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Spend 8-days cruising around the Galapagos Islands aboard the luxury Ocean Spray Catamaran. You will get the most out of your time on this cruise ship, as it sails to a multitude of islands. Embark on exciting shore excursions, where you learn about what makes each island unique. Hike to panoramic vistas, swim with playful sea lions and keep your eyes open for the beautiful blue-footed boobie. When it’s time to head home, you will be full of amazing stories to share with your friends and family about the remarkable biodiversity you witnessed aboard the Ocean Spray Catamaran.
Upon arrival, your Ocean Spray representative will guide you through immigration and baggage claim. Then, board the yacht and get acquainted with your private cabin, where you?ll have time to relax before the welcome briefing and lunch. In the afternoon, visit Chinese Hat, a small island located in the central area of the Galapagos. Here, you will have the opportunity to hike the unique terrain, while exploring the various, well-preserved remnants of volcanic rock. The top of the hike offers amazing views of the Galapagos, a perfect way to begin your adventure here. On the way down, say hello to the sea lions, often resting on the white sand beach. You may also opt to snorkel with white-tipped reef sharks and various tropical fish.
Begin the morning with a visit to Isabela Island. Isabela Island is the largest of all the Galapagos Islands, reaching a vast 120 km long. Formed by 6 different shield volcanoes, this island is a perfect place to explore. Lookout for unique wildlife such as the pink iguana, tortoises, and other species near each of the 6 volcanoes. Then, head to Vicente Roca Point, where the geological formations will rock your world! Keep your eyes open for blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, gulls, and more. On the western part of the island, the Cromwell Current brings cold water and nutrients to many animals, such as whales, dolphins, sea lions, etc. This is a fantastic place to animal-watch.
In the afternoon, make your way to Fernandina Island. Fernandina is one of the island's most pristine island ecosystems, due to little human interaction. While here, visit the La Cumbre Volcano, as it extends its lava fields straight out to the ocean. Later, search for the Galapagos Hawk at Espinosa Point. Land iguanas and marine iguanas can be found on the inner parts of the island, as well. Hike, snorkel, or simply look out at your surroundings for the duration of your stay.
Wake up early and head back to Isabela Island, this time, visiting Tagus Cove! Tagus Cove is a visitor site, named after the English war ship that used to pass by the islands in the 18th-century. Pirates and sailors even inscribed their names and the names of the ship on volcanic rock. This place oozes with history.
Later, move south of Tagus Cove to Urbina Bay. The foundation of Urbina Bay is an intriguing site, due to the volcanic and tectonic activity that occurred. When the foundation rose, so did the corals and reefs that were once underneath the surface. If you're lucky, you might see giant tortoises, land iguanas, and flightless cormorants near the coast.
Begin your day on Isabela Island, at the visitor site, Elizabeth Bay. Explore the incredible series of islets, a lagoon and the mangroves surrounding it. The mangroves are an excellent place to birdwatch and the lagoon provides clear vision to sea turtles resting and feeding. Next, head to Moreno Point on the southwest point of the island. This is the home of endemic species, accustomed to barren lava flows that can be found here. Hike, birdwatch, marvel at the geological features, or snorkel with the vibrant underwater life.
Rise and shine! Today you're headed to Santa Cruz, one of the most popular tourist sites. Spend some time here exploring the volcanic terrain and chatting with one of the 12,000 Galapagos natives. After, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Learn about the numerous research projects that are worked on here. The research station assists in educating the community and public schools in the Galapagos, and you'll be able to experience their efforts first-hand. You can also learn about the Giant Tortoise restoration program, that includes the various stages of the tortoise life cycle.
Later, visit the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Walk along the manmade path, designed for guests to observe the hills, ferns, volcanoes, and rich wildlife that makes up the area. While here, there is a good chance you'll see giant tortoises, mockingbirds, Darwin finches, and many other species. For a unique experience, walk along the lava tubes before you leave.
Today, visit South Plaza Island, one of the smallest islands in the Galapagos. This visitor site is home to an abundance of local flora and fauna. The island has a large amount of Sesuvium plants, like the prickly pear cactus tree, which land iguanas feed on. Next, visit Santa Fe Island, a fantastic place to spot land iguanas and the only place you can find Opuntia cactus. Giant tortoises were once native to this island, but after many years of pirate and buccaneer activity, they have become extinct. Sea lions and Galapagos hawks are also common here.
On your last full day in the Galapagos, explore Española Island, the oldest island. This island is estimated to be four million years old, and because of its location, far away from the other islands, the most endemic species occupy the ancient space. Your visit here is an excellent time to take photographs of endemic bird species that can only be found here, and amazing landscapes, created by millions of years of erosion. After taking in Española Island, go to Suarez Point. Pass by the albatross breeding site, where you might be able to watch young albatross takeoff for the first time! Other species found here include Galapagos doves, Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, and more.
Later, cruise to Gardner Bay, one of the best beaches in the Galapagos. This white sandy beach is home to a large colony of playful sea lions, three different types of finches, green sea turtles, and the hungry Espanola Mockingbird.
Before you leave this ecological paradise, take a trip to San Cristobal Island. This is the fifth largest island in the Galapagos and lies the farthest East. This is the exact area where Darwin first landed in 1835. Today, the main port is the capital of the Galapagos and many government offices, the Ecuadorian Navy, and an airport fills up the terrain. Take a quick tour of the Interpretation Center, open to the public since 1998. Here, you can learn about the history of the Galapagos and all the ecosystems that thrive on the islands. Spend some time in the meeting rooms, interpretational panels, auditoriums, exhibits, and more.
After your visit at the Interpretation Center, it is time to bid farewell to the Galapagos Islands. Transfer to the San Cristobal Airport for your flight to your next destination!
Spend 5 days aboard the luxury Ocean Spray Galapagos Cruise and experience all that the Galapagos Islands have to offer. Embark on exciting land excursions, where you can hike volcanic rock to beautiful vistas, snorkel with vibrantly colored fish, and walk the islands in search of iconic wildlife species. In your downtime, enjoy the spacious sun deck, the jet-powered Jacuzzi, or the privacy of your cabin balcony. With the comfortable accommodations on board and daily shore excursions at your fingertips, this 5-day Galapagos Cruise will be everything you’ve been waiting for.
Arrive in the Galapagos and transfer to the Ocean Spray Catamaran. Once aboard, you will be shown your cabin where you can relax on your private balcony before meeting your new mates at the welcome briefing and lunch.
In the afternoon, head to Bartholomew Island for your first Galapagos adventure. Bartholomew Island is famous for Pinnacle Rock, a volcanic cone formed by magma from an underwater volcano. This enormous rock has been featured in movies and is a photographers dream. While here, visit the small beach nearby, where green sea turtles live, and penguins gather. If you?re in the mood, dip into the water full of colorful fish, for an afternoon swim.
Follow your guide to Genovesa Island, also known as "Bird Island" due to its wide variety of birds. Once here, move to Darwin Bay, one of the few places where red-footed boobies can be guaranteed to be seen. A beautiful 200,000 red-footed boobies are estimated to be living in the greenery of Genovesa.
Later, head to El Barranco, better known as Prince Philip's Steps. This steep, rocky path leads up to a cliff that offers incredible views of the surrounding islands. You may also walk in the Palo Santo forest, home to nesting red-footed boobies and other bird species.
Today you will explore Santiago Island, the second island visited by Charles Darwin. This island is known for its ability to provide salt, water, and food for whalers and buccaneers passing through. Land iguanas once populated the island but now are extinct. From here, visit Buccaneer Cove, an excellent spot to snorkel. The underwater formations and vibrant varieties of fish gather below the surface.'
In the afternoon, head to Egas Port, also known as James Bay. While here, look out for Galapagos lava lizards, fur seals, and the many tide pools that provide excellent snorkeling sites.
On your last full day, sail to North Seymour Island. There is a huge population of land iguanas, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and frigatebirds here. Then, check out the Highlands. The Highlands of Santa Cruz is intriguing due to its present rich wildlife, hills, and volcanoes. Scope out the agricultural zones and watch for the amazing variety of birds flying overhead.
Unfortunately, today is your last day in the Galapagos. However, before you leave, visit Mosquera Islet. This islet hosts a reef of rocks and coral and a beautiful white sand beach. The perimeter is made up of lava rocks, and the island has one of the largest populations of sea lions, with an occasional sighting of orcas. After your visit, your Galapagos trip has officially come to an end. Head to the Baltra Airport for your flight to your next destination.
Explore the Galapagos Islands in 4 adventure-filled days, aboard the luxury Ocean Spray Galapagos Cruise. Learn about the history of the islands and the creatures that inhabit them, as you sail atop the crystal clear water. Embark on shore excursions where you can meet the playful sea lions, observe native birds, and snorkel with rainbow-colored fish. During your free time, enjoy the interior of your spacious cabin and private balcony, or head to the massive sun deck for some light reading in the fresh air. There’s no other cruise that perfects comfort and adventure the way the Ocean Spray does.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to the luxury yacht with assistance from an Ocean Spray representative. Settle your belongings into your cabin and relax before you meet your fellow mates and crew at the welcome lunch.
After lunch, embark on your first Galapagos adventure! Visit San Cristobal Island, the fifth largest island in the Galapagos, and explore the very terrain that Darwin first landed on back in 1835. On the island, you can visit the many government offices, the Ecuadorian Navy, and you can see the local airport. Later, visit Lobos Island, just a quick hour away from San Cristobal. This is a popular place to spot blue-footed boobies and frigate birds, as they typically nest in the area. Sea lions and marine iguanas are also found here. Lobos Island is a fantastic place to take in the islands, with its incredible views, including the famous Kicker Rock off in the distance. This is the perfect introduction to what lies ahead.
This morning, get ready for Pitt Point! Pitt Point rests on San Cristobal Island and is one of the only islands you can find red-footed boobies, blue-footed boobies, and Nazca boobies all in one place. If you have time, hike to the top of the Pitt Point for fantastic, panoramic views of the surrounding area. In the afternoon, head to Witch Hill. Witch Hill is home to a popular beach, featuring beautiful white sand and turquoise waters. Snorkel here and spot tropical fish and sea turtles swimming beneath the surface. Even an occasional sea lion might stop by to swim with you. If you take a panga ride (Zodiac ride), you can explore the various crevices in the eroding rocks, exciting for any nature enthusiast.
Floreana Island is on the schedule for today! This island is one of the most interesting islands when it comes to human history. The very first Galapagos resident, an Irishman, lived on Floreana Island. It is also where the first post office was stationed. During your visit here, learn about the Ecuadorian colonization, the mystery of the island's isolation, and the small population that lives there today. Post Office Bay is a favorite amongst many tourists who visit this island. They are known for leaving addressed messages on postcards in the Post Office Bay barrel, to be sent by future visitors - a fun activity for many!
Later, head to Cormorant Point. You can visit two beaches while you're here, and flamingoes can be spotted frolicking in the lagoons looking for shrimp. Then, head to Devil's Crown, a visitor site that is the best for snorkeling. Put on your bathing suit and dive deep underwater, where you can see amazing volcanic structures that have submerged over time. There are also hundreds of colorful fish, and of course the coral reefs. This is an underwater experience you cannot miss!
On your last morning in the Galapagos, head to Santa Cruz Island, where you will explore Black Turtle Cove. The shallow inlet of Black Turtle Cove is surrounded by mangroves and has a variety of marine life. If you look underneath the surface of the water, you can watch as black-tip, and white-tip reef sharks swim alongside spotted eagle rays and hammerhead sharks.
After your visit at Black Turtle Cove, your Galapagos journey has come to an end. Transfer to the Baltra Airport to your scheduled departure and have a safe flight!
All staterooms include either a queen sized bed or two double beds, a private bathroom, and windows overlooking the ocean.
All staterooms include either a queen sized bed or two double beds, a private bathroom, and windows overlooking the ocean.
All staterooms include either a queen sized bed or two double beds, a private bathroom, and windows overlooking the ocean.
All staterooms include either a queen sized bed or two double beds, a private bathroom, and windows overlooking the ocean.
