call our experts
800-728-2875

business hours
M-F: 8-5 PST

south america: galapagos

z-Beagle - South Central Galapagos Islands 8 day/7 night

On the Beagle South Central island cruise you will experience the dramatic backdrop of a geological blowhole amongst performing sea birds, polka dancing and beak fighting their way to love; discover hidden nocturnal herons, overly extroverted mockingbirds, cactus tree forests and the unbelievable neon greens and reds of mating marine iguanas. Landscapes to remember include pointy Pinnacle Rock and Sleeping Lion, islands that slowly emerge from the water, others that jet out like the violent waves that crash upon them: golden sand, flour sand, red, black and green sand.

Fields of holy wood trees and shores filled with bright red crabs scuttling in and out of the water; flamingos prancing through lagoons, nesting sea turtles, perhaps a Galapagos Hawk scouting out the territory for a mouse, perhaps a heron, fishing methodically along the shore. Listen to the crashing waves, where some of the most dramatic cliffs of the Galapagos plunge into the ocean. The Southern, eastern and central islands are geological wonders, filled with special opportunities to witness the diversity and natural phenomena that have made these islands unique.

The Beagle South Central Islands cruise can be combined with the North Western Islands cruise to create a 15 day/14 night comprehensive itinerary. View the South Central Islands cruise details below or click on the link to view details of the North Western Islands cruise.

North Western Galapagos Islands 8 day/7 night

Beagle Main Page

Day 1 - TUE - Baltra & Charles Darwin Station

Arrive at Baltra airport and transfer to the M/S Beagel on Santa Cruz Island. Spend the afternoon in Charles Darwin Research Station with giant tortoises and strolling about Puerto Ayora.

Accommodations: Beagle
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 2 - WED - Punta Cormorant & Devil's Crown (Floreana)

From Puerto Velasco Ibarra, a chiva (open-sided bus) ride will transport you up into the highlands past local farms called chacras to Asilo de la Paz, a beautiful fresh-water spring. From the green olivine beach at Punta Cormorant several trails lead to a brackish water lagoon, home to a colony of flamingos and white-cheeked pintail ducks. A panga will take you to Devil's Crown for excellent snorkeling.

Accommodations: Beagle
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - THR - Punta Suarez & Gardner Bay, Española

At Punta Suarez waved albatross are present from April to December and other year round residents include Blue-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies and Espanola Mockingbirds. You can climb along the cliff tops to observe an impressive seaward blowhole. After, head to Gardner Bay, a wonderful sandy beach perfect for swimming and observing Galapagos Sea Lions.

Accommodations: Beagle
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - FRI - Punta Pitt & Isla Lobos, San Cristobal

From Punta Pitt, a steep narrow path leads up to a plateau surrounded by reddish hills and impressive views. Depending on the time of year we may find nesting marine iguanas, red-footed boobies and other marine birds. Later, navigate to Kicker Rock - a volcanic promontory that rises 500 feet from the ocean, resembling a sleeping lion, hence its Spanish name "León Dormido". Then there is time for a swim or snorkel at Isla Lobos, where playful sea lion pups may join you in the water.

Accommodations: Beagle
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - SAT - Santa Fe & South Plaza, Santa Cruz

A visit to one of the most beautiful coves in the Galapagos, Santa Fe, sheltered by a peninsula perfect for a swim or snorkel in the clear turquoise-blue water. Keep a look out for land iguanas, sea turtles, Galapagos Hawks and a forest of giant Opuntia cacti. Head to the steep cliffs on the southern shore of South Plaza for the perfect observatory of sea birds - Swallow-tailed Gull, Audubon Shearwater, and Red-billed Tropicbird. Look out for iguana nests scattered all around these hills.

Accommodations: Beagle
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - SUN -North Seymour & Sullivan Bay, Bartolome

North Seymour is home to several species of pelagic birds: including the great and the magnificent frigatebirds competing for nesting sites. Land iguanas are found alongside marine iguanas, and there are the ever-present, always graceful sea lions. Disembark at Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to swim and snorkel around iconic Pinnacle Rock, or walk to the other side of the island to see sea turtles nesting (from January to March) and sharks swimming near the shores. There is also a chance to come face to face with Galapagos Penguins hanging out on the volcanic rocks.

Accommodations: Beagle
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - MON - Sombrero Chino & Cerro Dragon

Begin the day with Sombrero Chino (Chinaman's Hat) is a small island with short white-sand beaches, a sea lion colony and very good snorkeling opportunities. With luck you might see Galapagos penguins in the water. Later, at Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) a trail takes you through Palo Santo forests, a brackish salt-water lagoon and Opuntia cacti woodland, where land iguanas and feeding flamingos frequent.

Accommodations: Beagle
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - TUE - Black Turtle Cove, Baltra

Enjoy a morning expedition with a panga ride to Black Turtle Cove and through mangrove inlets, these lagoons provide refuge to rays, sharks, and sea turtles that will be clearly viewable from the boat. Transfer back to Baltra for return flights back to mainland Ecuador.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

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 Coral 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.

Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be flexible makes our style of cruising unique.

Single Travelers: Single rooms are available at the listed rate. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, our Roommate Share Program will guarantee double occupancy rates for boat cabins even if we are unable to match you with a roommate.

Family Travelers: Child discounts are available for children under 12 years old, sharing a cabin with an adult. Not valid during holiday periods. Minimum child age is 10 years old.

Land Cost Includes: All accommodations aboard, Galapagos cruise including all meals while aboard and an experienced Galapagos Islands naturalist guide, land and sea transportation, use of snorkeling equipment and kayaks.

Not Included: 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 non alcoholic beverages; other personal expenses; medical services or insurance of any kind.

Arrival and 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 and Cancellation Policy: 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. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. A special cancellation policy applies to all Galapagos trips, which is stricter than the AdventureSmith Explorations policy. When a trip cancellation is received inside of 70 days from departure, all trip costs are 100% non-refundable. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

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.


Accommodations Aboard: The Beagle is a first class vessel and can accommodate 14 guests in 10 double cabins, all with private bathrooms and air-conditioning. There is also a bar, interior dining room, and an open-air dining area. Life aboard a small boat requires some physical agility and a flexible and social nature. Accommodations are in double cabins, each with toilet and shower. The crew is comprised of the captain, multilingual naturalist guides, cook, barman/waiter, mechanic and two to four sailors. All meals are prepared and served by the crew on board. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on board.

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. There are numerous opportunities to swim and snorkel.

Snorkeling: 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) are available for a fee. Shortie wet suits may be available for rent and are recommended from June to December. If interested, please advise your adventure coordinator upon booking.

Extending Your Trip: This trip combines well with our Peru, Machu Picchu 6 Day Explorer Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining trips to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations 'Terms & Conditions'. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com