5 days
from $5,590
La Pinta – Northern
Highlights
Visit Santa Cruz's Charles Darwin's research center
Chinese Hat unique conical shape and lava formations
Bartolome's Pinnacle Rock and snorkel with penguins
Walk Santiago's moonscape-like volcanic formations
Witness Genovesa's largest variety of seabirds
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|Highlands
2
Santa CruzIsland|Eden Islet|Chinese HatIslet
3
BartolomeIsland|Pinnacle Rock|SantiagoIsland|Sullivan Bay
4
GenovesaIsland|Darwin Bay|GenovesaIsland|Prince Phillip's Steps
5
BaltraIsland|Airport (GPS)
Full Itinerary
Day 1
(Monday)
BaltraIsland|Airport (GPS)|Santa CruzIsland|Highlands
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.
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.
activities
:
Walk, Zodiac
meals
:
Dinner
Day 2
(Tuesday)
Santa CruzIsland|Eden Islet|Chinese HatIslet
Eden Islet, situated by Santa Cruz island, is a hidden gem of natural beauty. A small islet surrounded by clear blue waters, it presents a thriving underwater realm for snorkelers and divers. Snorkeling here reveals a tapestry of marine life, including vibrant fish, sea turtles, and graceful rays. A dinghy ride around the islet unveils dramatic volcanic formations and an array of seabirds, including blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate-birds. The tranquil setting and rich biodiversity of Eden Islet offer an immersive encounter with the Galapagos' marine ecosystem.
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
:
Kayak, Snorkel, Swim, Walk, Zodiac
meals
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
(Wednesday)
BartolomeIsland|Pinnacle Rock|SantiagoIsland|Sullivan Bay
Bartolome Island, is a volcanic islet with unique and breathtaking landscape. The iconic Pinnacle Rock, an ancient volcanic formation, stands as a prominent landmark against the surrounding azure waters. The island offers panoramic vistas from its summit, accessible by a wooden staircase. The distinct terrain showcases volcanic formations, including spatter cones and tuff formations. The beaches welcome sea lions and snorkelers to encounter marine life, including Galapagos penguins and white-tipped reef sharks.
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.
Sullivan Bay is a great example of the dynamic geological forces of our planet. Dominated by striking pahoehoe lava flows formed during the late 19th century, the bay offers visitors a stark and dramatic landscape that stands in contrast to the typical lushness associated with the Galápagos. Its unique topography is punctuated by tectonic cracks, gas bubbles, and volcanic cones. Visitors will have a firsthand experience of nature's raw power; a glimpse into the island's volcanic history and the intricate process of ecological succession that follows such events.
activities
:
Snorkel, Swim, Walk, Zodiac
meals
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
(Thursday)
GenovesaIsland|Darwin Bay|GenovesaIsland|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 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.
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)