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Odyssey Yacht 4-Night Itinerary

On this 5-day Galapagos Islands tour, dubbed the “Genovesa Expedition,” a wealth of wildlife viewing opportunities will be yours. This carefully planned itinerary covers the main highlights of the Galapagos Islands by visiting Santa Cruz, Genovesa, and Santiago islands, as well as several spectacularly scenic islets. You will enjoy a flexible Galapagos Islands cruise program that offers several alternative daily activities on land an in the water – but always amidst the stunning wealth of unique wildlife that inhabits these famous islands.

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“We loved the time at the lodge in Cuyabeno. It was so genuine and natural there and the crew was so knowledgable and helpful. Thank you so much for the recommendation of the real Amazonia-experience.”Elena

Highlights

Galapagos Islands, Genovesa, Bartolome (Pinnacle Rock), Santa Cruz (Highlands Reserve).

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Baltra Island: Airport // Santa Cruz Island: Dragon Hill
Day 2: Rabida Island // Chinese Hat Island
Day 3: Genovesa Island: Prince Phillip's Steps – Darwin Bay
Day 4: Bartolome Island // Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay
Day 5: Santa Cruz Island: Highlands // Baltra Island: Airport
Galapagos Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Sunday
Baltra Island: Airport // Santa Cruz Island: Dragon Hill

AM: In the morning, you will fly from Quito or Guayaquil (on the Ecuadorian mainland) to Baltra Island, in the heart of the Galapagos archipelago and the main point of entrance to this natural paradise. Upon your arrival at the airport, you will need to pay the national park entry fee, which goes to protecting both the Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve.  A member of the ship's crew will welcome you and accompany you to your yacht: the Odyssey.

PM: In the afternoon we will explore the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island to visit Dragon Hill, which is an excellent spot for observing lava lizards, Darwin finches, and wading birds. On the way to Dragon Hill, we will rest at a small lagoon that’s a popular feeding place for colorful birds and flamingos.   

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Lunch - Dinner
Day 2 - Monday
Rabida Island // Chinese Hat Island

AM: In the morning, we will take a trip to the dark-rust-colored beach of the small, volcanic Rabida Island. A short path leads to a small lagoon that is popular among flamingos. This beach is one of the most beautiful snorkeling places in the Galapagos Islands and it has a great abundance of tropical fish and sea lions. Rabida Island is also the only site where Batfish live. 

PM: We will make a wet landing on Chinese Hat Island, located southeast of Santiago Island. Its name describes the shape of the island, which you will be able to discern from a distance.  This island’s landscapes are dominated by volcanic formations and fragile lava tubes.  Because of this, it’s very important to stay on the paths. You will encounter a small colony of sea lions and then proceed to hike through this dark, unyielding island of solid rock.

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Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Day 3 - Tuesday
Genovesa Island: Prince Phillip's Steps – Darwin Bay

AM: Our destination for today is Genovesa Island, considered to be one of the wildest and most pristine islands in Galapagos National Park. Known as “Bird Island,” Genovesa is one of the few places in the Galapagos where you can see Red-footed boobies.

In the morning we will go ashore at a crater wall where Prince Phillip’s Steps are located.  These stairs were carved in the stone wall and lead up to a wide plateau where you will find nesting places of Great frigatebirds, Red-billed tropic birds, Bahama ducks, Lava seagulls and Fork-tailed seagulls. During this easy stroll, we will cut through a small scalesia forest where you might observe short-eared owls.  With a little bit of luck, you will also be able to observe the unique courtship rituals carried out by the various booby species (Red- and Blue-footed as well as Masked boobies). It truly is a show.

PM: After a wet landing in Genovesa Island’s Darwin Bay, we will walk along a short path that leads through the nesting sites of booby and frigatebird colonies. On the beach, you can observe the interesting spectacle of how frigate birds try to rob the prey of different species of boobies.

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Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Day 4 - Wednesday
Bartolome Island // Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay

AM: Upon arriving on Bartolome Island, you will discover a fascinating moonscape formed by various volcanic formations — including lava bombs, spatter, cinder cones — as we hike to the island’s summit for striking views of the surrounding islands, Sullivan Bay and the towering Pinnacle Rock. As the beaches at the foot of the Pinnacle Rock boast some of the finest snorkeling in the islands, you can discover a marvelous underwater world here and have a good chance of finding sea turtles gliding gently alongside you. On the rocks beneath Pinnacle Rock, it’s quite possible to spot some of the quick-as-an-arrow Galapagos penguins; at around 25 centimeters tall, these are members of the second smallest species of penguin in the world.  Likewise, you’re likely to see harmless Whitetip reef sharks sunning in these waters. For many visitors, this may turn out to be the best of snorkeling experiences, as the water here is generally clear, without too much surf and full of marine life.

PM: In the afternoon we will land on the fourth largest island in the Galapagos: Santiago Island, also known as “James Island” or “San Salvador Island.” The old rusted machines and run-down buildings of former salt mine workers are still apparent on the island, though the last attempts to populate Santiago Island were given up on forty years ago. We will then proceed to Sullivan Bay, located on the eastern coast of Santiago Island. Its lava field, covered with lava cactuses, has a variety of interesting patterns of important geologic interest, as you will be able to observe the contrasting lava landscapes from an older eruption and a newer one formed during the last quarter of the 19th century.  After exploring these lava flows, you can swim or snorkel with playful sea lions. 

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Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Day 5 - Thursday
Santa Cruz Island: Highlands // Baltra Island: Airport

AM: After breakfast, we will then visit the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where the lush landscape is a welcome contrast to the arid scenery of the smaller, lower islands. On the way, we will cross through different vegetation zones – from the dry lower region full of cactuses to the scalesia woods in the Highlands.  There one can find two small agricultural communities that grow the famous organic Galapagos coffee. While in the Highlands you will have the option of visiting one of two tortoise breeding centers: El Chato or Rancho Las Primicias. At either site, approaching these enormous and slow-moving reptiles is always an inspiring adventure. The El Chato tortoise reserve was founded in 1964 to allow visitors to observe the island’s huge Galapagos turtles and White herons in their natural habitat. You will also be able to walk through nearby underground lava tunnels formed during volcanic eruptions. As the outside of the lava hardened, the inside continued to flow to the ocean, creating these tunnels. Alternatively, Rancho Primicias is a great place to see about ten to fifteen Galapagos giant tortoises in the wild. In addition to being able to view the ocean from this location in the Highlands, you can walk through a lava cave that was formed by a volcanic eruption.  

Concluding this amazing experience in the Galapagos Islands, you will be transferred to the Baltra Island airport for your return flight to the Ecuadorian mainland. Enjoy your last look back at the “enchanted islands,” a unique paradise with inspiring natural wonders.

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Breakfast

Prices

Price per person
Cabin Season 5 Days
Ocean View StateroomHigh season US$ 3,995 PP
Regular season US$ 3,395 PP
Ocean View SuiteHigh season US$ 4,994 PP
Regular season US$ 4,244 PP
Single CabinHigh season US$ 3,995 PP
Regular season US$ 3,395 PP
Price per person
Cabin Season 5 Days
*Price per person based upon double occupancy.
*PP (per person)
Included in the price:
  • A cruise on board the Odyssey
  • Accommodations in a double cabin, with private facilities
  • All meals indicated in the itinerary
  • All transfers in the Galapagos Islands
  • All excursions indicated in the itinerary
  • Services of an English/Spanish-speaking naturalist guide
  • Use of snorkeling equipment and kayaks at designated sites
  • Free purified drinking water
Not included in the price:
  • Flights to/from the Galapagos Islands
  • Wetsuit rental
  • Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($100 USD per adult)
  • Galapagos Transit Control Card ($20 USD per person)
  • Bottled soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
  • Single cabin supplements
  • Tips and gratuities for the guides and crew
  • Personal items
  • Travel/medical insurance
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“We had a great time in the jungle. Our experience was amazing. Can’t wait to tell you more about it.”Michael McLane