Get ready to enjoy an awesome 4-day cruise that explores the highlights of the central and eastern islands of the Galapagos. Indulge yourself in the picturesque beauty of the unique landscape, relax on the beach, do some exploratory snorkeling, and wander through the islands of this archipelago. This covers some of the most amazing islands of the Galapagos and will leave you wanting to come back for more. Consider extending your stay, as a 4-day trip is just too little time!
Highlights
Snorkel and sunbath at the volcanic Cerro Brujo
Learn about Galapagos conservation at the giant tortoise breeding center
Board the Legend, a 100 passenger expedition vessel perfect for families
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Departing from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra for a 2:30 hour flight. Upon arrival passengers are picked up at the airport by our naturalist guides and taken on a ten-minute bus drive to the pier to board the M/V Galapagos Legend.
This flat, uplifted, island is an important spot to see both magnificent and great frigatebird males courting the females by clicking, bill-clapping, shuddering and flapping their wings, all while showing off their grossly inflated, bright red, gular pouch. You will also likely see courting blue-footed boobies displaying their unique feet while `dancing´ to a prospective mate. Sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls, crashing surf and distant views of the Daphne Islands top off a great visit.
Highlights: Two species of frigatebirds: magnificent & great, swallow-tailed gulls, nesting colony of blue-footed boobies.
Disembarking: dry landing
Physical Condition: medium
Type of terrain: rocky & sandy
Activities: 1 hour 45 min hike / 1 hour glass-bottom boat or deep water snorkeling
Considered the most iconic landscape of the entire archipelago the view from the top of Bartolome Island, overlooking the famous Pinnacle Rock and the austere Santiago Island beyond, is well worth the climb up the wooden boardwalk. This volcanic scene has often been likened to a lunar landscape. Your subsequent snorkel here might put us face to face with Galapagos penguins, white-tipped reef sharks and playful sea lions.
Highlights: Landscape, Pinnacle Rock, penguins, blue-footed boobies.
Disembarking: dry landing
Physical Condition: medium
Type of terrain: wooden path of 372 stairs.
Activities: 45 min glass-bottom boat or 45 min beach snorkeling / 30 min dinghy ride / 45 min hike
Wet landing. Although, when viewed from the sea, the site does not look especially interesting visitors are always totally enthralled by the amazing beds of pahoehoe lava from the recent flow on the island. It is a landscape and macro photographer´s dream. The importance of pioneer plants such as the tiny Mollugo will be discussed as you hike over the lava. After your land visit you can enjoy a refreshing snorkel in the company of sea lions, turtles and rays.
Difficulty level: Demanding
Type of terrain: flat volcanic lava
Duration: 1:30-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling / beach time
Sea lions will greet you as you land on the beach and prepare for your climb to a high point on the steep eroded tuff cone. This is the only place in the islands where you will enjoy the chance to see all three of the booby species in the same place. The red-foots will be perched on the Cordia lutea and small trees, the Nazca´s on the ground near the cliff edge while the blue-foots will be a little further inland. Frigatebirds will be all around and the views are breathtaking.
Highlights: Magnificent viewpoints, colony of sea lions, 3 bobby species and 2 frigatebirds.
Disembarking: wet landing
Physical Condition: medium
Type of terrain: rocky
Activities: 2 hour hike / 1 hour beach snorkeling or 45 min kayaking
From your dinghy ride, as you head to shore, you are first humbled by the immensity of the stunning cliffs of ‘Sorcerer´s Hill’. You can enjoy simply sharing the beach with sea lions, snorkeling from shore or take a walk to a hidden lagoon where you might spot black-necked stilts, ruddy turnstones, whimbrels and white-cheeked pintails.
Highlights: extensive marine wildlife.
Disembarking: wet landing
Physical Condition: low
Type of terrain: sandy
Activities: 45 min dinghy ride / 1 hour 30 min beach snorkeling or 45 min kayaking
Day 4: Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve | Disembark | San Cristobal Airport
1 Breakfast
In the moist highlands of San Cristobal, you will visit the giant tortoise breeding center “La Galapaguera” to witness the most iconic creature of the archipelago in its various life stages. The tortoises wander in a semi-natural habitat which lends itself to good photographic opportunities. The aim of the reserve is to help restore populations of the threatened San Cristobal tortoise back into the wild. In town, there are shops to purchase local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Highlights: Giant tortoises in semi-captivity, beautiful landscape on bus ride to La Galapaguera, miconia plant zone.
Disembarking: dry landing
Physical Condition: medium
Type of Terrain: sandy
Activities: 1 hour 30 min bus ride round-trip / 1 hour 15 min visit
After the visit, guests will be transferred to San Cristobal 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.
$2,0202-3 travelers
Standard Cabin
Averaging 140 sq. ft. Two interior cabins located on the Earth Deck, with double or twin bed options. These cabins donĀ“t have exterior views.
Standard Plus Cabin
Averaging 118 sq. ft. Six cabins are located on the Sea and Earth Deck, with double or twin bed options, and portholes. Include reusable bottles and a crossbody bag as souvenirs.
Junior Suite
Averaging 161 sq. ft. Twenty-four suites are located on the Earth Deck with double or triple bed options. 4 larger cabins can be booked in quadruple occupancy. Include two panoramic windows on each cabin, reusable bottles, and a crossbody bag as souvenirs.
Balcony Suite
Averaging 237 sq. ft. Four balcony suites on the Moon Deck and six balcony suites located on the Sky Deck, with double, and triple bed options. Include panoramic view windows, a private balcony, a complimentary bottle of champagne, top of line amenities & bathrobe, reusable bottles and a crossbody bag as souvenirs.
Legend Balcony Suite
Averaging 355 sq. ft. One suite located on the Moon Deck with double, and triple bed options. Includes a generously large balcony, exclusive & exquisite decorations, with a complimentary bottle of champagne, top of line amenities & bathrobe, reusable bottles and a crossbody bag as souvenirs.
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 + Internal Flight Cost, 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)
Shore Excursions, Swimming and Snorkeling
Transfers and Baggage Handling in the Galapagos
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.
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Kassandra is knowledgeable, efficient and very pleasant to work with.
Fred Weeman
1 month ago
Info was accurate and delivered quickly so that a decision could be made. This is my second trip with Adventure Life.
Bill BASLER
1 month 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
1 month ago
Plans were described and booked with efficiency and speed. Adventure LIfe is outstanding in travel planning.
Laurel Hansen
2 months 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.