A 3-night, 4-day expedition through the northern sector of the Galápagos archipelago aboard the Galápagos Legend. The route combines the Santa Cruz highlands, with their giant tortoises, the seabird colonies of Genovesa at El Barranco and Darwin Bay, and the land iguanas and sea lions of South Plaza and Santa Fe.
The sailing is in a Junior Suite cabin, with a naturalist guide on board, all meals from lunch on the first day to breakfast on the last, and snorkelling equipment.
Highlights
Giant tortoises in the Santa Cruz highlands
El Barranco, Genovesa
Darwin Bay, red-footed boobies and frigatebirds
South Plaza, land iguanas
Santa Fe, snorkelling with sea lions
Day-by-day itinerary
Day1
Day 1: Santa Cruz Highlands
Arrival at Baltra airport and boarding of the Galápagos Legend. In the afternoon, a visit to the central Santa Cruz highlands, where giant tortoises and several finch species are seen.
Day2
Day 2: Genovesa: El Barranco and Darwin Bay
In the morning, El Barranco, with its lava cliffs, red-billed tropicbirds and a small sea-lion colony. In the afternoon, Darwin Bay, with swallow-tailed gulls, nesting red-footed boobies and frigatebirds.
Day3
Day 3: South Plaza and Santa Fe
In the morning, South Plaza, with sea lions, land iguanas and Opuntia cactus. In the afternoon, Santa Fe, with snorkelling in its sheltered bay (sea lions, turtles, reef sharks and rays) and a forest of giant Opuntia cactus.
Day4
Day 4: Las Bachas Beach, Santa Cruz
In the morning, Las Bachas beach on Santa Cruz, with a lagoon of wading birds, marine iguanas and occasionally flamingos; it is a green-turtle nesting site. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for the return flight.
Suggested hotels
Galápagos Legend
Superior
Galápagos
First-class expedition vessel; the priced cabin is the Junior Suite.
Essential, Premium and Luxury categories available. Final accommodation is confirmed by date and availability.
What's included
Included: Accommodation in a double Junior Suite cabin aboard the Galápagos Legend
Included: Naturalist guide on board
Included: All meals, from lunch on the first day to breakfast on the last
Included: Snacks after each activity, except the last day
Included: Welcome cocktail
Included: Unlimited purified water, coffee and tea
Included: All visits, excursions and activities per the itinerary
Included: Airport–pier transfers
Included: Use of pier and ferry
Included: Snorkelling equipment
What's not included
Not included: Domestic flight to Galápagos
Not included: Galápagos National Park entrance fee (USD 200, payable in cash on arrival)
Not included: INGALA Transit Control Card (USD 20)
Not included: Airport and tourism taxes and visa fees
Not included: Meals, drinks or services not specified
Not included: Alcoholic drinks
Not included: Wetsuit hire
Not included: Medical services and travel insurance
Not included: Tips for the crew and the guide
Not included: Personal expenses and optional services