Integrity Galapagos Cruise

Spend the morning at Gardner Bay, known for its beautiful white-sand beach and sheltered waters. Relax on the shore, observe the sea lion colony, or enjoy opportunities to swim and snorkel in the surrounding waters.

In the afternoon, explore Punta Suárez, one of Española Island’s richest wildlife sites. Follow a trail along the cliffs to observe seabird colonies, marine iguanas, and other native species, with opportunities to spot waved albatrosses during their breeding season.

• Activity:Hiking, Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single accommodations.

Visit Pitt Point on the eastern tip of San Cristóbal, where a beach landing brings you close to a colony of Galápagos sea lions. Look for males resting along the shore and observe the wildlife that gathers around this rugged coastal habitat.

Later, head to Witch Hill on the island’s northern coast. Explore its eroded volcanic landscape and sandy beach, taking in the striking coastal scenery and looking for seabirds and other wildlife. The area also offers opportunities for snorkeling in clear waters.

• Activity:Hiking, Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single accommodations.

Explore Santa Fe Island, one of the archipelago’s older volcanic formations. Follow a trail through its distinctive vegetation in search of the endemic Santa Fe land iguana, and enjoy the island’s sheltered bay and coastal scenery.

In the afternoon, visit South Plaza, a small island with an impressive concentration of wildlife. Look for land iguanas among the prickly pear cacti, sea lions along the shore, and seabirds soaring above the island’s steep southern cliffs.

• Activity:Hike, Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single accommodations.

Land on Darwin Bay’s white coral beach and follow an easy trail through mangroves and coastal vegetation. Genovesa is renowned for its birdlife, including red-footed and Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and other seabirds that nest around the bay.

Later, visit Prince Philip’s Steps, where natural rock formations provide access to the island’s plateau. Follow the trail through seabird nesting areas and across volcanic terrain, with opportunities to observe the island’s remarkable bird colonies and enjoy panoramic views.

• Activity:Hiking, Walking.
• Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single accommodations.

Explore Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, where a trail crosses a striking landscape of relatively young lava flows. The unusual formations offer a close look at the volcanic processes that shaped the Galápagos, with occasional pioneer plants emerging from the dark rock.

In the afternoon, visit Bartolomé Island, famous for its views of Pinnacle Rock and the surrounding volcanic coastline. Climb the wooden steps to the summit viewpoint, approximately 375 feet (114 meters) above sea level, for sweeping views of the island and its twin beaches. You may also have the opportunity to snorkel in the clear waters nearby.

• Activity:Snorkeling, Hiking.
• Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single accommodations.

Visit Rábida Island, known for its distinctive red-sand beach and iron-rich volcanic landscape. Explore the shoreline and surrounding trails, keeping an eye out for sea lions, marine iguanas, and seabirds. The island’s unusual colors make it one of the archipelago’s most distinctive landscapes.

Later, explore Chinese Hat, a small volcanic islet just off the southeastern coast of Santiago Island. Walk along the coast to see its rugged lava formations and turquoise waters, and look for sea lions, marine iguanas, and Galápagos penguins. The sheltered channel also offers opportunities for snorkeling.

• Activity:Hiking, Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single accommodations.

Return to Baltra Island as your Galápagos cruise comes to an end. After saying goodbye to the Integrity’s captain and crew, transfer to the airport in time for your flight back to mainland Ecuador.

• Activity:Hiking, Departure.
• Meal:Breakfast.

Visit Cormorant Point, where two distinctive beaches showcase the island’s varied geology: one with green sand colored by olivine crystals and another with fine white sand known as Flour Beach. At nearby Champion Islet, snorkel among sea lions, sea turtles, rays, and colorful reef fish.

Later, head to Post Office Bay, where whalers established a barrel in the 18th century to exchange letters. The tradition continues today, with visitors leaving postcards and carrying those addressed to places they can deliver them.

• Activity:Snorkeling, Hiking.
• Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins

Explore Punta Moreno’s striking lava fields, where volcanic formations and natural pools reveal the island’s geological history. Look for flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, and other birds around the brackish lagoons, and enjoy panoramic views of Isabela’s volcanic peaks.

Later, explore Elizabeth Bay by panga, navigating sheltered waters fringed by mangroves. Watch for sea turtles, flightless cormorants, penguins, rays, and other wildlife in this protected coastal habitat.

• Activity:Snorkeling, Walking.
• Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins

Visit Urbina Bay, where a dramatic geological uplift exposed sections of an underwater reef in 1950. Walk among raised coral formations and look for yellow land iguanas, giant tortoises, flightless cormorants, and other wildlife along the coast.

In the afternoon, explore Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island, known for its extensive marine iguana colonies and rugged lava shoreline. Follow the trails to observe seabirds and other native species, or snorkel in the surrounding waters in search of marine iguanas, sea lions, sea turtles, and rays.

• Activity:Hiking, Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins

Explore Tagus Cove, a historic anchorage once frequented by whalers and pirates. Walk to viewpoints overlooking Darwin Lake, a saltwater lake within a volcanic crater, and take in views of the surrounding coastline and volcanic peaks. Snorkeling in the cove offers opportunities to see tropical fish and other marine life.

Later, head to Vicente Roca Point, where cold ocean currents support a rich underwater ecosystem. Snorkel in the sheltered coves and look for sea turtles, rays, puffer fish, and sea lions. Penguins and seabirds, including blue-footed and Nazca boobies, may be spotted along the coast.

• Activity:Walking, Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins

Explore Puerto Egas, also known as James Bay, where dark volcanic shores, tidal pools, and rocky formations provide habitat for shorebirds and reptiles. Walk along the coastline and look for marine iguanas and sea lions, then snorkel in the clear water in search of rays, sea turtles, and reef sharks.

Later, visit Buccaneer Cove, a dramatic stretch of coastline marked by towering cliffs and rock formations. Explore the area by panga and look for seabirds nesting along the cliffs, with opportunities to observe the cove’s marine life from the water.

• Activity:Walking, Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins

Visit North Seymour Island, renowned for its abundant wildlife and seabird colonies. Follow the trails to observe blue-footed boobies performing courtship displays, magnificent frigatebirds nesting in low bushes, and sea lions and marine iguanas moving along the paths.

In the afternoon, relax on the white sands of Las Bachas Beach, an important nesting site for sea turtles. Look for Sally Lightfoot crabs along the water’s edge and watch for flamingos, black-necked stilts, hermit crabs, and other wildlife around the nearby lagoons.

• Activity:Hiking, Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or Single accommodation.

After breakfast, say goodbye to the Integrity’s crew and transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador. Your eight-day Galápagos cruise concludes with memories of the archipelago’s extraordinary wildlife, volcanic landscapes, and marine environments.

• Activity:Walking, Departure.
• Meal:Breakfast.