The Galápagos Archipelago, Darwin's living laboratory, is home to an abundance of wildlife. Isolated from the mainland for millions of years, it is that rare wilderness where animals have no instinctive fear of humans. Travel aboard the Majestic to experience up-close encounters with unique species such as land iguanas, penguins, reef sharks, rays, and more!
Highlights
Visit Santa Fe Island and discover its colorful flora and fauna
Admire Bartholomew's spectacular volcanic formations and colors
Explore Tagus Cove, historically used as an anchoring site for pirates
Swim at Las Bachas and see flamingos, black necked stilts, and whimbrels
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive at the San Cristobal airport this morning and transfer to the boat. Cruise the shores of San Cristobal en route to Galapaguera, located on the northern end of the island. Here view giant turtles living peaceably in the wild.
Enjoy the arid landscape of North Seymour Island and it's wildlife as blue-footed boobies, the royal frigate birds of Galapagos, and the sea lions.
Explore the shores of South Plaza Island, covered by the opuntia cactus and home to the largest sea lion colonies in the Galapagos. Also here you can find the lazy but colorful yellow and red land iguana. This animal likes this island because of its richness in the opuntia cactus, which is an iguana delicacy. There are about 700 iguanas on the island and this species seems to be one of the smallest iguana species.
Home of the famous Pinnacle Rock, Bartholomew consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black, and even green volcanic formations. A trail of stairs leads to the summit of the volcano, boasting one of the best views of the islands. The beach is perfect for snorkeling and possible sightings of the Galapagos penguin.
Land on the black beach of Puerto Egas on the island of Santiago, once home to a salt mining enterprise. Explore this unique beach and its environs including plenty of sea lions and fur seals. Santiago provides habitat for many of the 30-40,000 fur seals that call the Galapagos home, and provides ample photography opportunities for these animals.
Tagus Cove on Isabela Island is one of the landing spots on the island and was historically used as an anchoring site for pirates and whalers. The trail that goes from Tagus Cove takes you through many different vegetation zones and offers spectacular views of Darwin Lake, which is a saltwater crater lake. Once you get to the top of the trail, you are able to see Darwin Volcano as well as Wolf Volcano, which is the highest point of the islands.
Continue to Urbina Bay, located at the base of Alcedo Volcano on the west coast between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay. This area experienced a major uplift in 1954 causing the land to rise over 16 feet. The coast expanded half-a-mile out, leaving marine life stranded on the new shore. This area is also a great place for snorkeling.
Sail to Fernandina for a visit to Espinoza Point. Fernandina Island has yet to be invaded by foreign species, making it one of the world's most pristine island ecosystems. The volcano “La Cumbre” dominates the landspace with lava fields reaching the ocean. This area provides a great opportunity to see the Galapagos hawk.
Return to Isabela this afternoon and explore Vicente Roca Point, located on the northwestern coast of the island and comprised of two separate coves. This site is a large bay with spectacular sea life. Seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating Mola mola (sunfish) may be spotted here. This bay is great for diving and snorkeling.
Today discover three of the most iconic spots on Santiago Island. Start with Buccaneer Cove, a testament to the fact that Santiago Island was once a refuge for British buccaneers. These pirates would anchor in the protected bay to make repairs and stock up on tortoise meat, among other things. The steep cliffs, where hundreds of seabirds perch in front of the dark red-sand beach, are a magnificent site.
Then head to Espumilla Beach, a popular place for marine iguanas and Sally Lightfoot crabs. The crabs attract the hunting herons performing the dance of predator and prey. With an abundance of marine life including octopi, moray eels, and sharks, snorkeling is highly recommended.
Finally close with a flourish at Sullivan Bay, where a coral beach landing leads you towards a lava field as far as the eye can see. Hunt and peck over the two distinguished types of lava, pahoehoe and 'a'a, for signs of plant life that have managed to emerge over the past 100 years since the most recent volcanic explosion. A truly amazing volcanic experience…up close and personal!
Located on the north shore of Santa Cruz, Las Bachas is a swimming beach. One of the few remnants of the U.S. World War II presence in the Galapagos, a floating pier, can be seen here. You may see flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black necked stilts, and whimbrels. Sea turtles also nest off the beach.
The Charles Darwin Research Station is home to turtles ranging from 3 inches (new hatchlings) to 4 feet long. Subspecies of turtles interact with one another and many of the older turtles are accustomed to humans stretching out their heads for a photo opportunity. The babies are kept until they are about four years old and strong enough to survive on their own.
Day 8: San Cristobal | Disembark
1 Breakfast
In the morning visit Kicker Rock. This striking rock formation is located a couple hours off the western shore of San Cristobal. Jutting out of the water, the rocks stand vertically at hundreds of feet above the ocean divided by a small channel. Although there are no landing areas, kayaking and scuba diving allow visitors to spot a variety of marine life. Continue to the airport for your journey home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Notes
Solo travelers can opt for a single cabin at 1.7 the posted fare
Please provide your wetsuite size in advance prior to trip
Child Discount
20% discount for children under age 12 at time of Galapagos cruise
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
$230-$310 Two hotel nights in Quito and two domestic transfers
$200-$290 Two hotel nights in Guayaquil and two domestic transfers
Initial deposit is 25% , and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 (10 weeks) prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
KC Chan
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 week ago
I spoke with at least a half dozen other travel companies, looking for a Galapagos cruise that fit our schedule and budget. Some companies could manage one or the other, but Erin was the only one who could do both. She found us the perfect cruise, at a fantastic price! And she has been quick and patient with responses to my many questions. So far, Adventure Life has been a fantastic company to work with!
Sandi T
3 weeks ago
Erin was patient, thorough, responsive, knowledgeable.
Karen Bukolt
4 weeks ago
Erin was responsive, knowledgeable, helpful, and ran through a few different choices with us. She got us a fabulous price on a trip, and made everything easy to do. And QUICK!!
Tina
1 month ago
From the initial meeting and planning process with our trip planner Jess, through to the finalizing of our itinerary, trip details and questions, I was very impressed with the professionalism, thoroughness, organization and attention to details. I would highly recommend Adventure Life to anyone looking to plan a unique travelling experience, knowing that the expertise and experience provided will result in a seamless trip of a lifetime.
Lynn Farquharson
1 month ago
Excellent suggestions I line with my desires on a Galapagos very last minute cruise.
Swift and professional guidance and assistance in booking the trip. Helped me realising a substantial saving.