Galapagos Sea Star

Galapagos Sea Star is to us a fantastic 16 guest monohull yacht.  She has lots of space inside and multiple vantage points on three decks from which to admire the islands and you pass them by.

Getting on and off is very easy from the lower deck, with steps leading both sides down to the water. There is comfortable seating at the rear of the main deck, where there is also a bar; and on the top deck there is a large sheltered alfresco dining area and two jacuzzi hot tubs. There is spacious dining inside as well, alongside a comfortable lounge area with large windows to provide excellent views.

Cabins have recently been refitted and improved, with four en suite bathrooms and main deck cabins with small private balconies.

Written by Aqua-Firma director & photographer, Ralph Pannell, who has hosted exclusive Aqua-Firma charters onboard Sea Star.

Technical Specifications
 

Year of construction Refurbished 2019
Length     137ft (42m)
Beam    29ft (9m)
Draft      7ft (2m)
Speed 10 knots
Capacity 16 guests

10 members + 1 Cruise Director + 1 Bilingual Naturalist Guide

Main engines 2 YUCHAI 450 HP
Gross Tonnage 480 GT
Accommodation

Main Deck: Dining room, lounge, 4 Balcony Suites (271 ft2 / 25 m2)
Upper Deck: 3 Galapagos Suites (271 ft2 / 25 m2), 1 Sea Star Suite (378 ft2 / 35 m2)

*All cabins with private bathrooms, hot water and air-conditioning

Safety & Navigation 2 Zodiacs for 25 people, Smoke detectors, automatic CO2 tank for kitchen and engine room, 1 Satellite compass, 2 magnetic Compasses, Tracking equipment.


Deck Plans

Main Deck

Upper Deck

Sun Deck

Itinerary

Please note that these itineraries are subject to change without notice due to seasonal changes, last minute weather conditions and the decision of the Galapagos National Park authority.

Itinerary A (6 days / 5 nights)

Day 1 (Tuesday) - San Cristobal Island

AM: San Cristobal Airport Arrival
You will arrive at San Cristobal Island in the morning.

After passing through immigration and baggage claim, you will be met by a Sea Star staff member and transferred to the yacht. You will be shown to your cabin where you will have some time to settle in before lunch and a welcome briefing.

PM: David Rodriguez Breeding Center “La Galapaguera”

Breeding Center David Rodriguez - “La Galapaguera”, in Cerro Colorado, is a new visitor site in the southeast part of San Cristobal Island and can now be reached in roughly one hour by road from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. On the trees and shrubs surrounding the site, you may see land birds like warblers, finches and mockingbirds. Giant tortoises can be observed on the trails. They live there wild but in a protected area to ensure their survival by sealing them off from introduced predators like pigs and goats.

Day 2 (Wednesday) - Espanola Island

AM: Suarez Point
On the trail to Suarez Point you will have the chance to spot blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, and Nazca boobies. This island is the breeding site of nearly all of the world’s 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses. You will also visit a beautiful site on the ocean front where there is a cliff that the large albatrosses use as a launching pad! You will have the chance to see the famous blowhole that spurts sea water into the air. The landscape is great for photography.

PM: Gardner Bay, Gardner Islet & Osborn Islet
This excursion takes you to the spectacular Gardner Bay. After landing, you can walk across a lovely white-sand beach amongst a busy sea lion colony or dive into the water to swim with sea lion pups. You may also see curious mockingbirds on the beach

Day 3 (Thursday) - Floreana Island

AM: Cormorant Point
Cormorant Point hosts a large flamingo lagoon where other birds such as common stilts and white-cheeked pintails can also be seen. The beaches on this island are distinct: The Green Beach is named so due to its green colour, which comes from a high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand, and the Flour Sand Beach is composed of white coral.

PM: Baroness Viewing Point
Baroness Viewing Point is a fantastic place to absorb the environment of the Galapagos. Once inhabited by an indulgent baroness and her three lovers, the history of this island is intriguing. The legends about this baroness are associated with a fascinating murder mystery. There are easy trails in this area for exploring the flora and fauna of Floreana.

Afterwards: Post Office Bay
You will land on a beach and head to a spot where 18th century whalers placed a wooden barrel used as an unofficial mail box. The custom continues to this day with Galapagos visitors. So, don’t forget your postcards, and don’t be surprised if the post card arrives to its destination before you even get home!

Day 4 (Friday) - Santa Fe & South Plaza Islands

AM: Santa Fé Island
Santa Fe Island (Barrington) is home to the small picturesque bay and anchorage on the island’s northeast coast. The bay has two visitor trails: one leading to a scenic viewpoint atop a cliff, and the other spanning from a small beach to a tall prickly pear cactus forest.

PM: South Plaza Island
This small island with steep cliffs was formed by rising lava and is now covered by Opuntia cacti. It is also home to one of the largest sea lion colonies as well as colourful yellow and red land iguanas. The most characteristic plant is the Sesuvium. During the rainy season its colour is a greenish to yellowish tone and in the dry season (end of June through January) a bright red.

Day 5 (Saturday) - North Seymour & Santa Cruz Islands

AM: North Seymour
In North Seymour you may see Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and magnificent frigate birds which are abundant on this island. North Seymour was formed by a series of submarine lava flows containing layers of sediment that were uplifted by tectonic activity. The island is characterized by its arid vegetation zone.

PM: Bachas Beach
Bachas Beach is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz and is a beach for swimming. One of the few remnants of the U.S. World War II presence in the Galapagos, a floating pier, can be seen here. You may see flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black-necked stilts, and whimbrels. Sea turtles also nest on the beach.

Day 6 (Sunday) - Mosquera Island

AM: Mosquera Islet
Mosquera Islet is located between the islands of Baltra and North Seymour. This reef of rocks and coral (the result of an uprising) is only 160 meters across at its narrowest width. This island has one of the largest populations of sea lions and is home to many shorebirds. There have been occasional reports at this site of orcas feeding on sea lions.

Afterwards: Baltra Airport Departure
After this final visit, you will be transferred to the Baltra airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.

Itinerary B (5 days / 4 nights)

Day 1 (Sunday) - Baltra Airport Arrival

AM: Baltra Airport Arrival
Morning flight from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra, Galapagos Islands.

You will arrive at Baltra Island in the morning. After passing through immigration and baggage claim, you will be met by a Sea Star staff member and transferred to the yacht. You will be shown to your cabin where you will have some time to settle in before lunch and a welcome briefing.

PM: Dragon Hill
Situated on Santa Cruz Island, Dragon Hill is one of the newest visitor sites accessible to tourists in the Galapagos Islands. One of the lengthier Galapagos walking trails will lead visitors along a beach and up a trail to the lagoon lookout where bright flamingos, pintail ducks, and land iguanas can be spotted.

Day 2 (Monday) - Santa Cruz & Santiago Islands

AM: Black Turtle Cove
Visit Black Turtle Cove in the northern part of Santa Cruz. This inlet is surrounded by mangroves and is only accessible by dinghy.

The shallow cove is a haven for young marine life. Black-tip and white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, and a variety of rays are often spotted here.

PM: Chinese Hat
This small islet is located near the southeast coast of Santiago Island. Its name comes from the distinct shape of the islet’s summit.

Chinese Islet is a great location to view many geological formations such as lava tunnels and lava flows. Some of the lava flows were formed underwater and subsequently raised above sea level. The presence of coral heads on the lava flow indicates this phenomenon.

Day 3 (Tuesday) - Genovesa

AM: El Barranco
El Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps, is a steep, rocky path that leads up a high cliff rock face. A marvellous view can be appreciated from here. This site is also home to Palo Santo vegetation as well as red-footed boobies, short-eared owls, Galapagos storm petrels, and Galapagos doves.

PM: Darwin Bay
Visit the white-sand coral beach of Darwin Bay which includes a half mile trail (0,75km) that winds through mangroves filled with land birds. Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls, which can easily be spotted here. Further down the path we’ll find tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully. At the end is a spectacular view of a cliff.

Day 4 (Wednesday) - Bartholomew & Santiago Islands

AM: Pinnacle Rock
You will head to Bartholomew Island where the famous Pinnacle Rock is found. Bartholomew consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black and even green volcanic formations. We will take a trail of stairs to the summit of the volcano (about 30 or 40 minutes) where you will enjoy one of the best views of the islands! A beautiful beach surrounded by the only vegetation is perfect for snorkelling where you may even see and swim with Galapagos penguins.

PM: Sullivan Bay
You will visit Sullivan Bay located on the southeast part of Santiago. This place is interesting for its geology because the area is covered by lava flows. This place has elevations in the form of small volcanoes formed by the lava flows.

Day 5 (Thursday) - Santa Cruz Island

AM: Highlands
Accessible by bus from Puerto Ayora, the highlands of Santa Cruz are a deep green which contrast beautifully with the dry, lower part of the islands. The predominant vegetation in the highlands are Scalesia trees which create a lush green forest. The lava tunnels, over half a mile long, are underground and walking through them is a unique, surreal experience. At this place you’ll have lunch.

Afterwards: Baltra Airport Departure
After this final visit, you will be transferred to the Baltra airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.

Itinerary C (6 days / 5 nights)

Day 1 (Thursday) - Santa Cruz Island

AM: Baltra airport arrival
Morning flight from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra, Galapagos Islands. After passing through immigration and baggage claim, you will be met by a Sea Star staff member and brought into a private bus to start your adventure in Galapagos.

Please note: Your first excursion in the Galapagos will be after being picked up at the airport upon arrival to the islands, before boarding the cruise. It is essential for you to arrive in the Galapagos wearing comfortable clothes, good closed-toe shoes suitable for an excursion, a long-brimmed hat, sun lotion, sunglasses, and to ensure you have your camera handy.

PM: Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre
You will visit “Fausto Llerena” Tortoise Breeding Centre in Puerto Ayora, where giant tortoises are bred in captivity. This is home to tortoises ranging from 3-inches (new hatchlings) to 4-feet long adults. Subspecies of the giant tortoises interact with one another, and many of the older tortoises are accustomed to humans stretching out their heads for a photo opportunity. The babies are kept until they are about four years-old and strong enough to survive on their own.

Day 2 (Friday) - Isabela Island

AM: Tintoreras
Tintoreras Islet, located a short distance from Puerto Villamil, is home to a great variety of wildlife. Its turquoise, crystalline waters are inhabited by white-tip reef sharks, Galapagos penguins, marine turtles and sea lions. One of its beaches surrounded by mangroves is one of the few sites where marine iguanas can reproduce successfully.

Afterwards: Sierra Negra Volcano
Visit to the Sierra Negra Volcano, which is the largest basaltic caldera in the Galapagos with a diameter of 6.2 miles (10 km). The site offers impressive views and the opportunity to observe up to seven species of finches and a rich display of vegetation. The north side of the caldera provides evidence of its most recent volcanic activity in 2005.

PM: Wetlands
The Wetlands of Isabela Island are located just outside of Puerto Villamil. They consist of lagoons, swamps, and mangroves and are home to a variety of unique bird species such as common stilts, whimbrels, white-cheeked pintails, and gallinules. The Wetlands can be visited on foot via a path through the swamps.

Day 3 (Saturday) - Isabela Island

AM: Moreno Point
Moreno Point is located southwest of Elizabeth Bay. Here a dry landing onto what was once flowing lava is possible. The lava has left craters in its wake which formed crystal tide pools. By looking into the pools, you can peer into another world as the marine life drifts by your window. In the brackish pools of this area, you may see pink flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, and common gallinules. If you look carefully into the pools, you may see white-tip reef sharks and some sea turtles.

PM: Elizabeth Bay
Elizabeth Bay is located on the east coast of Isabela Island. The bay contains many islets, which can be visited by dinghy. Penguins and blue-footed boobies can be spotted on the rocky islets. With an abundance of marine life and clear water, the area is perfect for snorkelling and viewing schools of colourful fish, sea lions, and perhaps even sharks.

Day 4 (Sunday) - Fernandina & Isabela Islands

AM: Espionoza Point
Crossing the Bolivar Channel that divides Isabela and Fernandina Islands, you will land at Espinoza Point, and after walking past a colony of marine iguanas and a group of sea lions, you will reach the island’s highlight: the flightless cormorant nesting site. This area also provides a great opportunity to see the Galapagos hawk.

PM: Tagus Cove
You will visit Tagus Cove on Isabela Island which is located across from Fernandina Island, near the Bolivar Channel dividing the two islands. This spot has been frequented by ships since the 1800s, using the area as an anchorage site. Trails winding by Lake Darwin up to a ridge display wonderful views.

Day 5 (Monday) - Santiago

AM: Espumilla Beach
In Espumilla Beach marine iguanas lounge and the Sally Lightfoot crabs attract the hunting herons performing the dance of predator and prey right before your eyes. Snorkelling is highly recommended as you could come face to face with an octopus, moray eel, shark and a variety of other species of tropical fish.

OR: Buccaneer Cove
Buccaneer Cove is a testament to the fact that Santiago Island was once a refuge for British buccaneers. These pirates would anchor in the protected bay to make repairs and stock up on tortoise meat among other things. The steep cliffs, where hundreds of seabirds perch in front of the dark red sand beach, are a magnificent site.

PM: Egas Point
Egas Port, also known as James Bay, on Santiago Island is home to the curious Galapagos hawks and quick-footed Galapagos lava lizards. The trail leads to the coastline with gorgeous tide pools and grottos full of fauna. Here the Galapagos fur seals bathe in the sun. This is also a great snorkelling site.

Day 6 (Tuesday) - San Cristobal Island

AM: Lobos Island
You will take an excursion to Lobos Island which means “Sea Lion Island.” This appropriately named island is ripe with noisy, playful, jolly sea lions who will welcome you to their home with open, well, fins. This island also offers great snorkelling opportunities as well as the chance to see blue-footed and Nazca boobies.

Afterwards: San Cristobal Airport Departure
After this final visit, you will be transferred to the San Cristobal airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.

Dates

Enquire / Book 08 - 13 Sep 2026 - from US$ 6,045

Itinerary A - 6 days / 5 nights

Enquire / Book 13 - 17 Sep 2026 - from US$ 4,845 US$ 2,423

Itinerary B - 5 days / 4 nights

Enquire / Book 17 - 22 Sep 2026 - from US$ 6,045

Itinerary C - 6 days / 5 nights
FREE Air Ticket, 1 FREE airport transfer + 1 FREE hotel night

Enquire / Book 22 Sep - 27 Aug 2026 - from US$ 6,045 US$ 5,045

Itinerary A - 6 days / 5 nights

Enquire / Book 27 Sep - 01 Oct 2026 - from US$ 4,845 US$ 3,845

Itinerary B - 5 days / 4 nights

Enquire / Book 15 - 20 Oct 2026 - from US$ 6,045

Itinerary C - 6 days / 5 nights
Free Air Ticket + FREE airport transfer + FREE hotel night

Enquire / Book 20 - 25 Oct 2026 - from US$ 6,045 US$ 5,045

Itinerary A - 6 days / 5 nights
Free Air Ticket + 1 FREE airport transfer + FREE hotel night

  • Galapagos Sea Star
  • Galapagos Sea Star Balcony Suite
  • Galapagos Sea Star Dining Room
  • Galapagos Sea Star Double Suite
  • Galapagos Sea Star Jacuzzi
  • Galapagos Sea Star Lounge
  • Galapagos Sea Star Bathroom
  • Galapagos Sea Star Bar Area
  • Galapagos Sea Star Balcony

Galapagos

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  • Galapagos Sea Star Al Fresco Dining
  • Galapagos Sea Star Library
  • Galapagos Sea Star Twin Suite
  • Galapagos Sea Star Sundeck Bar
  • Galapagos Sea Star Porch
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