Galapagos

Central & Northern Galapagos Islands Cruise - GALAXY M/Y

4 days | 3 nights
Shared tour
From On request per person
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Cruise Description

This 4-day Galapagos Islands cruise on the first-class Galaxy yacht highlights the sights and sounds of the central and northern islands of the Galapagos, combining a visit to the bird lover's favorite island of Genovesa with the most popular attractions of Santiago and San Cristobal.

Your journey begins with a warm welcome to Seymour Airport on Baltra Island, where you'll meet and greet your expert naturalist guide and fellow passengers before boarding the Galaxy, your luxury home for the next four days.

Newly renovated in 2017, this five-star vessel boasts nine spacious double cabins, a sundeck with shaded areas, and cozy social lounges that invite you to relax. With a maximum capacity of 16 guests and an enthusiastic crew of eight, Galaxy delivers a comfortable and personalized experience.

Your first stop on board the five-star vessel takes you to Mosquera Islet situated between Baltra and Seymour Islands, where you'll observe sea lions bask on a dazzling white sand beach. See the volcanic features of Sullivan Bay by trekking across its extensive lava fields and experience the hardened lava flow and ropy lava beneath your feet. To your surprise, you'll discover that despite the island's barren landscape, you'll spot Pacific green turtles sunbathe on the small white sand beach.

Journey to the tiny 1.2 sq. km Bartolome Island, and from its viewpoint, contemplate a sweeping panorama of lava fields, volcanic cones, lunar-like craters, and the islands of Santiago, Isabela, and Rabida. Observe the endangered Galapagos penguins and snorkel among wildlife at the base of Pinnacle Rock before leaving Bartolome Island.

Next, spend time discovering the natural gems of Genovesa Island and conquer the steep steps of Prince Philip Steps. Bird lovers will be rewarded with sightings of red-foot and masked boobies, as well as tropical birds from the rugged cliffs of 25 meters up.

Continue exploring Genovesa Island and reach Darwin Bay by wet landing. Disembark on the white coral beach for leisurely strolls along with its shoreline and encounter colonies of frigatebirds, red-footed and masked boobies, and Yellow Warblers as you reach a nearby mangrove swamp. You'll also delight in the presence of herons, the great terrestrial finch, and cactus finch. Enjoy some time to splash in the shimmering waters of Darwin Bay following your land visit.

Your four day Central and Northern Galapagos Islands cruise ends with a visit to the Interpretation Centre on San Cristobal, where you'll recount the natural and human history of the Galapagos with your knowledgeable guide. Then be transported to San Cristobal Airport for your onward journey.

This Galaxy Galapagos cruise packs some of the Galapagos archipelago's most popular central and northern highlights in just four days. With exciting opportunities to snorkel among endemic wildlife, conquer viewpoints and learn about the region by embarking on guided walks along pristine beaches and rugged trails with an expert guide, this action-packed Galaxy cruise is ideal for those short on time. Onboard the yacht you'll revel in comfort and luxury, and spend your leisure time relaxing on the seven inviting loungers on the spacious sundeck overlooking the picturesque landscapes of the Galapagos.

Destinations

Galapagos

Trip at a glance

Visits

BALTRA ISLAND: Mosquera Islet

SANTIAGO ISLAND: Sullivan Bay

BARTOLOME ISLAND

GENOVESA ISLAND: Barranco, Darwin Bay

SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND: Interpretation Center

Trip details

Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVAL: BALTRA ISLAND – MOSQUERA ISLET

Morning

Arrival at Seymour Airport on Baltra Island (GPS)

Meet and greet your naturalist guide upon arrival at Seymour Airport on Baltra 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 Galaxy where your captain and crew will welcome you with drinks and lunch.

Afternoon

Mosquera

Situated between Baltra and Seymour Islands, this islet is a popular stop on this central and northern Galapagos itinerary for its sizable sea lion colony. Go hiking here and 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.

Evening

Enjoy dinner and evening on the Galaxy.

MEALS
  • Lunch onboard
  • Dinner onboard

Day 2 SANTIAGO ISLAND: SULLIVAN BAY & BARTOLOME ISLAND

Morning

Sullivan Bay

Sullivan Bay is a highly anticipated attraction because of its unique geological characteristics. Situated on the southeastern end of Santiago Island, reach Sullivan Bay by wet landing this morning and embark on an easy 1.5 km hike across a wild terrain of volcanic features, observing black lava flow, collapsed craters, and volcanic hornitos. Formed by two coalesced volcanoes, this stretch of Santiago Island was carpeted in flowing lava following an eruption in the early 1900s, formulating a relatively young landscape. Geologists and volcanologists will delight in experiencing hardened lava flow and pahoehoe - ropy lava, beneath your feet. Despite the island's barren landscape of tuff cones and eroded lava flow, you may be lucky enough to spot Pacific green turtles on the tiny white sand beach, along with stray herons and crabs. Board the Galaxy where snacks and refreshing beverages await you.

Afternoon

Bartolome

Situated across Sullivan Bay, this tiny 1.2 sq. km island has an altitude of 114 meters, from which you can observe a dramatic landscape of lava fields, volcanic cones, lunar-like craters and the islands of Santiago, Isabela and Rabida. Enjoy some leisure time on this rugged island by swimming or snorkeling at the base of Pinnacle Rock, or go on a nature walk for an opportunity to spot the endangered Galapagos penguins.

Evening

Enjoy dinner and evening on the Galaxy.

MEALS
  • Breakfast onboard
  • Lunch onboard
  • Dinner onboard

Day 3 GENOVESA ISLAND: BARRANCO & DARWIN BAY

Morning

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-footed and masked boobies high up in the trees, and observing tropical birds, petrels, frigatebirds and finches in their natural habitat. Here, you'll also have the opportunity to spot owls that have found a nesting place in the island's extensive lava fields.

Afternoon

Darwin Bay

Continue your visit to Genovesa Island this afternoon. 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 shimmering waters of Darwin Bay.

Evening

Enjoy dinner and evening on the Galaxy.

MEALS
  • Breakfast onboard
  • Lunch onboard
  • Dinner onboard

Day 4 DEPARTURE: SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND: INTERPRETATION CENTER

Morning

Interpretation Centre

Reach the easternmost island of the Galapagos this morning and recount the history of the archipelago with your guide. With displays and exhibits in both Spanish and English, the Interpretation Center on San Cristobal Island's main port of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is an excellent source of information for visitors who are passionate about the natural and human history of the Galapagos. Discover the volcanic origins of the islands, the evolution and colonization of its species and the history of human settlement in the Galapagos. Following your visit to the Interpretation Centre, you'll be transferred to San Cristobal Airport for your onward journey.

MEALS
  • Breakfast onboard

Map

Video

Services

What's included

Accommodation

Nights
3 nights onboard Galaxy M/Y

Meals

Full board plan
3 breakfasts + 3 lunches + 3 dinners

Transportation

Bus
All transfers from/to Baltra/San Cristobal Airport

Orientation

Guide
Shared English-speaking naturalist guide

What's not included

  • Entrance Fee to Galapagos National Park (100 USD/Person)
  • TCT Ingala Migration Card (20 USD/Person)
  • Domestic Flights
  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Wetsuit Rental
  • Extra Meals
  • Drinks
  • Tips

Prices


Important notes

Each guest must strictly follow the Galapagos National Park Rules: 

  • Remain on marked trails at visitor sites and respect signs at all times for the protection of wildlife
  • Maintain a distance of at least six feet (two meters) from wildlife to avoid disturbing them, even if they approach you
  • Never feed wildlife, as this can cause health problems
  • Flash photography is not permitted when taking photos of wildlife
  • Professional photography and videos recorded for commercial purposes must be authorized by the Galapagos National Park Department
  • It is your responsibility not to introduce food, animals, or plants into the Archipelago. Cooperate fully with all environmental inspection and quarantine officials during your visit.
  • Do not take or buy any products or souvenirs made from banned substances, including black coral, shells, lava rock, animal parts, or any native wood or vegetation prior to leaving Galapagos. This is illegal and must be reported
  • Practice “leave-no-trace” principles in order to maintain the beauty of the environment
  • Pack out all trash and dispose of or recycle it in the populated areas or on your tour boat
  • Smoking and/or campfires are strictly prohibited within the Galapagos National Park
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