Embark on an extraordinary 7-night journey through the Galapagos Islands, commencing with the captivating landscapes of North Seymour Island. Explore the fascinating geological formations of Punta Pitt, showcasing the dynamic history and natural wonders of the islands. Immerse yourself in the vibrant marine life beneath the surface as you snorkel in the shadow of Kicker Rock. Move on to Española Island, a rocky sanctuary bustling with seabird colonies.
Continue your adventure to Floreana Island, home to a vibrant lagoon teeming with colorful flamingos. Bartolomé Island awaits, offering close encounters with iconic blue-footed boobies against breathtaking panoramic vistas. Santa Cruz Island beckons with incredible sightings of giant tortoises, explorations of ancient lava tubes, and treks to the awe-inspiring ‘The Twins’ (or Los Gemelos). Traverse Genovesa Island to witness diverse bird species in their bustling breeding grounds. Finally, conclude your expedition at Baltra Airport on Baltra Island, a gateway to the Galapagos Islands with a rich history as a strategic US Airforce base during World War II.
Crafted with meticulous attention, this curated itinerary aboard the Galapagos Explorer seamlessly weaves together the threads of biodiversity, geological wonders, and human narratives, offering an enriching exploration of the Galapagos Islands like no other.
8 Day Galapagos Itinerary
Day 1: North Seymour Island: Arrival
Upon your arrival, you will receive a warm welcome and be transported to the Galapagos Explorer.
In the afternoon, embark on your exploration of North Seymour Island by foot, where you'll seek out blue-footed boobies, frigatebird colonies, fork-tailed gulls, sea lions, and land iguanas. The island is also home to Palo Santo trees.
In the afternoon, embark on your exploration of North Seymour Island by foot, where you'll seek out blue-footed boobies, frigatebird colonies, fork-tailed gulls, sea lions, and land iguanas. The island is also home to Palo Santo trees.
Day 2: San Cristobal Island
In the morning, set sail for Punta Pitt, where you will explore a group of weathered volcanoes adorned with sparse endemic vegetation.
During the afternoon, venture to Kicker Rock, where remnants of eroded lava flows and two towering rocks, rising 152 meters (500 feet) from the ocean, await discovery. This natural monument provides an excellent opportunity to observe various tropicbirds, frigatebirds, and boobies. Your journey will also take you to Lobos Island, a small flat islet located 10 km (6.2 mi) northeast of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. This enchanting spot offers fantastic opportunities to witness nesting frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies, along with the chance to snorkel alongside amiable sea lions.
During the afternoon, venture to Kicker Rock, where remnants of eroded lava flows and two towering rocks, rising 152 meters (500 feet) from the ocean, await discovery. This natural monument provides an excellent opportunity to observe various tropicbirds, frigatebirds, and boobies. Your journey will also take you to Lobos Island, a small flat islet located 10 km (6.2 mi) northeast of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. This enchanting spot offers fantastic opportunities to witness nesting frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies, along with the chance to snorkel alongside amiable sea lions.
Day 3: Española Island
In the morning, your journey takes you to Osborn Islet, Gardner Bay, and Gardner Island. Revel in the sunshine on the pristine, sandy white beaches and immerse yourself in the vibrant underwater world while snorkeling along the rocky shores. Notably, Gardner Bay serves as the exclusive breeding site for the critically endangered waved albatross.
In the afternoon, explore the rocky terrain of Punta Suarez, which is home to one of the most remarkable and diverse colonies of seabirds in the Galapagos. Additionally, witness a large blowhole where ocean water has been known to spray up to 15–23 meters (50–75 feet) into the air.
In the afternoon, explore the rocky terrain of Punta Suarez, which is home to one of the most remarkable and diverse colonies of seabirds in the Galapagos. Additionally, witness a large blowhole where ocean water has been known to spray up to 15–23 meters (50–75 feet) into the air.
Day 4: Floreana Island
In the morning, your exploration leads you to Champion Island and Punta Cormorant on Floreana Island. Floreana Island is distinguished by having one of the largest lagoons in the Galapagos. Nestled between two volcanoes, the lagoon is a habitat for flamingos, common stilts, and white-checked pintail ducks. Moreover, the island boasts a significant concentration of endemic plant species and features two distinct beaches – the olivine crystal Green Beach and the coral Flour Sand Beach.
In the afternoon, visit Post Office Bay on Floreana Island, where a tradition dating back to the 18th century endures. Sailors passing through the islands initially placed a wooden barrel on the island to serve as an unofficial mailbox. Today, the tradition continues as travelers leave addressed postcards in the barrel and sift through the accumulated mail to deliver to their respective destinations.
In the afternoon, visit Post Office Bay on Floreana Island, where a tradition dating back to the 18th century endures. Sailors passing through the islands initially placed a wooden barrel on the island to serve as an unofficial mailbox. Today, the tradition continues as travelers leave addressed postcards in the barrel and sift through the accumulated mail to deliver to their respective destinations.
Day 5: Santa Cruz Island
In the morning, kick off your day with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you can gain insights into the crucial conservation efforts underway in the Galapagos. Following that, explore the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, established to safeguard and conserve the Galapagos' tortoise population. As you stroll through the park, you'll not only encounter various tortoises but also witness the breeding and nurturing of land iguanas.
For the afternoon, post-lunch, venture into the highlands of Santa Cruz. Explore a pair of volcanic sinkholes known as 'The Twins' (or Los Gemelos), formed by the collapse of land beneath the surface. Subsequently, spend time at the Tortoise Reserve El Chato, where several subspecies of giant tortoises roam freely.
For the afternoon, post-lunch, venture into the highlands of Santa Cruz. Explore a pair of volcanic sinkholes known as 'The Twins' (or Los Gemelos), formed by the collapse of land beneath the surface. Subsequently, spend time at the Tortoise Reserve El Chato, where several subspecies of giant tortoises roam freely.
Day 6: Santa Cruz Island & Bartolome Island
In the morning, explore the rocky and low-lying hill known as Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) on Santa Cruz Island. This area is home to an impressive population of Galapagos land iguanas. These miniature dragons freely roam the sun-scorched, boulder-strewn island, indulging in the fruits and flowers of their favorite food, the prickly pear.
For the afternoon, make your way to the renowned Pinnacle Rock on Bartolomé Island. A walking trail takes you to the summit of an extinct volcano, providing some of the most breathtaking views in the Galapagos. Pinnacle Rock beach also offers an ideal setting for snorkeling with Galapagos penguins.
For the afternoon, make your way to the renowned Pinnacle Rock on Bartolomé Island. A walking trail takes you to the summit of an extinct volcano, providing some of the most breathtaking views in the Galapagos. Pinnacle Rock beach also offers an ideal setting for snorkeling with Galapagos penguins.
Day 7: Genovesa Island
In the morning, explore the 14 km2 (8.6 mi2) island of Genovesa, which is the summit of a submerged shield volcano rising 76 m (249 ft) above sea level. Its central crater holds saltwater, while ocean erosion has sculpted Darwin Bay on its southern slope. This island is renowned for excellent swimming, snorkeling, and panga excursions.
During the afternoon, Genovesa unfolds as a paradise for seabirds, hosting extensive colonies of red-footed boobies and frigatebirds. Visit Prince Phillip’s Steps (El Barranco), a breeding ground for the tree-dwelling red-footed booby and ground-nesting masked booby. The island is also a habitat for four species of Darwin finches: the large ground finch, the sharp-beaked ground finch, the large cactus finch, and the warbler finch.
During the afternoon, Genovesa unfolds as a paradise for seabirds, hosting extensive colonies of red-footed boobies and frigatebirds. Visit Prince Phillip’s Steps (El Barranco), a breeding ground for the tree-dwelling red-footed booby and ground-nesting masked booby. The island is also a habitat for four species of Darwin finches: the large ground finch, the sharp-beaked ground finch, the large cactus finch, and the warbler finch.
Day 8: The Daphnes Islands: Departure
In the morning, your final exploration in the Galapagos takes you to the Daphnes, encompassing two islands, Daphne Major and Daphne Minor, located just north of Santa Cruz. Spend your last few hours discovering Daphne Major, where nesting sites for Nazca boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, and blue-footed boobies await.
Following this, bid a fond farewell to the Galapagos as you make your way to Baltra Airport on Baltra Island for your onward flight.
Following this, bid a fond farewell to the Galapagos as you make your way to Baltra Airport on Baltra Island for your onward flight.
Itinerary Map
Click on the map to navigate the itinerary
8 Day Galapagos Itinerary Includes
- Accommodation
- Three meals daily
- Soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas and coffees, and refreshments on excursions
- All excursions including panga tours, hikes, island visits, beach walks, visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, sea kayaking and snorkelling (included snorkelling gear: short wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins)
- Guides' Journal with illustrations of fauna and flora to record your sightings
- Area map with illustrated Star Birds checklist
- Emergency medical evacuation insurance
- VAT
- VIP Lounge at the Galapagos’ airports, road transfers to and from Galapagos Airport (Baltra or San Cristóbal Island)
- Limited laundry
- Internet (via Starlink)
8 Day Galapagos Itinerary Does not Include
- Administration fee
- Telephone calls
- All items of a personal nature
- Flights to and from the Galapagos Islands
- Gratuities
- Champagne, cognacs, fine wines, premium brand spirits and cigars
- Landing fees
- Travel insurance
- Park fees
- Migratory card
8 Day Galapagos Itinerary Highlights
- Learn about Galapagos conservation at the Charles Darwin Research Station.
- Observing nesting Nazca boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, and blue-footed boobies.
- Learn about the iconic 40-year study of evolution in Darwin’s finches conducted by Peter and Rosemary Grant.
- Explore North Seymour on foot, encountering blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, fork-tailed gulls, sea lions, and land iguanas.
Meals Included
- Breakfast Served Daily
- 7 Dinners
- 8 Lunches
More information about the Galapagos Islands you visit in this 8 day itinerary:
Best of Galapagos East - Galapagos Explorer Yacht
8 Days
(B)
From
$10,950.00
per person
