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Brilliantly colored flamingos

Northern Islands

Baltra roundtrip - Example 4 Day Cruise aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise
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Set sail on a 4-day cruise to the North & Central Galapagos Islands aboard the Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Start in Baltra, transfer to meet your guide, and explore Santa Cruz's highlands, encountering Galápagos giant tortoises and lava tunnels. On day two, visit Cerro Dragón for land iguanas, flamingos, and rare Scalesia trees. In the afternoon, explore Chinese Hat, teeming with marine life, penguins, sea lions, and iguanas. Day three takes you to bird-rich Genovesa Island, including a hike at El Barranco. Darwin Bay showcases more birdlife and stunning landscapes. End with a morning panga ride at Black Turtle Cove, observing marine life. Disembark in Baltra and return to Ecuador's mainland, concluding your unforgettable Galápagos journey.
Two Galapagos tortoisesCatch a glimpse of a Blue-footed Booby on your Galapagos Islands tourFrigate chick found while touring the Galapagos The beautiful beaches of the GalapagosGalapagos Sea LionSanta Cruz - Black Turtle Cove - living up to its name with plenty of turtlesSanta Cruz - Black Turtle Cove - a VERY friendly pelicanBrilliantly colored flamingos
Highlights
  • Explore Santa Cruz highlands, spot giant tortoises, and lava tunnels
  • Visit Cerro Dragón, see land iguanas, flamingos, and unique lagoon
  • Explore Genovesa Island, discover red-footed boobies paradise
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Baltra | Embark | Highlands, Santa Cruz

Arrive at Baltra then transfer to the boat to meet the guide and get on board.

In the afternoon enjoy the highlands of Santa Cruz and see the Galápagos giant tortoise in its natural surroundings. Explore the area and its incredible underground lava tunnels – some are more than 1km long! Wander along the volcanic tubes and keep an eye out for the (mainly) nocturnal barn owls that sometimes roost here.
Activities: Hiking

Day 2: Dragon Hill | Chinese Hat

This morning visit Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill) on the west coast of Santa Cruz to see land Iguanas and a saltwater lagoon frequented by flamingos and other species of birds. Take a short walk from the beach to a hypersalinic (saltier than the ocean) lagoon frequented by pink flamingos, common stilts, pintail ducks, and other species of birds. Pass through a Scalesia tree forest; endemic to the area, there are only 400 specimens of Scalesia trees left in the world.
Activities: Hiking, Snorkeling

In the afternoon, the boat arrives at a small uniquely shaped island off the southern tip of Santiago called Chinese Hat. Here it is often possible to see galápagos penguins, and the marine life is fantastic for snorkeling. There is also a large sea lion colony as well as many marine iguanas that can be seen while walking amongst the volcanic scenery. Trek to see good views of the island's volcano. Snorkel right from the white-coral sand beach and come face to face with playful sea lions and large schools of tropical fish. Keep an eye out for marine iguanas and penguins too! 
Activities: Hiking, Panga ride, Snorkeling, Paddleboarding, Kayaking

Day 3: Prince Phillips’s Steps (El Barranco) | Darwin Bay, Genovesa

Today, visit the beautiful and remote Genovesa Island. This northern island, famous for its red-footed colony, is a paradise for bird lovers. It is estimated that about 200,00 Red-footed boobies live on this island. 

El Barranco or Prince Phillips’s Steps as otherwise known, was named after a visit by the British Monarch in 1964. El Barranco's steep 81-foot stairway leads up to a high cliff face that opens out onto the plateau surrounding Darwin Bay. Here an amazing view can be appreciated. Once at the top of the stairway, we will meet Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, mockingbirds, and finches along the way to a palo santo trail. It will also be possible to see wedge-rumped storm petrels swarm and short-eared owls. 
Activities: Hiking, Panga ride, Snorkeling, Paddleboarding, Kayaking

Darwin Bay was formed by the collapse of the flooded caldera of Tower Island, another name used for Genovesa. After landing at a small sand and coral beach, it is easy to realize why this island is a bird-lover paradise. Among the bird species found here, the most common are swallow-tailed and lava gulls, mockingbirds, yellow-crowned night herons, lava herons, Galapagos doves, and yellow warblers. We will continue on a short and flat trail to encounter red-footed booby and great frigatebird nests. Visit a tidal lagoon where sea lions swim playfully ending our path on a cliff with magnificent views of this remote part of the Galapagos. 
Activities: Hiking, Panga ride, Snorkeling, Paddleboarding, Kayaking

Day 4: Black Turtle Cove | Baltra | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Take a morning panga ride and look for marine life in Black Turtle Cove. Explore the mangroves by panga to find rich marine wildlife between the fresh and salt waters. Keep an eye out for manta rays and sea turtles in this tranquil ecosystem. Whitetip reef sharks can also be seen gliding by.
Activities: Panga ride

Disembark at Baltra and fly back to Ecuador's mainland.

Ship/Hotel

Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise

Luxury Aperitif Lounge
Sun Deck Jacuzzi
Sun Deck Lounge Area

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$6,195 2-3 travelers
Suite King
Upper Deck Suite
Cabin size: 35 m² / 376 sq ft 6 convertible (twin/king size) double suites All suites feature a private balcony, mini bar, walk-in closet, and jacuzzi.
Suite Twin
Main Deck Suite
Cabin size: 35 m² / 376 sq ft 4 convertible (twin/king size) double suites All suites feature a private balcony, mini bar, walk-in closet, and jacuzzi.
Hermes Single Room
Main Deck Single Suite
Single cabin size: 20 m² / 215 sq ft 2 single suites All suites feature a private balcony, mini bar, walk-in closet, and jacuzzi.

Notes

  • Single supplement: 50% if both single cabins are already booked.
  • Child discount is 15% if travelling with 2 adults and under 12 years of age. Discount does not apply on discounted, promotional rates, or peak season.
  • Minimum age aboard is 6 years old. Children under 6 years of age are welcomed in charters and family departures with a waiver signed by their parents. They are and will be held fully responsible and liable for their kids’ safety during the entire cruise.

Child Discount

The minimum age aboard is 6 years old. Child discount is 15% if traveling with 2 adults and under 12 years of age. Discount does not apply on discounted, promotional rates, or peak season.

Children under 12 may receive discounts on Galapagos flight fares and entrance fees. Contact us for details.
Included
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
  • 3 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Laundry Service
  • Bilingual Naturalist Guide 
  • Use of snorkeling equipment, wet suits, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.
  • Satellite internet
  • Signature Menu by a Renowned Chef
  • Use of Library
  • Use of Hammam
  • Cocktail and Cooking lessons
  • Butler Service
  • Unpacking Service
  • Access to Galapagos Airport VIP Lounge
  • Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages from Selected Menu
  • National Park Entrance Fee ($30 Ecuadorians / $200 Foreigners, Subject to change)
  • Galapagos Control Transit $20
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Internal Flights: Mainland Ecuador - Galapagos - Mainland Ecuador: $475-675
  • Massage services
  • Drinks not included in the Menu

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
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