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The Galapagos Odyssey Eastern Island cruise itinerary explores the Eastern Islands, taking you from San Cristobal to Santa Cruz Island with stops at all the famous visitor sites on Española and Floreana. With this itinerary you will get to explore Cormorant Point, which offers probably the best flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos. Learn the basics of the Galapagos with the history at Post Office Bay, and take in all the spectacular views and charming wildlife along the way.

The Odyssey Eastern Islands Cruise can be combined with the Central or Northern Islands Cruise to create either a 10-day/9-night itinerary, a 11-day/10-night itinerary or both for a comprehensive 15-day/14-night cruise. View the Eastern Islands Cruise details below or click on the following links to view details of the other Odyssey Galapagos cruises.

Northern Galapagos Islands 5 day/4 night

Central Galapagos Islands 6 day/5 night

Galapagos Odyssey Main Page

Day 1 - TUE - San Cristobal & Cerro Colorado

This morning fly to Galapagos from Quito/Guayaquil Airport. Upon arrival at San Cristobal meet your Expedition Leader, transfer to the M/V Odyssey and settle into your new home. After departure and lunch, the first island excursion is made at Cerro Colorado Tortoises Protection and Growing Center, located at 40 minutes aprox by bus to the south east of the island. This center was built to improve the status of the population of the island tortoises. The center includes a large corral, a Visitors center, breeding center and an interpretative trail. Along this trail is possible to see different species of native and endemic plants as well birds as the San Cristobal Mockingbird, Yellow Warblers, and many species of finches and the Galapagos flycatcher.

Accommodations: Galapagos Odyssey
Included Meals: lunch and dinner

Day 2 - WED - Punta Surez & Gardner Bay, Espanola

Begin today with a wet landing at Punta Suarez. This rocky land spot sustains one of the most impressive and varied colonies of sea birds in the Galapagos. Along its southern shore, high cliffs rise up from the sea affording the visitor spectacular views of soaring birds and of the blow hole where water spouts 50-75 feet into the air according to the intensity of the surf. Spend the afternoon at Gardner Bay. Located on the northeastern coast of Hood, this bay provides an excellent beach for relaxing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and observing sea lions. Here you can also spot sharks in the crystal-clear ocean waters.

Accommodations: Galapagos Odyssey
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - THR - Cormorant Point & Baroness Lookout, Floreana

This morning tour Cormorant Point, home to probably the best flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos; it is also one of the largest in the islands. It’s situated between two tuff lava cones that give the area a special atmosphere. There are various species of shorebirds to observe in addition to flamingos; the most frequent are common stilts, white-checked pintail ducks and other migratory birds. It is very interesting to see the two distinct beaches: the "Green Beach” (due to its high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand) and the “Flour Sand Beach” which is made up of coral.

Your evening excursions will be spent at Floreana Island's Post Office Bay and Baroness Lookout. Historically, this site is the location of a wooden barrel that was placed in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. It has been used since this time by mariners and tourists as a post office. The idea is to carry letters or postcards to their destination by hand. Continue to the north of the island and ascend to an elevated slope to enjoy a beautiful vista at Baroness Lookout. It is said that Baroness Eloisa von Wagner loved this place and spent several hours watching the horizon. Within walking distance (30 m) are the ruins of what is known as her house. From this lookout, the landscape covers the coastline from the Enderby Islet to Post Office Bay, as well as Cerro Pajas, the pool of flamingos and wide forest of Palo Santo.

Accommodations: Galapagos Odyssey
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - FRI - Santa Fe & South Plaza, Santa Cruz

Begin today by disembarking in Santa Fe's beautiful and clear waters. Located in the southeastern part of the Galapagos, this island was formed from an uplift instead than a volcanic origin, this is why is mostly flat. There are some theories that assure this could be the oldest island in the archipelago. It is the home of a number of endemic species like the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, Galapagos mockingbird, rice rats and one of the two species of lands iguanas of the islands. After disembarkation in the beautiful and clear waters you will be in contact with one of the many sea lion colonies. Hike along the trail, where many salt bushes can be seen as well giant prickly pear cactus. There are great possibilities of snorkeling with playful sea lions and tropical fishes.

After lunch, head to Plazas which is located at the east of Santa Cruz Island, and forms part of two islands known as Islas Plazas. Despite its small size, some of the most interesting and outstanding species of the Galapagos are found here. The Plazas land iguanas are smaller than their relatives found at other islands. Swallow-tailed gulls nesting in the rugged cliffs are seen along with other sea bids like Audubon shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds and brown pelicans.

Accommodations: Galapagos Odyssey
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - SAT - North Seymour & Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz

Seymour is an uplifted (as opposed to volcanic) island and so is generally flat and strewn with boulders. There are good nesting sites here for a large population of magnificent frigate birds. Blue-footed boobies perform their courtship dance in the more open areas and swallow-tailed gulls perch on the cliff edges. Despite the tremendous surf that can pound the outer shore, sea lions haul out onto the beach and can be found bodysurfing. Watch your step, as the boobies don’t worry much about where they nest. The trees are dotted with male frigate birds trying to attract the attention of the ladies by inflating their bright-red skin flaps. They sometimes fly in the air to call more attention to themselves. There’s a circular path that takes you through the island to a beautiful, rocky shore where the waves crash a silvery-blue.

After the morning's activities, make your way to Bachas Beaches, two small beaches found to the west of Turtle Cove. Their sand is made of decomposed coral, which makes it white and soft, making it a favorite nesting site for sea turtles. Behind one of the beaches there is a small brackish water lagoon, where occasionally it is possible to observe flamingos and other coastal birds, such as black-necked stilts and whimbrels. The other beach is longer, but it has two old barges that were abandoned during World War II, when the USA used Baltra Island as a strategic point to protect the Panama Channel.

Accommodations: Galapagos Odyssey
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - SUN - Mosquera Islet & Baltra

Spend the morning at Mosquera Islet, located between Baltra and North Seymour. This is a small islet formed by a geological uplift, with a reef of rocks and coral and a great white-sand beach, where lie a big population of sea lions. You can also observe several species of shorebirds. This site offers great snorkeling and swimming. Along the rocks are commonly running red lava crabs or Sally lightfoot crabs. After your morning excursion, transfer to the Baltra airport and fly back to mainland Ecuador.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

GALAPAGOS CRUISE INCLUSIVE PACKAGE: For your convenience we offer an Inclusive Package with three nights hotel accommodations in Quito, all airport/hotel transfers, Galapagos flights, Galapagos National Park entrance fees and taxes, Galapagos migration card and your Galapagos cruise. View details of our Galapagos Cruise Inclusive Package.

Travelers not interested in our inclusive package must purchase Galapagos flights in conjunction with their Galapagos cruise.

GALAPAGOS CRUISE CUSTOM PACKAGE: If you are booking a cruise-only program our experts can assist with hotels, transfers, flights and tours. Call AdventureSmith Explorations about customizing your tour or the possibilities of combining this trip with our Mainland Ecuador and Peru: Machu Picchu extensions. We are Galapagos cruise and Ecuador travel experts and our staff can help you customize the perfect Galapagos cruise or Ecuador tour package.

Itinerary Notes: Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, National Park regulation or at the captain's discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Included: Galapagos cruise including all meals and activities while aboard, matrimonial/twin accommodation with private facilities, all transfers in Galapagos, water, coffee, tea, an experienced English-speaking Galapagos Islands naturalist guide, snorkeling and kayak equipment.

Exclusions: International airfare; airfare from mainland Ecuador; Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee (US $100 per adult, $50 for children under 12 years old. This can be paid directly by passengers [cash only] or it is included in our INCLUSIVE PACKAGE TOURS); Galapagos National Institute Migration Control Card (US $10 per person); departure tax ($40.80); gratuities for guides, crew, drivers or local staff; alcoholic and soft drink beverages; wet suit rental; other personal expenses; medical services or insurance of any kind.

Room Configurations: The Galapagos Odyssey offers two designated 'single' cabins. Advance reservations are highly recommended. A roommate match program is also available for single travelers. Based upon availability, this program will attempt to match same sex single travelers together and place them in a double occupancy room at a double occupancy rate. Single supplement is 100% on Main and Upper Decks, 30% on Lower Deck.

Families & Children: Children under 12 receive a discount; call AdventureSmith Explorations for details. Families traveling with children under 12 can be accommodated in cabins on the upper and main decks. These cabins have a sofa that can be converted into a comfortable bed. Minimum child age is 4 years old.

Arrival & Departure: Most flights to the Galapagos will depart Quito or Guayaquil between 7:00am-9:00am on day 1 and return between 2:00pm-5:00pm on the final day. We highly recommend travelers arrive Ecuador 2 days prior to their Galapagos cruise.

Payment & Cancellation: A cruise deposit of $700 per person is required at the time of booking. For land packages a deposit of $300 per person is required at the time of booking. A Reservation Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Cancellations are subject to the following fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 121 days - $100
120 to 61 days - 20% of total trip cost
60 to 0 days - 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance. Please note that you must purchase your travel insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



Activities: There are numerous opportunities to swim, kayak and snorkel. The underwater experience is an integral part of any Galapagos cruise, so we encourage all travelers to try snorkeling. Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, floating vest and net bag) and kayaks are available for the duration of the cruise. Shortie wet suits are available for rent and are recommended from June to December.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Daily excursions from the boat to the islands will be made in pangas (dinghies). Trip members will hike from the landing point to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours round trip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet," requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist.


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