Samba Galápagos Cruise

Today’s excursions explore Genovesa Island, one of the Galápagos’ premier destinations for birding. Begin at Darwin Bay, where a wet landing leads to trails surrounded by nesting seabirds. Along the way, you may encounter red-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, lava herons, and other species that thrive in this remote environment.

Later, climb Prince Philip’s Steps to the island’s elevated plateau, where dramatic cliffside views and exceptional wildlife encounters await. Keep an eye out for red-billed tropicbirds gliding overhead, Galápagos shearwaters soaring along the rocky coastline, Nazca boobies, and storm petrels. The combination of scenic trails and abundant birdlife makes this one of the highlights of the cruise for nature enthusiasts and birders alike.

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

This day combines snorkeling and coastal exploration along the northwest side of the islands. In the morning, visit Punta Mejía, one of the region’s best snorkeling sites. Here, calm, clear waters and underwater volcanic formations create excellent conditions for observing marine life such as tropical fish, reef sharks, rays, and sea turtles in their natural habitat.

In the afternoon, continue to Playa Negra, a striking dark-sand beach known for its remote atmosphere and occasional wildlife sightings. Depending on conditions, it is possible to observe dolphins, other marine mammals, and feeding activity offshore. This combination of underwater exploration and coastal observation offers a varied and active day in one of the more rugged areas of the archipelago.

• Activity:Hike, Snorkeling, Kayaking
• Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins

In the morning, visit Punta Albemarle on the northern tip of Isabela Island, a remote coastal area known for its rugged volcanic scenery and occasional wildlife sightings along the shoreline.

In the afternoon, continue to Vicente Roca Point, a dramatic site formed by volcanic tuff cones and lava formations shaped by erosion over time. This area is best known for its rich marine environment, where snorkeling excursions often reveal a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, rays, and occasionally penguins.

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

In the morning, visit Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island, one of the most wildlife-rich shorelines in the Galápagos. This area is known for close-up encounters with marine iguanas, sea lions, flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and Sally lightfoot crabs along the rocky coast.

In the afternoon, continue to Urbina Bay on Isabela Island, a broad coastal plain where large populations of land iguanas can often be seen in their natural habitat. The area offers a chance to observe these prehistoric-looking reptiles up close while exploring one of the island’s more geologically dynamic landscapes.

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

In the morning, explore Elizabeth Bay on Isabela Island, a calm mangrove-lined inlet best known for its rich marine life. This sheltered area is ideal for dinghy rides and snorkeling, with frequent sightings of sea turtles, rays, reef fish, and Galápagos penguins along the shoreline.

In the afternoon, visit Moreno Point, a rugged lava landscape formed by ancient flows that created a network of coastal lagoons and pools. The area offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, including shorebirds, marine iguanas, and occasional flamingos in the sheltered inland waters.

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

The day begins with a hike up Alieri Hill on San Cristóbal Island, where a series of steps leads to a panoramic viewpoint over the island’s humid highlands. Along the way, the trail passes through a transition zone of mosses, lichens, and epiphytes, offering a close look at the island’s varied vegetation.

Later in the day, head to La Lobería, a coastal site known for its active sea lion colony. This is a relaxed stop where guests can swim or snorkel in shallow waters alongside sea lions and tropical fish, providing an easy and refreshing conclusion to the day’s excursions.

• Activity:Hiking, Kayaking, Snorkeling
• Meal:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation:Singles and Double cabins

This morning, visit the highlands of Santa Cruz Island at around 1,800 feet above sea level, where lush vegetation offers a rare glimpse of the Galápagos’ remaining native forest. The cooler, greener environment provides a final opportunity to appreciate the islands’ contrasting ecosystems before departure.

Later, transfer with your naturalist guide by dinghy to Baltra Island. From there, continue by shuttle to the airport, where your guide will accompany you through the check-in process and assist with your departure arrangements.

• Activity:Hiking, Departure
• Meal:Breakfast
• Accommodation:Single and Double Cabins

This morning, explore Floreana’s Cormorant Point, home to flamingos, sea turtles, and distinctive green and white sand beaches. Nearby Champion Islet offers excellent snorkeling and the chance to spot the rare Floreana mockingbird.

In the afternoon, visit historic Post Office Bay, where a centuries-old mail tradition continues today. Continue to Baroness Lookout for panoramic views and stories from one of the most intriguing chapters in Galápagos history.

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

Today begins at Suárez Point on Española Island, one of the archipelago’s premier wildlife sites. Walk among blue-footed and Nazca boobies, marine iguanas, and, season permitting, waved albatrosses nesting along the dramatic cliffs.

Later, unwind at Gardner Bay, a stunning white-sand beach where sea lions lounge along the shore. The calm turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or simply enjoying the scenery.

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

This morning, step ashore on Lobos Island, where sea lions and nesting frigatebirds thrive among the rocky terrain. Keep an eye out for males displaying their bright red throat pouches during breeding season.

In the afternoon, visit Pitt Point, one of the few places in the Galápagos where all three booby species can be observed together. A hike up the volcanic tuff cone rewards you with sweeping coastal views.

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

Start the day at picturesque Barrington Bay on Santa Fe Island, known for its calm turquoise waters, white-sand beach, and abundant marine life.

Later, explore South Plaza Island, where colorful vegetation, land iguanas, and nesting seabirds create one of the archipelago’s most striking landscapes.

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

This morning, walk across the remarkable lava fields of Sullivan Bay, where well-preserved volcanic formations reveal the islands’ geological origins.

In the afternoon, climb to the summit of Bartolomé Island for spectacular views of Pinnacle Rock and the surrounding coastline. Time permitting, enjoy snorkeling from the beach below.

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

Today, explore James Bay, where lava flows, tide pools, and rocky shores attract a variety of seabirds, marine iguanas, and fur seals.

Later, visit Rábida Island, famous for its striking red-sand beach and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including sea lions, pelicans, and Darwin’s finches.

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

For your final excursion, visit North Seymour Island, one of the best places in the Galápagos to observe blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds in their natural breeding grounds.

Afterward, transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador, bringing your Galápagos adventure to a close.

• Activity:Hiking, Snorkeling, Departure
• Meal:Breakfast
• Accommodation:Double or Single Cabins