Galapagos: Seaman Journey | 7 days

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

Sail across the clear waters of this stunning and unique ecosystem on this 7-day Galapagos cruise aboard M/C Seaman Journey.

Embark on an unforgettable 7-day cruise through the breathtaking volcanic landscapes and unique ecosystems of the western Galapagos Islands, including Isabela and Fernandina. Dive into adventure with activities like snorkeling alongside marine iguanas, hiking across stunning lava fields, and spotting rare wildlife such as flightless cormorants and Galapagos penguins. Explore the archipelago's youngest and most volcanically active islands, offering a perfect blend of adventure and up-close encounters with nature's wonders.

You can snorkel from Espumilla Beach, the soft beach that emulates “foam” with playful sea lions, white tipped-reefsharks, sea turtles, manta rays and reef fish. Look for seahorses, sea turtles, and Mola-mola (sunfish) at Vicente Roca Point, observe a colony of flamingos on Rabida Island and more.

Enjoy all the sites by dinghy excursions, on hikes, kayaking or swimming and snorkelling. Relax in comfort onboard the Seaman Journey as we navigate between islands and learn more about the fascinating natural world of the Galapagos National Park from our expert guide. 

Viva's Best Bits...

"A great itinerary to spot whales, manta rays and dolphins. Keep your eyes open when you sail the chancel between Isabela and Fernandina. Best time Jun - Nov." Pia, Team Viva

Walk on the ropy texture of the thousand year old pahoehoe lava flow, watch out for lava lizards, birds and lava cactus.

Vicente Roca Point is one of the best places to snorkel and well know for its spectacular marine life.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Baltra Santa Cruz Island

YACHT SEAMAN JOURNEY 7 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 Baltra Island.
Our guide will meet you at the airport, help with your luggage, and take you to the bus for the ferry across the Itabaca Channel. You will then visit Ranch Manzanillo or a similar farm in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, and bring a waterproof jacket, sunblock, a camera, and repellent. Enjoy a picnic lunch and a short walk before boarding the Motor Catamaran. Your luggage will go directly to the Seaman Journey yacht.

At Santa Cruz, observe wild Galapagos tortoises. Explore lava tubes, sinkholes, and craters in the highlands. After this visit, you will travel to the M/C Seaman Journey.

Day 2
Fernandina Island Isabela Island

AM: Moreno Point, Isabela Island

Punta Moreno sits on Isabela Island’s west coast, at the entrance of the Bolivar channel. The trail follows a Pahoehoe lava flow into coastal lagoons. Spot various bird species including blue footed boobies and flightless cormorants, near the lakes and mangroves.

PM: Fernandina Island, Mangle Point
Mangle Point, off Fernandina’s eastern coast, is an excellent snorkeling site. Ride in a panga or zodiac through mangrove groves. You may see sea lions, tortoises, pelicans, rays, and numerous sea birds.

Day 3
Isabela Island Urbina Bay & Tagus Cove

AM: Urbina Bay, Isabela Island

Urbina Bay sits at the base of Alcedo Volcano on Isabela’s west coast. This area uplifted in 1954, stranding marine life. It offers great snorkeling and features a 3,200-meter trail with sand, pumice, lava, coral, and coastal vegetation. Look for iguana burrows and when snorkeling you may swim alongside penguins and observe red and blue lobsters.

Here, you might see Darwin’s finches and land iguanas, which are larger than those on South Plaza Island. Giant Tortoises also roam the area. The vegetation includes chamomile, Rosewood, and Darwin’s cotton flowers, which are endemic to the Galapagos.

PM: Tagus Cove, Isabela Island

Tagus Cove, west of Darwin Volcano, was a favorite spot for pirates and whalers, it is possible to observe pirate graffitti. You will see a cave with inscriptions from the 1800s. The area is known for volcanic rocks, including “lapilli,” small spherical rocks. The trail is a small challenge and leads to a lookout above Darwin lake and the bay below. The trail allows you to spot finches and mockingbirds.

It is also a very good snorkeling and sea kayaking spot. There is a colony of flightless cormorants.

Day 4
Fernandina Island Isabela Island

AM: Espinoza Point, Fernandina Island

Espinoza Point is famous for its marine iguana colonies, looking like armies covering entire areas. Also home to unique species like the flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguin, Galapagos hawk, and Galapagos snake. This is one of the most pristine and remote areas of the Galápagos archipelago.

PM: Vicente Roca Point

Vicente Roca Point, on Isabela’s northwestern coast, features high cliffs and lava formations. This bay is rich in marine life. Look for seahorses, sea turtles, and Mola-mola (sunfish). Enjoy panga rides and snorkeling to see penguins, blue-footed boobies, terns, and sea lions.

Day 5
Santiago Island

AM: Espumilla Beach and Bucaneer Cove, Santiago Island

Espumilla Beach lies on Santiago Island’s northern coast, within James bay. The site has a very picturesque coastline, that shows erosion and different formations created by action of the sea. Explore the palo santo forest, mangroves and see nesting baby sea turtles in the sand dunes as well as a Flamingo colony in the coastal lagoon. Vegetation varies in short distance from dry to humid, here you can see the damage done by introduced species like feral goats that finally were eradicated. Main wildlife includes sea lions and fur seals, marine turtles, marine iguanas, oystercatchers, herons (great blue heron) and other sea birds. You can also spot land birds like the Galapagos dove, Darwin’s finches and hawks.

You can snorkel from the soft beach that emulates “foam” – Espumilla in Spanish (the name comes from a typical desert made in the Ecuador Andes). Marine life includes playful sea lions, white tipped-reefsharks, sea turtles, manta rays and reef fish.

PM: Puerto Egas, Santiago Island

Puerto Egas features a black beach with volcanic tuff deposits, there is vibrant contrast between the dark minerals and the red sally-lightfoot crabs that are sprinkled on the rocks. This site was once used for salt extraction, which ended due to low prices on the continent. The abandoned infrastructure remains. The trail passes a sea lion colony and leads to the playful grotto were fur seals (smaller than the sea lions) swim around and play in the tidal pools.

Snorkel with marine iguanas, playful sea lions and other marine life.

Day 6
Rabida Island Chinese Hat

AM: Rabida Island

Rábida Island stands out for its red rocks and sand. The volcanic material here is porous, changing color due to oxidation. A short trail leads to a lagoon where you can see land birds and a colony of flamingos. It is interesting to observe the pelicans diving in for fish. The red beach contrasts with the green vegetation.

Snorkeling is amongst the best as you swim along the coastline, playful sea lions join you. You can spot moray eels, small sharks, starfish and lots of colorful fish.

PM: Chinese Hat

Chinese Hat is a small islet off Santiago Island’s southeastern tip. This recent volcanic cone resembles a Chinese hat. Explore lava formations and observe sea lion colonies, lava lizards, marine iguanas, and Galapagos penguins. This is an island of colorful contrasts, the red vessuvium flowers, the sally lightfoot crabs and the orange beaks of the American oystercatchers contrast beautifully with the pahoe hoe lava fields and lava cacti.

It is also a nice spot for deep water snorkeling, the channel formed between Sombrero Chino and Santiago island creates are protected area with calm turquoise waters, yet deep enough to attract white-tipped reef sharks that sleep in the small caves formed below. You can also observe sting rays, parrot fish, Galapagos penguins, marine turtles and with luck dolphins and the rare visit of a whale-sharks.

Day 7
Santa Cruz Island Baltra Airport

AM: Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz Island

Enjoy a dinghy ride to Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz’s north coast. The boat will explore the mangrove-protected cove with the engines off.

In the calm waters, you may see sea turtles feeding and mating, along with black-tip, white-tip, and Galapagos sharks. Spot groups of spotted rays, golden cow rays, egrets, and herons.

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

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 All visits and excursions according to the itinerary
  • Included Copy 20 Naturalist Bilingual Guide level III
  • Included Copy 20 Snorkel Gear(mask, tube and fins)
  • 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 Snorkelling and swimming at Punta Vicente Roca, Puerto Egas or many more amazing spots
  • Included Explore the unique landscapes, observe flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, and other wildlife
  • Included Walk along lava fields and hike to the top of Bartolome Island
  • Included Chances to see and snorkel with Galapagos penguins
  • Included Photography opportunities - Take shots of marine iguanas up close and personal at Espinoza Point
  • Included Enjoy dinghy rides through mangrove groves at Mangle Point
Tour on Special!
Click here for dates & prices
Tour on Special!
Book any departure between Jan - March and enjoy a luxurious 1 night stay at Ilha Experience hotel FOC.
Duration

7 days

Price from

$5,670 USD

Per person, twin share

Based on a twin ocean view

Departs Select Fridays