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Walking on a beach excursion in the Galapagos

Central to North Islands

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Deep Blue
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Sail the central and north islands on a Galapagos voyage. This 8-day cruise aboard the Deep Blue explores the islands of Santa Cruz, Santiago, South Plaza, Daphne, and more! See the giant tortoises which made this island archipelago famous and swim with its playful sea lions.
Blue Footed Boobies in the GalapagosTravelers enjoying their Galapagos adventure near Punta Suarez, Espanola(Santa Cruz) IguanaBeach time at Cerro Brujo, San CristobalWalking on a beach excursion in the Galapagos
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Baltra - Santa Cruz Island

Arrive at the Baltra airport and transfer to the Deep Blue.

Journey to the highlands of Santa Cruz to experience all seven different vegetation zones. View Galápagos flycatchers, small tree-finches, and woodpecker finches as you hike around.

Day 2: Santiago

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Travel to Puerto Egas, the site of a small salt mining industry from the 1960s. Relax on the black sand beaches or take an inland hike towards a salt crater to sight various land birds. There is also a trail which leads to a series of grottoes where fur seals and night herons are often found.

In the afternoon, travel to Espumilla Beach, a large, coffee-coloured beach which is located north of the prized fresh water supply that once attracted pirates and whalers to the area. See nesting sea turtles on a hike along the mangroves. Make your way towards Buccaneer Cove, aptly named for the pirates who used to drop anchor in order to to make repairs and stock up on tortoise meat. Snorkel in the bay and see the underwater marine life.

Day 3: Bartolome - Santiago

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In the morning, arrive at Pinnacle Rock, a large and eroded lava formation which was created when magma expelled from the volcano and reached the sea. Decide to climb up a wooden stairway and be greeted by vast panoramic views of the island.

After lunch, sail for Sullivan Bay. This area features an extensive lava field with a variety of interesting patterns made by the shapes and textures of trees that once existed on the island. Walk around the lava cactus and watch oystercatchers fishing in the shallows of the bay.

Day 4: Santa Cruz

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Visit Los Gemelos (The Twins), two volcanic depressions found on the highest part of Santa Cruz. Locate vermillion flycatchers, woodpecker finches, and short eared owls as you walk around the area.

In the afternoon, take the time to explore the Charles Darwin Research Station. Learn about natural history, issues concerning the islands, and interact with the giant tortoises which reside in captivity.

Day 5: South Plaza Island - Santa Fe

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Travel to South Plaza Island to view the largest populations of land iguanas in the Galápagos archipelago. Explore the cliffs and rocky trails which circumnavigate the island. Watch lava lizards and snorkel with sea lions along the shoreline.

In the afternoon, journey to Santa Fe, where weathered cliffs provide sanctuary for swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropic birds, and sehar-waters petrels. Snorkel in a picturesque lagoon with ever present sea lions and marine life or take a hike through the forest of Opuntia cactus.

Day 6: Daphne Island - Santa Cruz Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Adventure to restricted Daphne Island and venture up a steep trail to its crater rim. View finches, masked boobies, short-eared owls and Galapagos martins as you hike the trail.

Return to Santa Cruz Island and visit Bachas Beach, a swimming beach. Explore the floating pier, which was left by the United States during World War II and watch for flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black necked stilts, and whimbrels.

Day 7: Genovesa

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Set out for Darwin Bay and arrive on its coral beach. Take a trail through seabird colonies and view an overwhelming number of birds. Nazca boobies soar overhead, great frigatebirds display their red pouches, and mockingbirds and oystercatchers skim the sand in search for food.

Travel to Prince Phillip’s Steps (El Barranco) and climb up a steep path to reach the cliffs. View the seabird colonies which reside on the cliffs and cross through a thin Palo Santo forest.

Day 8: Mosquera - Baltra

  • 1 Breakfast
Journey to Mosquera Island, which consists of a narrow stretch of white sand, rocks, and tidal pools. Ideal for snorkeling, you can also walk along the beach or observe the abundant wildlife on the island's shores.

In the afternoon, transfer to Baltra for your flights to the mainland.

Ship/Hotel

Deep Blue

Relax on the deck of the Deep Blue.
Guest receiving an informative talk aboard the Deep Blue.
Enjoy a delicious cocktail aboard the Deep Blue.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at

Child Discount

25% discount for children under age 12 at time of Galapagos cruise. Valid in February and September only.

Children under 12 may receive discounts on Galapagos flight fares and entrance fees. Contact us for details.

Galapagos Flights

  • Quito - Galapagos Roundtrip
    • $530 - $675
  • Guayaquil - Galapagos Roundtrip
    • $475 - $620

Optional Hospitality Packages

Included
  • Accommodations on board based on double occupancy
  • Meals while in the Galapagos
  • Bilingual Naturalist Guide
  • Shore Excursions
  • Swimming and Snorkeling
  • Adventure Life Pre-departure Services and In-Country Assistance (Quito Representative)
  • Transfers and Baggage Handling in the Galapagos
  • Snorkeling Equipment
Excluded
  • Airfare (see Galapagos Flights)
  • Quito/Guayaquil Hotel and Transfers
  • $100 Galapagos Park Fee
  • Gratuities and drinks aboard the ship
  • Travel Insurance

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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
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