Sail the central and north islands on a Galapagos voyage. This 8-day cruise aboard the Galapagos Voyager explores the islands of Santa Cruz, Santiago, South Plaza, Daphne, and more! See the giant tortoises which made this island archipelago famous and swim with its playful sea lions.
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 the Baltra airport and transfer to the Galapagos Voyager.
Journey to the highlands of Santa Cruz to experience all seven different vegetation zones. View Galápagos flycatchers, small tree-finches, and woodpecker finches as you hike around.
Day 2: Santiago
Travel to Puerto Egas, the site of a small salt mining industry from the 1960s. Relax on the black sand beaches or take an inland hike towards a salt crater to sight various land birds. There is also a trail which leads to a series of grottoes where fur seals and night herons are often found.
In the afternoon, travel to Espumilla Beach, a large, coffee-coloured beach which is located north of the prized fresh water supply that once attracted pirates and whalers to the area. See nesting sea turtles on a hike along the mangroves. Make your way towards Buccaneer Cove, aptly named for the pirates who used to drop anchor in order to to make repairs and stock up on tortoise meat. Snorkel in the bay and see the underwater marine life.
Day 3: Bartolome - Santiago
In the morning, arrive at Pinnacle Rock, a large and eroded lava formation which was created when magma expelled from the volcano and reached the sea. Decide to climb up a wooden stairway and be greeted by vast panoramic views of the island.
After lunch, sail for Sullivan Bay. This area features an extensive lava field with a variety of interesting patterns made by the shapes and textures of trees that once existed on the island. Walk around the lava cactus and watch oystercatchers fishing in the shallows of the bay.
Day 4: Santa Cruz Island
Visit Los Gemelos (The Twins), two volcanic depressions found on the highest part of Santa Cruz. Locate vermillion flycatchers, woodpecker finches, and short eared owls as you walk around the area.
In the afternoon, take the time to explore the Charles Darwin Research Station. Learn about natural history, issues concerning the islands, and interact with the giant tortoises which reside in captivity.
Day 5: South Plaza Island - Santa Fe
Travel to South Plaza Island to view the largest populations of land iguanas in the Galápagos archipelago. Explore the cliffs and rocky trails which circumnavigate the island. Watch lava lizards and snorkel with sea lions along the shoreline.
In the afternoon, journey to Santa Fe, where weathered cliffs provide sanctuary for swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropic birds, and sehar-waters petrels. Snorkel in a picturesque lagoon with ever present sea lions and marine life or take a hike through the forest of Opuntia cactus.
Day 6: Daphne Island - Santa Cruz Island
Adventure to restricted Daphne Island and venture up a steep trail to its crater rim. View finches, masked boobies, short-eared owls and Galapagos martins as you hike the trail.
Return to Santa Cruz Island and visit Bachas Beach, a swimming beach. Explore the floating pier, which was left by the United States during World War II and watch for flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black necked stilts, and whimbrels.
Day 7: Genovesa
Set out for Darwin Bay and arrive on its coral beach. Take a trail through seabird colonies and view an overwhelming number of birds. Nazca boobies soar overhead, great frigatebirds display their red pouches, and mockingbirds and oystercatchers skim the sand in search for food.
Travel to Prince Phillip’s Steps (El Barranco) and climb up a steep path to reach the cliffs. View the seabird colonies which reside on the cliffs and cross through a thin Palo Santo forest.
Day 8: Mosquera - Baltra
Journey to Mosquera Island, which consists of a narrow stretch of white sand, rocks, and tidal pools. Ideal for snorkeling, you can also walk along the beach or observe the abundant wildlife on the island's shores.
In the afternoon, transfer to Baltra for your flights to the mainland.
Dates & Prices
Per person starting at
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 35% ($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
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
TrustScore 4.6 | 108 reviews
TrustScore 4.6 of 5
Based on 108 reviews on
1 day ago
Personal knowledge of the trip I was considering. Patience with our figuring out which dates we could travel.
Brian
2 days ago
Clara and Rhenee were gracious and available. Phone contact is so important to answer questions and discuss all aspects of trip. If not immediately available they scheduled a time to speak.
They were knowledgeable, honest, realistic and very friendly. They are both very professional and take their role seriously.
Happy Camper
2 days ago
Jason has been wonderful. He is full of information and was very willing to listen to what was of interest to us.
Lee
4 days ago
The ability (of Kassandra) to tailor a guided trip to my exact preferences is very valuable to me, as well as the ability (of Kassandra) to provide expert guidance on destinations and travel dates. I also appreciate the ability of the backup staff (Maria Ignacio, Exito Travel) to coordinate all the details to make the travel logistics easy for the customer.
Mark Whalen
4 days ago
Our Costa Rica trip was amazing! Kassandra planned everything and the excursions, hotels, overall organization were outstanding. Everything worked out smoothly, the excursions guides were knowledgeable allowing us to see so much of the fauna and flora of the country. The hotels were great as well, all in fantastic locations and with beautiful views.