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Isabela rock with birds

Central Galapagos Islands Cruise

Example 4 Day Cruise
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Venture to the islands of Isabela, Santa Cruz, Rabida and more on this exciting 4-day Galapagos small ship cruise.
Sea lionsWith our favorite tortoiseBeach on Isabela islandTraveler's waking on the seal covered beach.Isabela rock with birds
Highlights
  • Observe the giant tortoises on Primicias Ranch.
  • Practice ornithology on Isabela and there endemic birds
  • Enjoy the view of the dark red sand beaches on Rabida
Places Visited
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

  • 1 Dinner
Arrive into the Galapagos at the Baltra airport. Transfer to your ship. Spend the remainder of your day in the highlands of the Santa Cruz Island, exploring the Primicias Ranch, a reserve for giant tortoises.

Day 2: Isabela

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Land in Tintoreras, a small bay of calm turquoise waters where sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays and more frolic in the clear waters. A white sand beach and a black stone beach provide a nesting site for marine iguanas.

Visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center located near Puerto Villamil, where several species of tortoises are being cared for. Continue to the wetlands of Isabela, which consist of lagoons, swamps, and mangroves. Here you will find the home to a variety of unique bird species such as common stilts, whimbrels, and gallinules. Then learn about the history of the wall of tears. The wall was constructed between 1946 and 1959 while Isabela was a penal colony.  As punishment, the prisoners were forced to build the wall from huge blocks of lava.  The wall is named for the many convicts that died while building the wall.

Day 3: Rabida | Santa Cruz Island

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Rabida is a bird-watchers delight. Some of the rarest species are in abundance, such as 9 varieties of finches, large billed flycatchers, Galapagos hawks and brown pelicans. The dark red sand beaches and a horde of snoring sea lions make for spectacular snorkeling. Also, the island is home to the skinny legged Flamingo, which can be seen in a salt-water lagoon near the beach.

Hike Dragon Hill (Cerro Brujo) on Santa Cruz Island. This site consists of a trail that runs through three different environments along the way. View marine iguanas as well as the Galapagos flamingo.

Day 4: Santa Cruz Island | Baltra

  • 1 Breakfast
Spend the morning at Black Turtle Cove, a mangrove estuary on the northern shores of Santa Cruz Island. Many rays, sea turtles, pelicans and other wildlife live among the mangroves.

Transfer to the Baltra airport for your journey home.

Dates & Prices

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Included
  • 3 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners
  • 3 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Bilingual Naturalist Guide 
  • Adventure Life Pre-departure Services and In-Country Assistance (Quito Representative)
  • Shore Excursions, Swimming and Snorkeling 
  • Transfers and Baggage Handling in the Galapagos
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Galapagos Park Entrance Fee: $200 per adult, $100 per child under 12 (fees of $100 per adult and $50 per child valid on arrivals through Aug 1, 2024). Payable upon arrival to the Galapagos, only in cash dollars. Subject to increase by Galapagos Park Service.
  • Internal Flights: Mainland Ecuador - Galapagos - Mainland Ecuador: $475-675
  • Wetsuits are not included but are available to rent on board - $30 for 4-day and 5-day tours, and $35 for 8-day tours.
  • Snorkel equipment is not included but is available to rent on board - $20 for 4-day and 5-day tours, and $25 for 8-day tours.

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
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