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A male frigatebird rests in the trees of the Galapagos

Southwestern Islands

San Cristobal - Baltra - Example 11 Day Cruise aboard Anahi
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Set sail on an 11-day cruise through the Southwestern Galápagos Islands aboard Anahi, exploring diverse landscapes and unique wildlife. From Frigate bird-nesting hills to sea lion colonies at Bahía Gardner, discover Punta Cormorant's flamingo haven and snorkel at Devil’s Crown. Dive into history at Bahía “Post Office” and Asilo de la Paz. Encounter giant tortoises and lava tunnels on Isabela, then explore marine wonders at Tagus Cove. Witness unique red landscapes at Rábida, and snorkel around Bartolomé's Pinnacle Rock. Conclude your journey observing land iguanas at North Seymour. A delightful mix of adventure and relaxation awaits on this unforgettable Galápagos cruise!
Unique landscape and cactus found on the Galapagos IslandsSee Blue-footed boobies on your Galapagos tour!A pair of friendly sea lionsRay swimming in the GalapagosColorful land iguanaPinnacle Rock of Bartolome IslandPost barrel at Post Office Bay, Floreana Island, GalapagosA male frigatebird rests in the trees of the Galapagos
Highlights
  • Visit Galápagos Interpretation Center, learn the islands' natural history
  • Experience the historical Bahía “Post Office” letter exchange tradition
  • Explore Fernandina's Punta Espinoza, meet unique Galápagos fauna
  • Snorkel in Tagus Cove, explore Lake Darwin's unique landscape
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: San Cristobal | Embark | Interpretation Center | Cerro Tijeretas and Punta Carola

Fly from Quito or Guayaquil, the flight arrives around noon (local time) in San Cristobal. Your guide greets you in the lobby, waiting for your arrival to drive you to Yacht Anahí. Your baggage is handled by one of the crew members who, aboard the small Zodiacs transport you directly to the yacht. The captain and the crew welcome you on board, and then you have your cabins assigned. After lunch, the guide gives you a brief explanation of the afternoon activities.

Interpretation Center of San Cristobal, located on the outskirts of the small town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital city of the Galápagos province. The interpretation center gives an introduction to the islands and their natural, as well as human history. After, walk to the place known as ‘La Colina de las Fragatas’, or ‘Cerro Tijeretas. This short 30-minute walk starts from the interpretation center and takes you to the top of the hill. Once there, the visitors can enjoy a spectacular sight of the surrounding white beaches and the incredible geographical formations of the Pacific Ocean. The hill is often visited by Frigate birds that nest there in certain seasons of the year. From the hill descend into a small cove known as Punta Carola, and observe a colony of sea lions. At night (if you want) you can go into the city for a walk and maybe have a drink at one of the local bars.

Possible activities: Walking

Day 2: Punta Suárez | Bahía Gardner, Española

Punta Suárez is a destination of great interest due to the abundance of birds. This island also has its own species of animals, like the Española Mockingbird, which has a distinctively longer and more curved beak than variations found on other islands; The Galápagos lava lizard; The marine iguana of the venustissimus subspecies, which has red marks on its back; among others. You can also observe seagulls and other tropical birds that live on the rocky slopes. Among the more interesting attractions is the waved albatross, as almost the entire world population comes to breed here between March and December, and the mating dance of the blue-footed booby. There are hundreds of Nazca boobies, colonies of sea lions, large colonies of marine iguanas, and different species of birds.

Bahía Gardner is a beautiful beach that is excellent for swimming and snorkeling. Here you can find a large colony of playful sea lions and hopefully observe the Galápagos Peregrine Falcons and local species of snakes, undoubtedly see Darwin’s finches, mockingbirds, and sea turtles.

Possible activities: Panga ride, Snorkeling, Kayaking, Walking

Day 3: Punta Cormorant | Devil’s Crown | Post Office Bay & Asilo de la Paz, Floreana

Punta Cormorant is a site that has the best and the biggest flamingo lagoon in the Galápagos. It is located between two volcanic hills that give the area a special atmosphere. There are varieties of seabirds that can be seen in addition to flamingos, the most frequent ones being stilts, white-tailed ducks, and other migratory birds. This is a unique area due to the high percentage of endemic plants (unique to the island). Here you can see the “Green Beach” (due to the high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand) and the “Flour Sand Beach” mainly composed of coral reefs, making these the two most interesting beaches of the islands. Then return to the yacht to begin your snorkeling activity at the location known as the Devil’s Crown. This is a sunken volcanic crater where the interior of the formation is ideal for the sustainability of a marvelous coral reef habitat, making it one of the most fascinating marine sites in the Galápagos.

Bahía “Post Office” historically, served as a letter exchange station in the 18th century when the crew of a whaling ship utilized a wooden barrel. Both sailors and tourists have used this system to communicate with people from all around the world. The idea is to bring letters or postcards to their destination by hand, creating a very special “postal service” This site was also the landing place for some of the first settlers on the islands. Then visit the Asilo de la Paz, known for its strange history as one of the first occupied areas of the islands by the German Witmer family. Return to the yacht and head to Puerto Ayora, the largest city in the Galápagos. If you are lucky, you may see a pod of dolphins during your trip, as well as manta rays and sea turtles.

Possible activities: Panga ride, Snorkeling, Kayaking, Walking

Day 4: Fausto Llerena Center | Highlands, Santa Cruz

After breakfast, visit 2 interesting locations. Begin with a visit to the visitor center of the Galápagos National Park “Fausto Llerena” where the breeding of the turtles is carried out, and where you can learn about the work that is being done in order to protect this unique species. The famous Charles Darwin Research Station is also located here, where we can contribute to the scientific investigations that are promoted by the station.

The guide takes you on a walk through a beautiful forest full of ferns, sedges, and miconias, while you might also observe some giant tortoises in their natural habitat. 

Later, head to one of the many lava tunnels in the area. Here, enjoy a short walk through the tunnel, where you can admire the results of a powerful volcanic eruption that occurred millions of years ago.

Possible activities: Walking

After your visit, head to Puerto Ayora and board the yacht, and enjoy dinner. After dinner, the guide explains the following day’s activities as well as some general recommendations for visitors to the Galápagos Islands.

Day 5: Puerto Villamil | Sierra Negra Volcano, Isabela

Isabela is the name of the largest and the youngest island within the Galápagos Archipelago. In the morning, begin your first visit to the islets known as Las Tintoreras, located south of Puerto Villamil. This area has a small bay of calm turquoise water, observe sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, stingrays, and many more aquatic species. Next, walk along a path and explore two different beaches. The first beach to encounter is a popular place for sea lions and marine iguanas that nest in the area, while the second beach is surrounded by button mangroves (Conocarpus erecta) and white mangroves (Laguncularia racemosa).

After the visit to "Las Tintoreras", disembark at Puerto Villamil to head to the Sierra Negra Volcano, found in the highlands of the island, as it rises to an altitude of 1124m. It is located between the Cerro Azul volcano to the west, and the Alcedo volcano to the north. Furthermore, it is one of the most active volcanoes of the Galápagos, with the latest eruption occurring in June 2018.

After lunch, during the afternoon, visit the wetlands known as “Los Humedales”, and see a wide variety of wetland birds with the majority of them being endemic to the island. After your visit, have some free time in the small town of Puerto Villamil. At the end of the day, board the yacht for dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Possible activities: Walking

Day 6: Punta Moreno | Elizabeth Bay, Isabela

Punta Moreno is located on the north coast of Isabela Island, between the Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes. The distance of the trail is about 2100 meters, but this grants you a panoramic view of the three most active volcanoes in the Galápagos: Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul on Isabela Island, and the summit of Fernandina Island. Take the opportunity to do a surface dive in this area, where, despite the cold waters, marine life is abundant. After this visit, return to the yacht for lunch and a little rest before heading out for your afternoon activity.

In the afternoon visit Elizabeth Bay. The trip begins in a cove surrounded by red mangroves. Here you may observe sea turtles, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, brown pelicans, and sea lions. Visitors have often been able to see Galápagos falcons fly over their heads, while Pompano and Mahi-mahi fish schools are seen swimming below. This is an amazing site due to the large amount of marine and terrestrial fauna as well as the unique and beautiful landscape of the area. After this visit, return to the yacht for dinner and rest.

Possible activities: Snorkeling, Panga ride, Walking 

Day 7: Urbina Bay | Tagus Cove, Isabela

Urbina Bay is located at the east base of the Alcedo volcano, with an approximately 3200m path connecting it to the beach, where, after a beach landing, cross through the coastal zone, traversing sand, rocks, lava, corals, and plant formations. At this site, you may see large-sized land iguanas, as well as giant Galápagos tortoises, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, Galápagos penguins, pelicans, and marine iguanas.

Return to the yacht to enjoy a delicious lunch, followed by a short sailing towards Tagus Cove. Here take the opportunity to snorkel, surface dive, or kayak. At around 4 pm, hike to the top of the cliff that takes you to a viewpoint of Lake Darwin, a lake that has high saline concentrations.

Finally, observe Lake Darwin. It doesn’t contain any fish and only a few lifeforms due to its high salinity. Supposedly, in the past, there was an explosive volcanic eruption in the area since there are a large number of volcanic rocks of varying sizes that can be found here. Among the most common are small spherical balls, that are almost perfect in shape, referred to as “lapili” or petrified rain.

Possible activities: Snorkeling, Kayaking, Walking 

Day 8: Punta Espinoza, Fernandina | Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela

Fernandina is the third largest island in the archipelago and has only one point of interest. Punta Espinoza is located on the far northeast part of the island and is a narrow platform of lava and sand that extends from the base of the volcano to the sea. Punta Espinoza is well known for its large colonies of marine iguanas, and its unique fauna full of species such as the flightless cormorant, the Galápagos penguin, the Galápagos falcon, and the Galápagos racer snake. After this visit, there's a possibility to snorkel in the area, swim with marine iguanas and large colonies of sea turtles, and if you are lucky even with beautiful seahorses.

Isabela Island is believed to have the shape of a seahorse, where Punta Vicente Roca would be considered the mouth. At this location, you may find the remains of an ancient volcano that forms two coves with clear turquoise water, in conjunction with a bay protected from the waves of the ocean. From this point, experience a snorkeling activity, followed by a panga ride along the cliffs to observe the remains of the volcano, or you may explore a cave that is partially found underwater. Nazca boobies and blue-footed boobies perch along the steep cliffs, while the flightless cormorants inhabit the coast.

Possible activities: Snorkeling, Panga ride, Walking

At the end of your activity, begin navigating the ship, approach, and cross the equator line. At this point, take a special cocktail to celebrate your crossing to the northern hemisphere.

Day 9: Puerto Egas, Santiago | Rabida Island

Puerto Egas is a black sand beach located on the west side of James Bay, northwest of Santiago Island. The site gets its name after Mr. Héctor Egas, who tried to exploit the salt found in this area but failed due to the price of salt in other parts of the country. The hike along the rugged coastline, especially during low tides, allows you to observe many marine species, such as the iguanas relaxing on the rocks, and the sea lions resting in the tidal pools.
Take the opportunity to snorkel near the beach of Puerto Egas in order to enjoy the marine landscape that is relatively different from previously visited locations.

In the afternoon visit Rábida Island, said to be unique due to the red color of its rocks and sand. The volcanic material on this island is very porous and external factors such as rain, saltwater, and sea breeze have acted as an oxidizing agent. When you arrive, enjoy a snorkeling activity, in order to learn about the marine life in this area, which is full of interesting aquatic species. 

A short walk along a trail takes you to a lagoon to observe the beautiful terrestrial birds, such as finches, pigeons, yellow warblers, and mockingbirds. This lagoon is also home to a colony of flamingos. The red sand beach, along with the animals, lagoons, and vegetation make this place an excellent location to visit.

Possible activities: Snorkeling, Walking

Day 10: Chinese Hat Island | Bartolomé Island

After a short night sailing, the sun dawns on the beautiful “Sombrero Chino” channel. This small islet is located near the southeastern coast of Santiago Island. Your visit provides an excellent opportunity for the observation and understanding of geological characteristics such as lava tubes and lava flows. The landscape is covered by colonies of sea lions, marine iguanas, and occasionally Galápagos penguins.

The trail is 700 meters (there and back) and the minimum time that is required for this hike is one hour at a moderate pace. Take your time to swim in this beautiful bay area, and be amongst sharks, stingrays, unique species of fish, and occasionally penguins, before returning to the yacht to enjoy a barbecue on the top deck. You can also spend time exploring the area with kayaks and visiting the magnificent geological formations from the surface.

Bartolomé Island is one of the most famous spots in the Galápagos, located in front of Sullivan Bay near the island of Santiago. When arriving at this unique location, have the opportunity to enter the water and swim around the famous Pinnacle Rock, and between the rocks that come out from below the surface of the water, forming an incredible labyrinth for marine life.

Later, visit the top of the island, and observe a variety of volcanic formations, including volcanic bombs, ash cones, lava flows, and lava tubes. This lunar scenery provides one of the most scenic landscapes of the archipelago.
At the second site, you'll have the opportunity to relax on a beautiful beach, which offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling. Multicolored fish, and occasionally penguins and sea turtles have been seen at the base of the Pinnacle Rock, which dominates the landscape of Bartolomé.

Possible activities: Snorkeling, Kayaking, Walking

Day 11: North Seymour Island | Disembark | Baltra

  • 1 Breakfast
North Seymour is a small island located to the north of Baltra and acts as your last visit on the itinerary aboard the Catamaran Yacht Anahí, to observe the land iguanas of Baltra.

Possible activities: Walking

On Baltra, take a bus to the Baltra Island Airport. Your amazing Galapagos journey ends here. say goodbye to your guide and companions with whom you shared this wonderful adventure.

Ship/Hotel

Anahi

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Ship Exterior
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Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$8,516 2-3 travelers
Twin Cabin
Standard Cabin
There are six cabins available on the main deck, each equipped with either a double bed or two single beds, along with a private bathroom, air conditioning, a safety box, linens, and amenities.
Matrimonial Suite Cabin
Suite Cabin
Two suites are located on the upper deck, each featuring a double bed and a sofa bed. Additionally, each suite includes a private bathroom, air conditioning, a safety box, linen, and amenities.

Child Discount

Children under 12 years receive a 20% discount.

Children under 12 may receive discounts on Galapagos flight fares and entrance fees. Contact us for details.
Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 10 Dinners
  • 10 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 
  • Snorkeling and kayaking equipment is included in the cruise cost and available for your use on board.
  • Water, coffee, and tea.
  • Transfers in Galapagos from/to the Yacht Anahi when guests arrive on the flights purchased through the main ship operator
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 - $10/day, or $20 for 4-day tours, $25 for 5-day tours, and $40 for 8-day tours.

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