Explore the northern islands of the Galapagos on this 5 day cruise aboard the Ocean Spray. Once on board cruise to Bartolome Island and hike to the summit of the volcano for panoramic views. You also will trek through mangroves and view tidal pools teeming with sea lions and reef fish on Genovesa Island. In addition, snorkel along side school of fish, rays, sea lions and if you're lucky, penguins! There is no shortage of excitement on this short cruise around the northern islands!
Day-by-Day Summary
Day 1 : Baltra | Embark | Bartolome Day 2 : Genovesa Day 3 : Santiago Day 4 : North Seymour | Santa Cruz Island | Highlands Day 5 : Mosquera | Baltra | Disembark
Highlights
Hike 375 stairs to the summit of Bartolome for panoramic views
Trek through mangroves and view Nazca boobies & swallow-tailed gulls
Snorkel in search of octopi, moray eel, and schools of fish
Arrive at Baltra Island Airport and transfer to the Ocean Spray.
Cruise to Bartholomew Island, home of the famous Pinnacle Rock. The island is an extinct volcano and is covered with red, orange, black and green volcanic formations. Take a trail of 375 stairs to the summit of the volcano for sprawling views of the island. Alternatively, the beach is perfect for snorkeling.
Set sail for Darwin Bay and land on its white-sand coral beach. Take a half-mile trail through the mangroves and view nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls. Tidal pools are teeming with young sea lions and reef fish, and the occasional hammerhead shark can be found among the rocks.
Snorkel in the water before heading to El Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip's Steps. Hike up the steep rocky face to the top of a cliff where you can see red-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls, galapagos swallows, and Galapagos doves.
Espumilla Beach is a popular place for marine iguanas and Sally Lightfoot Crabs. The crabs attract the hunting herons, performing the dance of predator and prey. With an abundance of marine life including octopi, moray eel, and shark, snorkeling is highly recommended.
Years ago Buccaneer Covewas a safe haven where pirates in the 1600 and 1700’s would stake out on the Northwestern side of Santiago Island. Sea turtles now take the pirates place and dig their nests for their eggs near the Mangrove trees. It is a great location for snorkeling and many marine birds and sea lions can be found here.
Also known as James Bay, Egas Port is home to the curious Galapagos Hawks and Quick-footed Galapagos Lava Lizards. The trail leads to a coastline with gorgeous tide pools and grottos full of fauna. Here the Galapagos Fur Sea Lions bathe in the sun. This is also a great snorkeling site
Day 4 North Seymour | Santa Cruz Island | Highlands
Visit North Seymour Island to swim with Galapagos sea lions. The island is known for its arid and rocky landscape.
In the afternoon, travel to the Santa Cruz Highlands. Take a path along the island and observe the hills, ferns, volcanoes, and rich wildlife. Home to giant tortoises, forest, mockingbirds, bahama ducklings, white-cheeked pintail ducklings, Darwin finches, and many other species, the Santa Cruz Highlands delights travelers with its diverse fauna. Explore the underground lava tubes with your guide.
Day 5 Mosquera | Baltra | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Journey to Mosquera Islet, a reef of rocks and coral. This islet houses one of the largest populations of sea lions and many sea birds make their nests along the rocky shore.
Transfer to the airport and return to the mainland of Ecuador.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$4,595
Select a Date
Deluxe Cabins
Located on the main and upper decks, all cabins feature luxurious amenities, private bath facilities and private balconies.
Notes
Please provide your wetsuite size in advance prior to trip
Child Discount
25% discount for children under age 12 at time of Galapagos cruise when traveling with two adults in a triple room. Child discounts not available March 19 - 26 and Dec 17 - Jan 3.
Children under 12 receive a discount of $135 off adult flight rates, and discounted Galapagos Entrance Fee of $50
Included
Accommodations on board Ocean Spray based on double occupancy
Meals while in the Galapagos
Bilingual Naturalist Guide
Shore Excursions
Swimming and Snorkeling
Adventure Life Pre-departure Services and In-Country Assistance (Quito Representative)
Transfers and Baggage Handling in the Galapagos
Snorkeling Equipment
Wetsuit
Sea Kayaking
Excluded
Airfare (see Galapagos Flights)
Quito/Guayaquil Hotel and Transfers
$100 Galapagos Park Fee
Gratuities and drinks aboard the ship
Travel Insurance
Galapagos Flights
Quito - Galapagos Roundtrip
$530 - $675
Guayaquil - Galapagos Roundtrip
$475 - $620
Optional Hospitality Packages
$230-$310 Two hotel nights in Quito and two domestic transfers
$200-$290 Two hotel nights in Guayaquil and two domestic transfers
Initial deposit is 25% ($400 minimum), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. Alternatively, you can register online here.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!