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Exploring the Galapagos - Kicker Rock

Northern Islands Cruise

Example 5 Day Cruise aboard M/C Elite
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Embark on this 5-Day experience scouting the northern islands of the Galapagos. Satisfy yourself with the majesty of the exceptional landscape, and relax on the beach. Get ready to see an abundance of unique wildlife including, blue-footed bobbies, reef sharks, flamingos, and enjoy the island's playful sea lions, making this a memorable vacation that will leave you wanting to come back for more.
Land iguana at the Charles Darwin Research centerbaby tortoise at Charles Darwin Research StationSea lion on rocks on San Cristobal Island, Kicker Rock in backgroundThe iconic feet of a Blue-Footed BoobyExploring the Galapagos - Kicker Rock
Highlights
  • Learn more about the Galapagos ecosystems at the Charles Darwin Research Station
  • Snorkel, kayak, and paddle across Darwin Bay's sand and coral beach
  • Discover Kicker Rock, formed by the erosion of the cone of an extinct volcano
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 Airport | Embark | Bachas Beach

  • Ship
  • 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Arrive at Baltra airport and transfer to the vessel.

Bachas Beach is a beautiful white-sand beach on which the remnants of a rusted barge, thought to have been abandoned by the Americans during WWI, can be seen. It is a popular nesting site for turtles, so if you go for a snorkel, you might find yourself sharing the water with these wonderful creatures. The beach is also full of vibrant Sally Lightfoot and hermit crabs, and elegant pink flamingos that frequent the saltwater pond located just behind the beach.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy

Day 2: Prince Philip's Steps | Darwin Bay

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
El Barranco, also known as Prince Philip’s Steps, is a rocky stairway that will lead you past a colony of Nazca and red-footed boobies leads up to a plateau of dried lava. Continuing through the thin Palo Santo forest and looking out over the plain, visitors are often treated to sites of storm petrels launching out over the ocean. A Zodiac ride or kayaking/paddle boarding along the edge of the cliffs provides a good chance to see the elusive Galapagos fur seals nestled on the rocks, and snorkeling is a great activity if you fancy a dip with a variety of shark species.
Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling, Zodiac ride, Kayak/Paddle Boarding
Difficulty: Moderate

Darwin Bay has a small sand and coral beach that provides the perfect spot for snorkeling, kayaking, or paddle boarding in calm, sheltered waters in the company of hammerhead sharks, rays, and a plethora of colorful reef fish. Onshore, a short trail leads along a tidal lagoon and mangroves, home to a variety of land bird species, including Nazca and red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls. The trail culminates at a viewpoint that offers a stunning view overlooking the cliffs and the bay below.
Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling, Zodiac ride, Kayak/Paddle Boarding
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 3: Espumilla Beach | Buccaneer Cove | Egas Port

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Espumilla Beach, located on the northern coast of Santiago island, is an exquisite white sand beach, whose name refers to the meringue-like trails of foam left by the lapping of the waves. Sally Lightfoot crabs are in abundance here and as a result, it is common to see predatory birds such as hawks, herons, and pelicans. This idyllic location is perfect for snorkeling or kayaking/paddle boarding amongst a raft of marine life, including species of octopus, eels, and sharks. Buccaneer Cove has an interesting history as it is where sailors, buccaneers, and whalers frequently anchored their vessels in search of food and water. In more recent times it has become an important nesting site for turtles and is also popular with sea lions. A zodiac ride along the eroded shoreline provides views of intriguing rock formations that provide excellent ledges for boobies, pelicans, and gulls.
Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling, Zodiac ride, Kayak/Paddle Boarding
Difficulty: Moderate

Egas Port was once the site of a salt mine, but now this impressive black sand beach is an excellent location for snorkeling and observing shorebirds, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and marine iguanas. A stroll along the wide trails inland leads you past tidal pools and rocky volcanic formations known as grottoes where it is possible to spot fur seals enjoying a spot of shade.
Activities and Excursions: Walking, Snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy

Day 4: Black Turtle Cove | Highlands and Charles Darwin Research Station

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The first visit of the day is to Black Turtle Cove, which is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz. It is a living illustration of how mangroves alter the marine environment to create a rich and unique habitat. Three mangrove species crowd the area from the shore out into a shallow lake which reaches almost a mile inland. As you drift through quiet waters in the zodiac, you are likely to see spotted eagle rays and diamond-shaped mustard rays, which swim in a diamond formation. White-tipped reef sharks slip beneath the boat and Pacific green sea turtles come to the surface for air and to mate. Waterfowl, including pelicans, herons and egrets, all feed in the cove. It’s a peaceful place where visitors often have up-close encounters with Galapagos wildlife, often making it a highlight of the trip!
Activities and Excursions: Zodiac ride
Difficulty: Easy

On the highlands of Santa Cruz, you’ll have the opportunity to see the famous giant tortoises in the wild. So renowned are these endemic animals that they gave the archipelago its name. Birdwatching is also one of the activities do to in the Santa Cruz highlands since this area is home to finches and other Galapagos birds. After the visit to the highlands, continue to the famous Charles Darwin Research Station which provides guests with a unique opportunity to find out about the vital work that is being carried out to preserve the archipelago’s ecosystems. The Research Center is also home to a significant breeding program for Galapagos tortoises, whose numbers have been in decline since the 1970s. These captivating reptiles are very accustomed to humans, so be sure to bring your camera for some close-ups.
Activities and Excursions: Walk
Difficulty: Easy

Day 5: Lobos Island | Disembark | San Cristobal Airport

  • 1 Breakfast
Accessed by Zodiac, Lobos Island gets its name from the herds of sea lions that have made their home here. Snorkeling in the calm clear water provides a unique opportunity to see these inquisitive and playful animals up close and it is also common to be accompanied by green turtles and rays as well. Inland, there is a trail where you can expect to encounter nesting sites for blue-footed boobies and frigates.
Activities and Excursions: Walk, Snorkeling, Zodiac ride
Difficulty: Moderate

Disembark and depart from San Cristobal airport.

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M/C Elite

M/C Elite
M/C Elite Passenger lounge
M/C Elite Dining area

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M/C Elite Golden Suite
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Golden Suite
Approximately 35 m2 the Golden Suites are spacious and comfortable. Each suite features an ocean view, sliding glass doors to an outdoor balcony, and rainforest-style showers in a private bathroom.

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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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
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