Petrel Galapagos Cruise

Explore Vicente Roca Point on Isabela’s northern coast, where dramatic volcanic formations meet nutrient-rich waters influenced by the Cromwell Current. Look for Nazca and blue-footed boobies along the cliffs, and explore the sheltered coves by panga or kayak. Snorkeling offers opportunities to encounter sea lions, marine life, and, occasionally, larger visitors such as whales and dolphins.

Later, cross the Bolívar Channel to Fernandina Island, the westernmost island in the archipelago and one of its most volcanically active. At Punta Espinoza, walk across rugged lava fields beneath the imposing La Cumbre volcano. Look for colonies of marine iguanas, Galápagos penguins, and flightless cormorants along the shoreline.

• Activity:Walking, snorkeling, panga ride
• Meal:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins

Visit Tagus Cove, a historic anchorage once frequented by sailors, whalers, and pirates. Inscriptions carved into the volcanic rock recall the ships that once stopped here. Follow a trail toward Darwin Lake, a saltwater lake set within a volcanic tuff cone, and take in views of the surrounding coastline and volcanic landscape.

In the afternoon, explore Urbina Bay, where volcanic and tectonic activity caused sections of the coastline to rise above sea level, exposing former coral reefs and other marine formations. Walk across this unusual terrain and look for giant tortoises and land iguanas that inhabit the area.

• Activity:Walking, snorkeling, panga ride
• Meal:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins

Explore Elizabeth Bay by panga, navigating a sheltered inlet surrounded by mangroves and small islets. These protected waters provide habitat for sea turtles and a variety of seabirds. Watch for turtles resting or feeding near the mangrove roots as you take in the area’s quiet coastal scenery.

Later, visit Punta Moreno on Isabela’s southwestern coast. Walk across barren lava fields and look for the distinctive plant and animal life adapted to this harsh environment. You can also explore the coastline by panga or snorkel in the surrounding waters to discover the area’s marine life.

• Activity:Walking, snorkeling, panga ride
• Meal:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins

Explore the volcanic landscapes of Sierra Negra, home to one of the archipelago’s largest calderas. Discover the area’s contrasting vegetation and geological zones, and take in views of the vast volcanic terrain. The excursion may also include a visit to Volcano Chico, where relatively recent lava flows reveal the island’s ongoing volcanic activity.

Later, visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center, where conservation programs support the recovery of Isabela’s giant tortoise populations. Learn about the breeding and reintroduction efforts that help protect these distinctive subspecies.

• Activity:Walking, snorkeling, panga ride
• Meal:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins

Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, an important center for scientific research and conservation in the Galápagos. Learn about the work carried out in collaboration with the Galápagos National Park and discover ongoing efforts to protect the islands’ unique ecosystems. The station also supports giant tortoise restoration programs, from egg incubation and hatchling care to the recovery of adult populations.

In the afternoon, explore Los Gemelos, or Twin Craters, in the Santa Cruz Highlands. These large depressions formed when underground volcanic chambers collapsed, creating two striking formations along the road through the island’s interior. Follow a short trail through the surrounding Scalesia forest and enjoy the contrast between the lush highlands and the drier coastal landscape.

• Activity:Walking, snorkeling, panga ride
• Meal:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins

Explore South Plaza, a small island with an impressive concentration of native wildlife and vegetation. Look for land iguanas among the prickly pear cacti, whose pads and fruit provide an important food source. The island’s colorful ground cover and coastal cliffs also create a distinctive setting for observing seabirds and sea lions.

Later, visit Santa Fe Island, home to its own endemic land iguana and distinctive giant prickly pear cacti. Walk along the landing area, where sea lions often gather on the beach, and look for Galápagos hawks and other native wildlife. The island’s sheltered waters also offer opportunities for snorkeling and exploring by panga.

• Activity:Hiking, snorkeling, panga ride
• Meal:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins

Visit Lobos Islet, approximately an hour from San Cristóbal, where sea lions and marine iguanas are commonly seen along the shore. Depending on the season, you may also spot nesting blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds. Enjoy the peaceful coastal scenery and views of Kicker Rock in the distance.

After the excursion, transfer to San Cristóbal Airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador, bringing your Galápagos cruise to a close.

• Activity:Exploring, walking, departure
• Meal:Breakfast

Explore Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, where relatively young lava flows and unusual volcanic formations reveal the geological forces that shaped the Galápagos. Look for Galápagos fur seals along the coast as you walk across the dark, rugged landscape.

Later, visit Bartolomé Island, home to the iconic Pinnacle Rock and one of the archipelago’s most photographed views. Climb the staircase to the summit for sweeping panoramas of the surrounding islands and volcanic coastline. The nearby beach offers opportunities to swim and snorkel, with Galápagos penguins, sea turtles, sea lions, and colorful reef fish among the marine life you may encounter.

• Activity:Walking, snorkeling, panga ride
• Meal:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins

Land at Darwin Bay, a white-sand beach set within the remains of Genovesa’s collapsed volcanic caldera. Follow the trail through mangroves and coastal vegetation, where red-footed boobies nest in large numbers alongside other seabirds. Genovesa is one of the best places in the archipelago to observe these distinctive birds.

In the afternoon, explore El Barranco, also known as Prince Philip’s Steps. Climb the steep, rugged trail to the island’s plateau, where a Palo Santo forest provides nesting habitat for red-footed boobies and other seabirds. Enjoy the views across Genovesa’s dramatic volcanic landscape.

• Activity:Walking, snorkeling, panga ride
• Meal:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins

Visit Puerto Egas, also known as James Bay, where coastal trails pass dark volcanic rock formations and tidal pools. Look for lava lizards and Galápagos fur seals along the shoreline, and enjoy opportunities to snorkel in the surrounding waters.

Later, explore Buccaneer Cove, a historic anchorage once used by pirates and buccaneers. Its dramatic coastline and underwater formations make it an excellent place to explore by panga or snorkel. Continue to Espumilla Beach, where marine iguanas bask on the shore and Sally Lightfoot crabs move among the rocks. Snorkeling here may reveal octopuses, moray eels, sharks, and tropical fish.

• Activity:Walking, exploring, snorkeling
• Meal:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins

Visit Carrión Point, a protected lagoon near the entrance to the Itabaca Channel on Santa Cruz’s northern coast. Since there is no landing site, explore the area by panga or snorkel in its clear turquoise waters.

After the excursion, transfer to Baltra Airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador, bringing your five-day Galápagos cruise to a close.

• Activity:Walking, panga ride, departure
• Meal:Breakfast

Begin at Gardner Bay, where white sand and clear water create an inviting setting for a morning on the beach. Look for marine iguanas and sea lions along the shore, or explore the surrounding waters while snorkeling. A panga ride to Osborn Islet offers opportunities to observe seabirds, including blue-footed boobies and lava gulls.

Later, visit Santa Fe Island, where white-sand beaches, cactus forests, and rocky terrain provide habitat for its endemic land iguanas. Follow the island’s trail in search of Darwin’s finches, mockingbirds, doves, and lava lizards, and look overhead for Galápagos hawks.

• Activity:Walking, snorkeling, exploring, panga ride
• Meal:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins

Visit Cormorant Point, known for its distinctive green-sand beach, colored by olivine crystals. Follow the trail to a saltwater lagoon, where flamingos are often seen feeding. Continue to Devil’s Crown, a partially submerged volcanic crater renowned for snorkeling, with opportunities to encounter tropical fish, rays, and other marine life.

In the afternoon, head to Post Office Bay, where sailors established an informal postal system in the 18th century. Messages were left in a wooden barrel for passing seafarers to collect and deliver to their destinations. The tradition continues today, giving visitors the chance to leave a postcard for another traveler to carry home.

• Activity:Hiking, exploring, snorkeling, panga ride
• Meal:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins

Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz, where conservation and breeding programs support the protection of Galápagos giant tortoises. Learn about the work being done to safeguard these iconic reptiles and observe tortoises at different stages of development.

After the visit, transfer to Baltra Airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.

• Activity:Walking, exploring, departure
• Meal:Breakfast