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Galapagos penguin by the water

Galapagos Epic Wildlife Odyssey

Example 11 Day Cruise aboard Galapagos Odyssey
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Explore the southern islands of the Galapagos on the beautiful Galapagos Odyssey yacht. Experience all facets of the southern archipelago as you kayak, snorkel, and hike your way through the islands! Spot a myriad of native species including sea lions, sharks, marine birds, and sea turtles. Enjoy the south's stunning volcanic landscapes and pristine beaches on this 11-day cruise.
with the sun bathing iguanasA sea lion scratches an itch on Lobos IslandSail the Galapagos on the Origin ship!Sierra Negra volcanoGalapagos penguin by the water
Highlights
  • Cruise across the Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island
  • Take a zodiac to the Tintoreras, a group of small islands
  • Snorkel in the crystal clear waters of Gardner Bay
  • Hike to a cliff-top to view Darwin Lake and pirate graffiti
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 - Santa Cruz Island - Charles Darwin Center

Begin your Galapagos adventure on Baltra Island, also known as South Seymour. Formed by geological uplift, Baltra is flat, arid, and rich in wildlife. Fly into the Baltra airport and board your vessel.

Cruise across the Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island, home of the Charles Darwin Station. Here you will have the opportunity to learn about Galapagos protection and conservation efforts before exploring the archipelago. Visit the National Park information center, the Van Staelen Exhibition Hall, and the Breeding and Research Center for Galapagos tortoises.

Day 2: Isabela

Travel by zodiac to the Tintoreras, a group of small islands just off the coast of Isabela Island. These islands acquired their name from the white-tipped reef sharks that find respite in their shallow waters. Keep a lookout for Galapagos penguins and sea lions who often sun themselves on the Tintoreras' rocky shores.

In the afternoon, disembark in Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. Venture up the highlands along Sierra Negra's volcanic slope. Arrive eventually at its impressive 5-mile-wide crater, the widest of its kind in the world. From here, admire the fantastic view of the surrounding volcanoes and the island below. Hike on to Chico Volcano for an up-close look at lava formations, the building blocks of the archipelago.

Day 3: Isabela

Start your morning at Punta Moreno on Isabela's north coast. Embark on a trail that runs along a Pahohoe lava flow, leading to a series of coastal lagoons. Enjoy watching the various, entertaining species of birds that call this picturesque region home.

Spend the afternoon on a zodiac excursion in and around Elizabeth Bay. Begin with a tour through the Marielas islets, home to the most prominent penguin colony in the Galapagos. Cruise into a nearby cove, uniquely surrounded by red mangroves and populated by sea turtles, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle and golden rays, and schools of pompano and dorado fish.

Day 4: Fernandina - Isabela

Cruise over to Fernandina Island. Some of the most unique species in the Galapagos are found at Punta Espinoza on the northeastern tip of the island. A favorite resident of Punta Espinoza is the flightless cormorant. This fascinating creature has adapted to its predator-less, island existence, evolving into a marine species capable of finding food in the ocean.

In the afternoon, visit Isabela's Tagus Cove, beginning with a zodiac tour of the impressive shoreline cliffs. Land nearby and hike about 30 minutes to a cliff-top that offers views of stunning Darwin Lake, the cove below, and historic cliff-side pirate graffiti.

Day 5: Santiago

Journey to Santiago Island, hitting Espumilla beach in the morning. This beach provides an important nesting site for marine turtles and is abutted by the beautiful Palo Santo forest.

After Esupmilla, head to the west side of the island for a visit to Puerto Egas. This black sand beach was formed by volcanic tuff deposits and is considered Santiago's main attraction.

Day 6: Lobos - San Cristobal

Begin your day at Isla Lobos, a small, rocky island rich in shorebirds and home to nesting blue-footed boobies and frigate birds.

In the afternoon, head to San Cristobal for a visit to Cerro Colorado Tortoises Protection and Growing Center. Built to support the island's tortoise population, the center features a large corral, breeding area, and interpretive trail. In addition to tortoises, enjoy viewing various species of endemic flora and fauna including the San Cristobal mockingbird, Galapagos flycatcher, yellow warbler, and a spectrum of finches.

Day 7: EspaƱola

Cruise to Gardner Bay on the northeastern coast of Española Island. Swim snorkel, kayak, and enjoy the crystal clear waters of the bay.

Move on to Punta Suarez in the afternoon, a rocky outcropping on Española's southern shore. This site provides habitat for the largest, most varied populations of sea birds in the Galapagos. Watch as birds soar along the cliffs, dodging the spectacular water spouts and pounding surf.

Day 8: Floreana

In the morning, visit Punta Cormorant on Floreana. Situated between two tuff lava cones, this site is home to one of the archipelago's best flamingo lagoons. It also features two distinct beaches: the Green Beach, made up of olivine crystals, and the white coral Flour Sand Beach.

In the afternoon, visit historic Post Office Bay. 18th century whalers placed a wooden barrel here that has been used as a post office by mariners and tourists ever since. Continue on to Baroness Lookout, a point on Floreana's north shore known for its beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Day 9: Santa Fe - South Plaza Island

Journey to Santa Fe, a distinctly flat island formed by a geological uplift rather than a volcano. Some theories identify Santa Fe as the oldest island in the Galapagos. Walk along the island trail, winding through salt bushes and giant cactus while viewing unique species such as the Galapagos hawk, snake, and mockingbird. Take advantage of the crystalline waters, snorkeling with tropical fish and playful sea lions.

Venture to South Plaza Island in the afternoon. Diminutive in size, but rich in wildlife, Plaza houses some of the Galapagos' most fascinating creatures. Most notably, the island boasts a large population of hybrid iguanas, a cross between their land and marine counterparts.

Day 10: North Seymour - Bachas Beach - Santa Cruz Island

Visit uplifted North Seymour Island. Seymour's flat terrain provides excellent nesting sites for frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. Observe the antics of these iconic birds, keeping an eye out for bodysurfing sea lions as well.

In the afternoon, head for Bachas Beach, a site made up of two small beaches on Santa Cruz Island. The soft, white sands of Bachas provide ideal nesting habitat for sea turtles. Abandoned barges can be spotted along the beach, relics of the military's occupancy during WWII.

Day 11: Mosquera - Baltra

  • 1 Breakfast
Before departure, explore Mosquera, a small islet boasting an impressive reef and beautiful white sand beach, ideal for snorkeling and swimming.

Journey back to Baltra for your departing flight.

Ship/Hotel

Galapagos Odyssey

Cruise the Galapagos on the Odyssey ship
Main Deck Corridor
Galapagos Odyssey Dining Area

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Galapagos Cruises & Tours.
Lower Deck Cabin
Lower Deck
One cabin on the Lower Deck with a queen size bed, which can be used for single occupancy. Private bath facilities, individual A/C, mini-bar, desk, closet & phone.
Main Deck Matrimonial Cabin
Main Deck
2 convertible twin cabins and 2 matrimonial cabins on the main deck and 2 convertible twin cabins on the upper deck. Private bath facilities, individual A/C, mini-bar, desk, closet & phone.
Upper Deck Double Cabin
Upper Deck
2 convertible twin cabins and 2 suite cabins on the Upper Deck. Private bath facilities, individual A/C, mini-bar, desk, closet & phone.

Child Discount

20% discount for children under age 12 at the 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
  • 10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
  • 10 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • 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
  • Snorkeling and kayaking equipment is included in the cruise cost and available for your use on board.
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
  • Wetsuits are not included but are available for rent on board- $30 for 5-day tours, $36 for 6-day tours, $60 for 10-day tours, $66 for 11-day tours, and $90 for 15-day tours. 

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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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