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Kids loving Santa Cruz Island

Private Charter - Islands Circumnavigation

Example 15 Day Cruise aboard Beluga
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Embark on a 15-day private charter circumnavigation aboard Beluga. Begin in Baltra and cross to Santa Cruz Island, visiting Los Gemelos, the Tortoise Reserve, and the Charles Darwin Station. Continue to South Plaza, Santa Fe, and San Cristobal, where encounters with sea lions, endemic birds, and dramatic coastal landscapes unfold. Sail onward to Española and Floreana Islands, where pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and unique wildlife create lasting impressions. Explore the volcanic terrain of Isabela and Fernandina, discovering lava fields and thriving marine ecosystems. Conclude the journey with visits to Genovesa, Bartolome, and North Seymour, where rich bird colonies, exceptional snorkeling opportunities, and sweeping panoramic views highlight the diversity of the archipelago.
Sea lion and scuba diverNo that is not the moon, it is Sierra NegraBeach time at Cerro Brujo, San CristobalBeluga CabinBeluga ship in the GalapagosKids loving Santa Cruz Island
Highlights
  • Hike Santa Fe Island trails discovering cacti and iguanas habitat
  • Snorkel around Devil's Crown, one of the best spots in the Galapagos
  • Explore Cerro Brujo beach and snorkel crystal clear waters coastline
  • Explore El Junco Lagoon, one of the few freshwater lakes in the Galapagos
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Baltra | Embark | Charles Darwin Station

Board a bus heading to the canal, where a ferry takes you to Santa Cruz Island. Ride through a scenic drive to Los Gemelos (sunken craters) and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding highlands. Continue to a Tortoise Reserve, where you observe these incredible creatures in their natural environment before enjoying a delicious lunch.

Visit the Charles Darwin Station and learn about the tortoise breeding program while seeing tortoises at different stages of life. If time allows, stroll through the charming streets of Puerto Ayora and explore the local atmosphere. Then board a dinghy to your yacht, where the friendly crew welcomes you onboard. Enjoy a delightful dinner and settle into your cabin for the night as the yacht begins motoring toward its first destination.

Sights: Los Gemelos, Tortoise Reserve, town of Puerto Ayora, Charles Darwin Station, beautiful landscape of the highlands
Activity level: Easy
Activities: Walking at the Tortoise Reserve & Charles Darwin Station
Wildlife you may see: Tortoises, endemic birds, sea lions, marine iguanas, lava lizards, various marine life off docks

Day 2: South Plaza Island | Santa Fe Island

Wake up to stunning views of South Plazas Island and enjoy a delicious breakfast before starting your morning adventure. Take a dinghy to the island, where sea lions greet you along the shore. Walk a scenic 1.5-hour trail filled with red-billed tropicbirds, swallow-tailed gulls, and land iguanas, leading to a cliff lookout with breathtaking views of the landscape and bachelor sea lions.

Return to the yacht for lunch as it motors toward Santa Fe Island. Upon arrival, gear up for your first snorkel in the Galápagos Marine Park, where you swim alongside playful sea lions and diverse marine life. Later in the afternoon, step onto a pristine beach dotted with sea lions and hike uphill, where towering opuntia cacti and vibrant yellow land iguanas thrive. Return onboard and end your day with a satisfying dinner and a debrief of today’s highlights and tomorrow’s plans.

Sights: Beautiful landscapes, flora and fauna of South Plazas and Santa Fe Island
Activity level: Easy - moderate
Activities: Walking, hiking, snorkeling
Wildlife you may see: Sea lions, endemic birds, land & marine iguanas, lava lizards, sharks, rays, sea turtles

Day 3: Cerro Brujo | Kicker Rock | Puerto Baquerizo Moreno | El Junco | La Galapaguera

Wake up to San Cristobal Island, the easternmost and oldest island of this remarkable archipelago. Following breakfast, prepare for your first visit to Cerro Brujo, near the historic spot where Charles Darwin first arrived in the Galapagos. After a quick dinghy ride, step onto a white sandy beach, and take a scenic walk along the shore and to a nearby lagoon (apx. 1.5 h). Enjoy a snorkel session in the coastal waters before returning to the boat for lunch.

As you journey toward Kicker Rock, take in the striking views as you circumnavigate this iconic landmark. From there, continue to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where a bus will take you to the highlands of San Cristobal. Explore El Junco, the only freshwater crater lake in Galapagos, and visit the tortoise breeding center to learn about conservation efforts. Then, venture to La Galapaguera to observe tortoises roaming in their natural habitat. Return to the yacht for dinner and a debrief.

Sights: Cerro Brujo, Kicker Rock, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, El Junco, La Galapaguera
Activity level: Easy - moderate
Activities: Walking, hiking, snorkeling
Wildlife you may see: Tortoises, sea lions, endemic birds, marine iguanas, lava lizards, various marine life
 

Day 4: Gardner Bay | Punta Suarez

Wake up to the stunning landscapes of Española Island. After breakfast, take a wet landing onto the pristine white sands of Gardner Bay, where sea lions lounge, hawks glide above, and curious mockingbirds may join your walk. Following this serene exploration, return to the yacht to snorkel among vibrant marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and playful sea lions, before enjoying a delicious onboard lunch.

In the afternoon, journey to Punta Suarez where you will dingy to a pier and take a scenic hike along dramatic cliffs. Marvel at the natural Blowhole and spot unique wildlife like Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, and striking marine iguanas. From April to December, witness the graceful courtship rituals of the Waved Albatrosses. End the day with dinner and a debrief on the yacht, which will sail overnight to Floreana Island.

Sights: Beautiful landscapes of Española Island, Gardner bay and Punta Suarez
Activity level: Moderate
Activities: Walking, hiking (rugged terrain), snorkeling
Wildlife you may see: Sea lions, endemic birds, marine iguanas, boobies, Waved Albatross (April - Dec), mockingbird, sharks, rays, sea turtles, various marine life

Day 5: Punta Cormorant | Devil's Crown | Post Office Bay, Floreana Island

Start your day on Floreana Island, known for its colorful history of pirates, whalers, convicts, and early settlers and home to a small community of fewer than 200 people. Begin your morning with a dinghy ride to Punta Cormorant, where you'll explore a scenic trail connecting two beaches. Along the way, visit a large lagoon frequented by flamingos. Return to the yacht to prepare for snorkeling at the renowned Devil’s Crown, a submerged volcanic crater just off Punta Cormorant. Known as one of the top snorkeling spots in the Galapagos, teeming with vibrant marine life, and offers an unforgettable underwater experience.

After lunch onboard, the yacht will take a short journey to Post Office Bay. Here, take a brief walk to the historic wooden mail barrel, where visitors can leave letters or postcards to be picked up by future travellers, as well as the remnants of an old Norwegian tuna canning location. Return for a delicious dinner and a debrief then motor overnight.

Sights: Punta Cormorant, beautiful beaches and wildlife, Devil’s Crown, vibrant sealife, Post Office Bay
Activity level: Easy - moderate
Activities: Walking, hiking, snorkeling
Wildlife you may see: Sea lions, endemic birds, flamingos, marine iguanas, tropical fish, sharks, rays, eels, sea turtles, various marine life

Day 6: Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz | Sullivan Bay, Santiago

Start your day on the scenic north coast of Santa Cruz Island with an excursion to Dragon Hill (Cerro Dragón). After a dry landing, embark on a 1.5-hour guided walk, beginning with a stroll past a lagoon where flamingos and pintail ducks often gather. Continue inland to discover a unique habitat for land iguanas, and make your way up the hill for a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

Return to the yacht for lunch as you cruise towards Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island. Here, you'll take an awe-inspiring walk on rugged, 100-year-old pahoehoe lava flows, dotted with distinctive lava cacti. Afterwards, prepare for a refreshing snorkel in the bay, where diverse marine life awaits, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a Galapagos penguin. Back on board, enjoy dinner and a debriefing as the yacht begins its journey to Genovesa Island (Tower), setting the stage for the next adventure.

Sights: Beautiful landscapes, Sullivan Bay, ancient lava flows
Activity level: Easy - moderate
Activities: Walking, hiking (rugged terrain), snorkeling
Wildlife you may see: Penguins,sea lions, endemic birds, land iguanas, tropical fish, sea turles, various marine life

Day 7: Darwin Bay | Prince Philip’s Steps

Begin your morning anchored inside the stunning caldera of Genovesa Island. Enjoy breakfast before heading to Darwin Bay by dinghy. Here, a short beach walk brings you into a vibrant nesting ground for red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, lava gulls, tropicbirds, doves, storm petrels, and yellow-crowned night herons. Take in the fascinating diversity of avian life. Return to the yacht and prepare for a snorkel in the caldera’s deep waters, where marine life is abundant. After lunch, prepare for a kayak or a snorkel, where you may spot the shy scalloped hammerhead sharks.

Return to the yacht to get ready for an adventure at Prince Philip’s Steps. Upon arrival, fur seals may greet you at the landing site before you ascend to the island’s outer edge, passing through trails lined with fragrant palo santo trees. Here, keep an eye out for short-eared owls and nesting boobies. Enjoy a delicious dinner on board and a debriefing to reflect on the day’s sights as you cruise to your next destination.

Sights: Diverse bird nesting grounds, Prince Philip’s steps, snorkeling in the caldera, and the opportunity to see scalloped hammerhead sharks
Activity level: Moderate
Activities: Walking, hiking, snorkeling (choppy water), kayaking, and stairs.
Wildlife you may see: Scalloped hammerhead, sea lions, boobies, doves, lava gull, yellow-crowned night heron, storm petrels, tropic birds, short-eared owl, endemic birds, fur seals, marine life

Day 8: Black Turtle Cove | Charles Darwin Station

The morning begins at the peaceful Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz Island. Enjoy a scenic dinghy ride through this serene red mangrove lagoon, where calm waters create the perfect habitat for an abundance of marine life. Keep an eye out for green sea turtles gliding beneath the surface, along with rays, juvenile sharks, and other species that thrive in this protected ecosystem.

After exploring the lagoon, return to the yacht for breakfast as you navigate back toward Baltra Island. From here, you may join newly arriving guests for another visit to the Giant Tortoise Reserve and the Charles Darwin Research Station, or spend some time exploring the lively town of Puerto Ayora, or opt for a personalized excursion that you would be happy to arrange in advance (available at an additional cost).

Sights: Black Turtle Cove, tortoise reserve, Charles Darwin Station
Activity level: Easy
Activities: dinghy ride
Wildlife you may see: Sea turtles, rays, sharks, endemic birds, various marine life
 

Day 9: Chinese Hat | Rabida

Start your day with breathtaking views of Sombrero Chino (“Chinese Hat”), a small volcanic island near the southeastern tip of Santiago. After a wet landing on its pristine white sand beach, take a guided 1.5-hour walk and encounter the island’s unique wildlife. Return to Beluga and prepare for your first snorkeling adventure in the canal, where you spot sea lions, reef sharks, penguins, rays, and a vibrant array of tropical fish. Enjoy a delightful lunch onboard as the yacht cruises toward Rábida Island, known for its striking red beaches.

Upon arrival, set out on a 1.5-hour guided walk to observe flamingos, nesting pelicans, marine iguanas, and a bachelor colony of sea lions. Continue with an invigorating snorkeling session along Rábida’s colorful coast. Return to the yacht, unwind over a delicious dinner, and listen as your guide recaps the day’s highlights and outlines the next adventure. Motor overnight to your next destination.

Sights: Beautiful landscapes of Sombrero Chino and Rabida, various wildlife and viewpoint
Activity level: Easy - moderate
Activities: Walking, hiking, snorkeling
Wildlife you may see: Sea lions, endemic birds, marine iguanas, lava lizards, sharks, rays, sea turtles, penguins, flamingos

Day 10: Sierra Negra | Puerto Villamil, Isabela

Awake to the stunning vistas of Isabela Island’s southern tip, where the charming town of Puerto Villamil awaits. After breakfast, a dinghy ride takes you to Isabela’s main dock, followed by a scenic bus journey to a trailhead where you will begin your hike to the sulphur mines, which are a part of a network of Sierra Negra, one of Galapagos’s most active volcanoes. The landscape gradually transforms, where steaming fumaroles release sulphur-rich gases from deep
within the Earth, offering a fascinating glimpse into the island’s volcanic heart.

After, return to the yacht for lunch before heading back to Villamil. Spend the afternoon visiting the tortoise breeding center, strolling around the flamingo lagoon, and enjoying free time to explore this coastal town at your leisure. After, savor a delicious dinner onboard while your guide recaps the day’s highlights and previews tomorrow’s adventures.

Sights: Amazing sights of the sulphur mines, the quaint town of Puerto Villamil, tortoises at breeding center, flamingo lagoon
Activity level: Moderate
Activities: Walking, hiking, snorkeling, kayaking (opt.)
Wildlife you may see: Sea lions, various endemic birds, marine iguanas, vermilion fly catcher, flamingos, penguins, rays, reef sharks, tropic fish
 

Day 11: Punta Moreno | Elizabeth Bay, Isabela

Start your morning with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a scenic dinghy ride around rocks and islets of Western Isabela, home to an array of wildlife
including cormorants, playful sea lions, and Galápagos penguins. Next, explore Punta Moreno with a 1.5-hour guided walk across striking black lava fields, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanoes and unique geological features. Return to Beluga to gear up for your first snorkel of the day, where you might encounter sea turtles, seahorses, rays, sharks, and colorful tropical fish.

After a refreshing lunch onboard, continue to Elizabeth Bay. A peaceful dinghy ride takes you through a lush lagoon, where mangroves create a serene sanctuary for sea turtles, rays, penguins, and other marine life. Conclude your day with a delicious dinner and a recap on the day’s highlights. Motor through the night to your next destination.

Sights: Stunning landscapes of Western Isabela, rock and islets teaming with life, Punta Moreno and Elizabeth Bay.
Activity level: Easy - moderate
Activities: Walking, hiking, snorkeling
Wildlife you may see: Tortoises, sea lions, endemic birds, marine iguanas, lava lizards, sea turtles, penguins, rays, reef sharks

Day 12: Urbina Bay | Tagus Cove, Isabela

Awaken to the sights of Urbina Bay, a fascinating location that emerged from the ocean floor in 1954, leaving remnants of the seabed visible to this day. Embark
on a guided walk along the trail, where you’ll encounter giant tortoises and vibrant land iguanas in their natural habitat. Afterward, enjoy a snorkel directly from the beach. Return to Beluga for a delicious lunch before continuing your journey.

In the afternoon, arrive at Tagus Cove, a historic harbor once favored by whalers and pirates, who left their marks by carving names into the cliffs and rocks. Here, take a hike to Darwin’s Crater, a striking saltwater lake surrounded by breathtaking views of the island's volcanic landscapes (approximately a 1- hour walk). Afterward, prepare for an exhilarating dinghy ride or snorkeling session in the cove’s tranquil waters, teeming with marine life. Conclude the day with a satisfying dinner aboard the yacht, followed by a debrief on the day's discoveries.

Sights: Unique sights and remnants of the seabed on Urbina Bay, the historic harbor of Tagus Cove
Activity level: Easy - moderate
Activities: Walking, hiking, snorkeling
Wildlife you may see: Sea lions, tortoises, land and marine iguanas, various endemic birds, various marine life

Day 13: Punta Espinosa, Fernandina | Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela

During the night, motor to Fernandina Island, the youngest and most westerly of the Galapagos Islands, renowned for its active volcanoes. After breakfast, take a dinghy to Punta Espinoza, home to large colonies of marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, Galapagos hawks, and the non-venomous Galapagos snake. Enjoy a leisurely guided walk along flat trails. Return to the yacht to gear up for an exciting snorkel in the bay.

After lunch onboard, the journey continues back to Isabela Island, arriving at Punta Vincente Roca. Known for its towering cliffs, breathtaking vistas, and a hidden cave, this location offers an unforgettable snorkeling experience. Glide along the cliffs and mouth of the cave towards a calm bay where you may encounter resting sea turtles, flightless cormorants, and a variety of marine life. Back on board, change for a scenic circumnavigation of the cliffs, providing up-close views of the dramatic coastline. End the day with a special celebration of crossing the Equator, followed by a delightful dinner.

Sights: Fernandina and its beautiful landscape and marine iguana colonies, Punta Vincente Roca, crossing the equator
Activity level: Easy - moderate
Activities: Walking, hiking, snorkeling
Wildlife you may see: Sea lions, Galapagos Hawk, marine iguanas, Galapagos Snake, Sea turtles, flightless cormorant, penguins

Day 14: Puerto Egas | Bartolome Island

Wake up to the stunning views of Santiago Island. After breakfast, take a dinghy to Puerto Egas, which offers a stunning coastal walk along rugged lava formations, leading you to some of the Galápagos' most vibrant tide pools. This site is home to a variety of wildlife, including playful fur seals lounging in grottos, oystercatchers foraging along the shore, and marine iguanas basking on the volcanic rock. Along the way, you'll see the Sugar Loaf Volcano in the distance and the remnants of an old salt mine, a glimpse into the island's past.

Return to the boat for lunch, then journey to Bartolome Island, renowned for its iconic Pinnacle Rock and breathtaking views. Ascend the stairs to marvel at the panorama, and snorkel around Pinnacle Rock, where you might encounter penguins, rays, sharks, and vibrant tropical fish. End your day with dinner and a debrief on board, enjoying the spectacular scenery as you sail overnight to North Seymour.

Sights: Beautiful landscapes, Pinnacle Rock and 360 views
Activity level: Moderate
Activities: Walking, hiking, stairs, snorkeling
Wildlife you may see: Penguins, sea lions, fur seals, endemic birds: pintail ducks, swallow-tailed gulls, tropical fish, rays, sea turtles

Day 15: North Seymour | Disembark | Baltra

  • 1 Breakfast
On your final day, before breakfast, take a dinghy ride to North Seymour, a flat island uplifted thousands of years ago that offers a fascinating glimpse into the Galápagos’ geological history. Set out on a 1.5-hour guided walk among thriving wildlife, including colonies of blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, magnificent and great frigatebirds, and playful sea lions, with the chance to spot reef sharks along the shoreline.

Return to the yacht for breakfast as you cruise toward Baltra Island, where your itinerary comes to an end. Upon arrival, you and your luggage will be transferred to the airport for your departing flight or onward travels.

Sights: Endemic bird colonies, and sea life
Activity level: Easy
Activities: dinghy ride
Wildlife you may see: Sea turtles, rays, sharks, endemic birds, great and magnificent frigate birds, blue footed boobies, various marine life

Ship/Hotel

Beluga

Beluga ship in the Galapagos
Beluga ship in the Galapagos
Beluga ship in the Galapagos

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Crewed Charter Price starting at
$167,000
or $10,438 per person based on 16 max passengers
Beluga CabinTwin Bed with porthole windowMatrimonial with Porthole window
Cabin
eight double cabins. Four cabins feature two lower berths, two cabins offer a matrimonial bed, and the additional two cabins can be converted to either two lower berths or one matrimonial bed. Cabin #1 has three beds two lower and one upper bed. Each cabin has their own private bathroom equipped with hot & cold water showers as well as its own security safe. On board Beluga, all passengers pay the same price regardless of the cabin they choose and where it is located.

Child Discount

50% discount for children under age 12 at time of Galapagos 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
  • 14 Breakfasts, 14 Lunches, 14 Dinners
  • 14 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
  • Snorkeling and kayaking equipment is included in the cruise cost and available for your use on board.
  • Short wetsuits
  • Complimentary internet available during specific hours: 12:00–14:00 and 18:00–19:00.
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. Subject to increase by Galapagos Park Service.
  • Internal Flights: Mainland Ecuador - Galapagos - Mainland Ecuador: $475-675
  • Fuel Surcharge - to be invoiced separately

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
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