Explore the breathtaking Galapagos archipelago, where each island has its own distinct landscapes and fascinating wildlife, on this expedition cruise accompanied by a team of experienced naturalist guides
Explore the stunning natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands on this expedition cruise and see unique wildlife that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Embark your ship on Baltra Island and cruise to North Seymour Island where there is a large colony of frigate birds, there are also blue-footed boobies, sea lions and large land iguanas. Santa Cruz and Santa Fe islands are also good places to spot sea lions, or enjoy hiking on one of the many trails. Explore the volcanic landscape of San Cristobal Island and see the famous post office barrel on Floreana Island where whalers left their mail to be picked up by outbound ships.
On Isabela Island there is the chance to see penguins, sea turtles and nesting flightless cormorants, and there is the opportunity to visit a giant tortoise reserve on Santa Cruz. Relax on the beach on Espanola Island or snorkel amongst the sea turtles, rays and tropical fish. 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.
Complimentary beer, wine, spirits, soft drinks, coffee, tea and bottled water
Snorkelling equipment
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Gratuities
Excludes
International return flights - we can arrange these for you, please contact us
Itinerary
Day 1Baltra (Galapagos Islands) - North Seymour Island
Embark your ship in Baltra then sail to North Seymour Island which is home to the largest colony of frigate birds in the Galapagos. While keeping an eye out for male frigates trying to impress potential mates with an inflated red neck pouch, you may also see blue-footed boobies dancing in a timeless courtship ritual. Sea lions and large land iguanas also roam about this rocky terrain.
Day 2Santa Cruz Island - Santa Fe Island
South Plaza is a small island just off the coast of Santa Cruz and is home to one of the biggest colonies of sea lions in the Galapagos. Santa Fe is one of the oldest islands in the Galapagos archipelago. See sea lions here and enjoy diving or walking on the many hiking trails.
Day 3San Cristobal Island
Punta Pitt, thought by many to be the most spectacular site in San Cristobal, allows us the rare opportunity to visit the only location in Galapagos where you can observe all three species of boobies, Blue, Red and Masked, and two species of frigates birds nesting in the same area. In addition, there is an opportunity to explore its volcanic terrain as well as beach swimming. In the small waterfront town of Puerto Baquerizo there is the chance to enjoy a spot of shopping or visit the local interpretation centre.
Day 4Floreana Island
Bahia Post Office is home to the post office barrel established in about 1793, where pirates, buccaneers, whalers and others could leave their mail to be picked up by outbound ships. The tradition continues today, as visitors leave addressed postcards in the barrel and sort through left mail to deliver at home. Cormorant Point was the first capital of the Galapagos, and it was here that Charles Darwin met with the Governor of the islands. Look out for flamingos and stilts in the lagoon.
Day 5Isabela Island
Elizabeth Bay is one of the western-most points in the Galapagos. A scenic Zodiac ride along this sheltered inlet offers viewing of a wide variety of wildlife and a wonderful mangrove ecosystem. Historically an anchorage for pirates and whalers, this site offers a breathtaking view of Isabela, its volcanoes, and a saltwater lagoon. Along the shore, seabirds, penguins, sea lions, sea turtles, and nesting flightless cormorants can often be found. At Moreno Point you may see huge marine iguanas and Galapagos penguins.
Day 6Santa 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 7Espanola Island
At Gardner Bay a long white sand beach and clear blue waters make this an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing on the beach. In the water, sea turtles, rays, colourful tropical fish and maybe even a white-tip reef shark may be seen. It is also home to a colony of sea lions.
Day 8Baltra
Look out for sea lions on Mosquera Islet as it is home to one of the biggest populations in the Galapagos. Disembark ship in Baltra.
Southern Galapagos Islands ItineraryFor navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.
