5 Day Galapagos Islands Cruise

Arrival at San Cristobal airport and transfer to the ship

After landing at San Cristobal Airport (SCY), a tour representative will meet you just outside the terminal. You’ll be transferred directly to the ship, where you can settle into your cabin, enjoy lunch, and get familiar with the vessel before the day’s adventures begin.

Your first excursion takes you to the Galapagos National Park Interpretation Center, where you'll learn about the archipelago’s history, unique ecosystems, and conservation efforts through interactive exhibits and multimedia displays.

Visit Cerro Colorado

Later in the day, you’ll visit Cerro Colorado, a giant tortoise breeding center managed by the Galapagos National Park. Walk among these remarkable creatures in a semi-natural environment while discovering how conservationists are working to protect this iconic species.

In the evening, return to the ship for an al fresco dinner and share the day’s experiences with your fellow travelers.

First stop: Punta Pitt

After breakfast on board, the cruise arrives at Punta Pitt, on the northeastern tip of San Cristobal. Known for its dramatic volcanic scenery and diverse birdlife, this is one of the only places in the Galapagos where you can see all three species of boobies—blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca—nesting in one area. You may also spot frigatebirds, pelicans, and other seabirds. If sea conditions are favorable, you’ll have the chance to snorkel in the calm waters near the shore.

Cerro Brujo and Sleeping Lion

Next, visit Cerro Brujo, a dazzling white coral-sand beach perfect for swimming or snorkeling with sea lions and sea turtles. This site was visited by Charles Darwin and is known for its volcanic tuff cone, shallow lagoon (which sometimes dries out completely), and salt deposits. On land, look out for marine iguanas, migratory birds, and more.

After lunch back on the ship, the cruise continues to Kicker Rock (León Dormido)—one of the highlights of your Galapagos Islands cruise. This striking rock formation rises dramatically from the sea just off the coast. Dive into its crystal-clear waters for a once-in-a-lifetime snorkeling experience with hammerhead sharks, rays, sea turtles, and schools of colorful fish.

Wrap up the day with a relaxed dinner on board, under the stars.

Visit to Española Island

Today’s destination is Española Island, one of the oldest and most ecologically rich islands in the archipelago. After breakfast, land at Gardner Bay, a stunning stretch of white sand bordered by turquoise waters. This peaceful beach is home to sea lions, marine iguanas, and endemic bird species such as Darwin’s finches and the Española mockingbird—a fascinating, carnivorous species known for feeding on sea lion placentas and even pups.

Enjoy free time to relax, explore, or snorkel in the bay’s shallow waters, where green sea turtles and tropical fish are often seen gliding through the reef.

Punta Suarez

In the afternoon, visit Punta Suarez, a wildlife lover’s paradise and one of the archipelago’s most iconic sites. The rocky coastline is home to marine iguanas with reddish hues, lava lizards, Galapagos hawks, endemic doves, and a wide variety of finches.

If you’re traveling between April and December, you’ll witness the unforgettable courtship display of the waved albatross, one of the most captivating behaviors in the Galapagos.

Return to the ship in the evening and enjoy a peaceful dinner as the cruise continues toward your next island destination.

Floreana Island

After a peaceful night of sailing, today you will wake up in front of Floreana Island, one of the most mysterious and captivating of the archipelago.

Your first stop is Baroness Lookout, a scenic volcanic tuff formation located between Post Office Bay and Cormorant Point. This natural viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views of the island’s coastline, mangroves, and marine life. Keep an eye out for golden rays, sea turtles, sea lions, and—if you’re lucky—even Galapagos penguins.

Cormorant Point

Next, visit Cormorant Point, a truly unique destination in the Galapagos Islands. A short trail leads you from one beach to another, each with strikingly different features: one with green olivine sand and another with fine white coral sand.

Along the way, you’ll pass the Flamingo Lagoon, where you might spot pink flamingos feeding in the shallow, brackish waters—an unforgettable sight.

Your day ends with a swim at Flour Beach, a peaceful cove ideal for snorkeling with green sea turtles and rays in their natural habitat.

Return to the ship in the evening for dinner and a well-earned rest as the cruise continues to its final stop.

Visit to Seymour Island

Your last morning in the Galapagos Islands begins with a visit to North Seymour Island, an island of volcanic origin formed by submarine lava flows. This small paradise is a true sanctuary for seabirds and offers one of the most impressive hikes in the archipelago.

During the tour you will observe blue-footed boobies performing their famous mating ritual, frigate birds with their huge inflated red sacs, swallow-tailed gulls and common noddies.

Transfer to the airport

After the visit, return to the ship to gather your belongings and transfer by boat to Baltra Island, where your return flight awaits.

This marks the end of your unforgettable 5-day Galapagos Islands cruise—an experience filled with discovery, wildlife, and memories to last a lifetime..