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south america: galapagos

Santa Cruz - Eastern Galapagos Islands 5 day/4 night

The Eastern Galapagos cruise aboard the Santa Cruz is a 5-day, 4-night adventure to the famed Galapagos Islands. On this itinerary you'll visit the Eastern Galapagos, including the islands of San Cristobal, Santa Fe, South Plaza, Santa Cruz, Espanola and Baltra, as well as key sites like the Charles Darwin Research Station, Punta Pitt, Punta Suarez and Gardner Bay. Eastern Galapagos is known for its land tortoises and lizards, and its older, greener landscape.

The Santa Cruz offers active itineraries, with numerous options. For instance, for one morning excursion you may have the choice between a light hike along the coast combined with a panga tour, or a fast-paced hike to a view point, also with a panga tour. Snorkeling is available for all levels. There is ample time to relax on board after meals or opt out of activities, but note that this is an expedition-cruise style itinerary, so you will be kept busy if you choose!

The Santa Cruz Eastern Islands Cruise can be combined with the Western or Northern Islands Cruise to create a 10-day/9-night itinerary or 11-day/10-night itinerary. View the Eastern Islands Cruise details below or click on the links to view details of other Santa Cruz Galapagos Cruises:

Northern Galapagos Islands 5 days/4 nights

Western Galapagos Islands 6 days/5 nights

Santa Cruz Galapagos Cruise Main Page

Day 1 - SAT - Embark San Cristobal to Punta Pitt

Arrival by plane to San Cristóbal Island and transfer to the M/V Santa Cruz, anchored at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital of the Galápagos Islands. Cabin assignment, introductory talk and lunch.

This afternoon, disembark (wet landing) on the eastern tip of the island. Pitt Point is an eroded tuff cone; the trail that ascends from the beach provides spectacular views of the shoreline. This is the only site in the Galápagos where the three species of boobies can be found together, as well as the two frigate species, plus a colony of bachelor sea lions along the beach. After the walk, if conditions are favorable, there is a chance to swim from the beach or snorkel at the nearby islets. You'll discuss the expedition plan for Sunday with the naturalists on board, and then enjoy dinner.

Accommodations: Santa Cruz
Included Meals: lunch and dinner

Day 2 - SUN - Santa Fe & South Plaza Islands

After breakfast, set off for a wet landing on a sandy white Santa Fe Island beach with many sea lion harems. Bulls vie for the right of "Beach Master," while smaller males masquerading as females make stealthy mating moves. Galápagos hawks are often easily observed, perched atop salt bushes. The giant prickly pear cactus found here live up to their name with tree-sized trunks! The endemic land iguana, unique to this island, may be spotted during the afternoon walk. Snorkeling and swimming from the beach rounds off the rewarding experience, or if you prefer, take in the view from the glass-bottom boat. Lunch on board.

Disembark (dry landing) in the channel between North and South Plaza Islands, where the island tilts toward the water, the approach makes for a lavishly colorful sight! The turquoise waters of the channel contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline. The rocks have grown thick with green seaweed in places, speckled with bright orange Sally lightfoot crabs. Farther up the shore, a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus. Yellow-grey land iguanas sit beneath these, waiting patiently for pears to drop. Along the coastline one finds sea lion colonies, while frigates, swallow-tailed gulls and shearwaters glide playing with the thermals that form along the cliffs of this small but amazing island. Expedition plan for Monday and dinner.

Accommodations: Santa Cruz
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - MON - Puerto Ayora, Darwin Station & Optional Activities (Santa Cruz)

Take a morning disembarkation (dry landing) visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens, the former home of tortoise celebrity “Lonesome George,” within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. Following our visit, board transport to enjoy lunch in the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island, a completely different ecosystem.

After lunch, several options are available, which can be discussed in advance with your expedition leader. Trek along trails in the impressive Scalesia forest through the Santa Cruz Highlands, home to elusive birds like the dark-rumped petrel; mountain bike (mostly downhill) to secluded Garrapatero Beach; walk to Tortuga Bay to kayak or enjoy some down time; or experience sustainable agriculture with a visit to an organic coffee plantation. After your afternoon activities, return to Puerto Ayora and embark on the M/V Santa Cruz. Tuesday’s expedition plan and dinner.

Accommodations: Santa Cruz
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - TUE - Punta Suárez & Gardner Bay (Espanola)

Morning outing at Punta Suárez (dry landing) for an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including waved albatrosses (April - December), Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tail gulls as well as a view of the Galápagos famous “blow-hole." Among its land birds, the Hood island mockingbird, Galápagos hawks, Galápagos doves and three species of Darwin’s finches are common highlights. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas. Back on board for lunch.

In the afternoon, disembark (wet landing) at Gardner Bay's white coral beach for a short walk to observe the sea lions, mockingbirds, finches or enjoy the beach. There is great snorkeling in this area, or take a ride aboard the glass-bottom boat. Departure briefing, farewell cocktail and dinner.

Accommodations: Santa Cruz
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - WED - Disembark Baltra Island

Disembark at Baltra Island. Transfer to the airport and take the flight back to the mainland.

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 or Guayaquil, 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. Contact 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: Accommodations, all meals, island sightseeing, naturalist guides and lecture services in English/Spanish (guiding in other languages upon request for groups larger than 10 guests: German, French, Italian), snorkel gear, taxes and transfers in the islands. Transfer from main hotels in Quito (Casa Gangotena, Hilton Colon, Swissôtel, Marriott, Dann Carlton) and in Guayaquil (Hilton Colon, Oro Verde, Hampton Inn, Sheraton) to airport for flights to/from Galápagos are included in these rates. To coordinate these transfers we must have guest's hotel contact.

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 non alcoholic beverages; other personal expenses; internet/WiFi; medical services or insurance of any kind. Fuel surcharge may apply. Wet suits are available for rent for $15 + VAT per guest for 5- or 6-day expeditions.

Room Configurations: The Santa Cruz offers one single cabin; advance reservations are required. On the Boat Deck there are two double matrimonial cabins and four twin standard cabins available. There are no share accommodations or roommate match available. Double cabins are available for single occupancy with a surcharge of 50% for normal dates, and 100% for high season. There are no triple cabins for three adults aboard the Santa Cruz. For travelers seeking triple cabins we suggest the Galapagos Legend.

Families & Children: Children under 12 years old at the time of sailing receive 25% off when sharing the cabin with 2 adults (applies only to one child per adult, paying full fare). No discounts apply on Christmas and New Year's. Minimum child age is 6 years old. Galapagos family cruises are available, call for details.

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. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. When a trip cancellation is received between 60 and 0 days from departure, the full trip price will be charged.

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 is included for the duration of the cruise. Shortie wet suits are also available for rent and are recommended from June to December.

Qualifications: The Santa Cruz Eastern Islands small ship cruise 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.

Multiple Cruise Discount: Combine two consecutive Santa Cruz itineraries and receive a 10% discount on the lowest priced itinerary. Receive a 50% discount on the lowest priced itinerary when combining all Santa Cruz routes for a 15-day itinerary. Applies only to full-rate bookings; not applicable for promotional rates. Contact AdventureSmith for more information about extending your cruise.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

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