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The Voyager Northern Islands Cruise focuses on Santa Cruz Island and tours the small islands above. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, view a spectacular white-sand beach with marine iguanas, sea lions and blue-footed boobies on South Plaza Island. Explore Santa Fe in search of the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, Galapagos mockingbird and then visit Daphne - a volcanic cone with a variety of bird nesting sites. Head up to Genovesa Island for snorkeling in Darwin Bay and hike up Prince Phillip’s Steps for a breathtaking view.

The Voyager Northern Islands Cruise can be combined with the Central or Western Islands Cruise to create an 8-day/7-night itinerary or combined further to create longer itineraries. View the Central Islands Cruise details below or click on the links to view details of other Voyager Galapagos cruises.

Central Galapagos Islands 4 Days/3 nights

Western Galapagos Islands 4 Days/3 nights

Southern Galapagos Islands 5 Days/4 nights

Voyager Main Page

Day 1 - SAT - Baltra to Charles Darwin Station

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, travelers pass through an airport inspection point to make sure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands, as well as to pay the park entrance fee of $100 (unless it has been prepaid). A guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage and escort you on a short bus ride to the canal to take a short ferry ride to Santa Cruz Island and then to Galapagos Voyager yacht (locally also known as Gran Poseidon). After the crew and captain welcome you, your cabins will be assigned and lunch will be served.

Next head to the Charles Darwin Station for an introduction on how the protection and conservation of the islands are carried out. One of the main attractions are the National Park information center, the Van Staelen Exhibition Hall, the Breeding and Rearing Center for young tortoises, and adult Galapagos tortoises in captivity.

Accommodations: Voyager
Included Meals: lunch and dinner

Day 2 - SUN - South Plaza & Santa Fe

Plazas 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 its relatives found at other islands. Throughout the island are several hybrid iguanas, a result of crossing a male marine iguana and a female land iguana. They are unique, recognizable at first glance by their black/gray color, with a land iguana's crest, but face and tail of the marine iguana. The big population of iguanas is due to the presence of tunas, their favorite food. Swallow-tailed gulls nesting in the rugged cliffs are seen along with other sea birds such as: Audubon shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds and brown pelicans.

Located in the southeastern part of the Galapagos, Santa Fe was formed from an uplift instead than a volcanic origin, this is why it is mostly flat. There are some theories which assure this could be the oldest island in the archipelago. Santa Fe 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. Along the trail there can be seen many salt bushes as well as giant Pickly pear cactuses. Gigantism is a characteristic of oceanic islands. There are great possibilities of snorkeling with playful sea lions and tropical fishes.

Accommodations: Voyager
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - MON - Daphne Major & Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz

Daphne Major is the younger one of the two Daphne Islands and retains much of its volcanic form. This island is frequented by scientists and specific research on the Darwin finches has been done here. We are not allowed to set foot on the island, but will observe the many birds species from our dinghy; magnificent frigate birds, blue footed- and nazca boobies, red billed tropicbirds and Galapagos martins are some of the species to be seen here.

Next head to Los Bachas, two small beaches with sand 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 the Second World War, when the USA used Baltra Island as a strategically point to protect the Panama Channel. Finish the excursion with some snorkeling time.

Accommodations: Voyager
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - TUE - Darwin Bay & El Barranco, Genovesa

Darwin Bay originated when the crater of this island collapsed below sea level. The wet landing is on a beautiful white coral sandy beach. This is a favorite island for birdwatchers: red footed-boobies, masked boobies, wandering tattlers, lava gulls, whimbrels, yellow-crowned, black-crowned and lava herons and yellow warblers can be seen in this area. Continuing on the trail, visitors climb gradually to the edge of the cliff seeing Red-Foots nesting in the mangrove trees below. Bird watching includes sightings of Sharp-Beaked Finches, Large Cactus and Ground Finches, Galapagos Doves and Swallow-Tailed Gulls. Reaching the end the trail at the cliff's edge offers an incredible view of the island and the many birds living there. Enjoy snorkeling in the beautiful water.

El Barranco is located in the southern part of Darwin Bay. It is also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps as passengers will climb to a plateau which is part of the stretch of land that surrounds Darwin Bay on its eastern side. There is a big population of masked boobies and red-footed boobies in the trees; storm petrels and short-eared owls have found the ideal place for nesting in Genovesa lava flows.

Accommodations: Voyager
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - WED - Mosquera Islet & Depart Baltra

Mosquera Islet is 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 a population of sea lions can be found. You can also observe several species of shorebirds. Along the rocks are commonly running Red Lava crabs or Sally lightfoot crabs. If the tide is too low a dinghy ride will be made. After this visit the Galapagos Voyager continues to Baltra’s airport.

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: All transfers in Galapagos; matrimonial/twin cabin accommodation with private facilities; all meals; water; coffee and tea; all excursions as mentioned in the itinerary, English-speaking naturalist guide, snorkeling equipment.

Exclusions: Airfare from US to Quito; excess baggage charges; airport departure tax from Quito; National Park entrance fee ($100); transit control card ($10); wet suit rental; soft and alcoholic drinks; tips to local staff; and items of a personal nature such as laundry fees and insurance of any kind.

Room Configurations: The Galapagos Voyager does not have "single" cabins. There are no "share accommodations" or roommate match available. Single travelers will be required to pay a 75% surcharge of net rate.

Families & Children: We offer a 20% discount (on net rate) for children under the age of 12 years at time of travel. Children of all ages are accepted onboard but parents are held fully responsible for any accident or damage caused.

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 30% per person of the total amount is required at the time of booking. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. Cancellation policy is as follows:
121+ days prior to departure - $250 fee per person
120 to 61 days prior - 30% penalty fee
60 days or less proir - 100% penalty fee

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 and snorkel. The underwater experience is an integral part of any Galapagos cruise. We encourage all travelers to try snorkeling. Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, floating vest and net bag) is available free of charge; wet suits available at additional cost. Daily excursions from the boat to the islands will be made in pangas (dinghies). It is compulsory to wear a life vest during all dinghy rides between the ship and shore. 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 roundtrip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Given the islands' volcanic origin, and the fact that most walking is done over pristine and irregular volcanic terrain, guests must be in suitable physical condition. Two types of shore landings are planned in the Galapagos Islands. On dry landings guests will step from the dinghy directly onto rocks or a dock. On wet landings, as the dinghy edges onto a sandy beach, guests step into knee deep water and wade ashore.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life.


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