Galapagos – Central and East Islands aboard the Reina Silvia Voyager (Cruise Only)
Experience Overview
Once you visit these isolated Galápagos Islands that teem with an incredible diversity of marine and animal life, you'll understand what makes them so special. Embark on this eight-day sailing tour onboard the Reina Silvia Voyager, our custom-built catamaran, which offers comfortable accommodations always close by. While exploring the central and eastern Galápagos Islands, you'll witness the giant tortoises of Santa Cruz, spot marine life (including three types of boobies) on the volcanic landscapes of Punta Pitt, and hike along a saltwater lagoon on Rábida.
Highlights
- See giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station
- Go snorkelling in Santa Fé
- Spot sea lion colonies at Cerro Dragon
- Stroll on the white coral sand beaches of Darwin Bay
- Hike to a saltwater lagoon on Rábida
- Kayak alongside incredible marine life
Trip Details
Product Code: 2808
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport:
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Budget
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: SEV08RA
Starts: Baltra Island, Ecuador
Finishes: Baltra Island, Ecuador
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Activities
- Cruise the Galápagos Islands aboard the Reina Silvia Voyager (7 nts)
- All meals aboard the Reina Silvia Voyager
- Certified Galápagos National Park Service Guide
- Snorkelling at Gardner Bay, Sullivan Bay and Bartolomé
- Possibility to snorkel or kayak at Santa Fé, Darwin Bay, Rábida and Chinese Hat
- Hike to the Bartolomé Island viewpoint overlooking the famous Pinnacle Rock
- Incredible wildlife encounters throughout
- Highlands and wild tortoise excursion (Santa Cruz Island)
- Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)
- All landings and excursions
- Onboard snorkelling equipment and wetsuits
- 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $8,459 ($1,057 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Baltra / Santa Cruz
Arrive to Baltra airport no later than 10:30am to arrive at the meeting point by 11:00am. Transfer to Santa Cruz Island with the CEO to visit the highlands before arriving to Puerto Ayora and a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Board the boat in the late afternoon.
After arrival in Baltra, visit the highlands of Santa Cruz Island for a special opportunity to view the islands' most famous reptile: the giant tortoises in their wild habitat. What a privilege to see an endangered species roving in this lush environment! The vegetation of the area includes the Scalesia Forest (an endemic giant daisy tree) and birds such as the vermilion flycatcher will delight everyone with its scarlet feathers against an emerald green forest. Look for Darwin's finches, particularly the famous Woodpecker Finch. We will then visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center and Charles Darwin Research Station to learn first hand of the conservation and research efforts in the islands. There, you'll see several subspecies of adult tortoises, lots of hatchlings, and learn of the repatriation programs that are saving several subspecies of tortoises and iguanas from extinction.
Day 2: Española: Gardner Bay / Punta Suárez
Enjoy the day on Española Island, one of the oldest in the archipelago. Visit the white sandy beach of Gardner Bay and the bird colonies of Punta Suárez. Take guided walks to observe wildlife and have free time for swimming or snorkelling.
Spend part of the day visiting spectacular Gardner Bay. Walk across a lovely white sand beach amongst a busy sea lion colony and nesting sea turtles (seasonal). Later, take some time exploring the Punta Suárez visitor site, on the north-western corner of the island. Here, birds are everywhere—underfoot, on the trail, overhead, diving into the sea, taking off from cliffs, sitting quietly, and if the timing is right, engaging in ritual mating dances or hatching eggs. As the panga driver guides us in through the surf to the landing, sea lions are often seen “hanging 10” on the waves. A great tangle of marine iguanas, stretched out in the sun on the beach, are usually present when we arrive.
Day 3: San Cristobal: Cerro Dragon / Punta Pitt
Land at Punta Pitt in the morning for a walk to observe the wildlife and spectacular scenery here. In the afternoon continue on to Cerro Dragon on San Cristóbal to observe sea lions and enjoy the beach before travelling to the dramatic Kicker Rock to see the steep vertical stone walls rising from the ocean. The beauty makes for memorable sunset views.
Start the day walking along a trail on Punta Pitt that winds up through eroded volcanic tuff formations to a plateau where there's a spectacular view of the island, and Islote Pitt. Along the trail are endemic plants and wildlife unique to San Cristobal, such as the San Cristobal mockingbird and the San Cristobal lava lizard. All three boobies (blue-footed, red-footed and Nazca) are known to nest here, at Islote Pitt which is a small islet near the anchorage. Blue-footed boobies can often be seen plunge-diving for fish while frigate birds soar overhead.
In the afternoon, head to Cerro Dragon to visit the white sand beach there and observe Sea Lions. Finish the day, with a navigation around the spectacular Kicker Rock. This striking rock formation is located a couple hours off the western shore of San Cristobal. Jutting out of the water, the rocks stand vertically at hundreds of feet above the ocean divided by a small channel.
Day 4: Santa Fe / South Plaza
Visit Santa Fé island for a chance to mingle with the iguanas. Continue to South Plaza for some great bird watching opportunities and views from the oceanside cliffs.
Today, spend time visiting fascinating Santa Fé, home to a small population of very large land iguanas, and the largest of the Opuntia cacti. The lagoon is ideal for swimming and snorkeling; sea lions and colorful fish are in abundance here, as well as the occasional sea turtle. Later, visit South Plaza, a small, but very rewarding island to visit. Here you see an array of endemic land iguanas munching on Opuntia blossoms and leaves. On the upper edge, at the windward side, Swallow Tailed Gulls nest. Watch these beautiful birds maneuver in the tricky air currents as they set up to land on the cliff face. From the bluff you can see schools of Yellowtail Mullet, occasionally a shark, and lots of birds flying back and forth.
Day 5: Genovesa: Darwin Bay / El Barranco
Visit Darwin Bay and marvel at the sheer number of birds along the many trails. Head to El Barranco in the afternoon to see the many types of boobies, including red-footed boobies.
In the morning, visit the white-sand coral beach of Darwin Bay which winds through mangroves filled with land and marine birds. See Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls, and further down the path, observe tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully. In the afternoon, visit El Barranco (also known as Prince Phillip's Steps), which is a steep, rocky path that leads up to a high cliff-face. If you're lucky, catch a glimpse of red-footed boobies, short-eared owls, Nazca Boobies, storm petrels, Galapagos swallows, and Galapagos doves, as you enjoy the magnificent views.
Day 6: Santiago / Bartolomé
Visit Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to witness the giant lava formations contrasting the white-coral-sand beach. Continue to Bartolomé for a guided walk to see the island's dramatic volcanic features and the iconic Pinnacle Rock.
The morning visit heads to Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, located on the southeast part of the island. This place is interesting for its geology because the area has elevations in form of small volcanoes, formed by the lava flows. Later, head to Bartolomé Island, home of the famous Pinnacle Rock. This is an exceptional place to observe volcanic island geology and to snorkel. Among the many colorful species you will see Bi-color Parrotfish, Streamer Hogfish, and Flag Cabrilla. Sometimes you get a special treat—a penguin “snorkeling” right around you in hunt of fishy treats. The long climb up the wooden steps to the pinnacle of this cinder cone takes you through cinders and rough volcanic formations, a veritable moonscape. The lower slopes are graced with a light sprinkling of the delicate, silvery Taquilia, a ground hugging plant adapted to this harsh spot. On top you will enjoy the spectacular view of Bartolomé, Santiago, and several other nearby islands.
Day 7: Rábida / Chinese Hat
Spend the morning exploring the red sand beaches and salt water lagoons of this tiny island. Look for wading flamingos and nesting pelicans before heading out to do some snorkelling. In the afternoon, discover the lava flows and lava tunnels on the small island of Chinese Hat. After, enjoy a refreshing dip in turquoise waters. Search for fish and sea turtles in the protected bay.
Rabida is a “small red island,” the colour of the volcanic cinders.The red beach is usually well populated with sea lions and pups. At times the low salt bushes are loaded with nesting California Brown Pelicans. Just behind the beach, in a brackish lagoon, see Bahamas White-cheeked Pintail Ducks, migratory shore and wading birds, and Greater Flamingos. Flamingos need the presence of a dozen or two other flamingos to stimulate their synchronous mating dance. If our timing is right, we will be able to observe this highly entertaining ritual as well as two species of boobies nest along the cliffs. Later, travel to Sombrero Chino, a tiny island just off the southeast tip of Santiago. Its name (Chinese Hat) describes the island's shape. Though centrally located, it is one of the least visited sites in the area. Patches of pahoehoe lava, cracked lava and lava tubes can be found on the island. If you're up for a walk, a path leads to some spectacular views of the waves crashing below. White-tipped sharks frequent the area, as do the playful Galapagos Penguins and sea lions.
Day 8: Baltra
After breakfast, disembark from the Reina Silvia Boat. If your departure flight is at 11:30AM or later, then you are welcome to take the transfer to the airport with the group. If your flight is earlier, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the airport.
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Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Annike M. - Traveled, June 2024
Incredible holiday of a lifetime. Omar Medina and all the staff involved made our adventure even better. Thank you.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/18/2024
John C. - Traveled, June 2024
Absolutely incredible, insightful and eco conscious experience into the heart of the Galapagos, made possible by the superb organisation of G Adventures, the outstanding CEO, Omar Medina and the professional, friendly, able and enthusiastic crew of the ...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/18/2024
Gary F. - Traveled, June 2024
A trip you have to do Worlds and pictures do not do it justice! Trip of a life time
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/19/2024
Howard P. - Traveled, June 2024
Humbling
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/10/2024
Anthony F. - Traveled, May 2024
Fantastic trip met expectations
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/27/2024
Helmut R. - Traveled, May 2024
I'll be back.... ;-
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/10/2024
Elizabeth J. - Traveled, April 2024
A fascinating holiday with much greater understanding of the region and its wild life and marine life and also its geology. Very active throughout!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/07/2024
Paul P. - Traveled, April 2024
Excellent adventure with an exceptional guide and a brilliant crew - thank you
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/28/2024
Miguel L. - Traveled, April 2024
Mejorar la calidad de algunas comidas y su cantidad
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/14/2024
Peregrine L. - Traveled, March 2024
Amazing experiences of seeing and swimming with amazing creatures. The snorkelling was the highlight but the onshore trips were fascinating in details.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/18/2024
Fiona P. - Traveled, March 2024
Everything I hoped it would be
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2024
Lynn B. - Traveled, February 2024
Best trip ever!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/18/2024
Helen D. - Traveled, February 2024
A really fabulous week. The CEOs (Venus) enthusiam and knowledge was wonderful.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/17/2024
Rebecca K. - Traveled, January 2024
An amazing tour that is without words! Our tour guide made the visit even more top notch
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/09/2024
Lee Z. - Traveled, January 2024
The experience provided by G Adventures to the Galapagos Islands was indescribable. All my wildlife, geology, marine sights, ALL of it exceeded my expectations. The crew and our Guide Omar were extraordinary in the care and safety of the passengers. I d...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/06/2024
Gillian H. - Traveled, January 2024
The tour was well organised with professional friendly staff who gave us plenty of interesting information on the areas we visited. We had various activities which enhanced the experience and engagement with the wildlife.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/03/2024
Grant H. - Traveled, January 2024
I felt the tour was excellent being structured with plenty of activities for the everyone in the group
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/03/2024
Rena Z. - Traveled, January 2024
The animal encounters can not be matched. Unbelievable!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/21/2024
Laura M. - Traveled, January 2024
Amazing place, brilliant snorkelling, fantastic group to travel with. Excellent all round and a once in a lifetime trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/10/2024
Christian B. - Traveled, December 2023
Trip of a lifetime.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/08/2024
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