Itinerary C - Immerse in Nature's Grandeur: A Wildlife Expedition across the Galapagos (Seymour - Santa Cruz)
Alya · Galápagos · 5 nights
About this route
Experience the untamed beauty of the Galapagos on this wildlife-focused adventure cruise through the central and southern islands. The journey highlights unique volcanic landscapes and provides intimate encounters with iconic species like giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and marine iguanas. Guests will explore diverse habitats ranging from cactus-strewn lowlands to lush highland forests through guided hikes and snorkeling excursions. This expedition is designed for nature enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive introduction to the archipelago's famous biodiversity.
Regions on this route
Highlights
Devil's Crown
Considered one of the premier snorkeling spots in the archipelago, this eroded volcanic cone near Floreana Island attracts a massive variety of marine life. The interior of the 'crown' is filled with colorful corals and schools of tropical fish, while the outer walls often feature larger visitors like sharks and rays.
- Sunken volcanic crater
- High fish biodiversity
- Reef shark encounters
Gardner Bay
A stunning stretch of white coral sand on Española Island, Gardner Bay is famous for its large and friendly sea lion colony. The turquoise waters provide an excellent environment for snorkeling alongside playful pups and observing various endemic finches and mockingbirds along the shore.
- Turquoise snorkeling waters
- Extensive sea lion colonies
- Endemic Española mockingbirds
North Seymour
Formed by a series of uplifted submarine lavas, this flat island is one of the most important bird nesting sites in the Galapagos. Visitors can follow a circular trail to see Great Frigatebirds with their red throat pouches and Blue-footed Boobies performing their famous courtship dances.
- Frigatebird nesting sites
- Blue-footed booby dances
- Marine iguana sightings
Requirements
- ExperienceThis is an adventure cruise focused on wildlife and hiking rather than a dedicated scuba trip.
Shore excursions
- Guided wildlife hike on North Seymour to observe frigatebird and booby nesting grounds.
- Exploration of South Plazas to view land iguanas among giant prickly-pear cacti.
- Visit to the San Cristobal Interpretation Center to learn about archipelago history.
- Nature walk at Suarez Point to see the blowhole and waved albatross colonies.
- Highland excursion on Santa Cruz to witness Giant Tortoises in freshwater ponds.
- Walk through ancient volcanic lava tunnels on Santa Cruz Island.
Good to know
- Itinerary is subject to change based on Galapagos National Park regulations and weather conditions.
- Activities involve varied trail levels ranging from easy walks to hard dry landings.
- Naturalist guides are certified by the National Park to provide expert environmental education.
Day-by-day plan
Day 1: Embarkation – Arrival at Baltra and North Seymour
Your exploration begins with a transfer from Baltra Airport to the vessel to meet your naturalist guide. The afternoon is dedicated to North Seymour, an area celebrated for its bustling colonies of frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies. The island's flat, rocky terrain often features sea lions lounging along the shore and marine iguanas navigating the surf.
Day 2: South Plazas · Santa Fe Island Exploration
The morning features a visit to South Plazas, where striking red succulents and giant prickly-pear cacti provide a backdrop for land iguanas. Later, the cruise moves to Santa Fe Island, a region known for its endemic land iguanas and white sand beaches populated by sea lions. The turquoise waters here offer a chance to spot reef sharks and sea turtles in a sheltered bay environment.
Day 3: San Cristobal – History and Lobos Island
Spend the morning at the Interpretation Center on San Cristobal to gain insight into the archipelago's human history and conservation efforts. The afternoon transitions to Lobos Island, a small islet famous for its dense population of noisy sea lions and nesting blue-footed boobies. Snorkeling in the calm channels often reveals rays and sea turtles resting on the sandy floor.
Day 4: Gardner Bay and Suarez Point Adventure
The day begins at Gardner Bay on Española Island, home to a massive sea lion colony and pristine coral sands perfect for swimming. The afternoon is spent at Suarez Point, a high-energy site known for its dramatic blowhole and massive colonies of seabirds. Between April and January, the area is the primary nesting site for the magnificent waved albatross.
Day 5: Floreana Island – Cormorant Point and Alieri Hill
Visit the green-tinted sands of Cormorant Point to view American flamingos wading in the brackish lagoon. You will also have the opportunity to snorkel at Devil's Crown, a partially submerged volcanic crater that hosts a high density of reef fish and sharks. The day concludes with a hike up Alieri Hill to see rare plants and panoramic views of the coast.
Dive sites: Devil's Crown
Day 6: Disembarkation – Santa Cruz Highlands
On your final morning, travel into the humid highlands of Santa Cruz to observe Galapagos Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat. Explore geological wonders like lava tunnels before transferring to the airport for your onward journey.
Upcoming departures
- 2026-11-14 – 2026-11-19from 5,700 USDBook
- 2026-11-28 – 2026-12-03from 5,700 USDBook
- 2026-12-12 – 2026-12-17from 5,415 USDBook
- 2026-12-26 – 2026-12-31from 8,550 USDBook
- 2027-04-03 – 2027-04-08from 6,500 USDBook
- 2027-04-17 – 2027-04-22from 6,500 USDBook
- 2027-05-15 – 2027-05-20from 6,500 USDBook
- 2027-06-26 – 2027-07-01from 6,500 USDBook
- 2027-07-10 – 2027-07-15from 6,045 USDBook
- 2027-09-18 – 2027-09-23from 5,850 USDBook
- 2027-10-02 – 2027-10-07from 5,850 USDBook
- 2027-10-16 – 2027-10-21from 5,850 USDBook
All routes of this liveaboard
About the vessel
AlyaGalápagos