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(Santiago)

Islands Circumnavigation I

Example 15 Day Cruise aboard Cachalote Explorer
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Enjoy an extensive adventure into the unique world of the Galapagos on this incredible journey. This 15-day voyage offers the traveler an opportunity to really become immersed in the unique splendor these islands. Wildlife viewing opportunities will abound as you traverse the islands, snorkel in the crystal clear waters, or take a relaxing swim off the pristine shores. Get to know this fascinating and unique world inside and out with the abundant opportunities to snorkel, swim, and wander through the islands of this archipelago.
Galapagos Green Sea Turtle off the shores of Santa Fe Islandsnorkeling at Pt. Comorant in the clear blue watersTidal pool on SantiagoView of Isabela From Fernandina(Santiago)
Highlights
  • Take a boat ride along the mangrove-lined shore in Dragon Hill
  • Visit the blowhole, a lava tube that sprays water in the air like a geyser
  • Hike up the wooden steps on Bartolome Island
  • Learn about the conservation and research programs for Galapagos tortoises
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Baltra - Santa Cruz Island

Arrive in the Galapagos and transfer to Santa Cruz Island. Here, we will visit the highlands of Santa Cruz where you will have the opportunity to see giant Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat.

In the afternoon, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and its giant tortoise breeding center. Here, you can learn about the various Galapagos conservation and research programs that have helped saved certain species of tortoises from becoming extinct.

Day 2: Chinese Hat - Rábida

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning we travel to Chinese Hat (Sombrero Chino), a small volcanic island. Here, view magnificent lava tubes and lava flows, and learn about these interesting geological formations.

This afternoon, we travel to Rábida Island, visiting a saltwater lagoon and keeping our eyes peeled for Brown Pelicans and other amazing Galapagos wildlife!

Day 3: Isabela

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today we arrive to Isabela Island, in search of Blue-footed Boobies, fur seals, sea lions and more! In the morning we visit the small island of Las Tintoreras, one of the main breeding sites for marine iguanas. Next, we travel to the Sierra Negra volcano, one of the most active volcanos in the Galapagos Islands.

This afternoon we visit Isabela's Giant Tortoise Breeding Center where we'll see several species of tortoises in one location.

Day 4: Isabela

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today we continue to explore Isabela Island. In the morning we visit Punta Moreno, where we keeps are eyes peeled for White-cheeked Pintail ducks.

In the afternoon, we visit Elizabeth Bay. Here, we have the opportunity to observe some amazing Galapagos wildlife, such as the Flightless Cormorant, marine turtles and sea lions.

Day 5: Isabela

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
We explore more of Isabela Island today, visiting Urbina Bay and Tagus Cove. At Urbina Bay, we hope to catch a glimpse of marine iguanas and Galapagos Penguins! At Tagus Cove, we have the chance to see an abundance of Galapagos birds, such as the Blue-footed Booby, Brown Noddy, Flightless Cormorant and the Galapagos Penguin.

Day 6: Fernandina - Isabela

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning we visit Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island, where we scout the shoreline for Flightless Cormorants, Sally Lightfoot crabs, sea lions, iguanas and more!

In the afternoon, we travel back to Isabela Island and visit the wonderful snorkeling site of Punta Vicente Roca.

Day 7: Santiago - Bartolomé

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning we visit Puerto Egas on Santiago Island, where we will see Galapagos fur seals swimming along the shore. If we're lucky, we will also spot numerous Galapagos birds, such as the Galapagos Dove, the Vermilion Flycatcher, and the Galapagos Hawk!

This afternoon, we travel to Bartolomé Island. Here, we hike up steep, wooden steps in order to reward ourselves with spectacular views of the islands!

Day 8: North Seymour - Santa Cruz Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning we travel to North Seymour Island, home one of the largest populations of frigatebirds. We may also see Blue-footed Boobies and Swallow-tailed Gulls.

After our visit to North Seymour, we travel to Santa Cruz Island. First, we visit Cerro Mesa, a hill that gives us outstanding views of the Galapagos Islands. Next, we visit Garrapatero Beach with its turquoise water. Keep your eyes peeled for Galapagos finches and Black-necked Stilts.

Day 9: South Plaza Island - Santa Fe

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning we visit South Plaza Island where we can observe iguanas feeding on the prickly pear cactus. We hope to catch a glimpse of some fascinating Galapagos birds, such as the Masked Booby, the Frigatebird and the Brown Pelicans.

In the afternoon, we travel to Santa Fe Island and anchor alongside a beautiful, turquoise lagoon. Santa Fe is home to a unique species of iguana that have large spikes on their spines and are bright yellow in color.

Day 10: San Cristobal

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today we set out to explore San Cristobal! First, we travel to Cerro Brujo to admire the unique lava formations and the unique Galapagos flora and fauna. Afterwards, transfer via vehicle to La Galapaguera where you can observe the giant Galapagos tortoise in its natural habitat.

This afternoon, we visit El Junco Lagoon, the Galapagos' only permanent freshwater lake.

Day 11: Española

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today we explore the island of Española. Our first stop is Gardner Bay, a white sand beach where sea lions, mockingbirds and finches abound!

This afternoon, we stop at Punta Suarez to catch a glimpse of the Masked and Blue-footed Boobies. We also visit the "blowhole," a lava tube that sprays water up in the air like a geyser!

Day 12: Floreana

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today we explore Floreana Island, stopping at Cormorant Point (Punta Cormorant), Devil's Crown, and Post Office Bay. At Cormorant Point, we'll keep our eyes peeled for Galapagos birds such as Darwin's finches. Devil's Crown, a submerged volcano, has some of the best snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands. Keep an eye out for white-tipped sharks, eagle rays, and sea turtles! At Post Office Bay, leave an unstamped postcard in the hopes that it gets delivered via fellow travelers!

Day 13: Santa Cruz - Santiago

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today we'll visit Dragon Hill (Cerro Dragon) on Santa Cruz Island, offering fantastic views of the bay. In the morning, we take a boat ride along the mangrove-lined shore where we hope to spot see numerous Galapagos birds, sea turtles and white-tipped sharks!

This afternoon, we travel to Sullivan Bay and walk across lava fields!

Day 14: Genovesa

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning we visit Genovesa Island, starting with a visit to El Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip's Steps. We climb up the steps in order to get a glimpse at the many Galapagos birds, such as the Masked Booby and the Short-eared Owl.

In the afternoon we visit Darwin Bay. Here, we observe magnificent Galapagos birds such as Red-footed Boobies, Frigatebirds, gulls and herons.

Day 15: Santa Cruz Island - Baltra

  • 1 Breakfast
Today we'll take a boat ride to Black Turtle Cove, on Santa Cruz Island. Here we will see a variety of mangroves, and hope to spot some rays, sea turtles and white-tipped sharks!

After our visit, you will be taken to the airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador.

Ship/Hotel

Cachalote Explorer

Cruise the Galapagos on the Cachalote ship
Cachalote ship in the Galapagos
Cachalote ship in the Galapagos

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at

Child Discount

30% discount for children under age 12 at time of Galapagos cruise. Not applicable to Holiday season departures

Children under 12 may receive discounts on Galapagos flight fares and entrance fees. Contact us for details.
Included
  • 14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 14 Dinners
  • 14 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Bilingual Naturalist Guide 
  • Adventure Life Pre-departure Services and In-Country Assistance (Quito Representative)
  • Shore Excursions, Swimming and Snorkeling 
  • Transfers and Baggage Handling in the Galapagos
  • Snorkeling and kayaking equipment is included in the cruise cost and available for your use on board.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Galapagos Park Entrance Fee: $200 per adult, $100 per child under 12 (fees of $100 per adult and $50 per child valid on arrivals through Aug 1, 2024). Payable upon arrival to the Galapagos, only in cash dollars. Subject to increase by Galapagos Park Service.
  • Internal Flights: Mainland Ecuador - Galapagos - Mainland Ecuador: $475-675
  • Wetsuits are not included but are available to rent on board - $30/week per person.
  • Fuel Surcharge - to be invoiced separately

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
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