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This 8 day cruise explores in depth some of the larger islands in the Galapagos, with landings to see Galapagos penguins, Galapagos giant tortoises and a host of unique bird species.

A visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island will help you learn about the breeding programmes being undertaken in the Galapagos to protect the giant tortoise and land iguana.  You can also see giant tortoises in the wild in the highlands of Santa Cruz. You will then spend at least three days exploring Isabela Island, the largest of the archipelago, home to flamingos, penguins, green turtles and land iguanas.

Your journey then continues to the nearby volcanic island of Fernandina, which has a huge population of land iguanas, as well as a variety of other wildlife.  The trip culminates with landings on Santiago, Bartolomé and North Seymour, where you can see fur seals, sealions, magnificent frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies and more penguins.

A typical one week Galapagos Highlights itinerary is shown below, on board the  Beluga, however we offer a variety of other voyages, durations and vessels.

Typical Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Arrive Baltra airport & board vessel, Santa Cruz

    After arriving at Baltra airport you will be transferred to your vessel.  Later that day you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and learn about their giant tortoise and land iguana breeding programmes. In the highlands of Santa Cruz the giant tortoise can be seen in the wild.

  2. Day 2: Sombrero Chino Island & Rábida Island

    Today you explore Sombrero Chino, a small volcanic island just off the south-east tip of Santiago, named so because of its distinctive shape. Wildlife here is aplenty including sea lions, marine iguanas and if you are lucky, perhaps even the rare Galapagos penguin. Later today you visit Rábida Island, a small unpopulated island with an unusual dark red coral sandy beach. Wildlife highlights in this area include flamingos in a nearby saltwater lagoon and a pelican nesting site. 

  3. Day 3: Isabela Island

    Today brings landings on Isabela, the largest of the Galapagos Islands, formed by five active volcanoes fused together. Wolf Volcano is the highest point in the entire Galapagos at 1707 metres. Volcan Sierra Negra has a caldera with a diameter of 10 kilometres – here you can view recent lava flows, moist highland vegetation and parasitic cones. You will also visit Puerto Villamil, a charming small town on a white sand beach. Highlights include the Tortoise Breeding Station and the flamingo lagoon

  4. Day 4: Isabela Island

    Continue your exploration of Isabela with a landing at Punta Moreno, located on the central south-western coast of the island. This site has spectacular views of Alcedo, Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes, and you can see impressive lava flows and desolate, pristine landscapes. You also visit Elizabeth Bay, which is only accessible by dinghy. Here it is possible to see penguins on the small islets in the bay, and in the water, you are likely to see Galapagos green turtles and rays.

  5. Day 5: Isabela Island

    There is more to see on this fascinating island, and today you will first stop at Urbina Bay, located in the foothills of Alcedo and Darwin volcanoes. Wildlife to be found here includes colourful land iguanas and Galapagos giant tortoises. Later you will visit Tagus Cove, a natural harbour where centuries ago whalers and pirates left their ship's names painted or carved on the rocks. A walk uphill to Darwin's Crater salt-water lake provides excellent panoramic views.

  6. Day 6: Fernandina Island

    Fernandina is the youngest volcanic island and is still active – it has rugged slopes, unusual lava formations and a huge population of land iguanas. There are also sealions, marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, Galapagos penguins and flightless cormorants in this unique habitat. You’ll then take a panga ride along the cliffs to land at Punta Vicente Roca, where Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies and flightless cormorants inhabit the shoreline.

  7. Day 7: Santiago & Bartolomé Islands

    Located between Isabela and Santa Cruz, Santiago offers a wide variety of seabirds, marine iguanas and fur seals. A walk along the rocky coastline at Puerto Egas shows you some of the Galapagos’ best tidal pools. Interesting spots include Playa Espumilla, boasting a beautiful contrast of golden sandy beaches and lush green mangroves, and Buccaneers Cove, a location Charles Darwin called home for nine days and a resting site for many whalers and pirates.

    Continuing to Bartolomé, a hike takes you to the highest point on the island to enjoy spectacular views. Sealions and penguins can be seen around Pinnacle Rock, and there is a sandy beach for swimming and snorkelling.

  8. Day 8: North Seymour, disembark & transfer to Baltra airport

    The island of North Seymour is home to endemic Palo Santo trees, colonies of blue-footed boobies, swallow tailed gulls, and magnificent frigatebirds. After visiting this final island, it’s time to disembark your vessel and transfer back to Baltra airport.

Please note: Exact itinerary and duration will depend on your chosen vessel, departure date and local conditions.

Key info

  • Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 days from £4,395 pp
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • Group size: Varies according to vessel
  • When to go: Jan-Dec: Regular departures
  • Group Departures: We have a range of departure dates & itineraries available. Please contact us with your requirements.
  • Included in the price/package:
    • Accommodation in twin-share cabin
    • All meals on board ship
    • Guided shore excursions
    • Transfers
    • Snorkelling equipment (wetsuits not included)
  • Activities available:
    • Birdwatching
    • Kayaking
    • Panga ride
    • Snorkelling
    • Swimming
Featured locations:

Isabela

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. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Where: Western islands
  • Ideal for viewing: Galapagos penguin, South American fur seal, white-cheeked pintail, Galapagos hawk, land iguana
  • Excellent for: Penguin watching

Santiago

Santiago Island has a narrow, steep-sided point of land, which provides an extraordinarily beautiful landscape with cliffs and rocky pinnacles that create a nesting site for hundreds of marine birds. In the 17th and 18th centuries, pirates used this place to maintain their vessels and replenish their supplies. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Where: Central islands
  • Ideal for viewing: Galapagos penguin, South American fur seal, Galapagos hawk, lava lizard, American flamingo
  • Excellent for: Birdwatching

Fernandina

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. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Where: Western islands
  • Ideal for viewing: flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguin, land iguana, marine iguana, Sally Lightfoot crab
  • Excellent for: Penguin watching

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is home to the Charles Darwin Research Station and Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre. The island’s rocky coastline and mangrove-lined inlets are good for marine life. The lush greenery of the highlands offers a welcome contrast, with its huge craters, lava tunnels and giant tortoises roaming freely. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Where: Central islands
  • Ideal for viewing: giant tortoise, green turtle, marine iguana, vermilion flycatcher, Galapagos rail

North Seymour

Magnificent frigatebirds, Galapagos sealions and blue-footed boobies are all numerous on North Seymour. The island was formed by a series of submarine lava flows containing layers of sediment that were uplifted by tectonic activity. There is a good walking trail crossing the island. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Where: Central islands
  • Ideal for viewing: land iguana, marine iguana, Galapagos sealion, magnificent frigatebird, blue-footed booby
  • Excellent for: Birdwatching

Bartolomé

Home of the iconic Pinnacle Rock, Bartolomé consists of an extinct volcano (114 metres altitude) with a variety of red, orange, black and even green volcanic formations. The trail that leads to the summit offers one of the finest views in the islands, including the black lava flows on nearby James Island. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Where: Central islands
  • Ideal for viewing: Galapagos penguin, lava lizard, brown pelican, blue-footed booby, Galapagos green turtle
  • Excellent for: Penguin watching
This itinerary is available on the following cruise vessels:

Beluga

The Beluga is a small but surprisingly spacious and comfortable, first-superior class, motor yacht carrying 16 passengers in eight double or twin cabins. The vessel is air-conditioned throughout, and facilities include a lounge, bar, dining area and plenty of deck space. The crew of ten includes a naturalist guide. Find Out More about Beluga

Cachalote Explorer

This charming vessel provides comfortable accommodation for your exploration of the Galapagos Islands. With a maximum of 16 passengers, in eight well-appointed cabins, this small-ship offers an intimate sailing experience and all the amenities you would expect of a high-quality motor vessel. Find Out More about Cachalote Explorer

Passion

Passion is a luxury motor yacht, accommodating only 14 passengers in seven boutique-style cabins, each individually crafted. Fully air-conditioned and with a hot tub on the top deck, this vessel provides a spacious and comfortable accommodation for your Galapagos adventure. Find Out More about Passion