Galapagos: Calipso 5 days

From San Cristobal to Baltra

Tour Overview

Join a fantastic 5-day Galapagos cruise on board the Calipso Yacht.

Visiting the islands of North Seymour, Bartholomew, Fernandina, Isabela, Santiago, and San Cristobal, cruise is a great way to discover the Galapagos. A mecca for birders, you can encounter many unique species that are native to the Galapagos National Park, both on land and at sea. You are sure to meet many weird and wonderful locals such as Blue Footed Boobies, Marine Iguanas, Sea Lions and Giant Tortoises. Your Galapagos cruise will take you through incredible landscapes such as pinnacle rock formations hewn by relentless seas, tropical lagoons and ancient lava beds, and to historical visitor sites from World War II and from the days of earlier whalers and pioneering explorers.

Calipso allows you to explore the Galapagos Islands in both Naturalist and Diving itineraries (ask us for diving departure dates). The small ship offers modern facilities, 8 comfortable cabins and spacious outdoor seating areas perfect to marvel at the stunning views of the Galapagos archipelago. Immerse yourself in the abundant life of the clear Galapagos waters with use of the ship's snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and underwater camera. An expert naturalist guide will escort you on dinghy excursions and shore excursions to better explore the unique wildlife. Then, round off your Galapagos vacation with relax in the jacuzzi and a cocktail served on deck as you watch the sunset over this natural wonderland.

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With 8 spacious cabins that can hold up to 16 guests, a professional crew, expert naturalist and diving guides, open dining and social areas, and free WiFi, travelers can enjoy any of the 4, 5, and 8-day Galapagos cruises in comfort.

With wetsuits and snorkelling gear provided you will have many opportunities to appreciate nature with an up-close encounter of vibrant marine wildlife -snorkelling with sea lions, turtles and more is bound to be a highlight.

Discover the wonders of Galapagos wildlife—from the playful Blue-footed Boobies to the majestic land iguanas and the Magnificant Frigatebirds. You will spend days exploring ashore and by boat with an expert natuarist guide.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
San Cristobal Bartholomew Island

You will arrive at San Cristobal Island in the morning.

After passing through immigration and baggage claim, you will be met by a Calipso staff member and transferred to the yacht. You will be shown to your cabin where you will have some time to settle in before lunch and a welcome briefing. In the afternoon you will set sights on Witch Hill. Located on the northern coast, this eroded hill and its surroundings present one of the most picturesque beaches in the Galapagos with its white powdery sand and the abundance of animals. Wildlife includes sea turtles, rays, and various types of booby birds. The clear water provides an excellent opportunity for enjoying swimming and snorkelling.

Afternoon Bartholomew Island
Home of the famous Pinnacle Rock, Bartholomew consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black and even green volcanic formations. A trail of stairs leads to the summit of the volcano, boasting one of the best views of the islands. The beach is perfect for snorkeling and possible sightings of the Galapagos penguin.

Day 2
Bartholomew Island Puerto Egas

This morning you will head to Bartholomew Island, where the famous Pinnacle Rock is found. Bartholomew consists of an inactive volcano with a variety of red, orange, black and even green volcanic formations. We will take a trail of stairs to the summit of the volcano (about 30 or 40 minutes) where you will enjoy one of the best views of the islands! You will also visit a small, beautiful beach surrounded by the only vegetation found on this barren island. The beach is perfect for snorkelling where you may even see and swim with Galapagos penguins. Following this, you will be on your way to Chinese Hat Islet. This small islet is located near the southeast coast of Santiago Island. Its name comes from the distinct shape of the islet’s summit. This is a great location to view many geological formations such as lava tunnels and lava flows. Some of the lava flows were formed underwater and subsequently raised above sea level.

Embark on an afternoon exploration of the captivating Puerto Egas, also known as James Bay. This remarkable location is not only home to the inquisitive Galapagos hawks and agile Galapagos lava lizards, but it also features a stunning coastline adorned with picturesque tide pools and enchanting grottos teeming with diverse fauna. As you wander along the trail, keep an eye out for the Galapagos fur sea lions basking in the warm sun, adding to the natural beauty of the area. For those seeking underwater adventures, Puerto Egas also offers an excellent snorkeling opportunity, immersing you in the mesmerizing marine world that surrounds the Galapagos Islands.

Day 3
Fernandina Island Isabela Island Tagus Cove

Crossing the Bolivar Channel that divides Isabela and Fernandina Islands, you will land at Espinoza Point, and after walking past a colony of marine iguanas and a group of sea lions, you will reach the island’s highlight: the flightless cormorant nesting site. This area also provides a great opportunity to see the Galapagos hawk.

In the afternoon, you will visit Tagus Cove on Isabela Island which is located across from Fernandina Island, near the Bolivar Channel dividing the two islands. This spot has been frequented by ships since the 1800s using the area as an anchorage site. Trails winding by Lake Darwin up to a ridge display wonderful views. Punta Tortuga, just north of Tagus Cove, is another lovely beach surrounded by mangroves.

Day 4
Isabela Island Urbina Bay Isabela Island Moreno Point

Urbina Bay is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano on the west coast between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay. This area experienced a major uplift in 1954 causing the land to rise over 16 feet. The coast expanded half a mile out, leaving marine life stranded on the new shore. This area is also a great place for snorkelling.

Later, you will visit Mareno Point. Moreno Point is located southwest of Elizabeth Bay. Here a dry landing onto what was once flowing lava is possible. The lava has left craters in its wake which formed crystal tide pools. In the brackish pools of this area, you may see pink flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, and common gallinules. If you look carefully into the pools, you may see white-tip reef sharks and some sea turtles.

Day 5
North Seymour Island Departure

In North Seymour you may see Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and magnificent frigate birds which are abundant on this island. North Seymour was formed by a series of submarine lava flows containing layers of sediment that were uplifted by tectonic activity. The island is characterized by its arid vegetation zone.

After this final visit, you will be transferred to the Baltra airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 Cabin accommodation on board
  • Included Copy 20 Complimentary Hotel night in Quito or Guayaquil (the day before the cruise)*
Food
  • Included Copy 20 All meals throughout the cruise
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 Use of snorkeling equipment, kayaks, wetsuit, walking poles and underwater camera
  • Included Copy 20 All transfers in the islands
  • Included Copy 20 All excursions
  • Included Copy 20 Bilingual national park guide
  • Included Copy 20 Carbon Footprint Compensation
  • Included Copy 7 USD$ 200 Galapagos National Park fee and USD$20 per person Transit Control Card (subject to change)
  • Included Copy 7 Roundtrip airfare to/from Galapagos, insurance, gratuities and personal expenses.
  • Included Copy 31 Select departures of the Calipso offer a diving only itinerary, please ask for more info
Transportation
M/Y Calipso

M/Y Calipso

16 Passengers

Activities

  • Included Look out for Blue footed booby and Nazca Booby
  • Included Bird watching - flamingos, Frigate birds, Galapagos hawks and more
  • Included Walk, hike or kayaking in the Galapagos
  • Included Photography opportunities - Bartolome - the view of Pinnacle Rock
  • Included Excursions by dinghy take you close along the shorelines.
  • Included Swimming and snorkelling in the amazing waters of the Galapagos!
Click here for dates & prices
Duration

5 days

Price from

$4,345 USD

Per person, sharing

Based on standard cabin

Selected Thursdays