Northern Galapagos Islands Cruise - ECO GALAXY M/C

Arrival at San Cristobal Airport on San Cristobal Island (GPS)

Meet and greet your naturalist guide upon arrival at San Cristobal Airport on San Cristobal Island. Before leaving the airport, you'll pass an inspection point where your Transit Control Card will be stamped. Be sure to store this with your travel documents as you'll need to show it again when you depart the Galapagos Islands. If you haven't already, you'll also pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee of 100 USD here. You'll then be escorted onboard the EcoGalaxy where your captain and crew will welcome you with drinks and lunch.

Lobos Islet

Its name of Lobos pays homage to the large population of sea lions that take over the land, where visitors have the exciting opportunity to approach females within a few meters. On a short guided walk around the islet, witness seals, marine iguanas and lava lizards at play along the shoreline, and then hop in the shimmering waters for a swim or snorkel before boarding the EcoGalaxy for the evening.

Enjoy dinner and evening on the EcoGalaxy.

Santa Fe

At an estimated four million years, Santa Fe Island is recognized as one of the oldest in the Galapagos archipelago. With a relatively small land area of 24 sq. km, this island situated between Santa Cruz and San Cristobal boasts a diversity of endemic species - the Santa Fe land iguana, Galapagos Mockingbird and rice rat. Its landscape is unique for its population of the large prickly pear cactus, Opuntia Echios, which feeds Santa Fe's land iguanas. Following a wet landing among a sea lion colony at Barrington Bay, enjoy a swim or snorkel in its sparkling waters as hawks fly overhead, keeping your eyes peeled for rays, tropical fish and marine tortoises. Board the EcoGalaxy for snacks and refreshing beverages before indulging in lunch.

South Plaza

Half a pair of Plazas Island off the eastern shores of Santa Cruz, South Plaza is recognized for its outstanding collection of wildlife species despite its small size. While the North Plaza Island is visited for research purposes only, you'll visit the South Plaza Island this afternoon to see one of the largest sea lion colonies in the Galapagos, which is estimated to be at about 1000. On a hike with your naturalist guide, you'll notice that the land iguanas on South Plaza Island are smaller compared to land iguanas on other islands, which is primarily due to overpopulation and heavy competition for food sources. You'll also have the opportunity to observe them as they feed on the fruit of the prickly pear cacti as you wind along a rugged cliff where seabirds nest.

Enjoy dinner and evening on the EcoGalaxy.

North Seymour

The island of North Seymour was formed by the uplifting of underwater volcanic lava, which resulted in a small flat island 1.9 sq. km in size. Following a dry landing, learn about the 72 land iguanas that were introduced to North Seymour in 1932 to colonize the island. Captain Alan Hancock and his crew transported these undernourished iguanas from Baltra Island in the hopes that they will thrive in better conditions on North Seymour. And in 1934 just two years later, the species was identified to have adapted without issues. Walk the arid boulder-strewn landscape with your guide, and follow along an easy circular path that takes you past the most extensive colonies of blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds in the archipelago.

Mosquera Islet

Situated between Baltra and Seymour Islands, this islet is a popular stop on any Galapagos itinerary for its sizable sea lion colony. Observe as they sunbathe or splash in the water, and then enjoy time on Mosquera's white sand beach, keeping your eyes peeled for sightings of sea birds. Formed by a geological uplift, the rocks along this islet's shores commonly see red lava and Sally Lightfoot crabs.

Enjoy dinner and evening on the EcoGalaxy.

Darwin Bay

Set sail to Genovesa Island on the EcoGalaxy this morning. North of Santa Cruz Island, you'll reach Darwin Bay by wet landing and disembark on the white coral beach for leisurely strolls along its shoreline. As you reach a nearby mangrove swamp, you'll encounter colonies of frigatebirds, red-footed and masked boobies and Yellow Warblers, making Darwin Bay a favorite attraction for passionate birdwatchers. Wildlife enthusiasts will also be delighted by the presence of herons, the great terrestrial finch and cactus finch. Following your visit on land, you'll enjoy some time at leisure to swim and snorkel in the glistening waters of Darwin Bay.

El Barranco

Named after a visit by the Duke of Edinburgh in the 1960s, El Barranco is also fondly recognized as Prince Philip's Steps, a steep and rocky path that leads visitors to a set of rugged cliff faces some 25 meters up to view the island's varied species of sea birds. Despite its daunting appearance, this climb on the eastern stretch of Darwin Bay is made easy with sturdy wooden handrails. Embark on a walk along the Barranco Path, winding your way past colonies of red-foot and mask boobies, and observing tropical birds, petrels, frigatebirds and finches in their natural habitat.

Enjoy dinner and evening on the EcoGalaxy.

Highlands

Visit the Highlands of Santa Cruz this morning, your final site on this five day Northern Galapagos Islands Cruise. With your knowledgeable naturalist guide, embark on a hike through the lush landscape, navigating open pastures and sometimes muddy grounds to observe giant tortoises and Galapagos finches in their natural habitat, and stop meters within reach of the giant tortoises. In 2015, an estimated 32,000 tortoises lived in the wild on the Galapagos Islands, with most of them on Isabela Island.

Transfer to Seymour Airport on Baltra Island

Your visit to the Highlands concludes this five-day Northern Galapagos Islands cruise on the EcoGalaxy. Your guide and friendly crew members will transfer you by shuttle to Seymour Airport on Baltra island for your onward journey.