This 8-day Southern Islands cruise on the ship, M/V Origin, explores the islands of Espanola, Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and more. Kayak and paddle board along island shores, swim and snorkel above colorful coral, and enjoys breathtaking views on hikes.
Day-by-Day Summary
Day 1 : Embark in San Cristobal Day 2 : San Cristobal Day 3 : Espanola Day 4 : Floreana Day 5 : Santa Cruz Island Day 6 : Santa Cruz Island | Bartolome | Chinese Hat Day 7 : South Plaza Island | North Seymour Day 8 : Disembark in San Cristobal
Highlights
Snorkel or swim with sea lions, tropical fish, and Galapagos penguins
Admire the distinctive biodiversity of the Galapagos
Visit a private farm and see giant tortoises in their natural habitat
Hike through prickly pear or Opuntia and Sesuvium forests with iguanas
San Cristobal is the easternmost island in the Galapagos archipelago and, geologically, one of the oldest. Spot nesting colonies of frigatebirds and cruise around Kicker Rock, a cone formation which rises nearly 500 feet out of the sea.
Arrive at Cerro Brujo, a breathtaking white coral beach. Cerro Brujo is considered to be one of the most pristine in the Galapagos Islands and is ideal for birders and short walks. Snorkel or swim with sea lions or take a Zodiac ride.
Punta Suarez, Espanola, offers the highest range of endemic species in Galapagos. Land on the beach as sea lions greet and observe your movements. Colonies of blue-footed boobies are found engaging in sky-pointing, a technique used to show off for future mates. Snorkel and swim with sea lions in the shallows or sit on the beach and observe Sally Light-foot crabs skirt across the lava rocks.
Step ashore at Punta Cormorant, one of the only populated islands in the Galapagos archipelago. This island is intriguing, presenting a rich human history with that of the animals. Hike along a trail towards a lagoon, home to several species of birds including the greater flamingo. Sea turtles lay their eggs in sand dunes and rays swim and occasionally jump in the shallow water. Snorkel at Devil’s Crown or Champion, shallow sunken craters known for their fish and coral inhabitants.
Travel by bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Watch as the scenery changes, eventually covering each of the seven vegetation zones represented in the Galapagos. Visit Las Primicias, a private farm where you can encounter giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Stop at the tunnels, the largest lava tubes found in Galapagos, then visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Stop at Bartolome, an island which is largely inhospitable to most plants and wildlife. Hike a 30-minute-trail to the summit of a dormant volcano. Admire lava bombs, spatter, and cinder cones caused by old eruptions. Snorkel in the clear water with schools of tropical fish and Galapagos penguins or take a ride on the zodiac.
Travel to Sombrero Chino (Chinese Hat) which owes its name to its unique hat-like shape. Explore a sea lion colony and take a seaside trail through the island's volcanic landscape.
Visit South Plaza, a small geological uplift with tall cliffs, featuring spectacular views. Take a trail through prickly pear or Opuntia and Sesuvium forests, often finding Galapagos land iguanas feeding on cactus leaves. Encounter a colony of bachelor sea lions and observe their rights of power. These dominant bulls are in various stages of recovery from battles lost over prime beach territory.
Day 8 Disembark in San Cristobal
1 Breakfast
Visit the Interpretation Center and gain a more complete understanding of the natural and human history of the Islands.
In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your connecting flight to the mainland.
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.
$7,650
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Triple
2 cabins with triple accommodation are available.
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Double
All 10 cabins feature two twin beds that can be converted to one king bed. There are 2 cabins with interconnecting doors.
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Single
Single cabins are limited. A share request may be placed and if matched, the share rate will apply. Otherwise, the single rate will apply.
Notes
Travelers on this yacht need to pre-pay the Galapagos Islands National Park Fee. The entrance fee to the National Park is $100 for adults and $50 for children 11 and younger and is not included in the cruise rate.
Please note the M/V Origin has an open bar policy.
Child Discount
25% discount for children age 11 and younger at time of Galapagos cruise. 15% discount for children age 12-17 at time of Galapagos cruise.
Children under 12 receive a discount of $135 off adult flight rates, and discounted Galapagos Entrance Fee of $50
Included
Accommodations on board Origin & Theory Galapagos Yachts 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
$80 Galapagos Transit Card and Airport Assistance
$45 International Departure Tax
Gratuities and drinks aboard the ship
Travel Insurance
Galapagos Flights
Quito - Galapagos Roundtrip
$530 - $595
Guayaquil - Galapagos Roundtrip
$475 - $540
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 $700 per person ($1400 for 15 day), $1200 for singles ($2400 for 15 day), 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 (100 days for holiday 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.
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
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