8 days
from $7,090
Evolution – North & South
Highlights
See all 3 species of boobies at San Cristobal
South Plaza's white sandy beachers & ocean views
Walk Santiago's moonscape-like volcanic formations
Witness Genovesa's largest variety of seabirds
Observe magestic flamingos at Floreana Island
Visit Santa Cruz's Charles Darwin's research center
Tour Facts
Price
Duration
ship
Activity Level
Starts / Ends
Departs
Location
click map to expand (not to scale)
Tour Facts
Price
Duration
ship
Activity Level
Starts / Ends
Departs
Location
Summary
Day
overnight & activities
1
San CristobalIsland|Airport (SCY)|Witch Hill
2
South PlazaIsland|Santa CruzIsland|Carrion Point & Mosquetera Islet
3
Chinese HatIslet|SantiagoIsland|James Bay
4
GenovesaIsland|Prince Phillip's Steps|Darwin Bay
5
N. SeymourIsland|Santa FeIsland
6
FloreanaIsland|Post Office Bay|Cormorant Point
7
Santa CruzIsland|Highlands|Darwin Research Center
8
Santa CruzIsland|Black Turtle Cove|BaltraIsland|Airport (GPS)
Full Itinerary
Day 1
(Saturday)
San CristobalIsland|Airport (SCY)|Witch Hill
Welcome upon arrival to the Galapagos Island's San Cristobal Airport and transfer to the ship.
San Cristóbal Island, a cornerstone of the Galápagos archipelago, showcases captivating landscapes and unique biodiversity. Its diverse habitats, from arid zones to lush highlands, house a variety of iconic species, such as giant tortoises, frigate-birds, and blue-footed boobies. The island's historic significance resonates through sites like Cerro Tijeretas, where Darwin first stepped ashore in the Galápagos. The island offers opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and exploring the vibrant capital, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Discover its pristine beaches, stunning viewpoints, and the Galápagos National Park Interpretation Center, providing insights into the archipelago's natural and human history.
Witch Hill, or "Cerro Brujo" as it's known locally, is a renowned site for its captivating natural beauty and ecological significance. The hill itself is an eroded tuff cone, offering insights into the island's volcanic origins. At its base, pristine white sandy beaches stretch out, flanked by crystal-clear waters rich in marine life. The surrounding area serves as a habitat for various species, including blue-footed boobies and frigate-birds. Moreover, its coastal lagoon is a sanctuary for migratory birds.
activities
:
Snorkel, Walk, Zodiac
meals
:
Dinner
Day 2
(Sunday)
South PlazaIsland|Santa CruzIsland|Carrion Point & Mosquetera Islet
South Plaza Island, a masterpiece of evolution. Its dramatic cliffs, sculpted by wind and waves, create a stunning backdrop for a vibrant ecosystem. Land iguanas, unique to South Plaza, bask in the sun amidst carpets of vibrant succulents. The island's exceptional birdlife includes swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropicbirds, and the iconic blue-footed boobies engaging in their intricate courtship dance. Sea lions laze on the rocky shores, while the striking contrast between the turquoise waters and the island's reddish-brown terrain creates a breathtaking visual.
Santa Cruz Island, the central hub of the Galapagos, offers a diverse blend of ecosystems. It's home to the Charles Darwin Research Station, where conservation efforts for the iconic giant tortoises take place. High-land areas feature lush vegetation, while its coastline showcases a variety of marine life, including sea turtles and sharks.
Carrion Point on Santa Cruz Island is a renowned snorkeling and diving site, known for its rich marine life and underwater beauty. The site features dramatic underwater cliffs and formations that provide shelter for an array of marine species. Divers and snorkelers can encounter schools of fish, sea turtles, eagle rays, and even hammerhead sharks in the deeper waters. The shallower areas showcase colorful coral formations and a vibrant ecosystem.
Mosquetera Islet, a small rocky outcrop, offers a rich biodiversity in its compact space. A haven for seabirds, it's a nesting site for blue-footed boobies, frigate-birds, and brown pelicans. The surrounding waters host a range of marine life, with sea lions, sharks, and rays frequently spotted. Snorkeling here unveils an underwater realm of colorful fish, sea turtles, and intriguing rock formations. This islet's compact size belies its ecological significance, offering an intimate encounter with Galapagos' captivating wildlife and aquatic wonders.
activities
:
Kayak, Snorkel, Zodiac
meals
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
(Monday)
Chinese HatIslet|SantiagoIsland|James Bay
Chinese Hat Islet is a small volcanic cone off Santiago Island's southeastern coast. Its iconic conical shape and stark lava formations provide insight into the archipelago's geological history. The surroundings offers opportunities for snorkeling and dinghy rides in the calm waters of the crescent-shaped cove. Sea lions bask on the white sandy beach, while marine iguanas and lava lizards inhabit the rocky areas. As you explore the islet's interior, witness unique Galapagos wildlife and the distinctive pahoehoe lava formations.
Santiago Island, a significant part of the Galapagos archipelago, captivates with its stark volcanic landscapes and diverse ecosystems. The island embodies the Galapagos' geological wonders and showcases the coexistence of terrestrial and marine life in an environment of striking contrasts and unparalleled natural beauty.
James Bay is a focal point of ecological diversity and geological interest. The bay features a range of landscapes, including black sand beaches, rocky outcrops, and tide pools, each harboring its unique flora and fauna. The coastal area serves as a rich feeding ground for marine iguanas, sea lions, and various bird species. Geologically, the bay's striking formations of volcanic origin offer an insightful look into the island's tumultuous past.
activities
:
Kayak, Snorkel, Walk, Zodiac
meals
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
(Tuesday)
GenovesaIsland|Prince Phillip's Steps|Darwin Bay
Genovesa Island, also known as "Bird Island," is a haven for avian enthusiasts. This remote volcanic formation hosts an array of bird species in impressive quantities. The island's natural amphitheater provides an opportunity to observe red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls in their natural habitat. The unique topography, with its steep cliffs and diverse vegetation, offers a dramatic backdrop to these remarkable avian displays. As one of the northernmost islands in the Galapagos, Genovesa's ecological isolation contributes to the preservation of its extraordinary bird populations and distinctive ecosystem.
Prince Philip's Steps is an awe-inspiring natural spectacle. Ascending these steep steps unveils an avian paradise where red-footed boobies and Nazca boobies nest in the island's cliffs, and the elusive short-eared owls make their appearances during the day. The journey through this unique landscape immerses visitors in an untouched world, as they walk among the bird colonies, absorb the intricate ecosystem, and capture unparalleled vistas of the island's rugged shoreline.
Darwin Bay is a remarkable testament to nature's grandeur. As visitors step ashore onto the soft sandy beach, they are immediately immersed in a symphony of birdlife. Red-footed boobies, great frigate-birds, and swallow-tailed gulls soar overhead, while sea lions and marine iguanas share the shore. A leisurely stroll along the trails unveils a wealth of wonders, from mangroves to tidal pools, each hosting unique marine life. This secluded paradise offers snorkeling encounters with sharks, rays, and colorful fish, providing a glimpse into the underwater world that complements the island's awe-inspiring avian spectacle.
activities
:
Kayak, Snorkel, Walk, Zodiac
meals
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
(Wednesday)
N. SeymourIsland|Santa FeIsland
North Seymour Island, a geological wonder, boasts a captivating blend of wildlife and landscapes. Its flat terrain is sculpted by ancient lava flows, providing a canvas for vibrant displays of flora and fauna. A haven for bird enthusiasts, the island features colonies of blue-footed boobies, frigate-birds, and swallow-tailed gulls engaged in their intricate mating rituals. Land iguanas roam the arid landscape, adding to the diverse ecological tapestry. As you traverse the island's trails, the unique behaviors and interactions of its inhabitants unfold, making North Seymour a captivating destination for ecotourism and nature exploration.
Santa Fe Island, with its pristine beaches and rich biodiversity. Its turquoise waters and sandy shores create a serene ambiance, providing an ideal spot for snorkeling with playful sea lions and encountering marine life. The endemic Santa Fe land iguana, characterized by its pale coloration and distinct features, roams freely. The island's towering Opuntia cacti and endemic Palo Santo trees showcase its unique flora. Santa Fe is a living testament to the Galápagos' ongoing ecological conservation, inviting visitors to connect with its natural wonders in a profound and responsible way.
activities
:
Kayak, Snorkel, Walk, Zodiac
meals
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
(Thursday)
FloreanaIsland|Post Office Bay|Cormorant Point
Floreana Island stands out for its intriguing history, including stories of pirates and settlers, as well as the famous "Post Office Bay." Its diverse landscapes and captivating beaches make it a unique destination in the Galapagos.
Post Office Bay holds historical significance as a unique post office system established by whalers in the 18th century. Today, it's a symbolic site where visitors can participate in the tradition by leaving postcards and picking up mail destined for their region, continuing the legacy of communication. This picturesque bay with its turquoise waters and white sandy beach also offers opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. Immerse yourself in the island's history while enjoying its natural beauty, making this site a captivating blend of cultural heritage and coastal exploration in the Galapagos.
Cormorant Point encompasses diverse natural wonders and intriguing history. The area offers two contrasting beaches - one with volcanic olivine crystals that shimmer in the sunlight, and the other adorned with fine white sand, a result of coral erosion. In between lies a hyper-saline lagoon, attracting flamingoes, pintails, stilts, and other wading birds. Visitors can explore the lagoon and continue on a trail to Four Beach, where sea turtles can be spotted riding the waves. Nearby is the islet of Champion, renowned for exceptional snorkeling opportunities, including interactions with sea lions, schools of colorful fish, and the chance to encounter Galapagos penguins.
activities
:
Snorkel, Walk, Zodiac
meals
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
(Friday)
Santa CruzIsland|Highlands|Darwin Research Center
Santa Cruz Island, the central hub of the Galapagos, offers a diverse blend of ecosystems. It's home to the Charles Darwin Research Station, where conservation efforts for the iconic giant tortoises take place. High-land areas feature lush vegetation, while its coastline showcases a variety of marine life, including sea turtles and sharks.
Santa Cruz' Highlands in Galapagos offer a unique natural landscape. Lush vegetation, giant tortoises roaming freely, and volcanic formations define this area. Explore lava tunnels, witness tortoise habitats, and discover the endemic flora and fauna.
The Charles Darwin Research Center stands as a beacon of scientific research, conservation, and education. Founded in 1959, the center operates in close collaboration with the Galápagos National Park Directorate, focusing on the preservation and study of the archipelago's unique biodiversity. Housing extensive biological collections, a breeding program for giant tortoises, and laboratories for various ecological studies, the facility plays a crucial role in global conservation efforts. For visitors, the center offers a deep dive into the evolutionary tales and conservation challenges of the Galápagos, perpetuating Darwin's legacy of inquiry and discovery.
activities
:
Walk
meals
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
(Saturday)
Santa CruzIsland|Black Turtle Cove|BaltraIsland|Airport (GPS)
Black Turtle Cove, located on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island, is a complex of tidal mangrove lagoons that serve as a safe haven for marine life. Accessible only by boat, this tranquil area is frequented by sea turtles, rays, and juvenile sharks, which use the calm, nutrient-rich waters as a nursery and feeding ground. The mangroves themselves play a critical role in nutrient cycling and shoreline stabilization.
After a heartfelt farewell from the ship's captain and crew, we will make our way to Baltra's airport, the final stop before our flight to the mainland. If time permits, you can extend your adventure to Ecuador's unique destinations or even Peru's Machu Picchu. Our team will be glad to recommend extension alternatives before or after your Galapagos experience.
activities
:
Zodiac
meals
:
Breakfast
end of the itinerary
Important: Daily activities description subject to change
click map to expand (not to scale)
Pricing Details
Rates shown are per person based on standard double room or cabin occupancy.
Prices in US$ and valid through December 31, 2024
Single occupancy subject to single supplement .
Credit card payments subject to 3% processing fee.
What is Included
Hotels as shown or similar
All meals as shown
Airport transfers as shown
Professional bilingual guides
Excursions as part of a group
Gratuities except to guides
Additional Budget Considerations
International flights
Quito or Guayaquil to Galapagos roundtrip flights (est. $500)
Galapagos park fee and Tourist Card ($120)