Footsteps Back in Time (San Cristobal - Baltra)

About this route

Embark on a classic expedition through the Galapagos archipelago, following the historic path of early explorers and naturalists. This route traverses volcanic landscapes, crystal coves, and quiet mangrove lagoons, offering exceptional opportunities for close wildlife encounters. Guests can expect a mix of snorkeling, kayaking, and guided land excursions to witness the unique biodiversity that defines this equatorial crown jewel.

Regions on this route

Highlights

Shore excursions

• Hike to Frigate Bird Hill on San Cristobal to see nesting magnificent and great frigatebirds.
• Explore the massive underground lava tubes and natural tunnels on Santa Cruz Island.
• Visit the historic Post Office Barrel on Floreana to continue the whalers' tradition of postcard exchange.
• Guided walk through a forest of giant prickly pear cacti on Santa Fe Island.
• Observe the Giant Tortoise Breeding Program at the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Good to know

• Galapagos flights are required to be booked through the boat operator, Quasar Expeditions.
• The itinerary involves two landings each full day in the National Park.
• Itineraries are subject to change based on local regulations and National Park Guide discretion.

Day-by-day plan

1. Day 1: Arrival and Embarkation – San Cristobal

   Upon arrival at the airport, guests are greeted by National Park Guides for a transfer to the waterfront. After settling into cabins and receiving a safety briefing, the journey begins with a visit to the local interpretation center and a hike to Frigate Bird Hill. The evening concludes with a sunset cruise to the iconic Kicker Rock formation and a landing at the white sands of Cerro Brujo.

   Dive sites: Kicker Rock, Cerro Brujo

2. Day 2: South Plaza & Mosquera – Wildlife Encounters

   The day focuses on the rich biodiversity of South Plaza Island, known for its prickly pear cacti and colorful land iguanas. Snorkeling sessions are conducted at Punta Carrion, a sheltered cove that serves as a nursery for various marine species. The afternoon features a stop at Mosquera Island, a sandy stretch home to one of the largest sea lion colonies in the archipelago, surrounded by rocky tide pools.

   Dive sites: Punta Carrion, Mosquera Island

3. Day 3: Santiago Island – Volcanic Landscapes

   Exploration continues at Chinese Hat, a volcanic islet featuring impressive lava formations and turquoise waters perfect for kayaking or snorkeling. The afternoon is spent at James Bay, where black-sand beaches and extinct craters provide a dramatic backdrop for spotting flamingos in inland lagoons. The area is known for its clear grottos and diverse birdlife, including the tool-using woodpecker finch.

   Dive sites: Chinese Hat, James Bay

4. Day 4: Genovesa Island – The Bird Sanctuary

   Often called 'Bird Island', Genovesa offers spectacular avian displays at Darwin Bay and Prince Phillip’s Steps. Snorkelers can explore the deep-water caldera, where the underwater terrain often attracts large pelagics near the basalt cliffs. The sheltered waters of the bay are ideal for observing tropical fish and the occasional fur sea lion resting along the rocky shoreline.

   Dive sites: Darwin Bay, Prince Phillip’s Steps

5. Day 5: North Seymour & Santa Fe – Island Giants

   Morning excursions on North Seymour reveal a flat landscape teeming with nesting frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies performing courtship dances. Later, the vessel moves to Santa Fe Island to visit one of the most beautiful coves in the Galapagos, home to a forest of giant prickly pear cacti. The northern shoreline offers excellent visibility for spotting rays and sharks in the shallow, clear waters.

   Dive sites: North Seymour, Santa Fe Island

6. Day 6: Floreana Island – History and Marine Life

   Visit the historic Post Office Bay to participate in a centuries-old tradition of hand-delivering postcards before exploring the green olivine beach of Punta Cormorant. The afternoon is dedicated to world-class snorkeling at Champion Islet or Devil’s Crown, a submerged volcanic crater. This site is renowned for its vibrant marine life, including seasonal humpback whales and playful sea lions.

   Dive sites: Devil’s Crown, Champion Islet, Punta Cormorant

7. Day 7: Santa Cruz – Highland Giants

   Spend the day on the second-largest island in the archipelago, starting with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station to see the tortoise breeding program. The afternoon transitions to the lush Santa Cruz Highlands, where giant tortoises roam freely in their natural habitat. Guests can also walk through massive underground lava tubes formed by ancient volcanic flows.

   Dive sites: Charles Darwin Research Station, Santa Cruz Highlands

8. Day 8: Black Turtle Cove & Disembarkation

   The final morning features a peaceful panga ride through the protected mangrove lagoon of Black Turtle Cove, a sanctuary for juvenile sharks and rays. After this last wildlife encounter, the vessel cruises to Baltra Island for the final transfer. The crew assists with luggage and transportation to the airport for departing flights back to the mainland.

   Dive sites: Black Turtle Cove

Upcoming departures

• 2026-10-24 – 2026-10-31from 10,600 USDBook
• 2026-11-21 – 2026-11-28from 10,950 USDBook
• 2027-01-02 – 2027-01-09Book
• 2027-01-16 – 2027-01-23Book
• 2027-01-30 – 2027-02-06from 10,350 USDBook
• 2027-02-13 – 2027-02-20Book
• 2027-02-27 – 2027-03-06from 10,350 USDBook
• 2027-03-13 – 2027-03-20from 11,350 USDBook
• 2027-03-27 – 2027-04-03from 11,350 USDBook
• 2027-04-10 – 2027-04-17from 10,350 USDBook
• 2027-04-24 – 2027-05-01from 10,350 USDBook
• 2027-05-08 – 2027-05-15from 10,350 USDBook

All routes of this liveaboard

• In the Steps of Pirates & Darwin (Baltra - San Cristobal) · 7 nights

About the vessel

EvolutionGalápagos