The best way to live a vivid trip in your Galapagos vacation is to cruise around the archipelago and experience the huge diversity between the varieties of islands. Our well-planned excursions at distinct sites allow you to encounter the natural wonders of these enchanted Islands and to understand its continuing evolution fully. You will learn about Galapagos land & marine wildlife, ora, geology, and history. Our excursions include visits to peculiar landmarks, wildlife trails, mangrove forests, tortoise breeding farms, research centers, marine sites, and more. Some of the activities you can enjoy are volcano-hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, amongst others.
All meals are included and served in an international style, combining natural and organic ingredients in order to offer a healthy gastronomic experience. In the case that some guests may require a special dish due to food allergies or restrictions, our chefs will be willing to adapt the menu to these requirements if it has been informed previous to the trip. Unlimited water, tea and coffee service. All excursions and activities are included. Zodiac rides, nature hikes, snorkeling and kayaking within the Galapagos National Park, all activities are in the company of an English speaking naturalist guide.
There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.
A guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage at Baltra Airpoirt, and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbor. In the afternoon you will go to the visitor site at Dragon Hill has been open for visits since 1993. This site is located in northwestern Santa Cruz Island and consists of a trail that leads to a hyper-saline lagoon behind the beach, frequented by flamingos, pintail ducks and other species of birds. This site has been re populated with land iguanas from Seymour, Isabela and Santa Cruz islands. There is a short walk to the Hill, which offers a beautiful view of the bay.
Black Turtle cove is located at the northern side of Santa Cruz island, this is a red mangrove lagoon very calm and quiet which made an ideal place as nursery for many sharks and rays. Its crystal waters permits to observe large groups of white-tip reef, black tipped reef and hammer heads sharks, schools of golden rays as well as spotted eagle rays. There are no landing sites so the visit is done by panga or kayak. Sea turtles are frequently seen and sometimes they are seen mating in the mangrove-lined waters. Pelicans and Herons are also seen in this area.
The Chinese Hat is a small islet (1 sq km) located just off the southeastern tip of Santiago Island. It is a recent volcanic cone, it has a shape of one Chinese hat when you see it from north side. On the west it can be seen lava formations, formed under the sea and raised upward, this is why coral heads are found on the lava. This is an excellent visit for interpretation of geological features such as lava tubes and lava flows. There are many sea lions colonies, marine iguanas and Galapagos penguins.
Darwin bay has origin when the crater of this island collapsed below sea level. The wet landing is on a beautiful white coral sandy beach. This is a favorite island for birdwatchers: red footed-booby, masked boobies, wandering tattlers, lava gulls, whimbrels Yellow-crowned, black-crowned and lava herons, with and yellow warblers can be seen in the area.
Continuing on the trail, visitors climb gradually to the edge of the cliff seeing Red-Foots nesting in the Mangrove trees below. Bird watching includes sightings of Sharp-Beaked Finches, Large Cactus and Ground Finches, Galapagos Doves and Swallow-Tailed Gulls. Reaching the end the trail at the cliff’s edge offers an incredible view of the island and the many birds living there.
El Barranco is located in the southern part of Darwin Bay and it is also known as Prince Philip’s Steps, passengers will climb to a plateau that is part of the stretch of land that surrounds Darwin Bay on its eastern side. There is a big population of Masked boobies and Red-Footed boobies in the tree; Storm petrels and Short-eared Owls have found in Genovesa lava flows the ideal place for nesting.
Bartolomé Island is situated across Sullivan Bay. It has an altitude of 114 meters, from where we can observe one of the most beautiful sceneries of the Galapagos Islands such as: Volcanic cones, lunar-like craters, lava fields, and the famous Toba formed pinnacle eroded by the sea. There is very little vegetation on this island.
It has two breathtaking beaches where marine turtles exist and at the base of the pinnacle, as well as a very small colony
of Galapagos penguins.
Santiago, also called James, or San Salvador Island, is located in the west central part of the Galapagos archipelago. It is the fourth largest island in the archipelago (following Isabela, Fernandina and Santa Cruz). Along with some of the large western volcanoes of Isabela and Fernandina, Santiago is also volcanically active. It has many young flows and cones, particularly along the south, west, and east coasts. They are visible from the summit of Darwin Volcano and from space. There were some historic eruptions over the last 2 centuries. Santiago actually consists of two coalesced volcanoes: a typical shield volcano on the northwest end and a low, linear fissure volcano on the southeast end.
The trail to the highlands leaves from Bellavista and passes through the agricultural zone, near the National Park boundary, the Miconia Zone, and then goes to the Fern and Sedge zone. With clear weather (unpredictable) this area affords beautiful scenes of rolling hills and extinct volcanic cones covered with grass and lush greenery all year round.
Then transfer back to Baltra for embarkation on flight back home.
Galapagos Sea Star
Galapagos Sea Star The Galapagos Sea Star has a maximum capacity of 16 passengers, featuring seven spacious Galapagos Suites (approx. 25,2 m) and one Sea Star Suite (approx. 35,2 m) equipped with panoramic windows to enjoy the wonderful landscapes of the islands. All suites have a private bathroom, hot/cold water and air conditioning (with independent controls). Twin beds (or one faux queen bed) and connected suites are available for families.
Local and International dishes – especially designed by our chef – are served in the cozy atmosphere of our dining room. Our yacht offers a large solarium with shaded and uncovered areas, two Jacuzzis and comfortable sun loungers. Social areas include a Saloon, mini-library and video library as well as a play zone for kids (during family departures). Snorkeling equipment and kayaks are available too without any extra charge.
Galapagos Sea Star complies with local and international safety regulations. In addition, we implement sustainable practices throughout our journey to protect the fragile environment of the Galapagos archipelago.
All guests will enjoy the well-furnished areas offering comfort and privacy. Galapagos Seaman has a maximum capacity of 16 passengers allowing both intimacy and camaraderie at the same time. There are several resting areas for those who are looking for a quiet place to relax during their Galapagos trip with family and friends in the lazy mid-afternoon sun, or likewise after a busy day of swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or walking on one of the Galapagos Islands.
To check out the gorgeous ocean views with fellow shipmates, guests can spend some time on the spacious sundecks. Whether you feel like getting a little sun or want the best place to enjoy the gorgeous sunsets over the Galapagos Islands, the sundecks are the best place to be.
For the adults who might want to relax and kick back, there is a great bar and lounge.
