Enjoy the highlights of Baltra, Santa Cruz, Bartolome and Rabida on this incredible 4-day adventure. There is an endless list of activities to make this a very memorable trip. Snorkel in crystalline waters, roam picturesque volcanic landscapes, and observe fascinating native wildlife as you cruise through the beautiful southern archipelago. The wildlife here is abundant and the landscape is stunning to behold. Be entertained by the antics of friendly sea lions and get up close and personal with the incredible giant tortoises on this incredible vacation.
Highlights
Learn about Charles Darwin StationĀ“s efforts to preserve the environment
Walk by a brackish lagoon and look for feeding flamingos at Dragon Hill
Snorkel and swim with sea turtles and white-tipped reef sharks at Bartolome
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Departing from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Island (approx. 2 hour and 30 min flight). Arriving in the Galapagos, passengers are picked up at the airport by naturist guides to take advantage of the time in the archipelago. Then be taken directly to Santa Cruz Island for lunch. First visit of the itinerary.
Dinghy ride at the entry of the Itabaca Channel in a lagoon with turquoise water, where you can observe sharks, blue-footed boobies, and different kinds of fish.
Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: none
Activities: 1 hour dinghy ride
Be marveled at the variety of sea life that uses the crevices of the lava cliffs for shelter. Red-billed Tropicbirds fly overhead, switching between their nests and the bay, and a small colony of fur seals may be found near the landing site. Dropped off at a steep stairway that begins on rocks at the foot of a path that leads through a seabird colony full of Nazca and Red-footed Boobies. At the plateau, the trail continues inland allowing you to see more nesting booby colonies in the thin Palo Santo forest. Near the end of the trail, over a rocky lava plain, Wedge-rumped Storm Petrels can be observed flying in all directions. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a Short-eared Owl.
Difficulty level: moderate
Type of terrain: rocky-lava
Activities: 45 min walk
Disembark onto a small sand and coral beach. A short trail heads west along a tidal lagoon and then up a rocky hill that leads to a point overlooking the cliffs and Darwin Bay. Along the trail near the tidal lagoon, visitors can see pairs of Swallow-tailed Gulls, Lava Gulls, Yellow-crowned and Lava Herons. The trail continues through Palo Santo trees, Opuntia cacti, and Saltbushes inhabited by Great Frigate birds and Red-footed Boobies. This is one of the few places in the islands where visitors are guaranteed to see Red-footed Boobies. It is estimated that more than 200,000 Red-footed Boobies live in the trees and bushes of Genovesa.
Difficulty level: moderate
Type of terrain: Sand & Lava
Activities: 2 hour and 30 min walk approx / Snorkeling
Wet landing. Dark-red sand covers the unique beaches of this island, home of sea lions colonies; Rabida is considered the epicenter of the Galapagos Islands due to the diversity of its volcanic geology. Nesting brown pelicans are found from July through September plus nine species of the famous Darwin’s finches. Here a dinghy ride along marine cliffs is done, to observe nesting seabirds. Snorkel off the coast, where marine life is particularly active.
Disembarking: wet landing
Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy
Activities: 1 hour 30 min walk/ 1 hour snorkeling / 1 hour dinghy ride
Discover a fascinating landscape formed by different volcanic parasitic cones —lava bombs, spatter, cinder cones — that resembles the moon. Going up to the summit with impressive views of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone Pinnacle Rock. Encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and blue-footed boobies. Beach time is a great opportunity to do snorkeling and see the famous Galapagos Penguins, sea turtles, and White-tipped Reef Sharks among a great variety of colorful fish. For many visitors, this may turn out to be the best snorkeling experience. Crystal clear water is the perfect spot to appreciate the incredible marine life it has to offer. Due to its geographical location, the lack of vegetation is immediately noticeable however, there are pioneer plants including the endemic Tiquilia nesiotica and Chamaesyce (known as sand mat or spurge in English), lava cactus, and Scalesia bushes.
Disembarking: dry or wet landing
Difficulty level: intermediate
Type of terrain: trail made of 372 steps
Activities: 1 hour and 30 min walk / 1 hour snorkeling
Day 4: Highlands Tortoise Reserve, Santa Cruz Island | Disembark | Baltra
1 Breakfast
In the mountains of Galapagos is possible to admire different kind of birds, such as: tree and ground finches, vermillion flycatchers, paint-billed crakes, yellow warblers, and cattle egrets (usually standing on the tortoises’ shell). The journey to the reserve offers great opportunities to see the contrasts that the island offers in reference to the variety of ecosystems. The road goes from the coast through the agricultural zone and straight up to the dense humid forests. Often, Galapagos giant tortoises are also seen on the way, wandering through pastures in the paddocks. This spot is a birdwatchers’ haven, since almost every land bird present on the island lives or migrates here.
Disembarking: dry landing
Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: flat & muddy (depending on season)
Activities: 45 min drive / 1 hour and 30 min walk
After the visit, passengers are transferred to the airport for their return flight to Guayaquil or Quito.
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.
$1,8812-3 travelers
Standard Cabin
Two on Coral I and one on Coral II. Portholes, located on the Sea Deck. Average area of 75 sq ft.
*Room design may vary depending on which yacht you will sail. Please contact your trip planner for actual cabin availability.
Standard Plus Cabin
Eight on Coral I and four on Coral II. Portholes, located on the Sea Deck. Average size 128 sq ft.
*Room design may vary depending on which yacht you will sail. Please contact your trip planner for actual cabin availability.
Junior Cabin
Eight on Coral I and seven on Coral II. Picture windows, located on Earth & Sky Decks. Average size 129 sq ft.
*Room design may vary depending on which yacht you will sail. Please contact your trip planner for actual cabin availability.
Child Discount
Children under 12 years old receive a 50% discount (25% for holiday season) when sharing a cabin with two full-fare paying guests. 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 $500 per person, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days 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
3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
3 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Gear Rental: Snorkeling Gear
Bilingual Naturalist Guide
Adventure Life Pre-departure Services and In-Country Assistance (Quito Representative)
Transfers and Baggage Handling in the Galapagos
Shore Excursions, Swimming, Snorkeling and Glass Bottom Boat
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 to rent on board - $25 for 4-day and 5-day tours, $50 for 8-day, 11-day, and 12 day tours, and $75 for 15-day tours.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Info was accurate and delivered quickly so that a decision could be made. This is my second trip with Adventure Life.
Bill BASLER
2 weeks ago
Claudia does an excellent job of communicating. HOWEVERā¦you paperwork requirements are constipated ā a real impediment to doing business. Fire the lawyers or accountants over that.
STODDARD/MARK JAMES
2 weeks ago
Plans were described and booked with efficiency and speed. Adventure LIfe is outstanding in travel planning.
Laurel Hansen
1 month 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
1 month ago
Super smooth with questions answered & booking in just 2 days with Mary Curry. AND, the price was great!