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Snorkeling near the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Northern Galapagos Catamaran Cruise

Example 5 Day Cruise aboard Ocean Spray
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Explore the northern islands of the Galapagos on this 5 day cruise aboard the Ocean Spray. Once on board cruise to Bartolome Island and hike to the summit of the volcano for panoramic views. You also will trek through mangroves and view tidal pools teeming with sea lions and reef fish on Genovesa Island. In addition, snorkel along side school of fish, rays, sea lions and if you're lucky, penguins! There is no shortage of excitement on this short cruise around the northern islands! 
Marine Iguanas in tidal poolPinnacle rock on BartolomeSea lions napping on a dock in the GalapagosTidal pool on SantiagoSnorkeling near the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Highlights
  • Hike 375 stairs to the summit of Bartolome for panoramic views
  • Trek through mangroves and view Nazca boobies & swallow-tailed gulls
  • Snorkel in search of octopi, moray eel, and schools of fish
Activities
Places Visited
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 | Bartolome

Upon arrival, reception and assistance at the airport, transfer from Baltra Airport to the M/C Ocean Spray.

Pinnacle Rock is a volcanic cone formed by magma expelled by an underwater volcano. The sea cooled the hot lava and as it exploded from contact, the pieces formed together this huge rock of many, many layers of basalt. The huge rock also has a beach where a small population of green sea turtles will nest during the breeding season. Galapagos penguins gather here and swimming can offer beautiful sights of colorful schools of fish and curious sea lions.
Activities: Hike, snorkel, and panga ride
Difficulty: Moderate
Landing: Wet Landing
Possible Wildlife: Galapagos penguins, sally lightfoot crabs, sea lions, rays, sea turtles, sharks, various tropical fish, and various shore birds.

Day 2: Darwin Bay | El Barranco, Genovesa

Darwin Bay used to be a shield volcano, now you can see where one of the sides of its caldera collapsed after hundreds of years of erosion. It is known for the wide variety of birds that can be seen. Over 20,000 red-footed boobies are estimated to call this island home within the trees and bushes of Genovesa Island. Activities: Hike, panga ride, snorkel
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Landing: Wet Landing
Possible Wildlife: Red-footed boobies, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, finches, various shorebirds, rays, tropical fish species, marine iguanas, and sea lions.

In English, this visitor site is also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps. It leads to a rocky path up a cliff that rewards guests with a remarkable view. It is also home to a Palo Santo forest that is home to the nesting red-footed boobies and other shorebirds.
Activities: Hike, panga ride, snorkel
Difficulty: Moderate
Landing: Dry Landing
Possible Wildlife: Red-footed boobies, storm petrels, Galapagos doves, short-eared owls, sea turtles, rays, sharks, sea lions, and marine iguanas.

Day 3: Espumilla Beach | Buccaneer Cove | Egas Port, Santiago

As the second Island Charles Darwin discovered, it was originally named after King James of England. Buccaneer Cove is an excellent opportunity for snorkeling and was once a refuge for passing sailors and pirates. The underwater formations provide an amazing home for the many different tropical species of fish that can be found here.
Activities: Snorkeling and swimming, a short walk on the beach
Difficulty: Easy
Landing: Wet Landing
Possible Wildlife: Marine iguanas, sea lions, various shorebirds, tropical fish species, rays, sea turtles, sally lightfoot crabs.

Egas port is also known as James Bay, home to quick-footed Galapagos lava lizards. There are grottos and tide pools housing all kinds of different marine species. This is also one of the best snorkeling sites in the Galapagos.
Activities: Snorkeling, hike
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Landing: Wet Landing
Possible Wildlife: Fur sea lions, Galapagos hawks, oyster-catchers, marine iguanas, finches, sharks, sea turtles, tropical fish.

Day 4: North Seymour | Highlands, Santa Cruz

The island was named after the English nobleman Lord Hugh Seymour. Formed by uplifted submarine lava, the island is home to a huge colony of about 2,500 land iguanas and large populations of sea lions, blue-footed boobies, common noddies, and frigatebirds. Along the coast, it is possible to see land and marine iguanas and the biggest colony of Magnificent Frigatebirds.
Activities: Snorkeling, panga ride, hike
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Landing: Dry Landing
Possible Wildlife: Land and marine iguanas, frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, common noddies, sea lions.

The Highlands of Santa Cruz is a very interesting site due to the rich wildlife, hills, ferns, volcanoes, and lava tubes present. Exploring the lava tubes is a surreal and unique experience. Here you can see all the different agricultural zones that are present in the Galapagos in one place. The variety of birds makes this a bird watcher's delight.
Activities: Hike
Difficulty: Moderate
Landing: Dry Landing
Possible Wildlife: Wild Galapagos Tortoises, various shorebirds, and lava lizards.

Day 5: Mosquera Islet | Disembark | Baltra

  • 1 Breakfast
This visitor site is located between the islands of Baltra and North Seymour. It is a reef of rocks and coral (the result of an uprising) and a great white sand beach. Its narrowest width reaches about 160 meters and has an estimated length of 600 meters. In most of the perimeter, there is a base of lava rocks, as evidence of the lava uprising, except on the southwest side where the landing occurs. This island has one of the largest populations of sea lions. You can also observe several species of shorebirds. There have been occasional reports at this site of Orcas (Orcinus orca) feeding on sea lions.
Activities: Short walk
Difficulty: Easy
Landing: Wet Landing
Possible Wildlife: Sea lions, various shorebirds, frigate birds, sally lightfoot crabs.

After this last visit, transfer to Baltra airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador. Assistance and farewell at the airport.

Ship/Hotel

Ocean Spray

Ocean Spray exterior

Ocean Spray

Ocean Spray offers the best performance and comfort for a Galapagos cruise. With an elegant design, the Ocean Spray carries 16 guests on luxurious Galapagos cruises of 4, 6, 8 and 15-days.
Ocean Spray Exterior
Interior Social Area
Ocean Spray Dining area

Dates & Prices

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Deals

Early Bird Discount 24852
Take advantage of exclusive discounts with our Early Bird promotion. We're extending 2024 rates into 2025, allowing you to enjoy the same great value for an incredible experience aboard Ocean Spray and at the serene La Selva Eco-Lodge in the Amazon.

This offer is available for new bookings only and cannot be combined with other discounts. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for further details.
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Golden Weeks! 26168
Book now and secure your dream adventure with all the comforts! Enjoy a 10% DISCOUNT on all our luxury Galapagos cruises.
This special offer also includes:
  • Round flight to Galapagos.
  • National Park entrance fee
  • Transit Control Card
  • WiFi on board
This offer is valid only for new bookings, subject to availability, and cannot be combined with other discounts. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
 
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Last Minute Special! 26221
Take advantage of our Last Minute deals for November and December 2024 departures! Enjoy special rates on our luxury catamarans in the Galapagos Islands.

This offer is valid only for new bookings, subject to availability, and cannot be combined with other discounts. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
 
Applies to Dec 10, 2024 departure
Per person starting at
$5,190 2-3 travelers
Ocean Spray Twin Cabin
Deluxe Cabins
Located on the main and upper decks, all cabins feature luxurious amenities, private bath facilities and private balconies.
Ocean Spray Single cabin
Single Cabin
Cabin 9 (194 ft² / 18 mt²). Located on the main deck, all cabins feature luxurious amenities, private bath facilities, and private balconies.

Notes

Please provide your wetsuite size in advance prior to trip

Child Discount

25% discount for children under age 12 at time of Galapagos cruise when traveling with two adults in a triple room. 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
  • Snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, kayaks, and paddleboards are all included in the cruise cost and are available for your use onboard.
  • 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
  • Soft drinks and juices
  • Complimentary internet
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

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