Isabela II
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS – NORTHERN GALAPAGOS
Our journey begins in Santa Cruz Island, where we’ll get to meet one of the most fascinating inhabitants of the Galapagos archipelago: Giant Tortoises. After landing at Baltra airport, we will soon be face to face with these creatures in their natural habitat.
The next day takes us to Santiago Island, where we’ll get the chance to snorkel alongside marine iguanas. During the afternoon, we’ll visit the sandy beach of Sombrero Chino (Chinese Hat Islet).
The next day, we head off to Genovesa Island, a fascinating bird hub! Here, we’ll spend the entire day enjoying its colonies of nesting birds and explore its cliffs, shoreline, and beaches. Returning to the central islands, Santa Fe offers you the chance to meet its endemic Land Iguana. During the afternoon, we can hope to observe sea lions, rays, and sharks in Punta Carrion’s turquoise waters.
Please note
Twin/Double Cabins for single-use incur a 100% surcharge of the price per person.
Peak Season Dates
During Peak Season Dates (December 19, 2022 – January 03, 2023; December 18, 2023 – January 01, 2024), an extra fee per person applies and discounts do not apply
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS– WESTERN GALAPAGOS
Our journey begins on Santa Cruz Island as we explore the lush vegetation of its highlands before venturing down to the world-famous Charles Darwin Research Station.
The next day, we’ll enjoy the panoramic views from Bartolome Island before exploring the white coral sand beach of Sullivan Bay, venturing through its dramatic lava field.
The next morning takes us to Dragon Hill, home of dusty-yellow land iguanas! After this adventure, we head out to discover Punta Vicente Roca’s wildlife. Later, we’ll make our way to the youngest island in the archipelago, Fernandina, widely regarded as one of the most pristine environments on the planet.
Please note
Twin/Double Cabins for single-use incur a 100% surcharge of the price per person.
Peak Season Dates
During Peak Season Dates (December 19, 2022 – January 03, 2023; December 18, 2023 – January 01, 2024), an extra fee per person applies and discounts do not apply.
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS – SOUTHEASTERN GALAPAGOS
Our journey through Galapagos’ Southeastern Islands will be teeming with magnificent islands and endemic wildlife!
During our first day, we’ll encounter giant tortoises at Cerro Colorado. After that, a fascinating array of different booby species wait for us at Punta Pitt.
During the third day of our Galapagos expedition, a visit to Española Island will put us face to face with magnificent wildlife, from mockingbirds to colorful marine iguanas!
On the fourth day, we’ll wake up in Floreana Island, where historic Post Office Bay and Cormorant Point’s green beach await. After this, we sail all the way to the west, where we’ll get to walk across young lava formations at Punta Moreno and explore the fascinating mangroves of southern Fernandina. Our Galapagos adventure concludes with a morning visit to Eden Islet and a high note: an afternoon wander across beautiful North Seymour Island.
Please note
Twin/Double Cabins for single-use incur a 100% surcharge of the price per person.
Peak Season Dates
During Peak Season Dates (December 19, 2022 – January 03, 2023; December 18, 2023 – January 01, 2024), an extra fee per person applies and discounts do not apply.
A fuel surcharge is not included. ETICA Empresa Turistica Internacional C.A. reserves the right to charge a fuel supplement without prior notice should the closing price of West Texas Intermediate Fuel increase above $70 per barrel on the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange Index). In the event a fuel supplement is charged, ETICA Empresa Turistica Internacional C.A. will have sole discretion to apply the supplementary charge to both existing and new bookings, regardless of whether such bookings have been paid in full. Such supplementary charges are not included in the cruise fare. The fuel supplement charge will not exceed $25.00 per passenger per day.
Santa Cruz II
5 Days Northern Galapagos, Monday to Friday
Our itinerary together begins at Baltra airport, from where we’ll sail to the glorious white beach of Las Bachas with a pair of brackish water lagoons only a few steps from the sea. These lagoons serve as feeding grounds for various wading birds, including stilts, pintail ducks and flamingos. As we continue our voyage, we explore two fascinating visitor sites on Santiago Island: Buccaneer Cove, home to a large number of marine birds, sea lions, and inter-tidal organisms, and Puerto Egas, with its great walk-along pools full of life and good snorkeling and swimming possibilities.
The next day we visit the red-sand beach of Rabida Island, a lovely trail around some cliffs and a popular spot for aquatic activities, with some of the best snorkeling in Galapagos!
The next day we visit the red-sand beach of Rabida Island, a lovely trail around some cliffs and a popular spot for aquatic activities, with some of the best snorkeling in Galapagos! In the afternoon, we round out the day with a stop at Bartolome Island, which offers a volcanic viewpoint with room for hiking, swimming, and exploring the beach and the coast. This is our only chance to see Galapagos penguins. What a full and rich day! From here we sail northeast, crossing the equatorial line, to the sunken crater of Genovesa Island, home to thousands of marine birds. It feels like a world a million miles from our own. We finish with an incredible encounter with nature in which we respectfully sharing a wild habitat with giant Galapagos tortoises at a private reserve up in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island and then make our way to the airport at Baltra.
SITES
• Baltra
• Santa Cruz
• Santiago
• Rabida
• Bartolome
• Genovesa
• Baltra
Highlight Sites
• Buccaneer Cove
• Genovesa Island
• Pinnacle Rock
Peak Season Dates
• Blue Footed Boobies (BIG15)
• Nazca Boobies (BIG15)
• Red Footed Boobies (BIG15)
• American Flamingos (BIG15)
• Great & Magnificent Frigatebirds (BIG15)
• Galapagos Hawks (BIG15)
• Marine Iguanas (BIG15)
• Galapagos Penguins (BIG15)
• Galapagos Sea Lion (BIG15)
• Galapagos Fur Seal (BIG15)
• Galapagos Giant Tortoises (BIG15)
• Galapagos Doves
• Galapagos Mockingbirds
• San Cristobal Mockingbirds
• Darwin Finches
• Short-eared Owls
• Brown Pelicans
• Swallow-tailed Gulls
• Lava Gulls
• Lava (striated) Heron
MONDAY
- Baltra Island
We land at Baltra Island by plane in the morning and transfer to the dock to board the Santa Cruz II, where we receive a welcome introductory briefing, boat drill and lunch.
- Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island)
This beautiful visitor site is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, a glorious white beach with a couple of brackish lagoons only a few steps away from the sea. These lagoons are the feeding grounds of various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos. You may enjoy swimming and or snorkeling at this beach too. Welcome cocktail, expedition plan for Tuesday and dinner.
TUESDAY
- Buccaneer Cove (Santiago Island)
After breakfast, we explore the coastline along the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer Cove, learning about the area’s distant and recent history. The cove is home to a large number of marine birds, sea lions, and inter-tidal organisms. Enjoy fantastic natural formations such as the “Elephant Rock”, “The Bishop” and an impressive natural cave. Opportunity for snorkeling, and a ride on the panga or glass-bottom boat.
- Puerto Egas (Santiago Island)
Once we disembark at the beach, we can enjoy a swim or snorkel amid a rocky shoreline, usually in the company of marine turtles. From here, we head off to our walk, a great opportunity to see land and marine birds amid landscape of tuff-stone layers and lava flows. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon the algae beds and we can also observe a colony of fur seals. After the visit, we had some time for swimming and snorkeling.
WEDNESDY
- Rabida Island (Jervis)
Some groups will go for a fascinating panga ride along the shores while others will disembark on Rabida Island’s red-coloured beach, caused by the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material. Our walk brings us close to a colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin’s finches. Very close to the beach, a salt pond occasionally hosts American flamingos. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach, both for beginners as well as for experienced snorkelers, due to the unique combination of underwater species and submarine landscapes. During navigation to our next island, we can sometimes spot dolphins!
- Bartolome Island
Today’s afternoon activities begin with a wet landing on the golden beach of this famous island, dominated by the imposing Pinnacle Rock. There’s great snorkeling and swimming from the beach plus the chance to ride the glass bottom boat. After returning to the ship, we split into two group: the first lands for a hike to the summit of this diminutive island that boasts fantastic views of the archipelago. This is a moderately steep climb aided by a wooden staircase, resting platforms and handrails – the view from the top is worth the effort! The second takes to the pangas to explore the rugged and volcanic shoreline. The groups then swap so that each one experiences the full beauty of this island
Thursday
- Prince Philip Steps (Genovesa Island)
The morning starts with a steep climb (only 90 feet) up some stairs to reach a flat rocky plateau. Along our walk, we can observe large colonies of Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, great frigate birds and storm petrels. Those not wishing to disembark can enjoy a longer panga ride along the cliffs (depending on weather conditions). Kayaking is optional.
- Darwin Bay (Genovesa Island)
In the afternoon, we land at this beautiful beach to enjoy some swimming and/or snorkeling. Following our dip, we take an easy stroll to observe hundreds of birds, mainly frigate birds, red-footed and Nazca boobies, gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. Opportunity for snorkeling, kayaking and swimming.
FRIDAY
Tortoise Reserve – Baltra airport
We start our last morning at the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. After breakfast, your luggage will be taken to the airport, while you visit the Tortoise Reserve. A dry landing at a passenger’s wharf and a bus ride to the loftier region of the island will provide the last highlight of the cruise: giant tortoises in the wild. The windward slopes of the island are home to two species of giant tortoises. These lush highlands include dense forests of Galapagos daisies, orchids and bromeliads, and several endemic land birds. After this visit we will transfer directly to Baltra airport. Farewell to Galapagos
7 Days Eastern Galapagos Islands
Friday to Thursday
This comprehensive journey, starting and ending in Baltra, takes us to the oldest islands in the Archipelago. We visit the sea lions of Mosquera Islet before heading to see the red-footed boobies in San Cristobal, the island where Darwin first set foot in the Galapagos. Meet the endemic land iguanas of Santa Fe, observe the colours of South Plaza, and stop in at the world-famous Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz, before heading on to top-rated Española and North Seymour, with an in-between stop at Eden Islet.
From Baltra, a quick jump by ship brings us to Mosquera Islet where we check out the sea lions before sailing towards San Cristobal. A stop at the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Breeding Centre will open our eyes to the beauty of the Galapagos giant tortoise and to the important scientific work that continues to be performed on the islands. In the afternoon, we travel to the most eastern tip of the archipelago, Punta Pitt, the only stop on this journey where we can see red-footed boobies.
From here, it’s on to the central islands, starting with Santa Fe, with its beautiful tranquil bay, before continuing to the wild cliffs of South Plaza with their lofty cacti, land iguanas and stunning marine birds. The following day we visit the world-famous Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island. Española Island, voted the #1 island by guides and expedition leaders, awaits us with its remarkable visitor site of Punta Suarez, home to hundreds of marine iguanas, sea lions, marine birds, and even albatross (between April and December) – a truly stunning site! In the afternoon, we enjoy the water in Gardner Bay. The following morning we will wake up at Eden Islet and finish the day at North Seymour, famous for its land iguanas and sea lions as well as bird colonies of blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and Nazca boobies. We finish at Baltra after a moving and memorable experience.
SITES
• Baltra
• Mosquera
• San Cristobal
• Santa Fe
• South Plaza
• Santa Cruz
• Española
• North Seymour
Highlight Sites
• Charles Darwin Research Station
• Kicker Rock (sail-by)
• Punta Suarez
• Punta Pitt
• North Seymour
Iconic Species
• Galapagos Albatrosses (From April to December) (BIG15)
• Blue Footed Boobies (BIG15)
• Nazca Boobies (BIG15)
• Red Footed Boobies (BIG15)
• Great & Magnificent Frigatebirds (BIG15)
• Galapagos Hawks (BIG15)
• Land Iguanas (BIG15)
• Marine Iguanas (BIG15)
• Santa Fe Land Iguana (BIG15)
• Galapagos Sea Lion (BIG15)
• Galapagos Giant Tortoises (BIG15)
• Galapagos Fur Seal (BIG15)
• American Flamingo (BIG15)
• Galapagos Doves
• Galapagos Mockingbirds
• San Cristobal Mockingbirds
• Española Mockingbirds
• Darwin Finches
• Brown Pelicans
• Swallow-Tailed Gulls
• Lava Gulls
• Lava (striated) Herons
FRIDAY
- Baltra Island
We arrive by plane at Baltra Island and transfer to the dock to board the Santa Cruz II where we receive our welcome introductory briefing and lunch.
- Mosquera
After lunch and your introductory briefing on board, Santa Cruz II will relocate only four nautical miles from Baltra, next to Mosquera Islet, a small volcanic uplift between Baltra and North Seymour. The island is a long and narrow sand bank surrounded by lava reefs. Our groups will approach the island from its western shore, a long shallow reef, the perfect rookery for young sea lions. After a wet landing, our guides will lead you past the sea lion colonies, where you will learn more about the fragile marine and terrestrial ecosystems of Galapagos. The walk is easy as it is restricted to a few hundred meters of flat sandy dunes. This will also be a great opportunity for an introduction to snorkeling.
SATURDAY
- Punta Pitt (San Cristobal Island)
In the morning, we disembark (wet landing) on the eastern tip of the island at Punta Pitt, an eroded tuff cone, whose trail provides spectacular views of the shoreline. This is the only site in the Galapagos where the three species of boobies can be found together. We can walk or enjoy a panga ride along the coast. Opportunity for snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking.
- Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal Island)
After lunch, we disembark (dry landing) at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the island’s capital, and drive 40 minutes to the island’s southern shore. At Cerro Colorado, we visit the breeding center for highly endangered giant tortoises in the midst of a fantastic deciduous forest, home to dozens of bird species, including the San Cristobal mockingbird, and the San Cristobal lava lizard, both island endemics.
SUNDAY
- Santa Fe Island
After breakfast, we take the dinghy over to this idyllic sandy-white beach populated by many sea lions (wet landing). The endemic land iguana, unique to this island, may be spotted during the morning walk amid the giant prickly pear cactus. Snorkeling and swimming from the panga rounds off our rewarding experience, or if guests prefer, the glass bottom boat is available for non-snorkelers. Opportunity for kayaking.
- South Plaza Island
Following lunch and a rest, we disembark (dry landing) in this channel, whose turquoise waters contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline. Beyond, a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus. Yellow-grey land iguanas sit beneath these, waiting patiently for pears to drop. Along the coastline one finds sea lion colonies, while frigates, swallow-tailed gulls and shearwaters glide, playing with the thermals.
MONDAY
- Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)
In the morning, we disembark (dry landing) for our visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station’s giant tortoise Breeding Centre within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. Following our visit, we board our transport to enjoy lunch in the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island, a completely different ecosystem.
- Santa Cruz Island
We have several options available for the afternoon, which can be discussed in advance with your Expedition Leader. At the end of the afternoon’s activities, we return to Puerto Ayora and embark on the Santa Cruz II.
TUESDAY
- Punta Suarez (Española Island)
(Dry landing) – An exciting walk awaits at this site, where we enjoy its unique sea bird colonies, including Galapagos albatross (April-December), Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls as well as a view of the Galapagos’ famous “blow-hole”. Also, look out for red-green-black marine iguanas. Back on board for lunch.
- Gardner Bay – Osborn Islet (Española Island)
(Wet landing) In the afternoon, the picture-postcard white coral beach of Gardner Bay and the nearby islet of Osborn provides a beautiful setting for observing sea lions, mockingbirds, and finches as we relax. We can expect great snorkeling in this area. Opportunity for swimming and kayaking as well.
WEDNESDAY
- Eden Islet (Santa Cruz Island)
After breakfast, a panga ride takes us to Eden Islet, a small islet located off the coast of Santa Cruz, where we can observe blue-footed boobies diving into the water, reef sharks and frigates. There’s a chance to snorkel and, if weather condition permits, ride in the glass-bottom boat and kayak.
- North Seymour Island
North Seymour was lifted from the ocean floor by a volcanic event, and its origins as a seabed give the island its low, flat profile. A tiny forest of silver-grey Palo Santo trees stands just above the landing (dry landing), usually without leaves, waiting for the rains to burst into bloom. This is a great introductory site to the islands and their wildlife, full of bird colonies of blue footed boobies, two species of frigate birds, swallow-tailed gulls, as well as sea lions and marine iguanas.
THURSDAY
Baltra Island
On our last day, we disembark at Baltra Island and transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the continent.
INCLUDED
• Transportation to/from the airport in Galapagos*
• Accommodation
• All meals while on board
• Bilingual naturalist guides
• Conferences and lectures
• Island excursions and activities + optional activities on Santa Cruz Island
• Snorkeling equipment
• Kayaks
• Glass bottom boat
* Restrictions apply
NOT INCLUDED
• Airfare to /from Galapagos
• Galapagos National Park entrance fee and immigration control card
• Beverages and tips
• Wetsuit rental
• Internet service*
*Due to the remote location, Internet connections are intermittent and low-bandwidth.
Itineraries for reference only. Our routes and programmes may vary according to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety and operational reasons, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Facilities & Amenities
• Bar & Lounge
• Restaurant
• Outdoor terrace for dining and BBQ
• Reading room and natural history library
• 24/7 Infirmary (medical doctor on board)
• Multiple purpose room
• Hot tub (2)
• Gift Shop
• Gym
• 24/7 Coffee station (coffee, tea, chocolates and chilled water)
• Satellite telephone
• PA system
• Wi-Fi hotspot (intermittent/low bandwidth)
• Air-conditioned throughout
• Safe-deposit box (in cabin)
• Hairdryer
• iPod/MP3 docking station Glass bottom boat
• Sea kayaks
• Coastal exploration boats (pangas)
• Snorkeling equipment
• Wetsuit rental
5 days Western Galapagos Islands
Thursday to Monday
Our itinerary together begins at Baltra where we will board the ship and sail towards Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island for an interesting hike through palo santo forests full of Galapagos’ famed land iguanas. Overnight, we sail round the seahorse-shaped Isabela Island to two great visitor sites: Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island with the fascinating geology of collapsed Ecuador volcano, and then wild and pure Punta Espinoza on Fernandina, one of the most pristine islands in the world, with one of the islands’ densest colonies of marine iguanas and opportunities to see flightless cormorants.
From there, we sail back round to Santa Cruz to visit the world-famous Charles Darwin Research Station where scientists are involved with research and conservation efforts, the most well-known of which involves a captive breeding program for giant tortoises, and then spend the afternoon enjoying a range of active options. The following day finds us on Floreana Island, exploring its human history and stunning wildlife at both Post Office Bay and Punta Cormorant. The next day we say goodbye to the islands after an amazing journey! The entire crew aboard the Santa Cruz will do our utmost to ensure that your Galapagos experience is truly, deeply moving and memorable.
Western Galapagos Islands
• Baltra
• Isabela
• Fernandina
• Santa Cruz
• Floreana
Highlight Sites
• Post Office Bay
• Charles Darwin Research Station
• Punta Espinoza
Iconic Species
• Blue Footed Boobies (BIG15)
• Nazca Boobies (BIG15)
• Flightless Cormorant (BIG15)
• American Flamingos (BIG15)
• Great & Magnificent Frigatebirds (BIG15)
• Galapagos Hawks (BIG15)
• Land Iguanas (BIG15)
• Marine Iguanas (BIG15)
• Galapagos Penguins (BIG15)
• Galapagos Sea Lion (BIG15)
• Galapagos Fur Seal (BIG15)
• Galapagos Giant Tortoises (BIG15)
• Galapagos Doves
• Darwin Finches
• Brown Pelicans
• Swallow-tailed Gulls
• Lava Gulls
• Lava (striated) Herons
• Galapagos Mockingbirds
• Florana Mockingbirds
Thursday
- Baltra Island
We arrive by plane at Baltra Island and transfer to the dock to board the Santa Cruz II where we receive our welcome introductory briefing, boat drill and lunch.
- Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) (Santa Cruz Island)
The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill). The first part of our walk passes a brackish-water lagoon frequented by shorebirds, ducks and flamingos, while further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as the chance of observing land iguanas.
FRIDAY
- Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island)
After breakfast, we explore the coast by panga, while our naturalist guide explains the dramatic geology of the area, a nesting place for several Galapagos highlights: flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, fur seals, boobies, etc. Depending on weather conditions, we can snorkel along the cliffs of this area rich in marine life, seasonally-visited by green sea turtles and oceanic sun fish (Mola mola)
- Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)
The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the youngest island of the archipelago, Fernandina, which, having no introduced mammals, boasts a very unique environment with a very high density of marine iguanas, who share their space with sea lions, Sally light-foot crabs, hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorants.
Saturday
- Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)
In the morning, we disembark (dry landing followed by a brief bus ride) for our visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station’s giant tortoise Breeding Centre within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest, home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. Following our visit, we board our transport to enjoy lunch in the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island, a completely different ecosystem.
- Santa Cruz Island
We have several options available for the afternoon, which can be discussed in advance with your Expedition Leader. Options include beach walks, kayaks, walks along the tortoise reserve, etc. At the end of the afternoon’s activities, we return to Puerto Ayora and embark on the Santa Cruz II.
sunday
- Baroness Tower – Post Office Bay (Floreana Island)
After breakfast, panga ride along the maze of channels on Floreana’s north shore can be enjoyed. We follow this visit by continuing to Baroness Cove with its breathtaking views of Floreana. We land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries and where postcards are traditionally left for guests from other vessels to hand-deliver to their destinations. Snorkeling off the beach. We then head back on board for lunch.
- Champion Islet – Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island)
Following lunch and a siesta, we take the pangas and glass-bottom boat to explore the underwater wonders around Champion Islet, an extinct shield volcano, regarded as one of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago. From there, it’s on to Punta Cormorant, beginning with a wet landing on the olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk that includes a brackish-water lagoon where bird species such as American flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers, and others gather. We continue our walk over to a white-sand beach, where sea turtles emerge from the sea at night to nest (from December to May).
Monday
Baltra Island
We disembark at Baltra Island in order to transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland
INCLUDED
• Transportation to/from the airport in Galapagos*
• Accommodation
• All meals while on board
• Bilingual naturalist guides
• Conferences and lectures
• Island excursions and activities + optional activities on Santa Cruz Island
• Snorkeling equipment
• Kayaks
• Glass bottom boat
* Restrictions apply
NOT INCLUDED
• Airfare to /from Galapagos
• Galapagos National Park entrance fee and immigration control card
• Beverages and tips
• Wetsuit rental
• Internet service*
*Due to the remote location, Internet connections are intermittent and low-bandwidth.
Itineraries for reference only. Our routes and programmes may vary according to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety and operational reasons, and wildlife viewing opportunities.