Itinerary A (Baltra - San Cristobal)
Tribute · Galápagos · 4 nights
About this route
Embark on an immersive South & East Galapagos Safari, a 5-day adventure exploring the captivating highlights of Santa Cruz, Española, Floreana, and San Cristobal. This journey offers a unique chance to discover secluded islands, pristine beaches, and encounter remarkable wildlife. The experience culminates with a visit to San Cristobal's Interpretation Center, providing insight into the conservation efforts for the unique ecosystems of the Galápagos.
Regions on this route
Highlights
Espanola Island
Española Island is recognized as one of the oldest islands within the archipelago, estimated to be over four million years old, and is a significant birdwatching destination. Its rugged coastlines and pristine beaches provide vital habitats for a variety of endemic species and seabirds. The island's unique geology also features remarkable natural phenomena such as the 'El Soplador' water geyser.
Floreana Island
Floreana Island is an ecologically and historically rich destination, known for its distinctive geological features and unique wildlife. Sites like Cormorant Point feature unusual beaches with green olivine crystals and white 'flour sand'. The island also plays a role in the breeding cycles of Pacific green turtles and is a site for historical human settlements and natural history.
Gardner Bay
Located on the northeastern coast of Española Island, Gardner Bay is a stunning natural beach characterized by its turquoise waters and soft sands. It is a popular spot for both swimming and snorkeling, offering opportunities to observe a variety of marine life including eagle rays, golden rays, barracudas, and sea lions. The area's calm conditions make it an inviting spot for aquatic activities.
Post Office Bay
Post Office Bay on Floreana Island holds historical significance as a rudimentary postal service for whalers and pirates dating back to the 18th century. Visitors can continue this tradition by leaving and collecting postcards from an informal barrel. The area is also known for encounters with sea lions, golden rays, and Galapagos penguins.
San Cristobal
San Cristobal is the easternmost island in the Galápagos archipelago and is home to one of the main populated centers. It offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural insights, with attractions such as interpretation centers that highlight the conservation efforts and unique biodiversity of the islands. Its coastline is frequently visited by various marine species, including sea lions.
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island is a central hub in the Galápagos, offering diverse environments from coastal areas to its lush highlands. The highlands are particularly famous for being a natural habitat for the iconic Galapagos giant tortoises, often found grazing in the verdant pastures. The island also serves as a gateway to other fascinating regions of the archipelago.
Shore excursions
- Visit the Highlands of Santa Cruz to observe Galapagos giant tortoises.
- Explore the beaches of Mosquera and observe seabirds and sea lions.
- Discover the unique land iguanas at South Plaza, known as 'Galapagos dragons'.
- Visit Cormorant Point on Floreana, featuring olivine crystal and flour sand beaches.
- Experience the historic Post Office Bay on Floreana and mail a postcard.
- Observe diverse bird species including albatross and boobies at Suarez Point on Española.
- Witness the 'El Soplador' water geyser on Española Island.
- Snorkel and swim at Gardner Bay, Española, alongside various marine life.
- Visit the Interpretation Centre in San Cristobal for insights into Galapagos conservation.
Day-by-day plan
Day 1: Embarkation – Baltra & Santa Cruz Highlands
Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, guests will be met and assisted with transfer procedures, including Galapagos National Park entrance fee payment and luggage handling. A short bus ride leads to the harbor where you will board the Tribute yacht. After a warm welcome, cabins are assigned, and the first lunch onboard is served. In the afternoon, explore the Highlands of Santa Cruz, known for its pastures and the transitional zone, offering excellent opportunities to observe Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat near El Chato Tortoise Reserve.
Day 2: Mosquera Islet & South Plaza – Sea Lions and "Galapagos Dragons"
The day begins with a visit to Mosquera, where true beach lovers can enjoy beautiful white coral sand beaches, often frequented by Galapagos sea lions. Along the beach, guests can observe numerous species of waders and seabirds, and red-cliff crabs are commonly spotted. The afternoon takes you to South Plaza, a unique "Jurassic islet" renowned for its bizarre land iguanas, often referred to as "Galapagos dragons", which can be seen foraging among the vegetation.
Dive sites: Mosquera Islet, South Plaza
Day 3: Floreana – Cormorant Point & Post Office Bay
Today's exploration focuses on Floreana Island. The morning visit to Cormorant Point features a landing on a peninsula covered with aromatic palo santo forest. The sandy beach is notable for its glassy olivine crystals, and a "flour sand" beach originates from pulverized coral. Stingrays are often seen burying themselves in the sand, and during specific months, Pacific green turtles may come ashore to lay their eggs.
Dive sites: Cormorant Point, Baroness Lookout, Post Office Bay
Day 4: Española – Suarez Point & Gardner Bay
Day four is dedicated to Española Island, one of the oldest in the archipelago and a premier destination for birdwatchers. Suarez Point is known for various species of finches, frigatebirds, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, and the endemic Galapagos mockingbird and albatross. The famous 'El Soplador', a 25-meter water geyser, is another highlight. In the afternoon, we continue to Gardner Bay on the north-eastern coast, a pristine natural beach perfect for swimming and snorkeling alongside eagle rays, golden rays, barracudas, and sea lions.
Dive sites: Suarez Point, Gardner Bay
Day 5: Disembarkation – San Cristobal Interpretation Centre
The final day includes a last excursion to the Interpretation Centre and Frigatebird Hill on San Cristobal Island. Here, visitors can explore exhibits featuring photos, historic documents, and scale models, providing a comprehensive understanding of the intricate ecosystems of the Galápagos and the ongoing conservation efforts. Following this enriching visit, you will disembark and be transferred to San Cristobal airport to catch your flight.
Upcoming departures
- 2026-11-04 – 2026-11-08from 5,576 USDBook
- 2026-11-08 – 2026-11-12from 6,195 USDBook
- 2026-11-22 – 2026-11-26from 5,576 USDBook
- 2026-12-02 – 2026-12-06from 4,956 USDBook
- 2026-12-06 – 2026-12-10from 4,956 USDBook
- 2026-12-16 – 2026-12-20from 4,956 USDBook
- 2026-12-20 – 2026-12-24from 6,195 USDBook
- 2027-01-03 – 2027-01-07from 5,846 USDBook
- 2027-01-13 – 2027-01-17from 5,846 USDBook
- 2027-01-17 – 2027-01-21from 5,846 USDBook
- 2027-01-27 – 2027-01-31from 5,846 USDBook
- 2027-01-31 – 2027-02-04from 5,846 USDBook
All routes of this liveaboard
About the vessel
TributeGalápagos