Embark on a 15-day circumnavigation through the hidden wonders of the Galapagos. Get the opportunity to see more than just the highlights of the Galapagos on your own private adventure. Have the chance to really immerse yourself in the unique splendor of these islands. Wind across island trails, explore peaceful lagoons, swim and snorkel in crystalline waters, bask in the sun on white sand beaches, soak in extraordinary volcanic vistas, and get up close and personal with fascinating wildlife throughout your Galapagos adventure. This is a truly unique vacation that will be beyond memorable.
Highlights
Take a dinghy ride to Black Turtle Cove
Snorkel around Devil's Crown, one of the best spots in the Galapagos
Visit Isabela's Giant Tortoise Breeding Center
Explore El Junco Lagoon, one of the few freshwater lakes in the Galapagos
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Arrive to the Galapagos and transfer to your ship for your private adventure. We travel to Santa Cruz Island where we stop at Dragon Hill (Cerro Dragon), the previous site of a land iguana conservation program. Keep your eyes peeled for some amazing Galapagos wildlife!
This morning 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.
This afternoon 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.
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. Weather permitting, we visit El Junco Lagoon, one of the few freshwater lakes in the Galapagos. If time permits, hike up Tijeretas hill which rewards us with amazing views.
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!
This morning we explore Santa Cruz Island and visit the Charles Darwin Research Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Galapagos tortoise breeding center.
In the afternoon, we travel by bus to the Santa Cruz highlands in search of the giant Galapagos tortoise!
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 Sullivan Bay and walk across lava fields!
This morning we visit Genovesa Island, starting with a visit to Darwin Bay. Here, observe magnificent Galapagos bird life such as Red-footed Boobies, Frigatebirds, gulls and herons.
In the afternoon we visit 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.
Today we'll take a dinghy 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!
Next, we will visit the highlands of Santa Cruz where you will have the opportunity to see the giant Galapagos tortoise in its 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.
Sombrero Chino or Chinese Hat is a small volcanic island just off the southeast tip of Santiago. The name of the island describes the shape of the island. Fauna includes Sea lions, marine iguanas, and the Galapagos penguin.
Activities: Walking, Kayaking, Panga ride, Snorkeling
Rábida Island is a small island with a dark red coral sand beach. Highlights include the lagoon with flamingoes, a pelican nesting site, a sea lion bachelor colony, and a snorkeling site at the end of the beach.
Activities: Walking, Kayaking, Panga ride, Snorkeling
Isabela Island (Albemarle) is the largest of the Galapagos Islands formed by five active volcanoes fused together. Wolf Volcano is the highest point in the entire Galapagos at 1707m.
Volcan Sierra Negra has a caldera with a diameter of 10km. View recent lava flows, moist highland vegetation, and parasitic cones.
Activities: Walking
Puerto Villamil is a charming small town on a white sand beach. Highlights include the Tortoise Breeding Station and the flamingo lagoon. Other visits (depending on conditions) are the Tintoreras or Los Humedales.
Activities: Walking, Kayaking, Panga ride, Snorkeling
Day 11: Punta Moreno | Elizabeth Bay, Isabela (Albemarle)
Punta Moreno is located on the central southwestern coast of Isabela Island. The site has spectacular views of volcanoes Alcedo, Sierra Negra, and Cerro Azul. Some highlights include impressive lava flows, desolate and pristine landscapes, and varied and unusual arid zone vegetation.
Activities: Panga ride, Kayaking
Elizabeth Bay is only accessible by dinghy. It is possible to see penguins on the small islets in the bay. The end of the bay is long and narrow surrounded by three species of mangroves. Galapagos Sea Turtles and rays can usually be seen in the water.
Activities: Walking, Panga ride, Snorkeling
Day 12: Urbina Bay | Tagus Cove, Isabela (Albemarle)
Urbina Bay is located on the central-west coast of Isabela Island at the foothills of the Alcedo and Darwin volcanoes. Highlights include the colorful land iguanas, Galapagos Giant tortoises and the coral uplifting from 1954.
Activities: Walking
Tagus Cove is a natural harbor where centuries ago whalers and pirates left their ship’s names painted or carved on the rocks. A walk uphill to Darwin’s Crater salt-water lake will provide an excellent view.
Activities: Walking, Kayaking, Panga ride, Snorkeling
Day 13: Punta Espinosa, Fernandina | Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela
Fernandina is the youngest volcanic island and is still active.
Punta Espinoza is a place famous for its large colonies of marine iguanas and as the habitat of unique species like the flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguin, Galapagos hawk, and Galapagos snake, among others.
Activities: Walking, Snorkeling
Punta Vicente Roca is visited by dinghy rides along the cliffs or the partially sunken cave at the water’s edge. Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, and flightless cormorants inhabit the shoreline.
Activities: Panga ride, Snorkeling
Day 14: Playa Espumilla, James (Santiago) Island | Bartolome Island
James (Santiago) Island is located between Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands. This Island offers a wide variety of seabirds, marine iguanas, and fur seals.
Playa Espumilla or Espumilla Beach has a beautiful contrast between the golden beach and the green mangroves. It is also a great site to see flamingos, pintail ducks, green sea turtle nests, and the Galapagos Hawk. It is also a good site to go for a cool-off swim or a snorkel.
Activities: Walking, Kayaking, Panga ride, Snorkeling
Buccaneers Cove was Charles Darwin’s home for 9 days. As well as a resting site for many whalers and pirates. With this rich history, Buccaneers Cove is a must-see. Enjoy a panga ride or snorkel looking for Galapagos Fur Seals, Brown Noddies, Pelicans, and Swallow-tailed Gulls
Bartolome Island is famous for its pinnacle rock and penguins.
A hike will take you to the highest point on Bartolome for a spectacular view. Sea lions and penguins can be seen around Pinnacle Rock. There is a sandy beach with great swimming and snorkeling.
Activities: Walking, Panga ride, Snorkeling
Day 15: North Seymour | Baltra | Disembark
1 Breakfast
North Seymour Island is a flat piece of land that originated after an uplifting event thousands of years ago. The island is home to endemic Palo Santo trees, colonies of blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and magnificent frigate birds.
Activities: Walking, Panga ride
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.
$167,000
or $10,438 per person based on 16 max passengers
Cabin
eight double cabins. Four cabins feature two lower berths, two cabins offer a matrimonial bed, and the additional two cabins can be converted to either two lower berths or one matrimonial bed. Cabin #1 has three beds two lower and one upper bed. Each cabin has their own private bathroom equipped with hot & cold water showers as well as its own security safe.
On board Beluga, all passengers pay the same price regardless of the cabin they choose and where it is located.
Child Discount
50% discount for children under age 12 at time of Galapagos 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 20% + Internal Flight Cost, 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
14 Breakfasts, 14 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.
Short wetsuits
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. Payable upon arrival to the Galapagos, only in cash dollars. Subject to increase by Galapagos Park Service.
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Kassandra is knowledgeable, efficient and very pleasant to work with.
Fred Weeman
1 month ago
Info was accurate and delivered quickly so that a decision could be made. This is my second trip with Adventure Life.
Bill BASLER
1 month 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
1 month ago
Plans were described and booked with efficiency and speed. Adventure LIfe is outstanding in travel planning.
Laurel Hansen
2 months 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.