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south america: galapagos

Sagitta - Central and Northern Islands 5 day/4 night

The S/Y Sagitta Central and Northern Islands cruise focuses on the central islands and fabulous northern Genovesa. This region of the Galapagos is prime nesting site of Red-footed Booby. Explore deep, silent coves where Green Sea Turtles swim, admire the volcanic contours of iconic Pinnacle Rock and red sand beaches where sea lions lazily soak in the equatorial sun. Enjoy a panga ride inside mangrove canals where White-tipped Sharks and Golden Rays glide alongside.

Share Nazca Booby nesting rituals and swim-time with curious Galapagos Penguins. Don your life jacket for a dry landing at Prince Philip Steps and maybe even enjoy a face-to-face encounter with a groggy Short-eared Owl. Arrive on moonlike landscapes spawn with prehistoric shrubbery, fresh pahoehoe lava formations where lava bubbles are contained in crystallized minerals and pioneering plants strive to survive. Spend the evening star gazing and relaxing with a book before being rocked to sleep as we make our way to our next adventure.

Sagitta's Central & Northern Islands Cruise can be combined with the West & Beyond Island cruise, the Southern Islands Cruise or both to create trips of 10, 11 or 15 days in length. View the Central & Northern Islands Cruise details below or click on the following links to view details of other Sagitta Galapagos Cruises.

West & Beyond Galapagos Islands 6 day/5 night

Southern Galapagos Islands 6 day/5 night

Sagitta Galapagos Cruise Main Page

Day 1 - Baltra to Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz

Upon arrival at Baltra airport, board the S/Y Sagitta and navigate a short distance to Black Turtle Cove, a large mangrove lagoon on the north coast of Santa Cruz Island. Pelicans and herons roost on the branches, while marine dwellers such as Green Sea Turtle or Golden Ray may cruise right next to the panga as it makes its way through the mangroves.

Accommodations: Sagitta
Included Meals: lunch and dinner

Day 2 – Darwin Bay & Prince Philp's Steps, Genovesa

Travel to Genovesa Island and reach Darwin Bay (wet landing), a unique site lined with red mangrove and soft-haired prickly pear cacti where Red-footed Boobies and Great Frigatebirds perch tamely. Follow this to the Prince Philip Steps (dry landing), and climb the edge of a cliff where Frigatebirds, Nazca Boobies, and Red-footed Boobies nest. Seek out the impressive Red-billed Tropicbird amidst Galapagos Storm Petrels.

Accommodations: Sagitta
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Bartolome & Sullivan Bay, Santiago

Begin with a dry landing at Bartolome to climb up the wooden steps and reach the summit of this spatter cone for a most breathtaking panorama of the islands well photographed Pinnacle Rock, views of neighboring Santiago and many other central islands in the distance. After, head across to Sullivan Bay (dry landing) in Santiago to walk over a recent lava flow, including very fresh pahoehoe lava formations, lava bubbles containing crystallized minerals, and pioneer plants. Along the shoreline, you may find Galapagos penguins and herons going after small fish.

Accommodations: Sagitta
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Rábida & Cerro Dragon, Santa Cruz

Wet landing onto Rábida’s deep-red beaches to explore the red island’s fascinating interior and saltwater lagoon. Darwin's finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, and yellow warblers feed off the vegetation; given the right time of the year brown pelicans nesting on salt bushes that fringe the beach. After, head across to Cerro Dragón on Santa Cruz’s north-west shore (dry landing); to visit a saltwater lagoon, home to Greater Flamingos, Black-necked Stilts, and White-cheeked Pintails. Further inland explore a fantastic land iguana nesting site.

Accommodations: Sagitta
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Bachas Beach to Baltra

Before heading to Baltra airport, visit Bachas Beach (wet landing), a white sand tropical heaven where Green Sea Turtles nest, and walk up to a salt-water lagoon where flamingos may be feeding. Look out for Darwin's finches as we bus ride back to Baltra airport for flights back to Quito.

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 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 adventure travel and cruising unique.

Single Travelers: Single cabins are available for single supplement of 30%. Single travelers willing to share with a same sex traveler at the time of booking are guaranteed the double rate, even if a roommate is not found.

Family Travelers: Children under 12 receive a discount when traveling with at least 1 adult (Not valid Christmas and New Years). The S/Y Sagitta features some rooms that can accommodate triples. An adult must accompany children under 18 years old. Children under 10 years of age are not allowed on board.

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 aboard Sagitta: 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. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions for cancellation fees.

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 Sagitta is a first class vessel and can accommodate 16 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 is available for free aboard Sagitta. 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: Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining this trip with our Mainland Ecuador and Peru: Machu Picchu extensions.

General Information: 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, 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