Explore the northern islands of the Galapagos on this luxury expedition. Witness remarkable wildlife, marvel at the volcanic landscapes, and visit some of the smaller islands in the archipelago.
This memorable 8-day cruise showcases the best of the northern islands, including shore excursions to Genovesa, Isabela, Fernandina and Rábida. You'll come face to face with a dazzling array of exotic creatures, many endemic to the Galapagos, including the flightless cormorant, marine iguana and Galapagos penguin. Red, white and Nazca boobies and the flamboyant greater flamingo, with its pink plumage can all be seen.
The marine wildlife on offer here is another highlight, with shoals of vibrant tropical fish sharing the ocean with whales, dolphins, sea turtles and rays. Sea lions are ubiquitous across the entire archipelago and cetaceans can be seen year-round with species including orca, sperm and Bryde's whales.
Travel in style on a luxury, small-ship with a maximum of 20 guests, offering a wonderful opportunity to explore the awe-inspiring Galapagos archipelago on an intimate expedition adventure. Each day offers a new opportunity to explore, either on guided nature walks, on board Zodiac cruises or snorkelling. For the more adventurous, sea-kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are also available.
We're delighted to also offer this itinerary as a special photography focused expedition. Ideal for those looking to explore the Galapagos Islands and those looking to advance their photography skills. These voyages are open to all levels of experience and allow more time to capture the perfect shot. Contact us for further details.
A typical 8 day Northern Islands itinerary is shown below, on board Origin, Theory or Evolve, however we offer a variety of other voyages, durations and vessels.
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Arrive on San Cristobal Island & board your vessel
Upon arrival on San Cristobal, you transfer by road and then by Zodiac to your expedition ship anchored in the bay. As you set sail, enjoy a drink at the sun deck bar and observe the sunset as you circumnavigate “Kicker Rock”.
Day2: Genovesa Island
Discover Prince Philip’s Steps on Genovesa, one of the most spectacular places in the Galapagos for birdwatching. Here you are likely to see boobies, both red-footed and Nazca, plus storm petrels and, with luck, the red-billed tropicbird. Explore the cliffs up close, either by kayak, stand-up paddleboard or a snorkelling excursion. This afternoon at Darwin Bay, possible sightings include lava and swallow-tailed gulls, great frigatebirds and playful sea lions.
Day3: Santa Cruz Island
This morning, spot dozens of bright pink flamingos on Santa Cruz. Later step ashore on Cerro Dragon, with its variety of plants, including opuntia cactus, Palo Santo and Muyuyo trees. Look for Darwin’s finches, Galapagos flycatchers, yellow warblers, and Audubon shearwaters. Your guides will pause to point out birds such as stilts, pintail ducks and sandpipers. Don’t forget to scan the path for yellow land iguanas, resting in the sun.
Day4: Isabela Island
Begin your morning with a Zodiac cruise at Punta Vicente Roca. Witness Sally lightfoot crabs on the rocks and playful penguins diving in the water. Sea turtles may also be spotted here and there will be an opportunity to snorkel. At Urbina Bay, we hope to see Galapagos land iguanas, marine iguanas, Darwin’s finches, brown pelicans, flightless cormorants, and the occasional giant Galapagos tortoise.
Day5: Fernandina Island
Observe the pristine ecosystem at Punta Espinoza, with its sea lion harems, countless marine iguanas, flightless cormorants and large sea turtles, before enjoying an optional snorkel excursion. This afternoon, step back in time at Tagus Cove, a favourite stopping point for pirates and whalers, now home to Galapagos penguins, boobies, pelicans and other seabirds. There will be an opportunity to explore the shoreline by kayak or paddleboard, should you wish.
Day6: Rábida Island
Rabida is one of the Galapagos’ most colourful and varied islands, with several different types of lava. A short trail will lead you to a saltwater lagoon filled with greater flamingos. Also look out for marine iguanas, mockingbirds and yellow warblers.
Day7: Santa Cruz
Back in Santa Cruz, visit the breeding centre Centro de Crianza Fausto Llerena and the Charles Darwin Research Station, plus learn about the history of this island on a guided tour through the backstreets of Puerto Ayora.
Day8: Disembark San Cristóbal Island
Disembark after breakfast. There is the option to visit the Interpretation Centre on San Cristóbal to discover more about the human history of the Galapagos Islands, before your transfer to the airport.
Please note: Exact itinerary will vary depending on local conditions and wildlife opportunities. Exact vessel will be confirmed closer to departure, however all three vessels are identical.
Key info
Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 daysfrom £7,995 pp
This island – also known as Jervis – is one of the most colourful and varied islands in the archipelago, with several different types of lava. It is famed for its beach of maroon sand and stunning viewpoint. The island is a delight for birdwatchers, with some of the rarest bird species in abundance.
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Where: Central islands
Ideal for viewing: Galapagos hawk, brown pelican, white-cheeked pintail, Galapagos penguin, Galapagos sealion
Excellent for: Birdwatching
The volcanic slopes of the largest island in the archipelago are home to some 6,000 Galapagos tortoises. On the west coast the cold water currents produces an abundance of marine life and it is possible to snorkel with sealions. An uplifted coral reef provides brackish lagoons which are home to a variety of seabirds.
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Where: Western islands
Ideal for viewing: Galapagos penguin, South American fur seal, white-cheeked pintail, Galapagos hawk, land iguana
Excellent for: Penguin watching
Fernandina is an active volcano with rugged slopes and unusual lava formations, which create some surreal landscapes. Its constant change of volcanic state and lack of plant life mean it is probably the least visited island.It is home to a huge population of marine iguanas, and penguins are commonly spotted.
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Where: Western islands
Ideal for viewing: flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguin, land iguana, marine iguana, Sally Lightfoot crab
Excellent for: Penguin watching
Isla Genovesa is one of the best places for birdwatching – here you can find the lava gull, the rarest gull in the world. A lava field on the north shore provides the ideal nesting place for storm petrels in its cracks and tunnels. The marine iguana is the only reptile on the island, and are the smallest in the archipelago.
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Where: Northern islands
Ideal for viewing: lava gull, red-billed tropicbird, South American fur seal, South American sea lion, Galapagos mockingbird
Excellent for: Birdwatching
This itinerary is available on the following
cruise vessel:
Origin, Theory & Evolve are luxury expedition yachts, boasting superb social areas including a comfortable lounge, a stylish bar where you can unwind, and a relaxing library. On the sundeck there are daybeds and a hot tub. Cabins are sophisticated and spacious and enjoy panoramic views.
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