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Chinese Hat (Sombrero Chino) Island, Galapagos

Central Islands

Example 5 Day Cruise aboard Tip Top IV
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Embark on this 5-day adventure that explores the highlights of the central islands of the Galapagos. Be entertained by the antics of friendly sea lions or get up close and personal with the incredible giant tortoises that make their home here. Indulge yourself in the picturesque beauty of the unique landscape, relax on the beach, do some exploratory snorkeling, and wander to the hidden center of the islands. There are endless possibilities for adventure, making this the most memorable trip ever.
Bartolome- Early morning hike up stairsSnorkeling at Hol Chan Marine ReserveSouth Plaza IslandLazing in the sun South PlazaChinese Hat (Sombrero Chino) Island, Galapagos
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Baltra | Embark | Black Turtle Cove

Arrive at the airport in Baltra from the mainland of Ecuador, where a guide will meet you and accompany you to the bus after a short 5-kilometer ride to the pier; you board the Yacht without delay. They greet you with your first orientation and offer a light snack.

In the afternoon, make a panga ride on Black Turtle Cove, a series of mangrove-surrounded coves and islets; where you can observe white-tipped sharks, marine turtles, spotted eagle rays, and yellow cow-nosed rays. Then board the Yacht for dinner and the first of your nightly orientations.
Activities: Panga Ride

Day 2: Chinese Hat | Rabida

After breakfast, start the day with a trip to Sombrero Chino, also known as Chinese Hat, a small island off the coast of Santiago Island. This island got its name from its unique shape 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. Return to the Yacht for lunch.
Activities: Walking, Kayaking, Panga Ride, Snorkeling

In the afternoon, make a wet landing at Rábida, walk, and observe marine iguanas, sea lions, pelicans, blue-footed boobies, masked boobies, and brown pelicans. After a nice walk, arrive at a small saltwater lagoon where pink flamingos can be observed. After this have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing swim, do some exploratory snorkeling, or enjoy some easy snorkeling. Return to the Yacht for dinner and nightly orientation.
Activities: Walking, Kayaking, Panga Ride, Snorkeling

Day 3: Bartolome Island | Sullivan Bay

After breakfast, make a dry landing on Bartolome Island, to hike to the summit; during the hike observe colonies of marine iguanas and lava lizards. On the summit get an impressive view of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock. Optional: time for those who would like to swim and/or snorkel.
Activities: Walking, Panga Ride, Snorkeling

Return to the boat for a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, make a wet landing on Sullivan Bay, a perfect place to get a feel of the volcanic origin of the islands. Optional: time for those who would like to swim and/or snorkel. Return to the yacht for a delicious dinner and nightly orientation.
Activities: Walking, Snorkeling

Day 4: Santa Fe Island | South Plaza Island

After breakfast, make a wet landing on Santa Fe Island to visit the cactus forest and a colony of land iguanas native to Santa Fe. Time for those who want to swim, snorkel, or kayak is optional.
Activities: Walking, Kayaking, Panga Ride, Snorkeling

Return to the Yacht for lunch and sail to South Plaza, where you make a dry landing on the pier of the island, there you can enjoy the antics of the sea lions. A walk through a cactus forest allows you to observe land iguanas and many species of tropical birds. At the end of the afternoon, return to the Yacht for dinner and nightly orientation.
Activities: Walking

Day 5: Las Bachas Beach | Baltra | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast you make an early disembark on Las Bachas Beach, a place where you can appreciate a Flamingos lagoon. During all walks, your guide will be explaining details about the lives of the birds and animals.
Activities: Walking, Snorkeling

Return to the Yacht for disembarking on the pier. Your guide accompanies you on the bus ride directly to the airport.

Ship/Hotel

Tip Top IV

Ship Exterior

Tip Top IV

The Tip Top IV is a steel-hulled motor yacht, built to accommodate 16 guests in comfortable cabins. The Tip Top Iv is the flagship of the Tip Top Fleet
Upper Deck Terrace
Sun Deck
Dining Area

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$3,463
Lower Deck Double Bed
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Lower Deck Cabin
6 lower deck with two twin beds that can be converted into king beds. Some rooms are interconnecting, which is a great option for families.
Upper Deck Twin Bed
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Upper Deck Cabin
4 upper deck cabins with two twin beds that can be converted into king beds.

Notes

Please reserve your wetsuit in advance prior to trip.

Child Discount

50% discount for children under the age of 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
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 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
  • 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
  • Use of all on-board water toys, such as snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddle boards, etc.
  • Internal Flights: Mainland Ecuador - Galapagos - Mainland Ecuador
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. Subject to increase by Galapagos Park Service.
  • Wetsuits are not included but are available to rent on board - $35 short and $40 long size for 4-day tours; $40 short and $45 long size for 5-day tours; $45 short and $55 long size for 8-day tours; $70 short and $80 long size for 11-day tours; and $80 short and $90 long size for 15-day tours.

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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
TrustScore 4.8 | 545 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
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Based on 545 reviews on
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1 month ago
I just returned from a 10 day trip to Ecuador and The Galapagos Island. From the very first conversation with Adventure Life until my return, everything went smoothly. It was a great trip! Adventure Life excels at communication and organization. Every detail was considered, which made the preparation for my trip really easy. In country, my guides were outstanding...friendly, knowledgeable, on time, professional. I really can't say enough good things about how well I was taken care of during my trip. When flying to a new country it's comforting to be met by a friendly face at the airport who knows where you're going! All of my hotels were well-located and thoughtfully selected for comfort and historic interest. The yacht I sailed on through the islands exceeded my expectations in every way. My cabin was very comfortable, the food we were served was excellent and the crew was first-class. Our Park Guide found the perfect balance between fun and education. His passion for the Galápagos Islands was evident in every activity on every island. I look forward to planning my next trip with Adventure Life, and thank their entire team for making this adventure wonderful!
Tracy Heuermann

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