During the cruises each guest can enjoy the well-furnished areas offering comfort and privacy. Galapagos Seaman Journey has a maximum capacity of 16 passengers allowing both intimacy and camaraderie at the same time.
We have several resting areas for those who are looking for a quiet place to relax during their Galapagos trip with family and friends in the lazy mid-afternoon sun, or likewise after a busy day of swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or walking on one of the Galapagos Islands.
After a full day of visits you will get to learn a little more about the sights you visited and will be able to ask your guide specific questions about wildlife, geology, marine life, biology, and other topics.
The certified naturalist guide speaks English and have many experience on the Galapagos Island. Shore excursions are packed full of several activities and lots of fun. A typical visit to a landing site includes a nature hike, zodiac ride, snorkeling or kayaking and of course time out to relax on the beach. All meals are included.
The M/C Galapagos Seaman Journey offers a wide range of itineraries for those looking to see the highlights in short time or for those that want to experience a long cruise on the Galapagos Island. There are three main itineraries that combined all together could be a trip of 15 days.
Itinerary A - 4 days
During this journey you can experience what the Galapagos Islands have to offer you, and why there are a must for every traveler. Here you will experience the vast variety of birds that the south and northeastern island can offer, so birdwatcher will love it.
Also, you will be doing panga rides, snorkeling and trekking as well as visiting the most iconic places at San Cristobal, Santa Fe, Santa Cruz and Genovesa.
Itinerary B - 5 days
In this itinerary you will explore deeply the eastern part of Galapagos Islands starting at San Cristobal followed by Española and Santa Maria Islands and finishing at Santa Cruz.
During this journey you will experience the beauties of the island, swimming in crystalline and turquoise waters with a unique wildlife. Also, you will be able to do snorkeling or kayaking as well as visiting “The Green Beach” and “The Flour Sand Beach”.
If you are interested in birdwatcher, you will have plenty of opportunities to observe endemics and migratory birds as well as learning more of the wildlife at the Charles Darwin Centre. Finally, you will be astonished by the view at the Baroness Lookout and if you like you can send a poster to your friends from the Post Office.
Itinerary C - 8 days
If you are interested in getting an unforgettable experience and have enough time, this cruise is for you. During this journey, the Galapagos Seaman Cruise will sail the center and southwestern part of the archipelago starting at Santa Cruz and continuing to Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago and Rabida.
Everything is an adventure from seeing the “Tintorera” shark, visiting and know the the sad story of the wall of tears and watching lots of endemic animals such as colonies of marines and land iguanas, Galapagos penguins, Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, blue-footed boobies, just for mention some.
Finally, you will be breathtaking by unforgettable and unique places like Espumilla Beach, the black beach at Puerto Egas, the red beach at Rabida and many volcanic landscapes with volcanic cones, lava flows and lunar like craters. This is just part of the fun and experience that this journey will offer to you.
Combined Itineraries (A + B + C) up to 15 days
DAY 1: GALAPAGOS - SANTA CRUZ
Once in Baltra the passengers must go through an inspection point at the airport to make sure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the archipelago. Also, this inspection point is where passengers have to pay for the entrance to the Galapagos National Park under the following parameters: Guides will meet you, collect your luggage, and escort you on the short bus ride to the harbor. Motorized rafts, called ‘Pangas’ will transport you to the M/C Seaman Journey and our crew will welcome you onboard. After departure and lunch, the first island visit is made.
PM: NORTH SEYMOUR Is an uplifted (as opposed to volcanic) island and so is generally flat and strewn with boulders. There are good nesting sites here for a large population of magnificent frigate birds. Blue-footed boobies perform their courtship dance in the more open areas and swallow-tailed gulls perch on the cliff edges. Despite the tremendous surf that can pound the outer shore, sea lions haul out onto the beach and can be found bodysurfing.
DAY 2: SATURDAY GALAPAGOS CRUISE
AM: EL BARRANCO - The visitor site of El Barranco is located in the southern part of Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island. The trail is on volcanic rock that has a length of 1.5 km and the tour can be done in about 2 hours. The youngest area of the island, from a geological point of view, lies in this area. The cliffs located in the south are composed of very fragile lava. The natural erosion that has occurred in these lava flows has become the ideal place for nesting Storm Petrels. You can see two species of petrels that nest in cavities and holes in the lava. One of its main predators is the short-eared owl. The red-footed booby nests only in the outer islands of the archipelago, Punta Pitt, Gardner (Floreana), Wolf, Darwin and Genovesa. Also present on this island is the masked booby. During the “panga rides” along the cliffs fur sea lions can be seen and several species of seabirds.
PM: DARWIN BAY This bay has its origin when the crater of this island collapsed below sea level. The wet landing is on a beautiful white coral sandy beach. This is a favorite island for birdwatchers: red footed-booby, masked boobies, wandering tattlers, lava gulls, whimbrels, yellow- crowned, and black-crowned lava herons, and yellow warblers can be seen in the area. Continuing on the trail, visitors climb gradually to the edgeof the cliff seeing Red-Foots nesting in the Mangrove trees below. Bird watching includes sightings of sharp-beaked finches, large cactus and ground finches, Galapagos doves, and swallow-tailed gulls. Reaching the end the trail at the cliff's edge offers an incredible view of the island and the many birds living there.
DAY 3: SUNDAY GALAPAGOS CRUISE
AM: PLAZAS - Plazas is located at the east of Santa Cruz Island, and forms part of two islands known as Islas Plazas. Despite its small size, some of the most interesting and outstanding species of the Galapagos are found here. The Plazas land iguanas are smaller than its relatives found at other islands. Throughout the island are several hybrid iguanas, a result of crossing a male marine iguana and a female land iguana, they are unique, recognizable at first glance by their black/gray color, with a land iguana's crest, but face and tail of the marine iguana. The big population of iguanas is due to the presence of tunas, their favorite food. Swallow tailed gulls nesting in the rugged cliffs are seen along with other sea birds as: Audubon shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds, and brown pelicans.
PM: SANTA FE Located in the southeastern part of the Galapagos, this island was formed from an uplift instead than a volcanic origin, this is why is mostly flat. There are some theories which assure this could be the oldest island in the Archipelago. Santa Fe is the home of a number of endemic species like the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, Galapagos mockingbird, rice rats, and one of the two species of lands Iguanas of the islands. After disembarking in the beautiful and clear waters you will be in contact with one of the many sea lion colonies. Along the trail many salt bushes can be seen as well giant Pickly pear cactus, gigantism is a characteristic of oceanic islands. There are great possibilities of snorkeling with playful sea lions and tropical fishes.
DAY 4: MONDAY GALAPAGOS CRUISE
AM: JACINTO GORDILLO BREEDING CENTER - Jancinto GordilloIn 2004 the Breeding and Rearing Center for young tortoises Jacinto Gordillo, named after a famous settler, was inaugurated in Cerro Colorado, San Cristobal Island, in order to take care of young tortoises. In 2008, an assisted reproduction program started on the island with due to the birth of a little turtle in captivity. After the morning excursion you will be taken to the airport for your flight to the mainland.
DAY 1: GALAPAGOS
AM: FLIGHT QUITO OR GUAYAQUIL TO GALAPAGOS - Once in San Cristobal passengers must go through an inspection point at the airport to make sure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the archipelago. Also, this inspection point is where passengers have to pay for the entrance to the Galapagos National Park under the following parameters: Guides will meet you, collect your luggage, and escort you on the short bus ride to the harbor. Motorized rafts, called ‘Pangas’ will transport you to the M/C Seaman Journey and our crew will welcome you onboard. After departure and lunch, the first island visit is made.
PM: INTERPRETATION CENTER It is an interpretation center with exuberant gardens and stunning ocean views in contrast with the 1960´s buildings in Charles Darwin Center. Visitor to the interpretation center can learn a lot ovenr the geological and human history of the islands, conservation facts and natural history. This is the oldest museum of the Natural History of the Galapagos Islands that is trying to preserve the nature of the islands.
DAY 2: TUESDAY GALAPAGOS CRUISE
AM: GALAPAGUERA - A short visit to the Galapaguera that is a good place to observe Galapagos tortoises in its natural habitat. San Cristobal island has endemic species such as: the Mockingbird Nesomimus melanotis, lava lizard (Microlophus bivittatus), Chatham Leaf-toed Gecko (Phyllodactylus leei) and the tortoises. All of these species can be observed in this place, the beach is really big and it works as a nesting zone for marine tortoises. Between January and May it is common to find the footprints of the female tortoises that have climbed to the sand dunes to deposit their eggs.
PM: CERRO BRUJO, SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND - Cerro Brujo is a beautiful beach of white coral beach where you can swim and watch birds and sea lions, plus you can snorkel. This is the first coast where Charles Darwin walked in 1835. In this marvelous lava landscape where you can see seabirds like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds and shore birds. The protected bay is very popular to observe young tortoises and for swimming. The pools with salty water behind the sand dunes were used for the fishers as a salt mine in order to preserve food for the local population. Among the fauna that you can observe the Chatham Mockingbird and the San Cristobal Lava Lizard, both species are endemic to the island and unique to the area as they cannot be observed nowhere else. Also you can find the island canary, the Galapagos turtles and with luck the little bird known as the Pájaro Brujo in Spanish, an endemic specie from San Cristobal Island. The vegetation covers all the route where you can find species like the candelabrum cactus and carob trees. Located on the north coast of Isla San Cristobal it is a peaceful place with white sand and crystal water, a perfect combination for an incredible stay.
DAY 3: WEDNESDAY - GALAPAGOS CRUISE
AM: BAHÍA GARDNER - Located on the north-eastern coast of Hood, Gardner Bay provides an excellent beach for relaxing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and the opportunity to observe sea lions (Zalophus wollebaki),. Here we can also observe sharks in the crystal clear ocean waters. Here you will find three species of Darwin Finches: Geospiza fuliginosa, Geospiza fuliginosa and Certhidea Olivacea), these are endemic subspecies . Alos, here it is possible to observe resident and migratory bird species. This zone is really important for marine tortoises nesting, specially the (Chelonia mydas).
PM: SUAREZ POINT - This area is great for spotting blue-footed boobies, albatrosses and Nazca boobies. A beautiful site on the ocean front, the large waved albatrosses use the cliff as a launching pad. The famous attraction is the magnificent blowhole, spurting water high into the air at least from 50 to 75 meters high. This site presents wonderful photograph opportunities.
DAY 4: THURSDAY GALAPAGOS CRUISE
AM: CORMORANT POINT - This site offers probably the best flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos; it is also one of the largest in the islands. It’s situated between two tuff lava cones that give the area a special atmosphere. There are various species of shorebirds to observe besides flamingos; the most frequent are common stilts, white-checked pintail ducks, and other migratory birds. It is very interesting to see the two distinct beaches: “The Green Beach” (due to its high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand) and the “Flour Sand Beach” which is made up of coral.
PM: POST OFFICE BAY & BARONESS LOOKOUT - Historically, this site is the location of a wooden barrel that wasplaced in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. It has been used since this time by mariners and tourists as a post office. The idea is to carry letters or postcards to their destination by hand. Apart from being the Post Office Barrel, this site was the landing area for some of the first colonists. We will continue to the north of the island and will ascent to an elevated slope to enjoy a beautiful vista at the Baroness lookout. It is said that Baroness Eloisa Von Wagner loved this place and spent several hours watching the horizon. Within walking distance (30 m) are the ruins of what is known as h er house. From this lookout, the landscape covers the coastline from the Enderby islet to Post Office Bay, as well as Cerro Pajas, the pool of flamingos and wide forest of Palo Santo.
DAY 5: FRIDAY GALAPAGOS CRUISE
AM: CHARLES DARWIN STATION - Although the great majority of Galapagos visitors come here to observe and appreciate natural wonders, it is also interesting to learn how the protection and conservation of the islands are carried out. One of the main attractions are the National Park information center, the Van Straelen Exhibition Hall, the Breeding and Rearing Center for young tortoises, Lonesome George (turtle from Pinta), and adult Galapagos tortoises in captivity. After the morning excursion you will be taken to the airport for your flight to the mainland
DAY 1: GALAPAGOS - ISLA SANTA CRUZ
AM: FLIGHT TO GALAPAGOS FROM QUITO OR GUAYAQUIL
Once in Baltra the passengers must go through an inspection point from the airport to make sure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the Galapagos Archipelago. Also, this inspection point is where passengers have to pay for the entrance to the Galapagos National Park under the following parameters: Our guide will pick you up and will carry your luggage to the bus that transports the tourists to the ferries to cross the Itabaca Channel, after this passengers will be taken by another bus to the first visit to Ranch Mazanillo where visitors must wear comfortable walking shoes, light clothing and to carry a waterproof jacket, sun-block lotion, a camera and repellent for the first activity. The visit to Ranch Manzanillo includes a picnic lunch and a short walk before going on board the Motor Catamaran. It is important to follow these instructions in order to accomplish this itinerary properly. Also, please be aware that passenger´s luggage will be sent directly to the Seaman Journey yacht.
PM: SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS - Journeying across Santa Cruz into the highlands visitors are delighted by the island's variety of life and geology. Beginning at the coast and traveling across Santa Cruz the road departs from Puerto Ayora climbing through the agricultural lands and into the mist covered forests. Santa Cruz possesses all of the various life zones present in the archipelago. As you travel through these zones birders are enchanted. Whether it's the bright red feathers of a vermillion flycatcher or one of Darwin's Finch almost every bird present in the islands can be found here. Santa Cruz offers excellent opportunities for viewing wild Galapagos Tortoises. Tracking tortoises is not the only exciting activity to be found in the highlands. There are also plenty of lava tubes, sinkholes and craters to explore. Theses eerie formations offer a fascinating hike into the belly of the island to view its volcanic make-up
DAY 2: SATURDAY GALAPAGOS CRUISE - FERNANDINA ISLAND
AM: MANGLE POINT - Off the eastern coast of Fernandina is Mangle Point a superior snorkeling site and a beautiful location for riding in a panga or zodiac through a grove of mangrove trees. A hike of about 1/2 miles is possible. Whether you hike, snorkel, or stay in your panga for a ride through the red mangrove trees, this second site of Fernandina Island is equally memorable. While you are on your ride, you are likely to see sea lions, tortoises, pelicans, rays and birds too numerous to name them all.
PM: PUNTA MORENO - Punta Moreno is located on the north coast of Isabela Island between the volcano Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcano. The trail runs along a lava flow Pahohoe (solidified lava in the form of corrugated or an accordion) into a complex of coastal lagoons, its main attraction are several species of birds which can be found around this lakes and mangroves.
DAY 3: SUNDAY GALAPAGOS CRUISE - ISABELA ISLAND
AM: URBINA BAY - Urbina Bay is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano on the west coast, between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay. This area experienced a major uplift in 1954, causing the land to rise over 16 feet. The coast expanded half a mile out, leaving marine life stranded on the new shore. This area is also a great place for snorkeling. Urbina Bay is a path that starts at the beach where a landing is made wet, the course is approximately 3200m, and substrates through the sand, pumice, lava, coral and vegetation in a coastal area suffered an uprising and the listener can appreciate iguana burrows. It is an ide al place to see red and blue lobster. In Bahia Urbina you can see a lot of Darwin's finches. Its main attraction is the land iguanas, larger than in places like South Plaza Island, Galapagos tortoises also in the wild, sometimes even out of season they are on the bottom of the islands. Also in this area stands a large amount of vegetation, chamomile and Rosewood, but among all these plants stand out the beautiful flowers of cotton Darwin, endemic to the Galapagos Islands.
PM: TAGUS COVE - Tagus Cove is located west of Darwin Volcano on Isabela Island. This was a favorite spot for pirates and whalers, a tradition is still observed that has continued since that time: the inscription of the names of boats. At the start of the walk, going up and passing the staircase, is a small cave where you will find inscriptions dating to the 1800s. Its name originated from a British warship that went through the islands in 1814 looking for Galapagos Tortoise for food. Due to explosive eruptions must have occurred at the site, the substrate has a large amount of volcanic rocks of different sizes, among the most common are little balls of nearly spherical shape known as the "lapilli" or petrified rain. B/L/D
DAY 4: MONDAY GALAPAGOS CRUISE
AM:ESPINOZA POINT - Espinoza Point is a place famous for its large colonies of marine iguanas and as the habitat of unique species like the flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguin, Galapagos hawk, and Galapagos snake.
PM: ISABELA: VICENTE ROCA POINT - One of the most impressive and spectacular places of the enchanted Galapagos Islands; with high cliffs and tuffstone, ash and lava formations give this area a majestic touch. Located in the north-western coast of the island; comprises two distinct inlets. This large bay has a spectacular marine life. Here, you can see seahorses, sea turtles and the strange yet fascinating Mola-mola or sunfish. This bay is a great place to practice Panga Ride and Snorkeling. We also found: Penguins, Blue-footed boobies, Terns, Boobies, Sea lions. Also you can snorkel and observe sea turtles, stingrays and puffer fishes.
DAY 5: TUESDAY GALAPAGOS CRUISE
AM: PLAYA ESPUMILLA / BUCANERO - Espumilla beach is located in northern coast of Santiago Island in James Bay. During the last presence the El Niño phenomenon, one of the two lagoons in this site, underwent a process of sedimentation, thus causing the disappearance of a representative colony of flamingos. The main attractions are the palosanto forest and the marvelous. The beach is an important site for nesting marine turtles.
PM: PUERTO EGAS, SANTIAGO ISLAND - Its black beach is located at the west side of the island and is the main attraction of the island. Their volcanic tuff deposits have favored the formation of this special black sand beach. This site is called Puerto Egas, because there was an attempt of company of Hector Egas, to start the exploitation of salt, which failed because the price of salt in the continent was very cheap, and did not justify its exploitation in Galapagos. The project was abandoned and they left their infrastructure.
DAY 6: WEDNESDAY GALAPAGOS CRUISE - RABIDA / CHINESE HAT
AM: RABIDA - Rábida Island is unique because the red color of the rocks and sand. The volcanic material in this island is very porous and external factors as rain, salt water, and sea breeze have acted as an oxidizing agent. A short walk along a trail lead you to a coastal lagoon behind the beach which permits you to observe the land birds such as finches, doves, yellow warblers, and mocking birds. At the lagoon there is a colony of flamingos.
PM: CHINESE HAT - This is a small islet (1 sq km) located just off the southeastern tip of Santiago Island. It is a recent volcanic cone, shaped like a Chinese hat when seen from north side. On the west you can see lava formations, formed under the sea and raised upward, this is why coral heads are found on the lava. This is an excellent visit for interpretation of geological features such as lava tubes and lava flows. The landscape is covered by sea lions colonies, marine iguanas, and Galapagos penguins.
DAY 7: THURSDAY GALAPAGOS CRUISE - SANTIAGO ISLAND
AM: SULLIVAN BAY - Sullivan Bay Santiago, also called James, or San Salvador Island, is located in the west central part of the Galapagos archipelago. It is the fourth largest island in the archipelago (following Isabela, Fernandina and Santa Cruz). Along with some of the large western volcanoes of Isabela and Fernandina, Santiago is also volcanically active, with many young flows and cones to be seen, particularly along the south, west, and east coasts. These may even be seen from the summit of Darwin Volcano and from space. A number of historic eruptions have been reported over the last 2 centuries. Santiago actually consists of two coalesced volcanoes: a typical shield volcano on the northwest end and a low, linear fissure volcano on the southeast end.
PM: BARTOLOME - Bartolome Island is situated across Sullivan Bay. It has an altitude of 114 meters , from where we can observe one of the most beautiful sceneries of the Galapagos Islands such as: Volcanic cones, lunar- like craters, lava fields, and the famous Toba formed pinnacle eroded by the sea. There is very little vegetation on this island. It has two breathtaking beaches where marine turtles exist and at the base of the pinnacle, as well as a very small colony of Galapagos penguins.
DAY 8: FRIDAY GALAPAGOS CRUISE - SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
AM: BACHAS BEACH - These two small beaches are found to the West of Turtle Cove. Their sand is made of decomposed coral, which makes it white and soft, making it a favorite nesting site for sea turtles. Behind one of the beaches there is a small brackish water lagoon, where occasionally is possible to observe flamingos and other coastal birds, such as black-necked stilts and whimbrels. The other beach is longer, but it has two old barges that were abandoned during the Second World War, when the USA used Baltra Island as a strategically point to protect the Panama Channel. After the morning excursion you will be taken to the airport for your flight to the mainland.
DAY 1: FRIDAY - GALAPAGOS
AM: FLIGHT TO GALAPAGOS FROM QUITO OR GUAYAQUIL - Once in Baltra the passengers must go through an inspection point from the airport to make sure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the Galapagos Archipelago. Also, this inspection point is where passengers have to pay for the entrance to the Galapagos National Park under the following parameters: Later on our guide will pick visitors and will carry the luggage to the bus from the port that transports the passengers to the Catamaran Semana Journey on a motorized boat called panga.
PM: NORTH SEYMOUR - Is an uplifted (as opposed to volcanic) island and so is generally flat and strewn with bo ulders. There are good nesting sites here for a large population of magnificent frigate birds. Blue-footed boobies perform their courtship dance in the more open areas and swallow-tailed gulls perch on the cliff edges. Despite the tremendous surf that can pound the outer shore, sea lions haul out onto the beach and can be found bodysurfing.
DAY 2: SATURDAY GALAPAGOS CRUISE - GENOVESA ISLAND
AM: EL BARRANCO - The visitor site of El Barranco is located in the southern part of Darwin Bay on Genovesa I sland. The trail is on volcanic rock that has a length of 1.5 km and the tour can be done in about 2 hours. The youngest area of the island, from a geological point of view, lies in this area. The cliffs located in the south are composed of very fragile lava. The natural erosion that has occurred in these lava flows has become the ideal place for nesting Storm Petrels. You can see two species of petrels that nest in cavities and holes in the lava. One of its main predators is the short-eared owl. The red-footed booby nests only in the outer islands of the archipelago, Punta Pitt, Gardner (Floreana), Wolf, Darwin and Genovesa. Also present on this iDarwin Baysland is the masked booby. During the “panga rides” along the cliffs fur sea lions can be seen and several species of seabirds.
PM: DARWIN BAY - This bay has its origin when the crater of this island collapsed below sea level. The wet landing is on a beautiful white coral sandy beach. This is a favorite island for birdwatchers: red footed-booby, masked boobies, wandering tattlers, lava gulls, whimbrels, yellow-crowned, and black-crowned lava herons, and yellow warblers can be seen in the area.
DAY 3: SUNDAY GALAPAGOS CRUISE - SANTA CRUZ ISLAND / SANTA FE ISLAND
AM: PLAZAS - Plazas is located at the east of Santa Cruz Island, and forms part of two islands known as Islas Plazas. Despite its small size, some of the most interesting and outstanding species of the Galapagos are found here. The Plazas land iguanas are smaller than its relatives found at other islands. Throughout the island are several hybrid iguanas, a result of crossing a male marine iguana and a female land iguana, they are unique, recognizable at first glance by their black/gray color, with a land iguana's crest, but face and tail of the marine iguana. The big population of iguanas is due to the presence of tunas, their favorite food. Swallow tailed gulls nesting in the rugged cliffs are seen along with other sea birds as: Audubon shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds, and brown pelicans.
PM: SANTA FE - Located in the southeastern part of the Galapagos, this island was formed from an uplift instead than a volca nic origin, this is why is mostly flat. There are some theories which assure this could be the oldest island in the Archipelago. Santa Fe is the home of a number of endemic species like the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, Galapagos mockingbird, rice rats, and one of the two species of lands Iguanas of the islands. After disembarking in the beautiful and clear waters you will be in contact with one of the many sea lion colonies. Along the trail many salt bushes can be seen as well giant Pickly pear cactus, gigantism is a characteristic of oceanic islands. There are great possibilities of snorkeling with playful sea lions and tropical fishes.
DAY 4: MONDAY GALAPAGOS CRUISE - SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
AM: JACINTO GORDILLO BREEDING CENTER - In 2004 the Breeding and Rearing Center for young tortoises Jacinto Gordillo, named after a famous settler, was located in Cerro Colorado, San Cristobal Island, in order to take care of young tor toises. In 2008 an assisted reproduction program started on the island with due to the birth of a little turtle in captivity.
PM: INTERPRETATION CENTER - It is an interpretation center with exuberant gardens and stunning ocean views in contrast with the 1960´s buildings in Charles Darwin Center. Visitor to the interpretation center can learn a lot ovenr the geological and human history of the islands, conservation facts and natural history. This is the oldest museum of the Natural History of the Galapagos Islands that is trying to preserve the nature of the islands.
DAY 5: TUESDAY GALAPAGOS CRUISE - SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
AM: GALAPAGUERA - A short visit to the natural Galapaguera that is a good place to observe Galapagos tortoises in its natural habitat. A short visit to the Galapaguera that is a good place to observe Galapagos tortoises in its natural habitat. San Cristobal island has endemic species such as: the Mockingbird Nesomimus melanotis, lava lizard (Microlophus bivittatus), Chatham Leaf-toed Gecko (Phyllodactylus leei) and the tortoises. All of these species can be observed in this place, the beach is really big and it works as a nesting zone for marine tortoises. Between January and May it is common to find the footprints of the female tortoises that have climbed to the sand dunes to deposit their eggs.
PM: CERRO BRUJO - Cerro Brujo is a beautiful beach of white coral beach where you can swim and watch birds and sea lions, plus you can snorkel. This is the first coast where Charles Darwin walked in 1835. In this marvelous lava landscape where you can see seabirds like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds and shore birds. The protected bay is very popular to observe young tortoises and for swimming. The pools with salty water behind the sand dunes were used for the fishers as a salt mine in order to preserve food for the local population. Among the fauna that you can observe the Chatham Mockingbird and the San Cristobal Lava Lizard, both species are endemic to the island and unique to the area as they cannot be observed nowhere else. Also you can find the island canary, the Galapagos turtles and with luck the little bird known as the Pájaro Brujo in Spanish, an endemic specie from San Cristobal Island. The vegetation covers all the route where you can find species like the candelabrum cactus and carob trees. Located on the north coast of Isla San Cristobal it is a peaceful place with white sand and crystal water, a perfect combination for an incredible stay.
DAY 6: WEDNESDAY GALAPAGOS CRUISE - ESPAÑOLA ISLAND
AM: GARDNER BAY - Located on the north-eastern coast of Hood, Gardner Bay provides an excellent beach for relaxing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and the opportunity to observe sea lions. Here we can also observe sharks in the crystal clear ocean Suarez Pointwaters.
PM: SUAREZ POINT - This area is great for spotting blue-footed boobies, albatrosses and Nazca boobies. A beautiful site on the ocean front, the large waved albatrosses use the cliff as a launching pad. The famous attraction is the magnificent blowhole, spurting water high into the air at least from 50 to 75 meters high. This site presents wonderful photograph opportunities.
DAY 7: THURSDAY GALAPAGOS CRUISE - FLOREANA ISLAND
AM: CORMORANT POINT - This site offers probably the best flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos; it is also one of the largest in the islands. It’s situated between two tuff lava cones that give the area a special atmosphere. There are various species of shorebirds to observe besides flamingos; the most frequent are common stilts, white-checked pintail ducks, and other migratory birds. It is very interesting to see the two distinct beaches: “The Green Beach” (due to its high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand) and the “Flour Sand Beach” which is made up of coral.
PM: POST OFFICE BAY & BARONESS LOOKOUT - Historically, this site is the location of a wooden barrel that was placed in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. It has been used since this time by mariners and tourists as a post office. The idea is to carry letters or postcards to their destination by hand. Apart from being the Post Office Barrel, this site was the landing area for some of the first colonists. We will continue to the north of the island and will ascent to an elevated slope to enjoy a beautiful vista at the Baroness lookout. It is said that Baroness Eloisa Von Wagner loved this place and spent several hours watching the horizon. Within walking distance (30 m) are the ruins of what is known as her house. From this lookout, the landscape covers the coastline from the Enderby islet to Post Office Bay, as well as Cerro Pajas, the pool of flamingos and wide forest of Palo Santo.
DAY 8: FRIDAY GALAPAGOS CRUISE - SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
AM: CHARLES DARWIN STATION - Although the great majority of Galapagos visitors come here to observe and appreciate natural wonders, it is also interesting to learn how the protection and conservation of the islands are carried out. One of the main attractions are the National Park information center, the Van Straelen Exhibition Hall, the Breeding and Rearing Center for young tortoises, Lonesome George (turtle from Pinta), and adult Galapagos tortoises in captivity. After the morning excursion you will be taken to the airport for your flight to the mainland.
*11, 12 AND 15 DAY ITINERARIES ALSO OFFERED
Seaman Journey cabin categories include Ocean-view (Main Deck) and Suite (Upper Deck).
Sun Deck
Upper Deck
Main Deck