This cruise guides you through the highlights of the Galapagos' northern islands on a 4-day cruise. Travel from North Seymour to Santa Cruz, experiencing wonders such as the red-sand beaches of Rabida and the gentle giant tortoises of the Charles Darwin Center. There are many amazing sites to behold. Indulge in the opportunity to snorkel, kayak, and become acquainted with the archipelago's endemic wildlife species.
Highlights
Explore Black Turtle Cove and observe black-tip and white-tip reef sharks
Enjoy the white-sand coral beach at Darwin Bay
Snorkel at Rabida, one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive at Baltra Island Airport and transfer to the boat where you check-in and receive basic information.
The first excursion of the trip is to Black Turtle Cove, which is situated in the northern part of Santa Cruz. Surrounded by mangroves, this islet is only accessible by dinghy. The shallow cove here is a safe haven for young marine life including black-tip and white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, and a variety of rays.
Day 2: Genovesa
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
El Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip's Steps, are steep and rocky paths that lead up to a high cliff-face. Delight in the spectacular views. This site is home to some amazing and unique palo santo vegetation as well as red-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls, Galapagos swallows, and Galapagos doves.
Darwin Bay's fabulous white-sand coral beach is the start to a half-mile trail that winds through marvelous mangroves packed with land birds. Take pleasure in the opportunity to spot Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls. Further down the path are tidal pools where whimsical sea lions swim playfully in the pristine waters.
Day 3: Santiago | Rabida
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The morning visit heads to Santiago Island – Sullivan Bay located on the southeast part of Santiago. This place is interesting for its geology because the area is covered by lava flows. This place has elevations in form of small volcanoes, formed by the lava flows.
Rabida Island is one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago. Its famous maroon sandy beach and stunning lookouts provide exceptional and rare landscapes. Some of the most scarce species of birds are in abundance here, such as nine varieties of finches, large-billed flycatchers, Galapagos hawks, and brown pelicans, making it a birdwatcher’s delight. This is a great snorkeling site if you choose to indulge.
Day 4: Santa Cruz | Baltra
1 Breakfast
The Charles Darwin Research Station is home to turtles ranging from 3 inches as hatchlings to 4-feet-long. Subspecies of turtles interact with one another and many of the older turtles are accustomed to humans stretching out their hands for some friendly interaction. This facility prepares tortoises for reintroduction into their natural habitat. The babies are kept until they are about four years old and strong enough to survive on their own. After this amazing experience you are transferred to the Baltra Airport to return to the mainland.
Dates & Prices
This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Galapagos Cruises & Tours.
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.
Initial deposit is 25% ($400 minimum), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 (10 weeks) 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
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
