Day 1: San Cristóbal Island
Arrive on San Cristóbal Island and transfer to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the regional capital of the Galapagos Islands. Here you board the Santa Cruz, your home for the next four nights. Freshen up in your cabin, before heading to the dining room for lunch and an introductory talk.
In the afternoon, disembark Pitt Point on the eastern side of San Cristóbal Island, where there is a famous walking trail along the shoreline and around the eroded ash cone. This is the only place in the entire Galápagos archipelago where all three varieties of the famous booby bird can be found: the blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca boobies.
After an afternoon spent exploring the shoreline, return to the Santa Cruz for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Santa Fe Island/South Plaza Island
Wake early for breakfast, and then set out on a dingy to Santa Fe Island, disembarking on a beautiful white-sand breach where sea lions can usually be found. You are also likely to see the land iguana, one of the Galapagos Archipelago's most iconic creatures, during this morning’s tour.
Spend the morning exploring the island, walking among the giant pear cactus plants (green succulents whose fruit the land iguana feed on; you’ll often find them waiting patiently at the foot of the cacti).
Return to the Santa Cruz for lunch. The afternoon is free to explore the waters around the islands. Go for a leisurely swim and snorkel in a warm channel or, if you prefer, you can take a journey in the glass-bottomed boat, ideal for non-swimmers. Keep an eye on the skies, too, and watch as the shearwaters and swallow-tailed gulls glide through the air, carried by the thermals.
Day 3: Santa Cruz Island
After breakfast, disembark at Santa Cruz Island and pay a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, hidden away in a forest of cacti. Here you can learn more about the giant tortoise breeding programme.
After your tour of the station, transfer to the cool, lush highlands of Santa Cruz Island for lunch and further exploration. The rest of the afternoon will be spent exploring the highlands region via a number of walking trails. Alternatively, you may prefer to return to the coast and spend the afternoon kayaking in Tortuga Bay. Let your guide know your preference.
Day 4: Española Island
Start the day with a walk amongst the sea bird colonies of Española Island. Here you’ll be able to spot different varieties of booby, albatross, gull and cormorant. You’ll also be able to see the famous Punta Suarez blowhole, and a host of marine iguana.
In the afternoon, the postcard-perfect white-sand beach of Gardner Bay beckons. Take the time to relax on the beach, photograph the marine life and sea birds, or go snorkelling. Enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to Santa Cruz in the late afternoon.
Day 5: Departure
Say goodbye to the Santa Cruz and the Galapagos Islands this morning, as you disembark at Baltra Island and transfer to the airport for your onward flight connections.
Eastern Galapagos Islands
Eastern Galapagos Islands
Explore the best of the Eastern Galapagos Islands on this 5 day / 4 night cruise taking in San Cristobal, Santa Fe, South Plaza, Espanola Island and Santa Cruz Islands. You sail on the M/V Santa Cruz.
Outline Itinerary
Price guide
Price based on two travellers in shared double/twin accommodation and subject to availability at the time of booking.
Pricing
5 days from £1895pp
Tanzania in March
Clare was extremely helpful, after just a few minutes she understood exactly what we were looking for.
