Embark on a 4-day Galapagos North & Central Islands cruise aboard Galapagos Legend to explore Santa Cruz, Genovesa, South Plaza, and Santa Fe. Begin with Black Turtle Cove’s mangroves and marine life before climbing Prince Philip’s Steps on Genovesa to see nesting seabirds. Walk Darwin Bay’s sandy trails among red-footed boobies and frigatebirds. Discover South Plaza’s land iguanas and cliffs alive with tropicbirds, then snorkel and kayak at Santa Fe with sea lions and turtles. In the Santa Cruz Highlands, walk among giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Activities include guided hikes, dinghy rides, snorkeling, kayaking, and glass-bottom boat tours, offering close encounters with the archipelago’s diverse wildlife.
Highlights
Observe Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat
Travel to Genovesa Island and be marveled at its variety of sea life
Relax in Santa Fe's white sand beaches and snorkel among sea lions
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.
Departing from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Island in a 2:30-hour flight. Upon arrival in the Galapagos, passengers are picked up at the airport by the knowledgeable guides and taken on a 10-minute bus ride to the pier to board the M/V Galapagos Legend.
Reach the north coast of Santa Cruz Island by boat to explore a mangrove-lined lagoon with four distinct species. Watch turtles surface for air as fish and rays swim below. Spot white-tipped reef sharks under the vessel and look for seabirds such as pelicans, herons, and egrets. This protected area serves as a designated turtle sanctuary.
Highlights: Giant tortoises, tree & ground Darwin finches.
Difficulty Level: Low
Type of terrain: None
Duration: 1 hour dinghy ride
Landing: None
Day 2: El Barranco (Prince Philip's Steps) | Darwin Bay, Genovesa
See the diverse marine life sheltering in the cracks of the lava cliffs. Watch Red-billed Tropicbirds overhead and look for a small group of fur seals near the landing area. Step onto a steep rock stairway leading to a trail through a nesting colony of Nazca and Red-footed Boobies.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Type of terrain: Rocky - lava
Duration: 1 hour dinghy ride
Landing: Dry
Land on a sandy beach inside the flooded caldera of Tower Island. Spot swallow-tailed gulls along the shore and follow the trail to see nesting red-footed boobies and great frigatebirds.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Type of terrain: Sandy
Duration: 45 min kayaking, 1 hour 15 min hike, 45 min glass bottom boat or, 1 hour deep or beach snorkeling.
Landing: Wet
Sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls, and land iguanas are all present at the landing site. The small island is covered with a carpet of a red succulent studded with Opuntia cacti. At the cliff edge, spend time watching birds like frigatebirds, flocks of Galapagos shearwaters, and of particular note, flights of displaying red-billed tropicbirds.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Type of terrain: Rocky
Duration: 2 hours hike
Landing: Dry
After a fabulous snorkel in the turquoise waters of the protected bay, you may have enjoyed time with sea lions, turtles, reef sharks, and spotted eagle rays. Landing on a sandy beach, spend time watching the abundant sea lions there with you. Begin a walk past a forest of island-endemic giant Opuntia cacti, and you can watch the Santa Fe land Iguana.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Type of terrain: Rocky
Duration: 30 min kayaking, 1 hour 45 min hike, 1 hour deep snorkeling, 45 min glass-bottom boat.
Landing: Wet
Day 4: Highlands, Santa Cruz | Disembark | Baltra Airport
1 Breakfast
In the central highlands of Santa Cruz Island, you have your best opportunity to interact at close quarters with totally wild Galapagos giant tortoises. A short walk among these huge, 600lb, reptiles will also offer the chance for more highland species, especially several species of the famed finches.
Difficulty Level: Low
Type of terrain: Flat and Muddy
Duration: 1 hour walk / 45 minutes drive
Landing: Dry
After the visit, passengers will be transferred to Baltra airport for their return flight to Guayaquil or Quito.
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.
$2,5012-3 travelers
Standard Plus
Averaging 118 sq. ft. Six cabins are located on the Sea and Earth Deck, with double or twin bed options, and portholes. Include reusable bottles and a crossbody bag as souvenirs.
Junior Suite
Averaging 161 sq. ft. Twenty-four suites are located on the Earth Deck with double or triple bed options. Include two panoramic windows on each cabin, reusable bottles, and a crossbody bag as souvenirs.
Legend Suite
Averaging 215 sq. ft. Four suites on the Earth Deck with double, triple, or quadruple bed options. Panoramic windows on each cabin, Interconnected rooms available and reusable bottles, and a crossbody bag as souvenirs.
Balcony Suite
Averaging 237 sq. ft. Four balcony suites on the Moon Deck and six balcony suites located on the Sky Deck, with double, and triple bed options. Include panoramic view windows, private balcony, and free champagne and premium amenities.
Balcony Suite Plus
Averaging 280 sq. ft. Five balcony suites on the Moon and two balcony suites on the Sky Deck, with double, and triple bed options. Include panoramic view windows, private balcony, and free champagne and premium amenities.
Legend Balcony Suite
Averaging 355 sq. ft. One suite located on the Moon Deck with double and triple bed options. Includes Panoramic windows, private balcony, elegant decorations with free champagne, and premium amenities.
Notes
Note: Standard interior cabins are available upon request.
Child Discount
Children under 12 years old receive a 50% discount (25% for holiday season) when sharing a cabin with two full-fare paying guests. 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.
Initial deposit is $500 per person + Internal Flight Cost, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
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
Wetsuits are not included but are available to rent on board - $25 for 4-day and 5-day tours, $50 for 8-day, 11-day, and 12 day tours, and $75 for 15-day tours.
To ensure the cruise operator can guarantee your wetsuit and fin sizes, please provide your t-shirt and shoe sizes and submit payment at least 30 days before departure.
Kayak available for $45/use
Klein Tours: Internet Fee
- Short cruise: $40 per device
- Double cruise: $65 per device
*This rate applies when prepayment is made, on board applies taxes
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
