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Galapagos penguin on a rock

Luxury West & Central Galapagos Cruise

Example 6 Day Cruise aboard M/C Endemic
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With no other place like it, the Galapagos is the earth’s living laboratory. Home to some of the most endemic species, these islands are reputed not only for their ancient and diverse wildlife but for their stunning natural beauty. Whether you are a birder, botanist or simply just curious, expect to be conquered by this trip. The exclusive Western Islands are home to the only active volcanoes in the archipelago and are known both for their spectacular volcanic landscapes as well as penguin spotting: over 95% of the Galapagos penguins are there.
Unique landscape and cactus found on the Galapagos IslandsColorful land iguanaWall of Tears on Isabela IslandSea lions on Rabida beachGalapagos penguin on a rock
Highlights
  • Hike across spectacular volcanic landscapes at Sullivan Bay
  • Admire Isabela's abundant bird life including flamingos and finches
  • Enjoy a panga ride along the coastline of Tagus Cove to look for penguins
  • Visit Rabida, famous for its cactus groves and scenic rock formations
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 | Sullivan Bay, Santiago Island

  • 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, you will visit Sullivan Bay, located on the east coast of Santiago Island. We land on a white coral sand beach and begin our walk over lava that flowed less than 100 years ago. This is the perfect place to see and feel the volcanic origin of Galapagos. Also in this area, you will admire flora that grows in lava fields.
Activities: Walking, Snorkeling

Day 2: Wetlands | Sierra Negra | Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center | The Wall of tears, Isabela Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Isabela Island is the largest of the archipelago with a surface of 4,588 square kilometers. It encompasses more than half of the total land area of Galapagos. In the morning, you will be transported to the Wetlands (Humedales), which are a complex of trails 6 kilometers long, located south of Isabela Island. They have a wide variety of flora and abundant bird life, including gallinules, finches, stilts, and ducks among others.
Or you may visit Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the largest craters in the archipelago with a diameter of five kilometers. It offers mesmerizing views with great contrast in colors between lava fields, vegetation, and fumaroles.
On the way up to Orchilla hill, giant tortoises and marine iguanas will appear. From this viewpoint, the spectacular scenery of the bay, the town of Puerto Villamil, volcanoes, islets, and rocks can be appreciated. Isabela wetlands have endemic and introduced species.
Activities: Walking, Landscape and wildlife observation

After lunch visit, at the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center of Isabela, infant, and juvenile giant tortoises can be seen until they are ready to be released and survive in the wild. Or you may visit the Wall of Tears. This is a man-made monument which has been built in the 40s by prisoners since Isabela island was once an Ecuadorian penal colony, and building up the wall was part of the punishment. On the way back to the yacht, be ready to spot flamingos and other water birds.
Activities: Walking, Landscape and wildlife observation
 

Day 3: Elizabeth Bay | Urbina Bay, Isabela Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In the morning, you will discover Elizabeth Bay, which is a marine visitor site. The excursion is carried out in a zodiac and so there is no landing point. Your zodiac ride starts with a visit to the Marielas islets where there is the largest and most important penguin colony in the Galapagos Islands. The excursion continues into the cove that is surrounded by red mangroves where you can spot sea turtles, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, brown pelicans, and sea lions.
Activities: Landscape and wildlife observation, Dinghy ride

In the afternoon, Urbina Bay will be visited. Here you can see coral formations and large colored land iguanas. The possibility of seeing giant turtles, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, penguins, and marine iguanas is excellent.
Activities: Walking, Snorkeling, Landscape and wildlife observation

Day 4: Tagus Cove, Isabela Island | Espinoza Point, Fernandina Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After breakfast, Tagus Cove will be the first attraction to see. A ride along the cliffs in a zodiac will give visitors a good chance to see the Galapagos penguin, the flightless cormorant, and other sea birds. From the landing dock, it is about a 30-minute hike along the trail up to the top of the cliff from where you can view Darwin Lake, a saline lake saltier than the sea. You can also see several volcanoes from this location.
Activities: Walking, Snorkeling, Kayaking off the beach, Dinghy ride

After lunch, Espinoza point will be visited, which is one of Fernandina’s visit points. Located within a fascinating lava scenery with Lava-Cactuses. On the surface of the lava, mangroves thrive. The highlights are sea lions, penguins, the flightless cormorant (especially in spring and summer), and one of the biggest iguana colonies in Galápagos.
Activities: Walking, Snorkeling, Landscape and wildlife observation

Day 5: Buccaneer Cove | Espumilla Beach, Santiago Island | Rabida Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In the morning, you will have the opportunity to discover Buccaneer Cove which is located just north of James Bay. It was known as a safe haven in the 17th and 18th centuries for pirates to stash their loot, take on fresh water and capture tortoises for food. It is a nice place for a zodiac ride, snorkeling, and kayaking. Blue-footed, Nazca boobies, fur seals, and Galapagos hawks can be seen flying overhead.
Or a visit to Espumilla Beach will take place. It is a pristine sandy beach and a popular place for marine iguanas and Sally Lightfoot Crabs. The crabs attract the hunting herons, performing the dance of predator and prey. With an abundance of marine life including octopi, moray eel, and sharks, snorkeling is recommended and available.
Activities: Walking, Snorkeling, Landscape and wildlife observation, Kayaking off the beach, Dinghy ride

In the afternoon, you will be taken to Rabida Island. Its main attraction is the red sand beach, famous for its cactus groves and rock formation scenery, aside from the vegetation of the arid zone and the presence of native and endemic species. During the walk on the red sand beach, you will see brown pelicans’ nests and a lagoon where flamingos are seen from time to time.
Activities: Walking, Snorkeling, Landscape and wildlife observation, Kayaking off the beach, Dinghy ride

Day 6: Mosquera Islet | Disembark | Baltra Island Airport

  • 1 Breakfast
In the morning, visit to Mosquera, a small islet found between Baltra & North Seymour Islands. Lava gulls, sea lions, and Sally light-foot crabs inhabit this sandbank with an extension of over 600 meters. It also hosts the largest populations of sea lions and orca whales that can be seen occasionally depending on the season you visit the islet.
Activities: Walking, Snorkeling

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

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$7,090
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
  • 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners
  • 5 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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