Enjoy this inmersive 8-day cruise through the Central East Islands of the Galapagos aboard the Tip Top II. Explore Santa Fe's unique cactus forest and colony of land iguanas, discover the wildlife-rich coastline of Santiago Island, enjoy a Zodiac ride in Black Turtle Cove´s series of mangrove-surrounded coves and islets, and make friends with the gentle giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Overflowing with wildlife, volcanic wonders, and breathtaking landscapes, this is the perfect vacation choice!
Highlights
Enjoy plenty of swimming, snorkeling and kayaking opportunities
Relax and swim on Bachas beach
Walk to Dragon Hill's hypersalinic lagoon for flamingo observation
Land in Gardener Bay for a close encounter with a colony of sea lions
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Fly from mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil) to Baltra, arriving at approximately 9:20 AM in the Galapagos Islands.Take a bus ride to the Itabaca Channel, and cross the channel by barge, then continue to Puerto Ayora by bus. Board the Tip Top II where the crew greets you, settle into your cabin, and enjoy a light snack and your first orientation. This afternoon, sail to Playa Las Bachas, a place where you can observe Flamingos lagoon. Enjoy a welcome cocktail with the entire crew, and dinner.
Day 2: Genovesa | Darwin Bay | Prince Phillip's Steps
Travel to South Plaza, a small island covered in Opuntia cacti. The island is home to one of the largest sea lion colonies and also features many colorful yellow and red land iguanas. Take a brief hike over the terrain for views of the island. In the afternoon, set sail for Santa Fe Island and hike its two visitor trails.
Make a dry landing on San Cristobal port, after a short drive, arrive at Jacinto Gordillo Interpretation Center where you can learn about the programs to maintain the species. You take the bus back to the port to visit the Interpretation Center of Human History of the Islands; this tour takes you through the geological and human history of the islands and its conservation.
In the afternoon, sail around Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido), a massive tuff-rock that juts abruptly almost 500 feet straight from the ocean. Kicker Rock serves as nesting place for many sea birds. Make a wet landing on Cerro Brujo to walk on a white sand beach and observe sea lions, brown pelicans, marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies.
Make a wet landing in Post Office Bay, a historic site that recalls the days of the whalers. They presumably placed a wooden barrel here in the 18th century to use it as a post office. Then, you will continue to the Baroness Point view, named for the Baroness Eloisa von Wagner, who lived on Floreana Island. Enjoy the beautiful landscape and the ruins of her house.
Visit the Devil’s Crown, a submerged volcano, for snorkeling for those who wish it (this is one of the best snorkeling sites in the Islands), then you make a wet landing on Point Cormorant for a short walk to the Flamingo Lagoon of this island. Continue the walk until you reach the beach called "La Picona" to see marine turtles and their spawning grounds.
Make an early landing at Suarez Point to view blue-footed boobies, albatrosses and Nazca boobies. The most famous attraction on Espanola is a magnificent blowhole which spurts water high into the air. Take a two-mile hike across the island.
Make a wet landing in Gardner Bay for a walk on the beach to observe a colony of sea lions. These friendly sea lions inhabit the beach in great quantity during the breeding season. This location is also an important nesting area for sea turtles. Then, travel by panga to Osborn Islet and the islets of Gardner. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon swimming or snorkeling in the crystal-blue waters here.
After breakfast, disembark and take a bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island for a visit to the native forests, Twin Craters, then, visit one of the ranches to see the giant tortoises in the wildlife. Enjoy a delightful lunch at the ranch before returning to Puerto Ayora to visit to the Interpretation Center Fausto Llerena.
Day 8: North Seymour | Disembark | Baltra
1 Breakfast
This morning, visit Black Turtle Cove, a series of mangrove-surrounded coves and islets; here you can observe white-tipped sharks, marine turtles, spotted eagle rays, and yellow cow-nosed rays. Disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight back to the mainland.
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.
$6,384
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Main Deck Single
Cabins 1 & 2 have one single lower double bed and are 120 sq ft. Can be booked as single or matrimonial.
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Main Deck
Cabins 3-6 have two single lower berths and are 196 sq ft.
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Upper Deck
Cabins 7-8 are located on the Upper Deck, are 170 sq ft and feature a private balcony. Cabins 7 & 8 have two single lower berths.
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Upper Deck Cabins 9 & 10
Cabins 9-10 are located on the Upper Deck, are 170 sq ft and feature a private balcony. Cabins 9 &10 feature a single king bed.
Notes
Children under 12 during the time of the cruise will receive a discount, providing flight tickets are booked by Tip Top Travel and the child is accompanied by an adult.
Generally infants are not accepted on board the Tip Top II, however each case is subject to review and availability. If accepted, the child discount applies.
In order to apply for the Family Room on board the Tip Top II, your party must include either 2 adults and one child under 12 years of age, or 2 adults and 2 children under 12 years of age. No additional discount applies to the Family Room rate. The Family Room rate cannot be applied to 3 or 4 adult passengers.
Please reserve your wetsuit in advance prior to trip.
Child Discount
50% discount for children under age 12 at 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 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
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 to rent on board - $30 short and $35 long size for 4-day tours; $35 short and $40 long size for 5-day tours; $40 short and $50 long size for 8-day tours; $65 short and $75 long size for 11-day tours; and $70 short and $80 long size for 15-day tours.
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.
Nancy Sin
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 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.