5 days
from $6,390
Santa Cruz II – Southwestern
Highlights
Visit Santa Cruz's Charles Darwin's research center
Swim alongside turtles and seahorses at Isabela Island
Access Fernandina pristine ecosystem at Punta Espinoza
Observe magestic flamingos at Floreana Island
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|Dragon Hill
2
IsabelaIsland|Punta Vicente Roca|FernandinaIsland|Espinosa Point
3
Santa CruzIsland|Fausto Llerena Breeding Ctr|Highlands
4
FloreanaIsland|Baroness Viewing Point & Post Office Bay|Champion Islet & Cormorant Point
5
BaltraIsland|Airport (GPS)
Full Itinerary
Day 1
(Thursday)
BaltraIsland|Airport (GPS)|Santa CruzIsland|Dragon Hill
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.
Dragon Hill is a captivating destination featuring a brackish lagoon where migratory birds and flamingos gather. Venture along a trail through a forest of Opuntia cacti and enjoy stunning vistas of the coastline. Encounter the iconic Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat and learn about conservation efforts. An excellent location for birdwatching and nature enthusiasts.
activities
:
Snorkel, Swim, Walk, Zodiac
meals
:
Dinner
Day 2
(Friday)
IsabelaIsland|Punta Vicente Roca|FernandinaIsland|Espinosa Point
Isabela Island, the largest in the archipelago, boasts captivating landscapes. Its Sierra Negra volcano offers the world's second-largest caldera, while the marine life-rich waters off Punta Vicente Roca are ideal for snorkeling. Unique flora and fauna, such as flightless cormorants and Galapagos penguins, define its ecological significance.
Punta Vicente Roca is a captivating destination within the Galapagos archipelago. Known for its dramatic landscapes and rich marine life, this site offers a unique blend of experiences. Towering cliffs adorned with seabird colonies create a stunning backdrop for exploring the underwater world. Snorkelers and divers can encounter a diverse array of marine species, including sea turtles, penguins, and various fish species. The striking geological formations and the opportunity to witness the famed Galapagos flightless cormorants in their natural habitat make Punta Vicente Roca a must-visit location for those seeking both terrestrial and aquatic wonders.
Fernandina Island, the youngest and most pristine, showcases volcanic terrain and minimal human impact. It teems with marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins, and flightless cormorants, while lava formations tell the island's geological story. This island provides a glimpse into the natural evolution of the Galapagos ecosystem.
Espinosa Point boasts remarkable volcanic landscapes and a breeding ground for marine iguanas. Visitors can witness unique wildlife interactions and geological wonders, while observing flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, and lava herons along lava fields and mangrove forests.
activities
:
Snorkel, Walk, Zodiac
meals
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
(Saturday)
Santa CruzIsland|Fausto Llerena Breeding Ctr|Highlands
The Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, established in 2004, is a vital conservation facility on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos. Dedicated to the preservation of native species, it plays a crucial role in breeding and rearing Galápagos giant tortoises before releasing them into the wild. Visitors can observe various tortoise species at different life stages, gain insights into ongoing conservation efforts, and learn about the center's role in ensuring the survival of these iconic creatures and maintaining the delicate ecological balance of the Galápagos Islands.
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
meals
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
(Sunday)
FloreanaIsland|Baroness Viewing Point & Post Office Bay|Champion Islet & 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.
Baroness Viewing Point provides a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding landscapes. Named after the self-proclaimed Baroness Eloise Wehrborn de Wagner-Bosquet, who once resided on the island, this vantage point offers a glimpse into the area's history and unique ecosystems. Visitors can take in the pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and volcanic formations, while learning about the intriguing stories associated with the island's past.
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.
Champion Islet is a small islet located off its north coast, offering a remarkable snorkeling experience. It is renowned for its vibrant marine life, where visitors can swim alongside playful sea lions and encounter Galapagos penguins, dolphins, and humpback whales. The clear waters provide excellent visibility, revealing a plethora of colorful tropical fish, rays, and turtles. This snorkeling paradise is a testament to the Galapagos' rich biodiversity, allowing visitors to engage with its marine inhabitants in a truly immersive and unforgettable manner.
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
:
Kayak, Snorkel, Swim, Walk, Zodiac
meals
:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
(Monday)
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.
activities
:
Walk
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)