Embark on a 5-day Galápagos expedition aboard the Sea Star, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Santa Cruz, Santiago, Bartolomé, and Genovesa Islands. Begin at Dragon Hill, where flamingos and land iguanas roam near scenic lagoons, then glide through the mangrove-lined waters of Black Turtle Cove to spot rays, turtles, and reef sharks. Explore Chinese Hat’s volcanic formations and coral-studded shores before heading to Genovesa to hike El Barranco and Darwin Bay, home to red-footed boobies, owls, and playful sea lions. Continue to Bartolomé Island to climb the volcanic summit overlooking Pinnacle Rock and snorkel with Galápagos penguins in crystal-clear waters. Conclude your adventure in the lush highlands of Santa Cruz, exploring lava tunnels and forests before your return flight from Baltra.
Highlights
Explore Black Turtle Cove’s mangroves for turtles and reef sharks
Climb Bartolomé Island volcano for panoramic island views
Ascend El Barranco cliffs and spot red-footed boobies nearby
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.
Arrive at Baltra Island on a morning flight from Quito or Guayaquil. After clearing immigration and baggage claim, meet the Sea Star staff for transfer to the yacht. Settle into the assigned cabin, enjoy lunch on board, and attend a welcome briefing to start the Galápagos journey.
In the afternoon, explore Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island, one of the newest visitor sites in the archipelago. Follow a scenic trail from the beach to a lagoon lookout to observe flamingos, pintail ducks, and land iguanas. Take in sweeping views of the island’s distinctive landscape along the way.
Activities: Hiking, snorkeling
Visit Black Turtle Cove on the northern coast of Santa Cruz, a tranquil mangrove-fringed inlet accessible only by dinghy. Glide through calm, shallow waters that nurture young marine life, and spot black-tip and white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, and rays gliding beneath the surface.
Activities: Dinghy ride
In the afternoon, explore Chinese Hat, a small islet off the southeast coast of Santiago Island named for its cone-shaped summit. Discover striking geological formations, including lava tunnels and underwater lava flows uplifted over time. Observe coral heads embedded in the rock, a clear reminder of the island’s volcanic past.
Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking
Explore El Barranco, also known as Prince Philip’s Steps, a steep rocky trail that ascends a dramatic cliff face offering spectacular views. Encounter Palo Santo trees along the path and observe diverse birdlife, including red-footed boobies, short-eared owls, storm petrels, and Galápagos doves.
Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking
In the afternoon, visit the white-sand coral beach of Darwin Bay and follow a scenic half-mile trail through mangroves teeming with birdlife. Spot Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls along the way. Continue to tidal pools where sea lions swim and play, and end the walk with a breathtaking view from the cliffside.
Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayaking
Visit Bartholomew Island, home to the iconic Pinnacle Rock and colorful volcanic formations in shades of red, orange, black, and green. Climb a staircase trail to the volcano’s summit in 30–40 minutes to enjoy panoramic views of the islands. Relax on a pristine beach surrounded by sparse vegetation, perfect for snorkeling, and swim alongside Galápagos penguins in the clear waters.
Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride
In the afternoon, visit Sullivan Bay on the southeast coast of Santiago Island, known for its striking lava-covered landscape. Explore the area’s unique geology, including small volcanic elevations formed by past lava flows.
Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, dinghy ride
Day 5: Highlands Tortoise Reserve | Baltra | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Take a bus from Puerto Ayora to the highlands of Santa Cruz, where lush green Scalesia forests contrast with the arid lowlands. Explore underground lava tunnels stretching over half a mile, offering a unique and surreal experience. Enjoy lunch amidst this vibrant, natural setting
Activities: Hiking
After the final visit, transfer to Baltra Airport for the return flight to the mainland.
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.
$68,374
or $4,273 per person based on 16 max passengers
Stateroom
25m2 - Double Twin beds (can be converted into a King size bed), Panoramic windows, interconnected cabins, Air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a safety box.
Cabins #2, 3 and 4 - (Twins or Matrimonial)
Balcony Suite
25m2 - King-size bed or Double Twin beds (can be converted into a King-size bed), Panoramic windows, Air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a safety box.
Cabin #5 and 6 - (Matrimonial only)
Cabins #7 and 8 - (Twins or Matrimonial)
Sea Star Suite
35m2 - King size bed + Sofa bed, Panoramic windows, interconnected cabins, Air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a safety box.
Cabin #1 - (Matrimonial only)
Notes
10% discount for groups of 4 to 14 passengers 20% discount for children per each paying adult (up to 14 years and 11 months at the time of travel) Single cabin: 50% supplement. Special dates (Christmas and New Year): specific rates and conditions apply (please check in advance)
Child Discount
20% Discount applies when traveling with two adults. Children must be under 14 years old by the time they 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.
Initial deposit is 20% FIT / 30% Charters / 30% for Holidays + Internal Flight Cost, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 FIT / 100 Charters / 131 for Holidays 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
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.
