Estrella de Mar Galapagos Cruise

AM: Upon arrival, you’ll take care of your Galapagos National Park entrance fee. To help preserve this incredible environment, a quick luggage inspection ensures we keep it free from any foreign substances.

PM: Rábida is a small island famous for its reddish lava rocks (rich in iron), which give it a unique look. The red beach hosts a small colony of sea lions. There is a small saltwater lagoon where you will see ducks and stilts, and sometimes flamingoes. The trail will take you inland to get beautiful views of the beach and the lagoon. Look for Darwin finches, flycatchers, and mockingbirds.

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

AM: Punta Pitt on San Cristóbal Island is home to bachelor sea lions, and it’s the only place in the Galapagos where all three species nest. Climb to the cliff’s top for a stunning panorama of the landscape and sea lions.

PM: Enjoy swimming and snorkeling at Witch Hill, where you can relax on the coral sand beach amidst spectacular marine iguanas, migratory birds, and sea lions. Take a stroll around the salt lagoons, which are sometimes completely dry.

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

AM: Today we head to Fernandina Island, where you will land at Espinoza Point. After walking past a colony of marine iguanas and a group of sea lions, you will reach the island’s highlight: the flightless cormorant nesting site. This area also provides a great opportunity to see the Galapagos hawk.

PM: Next up, Isabela Island. At Urbina Bay, a long hiking trail will take you away from the beach and into the island’s arid zone. In this habitat, you are likely to see wild Galapagos giant tortoises and Galapagos land iguanas. As the trail circles back towards the shoreline, you’ll come across colonies of the unique Galapagos flightless cormorant.

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

AM: Today we’ll explore two other visitor sites on Isabela Island. We take a panga ride across Elizabeth Bay, an extraordinary marine haven where landings are not possible. Witness the presence of blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, herons, and the unique flightless cormorants. Keep an eye out for charming encounters with Galapagos penguins.

PM: Later, explore Moreno Point, characterized by a vast lava field stretching toward the distant Cerro Azul volcano. Navigate through this otherworldly terrain, encountering tidal lagoons, pools, and mangroves that serve as sanctuaries for diverse wildlife, especially various bird species.

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

AM: To continue with our excursions on Isabela Island, today we’ll explore the visitor sites around Puerto Villamil. In the morning, discover Las Tintoreras, a haven for manta rays and reef sharks. Encounter diverse bird species, including rare Galapagos penguins. Then, visit the Sierra Negra Volcano with its expansive 6 mi-wide (10 km) caldera, the largest in the Galapagos. Traverse the lunar landscape, relishing views of Fernandina and Isabela Island.

PM: Begin the afternoon at the historical site known as the Wall of Tears, a  remnant of the forced labor carried out by prisoners between 1945 and 1959. Lastly, go to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center in the wetlands, dedicated to conservation since the late 1950s.

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

AM: This day is for Santa Cruz Island. The Charles Darwin Research Station, a nonprofit organization, collaborates with the Galapagos National Park to preserve the Islands’ biodiversity. Learn about joint projects aimed at protecting native species and eliminating invasive threats to the archipelago’s environment. A standout initiative involves the captive reproduction of Galapagos giant tortoises.

PM: The stunning Tortuga Bay features two distinct beaches to combine the sheltered experience of snorkeling in calm waters and the thrill of surfing on strong currents. The pristine white sand and clear turquoise waters attract abundant wildlife, such as marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, finches, herons, colorful fish, and rays. Nighttime will often bring sea turtles ashore, come to lay their eggs.

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

AM: Lobos Island, named after its resident Galapagos sea lions, also hosts Galapagos fur seals and a nesting colony of blue-footed boobies. Short hiking trails lead to the island’s center, offering a peaceful experience.

PM: Conclude your journey at Estrella de Mar Galapagos Cruise as your guide accompanies you to the airport in San Cristóbal Island.

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

AM: Arrive at San Cristóbal Airport, where you’ll complete entry formalities, including paying the Galapagos National Park entrance fee and having your luggage inspected. Start your journey with a visit to the Interpretation Center Museum to understand the history of Galapagos, followed by a delightful lunch.

PM: Venture to Colorado Hill, located a 40-minute bus ride away on the south shore, traversing San Cristóbal’s highlands. Here, witness giant tortoises in their natural environment. For the adventurous, a 4-6 hour hike to Colorado Hill offers an enriching experience to see these magnificent creatures up close. This trek, though challenging, rewards with exceptional views and encounters with the island’s wildlife.

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

AM: Situated at the eastern end of San Cristóbal Island, Pitt Point offers a unique trail extending from a 295-foot-long (90 m) olivine beach to the summit of a volcanic tuff. The route passes through various viewpoints, offering spectacular vistas. This site is notable for its diverse birdlife, being one of the few places in Galapagos where you can spot all three species of booby birds, along with two species of frigatebirds. Additionally, a nearby sea lion colony adds to the area’s natural appeal.

PM: Witch Hill is renowned for its stunning coral sand beach, surrounded by a rich variety of flora and fauna. The hill itself, an eroded tuff cone, presents a fascinating geological formation, resulting from low-viscosity lava solidifying with gas bubbles.

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

AM: Today we visit Española Island. Begin your day at Gardner Bay, renowned for its expansive white sand beach, and regarded as one of the most picturesque in the Galapagos. This idyllic spot invites you to swim or snorkel, exploring the vibrant sea life along the rocky ocean edges.

PM: Later, head to Suárez Point, celebrated for its abundant wildlife. This area is a haven for various bird species, including finches, mockingbirds, and pigeons. A hike here offers an up-close view of the birds’ nesting sites and the chance to observe their aerial acrobatics.

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

AM: Start your morning with a hike to the Baroness Viewpoint, a notable historical site, perfect for mangrove exploration. This area offers a chance to observe golden eagle rays, sea turtles, sea lions, and mullets in their natural habitat. Continue your adventure at Post Office Bay on Floreana Island, a site steeped in history. Discover the unique postal system using wooden barrels and participate in the tradition by leaving a letter of your own.

PM: In the afternoon, visit Cormorant Point, a favored destination on Floreana Island, featuring two distinct beaches, one with green sand, and another with white sand. The highlight here is the Flamingo Lagoon, home to elegant flamingos in brackish waters. Additionally, Flour Beach is a prime spot for observing green turtles and rays, enhancing the wildlife experience.

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

AM: Today you’ll explore North Seymour Island, born from submarine lava flows. This island is host to 3000 marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, noddies, frigatebirds, and swallow-tailed gulls. The morning includes a dry landing followed by a hiking expedition.

PM: In the afternoon, visit the untouched Bartholomew Island, east of Santiago Island, renowned for its Pinnacle Rock, formed by underwater lava. Here, you have the option to hike to a scenic viewpoint or enjoy swimming and snorkeling at the beach.

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

AM: This day is for Genovesa Island. In the morning, discover Darwin Bay, featuring a coral sand beach. This is home to a diverse array of birdlife, including red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, frigatebirds, finches, and mockingbirds. Enjoy a 1.5 km hike, followed by opportunities for a refreshing swim.

PM: In the afternoon, visit El Barranco, also known as Prince Philip’s Steps. Here you can observe marine life in the lava cliffs‘ crevices. The hike leads through the island, passing boobie nesting colonies in the Palo Santo Forest, and ends with a view over a rocky lava plain, home to wedge-rumped storm petrels.

• Activity:Hiking. Swimming.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Double cabin.

AM: Visit South Plaza Island, celebrated for its dazzling flora and diverse wildlife, including land iguanas and a multitude of seabirds. This island offers a kaleidoscope of colors from its succulent plants and is ideal for observing unique Galapagos species.

PM: Explore Santa Fe, a quaint uninhabited island known for its rich marine life. It’s a snorkeling paradise, where you can swim alongside sea lions, tropical fish, and maybe even sea turtles.

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

AM: Today you’ll explore Santa Cruz Island. Start your morning in the village of Santa Rosa at El Chato, a sanctuary for observing Galapagos giant tortoises, Darwin finches, and owls. Nearby, a 400-meter-long tunnel showcases the island’s volcanic activity. Then, head to the Twin Craters, which formed from collapsed magma chambers.

PM: Spend the afternoon at the renowned breeding program at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Over 200 scientists work here on research and conservation, focusing on the giant tortoises that roam among the arid zone vegetation. The station offers a unique insight into ongoing preservation efforts.

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

AM: Discover Bahía Borrero on Santa Cruz Island’s northern side, renowned for its stunning white-sand beach and turquoise waters. This beach is a prime nesting site for sea turtles, especially from December to March, and offers an excellent swimming experience.

PM: Conclude your journey with a transfer to Baltra Airport, where you’ll board your departure flight.

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

AM: Upon arrival at San Cristóbal Airport, complete your transfer, pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee, and proceed through luggage inspection. Start your adventure with a visit to the Interpretation Center Museum to delve into the history of the Galapagos before enjoying lunch.

PM: Journey to Colorado Hill with a 40-minute bus ride along San Cristóbal’s south shore, passing through its highlands. Here, observe Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Opt for a 4-6 hour hike for an up-close experience with these magnificent creatures.

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

AM: Explore Witch Hill’s enchanting coral sand beach on San Cristóbal Island, home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. This hill, an eroded tuff cone, was shaped by low-viscosity lava, creating its unique geological structure.

PM: Visit the awe-inspiring Kicker Rock, just a few hours off San Cristóbal’s western coast. This impressive rock formation soars vertically hundreds of feet above the ocean, divided by a slender channel, offering a spectacular sight.

• Activity:Hiking. Snorkeling.
• Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
• Accommodation:Doble cabins.

AM: Visit Gardner Bay on Española Island’s eastern side, the breeding ground for almost all of the world’s 12,000 pairs of waved albatrosses. This site boasts a vast white sandy beach frequented by sea lions, ideal for relaxation. Its rocky coastline also makes it an excellent spot for diving and snorkeling.

PM: This area is perfect for observing blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, and Nazca boobies. Witness the majestic waved albatrosses using the cliffs as a take-off point. The highlight here is the spectacular blowhole, shooting water high into the air, creating a magnificent display.

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

AM: Embark on a hike to the Baroness Viewpoint on Floreana Island, a stunning historical site. This location is ideal for exploring mangroves and observing an array of wildlife, including golden eagle rays, sea turtles, sea lions, and mullets. The viewpoint offers a unique perspective of Floreana’s diverse ecosystem and is steeped in the island’s intriguing history.

PM: Still on Floreana, head to Cormorant Point, famed for its two distinct beaches; one with green sand and the other with white sand. The highlight is the Flamingo Lagoon, a haven for flamingos in brackish waters. Also, take the chance to see green turtles and rays at nearby Flour Beach.

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

AM: Begin your day on North Seymour Island, created by submarine lava flows and now home to over 3000 marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, noddies, frigatebirds, and swallow-tailed gulls. Embark on a dry landing hike to explore this unique ecosystem. To conclude your adventure, your guide will escort you to the airport for your departure flight.

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

PM: Upon arriving at the airport and paying the National Park entrance fee, transfer to the Estrella de Mar Galapagos Cruise. Your first adventure will be on Bartholomew Island. Ascend to the summit for a revealing view of the archipelago’s volcanic origins and a breathtaking panoramic vista, including Pinnacle Rock, the island’s iconic landmark, and distant islands.

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

AM: Discover Darwin Bay’s small coral sand beach on Genovesa Island, accessible by foot. This area is bustling with birdlife, including red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, frigatebirds, finches, and mockingbirds. Enjoy a 1.5 km hike along the beach, followed by a chance to swim in the serene waters.

PM: Experience El Barranco (Prince Philip’s Steps) on Genovesa Island, where you can spot marine life through the lava cliffs‘ crevices. The trail takes you deeper into the island, through the Palo Santo Forest, home to nesting booby colonies, and leads to a rocky lava plain, a habitat for wedge-rumped storm petrels.

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

AM: Visit South Plaza Island, celebrated for its dazzling flora and diverse wildlife, including land iguanas and a multitude of seabirds. This island offers a kaleidoscope of colors from its succulent plants and is ideal for observing unique Galapagos species.

PM: Explore Santa Fe, a quaint uninhabited island known for its rich marine life. It’s a snorkeling paradise, where you can swim alongside sea lions, tropical fish, and maybe even sea turtles.

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

AM: Today you’ll explore Santa Cruz Island. Start your morning in the village of Santa Rosa at El Chato, a sanctuary for observing Galapagos giant tortoises, Darwin finches, and owls. Nearby, a 400-meter-long tunnel showcases the island’s volcanic activity. Then, head to the Twin Craters, which formed from collapsed magma chambers.

PM: Spend the afternoon at the renowned breeding program at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Over 200 scientists work here on research and conservation, focusing on the giant tortoises that roam among the arid zone vegetation. The station offers a unique insight into ongoing preservation efforts.

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

AM: Discover Bahía Borrero on Santa Cruz Island’s northern side, renowned for its stunning white-sand beach and turquoise waters. This beach is a prime nesting site for sea turtles, especially from December to March, and offers an excellent swimming experience.

PM: Conclude your journey with a transfer to Baltra Airport, where you’ll board your departure flight.

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