Galaxy Galapagos Cruise

AM: When you arrive, you’ll contribute to the preservation of the Galapagos by paying the National Park entrance fee. They’ll quickly check your luggage to ensure the islands remain pristine.

PM: Next, Mosquera Islet welcomes you. Although it seems barren at first glance, it’s home to playful sea lion pups riding the waves and enjoying the tide pools. As you stroll along the beach, watch the skies for endemic lava gulls searching for their next meal.

• Activity:Arrival. Hiking. Exploring.
• Meal:Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: Embark on a captivating hike at Sullivan Bay, diving deep into the volcanic origins of these islands. Traverse a pristine expanse of Pahoehoe lava, showcasing its intricate textures found only in a few places worldwide. While the landscape might seem lifeless at first glance, it teems with subtle life, like pioneer plants, lava lizards, and petite birds. Near the shore, the delightful presence of penguins, pelicans, and oystercatchers awaits.

PM: Bartolomé stands as a hallmark of the Galapagos, boasting views of its famed Pinnacle Rock and the adjacent peach-hued beach. An exhilarating hike to the island’s peak presents a panorama of surreal lunar landscapes dotted with volcanic cones.

• Activity:Hiking. Exploring. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: El Barranco, situated in Darwin Bay‘s southern part on Genovesa Island, boasts cliffs of fragile lava. These are ideal nesting spots for storm petrels, attracting short-eared owls to hunt them. Along the trail, red-footed and Nazca boobies are commonplace. Near the cliff base, shaded areas often host resting Galapagos fur seals and various seabird species.

PM: Genovesa is a birdwatcher’s paradise, teeming with vast seabird colonies. Upon landing, the overwhelming calls of boobies, gulls, and frigatebirds surround you. The trail offers an unparalleled wildlife showcase, from sea lions and marine iguanas by the shore to an inland variety including night herons, gulls, Darwin finches, and more.

• Activity:Hiking. Birdwatching. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: At the Interpretation Center on the outskirts of Puerto Baquerizo, delve into the history of human presence in the Galapagos. From early Spanish explorers to notable figures like Charles Darwin, this exhibit highlights the challenges faced by the first settlers in the unforgiving Galapagos environment. Afterward, transfer to the San Cristóbal airport for your return flight to continental Ecuador.

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

AM: When you arrive, you’ll contribute to the preservation of the Galapagos by paying the National Park entrance fee. They’ll quickly check your luggage to ensure the islands remain pristine.

PM: Lobos Islet, a petite gem off San Cristóbal, boasts a sheltered bay where sea lion pups frolic in tidal pools. As you land, welcoming groups of sea lions greet you. Venture a bit further, and male frigatebirds showcase their impressive inflated red pouches. Blue-footed boobies, often nesting directly on the trail, offer a delightful glimpse into their courtship dance. This compact haven is teeming with nature’s marvels, promising an unforgettable visit.

• Activity:Arrival. Hiking. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: Gardner Bay, a Galapagos gem, boasts fine coral sand and shimmering turquoise waters, creating a tropical paradise where sea lions sunbathe. While exploring, encounter native species like the Española mockingbird, marine iguanas, and Galapagos hawks.

PM: Upon arrival, you’re greeted by sea lions and marine iguanas, setting the tone for an incredible journey. Along the trail, witness vast colonies of seabirds, including Nazca and blue-footed boobies, and tropicbirds. The highlight is the waved albatross colony (present from April to January), exclusive to Española, showcasing their unique courtship and powerful flight.

• Activity:Hiking. Exploring. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: Ever wonder how sailors in the Galapagos communicated centuries ago? At Post Office Bay, whalers established a unique mail system over 200 years ago. Anchoring their ships, they’d leave messages in a beachside barrel for other sailors or the world beyond. Today, this nostalgic tradition continues. Drop a postcard and be part of this rich history!

PM: Imagine a place shimmering with American flamingoes and dotted with majestic shorebirds. Welcome to Punta Cormorant, on Floreana’s north side. The pristine white sand is a haven for nesting green sea turtles. As you wander, keep an eye out for rays, reef sharks, and surprisingly, blue-footed boobies that have recently made this spot home. Plus, it’s a botanical delight for plant enthusiasts.

• Activity:Hiking. Exploring. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: Surrounded by giant prickly-pear cacti and stark lava rocks, Santa Fe boasts one of the Galapagos’ most picturesque bays. Here, turquoise waters and pristine beaches house a vast sea lion colony. Inland, keep an eye out for endemic Santa Fe land iguanas and overhead, Galapagos hawks often perch atop cacti. You’ll also encounter Darwin finches, mockingbirds, and lava lizards on the trail.

PM: Of the twin islands, only South Plaza is open to visitors, reserving North Plaza for research. Despite its size, this islet brims with wildlife. Immediately upon landing, you’re greeted by Galapagos land iguanas beneath prickly-pear cacti. Nearby, both playful sea lion pups in tide pools and dominant males guarding territories showcase the island’s vibrant life.

• Activity:Hiking. Exploring. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM/PM: At the Charles Darwin Research Station, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Galapagos biodiversity, you’ll discover joint projects with the Galapagos National Park. These initiatives focus on protecting native species and tackling invasive threats. Their standout effort is the captive breeding of giant tortoises!

Later, head to the airport for your flight back to continental Ecuador.

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

AM: When you arrive, you’ll contribute to the preservation of the Galapagos by paying the National Park entrance fee. They’ll quickly check your luggage to ensure the islands remain pristine.

PM: Whether starting from Baltra or Puerto Ayora, a bus transports you to the highlands. Along the way, you’ll stop at a reserve to explore the verdant forests and witness Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat, casually grazing and resting by freshwater ponds. These gentle beings can weigh over 600 lbs (272 kg)!

• Activity:Arrival. Hiking. Exploring. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: Moreno Point, set amidst vast lava fields, initially seems barren. However, inland reveals brackish lagoons teeming with flamingoes, ducks, and herons. Along its shores, spot marine iguanas, penguins, blue-footed boobies, and oystercatchers.

PM: Elizabeth Bay offers a captivating mangrove-fringed landscape set against lava terrains. Instead of a trail, you’ll explore its myriad channels via dinghy, encountering Galapagos penguins—though they number just 3,000 across the islands. Additionally, witness nesting flightless cormorants, fishing blue-footed boobies, and thriving rays and sea turtles in its waters.

• Activity:Hiking. Exploring. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: Step into the pages of history at this location which, in the 1950s, dramatically rose from the ocean, revealing a coastal canvas now adorned with tiny shells and corals. Venture along the trail, and you might just stumble upon majestic land iguanas or, if the season is right, ambling giant tortoises. And while you’re lost in the landscape, the piercing gaze of a Galapagos hawk might just catch yours.

PM: At Tagus Cove, Charles Darwin once trod, and now it’s your turn. Meander through enchanting Palo Santo forests, serenaded by the chirps of Darwin finches and mockingbirds. From vantage points, drink in panoramic views of Darwin’s Lake and the brooding volcanoes of northern Isabela. And if the waters beckon, a boat tour unveils a captivating world: playful penguins, graceful cormorants, sunbathing marine iguanas, and the elusive Galapagos martin.

• Activity:Hiking. Exploring. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: Fernandina Island. Nestled at the foot of the Galapagos’ most active volcano, Espinoza Point is a crown jewel of the National Park. The moment you step ashore, a vast colony of marine iguanas greets you, the largest of its kind. Nearby, sea lions lounge as their young frolic in tide pools. And keep an eye out for the unique flightless cormorants, a special treat of the western archipelago.

PM: Isabela Island. Beyond its rich wildlife, Albemarle Point boasts a slice of WWII history. American forces once erected a radar base here, scanning for Japanese warships. Although mostly reclaimed by time, remnants of the radar linger. Amidst the stark lava fields, the coast is alive with enormous marine iguanas, playful Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, and a medley of shorebirds.

• Activity:Hiking. Exploring. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: Contrary to its name, Puerto Egas isn’t really a port. Echoes of ’60s colonization attempts linger, with scattered remains as subtle reminders. The trail is a wildlife hub: marine iguanas sunbathe, while herons and oystercatchers dot the landscape. The ‘grottos‘ at the trail’s end are a treat, home to elusive Galapagos fur seals. And keep your eyes peeled for land iguanas, once extinct in Santiago but reintroduced in 2019.

PM: Buccaneer Cove boasts a dramatic history of pirates and whalers. Today, its rocky cliffs shelter nesting seabirds. As you navigate the cove, keep an eye out for the intriguing rock formations, including the “Monk” and “Elephant Rock.” Underwater, snorkeling reveals a vibrant marine world, with colorful reef fish, rays, and playful sea lions. Don’t miss this hidden gem!

• Activity:Hiking. Exploring. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: Dragon Hill, situated on the northern coast of Santa Cruz, is renowned for its land iguanas, the standout reptiles of the island. The ’70s and ’80s saw these majestic creatures nearing extinction, but thanks to a robust breeding program, their numbers have impressively bounced back. Not just a haven for iguanas, Dragon Hill also boasts a picturesque saltwater lagoon, where visitors can regularly spot flamingoes, ducks, stilts, sandpipers, and a myriad of other shorebirds.

After the visit, transfer to the airport to take your flight back to continental Ecuador.

• Activity:Hiking. Exploring.
• Meal:Breakfast.

AM: Arrive at Baltra airport, where a naturalist guide authorized by the National Park will be waiting for you.

PM: Whether starting from Baltra or Puerto Ayora, a bus transports you to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Along the way, you’ll stop at a reserve to explore the verdant forests and witness Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat, casually grazing and resting by freshwater ponds. These gentle beings can weigh over 600 lbs (272 kg)!

• Activity:Arrival. Hiking. Exploring.
• Meal:Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: Moreno Point, set amidst vast lava fields, initially seems barren. However, inland reveals brackish lagoons teeming with flamingoes, ducks, and herons. Along its shores, spot marine iguanas, penguins, blue-footed boobies, and oystercatchers.

PM: Elizabeth Bay offers a captivating mangrove-fringed landscape set against lava terrains. Instead of a trail, you’ll explore its myriad channels via dinghy, encountering Galapagos penguins—though they number just 3,000 across the islands. Additionally, witness nesting flightless cormorants, fishing blue-footed boobies, and thriving rays and sea turtles in its waters.

• Activity:Hiking. Exploring. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: Step into the pages of history at this location which, in the 1950s, dramatically rose from the ocean, revealing a coastal canvas now adorned with tiny shells and corals. Venture along the trail, and you might just stumble upon majestic land iguanas or, if the season is right, ambling giant tortoises. And while you’re lost in the landscape, the piercing gaze of a Galapagos hawk might just catch yours.

PM: At Tagus Cove, Charles Darwin once trod, and now it’s your turn. Meander through enchanting Palo Santo forests, serenaded by the chirps of Darwin finches and mockingbirds. From vantage points, drink in panoramic views of Darwin’s Lake and the brooding volcanoes of northern Isabela. And if the waters beckon, a boat tour unveils a captivating world: playful penguins, graceful cormorants, sunbathing marine iguanas, and the elusive Galapagos martin.

• Activity:Hiking. Exploring. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: Fernandina Island. Nestled at the foot of the Galapagos’ most active volcano, Espinoza Point is a crown jewel of the National Park. The moment you step ashore, a vast colony of marine iguanas greets you, the largest of its kind. Nearby, sea lions lounge as their young frolic in tide pools. And keep an eye out for the unique flightless cormorants, a special treat of the western archipelago.

PM: Isabela Island. Beyond its rich wildlife, Albemarle Point boasts a slice of WWII history. American forces once erected a radar base here, scanning for Japanese warships. Although mostly reclaimed by time, remnants of the radar linger. Amidst the stark lava fields, the coast is alive with enormous marine iguanas, playful Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, and a medley of shorebirds.

• Activity:Hiking. Exploring. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: Contrary to its name, Puerto Egas isn’t really a port. Echoes of ’60s colonization attempts linger, with scattered remains as subtle reminders. The trail is a wildlife hub: marine iguanas sunbathe, while herons and oystercatchers dot the landscape. The ‘grottos‘ at the trail’s end are a treat, home to elusive Galapagos fur seals. And keep your eyes peeled for land iguanas, once extinct in Santiago but reintroduced in 2019.

PM: Espumilla boasts a captivating rusty-brown beach stretch. Giant mangroves and a rich native forest encircle it, housing the majestic Galapagos hawk and a songbird chorus of finches and mockingbirds. And if you’re there post-rain, the salt pan might just surprise you with flamingoes and ducks.

• Activity:Hiking. Exploring. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: Dragon Hill, situated on the northern coast of Santa Cruz, is renowned for its land iguanas, the standout reptiles of the island. The ’70s and ’80s saw these majestic creatures nearing extinction, but thanks to a robust breeding program, their numbers have impressively bounced back. Not just a haven for iguanas, Dragon Hill also boasts a picturesque saltwater lagoon, where visitors can regularly spot flamingoes, ducks, stilts, sandpipers, and a myriad of other shorebirds.

PM: Dive into the tranquil waters of Black Turtle Cove, aptly named due to the profusion of green sea turtles, locally termed tortugas negras (black turtles). While there’s no land access, visitors can embark on an immersive boat tour, winding through its shallow channels and captivating coves blanketed by lush mangrove forests. This area is a vital hub for marine life: sea turtles nest, reef sharks mate, and rays glide gracefully. It’s also a feasting ground for herons, pelicans, and boobies, who predominantly hunt schools of anchovies.

• Activity:Hiking. Exploring. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

AM: Rábida is a unique island with captivating reddish hues. Stroll by the red beach, meet the sea lions, and perhaps spot ducks, stilts, and, occasionally, flamingoes in a nearby saltwater lagoon. As you venture further, breathtaking vistas of the beach and lagoon unfold. Keep an eye out for Darwin finches, flycatchers, and mockingbirds. Hanging out along the cliffs, you’ll find Nazca and blue-footed boobies, herons, Galapagos sea lions, and Galapagos fur seals.

PM: Chinese Hat is a small islet formed by a volcanic cone with a perfectly symmetrical shape. A narrow channel separates it from Santiago island, creating one of the Islands’ most beautiful bays. Blue-turquoise water and coral sand beaches surrounded by dark lava rocks give this area a real tropical character. Surprisingly, you’ll find Galapagos penguins amidst this tropical paradise. The trail goes along the shore, taking you through a small colony of sea lions.

• Activity:Hiking. Exploring. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

This island boasts large colonies of magnificent and great frigatebirds, often displaying their striking red pouches for courtship. In open areas, blue-footed boobies dance and nest. Swallow-tailed gulls claim the cliff edges, and land iguanas are a common inland sight. Marine iguanas bask seaside amidst the rocks, with sea lions nearby, who frequently delight in body surfing the waves.

After this visit, transfer to the airport to take your flight back to continental Ecuador.

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