Itinerary C: North - Central Cruise (Santa Cruz - San Cristobal)
Galaxy Sirius · Galápagos · 5 nights
About this route
Embark on a captivating voyage through the central and northern reaches of the Galapagos archipelago. This route showcases the striking volcanic landscapes of Sullivan Bay and Bartolome alongside the biodiversity of Santa Cruz and Rabida. Travelers will enjoy close encounters with iconic wildlife, from playful sea lions and penguins to rare land iguanas and diverse avian species.
Regions on this route
Highlights
Genovesa Island
Known as 'Bird Island,' this collapsed caldera offers a haven for vast colonies of seabirds and unique marine life within its sheltered bay.
- Frigatebird colonies
- Darwin Bay snorkeling
Isla Bartolomé
Home to the famous Pinnacle Rock, this site offers stunning lunar-like landscapes and is one of the best places to see Galapagos penguins.
- Pinnacle Rock
- Panoramic summit views
Santa Cruz Island
A central hub of the archipelago, featuring diverse habitats from highland forests to coastal lagoons and mangrove sanctuaries.
- Black Turtle Cove
- Dragon Hill iguanas
Sullivan Bay
A geological marvel featuring a sprawling field of black Pahoehoe lava that looks like a frozen sea, offering a glimpse into recent volcanic activity.
- Pahoehoe lava formations
- Pioneer plant species
Requirements
- ExperienceThis is an adventure cruise focused on hiking and snorkeling, suitable for all levels.
Shore excursions
- Hike across the unique iron-rich red lava rocks and beaches of Rabida Island.
- Climb the wooden stairs to the summit of Bartolome Island for iconic views of Pinnacle Rock.
- Observe nesting colonies of frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies on North Seymour.
- Explore the historical exhibits at the San Cristobal Interpretation Center.
- Walk on the dramatic and preserved Pahoehoe lava flows at Sullivan Bay.
- Search for endemic land iguanas at the Dragon Hill conservation site.
- Enjoy panga rides through the mangrove forests of Black Turtle Cove.
Good to know
- Check-in times are coordinated with local flight arrivals at Baltra Airport.
- Itinerary details are subject to change based on Galapagos National Park regulations and weather conditions.
- A National Park-certified naturalist guide accompanies all land and water excursions.
Day-by-day plan
Day 1: Embarkation · Santa Cruz & Black Turtle Cove
After arriving at Baltra Airport and meeting your naturalist guide, you will board the vessel. The afternoon features a panga exploration of Black Turtle Cove, a serene mangrove sanctuary. This area is known for its quiet channels where green sea turtles and various ray species often gather in the shallow, protected waters.
Dive sites: Black Turtle Cove
Day 2: Rabida Island & Chinese Hat Islet
The morning starts on the distinct iron-rich red sands of Rabida Island, home to a noisy sea lion colony and a saltwater lagoon. Later, visit Chinese Hat, a symmetrical volcanic cone separated from Santiago by a turquoise channel. The snorkeling here often features sightings of Galapagos penguins darting through schools of anchovies near the rocky shoreline.
Dive sites: Rabida Island, Chinese Hat
Day 3: Seymour & Mosquera Islet
Explore North Seymour to witness the impressive courtship displays of frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies. The afternoon is spent at Mosquera, a low-lying sandbar located between Baltra and North Seymour. This area is known for its large population of sea lions that frequently body-surf in the breaking waves along the beach.
Dive sites: Seymour Island, Mosquera Islet
Day 4: Sullivan Bay & Bartolome Island
Walk across the perfectly preserved Pahoehoe lava flows of Sullivan Bay to witness the archipelago's raw volcanic origins. In the afternoon, ascend the wooden staircase of Bartolome Island for the most famous panoramic view in the Galapagos. The base of Pinnacle Rock offers excellent snorkeling where penguins and colorful reef fish are commonly sighted.
Dive sites: Sullivan Bay, Bartolome Island
Day 5: Dragon Hill & Eden Islet
Visit Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island, a vital nesting site for land iguanas and a habitat for flamingos in the hypersaline lagoons. The journey continues to Eden Islet, a small volcanic tuff cone providing a paradisiacal setting for water activities. Kayaking and snorkeling around this islet often reveal a high density of sea stars and endemic reef fish.
Dive sites: Dragon Hill, Eden Islet
Day 6: Disembarkation · San Cristobal
The final morning is spent at the Interpretation Center in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, which details the human and natural history of the islands. Following the visit, guests are transferred to the airport for their departing flights to mainland Ecuador.
Upcoming departures
- 2026-11-12 – 2026-11-17from 5,680 USDBook
- 2026-11-26 – 2026-12-01from 6,035 USDBook
- 2026-12-10 – 2026-12-15from 6,745 USDBook
- 2026-12-24 – 2026-12-29from 10,650 USDBook
- 2027-01-07 – 2027-01-12from 6,885 USDBook
- 2027-02-04 – 2027-02-09from 7,290 USDBook
- 2027-02-18 – 2027-02-23from 8,100 USDBook
- 2027-03-18 – 2027-03-23from 8,100 USDBook
- 2027-04-15 – 2027-04-20from 8,100 USDBook
- 2027-04-29 – 2027-05-04from 7,130 USDBook
- 2027-05-13 – 2027-05-18from 7,535 USDBook
- 2027-05-27 – 2027-06-01from 7,535 USDBook
All routes of this liveaboard
About the vessel
Galaxy SiriusGalápagos