This tour takes you to the Eastern islands of the archipelago, to deep, silent coves where green sea turtles swim, to the iconic Pinnacle Rock and to a red sandy beach where yet more sea lions await you. After a delicious breakfast, a panga will take you where red-footed boobies perch on prickly pear cacti, Nazca boobies nest, and green sea turtles glide alongside as you explore.
Highlights
Visit Black Turtle Cove, a mangrove lagoon on the coast of Santa Cruz
Explore Darwin Bay with your private group of up to 14 guests
Be amazed by 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.
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Standard Stateroom
Standard staterooms feature air-conditioning and private bathrooms with bathtubs and showers.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 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.
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
TrustScore 4.9 | 243 reviews
TrustScore 4.9 of 5
Based on 243 reviews on
2 weeks ago
Working with Mary was a pleasure. She was attentive, knowledgeable, and persistent in getting my clients the best deal.
Susan Hommel
1 month ago
Staff on ship (Alya), food, rooms, excursions and naturalist (Alex) were all top notch!
Suzanne
1 month ago
We loved our time aboard the Angel. Beautiful boat and crew. Naturalist Jose Luis was incredible-very knowledgeable and thoughtful. He adapted tours to our group and we all had an amazing trip. Love staying a the quaint hacienda and the recommended activities.
Christine
1 month ago
Amazing assistance! Kevin and his team were so helpful and really gave us great advice. They quickly understood exactly what we were looking for and within a matter of days we had booked our holiday of a lifetime. I would definitely recommend to others.
Kathryn
2 months ago
The pre-planning and execution of the plan was excellent. They were even able to help get glasses returned when a member or our party left them in a hotel.