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The iconic feet of a Blue-Footed Booby

Southern Islands

San Cristobal - Santa Cruz - Example 5 Day Cruise aboard Galaxy
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Embark on a 5-day cruise aboard Galaxy in the Southern Galapagos Islands! Experience a breathtaking panga ride around Kicker Rock, a 500-foot volcanic formation. Walk on Cerro Brujo's white sands, encounter sea lions, and snorkel in turquoise waters. Explore Punta Pitt for a unique birdwatching opportunity, and hike Suarez Point to witness diverse birdlife. Gardner Bay offers a pristine paradise with sun-basking sea lions. At Devil's Crown, snorkel among diverse marine life. Visit historic Post Office Bay on Floreana Island, steeped in tales and natural wonders. Begin your day at the Charles Darwin Station, showcasing conservation efforts. Reflect on the extraordinary journey as you return to mainland Ecuador, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for our planet's ecosystems.
Flamingo wading in the waterA young sea lion rests on the sands of the Galapagos IslandsWildlife in the GalapagosPinnacle rock on BartolomeGiant tortoises in the GalapagosPost barrel at Post Office Bay, Floreana Island, GalapagosCruising in the Galapagos - Espanola IslandThe iconic feet of a Blue-Footed Booby
Highlights
  • Navigate the waters, marveling at Kicker Rock's sheer size
  • Stroll along Cerro Brujo's sands, encountering sea lions
  • Explore Punta Pitt, witness diverse birdlife and snorkeling opportunities
  • Send postcards from Post Office Bay, unveiling tales and wildlife
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: San Cristobal | Embark | Interpretation Center

Unfurl the sails of adventure and embark on an unforgettable journey to the Galapagos Islands. You'll arrive at San Cristobal Airport, where a seasoned naturalist guide, the custodian of this ecological gem, will greet you. Feel the flutter of anticipation as your exploration of this astonishing world heritage site commences.

Located on the outskirts of Puerto Baquerizo, the Interpretation Center is dedicated to the history of human presence in the Galapagos. From the times of the early Spanish explorers to the present times, including illustrious visitors such as Charles Darwin, this permanent exhibition will take you through the dangers and struggles of the first settlers trying to survive the harsh Galapagos environment.

Highlights: Endemic plants, exhibition on human history
Trail: 0.2 km / 650 ft
Activities: Dry Landing and hiking

Day 2: Witch Hill | Pitt Point, San Cristobal

Start your day at Cerro Brujo, a breathtaking white sand beach on San Cristobal Island's northern coast. This beach is one of the first sites visited by Charles Darwin. It's an exquisite spot for walking and enjoying the scenery, with its powdery white sand and turquoise waters. The area is home to a large sea lion colony, and the nearby lagoon often hosts several bird species, including pelicans and blue-footed boobies. The clear waters also make it an ideal spot for snorkeling, where you can encounter rich marine life. Beach and Snorkeling Experience: Stroll along the white sands of Cerro Brujo, enjoy close encounters with sea lions, and explore the vibrant underwater world.

Highlights: White sand beach, sea lions, pelicans, blue-footed boobies, snorkeling opportunities.
Trail: 0.5 km / 0.3 mi
Level: 1
Activities: Wet landing, beach walking, snorkeling

In the afternoon, head to Punta Pitt, located on the eastern end of San Cristobal Island. This unique site is the only place in the Galapagos where you can see all three species of boobies and two species of frigate birds. The trail here offers a challenging hike up a steep path but rewards with stunning views of the coastline. The beach area is also a great spot for snorkeling and swimming, offering a chance to see various marine life.
Hiking and Wildlife Observation: Explore the rugged terrain of Punta Pitt and witness the diverse birdlife, including all three booby species and frigate birds.

Highlights: Three booby species (Blue-footed, Red-footed, Nazca), two frigate bird species, stunning views, and snorkeling opportunities. This day provides a rich experience of San Cristobal Island's diverse landscapes and wildlife, offering both relaxation on a beautiful beach and an adventurous hike with unique wildlife encounters.
Trail: 1.5 km / 0.9 mi
Level: 3
Activities: Dry landing, hiking, snorkeling

Day 3: Suarez Point | Gardner Bay, Española

Transition into the afternoon with a thrilling adventure to Suarez Point. This rocky trail presents a natural gallery of the Galapagos islands, brimming with an awe-inspiring array of fauna. Upon landing, you'll be greeted by sea lions and marine iguanas, your first hosts in this nature carnival. As you venture further, you'll encounter a mosaic of seabird colonies - from the striking Nazca and blue-footed boobies to the elegant gulls and tropicbirds. The pinnacle of this journey brings you face-to-face with the waved albatross, the island's largest bird (present from April to January). This majestic creature, exclusive to Española, will captivate you with its powerful flight and intricate courtship display.

Highlights: Sea lions, Waved Albatross, Galapagos hawks, Española mockingbirds, Darwin finches, marine iguanas, Nazca & Blue-footed Boobies, Red-billed Tropicbirds, Swallow-tailed gulls, herons, lava lizards, herons.
Trail: 1.7 km / 1.1 mi
Level: 3
Activities: Dry landing and hiking

Embrace the morning at Gardner Bay, a pristine piece of paradise in the Galapagos archipelago. Sugar-white coral sands merge with crystal-clear turquoise waters, creating a tropical oasis. Watch as the beach becomes a theatre, starring sun-basking sea lions in a playful performance. This idyllic setting invites you to stroll along the coast, immersing yourself in an enlightening experience as you delve into the biology of the endemic fauna - from the melodious Española mockingbird and the unique marine iguanas to the regal Galapagos hawks.

Snorkeling Experience: Submerge beneath the azure waves to witness a spectacular performance choreographed by marine life. Swim alongside playful sea lions, graceful reef sharks, and gliding rays. Discover an array of fish, including vivid Angelfish, charismatic Parrotfish, dynamic Damselfish, and the ever-busy Surgeonfish coloring the underwater landscape.

Highlights: Coral sand beach, sea lions, Galapagos hawks, Española mockingbirds, Darwin finches, marine iguanas.
Trail: 0.8 km / 0.5 mi
Level: 1
Activities: Wet landing and hiking

Day 4: Cormorant Point | Post Office Bay, Floreana

Shift your expedition northwards to Punta Cormorant, renowned for its expansive coastal lagoon teeming with American flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, black-necked stilts, and other shorebirds. This natural haven also features a pristine white sand beach, a crucial nesting ground for green sea turtles, and a newly established breeding ground for blue-footed boobies near the trail. Amidst this vibrant wildlife, also take the opportunity to admire the island's unique flora.

Snorkeling Experience: At Devil's Crown, an eroded little volcano adjacent to Floreana Island, dive into what many consider one of the best snorkeling sites in the entire Galapagos. The Crown's currents funnel plankton, attracting a spectacular congregation of marine life, including snapper, Creole fish, parrot fish, Angelfish, reef sharks, sea turtles, and rays.

Highlights: American flamingo, blue-footed booby, frigatebirds, tropicbirds, Galapagos shearwaters, sea lions, sea turtle nesting site, finches, shorebirds, coral-sand beach.
Trail: 1,6 km / 1 mi
Level: 1
Activities: Wet landing and hiking

Begin your day by stepping into the footprints of the past at Post Office Bay, located on the enigmatic Floreana Island. This locale is imbued with tales from the late 1920s and '30s involving German settlers, a baroness, unsolved mysteries, and captivating intrigue. The bay was a historic anchoring point for whalers, who journeyed to the highlands for freshwater and tortoises. A mail system over two centuries old was established as a hub for visiting vessels centered around a barrel near the beach. This system endures today, offering a unique opportunity to send postcards from this remote part of the world. Apart from its rich history, Post Office Bay presents natural attractions such as a scenic beach, a lava tunnel, and sea tours that can unveil sea lions, green sea turtles, shorebirds, small sharks, and, if luck permits, Galapagos penguins.

Snorkeling Experience: Delve beneath the waves right from the beach, opening up a mesmerizing world of sea turtles, rays, and a diverse plethora of fish. Keep your fingers crossed for a special appearance by the elusive Galapagos penguin.

Highlights: Sea Lions, sea turtles, finches, shorebirds, marine iguanas, and penguins.
Trail: 0.7 km / 0.4 mi
Level: 1
Activities: Wet landing and hiking

Day 5: Charles Darwin Station, Santa Cruz | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Kickstart your day with a profound encounter at the Charles Darwin Station, a dedicated non-profit working hand-in-hand with the Galapagos National Park to safeguard the archipelago's unique biodiversity. This visit provides insights into the collaborative efforts of these institutions to shield native species and combat the invasive ones threatening the delicate balance of the Galapagos ecosystem. One of their emblematic endeavors includes the captive breeding of giant tortoises, an integral part of the conservation strategy. Amidst the educational venture, enjoy the setting of an outdoor native dry forest adorned with towering cacti and a rich array of fascinating endemic flora. This is an ideal spot to discover various endemic Darwin finches, as well as vivacious flycatchers and melodious mockingbirds.

As the day winds down, prepare for your return to the Ecuador mainland. Reflect on the extraordinary experiences and memories created as you journey back. The return trip is a time to relax and ponder the unique ecosystems and incredible wildlife you've encountered, leaving the enchanted islands behind but taking a piece of their magic.

Highlights: Galapagos giant tortoise & land iguanas breeding program, Darwin finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, Galapagos flycatchers, yellow warblers.
Level: 1
Activities: Dry landing and hiking

This concludes your remarkable journey through the Galapagos, filled with awe-inspiring encounters with nature's wonders, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of our planet's ecosystems.

Ship/Hotel

Galaxy

Galaxy ship exterior
Living area
Bar lounge

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$2,890 2-3 travelers
Lower deck cabin
Lower Deck
Comfortable cabins with lower beds and port hole windows. Cabins have private bathrooms with hot/cold water and air conditioning.
Main deck cabin
Main Deck
Comfortable cabins with lower beds and large windows. Cabins have private bathrooms with hot/cold water and air conditioning.
Upper deck cabin
Upper Deck
Comfortable cabins with lower beds and large windows. Cabins have private bathrooms with hot/cold water and air conditioning.

Child Discount

10% discount for children under age 12 at time of Galapagos 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.
Included
  • 5 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 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
  • Snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, kayaks, and paddleboards are all included in the cruise cost and are available for your use onboard.
  • 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
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Galapagos Park Entrance Fee: $200 per adult, $100 per child under 12. Payable upon arrival to the Galapagos, only in cash dollars. Subject to increase by Galapagos Park Service.
  • Internal Flights: Mainland Ecuador - Galapagos - Mainland Ecuador: $475-675

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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
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