Galápagos Islands Exclusive Use A private Galápagos journey—designed for your group, fully planned by INCA.
Private yacht
Flexible pricing
Seamless planning
A Different Way to Experience the Galápagos—Together Some travelers dream of exploring the Galápagos with just the people they love—family, close friends, or a shared-interest group—but find that traditional yacht charters aren’t the right fit for how their group wants to plan, organize, and travel together. We created Exclusive Use to fill that gap. This program allows your private group to enjoy the luxury yacht Integrity exclusively, while traveling on INCA’s timetested Galápagos itineraries—with flexible per-person pricing and full trip planning included. You have the privacy of a charter, paired with a planning and pricing structure designed to support smaller groups traveling together. From the moment you arrive in Ecuador to your final farewell, INCA handles every detail—so your group can simply be together, immersed in one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.
Who Travels This Way? Exclusive Use is ideal for: •
Multi-generational families traveling together
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Groups of close friends
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Milestone celebrations and reunions
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Special-interest groups (photography, natural history, learning-focused travel)
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Travelers who value privacy, flexibility, and thoughtful planning
If your group wants the Galápagos all to yourselves—without the formality of a full charter—this is for you.
Highlights Seven nights aboard the luxury yacht Integrity, reserved exclusively for your group. INCA’s most comprehensive Galápagos itineraries, visiting more islands and sites than comparable cruises. Exceptional naturalist guides selected for their knowledge, warmth, and storytelling. Daily guided walks, snorkeling, and kayaking tailored to your group’s interests. Visits to conservation sites, including the Charles Darwin Research Station. Seamless logistics, private transfers, and thoughtful planning throughout.
Groups of 4 to 10 guests may reserve Integrity for Exclusive Use. Your group travels privately, following INCA’s classic Galápagos itineraries—while enjoying the freedom to plan and pay individually. Your Exclusive Use rate is based on the number of travelers in your party and may be adjusted up to 60 days prior to departure, allowing your plans to evolve naturally. Swim with sea lions, snorkel alongside sea turtles, kayak through calm channels, walk among nesting seabirds, encounter giant tortoises in the wild, and stargaze from the deck at night—all guided by INCA’s hand-selected expert naturalists. Dine exceptionally well. Sleep deeply. And enjoy the rare ease of being fully present, together.
Private by nature. Flexible by design.
Why Exclusive Use is Different A traditional Galápagos charter typically includes the yacht and onboard services, with addtional services handled separately. With Exclusive Use, you receive the entire INCA travel program—designed and supported from start to finish.
With Exclusive Use: Your group enjoys the yacht privately Pricing is per person, based on group size Guests may plan and pay individually INCA coordinates hotels, transfers, flights, and logistics No single guest bears financial or planning responsibility
This is a flexible way for small groups to travel privately— while benefiting from our decades of Galápagos expertise.
How it Works: Gather your group and contact INCA to discuss dates and availability. Your Exclusive Use rate is determined by your group size. A 20% deposit secures your Exclusive Use reservation. A second 20% deposit is due 150 days prior to departure. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Group size may be adjusted up to 60 days prior to departure (see FAQ for details). Because each Exclusive Use journey is customized, pricing is shared by phone.
Your Galápagos Journey Day 1 - Arrive in Ecuador Your Galápagos adventure begins in Ecuador—a biodiverse region and gateway to one of the most naturally significant places on Earth. Most flights from the U.S. arrive in Quito, the capital and UNESCO World Heritage city high in the Andes, late in the evening, where a private fiveminute transfer takes you to your hotel. If you arrive in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s lively coastal hub, you’ll enjoy an equally short transfer to your hotel. Whichever city you choose, we’ve taken care of the details so you can arrive and rest.
Day 2 - To The Galápagos! Santa Cruz Island After an early breakfast of Ecuador’s vibrant tropical fruits and fresh juices, our team will guide you through the formalities of travel to the Galápagos—a process we’ve assisted our travelers with for decades.
At a Glance Length 9 Days Size Maximum 16 passengers aboard Integrity Arrive
Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador
Depart
Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador
Lodging 1-2 nights hotel, 7 nights yacht (double occupancy) Meals
Most meals included
Activities Walks of up to three hours at a time on moderate trails over sometimes highly uneven ground, snorkeling, kayaking
Your flight from Quito (2.5 hours) or Guayaquil (1.5 hours) brings you to Baltra Island, where you’ll be welcomed in the VIP Arrivals lounge. Your Santa Cruz naturalist—handpicked for their deep knowledge and passion—will greet you and accompany you on your first crossing, from Baltra’s desert-like landscape to Santa Cruz Island. Along the way, the turquoise channel often offers your first glimpse of blue-footed boobies or frigatebirds. On Santa Cruz, the scenery shifts from arid lowlands to lush highlands. Here, you’ll walk among giant tortoises in their natural habitat, visit dramatic lava formations like Los Túneles and the vast sinkholes known as Los Gemelos, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you’ll explore the Charles Darwin Research Station, learning about the islands’ conservation challenges and meeting resident giant tortoises up close. You’ll also visit the Lonesome George exhibit—one of the most poignant symbols of species protection in the Galápagos. As the sun lowers, you’ll board Integrity, your home for the week—an intimate, stable yacht designed for comfort, connection, and discovery. After a safety briefing and orientation with your cruise naturalist, you’ll set sail overnight toward your first island. B L D
Exclusive Use follows INCA’s classic 9-day Galápagos program, refined to maximize wildlife encounters, learning, and time ashore—now experienced with only your private group.
Day 3 to Day 8 - Cruising The Galápagos Each day brings two to three carefully chosen excursions, blending land walks, snorkeling, and kayaking. Our two route options reveal different sides of the Galápagos: •Western Route – Floreana, Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, the north shore of Santa Cruz, and North Seymour. •Eastern Route – Española, San Cristóbal, Santa Fé, Plazas, Genovesa, Bartolomé, Santiago, Rábida, and Sombrero Chino. Both feature 14–15 land sites, each active and rich with wildlife encounters and guided interpretation that turns every moment into a deeper understanding of these remarkable islands. Between excursions, return to Integrity for exceptional service, fresh cuisine, and time to relax on deck as you sail to your next anchorage. B L D
Day 9 - Disembark, Depart This morning, Integrity will be anchored in the harbor near Baltra airport. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your the return flight to Quito or Guayaquil. Once back on the mainland, you will have a hotel room for rest and relaxation before returning to the airport to check in for your late-night departure. Or, you may have a leisurely overnight if you depart on Sunday. B
A Day in the Galápagos Life aboard Integrity follows a gentle, natural rhythm—balancing exploration, learning, rest, and connection. Each day unfolds slightly differently, guided by wildlife activity, weather, and park regulations. 6:30 AM — Rise and Shine
7:00 AM — Breakfast
7:45 AM — Shore Visit
Awaken as the sun rises over the horizon and the day begins gently.
Enjoy a complete breakfast with fresh fruit, breads and cereals, made-to-order eggs, juice, and coffee or tea, while your guide previews the morning’s plans.
A short panga ride brings you ashore for guided walks across varied terrain—sandy coves, lava flows, tide pools, and trails—at a relaxed pace for wildlife viewing and learning.
1:00 PM — Siesta & Playtime
3:00 PM — Shore Visit:
7:00 PM — Dinner
Spend the early afternoon at ease— resting, reading on deck, spotting whales or dolphins, or enjoying a naturalist presentation. On non-transit days, swimming or kayaking may be offered.
Return to shore for more explorations. Terrain, vistas, and featured wildlife will vary. Per Park rules, all visitors are off the islands by 6:00 PM, just in time to enjoy the sunset from the top deck.
Our chef takes pride in preparing fresh, healthy meals, with a variety of entrées throughout the week and special dishes or desserts for holidays and celebrations.
Aboard Integrity Here, we’ve outlined a sample day in the Galápagos. Times are approximate and descriptions are general to give you an idea of how your days in the islands will go. 10:30 AM - Mid-Morning Break
11:00 AM — Snorkeling/Kayaking
12:00 PM —Lunch
Return to the yacht for a short rest and snacks, welcomed back aboard after your island visit.
Typically, groups snorkel once or twice daily and kayak two or three times during the week. Both activities are optional; guests are welcome to relax aboard the yacht or watch wildlife from the panga.
The midday meal is the most important meal of the day in Ecuadorian culture. Lunch is a sit-down event with three courses.
8:00 PM - Recap and Preview
Goodnight
Evenings feature naturalist talks to reflect on the day’s wildlife sightings and preview the adventures ahead.
You are free to retire as early or as late as you wish. The next day you awake to the view of a new island that awaits exploration.
Your Home in the Islands What sets Integrity apart is not just its design—but the experience it delivers. Integrity is known for exceptional itineraries, superb crew, and flawless safety record.
Combined with INCA’s hand-selected naturalists, Integrity offers an enriching, comfortable, and thoughtfully run Galápagos experience for every guest who has the chance to travel aboard.
Length 141 ft
Accommodations 9 cabins — 1 Owner’s Suite 1 Queen 1 Single 5 King/Double 1 Twin Guest Capacity 16 Guests Stabilizers Yes
Internet Unlimited onboard Wi-Fi Kayaks Crew
8 (two-person) 10
Naturalist Guide 1 expert guide, selected for knowledge, experience, storytelling, and all-around excellence
Trip Details
Trip Cost & Pricing Structure
Payment Schedule
Arrival & Departure
Exclusive Use rate depends on number in party and will adjust if party numbers change up to 60 days prior to departure. Please see FAQ for more information.
• At time of reservation: 20% deposit • 150 days prior to departure: 20% deposit • 90 days prior to departure: final balance
Arrival – Day 1: Arrive in Quito or Guayaquil at any time. Most international flights from North America arrive late in the evening. Upon arrival, you will be met by INCA’s transfer representative and escorted to your hotel.
Applies for all new Galápagos bookings for 2026-2027 travel (excluding holidays).
What’s Included • Expert leadership by INCA’s naturalist guides • Hotel accommodations as noted (double occupancy) • Seven nights aboard the luxury yacht Integrity • Private group transfers and VIP arrivals in the Galápagos • All meals as noted in the itinerary • Unlimited beer and wine aboard Integrity • Laundry service, wetsuits, snorkeling equipment, and WiFi
What’s not Included • International and Galápagos airfare • Galápagos National Park fees and transit card • Required medical and evacuation insurance • Optional gratuities, travel insurance, and personal expenses
Cancellation& Group Changes Exclusive Use offers flexibility as group plans evolve. Policies vary depending on timing, party size changes, or individual cancellations. Please refer to the FAQ section for full details.
Travel Insurance INCA requires each guest to carry a minimum of $100,000 in medical evacuation insurance. Ecuador also requires proof of medical insurance covering the duration of your stay. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance, including a Cancel For Any Reason option, to protect your travel investment.
About the Experience This is an active, learning-focused Galápagos journey. Daily excursions include guided walks on uneven terrain, snorkeling, and kayaking. Guests must be comfortable boarding small skiffs (pangas). A good level of balance and mobility will enhance your experience. For safety and wildlife considerations, itineraries may be adjusted by your guide or captain as needed.
Departure – Day 9: Suggested departure time is after 10:00 PM. Most flights to North America depart late evening or early morning. An overnight hotel stay is included to accommodate early departures when needed.
Air Travel Guidance International Flights: Please do not purchase international airfare until your Exclusive Use reservation is confirmed. INCA is happy to review your flight plans and can recommend an experienced air consolidator if desired.. Galápagos Flights: INCA will secure Galápagos flights so all guests travel together on preferred schedules. These flights are billed separately and should be paid promptly due to limited availability. Your airline ticket must match your passport exactly. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure from Ecuador.
Optional Extensions
Weather & Climate
About INCA
Extend your journey before or after the Galápagos—individually or as a group.
Located on the equator, Ecuador and the Galápagos enjoy relatively stable temperatures year-round, with sunrise and sunset around 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
International Nature & Cultural Adventures (INCA) has been crafting exceptional Galápagos journeys since 1976. With deep destination knowledge, expert guides, and a commitment to conservation, we focus on delivering meaningful travel experiences— thoughtfully designed and beautifully executed.
Popular options include: • A private villa or tented stay on Santa Cruz Island • Ecuador’s highlands at Hacienda Zuleta • The Amazon rainforest on the Napo River • The cloud forest northwest of Quito • The Otavalo market and surrounding villages
• Quito: Spring-like days, cool evenings • Guayaquil: Warm and humid year-round • Galápagos: Mid-70s°F to high-80s°F; warmer seas February–April, cooler September–November Sea temperatures typically range from 73– 80°F.
FAQs How does Exclusive Use compare to a traditional charter?
Do I need travel insurance? We strongly advise all guests to secure insurance to cover their travel investment. Cancel for Any Reason insurance would cover all conditions under which you may not be able to travel.
Exclusive Use offers the privacy of a charter with greater flexibility. Guests may plan and pay individually, pricing adjusts with group size, and INCA manages the entire travel program—not just the yacht—making it easier and more approachable for many groups.
Ecuador requires medical insurance that covers your entire stay in the country.
What if I or someone in my group changes their mind?
What if we want to add people?
If the entire group cancels:
We will quote you a new rate based on your new numbers. You may add guests, subject to a maximum total of 10 guests, up to 60 days before departure.
Deposits are fully refundable more than 150 days prior to departure. Payments may be transferred to a future trip up to 60 days prior to departure. Transfers made between 90 and 61 days are subject to a 50% cancellation fee.
What if our group is more than ten?
If only some guests cancel: Exclusive Use pricing will be recalculated based on the remaining group size. Remaining guests may also replace canceling members or opt out of Exclusive Use and convert to individual bookings without penalty (when permitted by timing).
Groups of 11 to 16 guests may book a Yacht Charter. Yacht Charters have their own rates, terms and conditions. We will be happy to talk with you about Yacht Charters.
• 151 days or more prior: Canceling guests receive a full refund of initial deposits or a credit toward future travel. • 150–91 days prior: Canceling guests receive a credit toward future travel.
Is there an age limit? With Exclusive Use, there is no age limit! Our standard minimum age is 8 years. Please note that the age limit will apply if at any time the group opts out of Exclusive Use.
Do we need to cruise for a full week? Exclusive Use is based on Integrity’s 7-night cruise itinerary. Shorter cruises are an option. We would be happy to discuss this with you.
What if I would like to explore Ecuador further? We will gladly help you extend your time in Ecuador, exploring the highlands, the cloud forest, or the Amazon jungle. Extensions in Ecuador do not require the whole group and can be made individually.
• 90–61 days prior: Canceling guests receive a credit, less a 50% cancellation fee. • 60 days or less prior: Payments are forfeited; no credit is available. For any additional questions please speak with an INCA specialist.
Curious about the Galápagos?
If you’re considering a private Galápagos journey for your family, friends, or group, we invite you to speak with an INCA specialist to customize your adventure.
www.inca1.com | info@inca1.com | +1-510-420-1550 While as accurate as possible at time of printing, this Exclusive Use program and itinerary should be considered a sample of the schedule and scope of activities and trip routing, rather than a strict schedule of events; it is subject to change at any time. This trip is subject to the release of liability and all the terms and conditions detailed on our website for this adventure. CST #1013564-10