Embark on this 6-day adventure that explores the highlights of the central islands of the Galapagos. Indulge yourself in the picturesque beauty of the unique landscape, relax on the beach, do some exploratory snorkeling, and wander to the hidden center of the islands. Be entertained by the antics of friendly sea lions or get up close and personal with the incredible giant tortoises that make their home here.
Highlights
Spot Opuntia cacti, land iguanas, and sea lions on South Plaza Island
Leave a letter in the wooden barrel at Post Office Bay
Enjoy snorkeling or a panga ride at Champion Islet
Search tide pools for green sea turtles and white-tip sharks
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive at the airport in Baltra and be escorted to the boat for check-in and a quick introductory briefing. Then continue on to North Seymour for the rest of the day. North Seymour is a perfect introduction to the Galapagos Islands. Fauna abounds and you soon find yourself surrounded by frigates and blue-footed boobies. Keep an eye out for land iguanas and sea lions too.
Day 2: South Plaza Island | Santa Fe
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Head out to South Plaza Island which although is quite small, it is actually home to a large Opuntia cacti forest, land iguanas, and one of the largest sea lion colonies in the central region of the archipelago. Sesuvium is an endemic plant that inhabits this island and is a great climate indicator as its color is a greenish-yellowish during the rainy season and a bright red during the dry season. Also have the chance to see Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and other kinds of sea birds as well as various types of finches.
The island of Santa Fe was formed by uplifting, rather than by a volcano. Some of the island’s endemic species include the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, rice rats, different types of finches, and the Galapagos mockingbird. This visit includes a nice hike past salt bushes where Galapagos hawks and Santa Fe land iguanas tend to wander. Friendly and playful sea lions may accompany you during your snorkeling activities.
Day 3: San Cristobal
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy an excursion to Pitt Point which is located on the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island. Take a hike up to a plateau to view the spectacular landscape. It is so unique and beautiful that it is definitely worth the effort. Watch out for the red-footed boobies nesting in the cliffs. After this power hike, enjoy the opportunity to go kayaking, snorkeling, or take a panga ride.
Disembark at Cerro Brujo for an excursion, kayaking, snorkeling & panga ride. This area has a fantastic landscape as well as wonderful swimming, snorkeling, and panga ride experiences. Cerro Brujo’s breathtaking beach is also home to an abundance of sea lions. This is also the coast where Charles Darwin first stepped foot on in the Archipelago!
Day 4: Floreana
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Floreana is one of the Galapagos most famous islands due to many unique stories about past settlers. Post Office Bay is home to a unique “post office” influenced by 18th century pirates and buccaneers who used a wooden barrel as an unofficial mail box. Continue the tradition by leaving addressed postcards in the barrel and sorting through left mail to deliver at home. Floreana is also a magnificent site for swimming and kayaking. For the more adventurous guests, there is an option to visit the inside of a lava tunnel. Watch your step because this tunnel has been kept untouched and completely natural over these many years.
Enjoy snorkeling or a panga ride at Champion Islet followed by an excursion to Punta Cormorant. A great site for bird-watching, Cormorant Point has a large lagoon where an array of species including flamingos, stilts, and pintail ducks tend to wander. Bring binoculars so you can see these incredible creatures up close. Prior to the excursions, you will also have an opportunity to enjoy a relaxing snorkeling trip at Champion Islet.
Day 5: Isabela
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
One of the furthest points of the Galapagos that is visited on this cruise is Elizabeth Bay. Enter a sheltered cove accessible by panga only. This is a wonderful mangrove ecosystem that is a refuge for sea turtles, rays, blue-footed boobies, penguins, herons, and more.
Moreno Point is located just southwest of Elizabeth Bay on the west coast of Isabela Island. Surround yourself by some of the most magnificent scenery while observing and learning about different types of lava and pioneer plants. In the tide pools, have a chance to spot green sea turtles and possibly white-tip sharks. Afterwards, head out on a panga ride along the striking rocky shores. Have an opportunity to observe penguins, sea lions, blue footed boobies, and marine iguanas.
Day 6: Santa Cruz Island | Baltra | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, visit the highlands of Santa Cruz and see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Then be escorted to Baltra Airport for departure back to the mainland.
Dates & Prices
Per person starting at
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is $600 per person, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners
5 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, kayaks, and paddleboards are all included in the cruise cost and are available for your use onboard.
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
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Galapagos Park Entrance Fee: $200 per adult, $100 per child under 12 (fees of $100 per adult and $50 per child valid on arrivals throughAug 1, 2024). Payable upon arrival to the Galapagos, only in cash dollars. Subject to increase by Galapagos Park Service.
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.8 | 169 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 169 reviews on
6 days ago
I spoke with at least a half dozen other travel companies, looking for a Galapagos cruise that fit our schedule and budget. Some companies could manage one or the other, but Erin was the only one who could do both. She found us the perfect cruise, at a fantastic price! And she has been quick and patient with responses to my many questions. So far, Adventure Life has been a fantastic company to work with!
Sandi T
2 weeks ago
Erin was patient, thorough, responsive, knowledgeable.
Karen Bukolt
3 weeks ago
Erin was responsive, knowledgeable, helpful, and ran through a few different choices with us. She got us a fabulous price on a trip, and made everything easy to do. And QUICK!!
Tina
1 month ago
From the initial meeting and planning process with our trip planner Jess, through to the finalizing of our itinerary, trip details and questions, I was very impressed with the professionalism, thoroughness, organization and attention to details. I would highly recommend Adventure Life to anyone looking to plan a unique travelling experience, knowing that the expertise and experience provided will result in a seamless trip of a lifetime.
Lynn Farquharson
1 month ago
Excellent suggestions I line with my desires on a Galapagos very last minute cruise.
Swift and professional guidance and assistance in booking the trip. Helped me realising a substantial saving.