Itinerary A: Southeast Cruise (San Cristobal - Santa Cruz)
Galaxy Sirius · Galápagos · 4 nights
About this route
Embark on an immersive exploration of the Galápagos archipelago's southeastern islands, a journey defined by rich biodiversity and volcanic landscapes. This expedition features close encounters with iconic species including sea lions, marine iguanas, and various endemic birds across San Cristobal, Española, and Santa Fe. Travelers will engage in daily guided hikes and snorkeling sessions in pristine bays while learning about the region's conservation history. The route balances natural wonders with cultural heritage, concluding with a visit to the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station.
Regions on this route
Highlights
Devil's Crown
This partially submerged volcanic crater near Floreana Island is one of the most famous snorkeling sites in the archipelago. Stronger currents here attract a massive variety of marine life, including schools of fish, sharks, and sea turtles within its jagged crown-like structure.
- Volcanic crater snorkeling
- High fish biodiversity
- Frequent shark sightings
Gardner Bay
A breathtaking expanse of turquoise water and white coral sand on Española Island, serving as a major colony for sea lions. The bay offers a tranquil environment for snorkeling alongside playful pups and observing endemic mockingbirds along the shore.
- Sea lion colonies
- Turquoise waters
- Endemic mockingbirds
South Plazas
A small but geologically fascinating island known for its vibrant Sesuvium succulent carpet that changes color with the seasons. It is one of the best places to observe both land iguanas and marine iguanas living in close proximity along the rocky coastline.
- Sesuvium succulent carpet
- Hybrid iguana habitat
- Seabird nesting cliffs
Requirements
- ExperienceThis is an adventure cruise focused on hiking, snorkeling, and wildlife observation.
Shore excursions
- Visit the historic Post Office Bay to exchange postcards in the traditional whalers' barrel.
- Hike through the giant prickly-pear cactus forest on Santa Fe Island to find endemic land iguanas.
- Explore the Charles Darwin Research Station to see the giant tortoise breeding center.
- Walk the rocky trails of Suarez Point to observe the courtship dance of the waved albatross.
- Discover the reddish succulent landscapes and seabird cliffs of South Plazas Island.
Good to know
- Itinerary may change based on Galápagos National Park regulations or weather conditions.
- Hiking trails vary in difficulty from level 1 (easy) to level 3 (moderate/hard).
- Snorkeling activities are conducted from pangas or directly from the beach.
Day-by-day plan
Day 1: Embarkation – San Cristobal Arrival
Upon arriving at the airport, guests are met by a naturalist guide for transfer to the vessel. The afternoon includes a panga tour of Lobos Island, a small islet near San Cristobal known for its population of frisky sea lion pups and nesting blue-footed boobies.
Day 2: Gardner Bay & Suarez Point – Española Exploration
The morning is spent at Gardner Bay, a stunning white-sand beach where sea lions lounge and Galapagos hawks circle overhead. In the afternoon, the expedition heads to Suarez Point to traverse rocky trails through nesting colonies of blue-footed boobies and the majestic waved albatross. The area features dramatic cliffs and blowholes, offering a prime look at the island's unique volcanic topography and diverse seabird populations.
Dive sites: Gardner Bay, Suarez Point
Day 3: Post Office Bay & Devil's Crown – Floreana Discovery
Step back in time at Post Office Bay to participate in a 200-year-old mariner tradition before exploring nearby lava tunnels. Later, the vessel moves to Cormorant Point and the eroded volcanic cone of Devil's Crown, which is widely considered one of the archipelago's premier snorkeling locations. The underwater terrain here consists of submerged jagged rocks that attract a vibrant concentration of tropical fish and rays in the nutrient-rich currents.
Dive sites: Post Office Bay, Cormorant Point, Devil's Crown
Day 4: Santa Fe & South Plazas – Island Contrasts
Morning activities take place on Santa Fe Island, characterized by its towering prickly-pear cacti and endemic land iguanas. The journey continues to South Plazas, a small but vibrant island covered in a carpet of reddish succulent vegetation and inhabited by hybrid iguanas. Both sites offer exceptional cliff-side views where various seabirds, such as swallow-tailed gulls and pelicans, utilize the updrafts for flight.
Dive sites: Santa Fe Island, South Plazas
Day 5: Disembarkation – Santa Cruz & Darwin Station
The final morning is dedicated to the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, focusing on the captive breeding programs for giant tortoises. After the visit, guests transfer to the airport for their departing flights.
Upcoming departures
- 2026-11-17 – 2026-11-21from 5,700 USDBook
- 2026-12-15 – 2026-12-19from 5,415 USDBook
- 2027-01-12 – 2027-01-16from 5,850 USDBook
- 2027-01-26 – 2027-01-30from 5,850 USDBook
- 2027-02-23 – 2027-02-27from 6,500 USDBook
- 2027-03-09 – 2027-03-13from 5,720 USDBook
- 2027-03-23 – 2027-03-27from 6,500 USDBook
- 2027-04-06 – 2027-04-10from 6,500 USDBook
- 2027-04-20 – 2027-04-24from 6,500 USDBook
- 2027-05-18 – 2027-05-22from 6,045 USDBook
- 2027-06-01 – 2027-06-05from 6,500 USDBook
- 2027-06-15 – 2027-06-19from 6,500 USDBook
All routes of this liveaboard
About the vessel
Galaxy SiriusGalápagos