Monserrat Galapagos Cruise

In the morning, you’ll take a flight to Baltra Island. Upon your arrival, our expert guide will be there to greet you and help you get to the Monserrat. In the afternoon, we’ll whisk you away to the stunning Las Bachas beach, where you’ll find soft, white sands crafted from decomposed coral.

It’s a beloved nesting site for sea turtles. As you stroll along, keep an eye out for the lively Sally Lightfoot crabs that scuttle around the lava rocks near the water’s edge–these crabs are real foodies! You’ll have the chance to go on a trek, spotting a variety of wildlife, from graceful flamingos to curious hermit crabs, elegant black-necked stilts, and the ever-playful sea lions.

• Activity: Arrival. Sightseeing. Swimming.
• Meal:Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double or single cabins.

Tagus Cove is located on the northwestern coast of Isabela Island. It is a historical site visited by Charles Darwin in 1835, where graffiti has been carved into the rock walls by visitors over the past centuries. This spot has been frequented by whalers and pirates since the 1800s that used the area as anchorage.

Urbina Bay is a fascinating visitor site that came to be as the shallow sea bottom uplifted in 1954 showing a large coral reef sticking up above sea level. Because of this, Urbina Bay is one of the newest features in the Galapagos. This visitor site is located west of Isabela and provides spectacular views of the Alcedo volcano.

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

Fernandina’s Espinosa Point stands as one of the world’s most pristine islands, untouched by introduced species. Its view extends across the Bolívar Channel to Isabela Island, renowned for its diverse endemic sea fauna. As the youngest Galapagos island, Fernandina captivates visitors with its unique charm.

Vicente Roca Point, situated in the Bolívar Channel, offers exceptional deep-water snorkeling in one of Earth’s richest marine habitats. This point is celebrated for its abundant Galapagos green turtles, while lucky snorkelers might also spot sharks and rays, particularly when the underwater visibility is high.

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

Start your morning at Puerto Egas, where you can explore a salt crater, stroll along a dark sand beach, and discover tidal pools. The journey continues to Playa Espumilla, one of the Galapagos’ most picturesque beaches, surrounded by lush mangroves and serving as a nesting site for flamingos and sea turtles. Explore Buccaneer Cove, with towering cliff walls and rock formations revealing the island’s history of human activity. Santiago Island’s wildlife thrives despite the introduction of goats!

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

For your final day, visit North Seymour Island and encounter iconic Galapagos species, including blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, land iguanas, and sea lions. Guided tours enhance your understanding of the island’s wildlife, ecology, and geology. Explore North Seymour’s rugged coastline and arid landscapes through scenic hikes on well-maintained trails.

Photography enthusiasts will find ample chances to capture stunning images of the diverse wildlife and dramatic surroundings. Disembark on Baltra for your return flight to the Ecuadorian mainland.

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

Depart to the Galapagos Islands and arrive at Baltra airport, where a Park-certified naturalist guide will be waiting for you.

In the afternoon, visit the highlands of Santa Cruz and see the Galapagos giant tortoise in its natural habitat. Explore the area and its incredible underground lava tunnels–some are more than 0.6 mi (1 km) long! Wander along the volcanic tubes and keep an eye out for the (mainly) nocturnal barn owls that sometimes roost here.

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

In the morning, arrive at Rábida‘s distinctive red sand beach for trail exploration. Follow a short path to a saltwater lagoon, or go deeper into the island to see palo santo trees thrive. Witness parent pelicans nesting among low-lying bushes, returning with gullets full of fish for their squawking youngsters.

Hike to the summit of Bartolomé for one of the finest panoramic views in the archipelago, including the iconic Pinnacle Rock, the island’s towering landmark. Later, indulge in swimming and snorkeling with Galapagos penguins, sea lions, sea turtles, and a diverse array of fish.

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

South Plaza has unusual vegetation, making for an interesting landscape that enhances the fauna and flora of the Galapagos. You can observe land iguanas in the shade of cacti. Other wildlife includes sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls, lava lizards, red-beaked sparrows, frigatebirds, and pelicans.

Santa Fe is an extremely scenic island, where you can visit two different trails. One trail leads to a beautiful clifftop viewpoint; the other, to the beach through a small circular path. Both allow you to spot endemic land iguanas. Activities like kayaking, snorkeling, or walking allow you to enjoy nature in a different way.

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

Today we visit San Cristóbal. On the northern coast of the island, Pitt Point has become a favorite nesting site for seabirds. Considered one of the most impressive sites in the Galapagos, it is home to three species of frigatebirds. On the northeastern tip of the island, Cerro Brujo (Witch Hill) provides wildlife observation opportunities on land, sea, and air.

As you learn about the human and natural history of the area, explore the coastline, then take a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters. Head out on a short walk to a freshwater lagoon for an excellent sighting of flamingos!

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

In the morning, visit Isla Lobos to witness sea lions frolicking in the waves. Explore this tiny island by foot and boat for fantastic wildlife encounters, including observing sea and shore birds nesting and feeding during a panga ride. You’ll even spot a small colony of blue-footed boobies and another species of sea lions. Finally, after this exciting exploration, you’ll be transferred to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Airport.

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

AM: Upon your arrival at Baltra Airport, our friendly guide will warmly welcome you, assist you with your luggage, then accompany you on a scenic 15-minute bus ride to the Itabaca Channel. Upon crossing, in approximately 45 minutes to an hour by bus, venture into the lush highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Here, savor a delightful lunch at a private ranch.

PM: Your exploration continues as you visit one of the many fascinating lava tunnels in the area. During a short walk through the tunnel, marvel at the remarkable geological formations, a testament to the powerful volcanic forces that shaped this landscape millions of years ago.

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

AM: Isabela is the largest and youngest island in Galapagos. First, you’ll visit the islets known as Las Tintoreras, located south of Puerto Villamil. A small bay of calm turquoise water features sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, and stingrays, among others. Next, we head to the highlands to visit Sierra Negra Volcano, sitting at an altitude of 3,694 ft (1,124 m).

PM: After lunch, we visit the wetlands known as Los Humedales, where you will see a wide variety of wetland birds with the majority of them being endemic to the island.

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

AM: Punta Moreno, on Isabela Island’s north coast, lies between the Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes. Although the trail spans (2,100 m), it rewards with panoramic views of three of the Galapagos’ most active volcanoes. You can even enjoy a surface dive in these cold yet vibrant waters.

PM: In the afternoon, your visit to Elizabeth Bay commences in a cove embraced by red mangroves. You can spot sea turtles, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, brown pelicans, sea lions, Galapagos falcons, and Pompano and Mahi-mahi fish schools. The abundant marine and terrestrial wildlife, combined with the unique landscape, make this a remarkable location.

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

AM: Urbina Bay, situated at the east base of Alcedo volcano, features a 10,499 ft (3.2 km) trail connecting it to the beach. Hike the coastal landscape, crossing sands, rocks, lava, corals, and unique plant formations. Encounter large land iguanas, Galapagos giant tortoises, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, pelicans, and marine iguanas.

PM: Tagus Cove presents options for snorkeling, surface diving, or kayaking. Around 4 p.m., a hike will take you to a cliff-top viewpoint overlooking Lake Darwin. The area bears evidence of a past volcanic eruption, as volcanic rocks of various sizes can be found in abundance here.

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

AM: In the morning, you’ll take a flight to Baltra Island. Upon your arrival, our expert guide will be there to greet you and help you get to the Monserrat. In the afternoon, we’ll whisk you away to the stunning Las Bachas beach, where you’ll find soft, white sands crafted from decomposed coral.

PM: In the afternoon, we’ll take you to Las Bachas beach, known for its soft white sands, a favorite nesting site for sea turtles. Keep an eye out for Sally Lightfoot crabs near the water’s edge. You’ll embark on a wildlife trek, spotting flamingos, hermit crabs, stilts, and playful sea lions. Nearby, explore a small lagoon and observe thrushes, abandoned ships from World War II, marine iguanas, and seabirds resting on the beach.

• Activity:Arrival. Hiking.
• Meal:Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Single or double cabins.

AM: In the morning, we’ll explore Darwin Bay, a picturesque haven renowned for its abundant seabird species nesting among the dominant mangroves. You’ll be in the company of red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, Galapagos petrels, Darwin finches, mockingbirds, and Galapagos doves.

PM: Later in the day, get ready for an adventure at Prince Philip’s Steps, where you’ll ascend 25 meters of stairs to one of the archipelago’s prime bird nesting locations. Here, your options are endless, from snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking to a thrilling panga ride. The excitement never stops!

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

AM: South Plaza has unusual vegetation, making for an interesting landscape that enhances the fauna and flora of the Galapagos. You can observe land iguanas in the shade of cacti. Other wildlife includes sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls, lava lizards, red-beaked sparrows, frigatebirds, and pelicans.

PM: Santa Fe is an extremely scenic island, where you can visit two different trails. One trail leads to a beautiful clifftop viewpoint; the other, to the beach through a small circular path. Both allow you to spot endemic land iguanas. Activities like kayaking, snorkeling, or walking allow you to enjoy nature in a different way.

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

AM: Elizabeth Bay, located on the east coast of Isabela Island, is home to numerous islets. Visitors can explore these islets by dinghy, and you may encounter penguins, blue-footed boobies, schools of colorful fish, sea lions, and perhaps even sharks in the clear waters, making it a fantastic destination for snorkeling.
PM: At Moreno Point, a dry landing onto former lava flows is possible. The solidified lava has created unique craters that have become crystal tide pools. These pools offer a window to a world of marine life, with opportunities to observe pink flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, and common gallinules in the brackish pools.

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