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YACHT LA PINTA DARWIN’S LEGACY
5.0
36 Ratings
Seymour
Embark on a 7-day adventure to the Galapagos Islands on Yacht La Pinta. Explore the origins of the archipelago, encounter unique wildlife, and snorkel at the best sites in the region.
Embark on a 7-day adventure to the Galapagos Islands on Yacht La Pinta. Explore the origins of the archipelago, encounter unique wildlife, and snorkel at the best sites in the region.
Duration:
7 days
Cancellation:
6 days
Highlights
Baltra - This adventure begins with your morning flight to Baltra Island and an immediate transfer to the nearby dock to board Yacht La Pinta. After an introductory briefing onboard, we will all partake in an emergency boat drill, after which you will be assigned to your cabin and then be invited to lunch.
Baltra - This adventure begins with your morning flight to Baltra Island and an immediate transfer to the nearby dock to board Yacht La Pinta. After an introductory briefing onboard, we will all partake in an emergency boat drill, after which you will be assigned to your cabin and then be invited to lunch.
What's Included
- 24/7 coffee station (free coffee, tea, and water)
- Wetsuits
- Wifi (Due to the Galapagos’ remote location, connections are intermittent and low-bandwidth)
- Kayaks
- Multiple purpose room
- Pangas (inflatable dinghies for coastal exploration)
- Snorkeling Equipment
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Fitness Room
- Landing and facility fees
- Glass Bottom…
- 24/7 coffee station (free coffee, tea, and water)
- Wetsuits
- Wifi (Due to the Galapagos’ remote location, connections are intermittent and low-bandwidth)
- Kayaks
- Multiple purpose room
- Pangas (inflatable dinghies for coastal exploration)
- Snorkeling Equipment
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Fitness Room
- Landing and facility fees
- Glass Bottom boat, Kayaks, Paddleboards
- Reading room and natural history library
- Safe deposit box (in cabin)
- Island Sightseeing with certified Naturalist Guides
- Outdoor terrace / BBQ
- Doctor onboard 24/7
What's Not Included
- Airport transportation to/from Galapagos and airport taxes (A destination expert will contact you).
- Galapagos National Park Entrance.
- Ingala Transit Control Card.
- Gift Pack, tips and gratuities.
- Soft & Alcoholic beverages, available at an extra cost ( Over 18 years old).
- Medical insurance and travel insurance.
- Fuel surcharge (US $20 per person / per day).
- Airport transportation to/from Galapagos and airport taxes (A destination expert will contact you).
- Galapagos National Park Entrance.
- Ingala Transit Control Card.
- Gift Pack, tips and gratuities.
- Soft & Alcoholic beverages, available at an extra cost ( Over 18 years old).
- Medical insurance and travel insurance.
- Fuel surcharge (US $20 per person / per day).
Additional Information
We’re thrilled to welcome you on this exploratory voyage to some of the Galapagos’ most picturesque islands. Our expedition leads us to the foundation of the archipelago, to landscapes freshly shaped by Earth’s monumental tectonic activities, with volcano hot spots generating the islands like a blip in geologic timeline. Fernandina Island is known as…
We’re thrilled to welcome you on this exploratory voyage to some of the Galapagos’ most picturesque islands. Our expedition leads us to the foundation of the archipelago, to landscapes freshly shaped by Earth’s monumental tectonic activities, with volcano hot spots generating the islands like a blip in geologic timeline. Fernandina Island is known as one of the planet’s most untouched eco-friendly zones, where life thrives in its natural habitat, isolated from human intervention. On Santa Cruz Island, we’ll stop by the Charles Darwin Research Station and witness giant tortoises in the wild. Moving south, we delve into Galapagos’ intriguing ‘murder mystery’, sight flamingos, and snorkel at Champion Islet, one of the top spots within the archipelago. Concluding our tour of the Central Islands, we return to Baltra Island and embark on our return flight to the mainland.
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Itinerary subject to change due to weather, logistical, Galápagos Park regulations or operational reasons
- Baggage important notes: Guests can bring aboard the ship a reasonable amount of clothing and personal effects without charge. Baggage is handled in accordance with the airlines’ regulations and tariffs. Baggage exceeding these limitations is subject to the charges as set forth by the individual operators. Airlines are strict with baggage limitations. The current limits are 23 kg (50.6 pounds) for checked items, 8 kg (17 pounds) for hand luggage and 1 personal item (handbag, camera bag, laptop, etc.)
- All baggage must be securely packed, and properly and clearly labeled. Liquid, fragile, perishable and other articles not suitably packed are transported at guests’ own risk.
- Restricted Baggage in the Galapagos: Local authorities manage the quarantine system of the Galápagos National Park in order to reduce the possibility of foreign species invading the archipelago. All cargo and luggage that arrives to Galapagos National Park or that is transferred from one island to another must be inspected. To preserve the human health and the native species of the Galapagos Islands, the following products may not be transferred to Galapagos: fresh vegetables and fruits, animal products and or their derivatives, dairy products. Other live animals, pathological samples, dry coffee beans, genetically modified organisms, forest species or their disseminative parts, grass and its disseminative parts, fresh flowers, medicinal plants and their disseminative parts, banana tree leaves, micro-organisms (fungi, bacteria, etc.) soil and sand, and animal vaccines
- One of our destination experts will get in touch with our guests to make sure they have all logistical information available, specially due to entry requirements to the Galapagos Islands and schedules for domestic air tickets to Galapagos.
Location
Galápagos Ecologic Airport
After you have processed the Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee, you will see our staff holding signs with La Pinta logo. They will assist you to transfer you to the ship.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(36 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Kylec075
Aug 1, 2025
An incredible experience from start to finish! - My fiance and I had an amazing experience with Metropolitan Touring.
Starting with the booking process, Maria Emilia, our destination expert, was absolutely delightful to work with as she helped us decide which tour would be best for us and in communicating all the important details as our trip approached.
Then on the boat itself, the entire crew was remarkably attentive, responsive, and generally wonderful to interact with. The facilities were impeccably clean, the food was amazing, and the schedule was perfectly managed to maximize time experiencing nature with just enough time to relax and transition between activities.
And speaking of the activities, the naturalist guides were all easily among the best guides we've had on any tours anywhere. They were super knowledgeable about the flora, fauna, and history of the islands and had incredible communication skills and were generally a delight be around. We were also in awe of how much wildlife we were able to see on land and in the water and how close we were able to be to so many exotic birds, iguanas, land turtles, sea turtles, sea lions, and penguins without seeming to bother any of them.
Overall, we are so grateful we listened to our family who recommended Metropolitan Touring, and we will also be recommending them to anyone who asks about going to the Galapagos.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cecilemv6256xs
Jul 31, 2025
Galapagos Cruise with Metropolitan Tours (La Pinta Darwin's Legacy) - My daughter and I had a wonderful trip. We saw unique landscapes and species. You barely disembark before bumping into blue footed boobies, iguanas, sea lions etc. sprawled across your pathway and completely unfazed by the excited humans that are approaching! Highlights included snorkeling with marine turtles, playful sea lions, and a manta ray. I was very impressed by the organization of Metropolitan Tours and the friendliness of everyone on board. The cabins were cleaned multiple times per day, the food was excellent, the panga drivers were skilled, and the naturalists - Kathy, Dries, Indi, and David - were very knowledgeable, kind, and patient. Every evening we could listen to a presentation about the following day's activities including recommendations of what to wear and what to bring. All snorkeling equipment including wet-suits was provided, which allowed us to pack light. I would definitely recommend bringing the items Metropolitan Tours suggest on their packing list - sturdy, waterproof sandals, UV protective long-sleeved shirts, hats etc. You will come back a little tired but that's because you will have made the most of the time you had. Our online trip coordinator Anddy Males was very enthusiastic and quick to assist.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laurajctn
Jul 20, 2025
Amazing trip to see the Galapagos wildlife - This was an incredible, awe-inspiring tour with beautiful moments in nature with opportunities to get up close to so many amazing and unusual species of animals. I highly recommend this tour and this company. La Pinta staff and guides were superb. It was clear the guides had a real passion for the islands, its history, and its wildlife. Each day, we did at least one morning activity and at least one in the afternoon: hiking, coastal exploration in a "panga" (rubber boat), snorkeling, swimming, or taking a glass-bottom boat. Some people did kayaking as well. There were lots of great opportunities for photos. The sea life was just as beautiful as the life on land. Favorites of both land and sea were the blue-footed boobies, the baby sea lions who swam in the water next to us on the last day, the sea turtles, and the giant tortoises. We even got lucky and saw a whale, and we could see sharks following our ship on the last night. Time on the boat was also great. Good food, fantastic staff, excellent service. There was even a jacuzzi on board. There were lectures in the evening that were very interesting, and one night some entertainers came on board for music and dancing. There were about 48 passengers, and we enjoyed meeting other travelers.
I will say that the trip is challenging physically, especially when walking on some rocky and sometimes slick surfaces, sometimes walking at a fast pace, snorkeling in choppy waters, and even managing getting on and off the boat while the waves are rocking everything. However, the guides help all along the way, and there were options if, for example, the "power hike" was too much, you could do an easier activity.
I want to also recognize Melissa Altamirano for her excellent service and great communication. She was the contact person for me prior to the trip, and she made sure that all the logistics went smoothly, and they did. The hotel pickup, transfer to the airport, domestic flights, arrival at the ship, everything went perfectly and seamlessly. Melissa was also quick to respond to questions and was a great contact. Overall, I highly recommend this trip and this company. It was a great, unforgettable adventure and a wonderful way to see one of the most unique parts of the world.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Y2272lfsarahl
Jul 14, 2025
Incredible Experience on La Pinta - We had an incredible experience on La Pinta. The naturalists were excellent, the crew was awesome and the other passengers became friends. The boat itself was wonderful and really comfortable. We were glad we selected a boat that accommodates 48 since that meant we had four excellent naturalists and plenty of options for activities. The food was also terrific. The itinerary brought us to amazing wildlife and we learned so much. We only wished we could stay longer. Thanks to Anddy for his help with booking and making sure we had all the info we needed for a great trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
O4115xpgrahamm
Jul 7, 2025
La Pinta and Metropolitan Touring are the best! - Booking a trip on Metropolitan Touring’s ship La Pinta is probably one of the easiest ways to see the different islands and wildlife in the Galapagos.
Metropolitan Touring, MT, can organize everything: hotels, transfers, domestic flights, and more. Our contact at MT, Carolina, was fantastic and she patiently and thoroughly explained everything before we booked. From arrival in Quito to departure, everything is handled smoothly and efficiently by MT and their local operators. It is possible to just ‘sit back’ and enjoy the ride without having to worry about connections, taxis, or flights. Don’t worry, MT has everything under control. These conveniences do tend to add up though, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on all the extras.
However, being ‘easy’ and being able to ‘sit back’ does not apply to the time on board La Pinta. This is not an armchair traveller’s experience in the Galapagos, but an activity-packed adventure. Walking and snorkelling activities are offered every day, with kayaking and glass-bottom boating sometimes available too. Usually, there are two morning activities and one in the afternoon after lunch. You will be busy, or as busy as you want to be. I guess you could stay onboard but what’s the point of that!
The activities offered do not require a high level of fitness and sure-footed people and confident swimmers will be in their element. People who are less nimble and not steady on their feet may find the wet landings on a beach tricky. Similarly, some of the walking over lava may also be difficult. People who are not strong swimmers or who dislike swimming in a wavy ocean may choose the glass-bottomed boat instead of snorkelling.
La Pinta is perhaps the ‘Goldilocks’ ship–not too small, not too big. The food was great and, one night, the chefs managed to make a buffet that was equal in quality to the usual a la carte options. Lunch was often eaten al fresco on the aft deck under the shade of awnings, and dinner in the downstairs restaurant. By the way, long sleeves are a good idea at dinner because the a/c can be fierce.
Before and after the time aboard La Pinta, MT can offer other accommodation options to enhance your adventure in Ecuador, for example, Finch Bay resort in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz island, or Mashpi Lodge near Quito. We can recommend Finch Bay as a great place to relax after the busy and intense time on the ship. The pool is great (and not wavy) and there is an excellent restaurant, The Point, nearby if you feel like dining out.
Overall, we highly recommend Metropolitan Touring, their ship La Pinta, and the Finch Bay resort. The only improvement would be to include the ‘optional tip’ in the overall price of the trip. This is not unusual on cruise lines and would spare guests from countries where tipping is uncommon any unnecessary hassle or embarrassment.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kcr457
May 21, 2025
So good we returned. Same company, same ship, same wonderful service. - This was our second Galapagos trip with Metropolitan Touring, also on the Yacht La Pinta. We couldn't be more enthusiastic about both trips. Metro Touring and specifically Diego Zapata who we worked with each time are outstanding. Metro took care of us from the moment we landed in Quito until we left to return home. And the depth and variety of experience on this journey was breathtaking. We knew it would be good. Just didn't realize how good. If you had asked me 20 years ago if I would ever go to Galapagos, I would have said, perhaps but not likely. Now we have been twice in two years because it has been such a rewarding experience. You have options for booking a Galapagos vacation. Trust me when I tell you that Metro Touring is outstanding. Call Diego, and tell him I sent you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
633griern
Mar 10, 2025
The Galapagos through the eyes of those from the Galapagos - Our adventure was incredible....from hiking to snorkeling to paddle boarding to touring the cliffs in the zodiacs. Even the occasional rain could not deter our enthusiasm to get out in nature.
The guides were excellent...the boat/small ship perfect...disappointment? Only that it was the wrong season for the albatross....
Review provided by Tripadvisor
B222kjjohnr
Mar 10, 2025
Amazing Galapagos experience - I am extremely happy with Metropolitan. We booked our Galapagos vacation directly with them. Our travel advisor, Melissa, took excellent care of of, taking into account all of our requests and concerns. And the trip could not have been better (well, I did get sea sick the first night, but the doctor on board the La Pinta was amazing so it was only a minor set back). The wildlife was amazing. The only downside of going end Feb/early Mar is that we had a ton of rain. I would do this trip again in a heartbeat and would recommend to anyone who loves nature.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T5779phkenm
Mar 10, 2025
Galapagos - I researched Galapagos and came across Metropolitan. The reviews convinced me to use them, and I was not disappointed. I worked with Melissa Altamirano, who lives in Ecuador, and she provided tons of information and options. She was very responsive - and patient with me.
The trip itself is amazing. We booked the Western Expedition, and saw 10 out of the 11 Galapagos iconic species that we hoped to see. The one that got away was the hawk - but a few folks on the boat did see it. From talking to others, there is no bad route or expedition.
We stayed in Quito for several enjoyable days prior to transferring to the boat. Melissa arranged several day excursions for us, which made life easy. All we had to do was show up, smile and soak in the beauty and history of all that was around!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Freedom06522398277
Dec 16, 2024
Last-minute wonderful trip! - This was a phenomenal experience, several very special days with my son; not only the cruise but also the accommodations in Quito beforehand. I was very impressed by the "package"! Melissa answered all my questions and made everything work well for us
Review provided by Tripadvisor
