This 12-day Southwest Islands Galapagos cruise on the ship, San Jose, explores the wildlife-rich shores of San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Fernandina, Espanola, Floreana and more! Observe many unique bird species, swim with sea lions, investigate amazing lava flows, and snorkel with beautiful tropical fish.
Highlights
Relax, swim and snorkel in Gardner Bay
Watch marine turtles and Galapagos penguins on the beach
Take a zodiac ride through Tintoreras
Visit the Twin Craters and observe giant tortoises
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 in San Cristobal and be escorted to the ship, the San Jose.
Head to the Interpretation Center in the afternoon, where you can learn all about how the islands were formed, ocean currents, the arrival of different species in the Galapagos, and many other natural circumstances that have made the Galapagos Islands what they are today.
This morning, relax, swim, and snorkel in the beautiful Gardner Bay. You may even be able to observe sharks in the crystal clear waters.
After lunch, visit Suarez Point. This rocky area sustains one of the most varied and impressive colonies of sea birds in the Galapagos. Climb the high cliffs to get a spectacular view of the soaring birds, and the blowhole that spouts water up to 75 feet into the air.
Start your morning with a visit to Cormorant Point, where you can observe one of the best flamingo lagoons in the Galapagos. The lagoon is situated between two tuff lava cones that give the area a special atmosphere. Besides flamingos, you may also see common stilts, white-checked pintails and other migratory birds. Then walk along two distinct beaches. One is a green-colored olivine beach, and the other an iron-red beach.
Begin the afternoon in Post Office Bay, where British whalers set up a barrel as the island's post office. The tradition continues today, and you could even send a post card home! Then head to Baroness Lookout, which offers one of the most beautiful views of the Galapagos.
Start your day in Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, one of the most amazing volcanic sites in the Galapagos. Walk around the remarkable lava flow and admire the amazing geological formations that have created Santiago Island.
Then head to Bartolome, where you have the chance to enjoy a beautiful view that includes volcanic cones, lava fields, lunar-like craters, and the famous Toba formed pinnacle eroded by the sea. Bartolome is also home to two breathtaking beaches where marine turtles and a small colony of Galapagos penguins live.
Spend the morning in Black Turtle Cove, a gorgeous red mangrove lagoon. Since the lagoon is so quiet and clam, it is the perfect place for shark and ray nurseries. The clear waters allow for great views of golden rays, spotted eagle rays, sea turtles, pelicans, herons, and white-tip reef, black-tipped, and hammerhead sharks.
In the afternoon, sail to Bachas Beach. Walk along two soft, white beaches and look for sea turtle nests. Behind one of the beaches is a beautiful lagoon where you may spot flamingos, black-necked stilts, whimbrels, and and other coastal birds.
Start today with a zodiac ride to Isabela. Travel through Tintoreras where you may observe white-tipped reef sharks, lava herons, Galapagos penguins, and sea lions.
In the afternoon, visit the wetlands close to Puerto Villamil village. Visit lagoons, swamps, and mangroves to observe many incredible species of migrant birds. Also visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center to learn about the breeding, rearing, and protection of giant tortoises.
Start the day with a walk around the West coast of Isabela. Start at Moreno point and stroll around a trail that follows a pahoehoe-lava flow into a complex of beautiful coastal lagoons full of different bird species.
After lunch, take a zodiac ride along the cliffs of Tagus Cove and look for the Galapagos penguin, the flightless cormorant, and other sea birds. Then take a 30 minute hike to a cliff, where there is an excellent view of several volcanoes and Darwin Lake, an uplifted ultrasaline lake.
Today begins with a trip to Espinoza Point on Fernandina, where you may closely observe many of the unique species of the Galapagos, including marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and Galapagos penguins.
In the afternoon, sail to Vicente Roca Point in Isabela. Take a panga ride and observe impressive geological formations including volcanic tuff cones and a large cave. Scan the cliffs for a variety of nesting birds such as Nazca and blue-footed boobies, storm petrels, gulls, and brown noddy terns. Also be sure to look into the clear waters for sea turtles.
Vicente Roca Point is an excellent area to snorkel. If you enjoy snorkeling, put on a wetsuit and swim around with Galapagos penguins, sea lion, sea turtles, and other marine life.
Spend the morning searching for nesting marine turtles and exploring the palo santo forest on Espumilla Beach. Then head to Buccaneers Cove where you may enjoy great snorkeling, or walk around the beautiful area.
After lunch, walk along the black beach of Puerto Egas where you may find sea lions and marine iguanas sunbathing on the rocks. The unique color of the sand on this beach is due to volcanic tuff deposits.
Start today with a beautiful hike around the red beaches of Rabida. Walk along a trail to a coastal lagoon, where you may find a variety of land birds such as yellow warblers, doves, mocking birds, finches, and flamingos. The beach is often full of sea lions and is a great base for snorkeling.
Enjoy the afternoon on Chinese Hat, a small islet near the Southeastern tip of Santiago Island. Chinese Hat is an excellent place to observe geological features such as lava tubes and lava flows, and is also home to many colonies of sea lions, marine iguanas, and Galapagos penguins.
Today begins with a trip to the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you have the opportunity to learn about the protection and conservation of the islands, as well as the breeding, rearing, and protection of Galapagos tortoises.
In the afternoon, venture around the highlands of Santa Cruz. Admire the rolling hills and extinct volcanic cones covered with grass and lush greenery year round. Also visit the Twin Craters and a local ranch where you can observe the giant tortoise species of Santa Cruz in its natural habitat.
Day 12: North Seymour - Baltra
1 Breakfast
Spend your last morning exploring North Seymour Island. Walk along a circular path that takes you through the island to a gorgeous, rocky shore where the waves crash with a silvery-blue color. While on the trail, look for blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls, and other amazing wildlife.
Transfer to Baltra and fly to either Quito or Guayaquil.
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.
$8,145
Select a Date
Standard Cabin
Cabins offer private bath facilities and ocean view. There are 8 twin cabins equipped with two twin beds. 4 cabins are on the upper deck, and 4 are on the main deck. The two twin beds can be pushed together to form one king bed.
Notes
Children of all ages are accepted on-board but parents are held fully responsible for any accidents or damages.
Child Discount
Child discount is 20% of net rate. Only applicable for 1 child under 12 years traveling with two adults
Children under 12 may receive discounts on Galapagos flight fares and entrance fees. Contact us for details.
Initial deposit is 35%, 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
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 Dinners
11 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
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 throughAug 1, 2024). Payable upon arrival to the Galapagos, only in cash dollars. Subject to increase by Galapagos Park Service.
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.8 | 169 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 169 reviews on
4 days ago
I spoke with at least a half dozen other travel companies, looking for a Galapagos cruise that fit our schedule and budget. Some companies could manage one or the other, but Erin was the only one who could do both. She found us the perfect cruise, at a fantastic price! And she has been quick and patient with responses to my many questions. So far, Adventure Life has been a fantastic company to work with!
Sandi T
2 weeks ago
Erin was patient, thorough, responsive, knowledgeable.
Karen Bukolt
3 weeks ago
Erin was responsive, knowledgeable, helpful, and ran through a few different choices with us. She got us a fabulous price on a trip, and made everything easy to do. And QUICK!!
Tina
1 month ago
From the initial meeting and planning process with our trip planner Jess, through to the finalizing of our itinerary, trip details and questions, I was very impressed with the professionalism, thoroughness, organization and attention to details. I would highly recommend Adventure Life to anyone looking to plan a unique travelling experience, knowing that the expertise and experience provided will result in a seamless trip of a lifetime.
Lynn Farquharson
1 month ago
Excellent suggestions I line with my desires on a Galapagos very last minute cruise.
Swift and professional guidance and assistance in booking the trip. Helped me realising a substantial saving.