Experience the highlights of the Galapagos' northern islands on this 5-day adventure! Travel from beautiful Santa Cruz Island, to wildlife-rich Genovesa, to fascinating Santiago, exploring many destinations in between. Snorkel, kayak, and become acquainted with the archipelago's friendly and fearless endemic wildlife species during your cruise on the Galapagos Odyssey.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Begin your Galapagos adventure with a visit to Dragon Hill. Located in northwestern Santa Cruz, a walk up the hill affords breathtaking views of the bay and surrounding islands below. Along the way, stop at a hyper-saline lagoon, home to a variety of bird species including flamingos and pintail ducks.
Travel to Rabida Island, known for the striking red color of its rocks and beaches. Take a short walk leading to a coastal lagoon. Here you can observe a myriad of entertaining birds, including finches, doves, yellow warblers, mocking birds, and flamingos.
In the afternoon, head to Chinese Hat. This small islet is named for its conical shape. It features many interesting lava tubes and flows, in addition to other evidence of its recent volcanic formation. The island is also home to sea lion colonies, marine iguanas, and Galapagos penguins.
In the morning, head to Darwin Bay. The island of Genovesa is a birdwatcher's paradise, home to an array of species. Enjoy the beautiful white coral beach and wander along a trail through nesting sites and mangrove forests. The trail's terminus is at cliff's edge, rewarding visitors with an incredible view of the island below.
The southern portion of Darwin Bay features El Barranco, a trail leading hikers up to a gorgeous plateau, perfect for admiring the picturesque beach.
Enjoy the morning on Bartolomé Island, touted as one of the most scenic in the archipelago. Reaching an altitude of 114 meters, Bartolomé offers stunning views of the Galapagos' volcanic features, including cones, lunar-like craters, lava fields, and the famous Toba pinnacle.
In the afternoon, travel on to Santiago, a volcanically active island located in the west-central area of the archipelago. Explore Santiago's lava flows, which can still be seen threading across the island, and are even visible from the far reaches of outerspace!
Day 5: Santa Cruz Island - Highlands - Baltra
1 Breakfast
Explore the highlands of Santa Cruz. Take a trail through the island, enjoying its distinctive vegetation zones, rolling hills, and extinct volcanic cones.
Before your departure, visit Baltra, an uplifted island rich in wildlife and unique in terrain. Enjoy the antics of the marine birds and the beauty of the rocky shoreline as you traverse the island.
This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Galapagos Cruises & Tours.
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.
Lower Deck
One cabin on the Lower Deck with a queen size bed, which can be used for single occupancy. Private bath facilities, individual A/C, mini-bar, desk, closet & phone.
Main Deck
2 convertible twin cabins and 2 matrimonial cabins on the main deck and 2 convertible twin cabins on the upper deck. Private bath facilities, individual A/C, mini-bar, desk, closet & phone.
Upper Deck
2 convertible twin cabins and 2 suite cabins on the Upper Deck. Private bath facilities, individual A/C, mini-bar, desk, closet & phone.
Child Discount
20% discount for children under age 12 at the 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 35% ($400 minimum), 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
5 Breakfasts, 3 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
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.
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.
Wetsuits are not included but are available for rent on board- $30 for 5-day tours, $36 for 6-day tours, $60 for 10-day tours, $66 for 11-day tours, and $90 for 15-day tours.
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.
Plans were described and booked with efficiency and speed. Adventure LIfe is outstanding in travel planning.
Laurel Hansen
3 weeks 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
3 weeks ago
Super smooth with questions answered & booking in just 2 days with Mary Curry. AND, the price was great!
Roger Allen
1 month ago
I am still finalizing plans with Adventure Life. So far my interaction with travel expert agents have been great!!
Carla Sottovia, PhD
1 month ago
I wasnt thrilled with the island choices offered on our dates but my friend suggested cruising and you have good reviews
