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.
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.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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.
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
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
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.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$4,010
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Standard Stateroom
Standard staterooms feature air-conditioning and private bathrooms with bathtubs and showers.
Initial deposit is 35% ($400 minimum), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
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 throughAug 1, 2024). Payable upon arrival to the Galapagos, only in cash dollars. Subject to increase by Galapagos Park Service.
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
TrustScore 4.8 | 167 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 167 reviews on
4 days ago
I spoke with at least a half dozen other travel companies, looking for a Galapagos cruise that fit our schedule and budget. Some companies could manage one or the other, but Erin was the only one who could do both. She found us the perfect cruise, at a fantastic price! And she has been quick and patient with responses to my many questions. So far, Adventure Life has been a fantastic company to work with!
Sandi T
2 weeks ago
Erin was patient, thorough, responsive, knowledgeable.
Karen Bukolt
3 weeks ago
Erin was responsive, knowledgeable, helpful, and ran through a few different choices with us. She got us a fabulous price on a trip, and made everything easy to do. And QUICK!!
Tina
1 month ago
From the initial meeting and planning process with our trip planner Jess, through to the finalizing of our itinerary, trip details and questions, I was very impressed with the professionalism, thoroughness, organization and attention to details. I would highly recommend Adventure Life to anyone looking to plan a unique travelling experience, knowing that the expertise and experience provided will result in a seamless trip of a lifetime.
Lynn Farquharson
1 month ago
Excellent suggestions I line with my desires on a Galapagos very last minute cruise.
Swift and professional guidance and assistance in booking the trip. Helped me realising a substantial saving.