Embark on an unforgettable 5-day Galapagos cruise visiting Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Española, and Santa Fe Islands. Explore diverse landscapes, from pristine beaches to volcanic formations, and encounter iconic wildlife such as blue-footed boobies, land iguanas, and sea lions. Enjoy snorkeling in crystal-clear waters and guided hikes through the unique ecosystems of the archipelago.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival At Baltra Island & Santa Cruz Island: Dragon Hill
Upon landing at Baltra Airport, you’ll receive a warm welcome before transferring to the M/C Endemic. In the afternoon, head to Dragon Hill on the northwest of Santa Cruz Island. This is an excellent spot to observe land iguanas, a species that was once on the verge of extinction.
At Dragon Hill, you’ll also come across a lagoon where flamingos, pintail ducks, and various endemic birds, including flycatchers and warblers, can be spotted. A short trek leads to a scenic viewpoint. Before returning to the yacht, enjoy an offshore snorkeling session.
Day 2 : San Cristóbal: Kicker Rock, Witch Hill & Lobos Island
Kicker Rock
Begin your morning with a visit to Kicker Rock, a striking rock formation shaped by erosion. This site is a nesting ground for seabirds and home to abundant marine life, including sea lions, fish, turtles, rays, and sharks—making it a fantastic snorkeling location.
Witch Hill
Next, explore Witch Hill, a tuff cone hill southwest of San Cristóbal. Named after the Spanish term for the Vermilion Flycatcher, this site features unique rock formations, a white sand beach, and crystal-clear waters—ideal for snorkeling.
Lobos Island
In the afternoon, visit Lobos Island, where you can observe blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and marine iguanas. The highlight here is swimming and snorkeling alongside playful sea lions in a calm bay.
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3 : Española Island: Gardner Bay & Suarez Point
Gardner Bay
Start your morning at Gardner Bay, a pristine beach ideal for swimming. The nearby islets offer incredible snorkeling opportunities with diverse marine life, including fish, turtles, and occasionally sharks. A resident sea lion colony often interacts with visitors.
Osborn & Gardner Islets
These sites are a paradise for underwater exploration and snorkeling enthusiasts.
Suarez Point
In the afternoon, visit one of the Galápagos’ most remarkable wildlife areas. The cliffs and beaches of Suarez Point host an array of bird species, including masked and blue-footed boobies. The breathtaking scenery completes this unforgettable visit.
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4 : Santa Fe Island & Santa Cruz Island: Fausto Llerena Center
Santa Fe Island
This island offers exciting shore excursions with two trail options: one leading to towering Opuntia cacti and the other to the highlands, where land iguanas thrive. After the hike, unwind by swimming or snorkeling with sea lions.
Fausto Llerena Breeding Center (Charles Darwin Research Station)
In the afternoon, explore this center dedicated to Galápagos tortoise conservation. The facility includes an information center, museum, library, and a breeding station where visitors can see young tortoises before their release into the wild.
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5 : South Plaza Island & Departure From Baltra Airport
South Plaza Island
Your final morning brings a visit to South Plaza Island, known for its vibrant landscape covered in Sesuvium plants and Opuntia cacti. Land iguanas are commonly seen resting under cacti, waiting for fallen prickly pears.
Departure
After this last excursion, transfer to Baltra Airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador. Assistance and farewell at the airport.
