The Galapagos Islands are unlike anywhere else on earth - an exotic haven of flora and fauna, where the interference of humans has been kept to an absolute minimum. Whether traveling with your family or a group of friends, this incredible 8-day cruise helps bring your dream of a Galapagos cruise to life. Kayak in tranquil bays of turquoise waters, take a peek at colorful sealife while snorkeling, and trek through moon-like volcanic landscapes. Each stop reveals new enchantments. From the prehistoric land iguanas nestling on Suarez Point to flamingos in the hypersalinic lagoon, every experience is an unforgettable one!
Highlights
Visit Floreana, the island that has the most interesting human history
Snorkel at Devil's Crown & be immersed in a world of color filled with fish
View enormous pit craters, lava tunnels, and giant tortoises on Santa Cruz
Hike up the famous Prince Phillip's Steps to enjoy views of the islands
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. While enjoying lunch on board set sail and cruise the shores of this island. This afternoon brings a shore visit at the El Junco Lagoon.
This is one of the islands that has the most interesting human history. It was one of the earliest islands to be inhabited. In 1793 a post office barrel was erected on Floreana to facilitate delivery to the United States and Europe. Today, this area of the island is of course called Post Office Bay.
Explore Cormorant Point in the afternoon, where more than 50 volcanic cones rise in an 80-mile area. Pink flamingos, clear water, and interesting coral growths make this a perfect spot for snorkeling.
Continue to Devil's Crown, a volcanic crater near Floreana that has been eroded by the waves. Here snorkelers are immersed in a world of color and movement filled with schools of fish that move as one: king angelfish, yellowtail surgeonfish, and needlefish. There are also parrotfish, Moorish idols, and damselfish, sea cucumbers, sea stars, sea urchins, sleeping sharks, turtles, rays and many more, making this one of the best snorkeling sites in the Galapagos.
This morning stop at Suarez Point, an amazing site and one of the most attractive in the Galapagos due to the quantity and variety of wildlife. The trail along the island takes you past sea lions surfing the breaking waves, iguanas basking in the warm sun, and boobies nesting right in your path. The trail continues towards the cliffs and the blowhole, which is a fissure in the lava where water spurts high in the air like a geyser.
This afternoon, Gardener Bay offers great opportunities for enjoying some beach time in the Galapagos. Here the mockingbirds are the center of your attention as they keep you company on top of your hat or investigating your belongings.
From your landing point in the town of Puerto Ayora, enjoy an excursion to the Twin Craters, located in the highlands of this second largest island in the Galapagos archipelago. The lush greenery of the Santa Cruz highlands offers a welcome contrast with the arid scenery of the smaller, lower islands. You get a chance to see enormous pit craters, lava tunnels, and giant tortoises roaming freely.
Continue on to the Charles Darwin Station, where you can observe tortoise research and breeding programs. Scientists, park rangers, and park managers among others conduct the conservation of the islands and make huge efforts to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Discover El Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip's Steps. Hike up the steep rocky face to the top of a cliff where you can see red-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls, Galapagos swallows, and Galapagos Doves.
Continue on the white-sand coral beach of Darwin Bay. Set out on foot through the mangroves and view Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls. Tidal pools are teeming with young sea lions and reef fish, and the occasional hammerhead shark can be found among the rocks.
Rabida Island (Jervis) is one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago and a great snorkeling site. Its famous maroon sandy beach and stunning lookouts provide wonderful landscapes. The island is a birdwatcher’s delight. Some of the rarest species are in abundance, such as nine varieties of finches, large-billed flycatchers, Galapagos hawks, and brown pelicans.
This small islet is located near the southeast coast of Santiago Island. Its name comes from the distinct shape of the islet's summit. This small islet is a great location to view many geological formations such as lava tubes and lava flows.
Explore Cerro Brujo (Wizard Hill), a collapsed volcano with white-sand beaches just north of Kicker Rock. It is home to sea lions, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, brown pelicans, Sally Lightfoot crabs, sea turtles and rays.
The name of this island means "Sea Lion Island." This appropriately named island is ripe with noisy, frolicking, jolly sea lions who welcome you to their home with open, well, fins. This island also offers great snorkeling opportunities as well as the chance to see blue-footed and Nazca boobies.
Day 8: San Cristobal | Disembark
1 Breakfast
The Interpretation Center was opened in 1998 as a phase of the project “Interpretation and Environmental Education Project.” Visitors enjoy expositions on natural history, human history, and conservation. The conservation efforts represent the movement to protect the wildlife and natural environment through means of population and tourist control. The Interpretation Center has an outdoor stadium, audio-visual equipment, and meeting rooms. Continue from the center to the airport for your return flights 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
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
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 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.