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Hiking at Punta Pitt, San Cristobal

Southwestern Islands

Example 11 Day Cruise aboard Sea Star Journey
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Explore the southern islands of the the Galapagos on the beautiful Sea Star Journey. Experience all facets of the southwestern archipelago as you kayak, snorkel and hike your way through the islands! Spot a myriad of native species including sea lions, sharks, marine birds, and sea turtles. Enjoy the south's stunning volcanic landscapes and pristine beaches on this 11-day cruise.
Encounter tropical wildlife while you sail on the AranuiEnjoy seeing these unique island from the seat of your kayak.Seals rest on the rocky shores with brightly colored crabs while sea turtles swim below.Hiking at Punta Pitt, San CristobalHiking at Punta Pitt, San Cristobal
Highlights
  • Take a marine excursion to Elizabeth Bay
  • Go on a zodiac tour of shoreline cliffs
  • Visit the five mile wide crater of the Sierra Negra volcano
  • Explore a flamingo lagoon in Punta Cormorant
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 - Charles Darwin Center

Begin your Galapagos adventure on Baltra Island, also known as South Seymour. Formed by geological uplift, Baltra is flat, arid, and rich in wildlife. Fly into the Baltra airport and board your vessel.

Cruise across the Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island, home of the Charles Darwin Station. Here you will have the opportunity to learn about Galapagos protection and conservation efforts before exploring the archipelago. Visit the National Park information center, the Van Staelen Exhibition Hall, and the Breeding and Research Center for Galapagos tortoises.

Day 2: Isabela

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning take a zodiac ride through "Tintoreras," a group of small islands named for the white tipped reef sharks that inhabit the area. View all sorts of wildlife, including the reef sharks that rest in the shallow waters.

Take a trip up the slopes of the Sierra Negra volcano this afternoon. The crater of the Sierra Negra is 5 miles wide, the second widest in the world. Enjoy fantastic views from the crater's rim and continue your hike up to nearby Chico Volcano to see striking lava formations.

Day 3: Isabela

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Spend the morning exploring Punta Moreno, on Isabela's north coast. Take a trail along a Pahohoe lava flow into a complex of coastal lagoons, observing multifarious, entertaining bird species along the way.

In the afternoon, embark on a marine excursion to Elizabeth Bay. Boat through the Marielas Islets, home of the largest colony of penguins in the Galapagos. Continue into a secluded red mangrove cove for a front-row seat to the entertaining antics of sea turtles, rays, pelicans, and schools of pompano and dorado fish.

Day 4: Fernandina - Isabela

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning cruise over to Fernandina Island. Some of the most unique species in the Galapagos are found at Punta Espinoza on the northeastern tip of the island. A favorite resident of Punta Espinoza is the flightless cormorant. This fascinating creature has adapted to its predator-less, island existence, evolving into a marine species capable of finding food in the ocean.

Visit Isabela's Tagus Cove this afternoon, beginning with a zodiac tour of the impressive shoreline cliffs. Land nearby and hike about 30 minutes to a cliff-top that offers views of stunning Darwin Lake, the cove below, and historic cliff-side pirate graffiti.

Day 5: Santiago

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Spend the morning exploring Espumilla Beach on the northern coast of Santiago Island. Espumilla is an important nesting site for turtles and is famed for its beautiful palo santo forest.

In the afternoon, travel west to Puerto Egas. Volcanic tuff deposits have formed a black sand beach in this area, unique in the Galapagos.

Day 6: Lobos - San Cristobal

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning will find you at Isla Lobos, a small island made up of a dry vegetation zone, volcanic rock, and beautiful, sandy shorline. Lobos is also home to a particularly large colony of sea lions.

Venture on to San Cristobal this afternoon, and visit the Cerro Colorado Tortoises Protection and Growing Center on the south east side of the island. Take this opportunity to learn about San Cristobal's tortoise population, as well as its other fascinating species of native flora and fauna.

Day 7: Española

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Journey to Española Island this morning. Swim, snorkel, kayak, and relax in beautiful Gardner Bay. Spot sharks in the crystal clear waters and observe sea lions lounging on the shore.

In the afternoon head to Punta Suarez, a rocky outcropping sustaining one of the largest and most varied populations of sea birds in the archipelago. Watch these birds as they swoop and dive along the cliffs, dodging impressive water spouts and pounding surf.

Day 8: Floreana

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today begins with a visit to Punta Cormorant, home of the best flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos. Located on Floreana Island, the lagoon is uniquely situated between two tuff lava cones and is home to flamingos, common stilts, white-checked pintail ducks, and many others. The area features two distinct beaches: "The Green Beach," made up of olivine crystals, and "The Flour Sand Beach," formed by particles of coral.

This afternoon, pay a visit to historical Post Office Bay. In the 18th century whalers placed a barrel at this site to serve as a post office for mariners and inhabitants of the island, and it's been in use ever since. Ascend to nearby Baroness Lookout, along the north slope of Floreana. From here, enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Day 9: Santa Fe - South Plaza Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today you will journey to Santa Fe, a distinctly flat island formed by a geological uplift rather than a volcano. Some theories identify Santa Fe as the oldest island in the Galapagos. Walk along the island trail, winding through salt bushes and giant cactus while viewing unique species such as the Galapagos hawk, snake, and mockingbird. Take advantage of the crystalline waters, snorkeling with tropical fish and playful sea lions.

Venture to South Plaza Island this afternoon. Diminutive in size, but rich in wildlife, Plaza houses some of the Galapagos' most fascinating creatures. Most notably, the island boasts a large population of hybrid iguanas, a cross between their land and marine counterparts.

Day 10: North Seymour - Bachas Beach - Santa Cruz Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Spend the morning touring North Seymour Island, whose flat, boulder-strewn terrain provides ideal nesting environments for frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls. Meander along the circular island trail, admiring the rocky shore and crashing surf.

In the afternoon, explore Bachas, a pair of stunning white sand beaches on Santa Cruz. Sea turtles can be found nesting in the soft sand, flamingos strut in the brackish lagoon, and abandoned barges sit just off shore, remnants of US military presence in the islands during WWII.

Day 11: Mosquera - Baltra

  • 1 Breakfast
Begin your day with a visit to Mosquera Islet, situated between Baltra and North Seymour. Its stunning white sand beach is home to a large population of sea lions, shore birds, and colorful crustaceans. This site is ideal for snorkeling and swimming.

Travel back to Baltra in the afternoon for your departing flight.

Ship/Hotel

Sea Star Journey

Stunning sunsets aboard the Galapagos Sea Star
Galapagos Sea Star Journey
Sea Star Journey

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$10,899
Sea Star Journey
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Galapagos Suite
Main and Upper Deck. Two Twin Beds. Approximately 25m2.
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Balcony Suite
Main Deck. Approximately 25m2.
Sea Star Journey
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Sea Star Suite
Upper Deck. Approximately 35m2.

Child Discount

20% discount for children under age 12 at the time of Galapagos cruise.Child discounts are conditional and may not apply on certain departures. Please contact us for more information.

Children under 12 may receive discounts on Galapagos flight fares and entrance fees. Contact us for details.
Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
  • 10 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
  • Snorkeling and kayaking equipment is included in the cruise cost and available for your use on board.
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: $100 per adult, $50 per child under 12. 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 - $8/day, or $30 for 5-day and 6-day tours.

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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
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