This Galapagos cruise highlights the archipelago's beautiful northern islands. Known for their striking volcanic features, pristine white sand beaches, and peaceful lagoons, these islands are a great place to get to know the Galapagos! Kayaking, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing opportunities abound on this 10-day cruise.
Highlights
Visit a hyper-saline lagoon, a favorite site for native flamingos
Explore Chinese Hat, featuring lava tubes and flows
Hike across Santa Cruz Island through agricultural and Miconia zones
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station & learn about local conservation
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Begin your Galapagos adventure on the island of Baltra, part of a pair known as the Seymour Islands. Baltra was created by geological uplift and has a variety of endemic species such as salt bushes, prickly pear cactus and palo santo trees. Bird life is also plentiful here, and very entertaining!
In the afternoon, travel on to Dragon Hill. Located on Santa Cruz Island, this area boasts a hyper-saline lagoon, a favorite site of native flamingos. Climb up the hill and enjoy breathtaking views of the bay below.
Visit Rabida Island, famous for its striking red rock and sand. Walk along island trails to a coastal lagoon where a myriad of bird species can be observed.
In the afternoon, travel on to Chinese Hat, a conical-shaped islet off of the southeastern tip of Santiago. Chinese Hat is a great place to observe volcanic features, such as lava tubes and flows, in addition to sea lions, marine iguanas, and Galapagos penguins.
Cruise to Genovesa Island and begin your day at Darwin Bay. Darwin came into existence when Genovesa's crater collapsed into the sea, leaving beautiful white coral sand beaches in its stead. This island is favored by bird-watchers, boasting numerous species including red footed and masked boobies, wandering tattlers, lava gulls, whimbrels, and various herons. A trail takes you across the island and up to a cliff edge. From here, admire the incredible view of the island landscape below.
In the afternoon, ascend the southern plateau of Darwin Bay, known as El Barranco. This area is a popular nesting site for masked and red-footed boobies as well as storm petrels and short-eared owls.
Head to Bartolomé Island, site of some of the most beautiful landscape in the archipelago. Volcanic evidence is all over the island: volcanic cones, lunar-like craters, and the famous Toba pinnacle. Bartolomé's two beaches are not only breathtaking, they're also home to marine turtles and a small colony of Galapagos penguins.
After leaving Bartolomé, travel to Santiago Island. Santiago is an active volcano and the fourth largest island in the archipelago.
Day 5: Santa Cruz Island - Highlands - Charles Darwin Center
Explore the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Hike through the island's agricultural zone, Miconia zone, as well as the Fern and Sedge zone. Take in the beautiful scenery of the rolling hills and grassy volcanic cones as you peruse the island.
In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Station. Here you will learn about Galapagos conservation efforts, visiting the Van Staelen Exhibition Hall, the Breeding and Rearing Center for Galapagos tortoises, and the general information center. Learning about the protection of the species you've been observing throughout your trip.
Take a zodiac ride to the "Tintoreras," a cluster of islands off of the coast of Puerto Villamil. Herons perch on the mangroves, Galapagos penguins and sea lions lounge on shore, and white-tipped reef sharks rest in the shallow waters.
In the afternoon, venture to the highlands of Isabela Island. Hike up the Sierra Negra slope to the volcano's rim. From this vantage point you will have a fantastic view of the 5 mile wide crater and surrounding islands. Continue on to Chico Volcano and watch the striking lava formations that have helped shaped Isabela.
Visit Punta Moreno, on the north coast of Isabela. Wander along a trail that follows a Pahohoe lava flow into a group of coastal lagoons. This area is know for the spectacular bird species that inhabit its lakes and mangroves.
In the afternoon, take a zodiac ride through to Marielas Islet, home of the largest and most prominent Galapagos penguin colony. Your journey will take you into a red mangrove cove where turtles, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, brown pelicans, sea lions, and schools of pompano and dorado fish are frequently spotted.
In the morning, visit Punta Espinoza, the only visitor site on Fernandina Island. Punta Espinoza is a hot spot for iguanas, housing the largest concentrated population in the Galapagos. The area also provides habitat for the famous flightless comorant, a predator-less species that have evolved to survive in their island home.
Journey on to Tagus Cove and tour the picturesque cliffs in a zodiac. Disembark and hike up the cliff side for a view of Darwin Lake and the surrounding volcanoes. This site is also displays historic graffiti, written centuries ago by pirates and whalers.
Spend the morning at Espumilla beach on the northern coast of Santiago Island. This beach is an important sea turtle nesting site and gateway to the beautiful Palo Santo forest.
In the afternoon, head to the west side of the island for a visit to Puerto Egas. This site is known for its distinctive black sand beaches, formed by volcanic tuff deposits.
Day 10: Lobos - San Cristobal
1 Breakfast
Visit quaint Isla Lobos. Take a trail across the island, observing blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and sea lions along the way.
Transfer to the San Cristobal airport for your departing flight.
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.
$9,645
Select a Date
Lower Deck
One cabin on the Lower Deck with a queen size bed, which can be used for single occupancy. Private bath facilities, individual A/C, mini-bar, desk, closet & phone.
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Main Deck
2 convertible twin cabins and 2 matrimonial cabins on the main deck and 2 convertible twin cabins on the upper deck. Private bath facilities, individual A/C, mini-bar, desk, closet & phone.
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Upper Deck
2 convertible twin cabins and 2 suite cabins on the Upper Deck. Private bath facilities, individual A/C, mini-bar, desk, closet & phone.
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.
Initial deposit is 35% ($400 minimum), 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
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
9 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 throughAug 1, 2024). Payable upon arrival to the Galapagos, only in cash dollars. Subject to increase by Galapagos Park Service.
Wetsuits are not included but are available for rent on board- $30 for 5-day tours, $36 for 6-day tours, $60 for 10-day tours, $66 for 11-day tours, and $90 for 15-day tours.
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 | 167 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 167 reviews on
3 days 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
2 weeks ago
Erin was patient, thorough, responsive, knowledgeable.
Karen Bukolt
3 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.