5 days
from $3,990
Isabella II – Northern
Highlights
Visit Santa Cruz's Charles Darwin's research center
Walk Santiago's moonscape-like volcanic formations
Chinese Hat unique conical shape and lava formations
Witness Genovesa's largest variety of seabirds
Yellowish Iguanas photo opportunity at Santa Fe
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
BaltraIsland|Airport (GPS)|Santa CruzIsland|El Chato Tortoise Reserve
2
SantiagoIsland|Egas Port|Chinese HatIslet
3
GenovesaIsland|Darwin Bay|Prince Phillip's Steps
4
Santa FeIsland|Santa CruzIsland|Carrion Point
5
BaltraIsland|Airport (GPS)
Full Itinerary
Day 1
(Monday)
BaltraIsland|Airport (GPS)|Santa CruzIsland|El Chato Tortoise Reserve
Welcome upon arrival to the Galapagos Island's Baltra Airport and transfer to the ship.
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.
El Chato Tortoise Reserve is a sanctuary of serenity on Santa Cruz Island. Nestled within the lush highlands, it offers a chance to encounter the iconic Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Visitors can walk through the reserve's trails, observing these ancient reptiles as they graze, wallow in mud baths, or amble through the forest. The verdant landscape also hosts vibrant birdlife and endemic plants. Exploring the reserve provides an opportunity to learn about conservation efforts and the importance of protecting these magnificent creatures, offering an unforgettable connection to the Galapagos' ecological heritage.
activities
:
Walk, Zodiac
meals
:
Dinner
Day 2
(Tuesday)
SantiagoIsland|Egas Port|Chinese HatIslet
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.
Egas Port offers a fascinating blend of volcanic landscapes and rich biodiversity. This site features a rugged coastline and lava formations, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Visitors can explore the unique marine environment through snorkeling and swimming, encountering sea lions, marine iguanas, and various fish species. The volcanic terrain is home to unique vegetation, and the chance to witness the hunting behavior of Galapagos hawks adds to the intrigue.
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.
activities
:
Snorkel, Swim, Walk, Zodiac
meals
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
(Wednesday)
GenovesaIsland|Darwin Bay|Prince Phillip's Steps
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.
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.
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.
activities
:
Kayak, Snorkel, Swim, Walk, Zodiac
meals
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
(Thursday)
Santa FeIsland|Santa CruzIsland|Carrion Point
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.
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.
activities
:
Kayak, Snorkel, Swim, Walk, Zodiac
meals
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
(Friday)
BaltraIsland|Airport (GPS)
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.
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)