Galapagos Central and Northern Islands Cruise (A)

Morning: Flight to the Galapagos

Your adventure begins with a flight to the extraordinary Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival, our VIP representatives will guide you through the entry process, including the migration card fee ($20) and the National Park entrance fee, which is $200 for adults and $100 for children under 12 (as of September 2024). Following a brief biosecurity check, your personal naturalist guide will welcome you and accompany you to our private transport.

As our team takes care of your luggage, you’ll board a comfortable tender boat, locally known as a “panga,” for a short and scenic transfer to the Seaman Journey. Upon arrival, our friendly crew will greet you with refreshments, ensuring a smooth and pleasant start to your Galapagos experience.

Afternoon: Bartolomé Island

Located across from Sullivan Bay, Bartolomé Island rises to 114 meters (approximately 375 feet), offering breathtaking panoramic views of volcanic cones, lunar-like craters, and lava fields. Its most iconic feature, the Toba-formed Pinnacle Rock, has been shaped by centuries of sea erosion. The island’s terrain hosts minimal vegetation, adding to its otherworldly landscape.

Bartolomé boasts two stunning beaches where marine turtles and sea lions are often seen. At the base of Pinnacle Rock, a small colony of Galapagos penguins can also be spotted, making this a truly remarkable destination.

Morning: Mosquera Islet

Nestled between North Seymour and Baltra, Mosquera Islet is one of the smallest in the Galápagos. Formed by geological uplift, this volcanic island is uniquely flat and lacks a visible crater.

What makes Mosquera truly special is its striking contrast of colors—a pristine white sand beach, crystal-clear turquoise waters, vibrant green vegetation, and dramatic black lava rocks. The scenery is perfect for landscape photography, especially during the soft golden light of sunrise or sunset.

Afternoon: North Seymour

This elevated island offers a relaxed, level walk through a stunning natural setting, where Galápagos wildlife thrives up close. Witness magnificent frigatebirds nesting in the low shrubs, with males inflating their striking red throat pouches, while blue-footed boobies perform their charming courtship dances just steps from the trail.

Along the coast, playful sea lions can be seen riding the waves, while elegant swallow-tailed gulls perch along the cliffs. Guided by our experts, you’ll explore well-maintained paths that provide ideal viewing and photography opportunities, ensuring a comfortable and immersive experience in this extraordinary ecosystem.

Morning: Genovesa Island – El Barranco (The Cliff)

Begin your morning adventure along the southern edge of Darwin Bay at El Barranco. This 1.5 km trail winds through volcanic terrain and takes approximately two hours at a relaxed pace. The area is home to one of Genovesa’s most impressive bird colonies, where red-footed and masked boobies nest in close proximity.

The island’s cliffs feature natural cavities that serve as nesting sites for storm petrels, closely watched by their main predator, the elusive short-eared owl. The dramatic coastline can be admired both on foot and from the comfort of a panga ride, where fur sea lions can sometimes be spotted resting on the rocks.

Fun Fact: Genovesa is one of only five places in the Galápagos where red-footed boobies nest, making it a must-visit for bird lovers.

Afternoon: Darwin Bay

Formed by the collapse of an ancient volcanic crater, Darwin Bay features a stunning white coral sand beach, accessible via a wet landing. This destination is a paradise for birdwatchers, offering the chance to observe an array of species, including red-footed boobies, masked boobies, wandering tattlers, lava gulls, whimbrels, yellow-crowned and black-crowned night herons, and yellow warblers.

As the trail continues, visitors can see red-footed boobies nesting in mangrove trees, alongside other notable species such as sharp-beaked finches, large cactus finches, ground finches, Galápagos doves, and swallow-tailed gulls. The path also leads past tidal pools, where coastal and marine birds, including night herons, can be spotted. Playful sea lions are often seen lounging nearby.

Darwin Bay is also a prime snorkeling location, offering encounters with reef sharks, sea turtles, and vibrant tropical fish. For those seeking more adventure, sea kayaking is another exciting way to explore the bay’s crystal-clear waters.

Morning: South Plazas, Santa Cruz

Situated east of Santa Cruz, South Plazas is one of two small islands that make up Islas Plazas. Despite its size, it is home to some of the Galápagos’ most fascinating wildlife. The land iguanas here are notably smaller than those found on other islands.

One of the island’s most unique features is its hybrid iguanas, a rare crossbreed between male marine iguanas and female land iguanas. These hybrids are easily recognizable by their dark gray or black coloration, land iguana-like crests, and the face and tail structure of marine iguanas. Their abundance is largely due to the presence of prickly pear cacti, their primary food source.

Along the island’s dramatic cliffs, swallow-tailed gulls nest alongside a variety of seabirds, including Audubon shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, frigatebirds, and brown pelicans.

Afternoon: Santa Fe Island

Located in the southeastern Galápagos, Santa Fe is geologically distinct from many other islands, as it was formed by uplift rather than volcanic activity, resulting in its relatively flat terrain. Some researchers believe it could be the oldest island in the archipelago.

Santa Fe is home to several endemic species, including the Galápagos hawk, Galápagos snake, Galápagos mockingbird, rice rats, and one of the two species of land iguanas found in the islands.

Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by a colony of sea lions basking in the clear, turquoise waters. Along the walking trail, towering prickly pear cacti dominate the landscape, a striking example of island gigantism. Santa Fe also offers excellent snorkeling opportunities, where guests can swim alongside playful sea lions and vibrant tropical fish.

Morning: David Rodriguez Land Tortoise Breeding Center

On your final morning in the Galápagos, visit the renowned David Rodriguez Tortoise Center, a key conservation site dedicated to safeguarding San Cristóbal’s native giant tortoises. Named in honor of a dedicated park ranger who served the islands for 39 years, this advanced breeding facility plays a vital role in the preservation of these iconic reptiles.

Situated near Cerro Colorado, the center is a scenic 40-minute drive from the port, winding through the lush highlands of the island. Here, you’ll observe the impressive Chelonoides chathamensis tortoises thriving in a carefully maintained natural environment. Established in 2002 and continuously enhanced, the facility stands as a model of conservation success in the Galápagos.

After this unforgettable experience, our team will coordinate a smooth transfer to San Cristóbal airport for your departure flight.