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★★★★★ Top Tailor-made Birding, Wildlife and Photography Tours & Highly recommended in Trip Advisor!!

Ecuador Birds Tours

Alya Cruise: The Jewel of the Galapagos Islands

Galápagos Luxury Cruise Highlights

✅Highly Recommended in Trip Advisor
Small Groups & Personalized Service – Intimate, exclusive experience.
Diverse Itineraries – observe from Waved Albatrosses, Galapagos Penguins, Frigatebirds, Blue-footed Boobies, assorted colorful fishes to Galapagos Penguins and other endemic species!
Gourmet Dining & Premium Service – High-end cuisine and personalized service.
Snorkeling & Kayaking – Opportunities to explore the vibrant marine life up close.
Eco-Friendly Operations – Sustainable tourism practices to protect the Galápagos ecosystem.

6 Days Southern Wonders by Alya Catamaran

  • Day 1. Flight to Baltra. North Seymour Blue-footed Boobies Island.
  • Day 2. South Plazas and Santa Fe Island. 
  • Day 3. San Cristobal Island, Kicker Rock 
  • Day 4. Espanola Island Waved Albatrosses
  • Day 5. Floreana Island 
  • Day 6. Santa Cruz Tortoises and Flight to Quito

Index Itinerary 

6 Days 5 Nights + 1 Free Night in Quito

Itinerary

Day 1

FLIGHT TO BALTRA AIRPORT, NORTH SEYMOYR BLUE-FOOTED BOOBIES

Saturday PM: North Seymour Island
  • Experience the incredible wildlife of Seymour Island, where Magnificent and Great Frigatebirds put on dazzling courtship displays. Watch Blue-footed Boobies nesting along the rugged terrain and encounter both Land and Marine Iguanas in their natural habitat.
  • Highlights: Galapagos Sea lions, Blue-Footed Boobies, Magnificent & Great frigatebirds, Land & Marine Iguanas, Swallow-tailed Gulls, Shearwaters, Darwin Finches.
  • Activities: Dry Landing, Hiking, and Snorkeling
  • Meals: Lunch and Dinner
  • Guide: Shared Naturalist Guide

Galapagos Wildlife Frigatebirds by Ecuador Birds ToursAlya Luxury Galapagos Cruise by Ecuador Birds ToursGalapagos Blue footed Boobies Lobos Island by Ecuador Birds Tours


Day 2

SOUTH PLAZAS AND SANTA FE ISLAND 

Sunday AM: South Plazas
PM: Santa Fe Island
  • Discover the richness of South Plazas, where land iguanas feed on prickly-pear cacti and playful sea lion pups frolic in tide pools. In Santa Fe Island explore the cactus-strewn and lava-rock landscapes. Observe sea lions at the white sand beaches, and keep an eye for Galapagos hawks, Darwin finches, Galapagos doves, Mockingbirds and Lava Lizards.
  • Highlights: Giant cactus, Santa Fe Bay, Galapagos Sea Lions, Santa Fe Land iguanas, Galapagos Hawks, Galapagos Doves, Reef Sharks, Sea Turtles, Assorted Fishes.
  • Activities: Wet Landing, Hiking, Snorkeling, Kayak
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Guide: Shared Naturalist Guide

South Plazas by Ecuador Birds ToursGalapagos Seal in Santa Fe Island Ecuador Birds Tours


Day 3

SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND, KICKER ROCK AND LOBOS ISLAND

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Monday AM: San Cristobal: Interpretation Center / Kicker Rock
PM: San Cristobal: Lobos Island
  • Engage in the rich history of the Galapagos at the Interpretation Center, tracing back from the era of early Spanish explorers to the present day, and learn about the challenges faced by the initial settlers.  
  • Continue to Kicker Rock for snorkelling or Kayak opportunities and witness the bustling wildlife of Lobos Island, home to large groups of sea lions, male frigatebirds, and blue-footed boobies.
  • Highlights: Galapagos sea lions, marine Iguanas, Magnificent & Great Frigatebirds, Blue-Footed Boobies, San Cristobal Lava Lizards, Sea Turtles, Rays.
  • Activities: Dry Landing, Hiking, Snorkeling, Kayak
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Guide: Shared Naturalist Guide

Seal Alya Cruise Galapagos Promotions by Ecuador Birds Tours


Day 4

ESPANOLA ISLAND WAVED-ALBATROSSES, GARDNER BAY AND SUAREZ POINT

Tuesday AM: Española: Gardner Bay
PM: Española: Suarez Point
  • Explore Gardner Bay, known for its fine coral sand, turquoise water, and an array of endemic species such as Española mockingbirds, marine iguanas, and Galapagos hawks.
  • Continue in a nature walk at Suarez Point (when possible) and observe the Waved Albatrosses nesting grounds. Encounter also sea lions, marine iguanas, and large colonies of sea birds.
  • Highlights: Sea lions, Waved Albatrosses, Galapagos hawks, Española mockingbirds, Darwin finches, Marine Iguanas, Nazca & Blue-footed Boobies, Red-billed Tropicbirds, Swallow-tailed gulls, Lava Heron, Lava Lizards, Angelfish, Parrotfish, Damselfish, Surgeonfish, Sea Turtles. 
  • Activities: Dry and Wet Landing, Hiking, Snorkeling, Kayak
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Guide: Shared Naturalist Guide

Waved Albatrosses Espanola Island by Ecuador Birds Tours


Day 5

FLOREANA ISLAND, CORMORANT POINT AND ALIERI HILL

Wednesday AM: Floreana: Cormorant Point/Devil’s Crown
PM: Floreana: Alieri Hill
  • Explore Devil's Crown and Cormorant Point, famous for its large coastal lagoon inhabited by American flamingoes, white-cheeked pintails, black-necked stilts and other shorebirds. Continue snorkel opportunities in abundant marine life, including snapper, Creole fish, parrot fish, angelfish, reef sharks, sea turtles, and rays.
  • End your day at Alieri Hill, a paradise for plant lovers boasting unique endemic species and breathtaking views of the northern coast. Keep an eye out for flycatchers, yellow warblers, and Darwin finches.
  • Highlights: American flamingo, blue-footed boobies, Frigatebirds, Tropicbirds, Galapagos shearwaters, Sea Lions, Sea Turtle nesting site, Finches, Shorebirds, Coral-sand beach, Snorkeling. 
  • Activities: Dry and Wet Landing, Hiking, Snorkeling, Kayak
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Guide: Shared Naturalist Guide

Floreana Island Alya Cruise by Ecuador Birds Tours


Day 6

SANTA CRUZ GIANT TORTOISES AND FLIGHT TO QUITO

Thursday AM: Santa Cruz Highlands
  • Visit Santa Cruz Giant tortoises grazing and resting in freshwater ponds. Look out for rare bird species such as finches, flycatchers and water birds. Visit a lava tunnel and learn about their formation from ancient volcanic eruptions. Continue to Baltra Airport, return to Quito. 
  • Highlights: Giant tortoises, Darwin finches, Barn Owls, White-cheeked pintails, Galapagos flycatchers, Lava tunnels. 
  • Activities: Dry Landing and Hiking
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Guide: Shared Naturalist Guide

 

Promotion: 1 Free Night with 24/7 Roundtrip Airport Transfers, Dinner and Breakfast can be before or after the Cruise.

Type of Cabins

Embark on a journey to the Galapagos Islands aboard our luxury yacht, where every cabin boasts a private balcony for you to enjoy views of the pristine waters and rugged landscapes.

Alya Cruise

Matrimonial Cabin

Alya Cruise

Twin Cabin

Alya Cruise

Private Balcony 

    Alya Cruise Inclusions

    Special Promotion

    1 Free Nights in Hacienda Jimenita with Airport Transfers In and Out, Dinners and Breakfast Included!!

    Included

     Airport assistance
     Galapagos Islands airfare from/to mainland
    (Quito or Guayaquil) $450.00 per person*
    ✔ Control transit card $20 per person
     Transportation and fuel surcharge in the
    Marine reserve of Galapagos
     Welcome cocktail
     Accommodation in single, double cabin
     Bilingual naturalist guide (English-Spanish)
     Personalized crew service
     All meals during the cruise, from lunch on
    the first day to breakfast on the last day.
     One snack after each activity (except last
    day)
     Unlimited purified water, coffee and tea -
    we suggest bringing your own water bottle
    to refill it onboard.
     All visits, excursions & activities according
    to the itinerary.
     Puerto Ayora dock tax ($1 per person / in
    cruise date)
     Transportation Airport-Channel/ Channel
     Airport (Lobitos Bus / in cruise date)
     Docks use and ferries.
     Snorkeling gear (Mask, tube, and fins) will
    be given according to the indicated sizes.
     Use of kayaks and paddle boards in
    authorized places.
     Wetsuits will be given according to the
    indicated sizes.
     Shampoo, hair conditioner, and soap for
    daily use
     Beach towels

    Not Included

     International flights to/from Ecuador
     Galapagos National Park entrance fee $200 per person
     Alcoholic and soft drinks.
     Tips and gratuities
     Personal expenses
     Travel insurance (Highly recommended)
     Additional services not indicated.

    Activities

    Cabins:

    • 9 luxury cabins (8 with private balconies)
    • Private bathrooms, hot/cold water
    • Air conditioning, hair dryers, safes

    Common Areas:

    • Living Room: Panoramic windows, entertainment, books, games
    • Dining Room: Buffet meals, vegetarian/vegan options, wine selection
    • Bar: Local & international cocktails
    • Sundeck: Cushions, jacuzzi, observation area, Al Fresco dining

    Activities:

    • Snorkeling (gear provided)
    • Kayaking
    • Panga rides
    • Wildlife observation
    • Guided hikes
    • Paddleboarding

    Testimonials

    2024 – Birding Review Ecuador: Birding Tour

    ★★★★★

    Organization of our trip by Ecuador Bird Tours was excellent. Miguel, our bird guide, was a very perceptive and competent bird expert, and due to him we saw a lot of species which we couldn’t discern visually nor hear. And we experience great hospitality in Hacienda Jimenita, being the main base of our trip and belonging to the owners of Ecuador Birds Tours agency. - Tomasz, Poland

    2025 – Birding Report Ecuador: Fantastic 15-Day Birding Adventure in Ecuador

    ★★★★★

    "My wife and I had a wonderful time on this 15-day bird private tour with Ecuador Birds Tours (EBT).  Diego was wonderful tailoring our trip to our desires, and answering all of our pre-trip questions. All the logistics during our trip were smooth as can be. The lodges were great and much nicer than what I had expected. The food provided by the lodges was wonderful and we felt very spoiled! The staffs at the lodges were very friendly and eager to please and help. We highly recommend Ecuador Birds Tours for folks who want to be immersed in discovering the wonderful bird life of Ecuador. Not having to worry about driving, safety, safe food/water, or the best spots to find birds made this a stressless adventure. This is a professional, well-run operation and we are super happy we went with Ecuador Birds Tours!" - Mike and Amedee Long from USA

    2025 – Birding Report Ecuador: Excellent guide, amazing birds

    ★★★★★

    "I saw over 100 birds with Ecuador Birds Tours! They know all there is to know about birds and can identify them from a fleeting glance or a very far off call. Everywhere we went was full of birds and Ivan knows just where to look and how to call them out so you can see them. His knowledge of birds, and enthusiasm for finding them is unparalleled. Highly recommended! - Suzanne from Australia

    2025 – Birding Report Ecuador: Worth more than five stars really

    ★★★★★

    "Did a 14 day trip with my own guide. Everything ran smoothly from being collected at the airport to being returned there. My guide had excellent skills and knowledge and worked really hard to maximise the number of birds we could find. 500 birds and eleven mammals including spectacled bear says it all. The company clearly has very good relationships with the lodges and local guide so we were treated well. If I can return in the future to go further down into the Amazon Basin I will use them again". - David Jones, United Kingdom

    2025 – Birding Report Ecuador: Super Birding Company

    ★★★★★
    "Diego and Ecuador Birds Tour did an awesome job planning my 4 night birding and photography trip to Ecuador. I would highly recommend them for both photographers and those just looking to see a lot of birds. Diego helped me when one of my luggage was delayed over 24 hours requiring him to pick it up at the airport at almost midnight the night before I was scheduled to head to the Western cloud forests. I saw all the birds on my list and was able to get great photos with the help of my guide Roberto. It was a great start to my trip to Ecuador" Sabrina, USA

    2025 – Birding Report Ecuador: Terrific Birding and Superb Trip Organization

    ★★★★★
    "Seeing birds, lots of them, and adding lifers is exactly what you want a birding trip to be. You get this and much more with Ecuador Bird Tours most capably managed by Diego Cruz. The exceptional guides provided by Ecuador Birds Tours: Miguel for six days and Oscar for three were often accompanied by a second, and sometimes even a third local guide.  I saw more than 300 species in 8 days of birding. This included a Harpy, 26 other birds of prey, 28 Hummingbirds, and well over 100 lifers. Also, within an hour of arrival we saw a spectacled bear and a giant anteater and anaconda at Sacha (and we saw 3 species of monkeys, 2 species of squirrels, agouti, and other animals).This was my second trip with Ecuador Birds Tours, and I really hope to go again." David Northrup, Canada

    2025 – Birding Report Ecuador: 10 day tailored tour with Ecuador Bird Tours

    ★★★★★
    "My wife and I cannot recommend this company enough. The lodges we stayed at on our tour included Hacienda Jimenita, Sachatamia Lodge, and San Isidro Lodge. They were all fantastic and the grounds of Jimenita were both gorgeous and fun to explore and there were some neat bird art pieces around the lodge. Food throughout the tour was exceptional.We will absolutely be doing business with this company again and highly recommend them for your future travel needs." Robert Qually, USA

    2025 – Birding Report Ecuador: Fantastic tour with great guides and lodging

    ★★★★★
    "My wife and I had the pleasure of going on Ecuador Bird Tours excursion for our 40th anniversary. The trip vastly exceeded our expectations! From the welcome we received at La Jimeneta to our final day, Diego and his staff treated us like family. Our guides were amazing making sure that we got on the bird as well as finding the best angle for a photo. We managed to see all our target birds and many more. The guides on our first two days were Daniel and Roberto, great guides and extremely knowledgeable. The remaining days we had Marcelo. At the end of our 10 days we counted 330 birds, 238 lifers and took about 1300 photos. I highly recommend Ecuador Bird Tours, Diego and his staff will tailor a tour for your goals and interests. We are planning another tour to the Amazon region with them hopefully in the near future" Walt and Sharon, USA

    2025 – Birding Report Ecuador: Ecuador Birds Tours deserves all the stars!

    ★★★★★
    "You will be one of the family as soon as you start your conversations with Ecuador Birds Tours. We went for 10 days of birdwatching and 5 days in Galapagos. Ecuador Birds Tours was outstanding every minute of every day. The staff was attentive without being intimidating, the service was top-notch, the birder guides were well-informed and expert, always willing to go the extra mile to make sure you had a wonderful experience. We visited several of the family's reserves and birding lodges and they were all outstanding and dedicated to warm hospitality, great birding experiences and the preservation and conservation of the ecosystem of the Eastern and Western slopes of the Andes. Our only regret was that our time was so short. Would recommend Ecuador Birds Tours to anyone thinking about a birding trip to South America" Pari and Charles, USA

    2025 – Birding Report Ecuador: 400 Lifes in Southern Ecuador!

    ★★★★★

    "Jorge really knows his birds! He has a fantastic ear as well! The birds don’t seem to care if it is raining. We probably missed a few forest ground birds, but we did see almost 400 different species and a whole lot of them for the first time. The lodges were all wonderful, well equipped, friendly staff and great local food. We were over fed everywhere.We did miss one lodge due to road closure, but we felt lucky that we got to all the others! The last lodge ,at 11,500 feet, was spectacular!! With piles of wonderful food and postres and a room with an incredible view! We will highly recommend Ecuador Birds Tours if anyone asks!! - Sally Fellows, USA

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