Cruise Description
This 5-day Southern Galapagos Islands cruise takes off from San Cristobal Island, easily accessible by flight from Quito or Guayaquil. In an area of 558 sq. km, San Cristobal holds the title as the fifth-largest Galapagos island.
Your journey on the five star Treasure of Galapagos begins with a warm welcome by your expert guide at San Cristobal Airport, where you'll reach your home for the next five days by shuttle and inflatable dinghy.
On your first afternoon, visit Colorado Hill, a breeding center in the highlands of San Cristobal dedicated to preserving the endangered Galapagos giant tortoises.
Then sail to Española Island, a highly anticipated destination for passionate birdwatchers. At about four million years, this classic shield volcano is estimated to be as old as Santa Fe Island.
Spend your morning swimming with schools of tropical fish and splashing with playful sea lions while snorkeling in pristine Gardner Bay, then round out your second afternoon with Treasure of Galapagos by watching the large waved albatrosses use Española Island's rugged cliff as a launching pad to soar into the sky at Punta Suarez, a site recognized for its wide varieties of sea birds that are guaranteed to delight all bird lovers.
Sail onward to Floreana Island, and mail home a postcard from historic Post Office Bay and climb Baroness Lookout for a striking panorama of the Galapagos. Here, you'll also learn about the self-proclaimed Empress of the Galapagos, Baroness Eloisa von Wagner Bosquet, and visit the ruins of her home.
Let the glassy olive green sands of Cormorant Point dazzle you, and embark on a guided walk to observe sea lions, frigatebirds, and pelicans in their natural habitat.
Then set sail to tiny Santa Fe, which boasts a land area of 24 sq. km. At Barrington Bay, observe the island's endemic land iguanas as they feed on giant prickly pear cacti against a picturesque backdrop of turquoise waters. Continue onwards to Tortuga Bay, a dazzling white sand beach named after the black turtles that nest there, and snorkel in a site known for its excellent visibility.
On your final morning onboard the Treasure of Galapagos, you'll visit El Chato to view wild tortoises that roam both through the pastures of the agricultural zone and in the Tortoise Reserve, and explore the forest-fringed pond for opportunities to spot short-eared owls, Vermilion Flycatchers Darwin’s finches and Yellow Warblers that live in the trees.
Spend five days exploring the stark volcanic landscapes and paradisiacal bays of the southern Galapagos by embarking on rewarding hikes and guided nature walks, and encountering wildlife on exciting snorkel sessions.
Then retreat to the 16 passenger Treasure of Galapagos in the evenings, a first-class yacht serviced by nine hospitable staff where you can revel in five-star luxuries. Unwind by sipping on cocktails while you soak in the whirlpool on the sundeck, or retreat to your spacious cabin equipped with a private balcony and sweeping sea views.