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Isabela rock with birds

Northwestern Galapagos Cruise

Example 10 Day Cruise aboard Sea Star Journey
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This Galapagos cruise highlights the archipelago's beautiful northern islands. Known for their striking volcanic features, pristine white sand beaches, and peaceful lagoons, these islands are a great place to get to know the Galapagos! Kayaking, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing opportunities abound on this 10-day cruise.
Travelers take a zodiac through the waters of the Galapagos.Pinnacle rock in BartolomeHike to the top of Bartolome IslandHiking in search of giant tortoises.Isabela rock with birds
Highlights
  • Visit a hyper-saline lagoon, a favorite site for native flamingos
  • Explore Chinese Hat, featuring lava tubes and flows
  • Hike across Santa Cruz Island through agricultural and Miconia zones
  • Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station & learn about local conservation
Activities
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: Baltra | Embark | Dragon Hill | Santa Cruz Island

Begin your Galapagos adventure on the island of Baltra, part of a pair known as the Seymour Islands. Baltra was created by geological uplift and has a variety of endemic species such as salt bushes, prickly pear cactus, and palo santo trees. Bird life is also plentiful here, and very entertaining!

In the afternoon, travel on to Dragon Hill. Located on Santa Cruz Island, this area boasts a hyper-saline lagoon, a favorite site of native flamingos. Climb up the hill and enjoy breathtaking views of the bay below.

Day 2: Black Turtle Cove | Chinese Hat

Today's adventures begin with a trip to Black Turtle Cove. Black Turtle is a unique and secluded destination; a quiet red mangrove lagoon that serves as a nursery for large schools of reef and hammer head sharks, as well as golden and spotted eagle rays. Paddle into the cove and enjoy viewing these fascinating creatures up-close.

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.

Day 3: Genovesa

This morning will find you in Darwin Bay, on lovely Genovesa Island. This island 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.

Day 4: Bartolomé | Santiago

This morning head to Bartolomé Island, site of some of the most beautiful landscape in the archipelago. Volcanic evidence is all over the island: volcanic cones, lunar-like craters, and the famous Toba pinnacle. Bartolomé's two beaches are not only breathtaking, they're also home to marine turtles and a small colony of Galapagos penguins.

After leaving Bartolomé, travel to Santiago Island. Santiago is an active volcano and the fourth largest island in the archipelago.

Day 5: Santa Cruz Island | Charles Darwin Center | Highlands

This morning explore the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Hike through the island's agricultural zone, Miconia zone, as well as the Fern and Sedge zone. Take in the beautiful scenery of the rolling hills and grassy volcanic cones as you peruse the island.

This afternoon visit the Charles Darwin Station. Here you will learn about Galapagos conservation efforts, visiting the Van Staelen Exhibition Hall, the Breeding and Rearing Center for Galapagos tortoises, and the general information center. Enjoy learning about the protection of the species you've been observing throughout your trip.

Day 6: Isabela

This morning enjoy a zodiac ride through the Tintoreras, a group of small islands off of Isabela's coast. The Tintoreras are named for the white-tipped reef sharks that call these waters home, and are also a great place to spot Galapagos penguins and sea lions.

In the afternoon, explore Isabela's Sierra Negra Volcano. Hike up the highland slope to the rim of Sierra Negra. From here, take in breathtaking vistas of the volcano's 5-mile-wide crater, nearby Perry Isthmus, and the surrounding islands. Continue on to Chico Volcano, observing striking lava flows along the way.

Day 7: Isabela

Visit Punta Moreno this morning, on the north coast of Isabela. Wander along a trail that follows a Pahohoe lava flow into a group of coastal lagoons. This area is know for the spectacular bird species that inhabit its lakes and mangroves.

In the afternoon, take a zodiac ride through to Marielas Islet, home of the largest and most prominent Galapagos penguin colony. Your journey will take you into a red mangrove cove where turtles, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, brown pelicans, sea lions, and schools of pompano and dorado fish are frequently spotted.

Day 8: Fernandina | Isabela

Explore Punta Espinoza this morning, on the northeastern tip of Fernandina Island. This site is a mecca for rare wildlife, most notably the flightless comorant and marine iguanas.

In the afternoon, tour the cliffs of Tagus Cove in a zodiac, disembarking for a 30 minute hike to the cliff-top. From here, enjoy views of Darwin Lake, surrounding volcanoes, and cliff-side graffiti written by pirates centuries ago.

Day 9: Santiago

Today journey to Santiago Island, hitting Espumilla beach in the morning. This beach provides an important nesting site for marine turtles and is abutted by the beautiful Palo Santo forest.

After Esupmilla, head to the west side of the island for a visit to Puerto Egas. This black sand beach was formed by volcanic tuff deposits and is considered Santiago's main attraction.

Day 10: Lobos | San Cristobal | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Before departing the Galapagos today, travel to Isla Lobos. Traverse this quaint island, admiring blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and sea lions along the way.

After visiting Lobos, transfer to the airport in San Cristobal for your departing flight.

Ship/Hotel

Sea Star Journey

Stunning sunsets aboard the Galapagos Sea Star
Galapagos Sea Star Journey
Sea Star Journey

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Galapagos Cruises & Tours.
Sea Star Journey
Galapagos Suite
Main and Upper Deck. Two Twin Beds. Approximately 25m2.
Sea Star Journey
Balcony Suite
Main Deck. Approximately 25m2.
Sea Star Journey
Sea Star Suite
Upper Deck. Approximately 35m2.

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.
Included
  • 9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
  • 9 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.
  • Internal Flights: Mainland Ecuador - Galapagos - Mainland Ecuador: $475-675
  • Wetsuits are not included but are available to rent on board - $8/day, or $30 for 5-day and 6-day tours.

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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!
Justin Chappelle
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