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Kicker Rock at sunset in the Galapagos

Southern Islands

Example 5 Day Cruise aboard M/C Endemic
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Words cannot describe the experience of a Galapagos cruise. Trace the remarkable origins of the species as you discover a land that time forgot. Swim with a large colony of sea lions at Isla Lobos, explore two sites on spectacular Española island, observe Nazca Boobies, Blue-footed Boobies, Red-billed Tropic Birds, marine iguanas, mockingbirds and more at Suarez Point. Be one of the few to experience why Darwin was so inspired by these spectacular islands. 
Sea lion encounter while snorkelingColorful kayaks on the beachSnorkeling with friendsGiant TortoiseTaking photos of the sceneryKicker Rock at sunset in the Galapagos
Highlights
  • Swim & Kayak around the spectacular San Cristobal Island
  • See hammerhead sharks, sea turtles and dazzling reef fish at Kicker Rock
  • Visit Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, home to hundreds of baby tortoises
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 Island Airport | Embark | Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz

  • Ship
  • 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Upon arrival, reception and assistance at the airport, transfer from Baltra Airport to the M/C Endemic.

In the afternoon, a visit to Dragon Hill will take place, which is located in the northwestern part of Santa Cruz island. Here you will have the opportunity to walk into the island and view the land iguana. Be among these magnificent reptiles, that just a few decades ago were on the brink of extinction. Moreover, at Dragon Hill, you will see a flamingos’ lagoon, pintail ducks, and other endemic birds including flycatchers and warblers. After a short trek, an amazing view awaits us up the hill. Offshore snorkeling before returning to the yacht.
Activities: Walking, Snorkeling, Landscape and wildlife observation
Type of Landing: Dry landing
Difficulty: Easy

Day 2: Kicker Rock | Witch Hill | Lobos Island, San Cristobal Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In the morning, the first spot to be visited is Kicker Rock, an impressive geological formation due to erosion. This is a nesting place for sea birds and a nice spot to take pictures while the vessels circumnavigate around the rock.
Activities: Circumnavigation
Type of landing: No landing

The next attraction to see is Witch Hill, a tuff cone hill located southwest from San Cristobal. This name comes from the Spanish name of the bird known in English as Vermilion Flycatcher. A zodiac ride will take passengers into amazing rock formations along the island shore. A white sand beach and crystal-clear waters are part of this enchanted location. Fantastic opportunity for snorkeling.
Activities: Hike, Dinghy ride, Snorkeling, Landscape and wildlife observation, Kayaking
Type of Landing: Wet landing
Difficulty: Easy

In the afternoon, you will be taken to Lobos Island, where a small population of blue-footed boobies, frigates, marine iguanas, and great frigate birds nesting can be observed. Snorkeling with sea lions in this calm bay is also part of the excursion.
Activities: Short hike (less than 0.6 mi / 1 km), Dinghy ride, and/or Snorkeling
Type of Landing: Dry landing
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

Day 3: Gardner Bay | Gardner and Osborn Islet | Suarez Point, Española Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Española Island will be explored today. You will have the chance to observe endemic wildlife such as the Hood-Mockingbird. This is the southernmost island in the Galapagos archipelago, and home to several wildlife species, including masked and blue-footed boobies. Spectacular views from the top of a cliff. In the morning, after breakfast, the first attraction to be seen is Gardner Bay which provides an excellent beach for swimming. Around the small islets nearby, snorkelers will find lots of fish and sometimes turtles and sharks. The bay is also frequented by colonies of sea lions who like to swim with you.
Activities: Snorkeling, Dinghy ride, Kayaking, Short hike of (0.6 miles / 1 KM)
Type of Landing: Wet landing
Difficulty: Easy

Or visit the Osborn and Gardner islets which are amazing for underwater discovery. Snorkeling is a highlight of this visitor point. After lunch, Point Suarez will be visited, which represents one of the most outstanding wildlife areas of the archipelago, with a long list of species found along its cliffs and sand or pebble beach. Activities: Hike (1.9 mi / 3 km)
Type of Landing: Dry landing
Difficulty: Difficult

Day 4: Santa Fe Island | Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, Santa Cruz Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In the morning, after breakfast, Santa Fe island will be visited, which is one of the most entertaining destinations for shore excursions in the Galapagos Islands. It has two trail choices for visitors, one of which takes you to the tallest Opuntia cactus in the Galapagos. While the other trail takes you into the highlands where land iguanas can be seen. After a long walk, the opportunity to swim in calm waters or snorkel with playful sea lions will be pretty tempting.
Activities: Hiking, Snorkeling, Kayaking off the beach, Dinghy ride
Type of Landing: Dry landing
Difficulty: Moderate

In the afternoon, visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, which is also known as Charles Darwin Research Station. This place has an information center, a museum, a library, and a tortoise breeding station. In the tortoise breeding station, you can encounter tortoises of different subspecies, which are prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats. The most popular inhabitant of this Station is probably the Lonesome George turtle, which already died in 2012. As part of your day, you will head towards the Highlands of Santa Cruz to admire the famous giant tortoises in the wild. It is impressive to see these endemic animals that give the name to the archipelago, Galapagos. Birdwatching is also one of the activities in the highlands since this area is home to finches and other Galapagos birds. Finally, you walk into lava caves to see the enormous lava flows that formed the islands before continuing back to the M/C Endemic.
Activities: Walking
Type of Landing: Dry landing
Difficulty: Easy

Day 5: South Plaza Island | Disembark | Baltra Airport

  • 1 Breakfast
In the morning, South Plazas island is the next island to be discovered. It has unique Sesuvium plants and Opuntia cactuses scattered across the landscape which provide some of the most interesting wildlife observations available in Galapagos. Land iguanas are easily seen from the trail, frequently under the shade of cactuses, waiting for a prickly pear to fall.
Activities: Hiking
Type of landing: No landing
Difficulty: Easy

After this last visit, transfer to Baltra airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador. Assistance and farewell at the airport.

Ship/Hotel

M/C Galapagos Endemic

M/C Endemic
Lounge
Dining area

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$5,890
Golden Suite
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Golden Suite
Each cabin has personalized air conditioning control, a balcony, spacious private bathroom and either a king-size bed or two twin-size beds.
Single cabin
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Single Cabin
A suite as above, dedicated for solo occupancy. Each cabin has personalized air conditioning control, a balcony, spacious private bathroom and one twin-size bed.

Child Discount

25% Discount applies when traveling with two adults. Children must be under 12 years old by the time they 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.
Included
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
  • 4 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, kayaks, and paddleboards are all included in the cruise cost and are available for your use onboard.
  • 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
  • Soft drinks and juices
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

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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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