Galapagos Central and North Islands cruising vacation

Welcome aboard the M/T Horizon to the Galapagos Islands. Upon your arrival, the crew and guide will meet you and take you to your accommodation. After you arrive, the cruise manager and guide will brief you on safety and emergency procedures, as well as the normal itinerary.

Bartolome Island

The island is known for its unique terrain and remnants of volcano cones. To see all of Sullivan Bay, you can hike up to the top at a lookout point. There are likely to be lava lizards or other seabirds flying high above.

• Activities Walking on the boardwalk, hiking, snorkeling.
• DifficultyEasy
• Landing Dry or Wet are both possible
• Possible Wildlife: Sea lions, various shorebirds, lava lizards, frigate birds.

Rabida Island

The iron content makes this visitor site unique. It has a distinct red gravel beach with a distinctive appearance. Here you can snorkel with amazing tropical fish. People love to stroll along the beaches, taking in the sights, and also visiting the black lagoon filled with pink flamingos.

• Activities - Walking along the beach, swimming or snorkeling.
• DifficultyEasy
• Landing: Wet landing
• Possible Wildlife: Sea lions, various shorebirds, pelican, manta rays, sea turtles, pink flamingos, lava lizards, Galapagos doves, blue-footed boobies.

Santiago Island

The James Bay visitor site is also known by that name. It is home to Galapagos Hawks, lava Lizards, and trails lead to beautiful tide pools with lots of fauna. You can also see fur seals that are different from common sea lions.

• Activities: Walking along the beach, swimming, and snorkeling.
• DifficultyEasy
• Landing: Wet landing
• Possible Wildlife: Sea lions, various shorebirds, pelican, stingrays, sea turtles, fur seals, marine iguanas, lava lizards, Galapagos doves, blue-footed boobies.

Darwin Bay

You will find a trail through mangroves that leads to a white sand coral beach. This trail is home to many species of land birds, including the famous blue-footed and red boobies. The hike ends with tidal pool where sea lions can be seen swimming freely. Finally, the view from the cliff is spectacular.

• Activities: Hike/or snorkeling
• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
• Landing: Wet landing
• Possible Wildlife: Sea lions, various shorebirds, red-footed boobies, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, lava lizards.

El Barranco

El Barranco is also known by the Prince Philip's Steps. It's located in Darwin's Bay, it is an amazing spot. You will need to climb a rocky crevasse to enjoy the stunning views. It is the only place where you can see all three species of boobies, along with the short-eared Owl.

• Activities: Hike
• Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
• Dry landing:Dry landing
• Possible Wildlife

Mosquera Islet

A coral reef is located between the islands North Seymour and Baltra. The volcanic eruption made the islet narrower than it was at its widest point, measuring only 160 meters. It is home to many shorebirds and has one of the highest populations of sea lions. Sometimes, orcas may be seen fishing off the shoreline.

• Activities: Panga ride
• DifficultyEasy
• Landing: No landing
• Potential Wildlife:Sea Lions, other shorebirds and seabirds as well as frigatebirds and orcas.

Santa Cruz: Highlands

Santa Cruz's northernmost part contains the highlands, which can rise to elevations of up to 1500m. The area is home to many wildlife, including ferns, volcanoes, and hills. This is a stark contrast to the hardened beaches of molten volcanic lava and the rocky areas on other islands. There are giant tortoises and mockingbirds there, as well as finches, and many other species.

• Activities: Hike
• DifficultyModerate
• Dry landing:Dry landing
• Possible Wildlife -Galapagos tortoises and mockingbirds. Also, lavalizards, pintail ducks and other shorebirds.

The rocky coast of North Seymour is home to colonies of blue-footed bobies and majestic frigatebirds. Submarine lava from the ocean floor formed the island, carrying layers of sediment that was uplifted by tectonic activity. Most of the island's vegetation is arid.

• Activities: Hike, snorkel, panga ride
• DifficultyModerate
• Dry landing:Dry landing
• Possible Wildlife:Marine Iguanas and Frugitive Birds, Sea Lions, Blue-footed Bobies, Finches, Land Iguanas.

You will be transferred back to Baltra Airport after your final visit.