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Kayaking the warm waters of the Galapagos

Eastern Islands

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Mary Anne
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This incredible 8-day cruise through the eastern islands of the Galapagos covers some of the most beautiful islands including Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Bartolome, Rabida, South Plaza, Santa Fe and Española. Overflowing with wildlife, volcanic wonders, and breathtaking landscapes, this is the perfect vacation choice. The wildlife here is abundant and the landscape is stunning to behold. Fill your days with opportunities to snorkel, swim, kayak, and wander through the islands of this archipelago.
Travelers sit on the rocks and watch a seal in action.The crystal blue waters surround Pinnicle Rock.A woman walking on a white sandy beach spotted with sleeping seals.Travelers being guided across the volcanic landscape.Kayaking the warm waters of the Galapagos
Highlights
  • Reach the summit of Bartolome for a breathtaking panorama of the islands
  • Discover Rabida's deep-red beaches and visit a saltwater lagoon
  • Visit Santa Cruz Island's most famous highlights
  • Explore Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center and meet giant turtles
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 | Embark | Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz

  • Ship
  • 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After arriving at Baltra airport, be greeted by the naturalist guide to then board the Mary Anne and have lunch. After lunch, navigate a short distance to Black Turtle Cove, a large mangrove lagoon on the north coast of Santa Cruz Island. Pelicans and herons roost on the branches, while marine dwellers such as green sea turtles or golden rays may cruise right next to the panga as it makes its way through the mangroves.
Possible activities: Hiking

Day 2: Darwin Bay | El Barranco, Genovesa

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Travel to Genovesa Island and reach Darwin Bay (wet landing), a unique site with a beautiful beach, lined with red mangroves and soft‐haired prickly pear cacti where red‐footed boobies and great frigatebirds perch tamely.
Possible activities: Hiking, Kayak, Panga Ride, Snorkeling, Paddle Boarding

At El Barranco (dry landing), climb the edge of a cliff where frigatebirds, masked boobies, and red-footed boobies nest. The trail will take you to the inner part of the island, populated by holy stick trees and cacti. Seek out the impressive red‐billed tropicbird amidst Galapagos storm petrels and the endemic short-ear owl.
Possible activities: Hiking, Kayak, Panga Ride, Snorkeling, Paddle Boarding

Day 3: Bartolome | Chinese Hat, Santiago

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Dry landing at Bartolome to climb up the wooden steps and reach the summit of this spatter cone for a most breathtaking panorama of the island’s well-photographed Pinnacle Rock and views of neighboring Santiago and many other central islands in the distance. Afterward, visit the white sand beach used as a nest site by sea turtles. Bartolome is also a good place to spot the Galapagos penguin.
Possible activities: Hiking, Panga Ride, Snorkeling

In the afternoon, sail for Chinese Hat. Less than a quarter of one square kilometer in size, this island gets its name from being shaped like a Chinese Hat. The hat is Less than a quarter of one square kilometer in size, this island gets its name from being shaped like a Chinese hat. The hat shape is best appreciated from the north side. Lava formations can be seen on the western side of the island, formed under the sea and later raised upward, making it possible to observe coral heads on the lava. Be amazed by the landscapes covered by sea lions colonies, marine iguanas, and Galapagos penguins.
Possible activities: Hiking, Kayak, Panga Ride, Snorkeling, Paddle Boarding

Day 4: Rabida | Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Wet landing onto Rabida’s deep‐red beaches to explore the red island’s fascinating interior and saltwater lagoon, where flamingos are usually present. Darwin’s finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, and yellow warblers feed off the vegetation. Given the right time of the year, you may see brown pelicans nesting on salt bushes that fringe the beach.
Possible activities: Hiking, Kayak, Panga Ride, Snorkeling, Paddle Boarding

Head across to Cerro Dragon on Santa Cruz’s northwest shore (dry landing) to visit a saltwater lagoon, home to Greater Flamingos, black‐necked stilts, and white‐cheeked pintails. Further inland and find a fantastic land iguana nesting site.
Possible activities: Hiking, Snorkeling

Day 5: Santa Cruz Highlands | Darwin Research Station

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Spend this day visiting Santa Cruz Island´s most famous highlights. Have a dry landing at the dock of Puerto Ayora to then board our transportation and head to the island’s highlands. This area, in contrast to the coastal region, has lush vegetation and forest due to the humidity in the higher regions. Visit one of the ranches of the area where it is possible to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. As these animals migrate from the coastal area to the highlands and back, the chosen ranch will depend on the presence of the tortoises since they roam free and change locations. This is also a good place to see the ground finch of the Island, which populates these forests where is also possible to see the vermilion flycatcher or the yellow warbler.

Return to the ship for lunch and to freshen up to then head back to Puerto Ayora for our second visit of the day, the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center. Here, you will see tortoises from different islands. The animals are found in large semi-natural pens for their protection, but also to ensure an easy view for visitors. The pens are divided according to four different stages: eggs, neonates, juveniles (held here until they are mature enough to be "repatriated"), and adults. After this visit, have some time to browse the shops in the town of Puerto Ayora before boarding the ship, as this is the only opportunity you will have for souvenir shopping during the itinerary.

Day 6: South Plaza | Santa Fe

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Dry landing on one of the oldest docks of the archipelago on colorful South Plaza, home to vibrant greenprickly pears, deep red Sesuvium, and coppery‐orange land iguanas. Impressive seaward cliffs make the perfect perching spot for a variety of coastal birds. This is also a great place to observe the adult and pup sea lions swimming along the shores.
Possible activities: Hiking, Kayak, Panga Ride, Paddle Boarding

After a wet landing on Santa Fe, you will be encountered by a white beach where sea lions are usually resting. Look for the endemic species of land iguana, larger and yellower than land iguanas on other islands. The largest prickly pear cacti in the Galapagos are also found here.
Possible activities: Hiking, Kayak, Panga Ride, Snorkeling, Paddle Boarding

Day 7: Suarez Point | Gardner Bay, Española

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In the morning, head to Suarez Point, one of the most popular landing sites in Galapagos. The highlights include sea lions near the landing place, sometimes to be seen body‐surfing in the large breakers, large marine iguanas, with red‐colored males in the breeding season, oystercatchers, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, Galapagos hawks, Galapagos doves, swallow‐tailed gulls, red-billed tropicbirds, and three species endemic to Española: the waved albatross (present only from April to December), the Española mockingbird, and the Española lava lizard. The trail ends in “El Soplador” a blowhole that sprays water some 25 m (75 feet) into the air.
Possible activities: Hiking

Spend the afternoon in the fantastic Gardner Bay (wet landing) of Española Island; an outstanding beach with sea lions, marine iguanas, and the intrepid Española mockingbird. Close to Española, there is a good spot for snorkeling called Gardner Islet. While snorkeling, there is a good chance playful sea lions will join you. Get ready for more snorkeling at Osborn Islet, a great place to observe great quantities of marine life.
Possible activities: Hiking, Kayak, Snorkeling, Paddle Boarding

Day 8: Twin Craters, Santa Cruz | Disembark | Baltra

  • 1 Breakfast
This is your last day on the islands. After breakfast disembark in Puerto Ayora to take your transport to the Baltra airport, making a short stop to visit the Twin Craters. The Gemelos (twins) are in fact not craters, but magma domes that have collapsed, leaving two deep and wide holes located to the side of the road that leads to Puerto Ayora from the other side of the island.

After this visit, make your way to the Baltra airport for the flight to mainland Ecuador.

Ship/Hotel

Mary Anne

Cabin 5
Cabin 7
Relax and dine on deck

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$5,290
Mary Anne's Cabins.
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Standard
Standard Cabins with private bathrooms and air conditioning

Child Discount

Children under 12 may receive discounts on Galapagos flight fares and entrance fees. Contact us for details.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 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: $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 - $25/week

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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
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