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Galapagos Northeast Discovery and Diversity – Cruise C

Galapagos Northeast Discovery and Diversity – Cruise C

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Description

Discover the extraordinary wildlife and landscapes of the northeastern Galápagos Islands on this 5-day expedition cruise aboard the elegant M/Y Galaxy Stella. Journey through a remarkable collection of islands including North Seymour, Santa Fe, South Plaza, Genovesa, Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal, each offering its own distinct ecosystems and unforgettable encounters. Observe giant tortoises, land and marine iguanas, frigatebirds, blue-footed and red-footed boobies, sea lions, and endemic bird species in their natural habitat. With guided hikes, snorkelling, panga rides, kayaking and paddle boarding, this itinerary blends active exploration with exceptional wildlife viewing across one of the world’s most unique natural environments.

Trip Name
Galapagos Northeast Discovery and Diversity - Cruise C
Days
5
Overview
Vessel Type: Yacht Passenger Capacity: 12 Galaxy Stella is an intimate yacht designed for small-group exploration in the Galapagos, offering a refined and immersive cruising experience for just 12 guests. With six cabins, seven crew members, a bilingual guide, and Starlink Wi-Fi, the vessel combines personalised service with modern convenience. Designed to foster a close connection with the surrounding environment, Galaxy Stella invites guests to experience the islands through peaceful navigation, panoramic ocean views, and a relaxed onboard atmosphere where the rhythm of the sea is always present. Onboard spaces include an elegant interior lounge with large windows, exterior lounge areas, dining room, bar, and solarium, all thoughtfully arranged for comfort and socialising. Guests can enjoy internationally inspired cuisine with local Galapagos influences, prepared to high standards and tailored to guest preferences. Daily activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, and panga rides allow for active exploration of the islands, making Galaxy Stella an ideal blend of comfort, discovery, and small-ship exclusivity.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 - WEDNESDAY
AM: BALTRA AIRPORT (ARRIVAL)Welcome to Galapagos! Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, your naturalist guide will greet you and assist with the transfer to Itabaca Channel. This initial journey offers your first connection with the archipelago as you take a short ferry ride to Santa Cruz Island. Along the way, observe Baltra’s arid landscape and learn about its history as a former U.S. WWII airbase. This is just the beginning of the many fascinating stories awaiting you on your adventure.PM: NORTH SEYMOURNorth Seymour Island is a paradise for bird watchers, with large colonies of magnificent and great frigatebirds inflating their red throat pouches in an impressive courtship display. On the ground, blue-footed boobies perform their famous mating dance, while swallow-tailed gulls perch on cliffs overlooking the sea. Inland, land iguanas have thrived thanks to conservation efforts, while marine iguanas bask on the rocks near playful sea lions body surfing the waves.
Day 2 - DAY 2 - THURSDAY
AM: SANTA FESanta Fe Island, nestled in one of the most stunning bays in the Galapagos, boasts towering prickly-pear cacti and ancient lava formations. Its white-sand beach and turquoise waters are home to a large sea lion colony basking under the sun. As you follow the trail, look for the endemic Santa Fe land iguana and, if lucky, a Galapagos hawk perched atop a cactus scanning for prey. Along the way, Darwin’s finches, Galapagos doves, mockingbirds, and lava lizards are commonly seen, making this hike a true wildlife experience.PM: PLAZASOf the two twin islands, only South Plazas is open to visitors, while North Plazas remains a scientific research site. Despite its small size, South Plazas is teeming with wildlife. Upon landing, ll find land iguanas lounging beneath Opuntia cacti, waiting for fallen fruit. A large sea lion colony dominates the shore, where playful pups explore tide pools while massive bulls defend their territory. The trail leads to a dramatic cliffside, offering breathtaking ocean views where frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, and swallow-tailed gulls soar. A blanket of reddish succulents covering the island adds to its striking beauty.
Day 3 - DAY 3 - FRIDAY
AM: BARRANCOLocated in the southern part of Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island, El Barranco is a wildlife sanctuary. Its fragile lava cliffs provide shelter for storm petrels and a remarkable population of short-eared owls. Along the trail, red-footed and Nazca boobies nest on the volcanic rock. At the base of the cliffs, Galapagos fur seals rest in shaded areas, while seabirds soar above this breathtaking landscape, making El Barranco an unforgettable destination for nature lovers.PM: DARWIN BAYDarwin Bay on Genovesa Island is a breathtaking sight for birdwatchers. As you step onto the beach, you’ll be amazed by the presence of hundreds of boobies, gulls, and frigatebirds soaring, nesting in bushes, or resting on the sand. Along the shore, sea lions and marine iguanas blend into the scenery, while inland you may spot night herons, swallow-tailed gulls, Darwin finches, Galapagos doves, and mockingbirds. This immersive experience brings you face-to-face with a thriving ecosystem.
Day 4 - DAY 4 - SATURDAY
AM: HIGHLANDSEnjoy a scenic journey into the lush highlands of Santa Cruz. Walk through a reserve where you may spot giant tortoises—some weighing over 600 pounds—grazing peacefully. Observe endemic birds such as finches and flycatchers. If included in your itinerary, explore a lava tunnel, a fascinating remnant of the volcanic forces that shaped these islands.PM: BACHAS BEACHAfter, we will go to the beach known as Bachas, located north of Santa Cruz Island. Here we can snorkel or take a relaxing walk on the beach. For this, we will make a wet landing, in which we will jump from the panga to the shore of the beach. Again, we recommend disembarking barefoot and wearing light walking shoes for the rest of the journey. The saltwater lagoon behind the beach often has great blue herons and small birds. Both beaches are nesting areas for green sea turtles.
Day 5 - DAY 5 - SUNDAY
AM: KICKER ROCKLeón Dormido, also known as Kicker Rock, is one of the most iconic rock formations in the Galapagos. Located off the coast of San Cristóbal, this towering islet with sheer cliffs offers an unparalleled setting for diving and snorkeling. Dive into crystal-clear waters and swim alongside hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, and majestic manta rays. The marine life here is abundant, with schools of tropical fish and sea lions exploring the reefs. For those seeking adventure and a deep connection with the Galapagos’ underwater world, this is an experience not to be missed.PM: SAN CRISTOBAL AIRPORT (RETURN)After exploring the breathtaking biodiversity and unique landscapes of the Galapagos, it’s time to return to mainland Ecuador. You’ll be transferred to the airport, bringing this unforgettable journey to a close. Every encounter with giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and volcanic landscapes will remain etched in your memory. Galapagos is not just a destination—it’s a transformative experience that will stay with you forever. Wishing you a wonderful journey back!
Day 6 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

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Inclusions

    • Encounter iconic Galápagos wildlife including giant tortoises, sea lions, frigatebirds, land and marine iguanas, and a variety of endemic bird species
    • Explore diverse islands and habitats, from the volcanic cliffs of Genovesa to the white-sand beaches of Bachas and the lush highlands of Santa Cruz
    • Enjoy active adventures including snorkelling at Kicker Rock, guided nature walks, panga rides, kayaking, and paddle boarding in pristine waters

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