Embark on a 4-day private cruise through the Eastern Galapagos Islands aboard the Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Begin at San Cristóbal Island, exploring Tijeretas and the Galapagos' history at the Interpretation Center. Dive into the archipelago's volcanic origins and conservation efforts. Gardner Bay boasts a white sandy beach with sea lions and abundant marine life, while Punta Suárez offers bird colonies and the waved albatross. Floreana reveals two unique beaches, flamingos, penguins, and marine iguanas. Snorkel at Champion Islet and mingle with the playful sea lion colony. Visit Post Office Bay to leave or pick up unstamped letters. Disembark in Puerto Ayora to tour the Charles Darwin Research Station, home to giant tortoises and land iguanas. Conclude with a return flight from Baltra airport to the mainland.
Highlights
Visit Tijeretas Hill, a bird colony, and soak in scenic beauty
Discover Floreana Island's amazingly green sand beach and Flour Beach
Snorkel with sea lions and discover vibrant marine life
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Catch an early flight to San Cristóbal Island. Learn about the history of the Galápagos Islands from the very beginning of their volcanic origins through to today’s conservation efforts. Tour the Human History exhibit to learn about the islands’ discovery and colonization, and discover the natural history and variety of flora and fauna that make the Galápagos so fascinating.
In the afternoon, visit Tijeretas, a great viewpoint and your first wildlife encounter. Learn about the origins of the Galapagos at the Interpretation Center. Tijeretas Hill bears its name thanks to the frigate birds as “Tijeretas” is how people locally call them. Here enjoy a great view of beautiful landscapes at the foot of a frigate bird nesting colony. Activities: Hiking
Enjoy the day on Española Island, one of the oldest in the archipelago. Arrive at Gardner Bay in the morning, and spend the day exploring on shore and snorkeling in the bay. Visit Gardner Bay's magnificent white sandy beach, home to sea lions and sea birds. Be sure to explore the beautiful turquoise water and its incredible sea life. Spot young sea lions and large schools of surprisingly big tropical fish, including yellow-tailed surgeonfish, king angelfish, and bump-head parrot fish. Activities: Hiking, Panga ride, Snorkeling, Paddleboarding, Kayaking
After lunch, sail to the western side of the islands to Punta Suárez, known for its amazing bird colonies and home to the waved albatross (April and December). Punta Suárez is one of the most rich wildlife landing sites in the Galápagos. Be greeted by surfing young sea lions on arrival. Head to the trail to find many species of nesting sea birds, and, if lucky, see the waved albatross. Follow the path up to a cliff for great views over the ocean, and watch sea birds gliding in the wind. Activities: Hiking
Day 3: Cormorant Point | Post Office Bay, Floreana
Land at Punta Cormorant, the only landing site on Floreana Island, and discover two amazingly different beaches: one with green sand, colored by olivine crystals, and another with white sand particles known as 'Flour Beach'. Spend the afternoon observing flamingos and other shore birds feeding in the lagoon. Spot penguins and marine iguanas at the water’s edge, and explore the lava tubes with the Galápagos CEO. Guided walks to observe the birds and wildlife and learn about the natural history. Activities: Hiking, Panga ride, Snorkeling
Jump on in and get up close and personal with the playful sea lion colony that resides in the waters off this tiny island. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, rays, and colorful fish swimming by. There can be currents in this area, this activity should be done by strong swimmers only. Snorkeling excursion at Champion Islet.
Visit Post Office Bay and learn about its unique history. In the late 18th century, English whaling vessels placed a barrel here to be used as a post office. Today, the box is used mainly by tourists, who may drop off and pick up unstamped letters to be carried to far destinations. Continue the tradition – leave a letter and take one to deliver (be sure it makes it to the correct location). Activities: Hiking, Panga ride, Paddleboarding, Kayaking
Day 4: Puerto Ayora | Disembark | Charles Darwin Station | Baltra
1 Breakfast
Disembark in Puerto Ayora and visit Fausto Llerena Breeding Center a great place to observe many species of tortoises and land iguanas in captivity. Brought back from the brink of extinction, see the famous Galápagos tortoise up close – a corral houses adult tortoises, and a nursery cares for the young until around age three when their shells have hardened. This area also houses the Charles Darwin Research Station, a scientific organization initiated in 1964, which works to preserve the Galápagos' ecosystem through the conservation efforts of scientists, researchers, and volunteers. While the offices themselves are not open to visitors, the research station provides a study location for international scientists and environmental education for the local community. Activities: Hiking
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.
$117,7052-3 travelers
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.
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.
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.
Initial deposit is 20%, 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
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
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8 hours ago
Super smooth with questions answered & booking in just 2 days with Mary Curry. AND, the price was great!
Roger Allen
1 week ago
I am still finalizing plans with Adventure Life. So far my interaction with travel expert agents have been great!!
Carla Sottovia, PhD
2 weeks ago
I wasnt thrilled with the island choices offered on our dates but my friend suggested cruising and you have good reviews
Joyce Schiavo
1 month ago
Jess was very responsive and quick to address questions. She was patient when we wanted to make changes. We did check the BBB and found good reviews. We look forward to a fabulous Machu Picchu and Galapagos trip and hope to book many other trips with Adventure Life. Thank you.
Mary Westphal
1 month ago
Adventure life made it so easy to plan my trip. They were very professional and answered all of my question promptly and completely. They were also flexible in accommodating my changes to the trip.