Itinerary 4 Days

We clear the checkpoint at Galapagos National Park upon arrival. After checking in, customs agents inspect passports and check the transit card.

Our naturalist guide will be waiting for us at the airport exit. Please remember to take your luggage off the belt.

We then take a coach ride to the dock where we board the pangas (or as the locals refer to them, dinghies). Then we head to the M/C Petrel, where crew members will greet you with cold drinks and show you to your cabins.

Your cruise concierge will give you a briefing about the ship's facilities and conduct a safety drill. Finally, your cabin will be assigned. After lunch, we begin with the first visit.

La Galapaguera

Landing type Dry landing, recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes

There are many activities that you could do. Walking.

The Galapagos Island was a popular hiding place for pirates and buccaneers during the XVII century and the first part of the XVIII. They used its resources to replenish their ship holdings. The Galapagos tortoises were a popular source of meat during that time. Their ability to survive for long periods without food or water made them one of the most valuable goods the island had. The extensive hunting of this animal decimated entire populations, and some even went extinct. The creation of Galapagueras is one example of the huge efforts made to protect this species. Galapagos tortoises are being cared for in nurseries that are specifically designed for them.

We visit the Galapaguera de San Cristobal to view these majestic giants in all their stages. You can see everything from tiny eggs that are smaller than chicken's to adorable hatchlings that need lots of care to the magnificent adult Galapagos tortoise, which can weigh in at over 400 pounds. This article explains the noble task of conserving these animals as well as the people responsible.
Meals included Lunch and Dinner

Espanola is an idyllic beach of white sand, surrounded by turquoise waters and kissed with the equatorial sunlight.

Gardner Bay

Type of landing: Dry landing
There are many activities that you could do. Short hike, snorkeling, kayaking, panga ride.

We learned from our Santa Fe visit that the island's age plays a significant role in how life develops. Espanola is no exception. The archipelago's hotspot is located east. Wind erosion and tides have given Espanola a unique environment where life flourishes in hundreds of forms. Espanola is one of the most stunning islands in the archipelago, with its beautiful coral reefs and magnificent marine birds flying over it skies.
We embark at Gardner Bay. The beach is stunning with its bright white sand, clear water, and home to marine iguanas and sea lions that rest in peace right in front of us. It is truly a postcard-worthy spot. We are invited to snorkel and explore the lush Pacific Ocean life.
We take a dinghy to the Osborn Islet. This small, rocky island has been a favorite place for many marine birds such as blue-footed boobies, and lavagulls. This is a great place to snorkel and discover the amazing underwater world.

Suarez Point

Type of landing: Good shoes are essential for dry landing.
There are many activities that you could do. Hike.

At the dock at Punta Suarez, a large number of marine iguanas welcome visitors. Only marine iguanas can dive to feed on the algae growing in the volcanic walls. They were named "impsofdarkness" because of their unusual appearance, which Darwin recorded in his journal. They are one of the most fascinating species in the Galapagos, despite the negative name they received.
Continue exploring the island by following the path that leads us to a lookout point on a small cliff. From here, we can see an unusual formation called a blowhole. This blowhole, which can raise water columns up to a few feet above the cliff, is one of Espanola's many attractions. It is certainly worth the effort and a great spectacle.
Espanola also houses an extremely rare bird, the waved albatross. The waved albatross, which has a wingspan over 6.5 feet, is the largest bird to have colonized this island. Espanola is their only breeding site. Because albatrosses are monogamous, a complex courtship dance is performed during mating season. This will bring the pair together for life.
Truly, a memorable visit
Meals included Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 

Floreana is a celebration of colors, with turquoise waters and bright pinkflamingos.

Cormorant Point and Devil's Crown

Type of landing: Wet landing.
There are many activities that you could do. Hiking, panga ride.

We will be visiting Punta Cormorant's green beach in the morning. The beach's distinctive color is due to its high concentration of olivine crystallines. Just a short walk from the beach leads us to a trail that leads into a saltwater lagoon. Bright pink flamingos can often be seen here, feeding on the many crustaceous found in these waters. Their pigmentation is what gives these beautiful birds their bright colors.
After admiring the beauty of the lagoon with its many visitors, we will travel to the Devil's Crown, which is the most popular spot for snorkeling in the archipelago. This place is named after the Devil's Crown, a pointy rock formation that rises above the calm waters and creates a circular shape. This place is magical and offers a unique underwater world, despite its intimidating name. Many fish come here to seek shelter from the rocks that reach the seabed. Colonies of corals and seahorses make this a great place to live for all kinds of creatures, including seahorses and rays. This is an incredible chance to swim with some the most beautiful marine creatures on the planet.

Post Office Bay

Type of landing: Wet landing.
There are many activities that you could do. Hike.

Post Office Bay is the perfect place to end an exciting day. Post Office Bay, once the best way to communicate with loved ones back home was home to a unique postal office. This allowed sailors and whalers in the 18th century send their news from their voyages to their home countries. The simple wooden barrel was used to store letters. It also allowed sailors to rely on the friendship and camaraderie of other sailors who returned home to deliver their mail. The system did not require stamps or fees and relied solely on trust and kindness from strangers.
This tradition is still being carried out by fellow sailors. Letters and postcards are stored in a wooden barrel until they can be picked up or delivered to their destination by a kind stranger. You can join this charming tradition by leaving a card or a letter for your loved ones back home. If you are able, you may also take a few letters with you to the final destination. This tradition is based on trust, fellowship and should be preserved.
This is the end of our Floreana Island visit. Before you leave for your next destination, ask your guide if they can tell you some information about the island's human history. We're sure that you will enjoy the unique history of the men and women who colonized this beautiful place.
Meals included Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

In 1964, the Charles Darwin research station was founded to provide resources for scientists and their conservation efforts.

The Charles Darwin Foundation's breeding and care for the Galapagos tortoises is one of its most famous conservation programs. We see them at all stages of development, from tiny eggs and hatchlings that fit into your palm, to the gentle giants weighing in at 400 pounds that gave their name to the islands.

We will transfer our ground transportation to the airport after this visit. The guide and one of the crew members will assist you in the check-out process. They will also accompany you to security gates. After that, they will say goodbye to you and wish you safe travels home. When asked, please show your transit control card.

Meals included Breakfast.