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. 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.
Galapagos giant tortoises can be seen in the wild in the highlands of Santa Cruz.
Visit the Charles Darwin Station a research facility and National Park Information Center. The Charles Darwin Station has a giant tortoise and land iguana breeding program and interpretation center.
Activities: Walking
South Plaza Island or Plazas consists of two very small islands that were uplifted from the sea, separated by a channel. Only South Plazas has a visitor site. The highlights include tall Opuntia cactus, land and marine iguanas, a rocky cliff that looks out towards the open ocean which is also a nesting site for red-billed tropic birds and gulls, and a seal lion bachelor colony.
Activities: Walking
Santa Fe Island is a smaller island of 24 km2. The visitor site Santa Fe is located on the northeast end of the island. Highlights include Santa Fe land iguanas, pelican nesting site, sea lion colony, mockingbird, and Palo Santo trees.
Activities: Walking, Kayaking, Panga ride, Snorkeling
San Cristóbal Island (Chatham) is the easternmost island of the Galapagos and also one of the oldest.
Witch Hill (Cerro Brujo) is a volcanic cone that looks over a beautiful white sandy beach that has plenty of sea lions, pelicans, blue-footed boobies, waders, and marine iguanas.
Activities: Walking, Kayaking, Panga ride, Snorkeling
El Junco Lagoon is the only freshwater reservoir in Galapagos and has great views from its altitude of 700m in the highlands of San Cristóbal. Rainwater has been collected in the caldera for hundreds of years and formed this lagoon.
Activities: Walking
Galapaguera is a good area to see tortoises in their natural environment.
Activities: Walking
Hood Island (Española) is the oldest of the Southern Islands and is the southernmost in the archipelago. Because of its remote location, a unique range of endemic species evolved here
Gardner Bay is located on the northeast of the island, the site has a long and beautiful white sand beach inhabited by sea lion colonies.
Activities: Snorkeling
Islote Gardner and Islote Osborn islets are snorkeling sites where visitors will see an abundance of tropical fish, reef sharks, and turtles.
Activities: Walking, Kayaking, Snorkeling
The wildlife at Punta Suarez is plentiful and varied. Along the cliff, visitors can enjoy the blowhole where seawater is forced about 20m into the air. The highlights are the Waved albatross (April-Dec) that are only found on Hood, Galapagos Hawks, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and Española lava lizards.
Activities: Walking
Floreana Island is best known for its colorful history of buccaneers, whalers, convicts, and early colonists.
Punta Cormorant has two contrasting beaches and a large inland lagoon where pink flamingos can be seen.
Activities: Walking, Panga ride, Snorkeling
Devil’s Crow is a snorkeling site located just off Punta Cormorant. The site is a completely submerged volcano that has eroded to create the appearance of a jagged crown.
Activities: Panga ride, Snorkeling
Post Office Bay is one of the few sites visited in its human history. Visit the wooden mail barrel where letters are dropped off and picked up and remains of the Norwegian fishing village.
Activities: Snorkeling
Dragon Hill or Cerro Dragon has hyper-salinic small lagoon behind the beach, often frequented by flamingos
Activities: Walking, Snorkeling
James Island is located between Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands. This Island offers a wide variety of seabirds, marine iguanas, and fur seals.
Sullivan Bay site is of great geological interest. Highlights: 100-hundred-year-old lava flow field, pahoehoe formations, and lava bubbles.
Activities: Walking, Panga ride, Snorkeling
Tower Island (Genovesa) is an eroded flat volcanic island, with a natural harbor, which is actually the submerged caldera of this volcanic island.
Darwin Bay's steep cliffs of this area dominate the island. This area is home to thousands of frigate birds, red-footed boobies, Noddy terns, lava gulls, tropicbirds, doves, storm petrels, and Darwin’s finches.
Activities: Walking, Panga ride, Snorkeling
In El Barranco, there is a good possibility of seeing the unique “Short-eared owl” at this site. During the dinghy rides along the cliffs fur seals and several species of seabirds can be spotted.
Activities: Walking, Kayaking, Panga ride, Snorkeling
Caleta Tortuga (Turtle Cove) is a red mangrove lagoon on Santa Cruz and a perfect example of how mangroves alter the marine environment to create a rich and unique habitat.
Activities: Panga ride
Galapagos giant tortoises can be seen in the wild in the Highlands of Santa Cruz. Visit the Charles Darwin Station a research facility and National Park Information Center. The Charles Darwin Station has a giant tortoise and land iguana breeding program and interpretation center.
Activities: Walking
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.
$10,7502-3 travelers
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.
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
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.