Calipso at sea
  1. Home
  2. Ecuador
  3. Galapagos
  4. Calipso

Calipso

A luxury-class yacht offering fantastic service and well-designed social areas.

Overview

If you want to see all the Galapagos Islands have to offer, a liveaboard yacht is the most agile and convenient way to explore the area. The Calipso was upgraded in 2019 to create a luxury-class yacht for 16 passengers.

Life Aboard The Calipso Yacht Galapagos

The 115-foot Calipso features eight generously-sized and plentiful social spaces, all decorated in classic navy and white yacht style. A trip to the Galapagos Islands is all about fun in the sun, so you will immediately be drawn to the sundeck. Take a dip in the Jacuzzi, have a drink and a snack at the BBQ bar, or relax in a lounge chair and just soak in the moment. When it is time to retreat indoors, the main deck bar and lounge are the perfect spots to relax after a day of adventures. The lounge is even stocked with a DVD collection for a movie night at sea.

Excursions From Your Calipso Galapagos Cruise

What can you do from a Calipso Galapagos cruise? Picture this. You are swimming with sea turtles and rays in the clear water off Witch Hill. Then, you are on Bartholomew Island hiking a trail of stairs to the summit of an extinct volcano. Perhaps you will meet a penguin while snorkeling at Targus Cove on Isabela Island. You will almost certainly see flamingoes while visiting Cormorant Point on Floreana Island.

Both the four- and five-day naturalist cruises offer ample opportunities to meet species that few people ever have the chance to see in the wild. The four-day itinerary features excursions on four islands, while the five-day route stops at five islands. To make the most of your trip to the Galapagos Islands and ensure you don’t miss out on any wildlife wonders, opt for the eight-day cruise, which combines the two shorter versions.

If you are an advanced scuba diver and prefer to blow some bubbles on your vacation, the Calipso also offers an eight-day scuba trip featuring dives at sites around seven different islands. A stop at Shark Point off Wolf Island is a rare opportunity to see whale sharks, hammerheads, and Galapagos sharks.

Since this spot is at the extreme north of the archipelago and there are no day trips to the area, a liveaboard cruise is the only way to dive at this Shark Point. Of course, you can’t play in the ocean forever, so you will cap off the trip with a visit to the El Chato Tortoise Reserve to see giant tortoises in the wild.

Personalized Service From An Expert Crew

Your comfort and safety, both onboard and off, are of the utmost importance. The Calipso’s ten-person crew is delighted to help with every need. In addition to the boat’s crew, you will also be accompanied by a certified, bilingual guide who will help identify and understand the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands.

From kayaking to al fresco dining on the upper deck, during a Calipso Galapagos cruise, you will make a constant stream of memories. Onboard WIFI makes it possible to share those memories online, but we bet you will be too busy savoring the experiences.

Itineraries & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

1 / 3
4-Day
5-Day
8-Day 8A

4 Day - Natural Cruise

itinerary map

Embarkation

AM: You will arrive at Baltra Island in the morning. After passing through immigration and baggage claim, you will be met by a Calipso 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: In the morning, you will head to South Plaza Island. This small island with 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 colorful yellow and red land iguanas. The most characteristic plant is Sesuvium. During the rainy season, its color is greenish to a yellowish tone, and in the dry season (June - January) a bright red. 

Calipso’s 4-Day Itinerary Day One - Embarkation.
Location
South Plaza - Baltra
Day
1 / 4

Post Office Bay, Baroness Viewing Point & Cormorant Point

AM: In the 18th-century whalers passing through the islands placed a wooden barrel on Floreana Island for use as an unofficial mailbox. The tradition continues today as visitors leave addressed postcards in the barrel and sort through left mail to deliver at home. 

Baroness Viewpoint 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.

PM: This site hosts a large flamingo lagoon where other birds such as common stilts and white-cheeked pintails can also be seen. The “Green Beach” here is named due to its green color, which comes from a high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand, and the “Four Sand Beach” composed of white coral.

Calipso’s 4-Day Itinerary Day Two - Group of Flamingos.
Location
Floreana
Day
2 / 4

Santa Fé Island & Giant Tortoise Breeding Center

AM: Santa Fe (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: You will visit the Giant Tortoises Breeding Center in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, 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.

Calipso’s 4-Day Itinerary Day Three - Giant Tortoise Extremely Close Up.
Location
Santa Fe
Day
3 / 4

Disembarkation

AM: The Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center was opened in 1998 as a phase of the project “Interpretation and Environment Education Project.” Visitors enjoy expositions on natural history, human history, and conservation. The conservation efforts represent the movement to protect the wildlife and natural environment through means of population and tourist control. The center has an outdoor stadium, audio-visual equipment, and meeting rooms.

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



Calipso’s 4-Day Itinerary Day Four - Disembarkation.
Location
San Cristobal
Day
4 / 4
1 / 4

5 Day - Natural Cruise

itinerary map

Embarkation

AM: After passing through immigration and baggage claim, you will be met by a Calipso 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: Located on the northern coast, this eroded hill and its surroundings present one of the most picturesque beaches in the Galapagos with its white powdery sand and the abundance of animals. Wildlife includes sea turtles, rays, and various types of booby birds. The clear water provides an excellent opportunity for enjoying swimming and snorkeling.

Calipso’s 5-Day Itinerary Day One - Embarkation.
Location
San Cristobal
Day
1 / 5

Pinnacle Rock & Chinese Hat Islet

AM: Home of the famous Pinnacle Rock, Bartholomew consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black, and even green volcanic formations. A trail of stairs leads to the summit of the volcano, boasting one of the best views of the islands. The beach is perfect for snorkeling and possible sightings of the Galapagos penguin.

PM: This small islet is located near the southeast coast of Santiago Island. Its name comes from the distinct shape of the islet's summit. This small islet is a great location to view many geological formations such as lava tubes and lava flows.

Calipso’s 5-Day Itinerary Day Two - Snorkelling with Turtles.
Location
Bartolomew - Santiago
Day
2 / 5

Espinoza Point & Tagus Cove

AM: This small islet is located near the southeast coast of Santiago Island. Its name comes from the distinct shape of the islet's summit. This small islet is a great location to view many geological formations such as lava tubes and lava flows.

PM: Tagus Cove 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 carry on up to a ridge displaying wonderful views. Punta Tortuga, just north of Tagus Cove, is another lovely beach surrounded by mangroves.

Calipso’s 5-Day Itinerary Day Three - Sunset in the Galapagos Islands.
Location
Fernandina - Isabela
Day
3 / 5

Urbina Bay & Moreno Point

AM: Urbina Bay is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano on the west coast between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay. This area experienced a major uplift in 1954 causing the land to rise over 16 feet. The coast expanded half a mile out leaving marine life stranded on the new shore. This area is also a great place for snorkeling.

PM: Moreno Point is located near Elizabeth Bay on the west coast of Isabela Island. The plethora of birds seen during a dinghy ride along the striking rocky shores or a hike along a path through lava rock leading to tide pools and mangroves create a birdwatcher’s delight. In the tide pools, green sea turtles and white-tip sharks can be spotted!

Calipso’s 5-Day Itinerary Day Four - Blue-Footed Booby Sighting.
Location
Isabela
Day
4 / 5

Disembarkation

AM: Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and magnificent frigatebirds are abundant on North Seymour Island. The island was formed by a series of submarine lava containing layers of sediment that were uplifted by tectonic activity. The island is characterized by its arid vegetation zone.

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

Calipso’s 5-Day Itinerary Day Five - Disembarkation.
Location
North Seymour - Baltra
Day
5 / 5
1 / 5

8 Day - Natural Cruise

itinerary map

Embarkation

AM: After passing through immigration and baggage claim, you will be met by a Calipso 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: Located on the northern coast, this eroded hill and its surroundings present one of the most picturesque beaches in the Galapagos with its white powdery sand and the abundance of animals. Wildlife includes sea turtles, rays, and various types of booby birds. The clear water provides an excellent opportunity for enjoying swimming and snorkeling.

Calipso’s 8-Day Naturalist Itinerary Day One - Embarkation.
Location
San Cristobal
Day
1 / 8

Pinnacle Rock & Chinese Hat Islet

AM: Home of the famous Pinnacle Rock, Bartholomew consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black, and even green volcanic formations. A trail of stairs leads to the summit of the volcano, boasting one of the best views of the islands. The beach is perfect for snorkeling and possible sightings of the Galapagos penguin.

PM: This small islet is located near the southeast coast of Santiago Island. Its name comes from the distinct shape of the islet's summit. This small islet is a great location to view many geological formations such as lava tubes and lava flows.

Calipso’s 8-Day Naturalist Itinerary Day Two - Pinnacle Rock at Bartolome.
Location
Bartolomew - Santiago
Day
2 / 8

Espinoza Point & Tagus Cove

AM: This small islet is located near the southeast coast of Santiago Island. Its name comes from the distinct shape of the islet's summit. This small islet is a great location to view many geological formations such as lava tubes and lava flows.

PM: Tagus Cove 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 carry on up to a ridge displaying wonderful views. Punta Tortuga, just north of Tagus Cove, is another lovely beach surrounded by mangroves.

Calipso’s 8-Day Naturalist Itinerary Day Three - Penguins at Tagus Cove.
Location
Fernandina - Isabela
Day
3 / 8

Urbina Bay & Moreno Point

AM: Urbina Bay is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano on the west coast between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay. This area experienced a major uplift in 1954 causing the land to rise over 16 feet. The coast expanded half a mile out leaving marine life stranded on the new shore. This area is also a great place for snorkeling.

PM: Moreno Point is located near Elizabeth Bay on the west coast of Isabela Island. The plethora of birds seen during a dinghy ride along the striking rocky shores or a hike along a path through lava rock leading to tide pools and mangroves create a birdwatcher’s delight. In the tide pools, green sea turtles and white-tip sharks can be spotted!

Calipso’s 8-Day Naturalist Itinerary Day Four - Rays Underwater.
Location
Isabela
Day
4 / 8

North Seymour & South Plaza Island

AM: Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and magnificent frigatebirds are abundant on North Seymour Island. The island was formed by a series of submarine lava containing layers of sediment that were uplifted by tectonic activity. The island is characterized by its arid vegetation zone.

PM: In the morning, you will head to South Plaza Island. This small island with 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 colorful yellow and red land iguanas. The most characteristic plant is Sesuvium. During the rainy season, its color is greenish to a yellowish tone, and in the dry season (June - January) a bright red. 

Calipso’s 8-Day Naturalist Itinerary Day Five - Frigatebird.
Location
North Seymour - South Plaza
Day
5 / 8

Post Office Bay, Baroness Viewing Point & Cormorant Point

AM: In the 18th-century whalers passing through the islands placed a wooden barrel on Floreana Island for use as an unofficial mailbox. The tradition continues today as visitors leave addressed postcards in the barrel and sort through left mail to deliver at home. 

Baroness Viewpoint 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.

PM: This site hosts a large flamingo lagoon where other birds such as common stilts and white-cheeked pintails can also be seen. The “Green Beach” here is named due to its green color, which comes from a high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand, and the “Four Sand Beach” composed of white coral.

Calipso’s 8-Day Naturalist Itinerary Day Six - Panga Ride Excursion.
Location
Floreana
Day
6 / 8

Santa Fé Island & Giant Tortoise Breeding Center

AM: Santa Fe (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: You will visit the Giant Tortoises Breeding Center in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, 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.

Calipso’s 8-Day Naturalist Itinerary Day Seven - Giant Tortoise.
Location
Santa Fe
Day
7 / 8

Disembarkation

AM: The Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center was opened in 1998 as a phase of the project “Interpretation and Environment Education Project.” Visitors enjoy expositions on natural history, human history, and conservation. The conservation efforts represent the movement to protect the wildlife and natural environment through means of population and tourist control. The center has an outdoor stadium, audio-visual equipment, and meeting rooms.

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

Calipso’s 8-Day Naturalist Itinerary Day Eight - Disembarkation.
Location
San Cristobal
Day
8 / 8
1 / 8

Accommodations

Social Areas

Social Area
Jacuzzi
Dive Deck
Balcony
Lounge
Dive Deck
Al Fresco
Bar
Lounge Entertainment
Sundeck
Lounge onboard
Jacuzzi on the deck
Diving gear onboard the Galapagos ship
Sitting outdoor area onboard
Sofas onboard the ship
Deck with diving equipment
Large dining table on the deck
Small indoor bar onboard the Calipso
Sofas and tv onboard
Sun loungers onboard the ship

Suites & Cabins

Calipso's Standard Cabin. Calipso's Standard Cabin. Calipso's Standard Cabin. Calipso's Standard Cabin. Calipso's Standard Cabin. Calipso's Standard Cabin. Calipso's Standard Cabin - Bathroom.
8 Cabins

Standard Cabin

Guests
2
Size
11-14 m² / 118-150 ft²
Beds
Double / Twin

Revive yourself in these spacious air-conditioned cabins that have the option of sharing. They also come with a private bathroom that is fully equipped and has hot water. The cabins can be transformed into matrimonial cabins upon request, ensuring the utmost comfort.

Technical Information

Deck Plan

Decks plan

Features

  • Air conditioning
  • Pool / Jacuzzi
  • Kosher Meals

Equipment

  • Diving gear
  • Diving platform
  • Nitrox
  • Snorkeling gear
  • Wetsuits
  • Kayaks / Canoes
** Use of certain equipment at additional cost, ask for details
As Featured In