Galapagos Private Charter
Private. Exclusive. Pampered.
Whether for a group of friends or an extended multi-generation family, a private charter provides exclusive use for a higher level of privacy and intimacy. You can be assured that every detail is crafted to perfection allowing you to immerse yourself in the destination.
“The yacht, the crew, our naturalists, the land excursions—everything was perfect! …Thank you for creating a most memorable and enjoyable experience for the 16 members of our family!”
Welcome to the Galápagos Islands
You'll retrace some of Charles Darwin’s route of 1835 with superb naturalists and in much greater comfort than he experienced: you'll be pampered by an outstanding crew, dine in style and enjoy the views from large picture windows in the comfort of your private yacht. Discover the fauna and flora that make the islands so unique. More about Galapagos »
Daily exploration
Naturalist-led shore excursions and snorkeling provide guests with intimate encounters with wildlife.
Each day you will explore the islands, many unchanged since Darwin's time. Your naturalist guide will lead shore excursions to observe flora and fauna with engaging descriptions of the natural forces at work shaping the islands. You have the option of hiring an additional guide to enable members of your party to travel at different paces, or to focus on different interests. Our naturalist guides »
The Luxury Yacht INTEGRITY
An elegant base for 16 discerning guests to discover the islands. Stabilized. Comfortable. Spacious.
When not ashore exploring the islands, kayaking, or snorkeling with sea lions, penguins, and tropical fish, you'll travel in comfort and style aboard the 141' 16-passenger luxury yacht INTEGRITY. She is equipped with state of the art stabilizers, Wi-Fi, a relaxing sun deck jacuzzi, and plenty of room to unwind and enjoy your Galapagos experience. Our charterers range from families wanting to share quality time to high-profile guests accustomed to or needing more exclusivity. More about INTEGRITY »
Your Itinerary
Click to enlarge
Day 1 (Saturday) | To Baltra and Santa Cruz
Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you will be escorted to the VIP arrivals lounge where staff will collect your passport and facilitate your entrance formalities with the Galápagos National Park. Once your luggage has been collected, you will transfer from the airport across the Itabaca channel to the Island of Santa Cruz. Here, you will lunch in the highlands and search among the lush grasses for grazing giant tortoises. Time permitting, you can explore a lava tunnel. Continuing to the town of Puerto Ayora, you’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, stop to check the fit of your wetsuit, then board INTEGRITY to begin your cruise.
Days 2 - 7 (Sunday to Friday) | Aboard the yacht
Using INTEGRITY as your home, you'll cruise the islands spending as much time ashore as the Park rules permit. With our licensed, INCA-selected naturalist guides, you'll learn about the birds and animals, geology, marine life and oceanic systems of the Galapagos Islands.
Eastern itinerary »
Western itinerary »
One of the highlights and an integral part of any visit to the Galápagos is the opportunity to swim and snorkel with the marine life—tropical fish, sea lions, turtles and sometimes with penguins! On most days, you'll snorkel at least once, some days twice. While back on board, you’ll enjoy delicious meals, naturalist talks, complimentary WiFi, and laundry service.
Day 8 (Saturday) | Disembark, return to Guayaquil or Quito
From anchorage in the Baltra harbor, say "adios" to INTEGRITY and her dedicated crew and return to the Baltra airport for your flight back to the Ecuadorian mainland, where a day room will be waiting for you to relax before your late night international departure.
Arriving early or extending your stay
Explore more of Ecuador with visits to the Andean highlands, Amazon Jungle or Peru. A variety of options are available.
See extension options »
Galápagos Private Charter - Dates & Prices
INTEGRITY sails a fixed weekly schedule departing each Saturday. Please call, email or use our LiveChat feature to request charter availability and pricing.
Inclusions and exclusions
Included
VIP lounge upon arrival at Baltra Airport with pre-payment of Galapagos National Park entrance fee
Lunch and tour of Santa Cruz Highlands in search of Giant tortoises
Visit to Charles Darwin Research Station
8-day / 7-night cruise aboard INTEGRITY
All meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8
Complimentary soft-drinks, coffee, tea, and juice while aboard yacht
Two glasses house wine served with dinner aboard the yacht
Complimentary laundry service available on board the yacht
Complimentary and unlimited use of internet
Complimentary use of wetsuits, masks, fins & snorkels
Complimentary use of eight 2-person sea-kayaks, where permitted by the National Park
VIP lounge upon departure from Baltra Airport
Additional costs (subject to change without notice)
International airfare to Ecuador
Galapagos airfare ($555 per person, effective Apri 01, 2024)
Land arrangements in Quito or Guayaquil. Your charter contract covers the exclusive use of the yacht. Accommodations and transfers in either Quito or Guayaquil are available at the discretion of the principal charterer under separate agreement and may be customized to suit the needs of the chartering party.
Galapagos National Park entrance fee (currently $100 per adult, $50 per child under 12)
INCREASES TO $200 PER ADULT / $100 PER CHILD EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1ST, 2024.Galapagos Transit Control Tax (currently $20)
Additional wine and other spirits are available for purchase aboard ($10-$15 per glass)
Gratuities for naturalist guides and yacht crew. A comprehensive gratuities guide will be furnished with your documents.
Payments & Cancellations
All private charters are governed by specific contract. Deposits, payments and cancellation schedules as well as all terms and conditions will be listed in the contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum and maximum group size for charters?
The Galapagos National Park has granted INTEGRITY permission to carry a maximum of 16 passengers. The park permits no exceptions to this rule. There is no minimum number of passengers required for a chartered departure.
What is included and not in the charter price?
All private charters are governed by individual charter contracts which define all inclusions and exclusions, but are limited to the exclusive use of the yacht. Not included are supplemental accommodations, airfare, government taxes or Galapagos National Park entrance fees. A sample contract is available to all prospective charterers.
How much flexibility is there to change the charter route, or start/end on alternate dates? Will INCA pro-rate these days?
The Galapagos National Park has pre-set the yacht visitation schedule. Changes may not be made to the timing or order of site visits without advanced authorization by the Galapagos National Park and each change has a fee.
What is the difference between the East and West routes?
Both routes have been expressly designed to showcase the flora and fauna of the islands. See more »
When is the best time to go?
Galapagos is a year-round destination, but there are some temperature variations. See more »
Is this trip right for me?
You will be transferring to and from INTEGRITY by zodiac, and enjoying daily walks and snorkeling. Terrain is varied, ranging from simple beach combing to walking over rough terrain. Learn more »
What is the policy regarding children?
There is no minimum age restriction on private charters.
How large are the staterooms?
The King-bedded Owner’s Suite is 350 ft² and spans from port to starboard. Standard twin/king/queen staterooms are 150 ft². The single stateroom is 120 ft².
How many naturalist guides will be aboard?
There is one naturalist on board for up to 16 guests. INCA personally selects all naturalist guides serving aboard INTEGRITY. Naturalists dine with guests.
Is a second guide an option?
A second guide may be arranged for an additional charge. This allows guests to travel at their own pace and is popular with bird-watchers, photographers, those with mobility issues, and families.
How many crew?
There are 10 crewmembers, all Ecuadorian, normally consisting of Captain, Helmsman, Engineer, assistant Engineer, Chef, Assistant Chef, Barman, Seaman, and 2 Stewards.
Will INCA book the Galapagos flights?
For logistical reasons, INCA will book guests’ Galapagos flights to coordinate arrival times with all members of the charter party.
Does INCA work with private aircraft accommodations?
If arriving via private aircraft, please provide INCA with the flight information and aircraft tail number. Please consult your INCA sales representative directly for information on airport restrictions and recommendations on ground jet handlers. Private aircraft landing and parking permits, customs, agricultural and Galapagos National Park inspections, as well as other Ecuadorian governmental requirements would be addressed through your private aircraft handling agent or leasing company. INCA accepts no responsibility in connection with arranging these services.
Can guests pre-pay their Galápagos Transit Control Tax?
Yes. INCA can arrange all paperwork and prepayment of the Galapagos Transit Control Tax to save guests having to wait in line at the airport, provided arrangements made through INCA.
Can guests pre-pay their Galápagos National Park Fee?
Yes. Guests may prepay their National Park entrance fee. Upon disembarkation at Baltra Airport, guests must present their passports for verification of entry.
What Gratuities are included?
Tips for drivers on Santa Cruz are included. Tips for guides, naturalists and yacht crew are not. Tips for porters, housekeeping and items of a personal nature are not.
Can gratuities be prepaid?
Due to Ecuador’s tax and labor regulations, we ask all gratuities to be paid in cash at the end of the cruise or service.
Can guests pre-order their wetsuit?
There is no need to pre-order a wetsuit, unless a custom size is required. In such cases, we recommend bringing your own, as the dive shop stocks standard sizes ranging from XS – XXL.
Can guests scuba dive while on tour?
Galápagos National Park rules prohibit scuba diving from any vessel other than licensed dive boats. Guests may arrange day-dives from Puerto Ayora independently either before or after their cruise. INCA does not arrange scuba diving due to liability limitations.
How can guests pay their bar tab?
Bar tabs may be paid in cash or credit card aboard INTEGRITY.
May I see a bar list?
Sample bar and wine menus are available upon request.
May guests bring their own alcohol or order special labels?
Guests may bring their own bottles in their checked luggage. Ecuadorian law allows, at this date, up to three liters of alcohol per person to be brought into the country. Special labels may be pre-ordered at applicable Ecuadorian rates.
What about special dietary restrictions?
INTEGRITY can cater to almost all dietary preferences, allergies and restrictions. During the booking process, guests will have the opportunity to specify any dietary preferences, allergies or limitations. Hard to source or highly specialized provisions may require a supplement.
Is there Wi-Fi aboard and during trip?
A satellite-based marine Wi-Fi system has been installed aboard INTEGRITY. It is available free of charge. More information is available on request.
Is there a satellite phone aboard?
Yes, there is satellite phone service aboard INTEGRITY. Usage will be billed to guest. Satellite phones may also be rented at home and brought on the trip.
What entertainment is on board?
Each stateroom is equipped with DVD player and digital music speakers that guests may connect with their phone or music source. The library is stocked with Galapagos titles and DVDs, cards and a few games. A projection system is available for naturalist presentations and guest use.
What amenities and services?
Minibar with individual water bottles; hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash; daily towel service; laundry service.