Swim with sea turtles and manta rays, explore tidal pools and lush mangroves and observe giant tortoises. Be one of the few to experience why Darwin was so inspired by these spectacular islands. Visit one of the most unusual islands in the Galápagos on the North Central Route: Genovesa with its collapsed caldera. The island is a birder’s paradise. Immerse yourself in nature’s most spectacular wonders and enjoy the opportunity to admire sea lion families and famed giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Become king of the world as you climb Prince Philip’s Steps arriving at a thriving seabird colony!
Highlights
Admire the unique Red-footed and Blue-footed Boobies
Swim and snorkel in tranquil, clear waters full of stunning natural beauty
Take spectacular photographs of the exclusive wildlife of North Seymour
Climb Prince Philip’s Steps to see a thriving seabird colony
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Upon arrival, reception and assistance at the airport, transfer from Baltra Airport to the M/C Endemic.
After lunch, you will discover Bartholomew Island. Once here, you will ascend to admire the spectacular panorama of Sullivan Bay and the famous Pinnacle Rock. The beaches at the foot of the Pinnacle Rock are excellent for snorkeling from which you can discover the marvelous underwater world, and with a little luck, you’ll get to snorkel with penguins.
Activities: Walking, Snorkeling, Dinghy ride
Day 2: Devil's Crown | Cormorant Point | The Baroness’ Overlook | Post Office Bay, Floreana Island
In the morning, after breakfast, the first spot to be visited is Devil´s Crown which is an underwater volcanic crater, almost covered completely by Galapagos waters. Just a small portion of the rock formation can be seen from above and it looks like a crown. The underwater world is very rich in coral reefs, and abundant marine species. Birds are also part of this visitor point due to their location in open waters. Or visit Cormorant Point where you will land on a green olivine sand beach. Following a 100 meters long path, you will soon reach a lagoon with flamingos.
Activities: Walking, Snorkeling, Kayaking off the beach, Dinghy ride
In the afternoon, you will visit the Baroness’ Lookout (Mirador de la Baronesa). This viewpoint is located on the north of Floreana Island. The way up and the trail is very easy, steps are placed in this area for security. Your naturalist guide will tell the murder and mystery legend of the Baroness. Or you will go to the Post Office Bay, which keeps the legendary post barrel that whalers historically used to post their mail in.
Activities: Walking, Snorkeling, Kayaking off the beach, Dinghy ride
In the morning, after breakfast, you will visit Chinese Hat, which is a small islet off the south coast of Santiago, with a maximum elevation of 160 feet (52 meters). Though within easy reach of Santa Cruz, Chinese Hat is typically only visited by those aboard a Galapagos Cruise.
Activities: Walking, Snorkeling, Kayaking off the beach, Dinghy ride
In the afternoon, North Seymour island will be discovered. It is located slightly to the north of Baltra. It is a low, flat island, formed by submarine lava formation uplift. Covered with low, bushy vegetation, it contains the largest colony of magnificent frigate birds in the Galapagos. There is also a large population of blue-footed boobies that perform an amusing courtship dance when nesting conditions are right.
Activities: Walking, Snorkeling, Dinghy ride
Day 4: Black Turtle Cove | Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz
After breakfast, enjoy the visit to Black Turtle Cove, which is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz. It is a living illustration of how mangroves alter the marine environment to create a rich and unique habitat. Three mangrove species crowd the area from the shore out into the lagoon, which reaches almost a mile inland. As you drift through quiet waters in the zodiac, you are likely to see spotted eagle rays and diamond-shaped mustard rays, which swim in a diamond formation. White-tipped reef sharks slip beneath the boat and Pacific green sea turtles come to the surface for air and to mate. Waterfowl, including pelicans, herons, and egrets, all feed in the cove. This is a peaceful place that will make you feel calm.
Activities: Landscape and wildlife observation, Dinghy ride
In the afternoon, visit Las Bachas, which is a beautiful white-sand beach, located on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. There you can go for a stroll or do some easy snorkeling in the gentle surf. Sea turtles lay their eggs at the edge of the vegetation. You can also look for a rusted pontoon, a relic of the Second World War. In fact, “bachas” is a poor pronunciation of “barges,” two of which were wrecked offshore at that time: the locals mispronounced the name and it stuck.
Activities: Walking, Snorkeling, Landscape and wildlife observation
In the morning, visit Darwin Bay, which is the only sandy beach found in the caldera on Genovesa. Colonies of the Great Frigates are found along the beach. Males exhibit their red balloon pouch to females in hope of a match. Red-footed boobies nest in the trees in contrast to the other two booby species which do so on the ground.
Activities: Walking, Snorkeling, Kayaking off the beach, Dinghy ride
In the afternoon, you will go to El Barranco (Prince Philip’s Steps), carved out of stone stairs. This will lead you to a wide plateau, where you can observe large colonies of masked boobies, frigate birds, storm petrels, and ducks. During this easy stroll, you will cross a small Scalesia forest, the habitat of the short-eared owl. The same path will lead you back to your boat.
Activities: Walking, Snorkeling, Landscape and wildlife observation, Kayaking off the beach, Dinghy ride
Day 6: The Twins, Santa Cruz Island | Disembark | Baltra Island Airport
1 Breakfast
Early in the morning, after breakfast, you will visit the Twin Craters. Located in the highlands of Santa Cruz, these scenic craters are approximately 30 meters deep. These two huge land depressions are surrounded by a Scalesia forest with abundant birds such as the yellow warbler and the Vermilion Flycatcher. Gorgeous views of the leafy green highlands forest are also part of the excursion.
Activities: Walking
After this last visit, transfer to Baltra airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador. Assistance and farewell at the airport.
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.
$7,0902-3 travelers
Golden Suite
Each cabin has personalized air conditioning control, a balcony, spacious private bathroom and either a king-size bed or two twin-size beds.
Single Cabin
A suite as above, dedicated for solo occupancy. Each cabin has personalized air conditioning control, a balcony, spacious private bathroom and one twin-size bed.
Child Discount
25% Discount applies when traveling with two adults. Children must be under 12 years old by the time they cruise. Child discounts are conditional and may not apply on certain departures. Please contact us for more information.
Children under 12 may receive discounts on Galapagos flight fares and entrance fees. Contact us for details.
Initial deposit is 25% (35% for holiday departures), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 71 days 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, 5 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
Soft drinks and juices
Complimentary internet
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. Payable upon arrival to the Galapagos, only in cash dollars. Subject to increase by Galapagos Park Service.
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Info was accurate and delivered quickly so that a decision could be made. This is my second trip with Adventure Life.
Bill BASLER
2 weeks ago
Claudia does an excellent job of communicating. HOWEVER…you paperwork requirements are constipated — a real impediment to doing business. Fire the lawyers or accountants over that.
STODDARD/MARK JAMES
2 weeks ago
Plans were described and booked with efficiency and speed. Adventure LIfe is outstanding in travel planning.
Laurel Hansen
1 month ago
The travel planner was very knowledgeable about the countries I will be visiting and was very helpful in booking my trip. It was a great experience in dealing with them - very personable and promptly address any of my concerns.
Customer
1 month ago
Super smooth with questions answered & booking in just 2 days with Mary Curry. AND, the price was great!
