy the visual delight of a green beach, behind which sits a lagoon where pink flamingos may be spotted.
Wildlife to look out for: Flamingo, sea turtles, Galapagos swallow, Galapagos dove.
At Santa Fe Island this morning we will enjoy some hiking to spot land iguanas nearby the trail. We’ll head to a scenic viewpoint, and we will learn about the island’s cactus vegetation along the way. After sailing to Santa Cruz Island, this afternoon we’ll have an educational visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, where we can also see giant tortoises.
Galapagos wildlife to spot: Land iguanas, giant tortoises, tropical birds and more.
On this final morning there is time for one last visit first thing. We will head to the Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center to learn about human and natural history and conservation in the archipelago. Following this, we will transfer you to Baltra Airport for your flight back to the Ecuadorian mainland.
After this stop, your cruise on the Calipso Galapagos boat comes to an end and you will be escorted to San Cristobal Airport for your flight back to Ecuador’s mainland and your onward journey.
This five-day naturalist program focuses on the western marine environments and northern coastal wildlife. Expect volcanic scenery, rich snorkeling stops, iconic penguin and marine iguana habitats, and dramatic ocean vistas that capture the essence of the Galápagos’ biodiversity in a mid-length itinerary.
On arrival at San Cristobal Airport, we will meet you to transfer you to the boat for the start of your Galapagos adventure. After lunch and a settling in period, our first visit will be to Witch Hill. This pretty beach and hill are home to a variety of Galapagos wildlife. Here you can enjoy hiking, kayaking and snorkeling.
Galapagos wildlife to spot: Blue footed booby, mockingbird, sea lion, sea turtle, rays, tropical fish.
Bartolome Island has scenery that is considered among the most picturesque in the Galapagos Islands, with its famous Pinnacle Rock. We will go hiking along a trail set against a volcanic backdrop, and there is a chance for snorkeling too. Later on, we will take a visit to Chinese Hat. On approaching the island you’ll quickly see why it was named this way!
Wildlife you might see today: Sally Lightfoot crab, sea lion, Galapagos penguin, lava lizard, marine iguana, tropical fish.
An overnight sail brings us to Fernandina Island and an informative visit to Espinosa Point is this morning’s first visit. Hiking along a pretty trail provides great photographic opportunities of the volcanic scenery here. This afternoon, on Isabela Island we head to Tagus Cove to enjoy more hiking and some snorkeling. The mangroves here support a variety of wildlife to learn about and see.
Galapagos wildlife to observe here: Marine iguana, flightless cormorant, Galapagos hawk, Galapagos penguin, sea lion.
Remaining at Isabela Island, we will first head to Urbina Bay this morning, with its fascinating raised coast and unusual scenery. Here we can enjoy some hiking and snorkeling. In the afternoon, we’ll pay a visit to Moreno Point, for the chance to spot Galapagos wildlife from an educational dinghy trip in the area.
Galapagos Wildlife: Pintail duck, turtle, land iguana, giant tortoise, flamingo, rays, penguins.
On this last day of your Galapagos cruise there is just time for one last visit to North Seymour Island. A haven for birdlife, we can observe a range of species while hiking along the short trail here. After this, we will transfer you to Baltra Airport where you can take your flight for your onward journey in or beyond Ecuador and this way you will finish your Galapagos Cruise tour.
Wildlife: Land iguana, blue footed booby, magnificent frigate bird and others.
A compact four-day route that introduces travelers to southern and central visitor sites. Stops include South Plaza, Floreana, and Santa Fe — each with unique land and marine wildlife encounters — before returning via the Charles Darwin Research Station and concluding on San Cristóbal Island.
When you arrive at Baltra Airport, our representative will be waiting to transport you to our yacht for the start of your Galapagos trip. There will be some time to settle into your cabin, and to have some lunch before heading to your first Galapagos visitor site. This afternoon we will visit South Plaza Island for a hiking opportunity along a lovely trail, with views of steep cliffs and sea birds along the way.
Galapagos wildlife to spy today: Nazca booby, swallow tailed gull, red billed tropicbird.
Today we will visit two sites on Floreana Island. The first is pretty Post Office Bay, and a chance to see the antiquated postal system that is still in use today. Snorkeling and hiking are possible here. Later on, at Cormorant Point’s unusual green tinged beach, there is another hiking opportunity, with the trail passing by a brackish lagoon, to a second beach.
Galapagos wildlife to look out for today: Nazca booby, Flamingo, sea turtles, Galapagos dove.
Santa Fe Island is known for its population of land iguanas. Hiking along the trail it is possible to spot these interesting creatures darting around among the cactus vegetation here. Sailing onwards we head to Santa Cruz Island for a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here we can learn about conservation in the archipelago, as well as finding out more about the giant tortoise breeding program.
Galapagos wildlife: Land iguana, giant tortoise, birds and more.
Before heading off to San Cristobal Airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador, we have time for a final visit with the Calipso Cruise. This is taken to the Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center. Here it is possible to find out more about the natural history, human history and conservation in the Galapagos Islands. From here we will transport you onwards to the airport for your return journey.
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Year of Refurbishment 2019
Length 115 feet / 35 meters
Beam 24 feet / 7.3 meters
Speed 12 knots
Capacity 16 passengers + 10 Crew members
Gross Tonnage 146 Tons
Accommodation
