Spend five incredible days exploring the Galapagos Islands and its human history and stunning wildlife aboard the highly advanced vessel, Santa Cruz II. Sail towards Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island for an interesting hike through palo santo forests full of famed land iguanas. Cruise around the seahorse-shaped Isabela Island to two great visitor sites: Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island with the fascinating geology of collapsed Ecuador volcano, and then wild and pure Punta Espinosa on Fernandina, one of the most pristine islands in the world, with one of the islands’ densest colonies of marine iguanas and opportunities to see flightless cormorants. Your tour concludes in the underwater wonders around Champion Islet before disembarking in Baltra.
Highlights
Walk across Dragon Hill with your private group of up to 90 guests
Explore the underwater wonders around fantastic Champion Islet
Snorkel along Punta Vicente Roca's cliffs to admire its rich marine life
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station’s giant tortoise Breeding Centre
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive by plane at Baltra Island and transfer to the dock to board the Santa Cruz II where you receive your welcome introductory briefing, boat drill, and lunch.
The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill). The first part of your walk passes a brackish-water lagoon frequented by shorebirds, ducks, and flamingos, while further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as the chance of observing land iguanas.
Day 2: Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela Island | Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island
After breakfast, explore Vicente Roca Point the coast by panga while your naturalist guide explains the dramatic geology of the area, a nesting place for several Galapagos highlights: flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, fur seals, boobies, etc. Depending on weather conditions, you can snorkel along the cliffs of this area rich in marine life, and seasonally visited by green sea turtles and oceanic sunfish (Mola mola).
Aquatic Activities: Snorkeling, Panga Ride, Glass-bottom boat
The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the youngest island of the archipelago, Fernandina, which boasts a very unique environment with a very high density of marine iguanas, who share their space with sea lions, Sally light-foot crabs, hawks, penguins, and the flightless cormorants.
Aquatic Activities: Snorkeling
Day 3: Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station, Santa Cruz Island
In the morning, disembark (dry landing followed by a brief bus ride) for your visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station’s giant tortoise Breeding Centre within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest, home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation, and the National Park administration. Following your visit, board your transport to enjoy lunch in the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island, a completely different ecosystem.
There are several options available for the afternoon, which can be discussed in advance with your Expedition Leader. Options include beach walks, kayaks, walks along the tortoise reserve, etc. At the end of the afternoon’s activities, return to Puerto Ayora and embark on the Santa Cruz II.
Aquatic Activities: Kayaking
Day 4: Baroness Tower and Post Office Bay | Champion Islet and Punta Cormorant
After breakfast, a panga ride along the maze of channels on Floreana’s north shore can be enjoyed. Follow this visit by continuing to Baroness Cove with its breathtaking views of Floreana. Land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries and where postcards are traditionally left for guests from other vessels to hand-deliver to their destinations. Snorkel off the beach then head back on board for lunch.
Aquatic Activities: Snorkeling, Panga Ride, Kayaking, Glass-bottom boat, Beach, Swimming, Paddleboarding
Following lunch and a siesta, take the pangas and glass-bottom boat to explore the underwater wonders around Champion Islet, an extinct shield volcano, regarded as one of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago. From there, it’s on to Punta Cormorant, beginning with a wet landing on the olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk that includes a brackish-water lagoon where bird species such as greater flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers, and others gather. Continue your walk over to a white-sand beach, where sea turtles emerge from the sea at night to nest (from December to May).
Aquatic Activities: Snorkeling, Glass-bottom boat
Day 5: Baltra Island | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark at Baltra Island in order to transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland.
This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Galapagos Cruises & Tours.
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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Explorer Cabin - Horizon deck (EH)
With comfortable spaces and large picture windows to illuminate the interior spaces and allow guests to take in the views, these cabins offer elegant areas to relax after a day of active exploring. There are 23 Explorer cabins located on the Horizon deck.
Beds convert from double to twin upon request.
Cabin code: EH
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Explorer Cabin - Expedition deck (EE)
With comfortable spaces and large picture windows to illuminate the interior spaces and allow guests to take in the views, these cabins offer elegant areas to relax after a day of active exploring. There are 17 Explorer cabins located as on the Expedition deck.
Beds convert from double to twin upon request.
Cabin code: EE
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Explorer Cabin - Panorama deck (EP)
With comfortable spaces and large picture windows to illuminate the interior spaces and allow guests to take in the views, these cabins offer elegant areas to relax after a day of active exploring. There are 3 Explorer cabins located on the Panorama deck.
Beds convert from double to twin upon request.
Cabin code: EP
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Explorer Family Cabin - Horizon deck (FH)
With comfortable spaces and large picture windows to illuminate the interior spaces and allow guests to take in the views, these cabins offer elegant areas to relax after a day of active exploring. There are 2 Explorer family cabins located on the Horizon deck. Cabins are equipped with twin beds and a sofa bed (ideal for children under 12).
Cabin code: FH
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Darwin Suite - Panorama deck (DS)
Our three Darwin suites on the Panorama deck feature double picture windows, and offers superb comfort and deluxe amenities.
Available with a twin or double bed, and if more space is desired, these suites can be interconnected with an Explorer cabin.
Cabin code: DS
Notes
Please provide your wetsuite size in advance prior to trip
Child Discount
Children under 12 may receive discounts on Galapagos flight fares and entrance fees. Contact us for details.
Initial deposit is 25% (30% during peak season), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 (130 during peak season) 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
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
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