Enjoy guided hikes through breathtaking scenery and snorkel in the turquoise waters on this cruise to the isolated Galápagos Islands which are home to wildlife found nowhere else on earth.
Embark your ship on Baltra Island and cruise to the island of Rabida to explore its volcanic landscape and nesting colony of seabirds. Volcanic Isabela Island was visited by Charles Darwin in 1835 and is home to large land iguanas, finches and giant tortoises. The unique landscapes of Bartolome Island make this a spectacular stop, with the chance to see the endemic Galapagos penguin. Daphne is an important breeding site for blue-footed boobies whilst Genovesa Island provides shelter for a wide range of seabirds, and Santa Cruz Island is home to a tortoise-breeding centre and the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Experienced naturalist guides accompany every sailing and share their knowledge of these unspoiled islands. Enjoy up close encounters on zodiac trips and guided hikes ashore and learn about the wildlife and geology of the archipelago with onboard lectures.
CL652 Operated by Celebrity
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Northern Galapagos Islands Itinerary
Day 1 - Baltra (Galapagos Islands) - Black Turtle Cove
During World War II, Baltra served as a U.S. military base protecting the Panama Canal from enemy attack. Now the cactus-strewn landscapes of Baltra are home to the region’s main airport and where you will embark your ship. This afternoon, cruise to Black Turtle Cove, home to a wide range of wildlife including reef sharks, rays and sea turtles.
Day 2 - Rabida - Egas Port
A small island south of Santiago, Rabida is best known for its red sand and eroded volcanic landscape. A nesting colony of pelicans makes its home here, along with sea lions and some sea birds. In Egas there is the opportunity to snorkel off the sandy beach, explore its black rocks and blue grottoes or look for shore birds and Galapagos fur seals.
Day 3 - Isabela Island - Fernandina Island
Tagus Cove was visited by Charles Darwin in 1835. Hike up to the top of the volcanic tuff cone for views of Darwin’s Lake. Remote Espinoza Point is one of the least visited sites on Isabela, and its black volcanic rocks contrast sharply with the brilliant green plants.
Day 4 - Isabela Island
Whilst on Isabela Island take the opportunity to go snorkelling and look for sea horses in the spectacular bay. Urvina Bay is home to large land iguanas, finches and giant tortoises. In 1954, the intrusion of magma below one of the islands volcanoes caused part of the bay to be uplifted some 6 meters, and today we can walk through the remains of what was once a thriving underwater reef.
Day 5 - Bartolome Island - Santa Cruz Island - Daphne Island
Bartolome Island which hosts one of the region’s most often photographed views, and a spectacular geologic setting. Its barren moon-like volcanic landscapes, spatter cones, and pinnacle rock make for a unique stop. It is also home to the endemic Galapagos penguin and provides an excellent opportunity for snorkeling. Cruise to Daphne, a satellite volcanic cone located north of Santa Cruz Island. The crater floor is an important breeding site for blue-footed boobies. This island is famous for the scientific investigation led by Peter and Rosemary Grant on the finches’ population, one of the most important studies on the field that supports Charles Darwin’s Theory. The cliff shore of the island is home for sea lions, pelicans, blue-footed boobies, and tropical birds which can be observed during the circumnavigation of the island.
Day 6 - Genovesa Island
We’ll take you sailing to El Barranco, situated in the southern part of Darwin Bay. Explore the 1.5km trail of volcanic rock and look out for rare species. Darwin Bay was formed by a submerged crater, and the resulting steep cliffs provide the perfect protected homes for a range of seabirds. See how many you can spot.
Day 7 - Santa Cruz Island
Puerto Ayora is the main population centre of the islands, and home to the National Park Service tortoise-breeding centre and the Charles Darwin Research Station. You will be able to visit the tortoise-breeding centre and walk through the Charles Darwin Research Station. You will also have the opportunity to take a bus ride to the highlands to observe giant tortoises in the wild and walk through a lava tunnel.
Day 8 - Baltra
Disembark your ship on Baltra Island.
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.