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Blue-footed booby mating dance

Southeast Islands

San Cristobal - Santa Cruz - Example 4 Day Cruise aboard Galaxy Diver
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Embark on a 4-day cruise through the Southeast Islands aboard Galaxy Diver from San Cristobal to Santa Cruz. Explore Lobos Island's serene beauty, with sea lion pups and frigatebirds creating a lively atmosphere. Gardner Bay offers a tropical oasis, where sun-basking sea lions steal the show. Dive into the azure waves for a snorkeling spectacle with sea lions, reef sharks, and vibrant fish. Suarez Point unfolds a natural gallery, featuring seabird colonies and the grand waved albatross. At Post Office Bay, send postcards from the past, and in Punta Cormorant, mingle with flamingos and witness blue-footed booby breeding grounds. Wrap up with a visit to the Charles Darwin Station, where giant tortoises and quirky Darwin finches steal the spotlight. It's a Galapagos gala you won't soon forget!
Two frigate birdsSea lion by the kayaksGalapagos penguin on a rockSea lion on San Cristobal Island in the GalapagosWildlife in the GalapagosPost office barrel, Floreana Island, GalapagosMeeting giant tortoises in the GalapagosBlue-footed booby mating dance
Highlights
  • Venture to Lobos Island and witness sea lion pups frolicking
  • Step into the past at Post Office Bay on Floreana Island
  • Explore Punta Cormorant, a haven teeming with coastal 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 | Lobos Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.

Venture to Lobos Island, a tranquil islet secluded from San Cristobal by a slim channel. This nature's cradle, amidst a serene bay, is the playground for sea lion pups frolicking in tidal pools. The island might be modest but bursts with life, particularly with "lobos marinos" or sea lions. As you step ashore, welcoming committees of sea lions would greet you, only to be outraged by the male frigatebirds inland, presenting their inflamed red balloons amidst the verdant foliage. Stay vigilant for the blue-footed boobies nesting on the trails, ready to treat you to a display of their whimsical courtship dance.

Snorkeling Experience: Dive into an underwater ballet at this renowned snorkeling spot, sheltered by the calm waves. Playful sea lions would eagerly display their acrobatic prowess. In contrast, sea turtles and rays find solace resting on the sandy seabed, giving you a glimpse into the harmonious marine life that thrives beneath the surface.

Highlights: Galapagos sea lions, marine Iguanas, magnificent & great frigatebirds, blue-footed Boobies, and San Cristobal Lava Lizards.
Trail: 0.6 km / 0.4 mi
Level: Hard
Activities: Dry landing, hiking, snorkel and panga ride

Day 2: Gardner Bay | Suarez Point, Española

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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: Easy
Activities: Wet landing, hiking, snorkel, panga ride, paddle board

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: Hard
Activities: Dry landing and hiking

Day 3: Post Office Bay | Cormorant Point, Floreana

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 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: Easy
Activities: Wet landing, hiking and snorkel

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: Easy
Activities: Wet landing, hiking, snorkel, panga ride, paddle board, kayak

Day 4: 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, vivacious flycatchers, and melodious mockingbirds.

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

Ship/Hotel

Galaxy Diver

Galaxy Diver's Amenities
Galaxy Diver prepares delicious meals for you
Galaxy Diver's Dining area

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$1,650 2-3 travelers
Galaxy Diver Matrimonial Cabins 1
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Matrimonial Cabins
-Equipped with a private bathroom, hot/cold water, air conditioning, a hair dryer, a towel, internal phone, safe box, closet, and speaker. Ideal for couples and provides a well-deserved rest.
Galaxy Diver Twin cabin
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Twin Cabins
-Equipped with a private bathroom, hot/cold water, air conditioning, a hair dryer, a towel, internal phone, safe box, closet, and speaker. This cabin has 2 beds ideal for families with children, friends, or couples who like independent comfort.

Child Discount

10% discount for children under 12 (between 6 to 11 years old). Child discounts are conditional and may not apply to 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
  • 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
  • Wetsuits - Available on board
  • 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
  • Kayak Equipment
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 (fees of $100 per adult and $50 per child valid on arrivals through Aug 1, 2024). 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

Map

When to Go

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Dec
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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
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