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Pinnacle rock on Bartolome

Galapagos Southern + Central Islands Cruise

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Letty
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This 8-day cruise of Galapagos' Southern Islands on the Letty yachts explores the islands of Espanola, Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and more. Kayak and paddle board along island shores, swim and snorkel among sea lions, and enjoy breathtaking views on hikes.
Zodiacs ferry staff out to the boat for the tripSeals rest on the rocky shores with brightly colored crabs while sea turtles swim below.A South Plaza land iguana(Espanola) Sea Lion and her pupPinnacle rock on Bartolome
Highlights
  • Hike across islands covered in cacti
  • Kayak and stand up paddle board along island coastlines
  • Admire the distinctive biodiversity of the Galapagos
  • Encounter giant tortoises in their natural habitat
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: Embark on San Cristobal

San Cristobal is the easternmost island in the Galapagos archipelago and, geologically, one of the oldest. Spot nesting colonies of frigatebirds and cruise around Kicker Rock, a cone formation which rises nearly 500 feet out of the sea.

Day 2: San Cristobal

Arrive at Cerro Brujo, a breathtaking white coral beach. Cerro Brujo is considered to be one of the most pristine in the Galapagos Islands and is ideal for birders and short walks. Snorkel or swim with sea lions or take a Zodiac ride.

Day 3: Espanola

Punta Suarez, Espanola, offers the highest range of endemic species in Galapagos. Land on the beach as sea lions greet and observe your movements. Colonies of blue-footed boobies are found engaging in sky-pointing, a technique used to show off for future mates. Snorkel and swim with sea lions in the shallows or sit on the beach and observe Sally Light-foot crabs skirt across the lava rocks.

Day 4: Floreana

Step ashore at Punta Cormorant, one of the only populated islands in the Galapagos archipelago. This island is intriguing, presenting a rich human history with that of the animals. Hike along a trail towards a lagoon, home to several species of birds including the greater flamingo. Sea turtles lay their eggs in sand dunes and rays swim and occasionally jump in the shallow water. Snorkel at Devil’s Crown or Champion, shallow sunken craters known for their fish and coral inhabitants.

Day 5: Santa Cruz Island

**Since Aug 2020, yachts are no longer able to visit Darwin Station as regularly listed in the day description below. We expect these restrictions to lift at some point in the future.**

Travel by bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Watch as the scenery changes, eventually covering each of the seven vegetation zones represented in the Galapagos. Visit Las Primicias, a private farm where you can encounter giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Stop at the tunnels, the largest lava tubes found in Galapagos, then visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Day 6: Santa Cruz Island | Bartolome | Chinese Hat

Stop at Bartolome, an island which is largely inhospitable to most plants and wildlife. Hike a 30-minute trail to the summit of a dormant volcano. Admire lava bombs, spatter, and cinder cones caused by old eruptions. Snorkel in the clear water with schools of tropical fish and Galapagos penguins or take a ride on the zodiac.

Travel to Sombrero Chino (Chinese Hat) which owes its name to its unique hat-like shape. Explore a sea lion colony and take a seaside trail through the island's volcanic landscape.

Day 7: South Plaza Island | North Seymour

Visit South Plaza, a small geological uplift with tall cliffs, featuring spectacular views. Take a trail through Prickly Pear or Opuntia and Sesuvium forests, often finding Galapagos landiIguanas feeding on cactus leaves. Encounter a colony of bachelor sea lions and observe their rights of power. These dominant bulls are in various stages of recovery from battles lost over prime beach territory.

Day 8: Disembark on San Cristobal

  • 1 Breakfast
Visit the Interpretation Center and gain a more complete understanding of the natural and human history of the Islands.

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your connecting flight to the mainland.

Ship/Hotel

Letty

Delicious meals served in the Dining Room on the Eric, Letty and Flamingo
Friendly crew and guides will ensure your trip to the Galapagos is memorable
Snorkeling in the Galapagos.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Galapagos Cruises & Tours.
Letty ship in the Galapagos
Triple
Iguana Deck cabins # 9 & 10 have two twin lower beds and one upper berth with porthole windows. These two cabins can be sold as triples.(Cabins average 110 square feet.)
Letty ship in the Galapagos
Iguana Deck
Cabins #7 & 8 have two twin lower beds and porthole windows. Cabins # 9 & 10 have two twin lower beds and one upper berth with porthole windows. These two cabins can be sold as triples.(Cabins average 110 square feet.)
Letty ship in the Galapagos
Booby Deck
Cabins # 5 & 6 cabins have one double bed and picture windows. (Cabins average 90 square feet.)
Letty ship in the Galapagos
Dolphin Deck
Cabins #1,3 & 4 have two twin lower beds and picture windows. Please inquire to see if rooms can be arranged to have a double bed. Cabin # 2 has one double bed and picture window. (Cabins average 95 square feet.)

Notes

Travelers on this yacht need to pre-pay the Galapagos Islands National Park Fee.
Stand up paddle boards are also available and included in the cruise price.

Child Discount

25% discount for children age 11 and younger at time of Galapagos cruise. 15% discount for children age 12-17 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.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Please note that your cruise has an open bar policy which includes white, red and sparkling wine, beer, spirits, juice, sodas, coffee and tea 24/7. 
  • 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.
  • Wetsuits are available free of charge on a first come, first serve basis. Reserve a suit for your exclusive use for $25
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
  • If you are traveling to the Galapagos, your crew will work very hard to make your Galapagos adventure most enjoyable.  At the end of the voyage, tips will be collected and distributed among your guide and other members of the crew. Gratuities or tips are always at your discretion.

    For passengers on the MV Origin, it is recommended that you budget a $350-400 gratuity per person, per week. For passengers on the Letty, it is recommended that you budget a $250-300 gratuity per person, per week. This is, of course, if you are pleased with the service on board.

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider

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