Fascinating Galapagos Islands Cruise aboard the Santa Cruz

Day 1 (Tuesday)    Quito or Guayaquil

Welcome upon arrival and transfer to your hotel. If time permits, please feel free to explore the city at your own pace. We can also arrange for a guided tour of colonial Quito or a visit to the Middle of the World monument (additional fee).

Day 2 (Wednesday)    Quito / Baltra Island / North Seymour Island

AM (Baltra) - Early flight to Galapagos’ Baltra Island and transfer to the M/V Santa Cruz. Captain briefing after lunch.

PM (North Seymour Island) - Afternoon disembarkation (dry landing) for a walk along the coast and the interior of North Seymour Island.  This will be our first opportunity to witness the fabulous wildlife of the Galapagos.  Colonies of blue footed boobies, frigate birds, swallow tailed gulls, sea lions and marine iguanas will welcome us to the island. Feel free to snorkel or explore the coastal area. (BLD)

Day 3 (Thursday)    Isabela Island / Fernandina Island

AM (Punta Vicente Roca) - Since there is no landing site at this location, the coastal exploration is by panga.  Our guide will explain the dramatic geology of the area with remains of lava flows and tuff stone layers. This is the nesting place for flightless cormorants - the only existing marine birds in the world other than penguins that have changed their condition of flying birds to diving birds. Wildlife here also includes sea lions, Galapagos fur seals, Galapagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies and noddy terns. Depending on the conditions of the ocean, we might be able to snorkel along the cliffs of a partly-sunken volcano. This area has a very rich marine life, and is seasonally visited by green sea turtles and oceanic sun fish (Mola mola).

PM (Punta Espinoza) - Afternoon visit to the youngest island of the archipelago; Fernandina. Disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile walk over dark lava. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness and wildlife. Having no "introduced mammals", Fernandina boasts a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas.  They share the island with sea lions, sally light-foot crabs, hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorant. Venture into a snookering exploring the underwater world of Fernandina. (BLD)

Day 4 (Friday)    Isabela Island

AM (Tagus Cove) - Dray landing after breakfast on the northwest of Isabela.  Over the centuries, Tagus Cove has been known as a favorite anchorage spot for pirates and whalers. Old markings are still found carved on its walls. The vegetation in the area includes the fragrant palo santo trees. These white-barked trees are leafless and look dead most of the year. They flower and spring back to life during the wet season (January to June). An uphill hike will take  us to the back of Darwin Crater which is filled with salt water. Darwin is one of Isabela’s six volcanoes, a remarkable contrast to the lower islands to the east of the archipelago. We will also enjoy a panga ride along the volcanic shore of the cove to from where we will be able to observe boobies, penguins, flightless cormorants, terns, and sea lions. This area is also great for swimming and snorkeling - from the panga.

PM (Urbina Bay) - After lunch (wet landing) we will disembark at Urbina Bay.  Located at the foot of volcanoes Alcedo and Darwin, western Isabela Island, Urbina Bay is the result of an uplifting of the ocean in 1954. Here you can find corals, shells and many other calcareous organisms exposed above water. This area is also home to large and very colorful Galapagos land iguanas, giant tortoises (occasionally) and Darwin’s finches. Along the shoreline, after the hike, we might see flightless cormorants and and penguins while snorkeling in this beautiful cove. (BLD)

Day 5 (Saturday)    Santa Cruz Island

AM (Charles Darwing Research Station) - Morning disembarkation (dry landing) to visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and a live encounter with the most famous tortoise of the world; “Lonesome George”. The station is also the are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the Galapagos National Park administration. Lunch at the poolside of the Finch Bay Eco Hotel. 

PM (Highlands) - After lunch and a 30-minute bus ride to the Highlands, we will arrive to the famous Giant Tortoise Reserve.  Here we will learn the impressive migrations process these giant reptiles must endure every year for feeding and reproduction. Santa Cruz hosts one of the largest tortoise populations in Galapagos. (BLD)

Day 6 (Sunday)    Floreana (Charles) Island

AM (Post Office Bay and Baroness' Tower) - A short walk leads us to the historic barrel where mail can be left for other guests from other vessels. This tradition of over two centuries is unique. Near Post Office Bay, we explore the north shore of Floreana along narrow channels teeming with life. Rays, turtles and sea lions can be seen swimming gently next to our pangas. After a wet landing and a short walk up to a volcanic cone we will reach Baroness Tower. The entire northern shore of the island can be seen from here.

PM (Cormorant Point) - Wet landing at Cormorant Point on an olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk along a brackish lagoon where we will observe flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers among other species. On our way back we will walk along a white-sandy beach where sea turtles emerge night to nest (from December to May). Weather permitting snorkeling or a glass-bottom boat ride close to Devil’s Crown. Tonight we will enjoy a farewell cocktail, departure briefing and dinner. (BLD)

Day 7 (Monday)    Baltra Island / Quito or Guayaquil

We will arrive to Baltra Island during the morning and transfer to the airport for your flight to Quito (Tip: Flying to Guayaquil might allow you to catch a flight home in the evening).  Transfer to your hotel upon arrival.  Feel free to enjoy the city at night before your flight home tomorrow. (BLD)

Day 8 (Tuesday)    Quito or Guayaquil

If time permits, enjoy a morning walk before your transfer to the airport for your flight home. Bon Voyage!!! (B)

(B): Breakfast (L): Lunch (D): Dinner

Important Notice Actual day-by-day itineraries may vary from those shown in order to take advantage of local sightseeing options, trains or flight schedules changes, or other unforeseen events.

Day 1 (Thursday)    Quito or Guayaquil

Welcome upon arrival and transfer to your hotel. If time permits, please feel free to explore the city at your own pace. We can also arrange for a guided tour of colonial Quito or a visit to the Middle of the World monument (additional fee).

Day 2 (Friday)    Quito / San Cristobal (Chatham) Island

AM (San Cristobal airport and M/V Santa Cruz) - Early flight to Galapagos’ San Cristobal Island and transfer to the Santa Cruz. Captain briefing after lunch.

PM (Interpretation Center and Cerro Tijeretas) - Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (dry landing) and visit the Interpretation Centre. Later we will tour the site considered as the spot where Darwin set foot for first time on Galapagos in 1835. This area is teeming with life: Darwin finches, San Cristobal mockingbirds, marine iguanas and sea lions. Hills frame this turquoise bay, home to two species of frigates. A staircase leads to the top of Cerro Tijeretas, from where a good portion of northern San Cristobal is visible: Wreck Bay, Lobos Islet, Punta Carola and the impressive Kicker Rock. (BLD)

Day 3 (Saturday)    San Cristobal (Chatham) Island

AM (Cerro Brujo) - A dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers will take us to San Cristobal's Cerro Brujo white coralline beach (wet landing). The beach is great for walking, seal lions and bird watching.  Some bird species include; blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, herons, frigate birds, the Chatham (San Cristobal) mockingbird and Chatham lava lizard. These last two species are endemic to this island and seen nowhere else in the Galapagos. Cerro Brujo is an excellent site for getting used to our snorkeling gear and techniques. 

PM (Pitt Point) - In the afternoon, we will disembark (wet landing) on the eastern tip of San Cristobal. Pitt Point is an eroded tuff cone. The trail that ascends from the beach provides spectacular views of the shoreline. This is the only site in the Galápagos where the three species of boobies and two frigate species can be found together.  Also, we will enjoy watching a colony of bachelor sea lions along the beach. After the walk, if conditions are favorable, you can swim and snorkel. (BLD)

Day 4 (Sunday)    Santa Fee Island and South Plaza Island

AM (Santa Fe) - Wet landing on a sandy white beach with many sea lion harems. Bulls vie for the right to be “Beach Master”, while smaller males masquerading as females make stealthy mating moves. Galapagos hawks are often easily observed, perched atop salt bushes. The endemic land iguana, unique to this island, may be spotted during the afternoon walk. Snorkeling and swimming from the beach rounds off this rewarding experience - glass bottom boat for non-snorkelers. 

PM (South Plaza) - Disembark (dry landing) in the channel between North and South Plaza Islands.  The approach makes for a lavishly colorful sight! The turquoise waters of the channel contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline. The rocks have grown thick with green seaweed in places, speckled with bright orange ‘Sally Lightfoot’ crabs. Further up the shore a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as ground cover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus. Yellow-grey land iguanas sit beneath waiting patiently for pears to drop. Along the coastline one finds sea lion colonies, while frigates, swallow-tailed gulls and shearwaters glide playing with the thermals that form along the cliffs. (BLD)

Day 5 (Monday)    Santa Cruz Island Island

AM (Charles Darwin Research Station) - Morning dry landing to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens, including tortoise celebrities like “Lonesome George”.  These are the headquarters of scientific investigation and conservation Galapagos tortoises. Lunch will be served by poolside of the Finch Bay Eco Hotel. 

PM (Highlands) - After lunch, visit the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, with their impressive Scalesia forest and the geological formation of the twin pit craters known as Los Gemelos.  From December to mid-April a visit to see the giant tortoises in the wild may be included (weather permitting). (BLD)

Day 6 (Tuesday)    Española (Hood) Island

AM (Punta Suarez) - Morning outing to Punta  Suarez (dry landing) for an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including waved albatrosses (April - December), Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, swallowtail gulls as well as the famous Galapagos “blow-hole”. Among its land birds, the Hood island mockingbird, Galapagos hawks, Galapagos doves and three species of Darwin’s finches are common highlights. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas. 

PM (Gardner's Bay) - Disembark (wet landing) at a white coral beach for a short walk to observe the sea lions, mockingbirds, finches and enjoy the beach. Great snorkeling opportunity or a ride aboard the glass bottom boat. Tonight we will enjoy a farewell cocktail and dinner. (BLD)

Day 7 (Wednesday)    Baltra Island / Quito or Guayaquil

We will arrive to Baltra Island during the morning and transfer to the airport for your flight to Quito (Tip: Flying to Guayaquil might allow you to catch a flight home in the evening).  Transfer to your hotel upon arrival.  Feel free to enjoy the city at night before your flight home tomorrow. (BLD)

Day 8 (Thursday)    Quito or Guayaquil

If time permits, enjoy a morning walk before your transfer to the airport for your flight home. Bon Voyage!!! (B)

(B): Breakfast (L): Lunch (D): Dinner

Important Notice Actual day-by-day itineraries may vary from those shown in order to take advantage of local sightseeing options, trains or flight schedules changes, or other unforeseen events.

Day 1 (Sunday)    Quito or Guayaquil

Welcome upon arrival and transfer to your hotel. If time permits, please feel free to explore the city at your own pace. We can also arrange for a guided tour of colonial Quito or a visit to the Middle of the World monument (additional fee).

Day 2 (Monday)   Quito / Baltra Island / North Seymour Island

AM (Baltra) - Early flight to Galapagos’ Baltra Island and transfer to the M/V Santa Cruz. Captain briefing after lunch.

PM (Las Bachas) - After WW II, US military barges were beached and abandoned here. Locals referred to the beach as the barges beach, a name that morphed to “Bachas”. Today it is an important nesting area for the east Pacific green sea turtle. Located on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, Las Bachas is a glorious white beach (wet landing), with several brackish lagoons only a few steps away from the sea. These lagoons are the feeding grounds of various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos. This is a great opportunity to test your snorkeling skills. Once back at the yacht, we will enjoy a welcome cocktail, a presentation of our expedition plan for Tuesday and dinner. (BLD)

Day 3 (Tuesday)    Santiago (James) Island

AM (Buccaneer Cove) - After breakfast, enjoy a coastal exploration along the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer Cove. Learn about the history of Santiago Island, its relevance for the whalers, pirates and early researchers, including Darwin’s epic voyage in 1835. Today the island is home to a large number of marine birds, sea lions, and inter-tidal organisms. There are fantastic natural formations such as the “Elephant Rock”, “The Bishop” and an impressive natural cave. This is a great site for snorkeling too!

PM (Puerto Egas) - Wet landing follow by a mid-length walk.  Most of the landscape is tuff-stone layers and lava flows. This is a great opportunity to see land and marine birds.  At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon the algae beds and there is a colony of fur-sea lions.  Opportunity for snorkeling and swimming from the beach after the walk. (BLD)

Day 4 (Wednesday)    Rabida (Jervis) Island and Bartolome Island

AM (Rabida) - Disembark at Rábida Island (wet landing) on a red-colored beach - red color is due to the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material. A gratifying stroll along the beach of this small island (1.9 sq. mi.) allows the observation of a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin’s finches. Very close to the beach, hidden behind a strip of green saltbush, is a salt pond where at times greater flamingos migrate. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach (beginners as well as for experienced snorkelers). Non-snorkelers will enjoy a ride on the glass bottom boat. Tip: Keep an eye on the ocean for dolphins as we cruise to our next destination.

PM (Bartolome) - Disembark at Bartolomé Island (dry landing) for a hike to the summit. This is a moderately steep climb aided by a wooden staircase resting platforms and handrails. The view from the top is worth the effort. Later we take a dinghy ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock.  We will stop at a beach (wet landing)  for some snorkeling - possibly with Galapagos penguins (glass-bottom boat for non-snorkelers). (BLD)

Day 5 (Thursday)    Genovesa (Tower) Island

AM (Prince Philip's Steps) - The morning starts with a panga ride along the cliffs before disembarking (dry landing) on rocks for a steep climb (90 feet) up via stairs. Once at the top, we will walk for about a mile to the other side of the island where we will find large colonies of Nazca boobies, red footed boobies, great frigate birds and storm petrels. As an alternative you can stay aboard the panga for a longer ride along the cliffs (depending on weather conditions).

PM (Darwin Bay) - Wet landing for an easy stroll offering great encounters with a wide variety of birds, such as; frigate birds, red footed, Nazca boobies, gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. Optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain for dramatic views, or return to the beach for swimming and snorkeling at this beautiful natural harbor (glass bottom boat ride available). Farewell Cocktail, departure briefing and dinner once we return to the yacht. (BLD)

Day 6 (Friday)    San Cristobal (Chatham) / Quito or Guayaquil

AM (Cerro Colorado) - After breakfast, optional departure to see the breeding program of giant tortoises at Cerro Colorado. Learn about his endangered species and its promising recovery. This site is 45 minutes by bus, on the south shore of San Cristobal Island. Return to town and transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland.  You can also enjoy the morning aboard the yacht before your transfer to the airpot. 

PM - Flight to Quito (Tip: Flying to Guayaquil might allow you to catch a flight home in the evening).  Transfer to your hotel upon arrival.  Feel free to enjoy the city at night before your flight home tomorrow. (BLD)

Day 8 (Saturday)    Quito or Guayaquil

If time permits, enjoy a morning walk before your transfer to the airport for your flight home. Bon Voyage!!! (B)

(B): Breakfast (L): Lunch (D): Dinner

Important Notice Actual day-by-day itineraries may vary from those shown in order to take advantage of local sightseeing options, trains or flight schedules changes, or other unforeseen events.

Price (per person based on double occupancy)

• 7 - 8 days from $2,450
• Child rate from $1,850 (restrictions apply)
• Price based on check payment (please add 3% if paying via credit card)

What is Included

• All hotel accommodations
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary - B: breakfast, L: lunch and D: dinner
• All sightseeing as shown as part of an open group (private tours available)
• Services of bilingual professional guides
• Airport transfers
• All gratuities except to guides
• Naturalists and lecture services
• Island sightseeing
• Snorkeling equipment

Additional Budget Considerations

• Domestic flights: from $495
• Airport taxes
• Peak Season (Mar 30-Apr 9 or Dec 21-Jan 4) surcharge 5%
• Beverages (other than water)

Items NOT included in the price

• International or Domestic flights unless stated in 'What is Included' section above. We will be happy to help you with your flight arrangements at your request.
• Personal expenses such as beverages; lunch or dinner (unless in the itinerary)
• Laundry services
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended - see our Travel Tips section for details)
• Excess baggage fees
• Communication charges
• Airport departure or arrival taxes
• Cost of obtaining passports or visas
• Gratuities to guides
• Any other expense not mentioned on what is included
• Galapagos National Park admission fee (US $100 subject to change without notice)
• Transit Control Card for Galapagos (US$ 10 per person)
• Bar consumption on board

Please do not hesitate to call 1-800-667-6134 for additional information.

Technical specifications

• Construction : Bilbao, Spain, 1979
• Reconstruction : Talcahuano, Chile, 1998
• Last Dry Dock on: Ecuador, September 7th to October 2nd 2009 
• Category : First Class
• Gross Tonnage : 1675
• Capacity : 90 guests
• Length : 72.35 meters (237.3 feet)
• Beam : 11.85 meters (38.86 feet)
• Speed : 13 knots
• Electricity : 110 Volts in the cabins with  220 Volt sockets available in Reception and Dining area.
• Engines : 2 Sulzer engines, 1620 BHP each
• Navigation : Gyrocompass, auto pilot, radar, echo-sounders,
• Equipment : GPS and Radio Director Finder
• Safety Classification : ABS classification +A1E +  AMS #7907 853 SOLAS (safety of life at sea) ISM certificate Complying with the IMO resolution A.788(19) Automatic fire controls
• Life Jackets : In each cabin
• Lifeboats : Two 66-man, two 25-man, 
• Life Rafts : Two  16-man, two 10-man
• Zodiacs : 5 for ship to shore transportation 
• Boston Whaler :  1 with glass-bottom with for underwater observation
• Owner : ETICA / Metropolitan Touring
• Decks : 4 (Sun deck, Boat deck, Upper deck, Main deck)
• Crew : 52
• Naturalist : 6 multilingual (includes Chief Naturalist) 
• Medical Officer :  Permanently on board

Other services

• Bar - Lounge, Boutique
• Gift Shop
• Email, radio, telephone, and Fax communications.
• PA system.
• Snorkeling Equipment
• Multimedia natural history lectures
• Stargazing Program
• Glass bottom boat
• Jacuzzi
• Reading Room and Natural History Library
• Air conditioned throughout
• Safety boxes
• Hair dryers