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Unique landscape and cactus found on the Galapagos Islands

Northern Galapagos Journey

Example 5 Day Cruise aboard Sea Star Journey
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Experience the highlights of the Galapagos' northern islands on this 5-day adventure! Travel from beautiful Santa Cruz, to wildlife-rich Genovesa, to exclusive Black Turtle Cove, exploring many destinations in between. Snorkel, kayak, and become acquainted with the archipelago's endemic wildlife species during your cruise on the Sea Star Journey.
Snorkeling at Pinnacle RockSea lions napping on a dock in the GalapagosKayak with friendly and curious sea lions.(Seymour) Male Blue Footed BoobieUnique landscape and cactus found on the Galapagos Islands
Highlights
  • Visit Black Turtle Cove and look for sharks and rays
  • Witness a nesting site for masked and red-footed boobies
  • Explore white coral sand beaches on Darwin Bay
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: Baltra - Dragon Hill - Santa Cruz Island

Begin your adventures in the Galapagos on Baltra Island. Fly into Baltra, an arid, uplifted island dotted with salt bushes, prickly pear cactus, and palo santo trees. Head to the harbor and board your cruise ship.

Journey across to Santa Cruz Island for a visit to Dragon Hill in the afternoon. Located on the northwest side of Santa Cruz, this site features a trail leading to a hyper-saline lagoon, home to a variety of bird species. Take a short walk up the hill and soak in the stunning view of the islands and bay below.

Day 2: Black Turtle Cove - Chinese Hat

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today begins with a visit to Black Turtle Cove, a small, exclusive destination nestled into the northern side of Santa Cruz. Surrounded by red mangroves, this quiet cove constitutes an ideal nursery for a variety of sharks and rays. No landing sites exist in the cove, so you can either paddle in with a kayak or a panga. Observe large groups of white and black-tip reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, and schools of golden and spotted eagle rays. It is also possible to spot sea turtles, pelicans, and herons in this unique environment.

In the afternoon, journey on to Chinese Hat, a small islet off of Santiago. Named for its distinctive shape, Chinese Hat is a recent volcanic cone that exhibits fascinating lava formations. Admire its lava tubes and flows, and observe its entertaining colonies of sea lions and penguins.

Day 3: Genovesa

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Cruise to Genovesa Island today, beginning at Darwin Bay. Darwin came into existence when Genovesa's crater collapsed into the sea, leaving beautiful white coral sand beaches in its stead. This island is favored by bird-watchers, boasting numerous species including red footed and masked boobies, wandering tattlers, lava gulls, whimbrels, and various herons. A trail takes you across the island and up to a cliff edge. From here, admire the incredible view of the island landscape below.

In the afternoon, ascend the southern plateau of Darwin Bay, known as El Barranco. This area is a popular nesting site for masked and red-footed boobies as well as storm petrels and short-eared owls.

Day 4: Bartolomé - Santiago

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Venture to Bartolomé this morning, an island boasting some of the most beautiful scenery in the archipelago. Bartolomé's landscape consists of a spectrum of features including volcanic cones, lunar-like craters, lava fields, and Toba. Its two breathtaking beaches are home to sea turtles and a rare colony of Galapagos penguins.

This afternoon, visit Santiago Island, located in the west-central part of the Galapagos. It is still volcanically active, spotted with young lava flows and cones visible from many vantage points, including outerspace!

Day 5: Highlands - Santa Cruz Island - Baltra

  • 1 Breakfast
Today get to know Santa Cruz Island, beginning with a tour of the picturesque highlands. Take a trail from Bellavista, through an agricultural area, along the National Park boundary, the Miconia zone, and into the fern and sedge zone. On a clear day, enjoy views of rolling hillsides and extinct volcanic cones.

Journey back to Baltra for your departing flight.

Ship/Hotel

Sea Star Journey

Stunning sunsets aboard the Galapagos Sea Star
Galapagos Sea Star Journey
Sea Star Journey

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$3,399
Sea Star Journey
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Galapagos Suite
Main and Upper Deck. Two Twin Beds. Approximately 25m2.
Sea Star Journey
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Balcony Suite
Main Deck. Approximately 25m2.
Sea Star Journey
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Sea Star Suite
Upper Deck. Approximately 35m2.

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
  • 4 Breakfasts, 3 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
  • 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 (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
  • Wetsuits are not included but are available to rent on board - $8/day, or $30 for 5-day and 6-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
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