The Most Exceptional Islands in the Galapagos can be viewed and explored in the Motor Catamaran Archipel I cruise. Around the great outdoors of the breathtaking Galapagos Archipelago, you will keep discovering one surprise after another! Every day we anchor at two selected visitor’s sites and organise at least two excursions. You will observe nature from different perspectives with our balanced excursion programme, or even during your spare time. Each catamaran offers eight cabins above the waterline, with two sea-view windows.
They also include clean private facilities, hot/cold water, low beds, air-conditioning, and storage space for a comfortable stay.The Archipels have ample social areas that will complement a comfortable stay. Shared with a total of just 16 guests; the lounge, solarium, resting areas and ‘Al Fresco’ dining area are great choices for you to relax and enjoy the nature that surrounds you.
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Archipel I Itinerary
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ROUTE A: 8 DAYS, 7 NIGHTS
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ROUTE A4: 4 DAYS, 3 NIGHTS
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ROUTE A5: 5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS
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ROUTE B: 8 DAYS, 7N
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ROUTE B4 : 4 DAYS, 3 NIGHTS
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ROUTE B5 : 5 DAYS, 4 NIGHTS
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COMBINED ROUTES A5B4: 8 DAYS 7 NIGHTS
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COMBINED ROUTES B5A4: 8 DAYS, 7 NIGHTS
The 8 day south-western tour aboard the catamaran Archipel I gives you an extensive overview of the Galapagos Islands. You will have the chance to combine the circumnavigation of the Isabela Island with excursions in the most southern points of the archipelago. You will also be able to snorkel with sea lions in the Loberia and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in Santa Cruz.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Virgin Fernandina & isolated west coast of Isabela make you eye-witness of evolution
- Breeding programs of emblematic Galapagos giant tortoises
- Unique tidal channel with whitetip reef sharks & rays
- Not to be missed highlight South Plaza (land iguanas & giant cactus forest)
DAY 1
AM: Arrival at San Cristobal Airport (SCY)
Arrival at San Cristobal Airport and transfer in. You will have to pay your Galapagos National Park entrance fee and your luggage will be inspected.
PM: Interpretation Centre and Frigatebird Hill
The Interpretation Centre gives a perfect explanation of this unique archipelago. Its exhibition helps you learn what makes this archipelago so unique. Information panels, pictures, documents, maquettes, and dioramas tell background and conservation stories about the islands.
DAY 2
PM: Santa Fe
Santa Fe is home to a number of endemic species like the Galapagos Hawk, Galapagos snake, Galapagos mockingbird, rice rats and one of the two species of lands iguanas of the islands
AM: South Plaza
Despite its small size, some of the most interesting and outstanding species of the Galapagos are found here. There are several hybrid iguanas- a result of crossing a male marine iguana and a female land iguana.
DAY 3
AM: North Seymour
North Seymour is another highlight of your cruise. In the archipelago’s most extensive seabird breeding colony you can walk just a short distance from frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies.
PM: Chinese Hat
Though recently born out of the fire the volcanic islet Chinese Hat does not appear to be any more inhospitable than Bartolomé and lunatic Sullivan Bay. This tiny, rusty-coloured islet just begins to sprout. You arrive just in time to witness the next chapter about colonisation by pioneers!
DAY 4
AM: Twin Craters - El Chato Reserve
El Chato Reserve is a protected area and official part of the Galapagos National Park. It extends from Cerro El Chato as far down as the southwestern coast of Santa Cruz Island, where females lay their eggs.
PM: CC Fausto Llerena
A tour at Fausto Llerena Breeding Center you can see the tortoises of Española Island, ending in the tortoise exhibit corral. Tortoises of this corral are accustomed to humans; it is an excellent spot to be photographed with them!
DAY 5
AM: Moreno Point (Isabela)
Fresh, promising greens of pioneer vegetation contrast strongly with the dead, pitch-black lava flow that once reached the ocean at Moreno Point.
PM: Urbina Bay
On Isabela nature seems to hunt for the largest. The exceptional coastal plain at Urbina Bay attracts prehistoric giants in the wild, such as the largest land iguanas.
DAY 6
AM: Espinoza Point (Fernandina)
At Fernandina, you will find some of the most bizarre animal species, products of natural selection. Among them is the flightless cormorant, which after thousands of years isolated here lost the ability to fly and turned its wings into fins.
PM: Vicente Roca Point (Isabela)
We will enter a dark cave below a spectacular arch, accompanied by the roaring echoes of the waves. The calmer waters inside are well-protected and are a great place for snorkelling amongst various species of sharks, penguins, seahorses and the giant mola-mola.
DAY 7
AM: Puerto Egas (Santiago)
Puerto Egas is historical, and the favourite site on Santiago for wildlife lovers; and it’s even the best place in the archipelago to observe Galapagos fur seals.
PM: Rabida
Upon landing at this remarkable red beach, you will usually be greeted by a large bachelor colony of Galapagos sea lions.
DAY 8
AM: Black Turtle Cove
Black Turtle Cove: At 08:30 AM your last adventure takes place en route to the airport, exploring Black Turtle Cove from the dinghy. The quiet lagoon and surrounding mangrove forest enable the observation of sea turtles and sharks. The visit ends at 09:00 with the disembarking at Baltra airport.
Transfer out to Baltra Airport
Assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew members, the dinghy will bring you and your luggage to Baltra, where we will take the airport shuttle. Your guide will accompany you to the check-in counters in the departure hall.
We expect you to return home with stunning pictures and unforgettable lifelong memories
Our 3 nights route cruises along 3 of the 4 inhabited islands of the archipelago, featuring their intriguing colonization history: San Cristobal, Floreana and Santa Cruz. But we will also land at two untouched islands: the extraordinary crown-jewel of Santa Fe and the popular, really not to be missed highlight South Plaza (both with land iguanas and giant cactus trees).
HIGHLIGHTS
- Snorkelling with sea lions and colourful reef fish (Champion Islet)
- Breeding programs of emblematic Galapagos giant tortoises
- Crown jewel Santa Fé with mainly endemic species
- Not to be missed highlight South Plaza (land iguanas & giant cactus forest)
DAY 1
AM: Arrival at San Cristobal Airport
Arrival at San Cristobal Airport and transfer in. You will have to pay your Galapagos National Park entrance fee and your luggage will be inspected.
PM: Interpretation Centre and Frigatebird Hill
The Interpretation Centre gives a perfect explanation of this unique archipelago. Its exhibition helps you learn what makes this archipelago so unique. Information panels, pictures, documents, maquettes, and dioramas tell background and conservation stories about the islands.
DAY 2
AM: Santa Fe
Santa Fe is home to a number of endemic species like the Galapagos Hawk, Galapagos snake, Galapagos mockingbird, rice rats and one of the two species of lands iguanas of the islands
PM: South Plaza
Despite its small size, some of the most interesting and outstanding species of the Galapagos are found here. There are several hybrid iguanas- a result of crossing a male marine iguana and a female land iguana.
DAY 3
AM: North Seymour
North Seymour is another highlight of your cruise. In the archipelago’s most extensive seabird breeding colony you can walk just a short distance from frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies.
PM: Chinese Hat
Though recently born out of the fire the volcanic islet Chinese Hat does not appear to be any more inhospitable than Bartolome and lunatic Sullivan Bay. This tiny, rusty-coloured islet just begins to sprout. You arrive just in time to witness the next chapter about colonisation by pioneers!
DAY 4
AM: Twin Craters - El Chato Reserve
El Chato Reserve is a protected area and official part of the Galapagos National Park. It extends from Cerro El Chato as far down as the southwestern coast of Santa Cruz Island, where females lay their eggs.
Transfer out to Baltra Airport
Assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew members, the dinghy will bring you and your luggage to Baltra, where we will take the airport shuttle. Your guide will accompany you to the check-in counters in the departure hall.
We expect you to return home with stunning pictures and unforgettable lifelong memories!
Our adventurous 4 nights route runs around the largest island of Isabela. Explore the untouched western end of Galapagos, which has just been born out of fire and the lush highlands. Nutrient rich ocean upwellings are a magnet to all kinds of marine and birdlife. It’s true that accessing this remote, less-frequented region demands longer navigation (mainly overnight), but our stable catamaran enables you to witness Survival of the Fittest, without experiencing it.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Virgin Fernandina & isolated west coast of Isabela make you eye-witness of evolution.
- Pioneer species colonize barren lava fields
- Flightless cormorants, largest marine iguanas and penguins near the equator
- Unique tidal channel with whitetip reef sharks & rays
DAY 1
AM: Arrival at Baltra Airport
Arrival at Baltra Airport and transfer in. You will have to pay your Galapagos National Park entrance fee and your luggage will be inspected.
PM: CC Fausto Llerena
A tour at Fausto Llerena Breeding Center you can see the tortoises of Española Island, ending in the tortoise exhibit corral. Tortoises of this corral are accustomed to humans; it is an excellent spot to be photographed with them!
DAY 2
AM: Moreno Point (Isabela)
Fresh, promising greens of pioneer vegetation contrast strongly with the dead, pitch-black lava flow that once reached the ocean at Moreno Point.
PM: Urbina Bay
On Isabela nature seems to hunt for the largest. The exceptional coastal plain at Urbina Bay attracts prehistoric giants in the wild, such as the largest land iguanas.
DAY 3
AM: Espinoza Point (Fernandina)
At Fernandina, you will find some of the most bizarre animal species, products of natural selection. Among them is the flightless cormorant, which after thousands of years isolated here lost the ability to fly and turned its wings into fins.
PM: Vicente Roca Point (Isabela)
We will enter a dark cave below a spectacular arch, accompanied by the roaring echoes of the waves. The calmer waters inside are well-protected and are a great place for snorkelling amongst various species of sharks, penguins, seahorses and the giant mola-mola.
DAY 4
AM: Puerto Egas (Santiago)
Puerto Egas is historical, and the favourite site on Santiago for wildlife lovers; and it’s even the best place in the archipelago to observe Galapagos fur seals.
PM: Rabida
Upon landing at this remarkable red beach, you will usually be greeted by a large bachelor colony of Galapagos sea lions
DAY 5
AM: Black Turtle Cove
Black Turtle Cove: At 08:30 AM your last adventure takes place en route to the airport, exploring Black Turtle Cove from the dinghy. The quiet lagoon and surrounding mangrove forest enable the observation of sea turtles and sharks. The visit ends at 09:00 with the disembarking at Baltra airport.
Transfer out to Baltra Airport
Assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew members, the dinghy will bring you and your luggage to Baltra, where we will take the airport shuttle. Your guide will accompany you to the check-in counters in the departure hall.
We expect you to return home with stunning pictures and unforgettable lifelong memories!
Our 8-day itinerary aboard the yacht Archipel I allows you to combine the seabird colonies of Mosquera and the exclusive Genovesa with the spectacular volcanic islands Bartolome and Charles Darwin Research Station. Moreover, you will have the chance to explore Española, the most southern point of the archipel and swim with sea lions in the Loberia, on Isla Floreana.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Snorkelling with sea lions and colourful reef fish (Lobos Islet)
- Breeding colony of American flamingos on Floreana
- Spectacular volcanic landscapes just born out of fire & pioneer colonization
- Breeding program of emblematic Galapagos giant tortoises
DAY 1
AM: Arrival at Baltra Airport
Arrival at Baltra Airport and transfer in. You will have to pay your Galapagos National Park entrance fee and your luggage will be inspected.
PM: Bachas Beach
Around noon you will embark on the Archipel cruise. Your cabins will be assigned, and lunch will be served. Your afternoon excursion will be at Bachas beach, a lovely bay with soft, white coral sand that is visited by sea turtles. Besides leisure time there, you could visit a lagoon to observe flamingos. Return onboard after 2-hours.
DAY 2
AM: Prince Philip’s Steps (Genovesa)
Not only because of its historical English name (Tower) Genovesa has a royal touch. Follow in the footsteps of Prince Philip – Galapagos lover for many years – and visit this favourite birding spot with the largest breeding colonies of red-footed and Nazca boobies, and look for a remarkable short-eared owl that hunts on foot!.
PM: Darwin Bay (Genovesa)
As one of the outer islands and most exclusive places on the Galapagos, Genovesa is well worth last night’s longer navigation. This compact site in the heart of its flooded crater shows the extreme varied coastal ecosystems of the Galapagos in miniature; nearly too much for a single day.
DAY 3
AM: Bartholomew
This tiny volcano islet is just recently born out of fire. Enter its wild romantic setting of spatter cones and craters, and see the most famous panorama of the Galapagos.
PM: Sullivan Bay (Santiago)
Sullivan bay is incomparable to any other visitor’s site; setting foot at the recently solidified lava flow is like landing on the moon!
DAY 4
AM: Twin Craters - El Chato Reserve (Santa Cruz)
El Chato Reserve is a protected area and official part of the Galapagos National Park. It extends from Cerro El Chato as far down as the southwestern coast of Santa Cruz Island, where females lay their eggs.
PM: CC Fausto Llerena (Santa Cruz)
A tour at Fausto Llerena Breeding Center you can see the tortoises of Española Island, ending in the tortoise exhibit corral. Tortoises of this corral are accustomed to humans; it is an excellent spot to be photographed with them!
DAY 5
AM: Cormorant Point - Devil’s Crown (Floreana)
Here you may have the only opportunity in the east to spot Galapagos penguins from the dinghy or a flamingo lagoon. Devil’s Crown offers one of the best snorkelling spots in the Galapagos due to the coral reef in its centre, which attracts a lot of marine life.
PM: Baroness Lookout – Post Office Bay (Floreana)
Bring your postcards and post them in the peculiar traditional barrel on this historic site that seems to be located at the end of the world. These might arrive home quicker than you!
DAY 6
AM: Gardner Bay (Española)
Being one of the crown jewels of the Galapagos, Española gives you the exclusive opportunity to become an eyewitness of evolution.
PM: Suarez Point (Española)
Española’s west tip is a true birdwatcher’s and photographer’s dream. Feel as though you’re within an exciting nature documentary, and hike a short distance from some of the most colourful marine iguanas.
DAY 7
AM: Pitt Point (San Cristobal)
Two wind sculptured tuff cones at Pitt Point constitute the easternmost end of the Galapagos and were the first sight of land of HMS Beagle with Darwin aboard.
PM: Witch Hill (San Cristobal)
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the lovely setting of Witch Hill’s crescent-shaped natural beach of soft powdery sand.
DAY 8
AM: Lobos Islet (San Cristobal)
The Lobos Islet’s beach harbours a colony of Galapagos sea lions. As in other colonies in the archipelago, you can approach nurturing females within a few metres. In the breeding season, this colony is also visited by territorial males, defending and mating the harem on their part of the beach.
Transfer out to San Cristobal Airport
Assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew members, the dinghy will bring you and your luggage to San Cristóbal, where we will take the airport shuttle. Your guide will accompany you to the check-in counters in the departure hall.
We expect you to return home with stunning pictures and unforgettable lifelong memories!
Our 3 nights northern route enables you to combine a visit to the sea bird colonies of popular North Seymour and isolated and exclusive Genovesa. On the spectacular volcano islet of Bartolomé and the lava flow at Sullivan Bay, you will certainly get impressed by the creative forces and fascinating pioneer species.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Famous sea bird colonies of popular North Seymour and isolated Genovesa in one short cruise
- Blue and red-footed boobies, frigatebirds and penguins near the equator
- Spectacular volcanic landscapes just born out of fire & pioneer colonization
- Breeding program of emblematic Galapagos giant tortoises
DAY 1
AM: Arrival at Baltra Airport
Arrival at Baltra Airport and transfer in. You will have to pay your Galapagos National Park entrance fee and your luggage will be inspected.
PM: Bachas Beach
Around noon you will embark on the Archipel cruise. Your cabins will be assigned, and lunch will be served. Your afternoon excursion will be at Bachas beach, a lovely bay with soft, white coral sand that is visited by sea turtles. Besides leisure time there, you could visit a lagoon to observe flamingos. Return onboard after 2-hours.
DAY 2
AM: Prince Philip’s Steps (Genovesa)
Not only because of its historical English name (Tower) Genovesa has a royal touch. Follow in the footsteps of Prince Philip – Galapagos lover for many years – and visit this favourite birding spot with the largest breeding colonies of red-footed and Nazca boobies, and look for a remarkable short-eared owl that hunts on foot!.
PM: Darwin Bay (Genovesa)
As one of the outer islands and most exclusive places on the Galapagos, Genovesa is well worth last night’s longer navigation. This compact site in the heart of its flooded crater shows the extreme varied coastal ecosystems of the Galapagos in miniature; nearly too much for a single day.
DAY 3
AM: Bartholomew
This tiny volcano islet is just recently born out of fire. Enter its wild romantic setting of spatter cones and craters, and see the most famous panorama of the Galapagos.
PM: Sullivan Bay (Santiago)
Sullivan bay is incomparable to any other visitor’s site; setting foot at the recently solidified lava flow is like landing on the moon!
DAY 4
AM: Twin Craters - El Chato Reserve (Santa Cruz)
El Chato Reserve is a protected area and official part of the Galapagos National Park. It extends from Cerro El Chato as far down as the southwestern coast of Santa Cruz Island, where females lay their eggs.
Transfer out to Baltra Airport
Assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew members, the dinghy will bring you and your luggage to Baltra, where we will take the airport shuttle. Your guide will accompany you to the check-in counters in the departure hall.
We expect you to return home with stunning pictures and unforgettable lifelong memories!
Our classic 4 nights south eastern route cruises along the oldest islands, where evolution had time enough to create unique (sub)species, which became emblematic figureheads that differ from island to island. Nature in this arid corner thrives thanks to the nutrient rich Humboldt Current. Walk at a short distance past breeding albatrosses, boobies and frigatebirds while visiting the lively colonies of famous Española and the exclusive Pitt Point with its (for Galapagos rare) red-footed boobies. Lobos Islet gives the unforgettable opportunity to snorkel with playful sea lions.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Snorkelling with sea lions and colourful reef fish (Lobos Islet)
- Breeding colony of American flamingos on Floreana
- Visit to exclusive, easternmost Pitt Point with blue- and red-footed boobies
- Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural ambience
DAY 1
AM: Arrival at Baltra Airport
Arrival at Baltra Airport and transfer in. You will have to pay your Galapagos National Park entrance fee and your luggage will be inspected.
PM: CC Fausto Llerena (Santa Cruz)
A tour at Fausto Llerena Breeding Center you can see the tortoises of Española Island, ending in the tortoise exhibit corral. Tortoises of this corral are accustomed to humans; it is an excellent spot to be photographed with them!
DAY 2
AM: Cormorant Point - Devil’s Crown (Floreana)
Here you may have the only opportunity in the east to spot Galapagos penguins from the dinghy or a flamingo lagoon. Devil’s Crown offers one of the best snorkelling spots in the Galapagos due to the coral reef in its centre, which attracts a lot of marine life.
PM: Baroness Lookout - Post Office Bay (Floreana)
Bring your postcards and post them in the peculiar traditional barrel on this historic site that seems to be located at the end of the world. These might arrive home quicker than you!
DAY 3
AM: Gardner Bay (Española)
Being one of the crown jewels of the Galapagos, Española gives you the exclusive opportunity to become an eyewitness of evolution.
PM: Suarez Point (Española)
Española’s west tip is a true birdwatcher’s and photographer’s dream. Feel as though you’re within an exciting nature documentary, and hike a short distance from some of the most colourful marine iguanas.
DAY 4
AM: Pitt Point (San Cristobal)
Two wind sculptured tuff cones at Pitt Point constitute the easternmost end of the Galapagos and were the first sight of land of HMS Beagle with Darwin aboard.
PM: Witch Hill (San Cristobal)
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the lovely setting of Witch Hill’s crescent-shaped natural beach of soft powdery sand.
DAY 5
AM: Lobos Islet
The Lobos Islet’s beach harbours a colony of Galapagos sea lions. As in other colonies in the archipelago, you can approach nurturing females within a few metres. In the breeding season, this colony is also visited by territorial males, defending and mating the harem on their part of the beach.
Transfer out to San Cristobal Airport
Assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew members, the dinghy will bring you and your luggage to San Cristobal, where we will take the airport shuttle. Your guide will accompany you to the check-in counters in the departure hall.
We expect you to return home with stunning pictures and unforgettable lifelong memories!
Our adventurous 7 nights route enables you to combine visits around the largest island of Isabela, the sea bird colonies of popular North Seymour and the exclusive Genovesa. Explore the untouched western end of Galapagos, which has just been born out of fire and the lush highlands. And, on the spectacular volcano islet of Bartolomé and the lava flow at Sullivan Bay, you will certainly get impressed by the creative forces and fascinating pioneer species.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Virgin Fernandina & isolated west coast of Isabela make you eye-witness of evolution.
- Pioneer species colonize barren lava fields
- Flightless cormorants, largest marine iguanas and penguins near the equator
- Unique tidal channel with whitetip reef sharks & rays
- Famous sea bird colonies of popular North Seymour and isolated Genovesa in one short cruise
DAY 1
AM: Arrival at Baltra Airport
Arrival at Baltra Airport and transfer in. You will have to pay your Galapagos National Park entrance fee and your luggage will be inspected.
PM: CC Fausto Llerena
A tour at Fausto Llerena Breeding Center you can see the tortoises of Española Island, ending in the tortoise exhibit corral. Tortoises of this corral are accustomed to humans; it is an excellent spot to be photographed with them!
DAY 2
AM: Moreno Point (Isabela)
Fresh, promising greens of pioneer vegetation contrast strongly with the dead, pitch-black lava flow that once reached the ocean at Moreno Point.
PM: Urbina Bay
On Isabela nature seems to hunt for the largest. The exceptional coastal plain at Urbina Bay attracts prehistoric giants in the wild, such as the largest land iguanas.
DAY 3
AM: Espinoza Point (Fernandina)
At Fernandina, you will find some of the most bizarre animal species, products of natural selection. Among them is the flightless cormorant, which after thousands of years isolated here lost the ability to fly and turned its wings into fins.
PM: Vicente Roca Point (Isabela)
We will enter a dark cave below a spectacular arch, accompanied by the roaring echoes of the waves. The calmer waters inside are well-protected and are a great place for snorkelling amongst various species of sharks, penguins, seahorses and the giant mola-mola.
DAY 4
AM: Puerto Egas (Santiago)
Puerto Egas is historical, and the favourite site on Santiago for wildlife lovers; and it’s even the best place in the archipelago to observe Galapagos fur seals.
PM: Rabida
Upon landing at this remarkable red beach, you will usually be greeted by a large bachelor colony of Galapagos sea lions.
DAY 5
AM: Black Turtle Cove
Black Turtle Cove: At 08:30 AM your last adventure takes place en route to the airport, exploring Black Turtle Cove from the dinghy. The quiet lagoon and surrounding mangrove forest enable the observation of sea turtles and sharks. The visit ends at 09:00 with the disembarking at Baltra airport.
PM: Bachas Beach
Around noon you will embark on the Archipel cruise. Your cabins will be assigned, and lunch will be served. Your afternoon excursion will be at Bachas beach, a lovely bay with soft, white coral sand that is visited by sea turtles. Besides leisure time there, you could visit a lagoon to observe flamingos. Return onboard after 2-hours.
DAY 6
AM: Prince Philip’s Steps (Genovesa)
Not only because of its historical English name (Tower) Genovesa has a royal touch. Follow in the footsteps of Prince Philip – Galapagos lover for many years – and visit this favourite birding spot with the largest breeding colonies of red-footed and Nazca boobies, and look for a remarkable short-eared owl that hunts on foot!.
PM: Darwin Bay (Genovesa)
As one of the outer islands and most exclusive places on the Galapagos, Genovesa is well worth last night’s longer navigation. This compact site in the heart of its flooded crater shows the extreme varied coastal ecosystems of the Galapagos in miniature; nearly too much for a single day.
DAY 7
AM: Bartholomew
This tiny volcano islet is just recently born out of fire. Enter its wild romantic setting of spatter cones and craters, and see the most famous panorama of the Galapagos.
PM: Sullivan Bay (Santiago)
Sullivan bay is incomparable to any other visitor’s site; setting foot at the recently solidified lava flow is like landing on the moon!
DAY 8
AM: Twin Craters - El Chato Reserve (Santa Cruz)
El Chato Reserve is a protected area and official part of the Galapagos National Park. It extends from Cerro El Chato as far down as the southwestern coast of Santa Cruz Island, where females lay their eggs.
Transfer out to Baltra Airport
Assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew members, the dinghy will bring you and your luggage to Baltra, where we will take the airport shuttle. Your guide will accompany you to the check-in counters in the departure hall.
We expect you to return home with stunning pictures and unforgettable lifelong memories!
Our 7 nights route cruises along 3 of the 4 inhabited islands of the archipelago, featuring their intriguing colonization history: San Cristobal, Floreana and Santa Cruz. Combined with our south eastern route that cruises along the oldest islands, where evolution had time enough to create unique (sub)species, which became emblematic figureheads that differ from island to island.
We will also land at two untouched islands: the extraordinary crown-jewel of Santa Fe and the popular, really not to be missed highlight South Plaza (both with land iguanas and giant cactus trees).
HIGHLIGHTS
- Snorkelling with sea lions and colourful reef fish (Lobos Islet)
- Breeding colony of American flamingos on Floreana
- Visit to exclusive, easternmost Pitt Point with blue- and red-footed boobies
- Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural ambience
- Breeding programs of emblematic Galapagos giant tortoises
- Crown jewel Santa Fé with mainly endemic species
- Not to be missed highlight South Plaza (land iguanas & giant cactus forest)
DAY 1
AM: Arrival at Baltra Airport
Arrival at Baltra Airport and transfer in. You will have to pay your Galapagos National Park entrance fee and your luggage will be inspected.
PM: CC Fausto Llerena (Santa Cruz)
A tour at Fausto Llerena Breeding Center you can see the tortoises of Española Island, ending in the tortoise exhibit corral. Tortoises of this corral are accustomed to humans; it is an excellent spot to be photographed with them!
DAY 2
AM: Cormorant Point - Devil’s Crown (Floreana)
Here you may have the only opportunity in the east to spot Galapagos penguins from the dinghy or a flamingo lagoon. Devil’s Crown offers one of the best snorkelling spots in the Galapagos due to the coral reef in its centre, which attracts a lot of marine life.
PM: Baroness Lookout - Post Office Bay (Floreana)
Bring your postcards and post them in the peculiar traditional barrel on this historic site that seems to be located at the end of the world. These might arrive home quicker than you!
DAY 3
AM: Gardner Bay (Española)
Being one of the crown jewels of the Galapagos, Española gives you the exclusive opportunity to become an eyewitness of evolution.
PM: Suarez Point (Española)
Española’s west tip is a true birdwatcher’s and photographer’s dream. Feel as though you’re within an exciting nature documentary, and hike a short distance from some of the most colourful marine iguanas.
DAY 4
AM: Pitt Point (San Cristobal)
Two wind sculptured tuff cones at Pitt Point constitute the easternmost end of the Galapagos and were the first sight of land of HMS Beagle with Darwin aboard.
AM: Pitt Point (San Cristobal)
Two wind sculptured tuff cones at Pitt Point constitute the easternmost end of the Galapagos and were the first sight of land of HMS Beagle with Darwin aboard.
DAY 5
AM: Lobos Islet
The Lobos Islet’s beach harbours a colony of Galapagos sea lions. As in other colonies in the archipelago, you can approach nurturing females within a few metres. In the breeding season, this colony is also visited by territorial males, defending and mating the harem on their part of the beach.
PM: Interpretation Centre and Frigatebird Hill
The Interpretation Centre gives a perfect explanation of this unique archipelago. Its exhibition helps you learn what makes this archipelago so unique. Information panels, pictures, documents, maquettes, and dioramas tell background and conservation stories about the islands.
DAY 6
AM: Santa Fe
Santa Fe is home to a number of endemic species like the Galapagos Hawk, Galapagos snake, Galapagos mockingbird, rice rats and one of the two species of lands iguanas of the islands
PM: South Plaza
Despite its small size, some of the most interesting and outstanding species of the Galapagos are found here. There are several hybrid iguanas- a result of crossing a male marine iguana and a female land iguana.
DAY 7
AM: North Seymour
North Seymour is another highlight of your cruise. In the archipelago’s most extensive seabird breeding colony you can walk just a short distance from frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies.
PM: Chinese Hat
Though recently born out of the fire the volcanic islet Chinese Hat does not appear to be any more inhospitable than Bartolome and lunatic Sullivan Bay. This tiny, rusty-coloured islet just begins to sprout. You arrive just in time to witness the next chapter about colonisation by pioneers!
DAY 8
AM: Twin Craters - El Chato Reserve
El Chato Reserve is a protected area and official part of the Galapagos National Park. It extends from Cerro El Chato as far down as the southwestern coast of Santa Cruz Island, where females lay their eggs.
Transfer out to Baltra Airport
Assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew members, the dinghy will bring you and your luggage to Baltra, where we will take the airport shuttle. Your guide will accompany you to the check-in counters in the departure hall.
We expect you to return home with stunning pictures and unforgettable lifelong memories!
