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Chinese Hat (Sombrero Chino) Island, Galapagos

Central Islands

Example 4 Day Cruise aboard Koln
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Embark on a 4-day cruise that explores the highlights of the central islands of the Galapagos. Indulge yourself in the picturesque beauty of the unique landscape here. Relax on the beach, do some exploratory snorkeling, and wander to the hidden inlands. Be entertained by the antics of friendly sea lions, get up close and personal with the incredible giant tortoises, and participate in an endless list of activities to make this the most memorable trip ever.
Puerto AyoraSea lions napping on a dock in the GalapagosKayaking along the rocksGiant tortoiseChinese Hat (Sombrero Chino) Island, Galapagos
Highlights
  • Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and learn about giant tortoises
  • Observe land iguanas and the Cactus forest on South Plaza Island
  • Snorkel and observe penguins in Chinese Hat
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

After a flight from mainland Ecuador to Baltra airport, a guide will meet you and accompany you to the Itabaca Channel. From here cross the channel by barge and then continue to Puerto Ayora by bus to board the yacht. Enjoy a light snack and run through orientation before the first excursion to the Charles Darwin Research Station and its Interpretive Center. Enjoy watching giant tortoises in their natural environment. Return to the port for a walk through the little town. There are various handicrafts made here. Then return to the boat for a welcome cocktail and dinner.

Day 2: Santa Fe - South Plaza Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The first excursion of the day will be to Santa Fe Island to visit the cactus forest and a colony of land iguanas. For those who would like to swim, snorkel, and kayak, this is a great location to do so. Return to the yacht for lunch and sail to South Plaza, and enjoy the antics of the sea lions who make their home here. Observe land iguanas and many species of tropical birds while taking a walk through a cactus forest.

Day 3: Chinese Hat - Rabida

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After breakfast, start the day with a trip to Chinese Hat (Sombrero Chino), a small island off the coast of Santiago Island. It got its name from the unique shape of the island that resembles a hat. Here you can observe Galapagos penguins, eagle rays, sea lions, and marine iguanas on the rocky shoreline. This is an excellent snorkeling site and there will be time for those who would like to swim, snorkel, and kayak.

Enjoy some lunch and then head to Rábida to walk and observe marine iguanas, sea lions, pelicans, blue-footed boobies, masked boobies, and brown pelicans. Walk to a small saltwater lagoon where the incredible pink flamingo can be observed. After this have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing swim, do some exploratory snorkeling, or enjoy some easy snorkeling.

Day 4: Santa Cruz Island - Baltra

  • 1 Breakfast
Start the day out with a panga ride on Black Turtle Cove. This is a series of mangrove-surrounded coves and islets. This is an excellent opportunity to observe white-tipped sharks, marine turtles, spotted eagle rays, and yellow cow-nosed rays. Return to the yacht to disembark and then be escorted by a guide to the airport for return to the mainland.

Ship/Hotel

Koln

Koln facade
Koln Dining Area
Koln Social Area

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$3,336
Koln lower deck cabin with single lower beds
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Cabins 3-6
Cabin size: 12m² 4 lower deck cabins. Equipped with 2 Single Lower Beds (2x1m/each). Each cabin has a Private bathroom (toilet, shower, hair dryer, washbasin, vanity, hot and cold water), Locker and drawers, a Safety box, Air-conditioned, an Electric outlet 110v, and a USB port.
Koln upper deck cabin with double bed
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Cabins 7 & 8
Cabin size: 8.5m² 2 upper deck cabins. Equipped with 1 Double Bed (2x1.40m/each). Each cabin has a Private bathroom (toilet, shower, hair dryer, washbasin, vanity, hot and cold water), Locker and drawers, a Safety box, Air-conditioned, an Electric outlet 110v, and a USB port.
Koln upper deck cabin with single lower beds
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Cabins 9 & 10
Cabin size: 9.5m² 2 upper deck cabins. Equipped with 2 Single Lower Beds (2x1m/each). Each cabin has a Private bathroom (toilet, shower, hair dryer, washbasin, vanity, hot and cold water), Locker and drawers, a Safety box, Air-conditioned, an Electric outlet 110v, and a USB port.

Notes

Please reserve your wetsuit in advance prior to the trip.

Internal Galapagos flights included.

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
  • 3 Breakfasts, 2 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
  • Bilingual Naturalist Guide 
  • Adventure Life Pre-departure Services and In-Country Assistance (Quito Representative)
  • Transfers and Baggage Handling in the Galapagos
  • Snorkeling and kayaking equipment is included in the cruise cost and available for your use on board.
  • Internal Flights: Mainland Ecuador - Galapagos - Mainland Ecuador
  • Hot drinks (tea, coffee, aromatic waters)
  • Drinking water and iced tea dispenser
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.
  • All alcoholic & Non-alcoholic drinks
  • Neoprene suits (for rent)

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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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