Galapagos Islands Luxury Expedition Cruise

4-night Itinerary

Day 1 : Baltra Island > Santa Cruz Island

Upon arrival in Baltra Island you will be transferred to your cruise. Your journey heads first to Santa Cruz Island where you will visit Banchas Beach on which the remnants of a rusted barge, thought to have been abandoned by the Americans during WWI, can be seen. It is a popular nesting site for turtles, so if you go for a snorkel, you might find yourself sharing the water with these wonderful creatures. The beach is also full of vibrant Sally Lightfoot and hermit crabs, along with elegant pink flamingos that frequent the saltwater pond located just behind the beach. You can enjoy snorkelling or guided walks through the island.

Day 2 : Genovesa Island

Today you will explore El Barranco, also known as Prince Philip’s Steps, a rocky stairway that will lead you past a colony of Nazca, red-footed boobies and a plateau of dried lava. Continuing through the thin Palo Santo forest and looking out over the plain, visitors are often treated to the sight of storm petrels launching out over the ocean.  A dinghy ride, kayaking or paddle-boarding along the edge of the cliffs provides a good chance to see the elusive Galapagos fur seals nestled on the rocks, and snorkelling is a great activity if you fancy a dip with a variety of shark species.

Day 3 : Santiago Island

Your stop today is at Espumilla beach, located on the northern coast of Santiago island, is an exquisite white sand beach, whose name refers to the meringue-like trails of foam left by the lapping of the waves. Sally Lightfoot crabs are in abundance here and as a result, it is common to see predatory birds such as hawks, herons and pelicans.  This idyllic location is perfect for snorkelling or kayaking/paddle-boarding amongst a raft of marine life, including species of octopus, eels and sharks. Buccaneer Cove has an interesting history as it is where sailors, buccaneers and whalers frequently anchored their vessels in search for food and water. In more recent times it has become an important nesting site for turtles and is also popular with sea lions.  A dinghy ride along the eroded shoreline allows views of intriguing rock formations that provide excellent ledges for boobies, pelicans and gulls.

In the afternoon visit Egas Port, once a salt mine, but now this impressive black sand beach is an excellent location for snorkelling and observing shorebirds, Sally Lightfoot crabs and marine iguanas. A stroll along the wide trails inland leads you past tidal pools and rocky volcanic formations known as grottoes where it is possible to spot fur seals enjoying a spot of shade.

Day 4 : Santa Cruz Island

The first visit of the day is to Black Turtle Cove, located on the north shore of Santa Cruz, which is a living illustration of how mangroves alter the marine environment to create a rich and unique habitat. Three mangrove species crowd the area from the shore out into a shallow lake which reaches almost a mile inland. As you drift through quiet waters in the dinghy you are likely to see spotted eagle rays and diamond-shaped mustard rays, which swim in a diamond formation. White-tipped reef sharks slip beneath the dinghy and Pacific green sea turtles come to the surface for air and to mate. Waterfowl, including pelicans, herons and egrets, all feed in the cove. It’s a peaceful place where visitors may have up-close encounters with Galapagos wildlife, often making it a highlight of the trip!

In the afternoon on the highlands of Santa Cruz, you’ll have the opportunity to see the famous giant tortoises in the wild. So renowned are these endemic animals that they gave the archipelago its name. Birdwatching is also one of the activities do to in the Santa Cruz highlands, since this area is home to finches and other Galapagos birdlife.

After the visit to the highlands, continue to the famous Charles Darwin Research Station for the unique opportunity to learn about the vital work that is being carried out to preserve the archipelago’s ecosystems. The Research Centre is also home to a significant breeding program for Galapagos tortoises, whose numbers have been in decline since the 1970s. These captivating reptiles are very accustomed to humans, so be sure to bring your camera for some close-ups.

Day 5 : Lobos Island > San Cristobal Island

Accessed by dinghy and located off the coast of San Cristobal Island, you will visit Lobos Island. This islet gets its name from the herds of sea lions that have made their home here. Snorkelling in the calm clear water provides a unique opportunity to see these inquisitive and playful animals up close and it is also common to be accompanied by green turtles and rays as well. Inland, there is a trail where you can expect to encounter nesting sites for blue-footed boobies and frigates.

Later you will disembark and transfer to San Cristobal airport, where arrangements conclude.