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Wooden boardwalk in Bartolome

Eastern Islands

Example 5 Day Cruise aboard M/Y Passion
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This 5-day cruise takes you to the Galapagos' Eastern Islands, home to magnificent islands and endemic wildlife. On your first day, watch out for green sea turtles as they pass by M/Y Pasion in the mangroves. Then visit El Barranco to view frigate birds, masked boobies, and red-footed boobies breeding. For a stunning view of the island's famed Pinnacle Rock, hike up wooden steps on the third day of your adventure. Then snorkeling off Bartolome Island, where Galapagos penguins are frequently seen. Before leaving the Galapagos, spend the morning in Santa Cruz Highlands to witness giant tortoises in their natural habitat.
Pinnacle Rock on Bartolome IslandSea lions on Rabida beachHiking the highlands of the GalapagosStunning view of the Highlands in Santa CruzWooden boardwalk in Bartolome
Highlights
  • Visit Black Turtle Cove, a mangrove lagoon on the coast of Santa Cruz.
  • Explore Darwin Bay a unique site with a beautiful beach.
  • Admire the landscapes covered by sea lions’ colonies at Bartolome.
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: Fly to Baltra | Embark | Black Turtle Cove

  • Ship
  • 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After arriving at Baltra airport, be greeted by the naturalist guide to then board the M/Y Passion and have lunch. Following your meal, navigate a short distance to Black Turtle Cove, a large mangrove lagoon on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. Pelicans and herons roost on the branches, while marine dwellers such as green sea turtles and golden rays may cruise right next to the panga as it makes its way through the mangroves.
Possible activities: Panga Ride

The day ends with dinner and a briefing for the next day’s activities on board the yacht.

Day 2: Darwin Bay | El Barranco

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Travel to Genovesa Island for a wet landing on Darwin Bay, a unique site with a beautiful beach, lined with red mangroves and soft‐haired prickly pear cacti, where red‐footed boobies and great frigatebirds perch tamely.
Possible activities: Hiking, Kayak, Panga Ride, Snorkel, Paddle Board

After a dry landing at El Barranco, climb to the edge of a cliff where frigatebirds, masked boobies, and red-footed boobies make their nests. The trail will take you to the inner part of the island, populated by palo santo trees and cacti. Seek out the impressive red‐billed tropicbird amidst Galapagos storm petrels and the endemic short-eared owl.
Possible activities: Hiking, Kayak, Panga Ride, Snorkel, Paddle Board

Day 3: Bartolome | Chinese Hat

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Have a dry landing on Bartolome, followed by a mild climb up a set of wooden steps to reach the summit of a spatter cone for a breathtaking panorama of the island’s iconic Pinnacle Rock and views of neighboring Santiago, and other central islands in the distance. Afterward, visit the white sand beach used as a nesting site by sea turtles, followed by snorkeling in the waters of Bartolome Island, where it is not unusual to spot Galapagos penguins.
Possible activities: Hiking, Panga Ride, Snorkeling

Less than a quarter of one square kilometer in size, this island gets its name from being shaped like a Chinese hat. The hat shape is best appreciated from the north side. Lava formations can be seen on the western side of the island, formed under the sea and later raised upward, making it possible to observe coral heads on the lava. Be amazed by the landscapes covered by sea lions colonies, marine iguanas, and Galapagos penguins.
Possible activities: Hiking, Kayak, Panga Ride, Snorkeling, Paddle Board

Day 4: Rabida | Dragon Hill

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Wet landing onto Rabida’s deep‐red beaches to explore the red island’s fascinating interior and saltwater lagoon, where flamingos are usually present. Darwin’s finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, and yellow warblers feed off the vegetation. Given the right time of the year, you may see brown pelicans nesting on salt bushes that fringe the beach.
Possible activities: Hiking, Kayak, Panga Ride, Snorkeling, Paddle Board

In the afternoon, navigate a short distance to Cerro Dragon on Santa Cruz’s northwestern shore with a dry landing to visit a saltwater lagoon, home to greater flamingos, black‐necked stilts, and white‐cheeked pintails. Further inland you will find a fantastic land iguana nesting site.
Possible activities: Hiking, Snorkeling

Day 5: Santa Cruz Highlands | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
This is your last day on the islands. After breakfast, disembark in Puerto Ayora to take your transport to the Baltra airport, making a short stop to visit the highlands. Visit one of the local ranches where it is possible to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. As these animals migrate from the highlands to the coastal areas and back, the chosen ranch will depend on the presence of the tortoises since they roam free and change locations. The farms are also great places to see the Santa Cruz ground finch which populates these forests, where it is also possible to see the yellow warbler.

After this visit, make your way to the Baltra airport for the flight back to mainland Ecuador.

Ship/Hotel

M/Y Passion

Galapagos Passion Sun Deck
Galapagos Passion Sky Lounge
Galapagos Passion Dining Area

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$4,010
Galapagos Passion Stateroom
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Standard Stateroom
Standard staterooms feature air-conditioning and private bathrooms with bathtubs and showers.
Galapagos Passion Master Suite
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Master Suite
Master Suites feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms, panoramic windows, and private lounge areas.

Child Discount

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
  • 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
  • Tea, coffee, water, and natural juices.
  • Snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, and fins), Short wet suits (shorties), kayak equipment.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • 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
  • Fuel Surcharge - to be invoiced separately
  • Alcoholic and bottled beverages
  • Long wetsuits (available for rent)

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Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
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