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Sea lion looking off a rock

Northwestern Islands

Example 8 Day Cruise
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This cruise allows you to experience more than just the highlights of the Galapagos' northern islands. Take an 8-day adventure and travel from beautiful Santa Cruz, to the remote island of Genovesa, to Santiago to witness the black sand beach, and everywhere in between. Get ready to see an abundance of unique wildlife including frigatebirds, iguanas, and enjoy some friendly interaction with the island's playful sea lions. The wildlife here is abundant and the landscape is stunning to behold, making this an incredible vacation.
Wooden boardwalk in Bartolomewith the sun bathing iguanasDinghy ride to Pinnacle rockGalapagos penguin by the waterSea lion looking off a rock
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 - Bachas Beach

  • 1 Dinner
Arrive at Baltra Island Airport and transfer to the Guantanamera.

Set sail for Bachas Beach, an excellent location for swimming. View flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black necked stilts, and whimbrels and explore the floating pier, a remnant of World War II.

Day 2: Genovesa

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Set sail for Darwin Bay and land on its sandy white coral beach. Hike a half-mile trail 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.

Snorkel in the water before heading to 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.

Day 3: Bartolome - Sullivan Bay

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Visit Bartholomew Island and travel to Pinnacle Rock. Bartholomew is an extinct volcano which features red, orange, black and green volcanic formations. Venture up a trail of 375 wooden stairs to the summit or snorkel along the beach. This location is known for its sightings of the Galapagos penguin.

In the afternoon, sail for Sullivan Bay, a location of great geological interest. The bay is covered with old Pahoehoe and A’A lava flows, creating stricking formations.

Day 4: Isabela

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Journey to the Tintoreras Islet for snorkeling. These clear, turquoise waters are the homes to white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos Penguins, marine turtles and sea lions.

In the afternoon, explore the wetlands(Puerto Villamil), which features lagoons, swamps, and mangroves. Walk along a path that winds through the wetlands.

Day 5: Isabela

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Visit Moreno Point and take a dinghy ride to view its striking rocky shores. Spot green sea turtles or white-tip sharks in the tidal pools around the coast.

Sail for Elizabeth Bay and view penguins and Blue-footed Boobies from the dinghy. Snorkel with the abundant marine life.

Day 6: Isabela - Fernandina

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Visit Vicente Roca Point, a large bay which is packed with aspectacular sea life. Be on the watch for seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating Mola-mola a large sunfish.

Sail for Espinosa Point, which features one of the world's most pristine island ecosystems due to never having been invaded by a foreign species. The vast volcano La Cumbre dominates its landscape.

Day 7: Santiago - Rabida

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Travel to Espumilla Beach, a popular location for viewing marine iguanas and Sally Lightfoot Crabs. Grab a snorkel and view octopus, moray eel, and sharks in the water.

Day 8: Daphne or Mosquera - Baltra

  • 1 Breakfast
Make one last stop this morning to either Daphne or Mosquera before heading homeward.

Transfer to the airport for your connecting flight back to the mainland.

Dates & Prices

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Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Gear Rental: Snorkeling Gear
  • 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/week per person.

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
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