Galapagos CME Private Yacht Cruise

Length of trip: 8 days | Group Size: 16 | Activity Level: 2

Dates: December 8th -15th, 2026

 Price: from $7,495 | This Trip is For: Couples/Friends/Solos

CME: 28 hours and IWLS Certification

Begin your Winter holiday season with one of the most iconic destinations in the world. This small-group Galápagos CME cruise combines guided wildlife viewing, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, and time aboard a private 16-person yacht reserved for the MedTreks group.

With a local naturalist guide and a carefully planned itinerary, you’ll explore several of the Galápagos Islands while learning about the wildlife, volcanic landscapes, and protected ecosystems that make this region so remarkable. CME is available for medical professionals, and partners, friends, and non-medical guests are welcome.

Highlights:

    • Six-day cruise: Sail through iconic Galapagos sites, visiting renowned islands such as Santa Cruz, Floreana, Española, Santiago & San Cristobal
    • Personalized itinerary: We handle all logistics, just arrive in Ecuador, and we take care of the rest!
    • Luxury Catamaran: A 16-passenger deluxe yacht reserved exclusively for our group, allowing us to explore remote islands and hidden coves that larger ships simply can’t reach.
    • Unique Wildlife Encounters: Marvel at the iconic Galapagos species—giant tortoises, penguins, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and more.
    • Snorkeling, Hiking & Kayaking: Engage in active excursions, with opportunities for snorkeling among sea turtles, hiking lava fields, and kayaking through serene coves.
    • All-inclusive gourmet meals: Savor fresh, locally sourced cuisine prepared by an onboard chef, catering to all dietary preferences.
    • 2 night 4-star hotel: Pre-trip stay in charming Quito with city tour and chocolate tasting
    • Optional pre-trip Hacienda stay on Cotopaxi or 3 day extension for diving in the Galapagos islands

Earn 28 hrs of Wilderness Medicine CME and obtain your IWLS Certificate! 

Galapagos CME Private Yacht Cruise

Explore Iconic Volcanic Landscapes

Walk across the surreal lava fields of Sullivan Bay and hike to the summit of Bartolome Island for sweeping views over Pinnacle Rock and lunar-like terrain.

Galápagos CME Private Yacht Cruise / Galapagos MedTreks / Anna Nicole Arteaga

Discover Rare Wildlife Up Close

Spot rare and endemic species including the Waved Albatross, Blue-Footed Boobies, Marine Iguanas, Galapagos Hawks, and American Flamingoes—each with its own fascinating evolutionary story.

MedTreks Galapagos CME Private Yacht Cruise

16 person luxury private yacht

Enjoy the ultimate small-group experience aboard our chartered yacht, with expert naturalist guides, personalized service, and access to remote, pristine islands few ever see.

Galapagos CME

Meet the Galapagos Giants in the Highlands

Wander through lush forests to encounter Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat—some weighing over 600 pounds!

Download FREE Detailed Itinerary

Itinerary- Galapagos 2026

Galápagos CME Private Yacht Cruise / Galapagos MedTreks / Anna Nicole Arteaga

People & Place

We are excited to be returning to the Galapagos Islands in 2026!

The Galapagos Islands are known for their unique ecosystems and wildlife, where Charles Darwin developed his theory of natural selection. This trip will give you the opportunity to observe the same species that Darwin once studied, in their natural habitat.

Aboard the eco-friendly Catamaran EcoGalaxy, with a maximum of 16 guests, this trip provides an intimate and peaceful experience of the Galapagos. Unlike larger vessels, our small group ensures a more personal encounter with the islands and their wildlife. Our itinerary includes stops at Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, and Rabida, each with its own distinct environment and species to discover.

You’ll be accompanied by a Galapagos naturalist who will lead daily excursions, including guided walks, snorkeling, and kayaking. You’ll have the chance to see giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, penguins, marine iguanas, and more. The afternoons offer the option to relax or participate in activities like kayaking or paddleboarding in quiet coves.

Meals onboard are prepared by a chef, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including options for all dietary preferences.

Looking forward to having you on this adventure!

~The MedTreks Team

Click here to read our blog post on why the Galápagos is not a typical beach vacation, and why that’s what makes this trip so special.

CME Galapagos Yacht Cruise for Medical Professionals
About EcoGalaxy Yacht

Explore the “Enchanted Islands” on board the M/C EcoGalaxy a First Class Catamaran, built for sailing the Galapagos Islands while preserving its fragile ecosystem, and of course its beauty. The social areas of the catamaran are the perfect place to witness the endless wonderful landscapes in a private and intimate atmosphere. Savor the diversity and richness of Ecuadorian cuisine, enhanced by locally-sourced ingredients from the Galapagos Islands, expertly prepared by our onboard chef. 

Galapagos CME Yacht Cruise
Extend Your Stay in the Galapagos - Dive, Hike and Surf!

Extend your Galápagos experience with two additional nights on the laid-back island of San Cristóbal, where you can slow down or turn up the adventure—it’s entirely up to you. Spend your days diving with hammerhead sharks, surfing warm Pacific waves, or hiking scenic coastal trails to secluded beaches and dramatic viewpoints. With a variety of multi-sport options available, this extension allows you to customize your experience and enjoy the Galápagos at your own pace. Wander the waterfront at sunset, savor fresh seafood, and immerse yourself in the relaxed rhythm of island life. It is the perfect way to end your 6 day Galapagos Private Yacht trip.

MedTreks Galapagos and Medical Spanish Ecuador | CME travel programs
3 day Pre-Trip Hacienda Experience on Cotopaxi
Begin your Ecuador adventure with a three-day, three-night Medical Spanish immersion at the beautiful Hacienda El Porvenir, a working Andean ranch nestled beneath the snow-capped slopes of Cotopaxi Volcano. Designed for healthcare professionals of all levels, this intimate course combines practical language skills with incredible cultural experiences at the hacienda. Outside the classroom, afternoon excursions include horseback rides through the páramo, traditional Andean cooking class, spa time or exploring Cotopaxi National Park just minutes away. 

International Wilderness Life Support

Course Information

International Wilderness Life Support, IWLS

This Galápagos private yacht trip includes the option to complete International Wilderness Life Support (IWLS), MedTreks’ signature wilderness and austere medicine certification course for healthcare professionals.

IWLS combines online learning with practical, scenario-based training focused on caring for patients in remote and resource-limited settings. Participants may earn up to 28 AMA PRA Category 1 CME™ credits.

What is the Wilderness Life Support for Medical Professionals Certification? 

A certification course designed for medical professionals who love adventuring in the outdoors, traveling and/or medical volunteering in remote settings. Learn hands-on medical skills that you can take anywhere in the world. Learn more HERE

Who is this Course For? 

Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, RNs, Paramedics/EMTs

Can loved ones and non-medical guests attend? 

Yes. Partners, friends, and family members are welcome. Non-medical guests may attend lectures if they choose, or they can use that time to relax, explore, or enjoy the yacht.

To learn more about our this course, please click the button below. 

Wilderness Medicine CME Galapagos | Host an IWLS Course
Travelers practicing first aid on Galapagos beach
Wilderness Medicine CME Galapagos

Dates & Prices

 

Dates: December 8th-15th, 2026 (Filling quickly!)

Prices: $7,495 per person (based on double occupancy, 2 people sharing a cabin)

CME Fee: $795

Included: 

  • Six days/five nights aboard the Ecogalaxy Catamaran
  • 2 nights boutique, 4-star hotel in charming Quito before cruise
  • Chocolate tasting, brewery and city tour of Quito
  • Lunch and Welcome Dinner in Quito (Day 2)
  • All meals & daily snacks while on yacht cruise
  • Cooking class on yacht
  • All shore excursions
  • Expert naturalist guide throughout the cruise
  • Use of kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkeling equipment

Excluded:

  • International airfare to Ecuador
  • Travel Insurance
  • Gratuities for guide and crew
  • Alcoholic beverages and souvenirs
  • Roundtrip flight from Quito to Galapagos ($530 – a charter flight will be arranged for the group)
  • Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee of $200 (collected on arrival in Baltra)

Booking the Trip: 

Click on the link below to book the trip. A $1,000 non-refundable deposit reserves your spot. Upon signing up you will receive a welcome package with trip information, helpful resources and a comprehensive packing list. Payment plans available.  

Wilderness Medicine CME Galapagos | Host an IWLS Course
Why MedTreks?

When you travel with MedTreks, you‘re not just signing up for a trip—you‘re joining a community of like-minded healthcare professionals who share your passion for adventure, learning, and connection. Every itinerary thoughtfully crafted by our founder and owner, (a nurse practitioner herself!) with decades of experience in travel. Our expert team of guides and faculty ensure a high-quality, personalized experience and handle all the details so you can focus on learning CME, recharging, and experiencing the adventure of a lifetime. To learn more about Why MedTreks, click the link below!

Why MedTreks
FAQ

Yes! As long as the trip is booked before the final payment is due (100 days before trip start). A non-refundable deposit secures your spot on the trip.

Our CME trips are all accredited for physicians, NPs, PAs and also provide CEUs for Nurses. We provide course information for all the courses that you can submit to your employer. After the trip/course is complete, we provide you with a CME certificate within 2-4 weeks

We provide you with a comprehensive Welcome Package that includes a packing list, resources, course materials, and helpful travel tips for your upcoming adventure.

Yes! We welcome loved ones and non-medical guests. They are welcome to attend all of our workshops and lectures while on the trip at no further cost. Some of our trips are even kid-friendly, depending on the trip and age of your children. Please send us an email to inquire about this possibility.

Send us an email! We are happy to set up a call and answer any questions that you might have!

What Our Guests Say

This trip was absolutely life-changing for me. Having everything set up ahead of time was such a huge relief, especially since I had to squeeze it into my crazy busy schedule. Ari was amazing—she answered all my pre-trip questions so quickly and was such a great support during the trip itself. I met an awesome group of people, and our guide was fantastic. Their love for the Galapagos really shone through and made the experience so much more meaningful. The crew and accommodations on the ship were great, and snorkeling and hiking alongside the animals was like living in a dream—I never thought I’d get to do something like that. And being able to also obtain CME with Sarah while on such a remarkable trip was also awesome! I’m so grateful for the opportunity and how perfectly everything was planned. I’m already looking forward to booking more trips with MedTreks!

I.F., MD

This was an incredible - once in a lifetime trip. Every detail was perfect and worry free. The yacht was amazing and the crew was accommodating to every single thing we needed. The local guide that showed us around the Galapagos Islands was incredible - so knowledgable and caring. We saw so many animals and had a fantastic time interacting with them in their natural environment. So many options for activities, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking - it was so easy to be active or relax. The ability to get your WL:MP (formerly AWLS) while in this incredible environment makes it so much more interesting and engaging. Love it!

B.R., MD

This was my first trip with Medtreks, and it won't be my last. I did the CME portion which was so much fun, so interesting, and a really amazing experience. The Galapagos?....well, what can I say. Everything was amazing, the yacht, the itinerary, the food, the other med-trekkers and our guide and crew. It was lovely to meet Ari, and Sarah our wilderness med guru was fantastic. I had so much fun and came back to clinic this week smiling from ear to ear. I look forward to another adventure, hopefully sooner rather than later!

E.M., MD

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