Galapagos: Seaman Journey | 5 days

From San Cristobal Island to Baltra Island
  • Ecuador
  • Galapagos Islands
  • Small Ship Cruising
  • Wildlife and Nature
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Tour Description

Sail away to an unforgettable Galapagos Islands vacation and discover a land that is a time capsule of natural history.

Embarking from San Cristobal and taking in Espanola, Floreana and Santa Cruz Islands, this Galapagos cruise encompasses a perfect mix of what the Galapagos archipelago has to offer. Your vessel, the M/C Galapagos Seaman is a first class catamaran that is appointed by an experienced crew and creates an intimate small ship cruise setting for a maximum of 16 passengers.

During your cruise you will experience several highlights: Observe the giant Galapagos tortoises on Galapaguera, dive into the clear waters of Cerro Brujo and Gardner Bay for incredible swimming, snorkelling and kayaking among sea turtles, sea lions, birds and even sharks, marvel at the giant blowhole at Suarez Point, take a stroll along the curious green sand beach at Cormorant Point and post a letter in the old whaler's post box at Post Office Bay.

You will love the bright, brilliant, curious or oblivious animals that make the Galapagos archipelago such a fascinating environment.

Viva's Best Bits...

Plan your visit between April and December so you will be able to see the Galapagos albatross, it can only be seen on Espanola Island!

Galapaguera on San Cristobal Island is a great spot to see Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat. It is also a nesting place for marine tortoises during Jan to May.

"Gardner Bay on Espanola Island has a beautiful beach with lots of playful sea lions, I just loved gazing into the eyes of the young pups and laughing at their antics!" Tara, Team Viva

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
San Cristobal Island

YACHT SEAMAN JOURNEY 5 day itinerary

*Galapagos excursions are subject to change without prior notice. Changes in plans may arise due to weather conditions, National Park regulations, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Arrival on San Cristobal Island and transfer to the boat.

Interpretation Center
This is an interpretation center with exuberant gardens and stunning ocean views. Visitors at the interpretation center can learn a lot from the geological and human history of the islands, conservation facts and natural history. This is the oldest museum of Natural History in the Galapagos Islands which attempts to preserve the archipelago. It is indeed inspiring and motivating to watch and learn all of their research and attempts.

Day 2
San Cristobal Island

Galapaguera
A short visit will take place at the Galapaguera, a good place to observe Galapagos tortoises in its natural habitat. San Cristobal island has endemic species such as: the Mockingbird, lava lizard, Chatham Leaf-toed Gecko and the tortoises. All of these species can be observed in this place, the beach is really big and it works as a nesting zone for marine tortoises. Between January and May, it is common to find the footprints of the female tortoises who have climbed to the sand dunes to deposit their eggs! This truly is a worthy experience to be a part of.

Cerro Brujo
Cerro Brujo is a beautiful white coral beach where you can swim and watch birds and sea lions, plus you can snorkel. This is the first coast where Charles Darwin walked on, in 1835. In this marvelous lava landscape, you can watch seabirds like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds and shore birds. The protected bay is well known for its young tortoises which like to swim around.
The pools with salty water behind the sand dunes were used by the fishermen as a salt mine in order to preserve food for the local population. Among the fauna you can observe the Chatham Mockingbird and the San Cristobal Lava Lizards, both species are endemic to the island and unique to the area. Furthermore, you will see the Galapagos turtles and with luck, the little bird known as the Pájaro Brujo in Spanish, an endemic species in San Cristobal Island.
The vegetation covers all the route, where you can find species like the candelabrum cactus and carob trees. Located on the north coast of Isla San Cristobal it is a peaceful place with white sand and crystal water, a perfect combination for an incredible stay.

Day 3
Espanola Island

Gardner Bay
Located on the north-eastern coast of Hood, Gardner Bay offers an excellent beach to relax, swim and even kayak, plus the opportunity to observe sea lions, here we can also observe sharks in the crystal clear ocean waters. At this place you can see three species of Darwin finches: A subspecies of the large-billed cactus finch, which is similar to the large-billed terrestrial finch; the small-beaked ground finch and, the singing finch which is another
endemic subspecies. Both resident and migratory birds are observed.

Suarez Point
This area is great for spotting blue-footed boobies, albatrosses and Nazca boobies. A beautiful site on the oceanfront, the large waved albatrosses use the cliff as a launching pad. The famous attraction is the magnificent blowhole, spurting water high into the air at least from 50 to 75 meters high. This site presents wonderful photograph opportunities.

Day 4
Floreana Island

Cormorant Point
This site offers probably the best flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos; it is also one of the largest in the islands. It’s situated between two tuff lava cones that give the area a special atmosphere. There are various species of shorebirds to observe besides flamingos; the most frequent are common stilts, white-checked pintail ducks, and other migratory birds. It is very interesting to see the two distinct beaches: “The Green Beach” (due to its high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand) and the “Flour Sand Beach” which is made up of coral.

Champion Islet
After the interesting walk, the group is taken to Champion Islet, a great place to enjoy snorkeling and underwater wildlife. Some of the animals that can be seen are sea turtles, sea lions, and multiple fish thanks to the nearby coral reef.

Post Office Bay
Historically, this site is the location of a wooden barrel that was placed in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. It has been used since this time by marines and tourists as a post office. The idea is to carry letters or postcards to their destination by hand. Besides, this site was the landing area for some of the first colonists. This day’s afternoon is thought to be a relaxing time for visitors to enjoy the beach and the beauty of Galapagos.

Day 5
Santa Cruz Island Baltra Island Departure

Turtles Trail
Although the great majority of Galapagos visitors come here to observe and appreciate natural wonders, it is also interesting to learn how the protection and conservation of the islands are carried out. This path offers the possibility to learn aspects and feel synchronized with nature.
After the morning excursion you will be taken to the airport for your flight to the mainland. Transfer to Baltra airport.

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 Cabin on board with ensuite
  • Included Copy 31 Cabin upgrades available
Food
  • Included Copy 20 All meals onboard
  • Included Copy 20 Unlimited purified water, coffee and tea
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 Island sightseeing
  • Included Copy 20 Bilingual National Park Guide
  • Included Copy 20 Snorkeling gear
  • Included Copy 20 Use of kayaks and dinghy rides
  • Included Copy 20 Transfers airport/yacht/airport in Galapagos
  • Included Copy 31 Optional wetsuit rental
  • Included Copy 7 Galapagos Islands National Park Entrance Fee & TCT USD$220 (Subject to change)
  • Included Copy 7 Return flights to Galapagos Islands
Transportation

Galapagos Seaman Journey

16 Passengers

Activities

  • Included Visit Cormorant Point to watch flamingo and relax on the beach
  • Included Explore the Turtles Trail to learn about the conservation efforts
  • Included Go swimming or snorkeling at Cerro Bruja and Gardner Bay
  • Included Photography opportunities – take some shots of the Galapagos albatross at Suarez Point
  • Included Post a postcard, or pick one up from the iconic Post office box on Floreana Island.
  • Included Bird watching - Blue footed and Nazca boobies, Frigate birds, Galapagos albatross and more
Click here for dates & prices
Duration

5 days

Price from

$3,350 USD

Per person, sharing

Based on a twin ocean view

Departs Select Mondays