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Marine iguana sunning itself in the Galapagos Islands

North to South

Example 12 Day Cruise
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Embark on a Galapagos cruise aboard the Galapagos Voyager and sail from the north to the south islands. This 12-day small ship cruise treats travelers to the best of this island archipelago and visits the islands of Rabida, Genovesa, Santa Fe and more!
Kayaking the warm waters of the GalapagosBlue Footed Boobies in the GalapagosSea Lions basking in the sunExploring Galapagos shoreline during an islands cruiseTravelers enjoying a tour of the Galapagos IslandsMarine iguana sunning itself in the Galapagos Islands
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 - Highlands

Arrive at the Baltra airport and transfer to the Galapagos Voyager.

Journey to the highlands of Santa Cruz to experience all seven different vegetation zones. View Galápagos flycatchers, small tree-finches, and woodpecker finches as you hike around.

Day 2: South Plaza Island - Santa Fe

Travel to South Plaza Island to view the largest population of land iguanas in the Galápagos archipelago. Explore the cliffs and rocky trails which circumnavigate the island and watch lava lizards skirt across the rocks. Snorkel with sea lions along the shoreline.

In the afternoon, journey to Santa Fe, where weathered cliffs provide sanctuary for swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropic birds, and sehar-waters petrels. Snorkel in a picturesque lagoon with curious sea lions and marine life or take a hike through the forest of Opuntia cactus.

Day 3: Daphne Island - Santa Cruz Island - Bachas Beach

Adventure to restricted Daphne Island, where visitors are limited. Venture up a steep trail to the crater rim of the island. View finches, masked boobies, short-eared owls and Galapagos martins as you hike the trail.

Return to Santa Cruz Island and visit Bachas Beach, a swimming beach. Explore the floating pier, which was left by the United States during World War II and watch for flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black necked stilts, and whimbrels.

Day 4: Genovesa

Set out for Darwin Bay and arrive on its coral beach. Take a short trail through numerous seabird colonies to view an overwhelming number of birds. Nazca boobies soar overhead, great frigatebirds display their red pouches, and mockingbirds and oystercatchers skim the sand in search for food.

Travel to Prince Phillip’s Steps (El Barranco) and climb up a steep path to reach the cliffs. View the seabird colonies which reside on the cliffs and cross through a thin Palo Santo forest.

Day 5: Mosquera - Santa Cruz Island - Dragon Hill

Journey to Mosquera Island, which consists of a narrow stretch of white sand, rocks, and tidal pools. Ideal for snorkeling, you can also walk along the beach or observe the abundant wildlife on the island's shores.

Journey to Dragon Hill, where a hypersalinic lagoon sits behind the beach. Flamingos frequent this saltier-than-the-ocean pool of water. You can also hike up a short trail to the top of the hill, which has sweeping views of the island.

Day 6: Chinese Hat - Rabida

In the morning, travel to Chinese Hat, named for its unique volcanic shape. This islet is home to a colony of sea lions which often frequent the on the white sand beach. Hope to see American Oystercatchers and Galapagos Penguins as they swim along the shore, and watch Sally-Lightfoot Crabs as they wander around the volcanic rock.

In the afternoon, travel to Rabida to view a variety of bird and marine life. Relax on the red sand beaches or snorkel in the waves.

Day 7: Isabela

Travel to the wetlands of Isabela Island. This island consists of lagoons, swamps and mangroves which provide shelter for common stilts, whimbrels, white-cheeked pintails and gallinules. Take a foot path which winds its way through the swamps.

Cross to Sierra Negra, a large shield volcano. This area is the primary habitat for the Sierra Negra giant tortoise. View the tall trees and lush vegetation of the island on a hike around the area.

Day 8: Santa Cruz Island - Charles Darwin Center

Visit Los Gemelos (The Twins), two volcanic depressions found on the highest part of Santa Cruz. Locate vermillion flycatchers, woodpecker finches, and short eared owls as you walk around the area.

In the afternoon, take the time to explore the Charles Darwin Research Station. Learn about natural history, issues concerning the islands, and interact with the giant tortoises which reside in captivity.

Day 9: Floreana

Travel to Floreana for great snorkeling opportunities and wildlife watching.

Day 10: Espanola

Explore Suárez Point, one of the most outstanding wildlife areas of the Galapagos archipelago. The island is home to five species of nesting seabirds. Marine iguanas and over-sized lava lizard are frequently seen relaxing on the rocks and are unique to the island.

In the afternoon, travel to Gardner Bay and snorkel with sea lions in its crystal waters.

Day 11: Lobos - San Cristobal

Visit Isla Lobos (Sea Lion Island) to interact with the sea lions which rest on its shores. Home to home to blue-footed boobies, great frigate-birds, brown pelicans, lava gulls, common noddies, yellow warblers and small and medium ground finches, the island is also an ideal location for birders. Snorkel with the sea lions and relax on the beach.

In the afternoon, travel to Cerro Colorado and stand on a wooden platform which offers amazing views of La Galapaguera, a tortoise rearing center.

Day 12: North Seymour - Baltra

Spend the morning on North Seymour Island and explore its rocky coast. Spot Daphne Major and Minor in the distance play with sea lions as they body surf close to shore.

In the afternoon, transfer to the Baltra airport for your connection back to the mainland.

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