Cruise Description
Discover scenic landscapes, unique geological features, and historical sites on this 5-day Southern Galapagos Islands Cruise aboard the Archipel I Catamaran.
After meeting your expert naturalist guide at Seymour Airport on Baltra Island, set sail to Santa Cruz for your very first excursion. Tour the island's Highlands where you'll see the Twin Craters and observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat.
Then spend the second day of this itinerary discovering Floreana Island. Begin with a visit to Punta Cormorant, and allow its shimmering olive green sands to dazzle you and embark on a guided walk along the shores to observe sea lions, frigatebirds and pelicans in their natural habitat. Then see Post Office Bay on the island's northern shores and uncover the history of the whaling industry and relive the 16th century by mailing home a postcard from this historic site.
Bid farewell to Floreana Island in the most picturesque way - by climbing Baroness Lookout for a striking panorama of the Galapagos archipelago. Here, you'll also learn from your knowledgeable guide about the self-proclaimed Empress of the Galapagos, Baroness Eloisa von Wagner Bosquet, and visit the ruins of her home.
Explore a nearby submerged crater rim on a dinghy ride, or opt for a kayak to see it at your own pace. Then, discover what makes the four million-year-old Española Island unique on the third day of this Southern Galapagos Islands cruise, and spend your morning strolling the pristine white sands of Gardner Bay while observing napping sea lions in the warm sunshine.
Go snorkeling with these playful creatures before journeying to Punta Suarez, an essential destination for bird lovers to observe the island's vast varied collection of seabirds. Among colonies of Nazca and blue-footed boobies, the endangered waved albatrosses also reside here, and you'll have the exclusive opportunity to watch them engage in synchronized courtship dances between May and November.
Reach San Cristobal Island and anchor at Pitt Point on its northeastern tip, and embark on a steep but rewarding hike with your naturalist guide to observe all three species of boobies, as this is the only site in the Galapagos archipelago where the blue-footed, red-footed and Nazca booby can be found together.
Continue to Witch Hill on the northern coast of San Cristobal and spend your afternoon on the idyllic coral sand beach. Bask in the sun on the soft powdery sands or dive into the shimmering waters to swim among the sea lions.
Your five day western Galapagos journey ends with a visit to Lobos Island. Named in honor of the large colony of sea lions that populate this land, you'll have the exciting opportunity to approach females within just a few meters.
With the Archipel I, anchor at two exciting points of interest every day for a balanced program and spend your leisure time lounging in the catamaran's ample social areas. Boasting eight modern and cozy cabins with a maximum capacity of 16 guests, the Archipel I prioritizes comfort and dedicated onboard service.