Galapagos Cruise
Availability
Plan Your Trip
The 40-passenger Isabela II motor vessel offers enriching wildlife encounters, whether amid the islands’ haunting volcanic landscapes or beneath the waves of its marine reserve, as the Galapagos Islands’ marine life can be appreciated in the water with a snorkel and mask, or paddling a sea kayak, or even by peering through the glass-bottom hull of the vessel. Spend a 5-day/4-night Galapagos Islands cruise sailing in these wildlife-rich waters aboard the first-class Isabela II motor vessel, a glass-bottomed ship that is ideal for discovering the living laboratory of evolution for yourself. After arriving on central Santa Cruz Island, you will sail south to Floreana and Espanola Island, finally departing from easterly San Cristobal Island. Many of the species you will find during your Galapagos Islands travel are found nowhere else, which adds to making this a truly spectacular experience, while the volcanic landscapes, birdlife-rich forests and gorgeous lagoons will mean you’ll never want to leave.
“My husband, daughter and I want to thank you again for making our trip to the Galapagos extremely awesome!”
AM: We arrive at Baltra Island airport and transfer to the Itabaca Channel to take a ferry across to Santa Cruz Island. A 30-minute bus ride takes us to a restaurant in the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island to enjoy lunch, and then continue to Puerto Ayora.
PM: Charles Darwin Research Station. After driving down from the highlands, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation, and the National Park administration. In the late afternoon, you can stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora before embarking on the Isabela II yacht. Expedition plan review, captain’s welcome cocktail and dinner.
AM: Today we will visit Floreana Island, considered to be one of the most exotic in the Galapagos archipelago. Countless legends are part of the history of this island, as pirates and buccaneers were drawn to here in search of for food and water. Later the island was colonized by Norwegians, Brits, Germans and others who were in search of ways to make money from what they hoped to discover here. The name Floreana is in honor of Juan Jose Flores, Ecuador’s first president. After breakfast, we land on Floreana Island at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has been serving as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries. Snorkeling off the beach.
PM: Cormorant Point (Floreana Island) - Our visit to Cormorant Point takes in an olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk by a brackish water lagoon where bird species like greater flamingos may be observed. On the other side of the island, we come to a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night to nest. The next spot is Champion Islet. Though the island itself is off limits to visitors, the waters around this small landmass are great places to snorkel with sea lions and to see colorful tropical fish. Occasionally, dolphins are sighted as boats approach the shore, and the cool currents here make Champion an excellent site for spotting schools of stingrays.
AM: Española Island is the southernmost, oldest and one of the most bio-diverse islands of the Galapagos archipelago. Its English name is “Hood Island,” in honor of the British admiral Samuel Hood. Because of its isolated position, there is much endemic wildlife to be explored here – in addition to great snorkeling from Española’s remarkably beautiful beaches. Our morning outing at Punta Suarez provides an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique seabird colonies, including the waved albatrosses (April - January), boobies, swallow-tail gulls, and the famous “blowhole”. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas. Back on board for lunch.
PM: In the afternoon, we will visit Gardner Bay. Located on Española Island’s eastern shore, this bay is noted for its turquoise-colored waters and its magnificent beach. Around the bay’s small nearby islets, snorkelers will find an abundance of fish, as well as the occasional sea turtle and benign sharks. The bay is also frequented by a transient colony of Galapagos sea lions who love to swim with people. Birds, like the endemic Española mockingbird and different species of Darwin finches, are omnipresent
AM: In the morning, we will visit Punta Pitt, on the eastern side of San Cristobal Island. After a high-intensity hike on rocky terrain along a 1.4 km-long path and several magnificent lookout points, we will make our way through colonies of Frigatebirds and Fork-tailed seagulls. What’s more, this is probably the only site in the world where you can see all three species of boobies – Masked, Red- and Blue-footed ones. In addition to its great range of seabirds, Punta Pitt is also excellent for dinghy rides and snorkeling.
PM: Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal Island) - In the afternoon following lunch on board, a dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers takes us to Cerro Brujo's expansive, white coralline beach, great for walking, with rewarding birdwatching with good views of seabirds and shorebirds. Also, look out for Galapagos sea lions. These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835. After the walk, there is a chance to swim and snorkel.
AM: After breakfast, we depart to pier and airport for your flight back to the mainland.
| Room | Classic Cabin | Classic Family Cabin | Owner´s Cabin | Standard Cabin |
| 5 Days | US$ 3,622 PP | US$ 3,622 PP | US$ 3,790 PP | US$ 3,414 PP |
Interested in more information about any particular South American destination or trip?
Simply let us know your interests or question, and one of our travel experts will be more than happy to assist you -- at no charge, of course!
“We had an absolutely amazing trip! Surtrek coordinated a Galapagos Cruise on the Natural Paradise yacht and then a stay at the Napo Wildlife Center. Everything was beyond our expectations!! I highly recommend Surtrek.”