Russell Family
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Chinese Hat
Upon arrival at Baltra Island, you will receive a warm welcome and assistance at the airport. Afterward, you'll be transferred to board your luxury boat, which will be your home for the next 8 days. A catamaran is a fantastic way to experience the Galapagos Islands in luxury. On board, find spacious suites with excellent amenities and private balconies that offer spectacular ocean views.
Your exciting cruise adventure begins with a visit to Chinese Hat Island, which earned its name due to its striking resemblance to a traditional Asian hat. Here, you'll have the rare opportunity to see some Galapagos wildlife up close and the well-preserved fragile volcanic rock formations.
Watch for American oystercatchers and Galapagos penguins swimming gracefully in the clear waters near the shore. You'll be kept busy with hiking and snorkeling opportunities.
Day 2
Isabela and Fernandina Island
This morning, your cruise will take you to Vicente Roca Point on Isabela Island. This spot showcases geological formations and offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. The western side of the island benefits from the Cromwell Current, which carries cold water rich in nutrients for both land and marine wildlife. It's an amazing chance to witness feeding frenzies.
In the afternoon, visit Espinosa Point on Fernandina Island. Being one of the most untouched islands in the archipelago, Fernandina has never been invaded by foreign species. While here, you'll have the chance to observe marine iguanas and Galapagos hawks, take part in a hike, and snorkel at one of the most intact locations in the world.
Day 3
Isabela Island
If you are interested in historical artifacts, you'll enjoy discovering the remnants left behind by pirates and sailors from the 1800s. Tagus Cove was a favored stopping point for them during their voyages. When you hike here, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the cove, and on the other side, you'll find the thriving habitat of the last 35 pairs of Mangrove finches in the mangrove forest.
Day 4
Isabela Island
To reach Elizabeth Bay, you can only take a panga. Panga rides offer a more intimate way to experience the coastlines and join shore excursions using inflatable, motorized dinghies. While on the panga, you can enjoy observing abundant marine life in the clear waters and participate in some snorkeling.
The stunning rocky shores of Moreno Point are a haven for bird enthusiasts. The main attraction is the coastal lagoons, where you can spot white-tipped sharks. Additionally, the views of Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes are not to be missed.
Day 5
Santa Cruz Island
The Charles Darwin Research Station is one of the most important destinations for visitors to the Galapagos Islands. This research facility contains a large collection of preserved Galapagos plant specimens and functions as a biological research station and active breeding center. Its primary objective is to protect the islands by eliminating invasive and non-native plants and animals that pose a threat to native species.
The highlands in the northern part of Santa Cruz can reach elevations up to 4900 feet. The region boasts rolling hills, lush ferns, majestic volcanoes, and a wide variety of wildlife, making it an ideal location for hiking. This landscape starkly contrasts the hardened beaches and rocky areas of the other islands you will have visited. It is home to various species, including giant tortoises, mockingbirds, finches, and many others.
Day 6
South Plaza Island
South Plaza is one of the smaller islands featuring a visitor site, yet it boasts an incredible variety of flora and fauna. The island is abundant with sesuvium plants, including the prickly pear cactus tree, a vital food source for the land iguana. The contrast between the bright blue water and the dark lava makes for an amazing background for photos. Take in this picturesque landscape while enjoying a hike.
Santa Fe is the native habitat of the Santa Fe iguana. This island emerged from a volcanic uplift and flourished with Opuntia and Palo Santo trees. On the island, there are two distinct hiking trails. One trail leads to a viewpoint, while the other to a small beach. In the past, giant tortoises were endemic here but became locally extinct when pirates and sailors used them as a food source.
Day 7
Española Island
Suarez Point on Española Island is a fantastic location to see many of the island's unique species. The hiking trail will lead you to the Galapagos's only waved albatross breeding site. With luck, you might witness a young albatross taking its first flight, as they don't return to land for up to five years. You may also spot other species, such as brightly colored marine iguanas, Galapagos doves, Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropical birds, and Darwin finches.
Gardner Bay has a beautiful white sandy beach, home to a large sea lion colony and turquoise waters. Here, you can spot three finch species and the Española mockingbird. Spend a delightful day walking along the beach and dipping in the sea. Watch for sea lions, shorebirds, mockingbirds, stingrays, and sea turtles.
Day 8
San Cristobal Island
The Interpretation Center has been welcoming visitors since 1998, providing in-depth insights into the history of the Galapagos. San Cristobal is the island on which Charles Darwin first set foot. Today, it's the capital of the Galapagos, housing various government offices and a section of the Ecuadorian Navy. Giant tortoises are bred at the Galapaguera, allowing them to roam freely in a semi-natural habitat established by the center.
This afternoon, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador. Our representative will be happy to assist you at the airport.
Or head onward for your next adventure.
After your cruising, enjoy another few days on a land-based adventure at the Galapagos Safari Camp or even a couple of nights to unwind at the relaxing, waterfront Finch Bay.
While you're in the region, consider pairing your incredible wildlife adventure with our Ecuador: Amazon to Andes itinerary OR if you have always dreamed of seeing Machu Picchu, our Peru: Amazon to Andes itinerary.
