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Sally light-foot crab crawling on the beach

Southern Islands

Example 5 Day Cruise aboard Solaris
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Spend five incredible days aboard the Solaris exploring the Galapagos Southern Islands. Before sailing to Espanola, visit the Colorado Hill Tortoise Protection and Growing Center. Swim, snorkel, and observe sharks in Gardner Bay's crystal clear waters. Climb Suarez Point's cliffs for a view of magnificent seabird colonies and the blowhole, which spouts water up to 75 feet into the air. The following day, cruise to Cormorant Point, where you can see one of the Galapagos' famous flamingo lagoons, before continuing to Bartolome's volcanic cones. Your journey concludes in the magnificent red mangrove lagoon of Black Turtle Cove before disembarking in Baltra. 
Encountering the wildlife of the Galapagos IslandsSnorkeling girlDay Hike during a Galapagos cruiseGalapagos tidepoolSally light-foot crab crawling on the beach
Highlights
  • Swim and snorkel, and observe sea lions at Gardner Bay
  • Visit Punta Cormorant the best Flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos
  • Observe marine turtles as well as a very small colony of Galapagos penguins
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: San Cristobal | Colorado Hill

Upon arrival at San Cristobal airport, you will pass through an airport inspection point to ensure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands, as well as to pay the park entrance fee of USD 200 (unless it has been prepaid). A guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbor. Here you will climb aboard the yacht Solaris. After greeting the crew and the captain, your cabins will be assigned to you and then you will enjoy your first lunch aboard.

Cerro Colorado Tortoises Protection and Growing Centre is located approximately 40 minutes by bus to the southeast of the island. This center was built to improve the status of the population of the island tortoises. It includes a large corral, a visitor center, a breeding center and an interpretive trail. Along this trail, it is possible to see different species of native and endemic plants as well as birds including the San Cristobal mockingbird, yellow warblers, many species of finches and the Galapagos flycatcher.
Activities: Hiking
Difficulty: Easy

Day 2: Gardner Bay | Suarez Point, Espanola

On the north-eastern coast of the island of Española, Gardner Bay offers a wonderful place to refresh in the turquoise sea and to admire a large number of colorful reef fish. You will also have the opportunity to snorkel side by side with green sea turtles, or to enjoy the proximity of playful Galapagos sea lions. The white sand beach is also an important breeding ground for the green sea turtles. In the crystal-clear ocean, sometimes whales can be sighted under certain circumstances.
Activities: Hiking, Kayaking, Dinghy Ride, and Snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy – Moderate

Huge ocean waves crash onto the southern basaltic cliffs of Suarez Point, forming a spectacular blowhole, where the water sprays meters high into the air (depending on the season, the tide and how strongly the sea breeze pushes the waves). Take your time for a meditative break in silence on this emblematic viewpoint, and convert this unforgettable moment into a lifetime experience. This rocky area is home to the most impressive and diverse seabirds of the archipelago. Depending on the season, you can admire the endangered Galapagos albatross, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropicbirds, and more. Along the southern coast, high cliffs allow spectacular views of ascending birds and the seawater shot through blow holes.
Activities: Hiking
Difficulty: Easy

Day 3: Cormorant Point and Champion Islet | Post Office Bay and Baroness Viewpoint, Floreana

The peninsula of Cormorant Point forms the extreme north cape of Floreana, which exists out of smaller volcanic cones, covered by a tropical dry forest of palo santo. At the landing beach, you will be welcomed by a small Galapagos sea lion colony. The green sand on this beach contains a high percentage of glassy olivine crystals which have been blown out by the surrounding tuff cones. The “flour sand” beach on the southern side of the peninsula is made up of even finer white coral sand which feels very smooth on the feet. Parrotfish have pulverized it, grinding the calcareous skeletons of living coral. You can spot schools of stingrays who love the sandy bottom to hide. During the first months of the year, Pacific green turtles come ashore to bury their eggs. Devil’s Crown offers one of the best snorkeling spots in the Galapagos due to the coral reef in its center, which attracts a lot of marine life. Here you can spot Galapagos penguins, sea lions, sea turtles, many different colorful fish and even some dolphins. The current can be a bit strong sometimes, so it should not be attempted by novice swimmers.
Activities: Hiking, Dinghy Ride, and Snorkeling
Difficulty: Moderate

Historically, this site is the location of a wooden barrel that was placed there in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. Letters found inside the barrel were collected and delivered by sailors returning home. There was no postage fee and, surprisingly, this mailbox and its honor system are still in use today. Although letters are no longer important messages from sailors to their loved ones, tourists leave thousands of them today and many still reach their destination. You can also relax on the beach, where in addition to Galapagos sea lions, Pacific green turtles and golden rays, you may see Galapagos penguins. This is the only place in the southeastern archipelago where penguins reside.
You can also climb the small basaltic cone of the Baroness Lookout and enjoy the coastline’s paradisiacal views. This viewpoint was the favorite spot of one of Floreana's first settlers, the eccentric baroness and self-proclaimed “Empress of the Galapagos”, Eloisa von Wagner, who even built her house a few meters further back. There will be a long navigation waiting at the end of the day, so we recommend that you take medication for seasickness.
Activities: Hiking and Snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy

Day 4: Sullivan Bay, Santiago | Bartolome

The arrival in Sullivan Bay is like a moon landing. The desolate, sprawling fields seem to be mostly lifeless, but this island, which is particularly popular among photographers, still offers a lot to see. There is even some life! Green sea turtles burrow in the small white sand beach, where you can also find crabs, blue herons and oystercatchers.
Activities: Hiking and Snorkeling
Difficulty: Moderate

The beautiful volcanic islet of Bartholomew is among the youngest of the islands and, on a geological scale, was just recently born out of the fire. Although it looks lifeless at first sight, Bartholomew offers some of the wildest landscapes and best panoramas of the entire archipelago. To enjoy the postcard view of the idyllic “Pinnacle Bay” you will have to climb the stairs to the viewpoint on top of the island (114 m/375 ft). Enter a dramatic world of threatening (though extinguished) nearby spatter cones, craters, and lightweight lava droplets that have been spewed out by fiery fountains. The summit trail is also ideal for witnessing how scanty pioneer vegetation, such as lava cactus, struggles to take root in the bare virgin lava fields.
Activities: Hiking, Snorkeling, and Dinghy Ride
Difficulty: Easy – Moderate

Day 5: Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz | Baltra

  • 1 Breakfast
This small bay is located on the north side of the island of Santa Cruz and offers a unique backdrop for unique adventures. The landscape makes you feel as if you're in the Amazon rainforest rather than near the sea. Explore the quiet emerald lagoon and surrounding shallow bays with the inflatable dinghy. The crystal clear water allows you to spot groups of whitetip reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, gold rays and spotted eagle rays.
Activities: Dinghy Ride
Difficulty: Easy

After that, it is time to say goodbye to the Galapagos! Assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew members, the dinghy will bring you and your luggage to Baltra airport. In case you have booked your trip for a longer stay, they would be welcoming any potential new fellow passengers to the yacht, and continue the trip to the next visiting site!

Ship/Hotel

Solaris

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$4,050 2-3 travelers
Ocean View Suite
3 cabins (21 m²) with queen bed and single bed. 2 cabins (26 m²) with queen bed and single bed. All cabins with ocean views, and private facilities.
Ocean View Single
5 cabins (11 m²) with single beds, Ocean view, and private facilities.

Child Discount

A discount for children under 12 years of age is available. Contact us for details. 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.
Included
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
  • 4 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Gear Rental: Snorkeling Gear
  • 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
  • Glass bottom kayak
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.
  • Internal Flights: Mainland Ecuador - Galapagos - Mainland Ecuador: $475-675
  • Wetsuits are not included but are available to rent on board- $24 for 4-day tours, $30 for 5-day tours, and $48 for 8-day tours.

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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.
Jack Charney

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