Genovesa and Central Islands High-End Boat Journey Cruise Tour


Cruise on board a magnificent and stable motor vessel around must-see Islands like Genovesa, Bartolome and Santiago and more! Incredible sightseeing awaits for you on every location you visit during this active and adventurous luxury class itinerary plus snorkeling to unveil the marvels of the Marine Reserve.
Day 1: Baltra Island & Santa Cruz Island: Bachas Beach

Monday: Arrival / Baltra

Departure from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Island (2 ½-hour flight). Arriving in the Galapagos, passengers are picked up at the airport by our natural guides and taken to a ten-minute bus drive to the pier to board the M/V Santa Cruz II.

PM: Bachas Beach

This beautiful site is located on the northern shore of Santa Cruz Island, where a glorious white beach awaits along with a couple of brackish lagoons that are just a few steps away from the sea. These lagoons serve as the feeding grounds of various wading birds like stilts and flamingos. Guests are welcome to enjoy swimming and snorkeling activities at this beach, too.

 

Day 2: Santiago Island: Buccaneer Cove & Egas Port

AM: Bucaneer Cove

Today you will get to explore Santiago Island; first, the coastline along the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer Cove, all while learning about the area’s history. This cove is home to a large number of sea-lions and marine birds. See the incredible geological formations such as “Elephant Rock” and “The Bishop”. Guests here will have the chance to go snorkeling or take a ride on the dinghy or the glass-bottom boat.

PM: Egas Port

After disembarking at the beach, you can enjoy a swim or snorkeling along the rocky shorelines, typically in the company of marine turtles. From here, a wonderful hike to see both land and marine birds as they skitter about a landscape consisting of tuff-stone layers and lava flows. At low tide, marine iguanas can oftentimes be found grazing upon the algae beds nearby. You can also observe a colony of fur-sea lions. After the visit, the whole group will have some additional time for swimming and/or snorkeling.

 

 

 
Day 3: Rabida Island & Bartolome Island

AM: Rabida Island

Some groups here will opt to go for a fascinating dinghy ride along the shores while others may choose to disembark on Rabida Island’s mesmerizing, red-colored beach. The color of this beach is the result of the unusually high levels of iron that are found within its sand. The hike will bring you close to a colony of marine iguanas, sea lions, yellow warblers, mockingbirds and several species of Darwin’s finches; also there is there is the possibility to spot Flamingos.

PM: Bartolome Island
Today’s afternoon activities begin with a wet landing on the golden beach of this famous island, dominated by the imposing Pinnacle Rock. This is another great place for guests to go for a swim and snorkel from the beach. A chance to ride the glass-bottom boat is also offered. After returning to the ship, guests will be split into two groups: the first group will go for a hike to the summit of this relatively small island, the viewpoint of which boasts fantastic views of the archipelago. The second group, in the meantime, will get to explore the rugged and volcanic shoreline aboard the dinghies. The groups will then swap spots so that each one experiences the full beauty of this iconic island.

Day 4: Genovesa Island: Prince Philips Steps & Darwin Bay

AM: Prince Philip’s Steps

The morning starts with a short steep climb (90 feet) up a flight of stairs to reach a flat and rocky plateau. Once there, hike around and check out large colonies of Red & Nazca boobies, great frigate-birds and storm petrels. Those not wishing to disembark can enjoy a longer panga ride along the cliffs (weather permitting); kayaking is a great alternative on the site.
 

PM: Darwin Bay

In the afternoon, wet-landing at the beautiful beach that lines this bay to enjoy some swimming and/or snorkeling. Following this refreshing dip, the excursion will head out to take a stroll and observe hundreds of birds, mainly: Nazca & red-footed boobies, Herons, Frigate-birds, lava gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. Opportunities for snorkeling, kayaking and swimming are available here. 

Day 5: Santa Cruz Island & Baltra Island & Transfer out

AM: Santa Cruz Highlands

Begin your last morning on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island: head out for one last visit at the Giant Tortoise Reserve. Following a dry landing at a passenger’s wharf and a bus ride to the higher region of the island, guests will get to experience the final highlight of this itinerary: giant tortoises roaming around in the wild. These lush highlands include dense forests consisting of Galapagos daisies, orchids and bromeliads as well as several endemic land birds. 

Transfer to airport for your flight to Mainland.

Egas Port | Galapagos Islands
Bachas Beach | Galapagos Islands
Bartolome Island | Galapagos
Rabida Island | Galapagos Islands | Finch

Included

  • All programed visits as per itinerary with specialized naturalist bilingual guide
  • Accommodation in twin/double Horizon Deck Explorer Cabin with private facilities, all meals on board, drinking purified water, coffee and tea
  • Cruise Fuel Surcharge
  • Snorkeling equipment (fins, mask & snorkel) & sea-kayaks
  • Transfers within the islands on cruise dates as per itinerary
  • Personalized 24/7 assistance during tour

Not Included

  • Airfare to/from Galapagos from/to Mainland Ecuador (to be added)
  • Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee US$100 per person (in cash only upon arrival)
  • Galapagos Migration Card US$20 in cash per person (at Mainland’s Airport)
  • Alcoholic/soft drinks, personal expenses, extras, tips and other services not specified in the program
  • All sizes wet-suits for rent on board (in cash)
  • Travel, medical & cancelation Insurance and any services on Mainland

Highlights

  • The unreal volcanic landscapes of Santiago in contrast with pristine Ocean waters
  • Amazing underwater experience when snorkeling in the best and most life-rich locations
  • Large variety of birdlife at Darwin Bay, including Boobies, Mockingbirds, Hawks and more
  • Visit a Tortoise farm in the Highlands of Santa Cruz to share a great moment with these magnificent and emblematic specie
  • Enjoy the afternoon sea-breeze with a refreshment on your boat’s ample sun/sky-deck