Aboard M/V Eclipse, Southern Circuit

The Eclipse is a perfect base for any Galapagos cruise: a generously proportioned ship with a small yacht atmosphere. Ever since her arrival in 1999, the Eclipse has been considered the finest boutique cruise ship in the Galapagos Islands, offering unparalleled levels of comfort and service. She was converted specifically for upscale cruising in the islands, and was designed to meet the exacting demands of luxury travel. Whether you are snorkeling with sea-lions, watching a blue-footed booby feed its young, or following a giant tortoise through the forest, the Galapagos Islands will surpass all expectations, and there is no better way to enjoy the wonders of the islands than on board the Eclipse.

From your comfortable base aboard the Eclipse, you will be able to explore the islands’ best visitor sites. There are many opportunities to hike, swim, snorkel, bird-watch, and take great close-up photographs of the flora and fauna. For land visits, guests are divided into groups of a maximum of 12 people, each with its own naturalist guide. The Eclipse anchors off shore at two visitor sites per day, and passengers are ferried to landing points in small boats, locally called “pangas.” On the islands you follow marked trails, walking at a leisurely pace, with your guides explaining the unusual sights you see. Afterwards, there is often an opportunity to swim and snorkel before returning to the ship.

Taking children to the Galapagos Islands is an immensely rewarding experience. For this reason, we offer selected family departures during the months of July, August, and December. Specialist guides educate and entertain the children throughout the day, while adults enjoy the cruise at your own pace, knowing that the children are in safe hands and making their own discoveries about the history of evolution and the wonders of the islands.

Starting in 2012, two itineraries are offered to adhere to new touring regulations established by the Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve to limit tourist visits for the islands' health and recovery.  Choose between this southern itinerary, which includes Espanola Island, and its companion tour of the north which includes Genovesa, based on your preferences and dates.  If you want the complete Galapagos experience and have the time, take both!