Galapagos: Sea Star | 5 days

From Baltra Island to Baltra Island

Tour Overview

Encounter incredible wildlife up close—from Nazca and red-footed boobies to short-eared owls, Galápagos penguins, and giant tortoises. Let your imagination come alive in one of the most extraordinary destinations on Earth - the Galapagos Islands! 

The exploration kicks off with a visit to Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island—a vibrant trail where flamingos, land iguanas, and pintail ducks can be seen against the backdrop of saltwater lagoons. Glide through the mangrove-lined waters of Black Turtle Cove, where reef sharks, sea turtles, and rays drift beneath your dinghy.

Marvel at Chinese Islet, where ancient lava flows and coral heads tell the story of the islands’ volcanic origins. Climb Prince Philip’s Steps on Genovesa Island to spot red-footed boobies, owls, and storm petrels, before descending to the white-sand shores of Darwin Bay, where sea lions and seabirds fill the air with life.

Hike to the summit of Bartholomew Island’s volcano for one of the most iconic views in the archipelago, then snorkel alongside tropical fish and playful Galápagos penguins near the striking Pinnacle Rock. Witness the raw volcanic beauty of Sullivan Bay’s otherworldly lava fields, and journey inland to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz, where misty Scalesia forests and massive lava tunnels offer a striking contrast to the coastal landscapes.

Cruise on an intimate yacht for authentic Galapagos exploration, the Galapagos Sea Star,  hosts just 16 guests for a immersive island experience.

Viva's Best Bits...

Known for its abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes, it's also a home to unique species including 80% of land birds and 97% reptiles, making Galápagos a paradise for nature and wildlife photographers.

Of course you can't miss the island’s stars: the Giant Tortoises! These slow-moving legends are a must-see, and lucky for you, they’re pretty easy to spot on Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands.

There are number of ways to explore and enjoy the island - cruise, zodiac excursion, shore landings, swimming, snoreklling and kayaking - all included.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Baltra Santa Cruz Island

Morning: Baltra Airport Arrival

Morning flight from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra, Galapagos Islands. You will arrive at Baltra Island in the morning. After passing through immigration and baggage claim, you will be met by a 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.


Afternoon: Dragon Hill

Situated on Santa Cruz Island, Dragon Hill is one of the newest visitor sites accessible to tourists in the Galapagos Islands. One of the lengthier Galapagos walking trails will lead visitors along a beach and up a trail to the lagoon lookout where bright flamingos, pintail ducks, and land iguanas can be spotted.

Day 2
Santa Cruz Island Santiago Island

Morning: Black Turtle Cove

Visit Black Turtle Cove in the northern part of Santa Cruz. This inlet is surrounded by mangroves and is only accessible by dinghy. The shallow cove is a haven for young marine life. Black-tip and white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, and a variety of rays are often spotted here.

Afternoon: 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. Chinese Islet 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. The presence of coral heads on the lava flow indicates this phenomenon.

Day 3
Genovesa Island

Morning: El Barranco

El Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps, is a steep, rocky path that leads up a high cliff rock face. A marvelous view can be appreciated from here. This site is also home to Palo Santo vegetation as well as red-footed boobies, short-eared owls, Galapagos storm petrels, and Galapagos doves.

Afternoon: Darwin Bay

Visit the white-sand coral beach of Darwin Bay which includes a half mile trail (0,75km) that winds through mangroves filled with land birds. Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls, which can easily be spotted here. Further down the path we’ll find tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully. At the end is a spectacular view of a cliff.

Day 4
Bartholomew Island Santiago Island

Morning: Pinnacle Rock

You will head to Bartholomew Island where the famous Pinnacle Rock is found. Bartholomew consists of an extinct 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! A beautiful beach surrounded by the only vegetation is perfect for snorkeling where you may even see and swim with Galapagos penguins.

Afternoon: Sullivan Bay

You will visit Sullivan Bay located on the southeast part of Santiago. This place is interesting for its geology because the area is covered by lava flows. This place has elevations in the form of small volcanoes formed by the lava flows.

Day 5
Santa Cruz Island Baltra

Morning: Highlands

Accessible by bus from Puerto Ayora, the highlands of Santa Cruz are a deep green which contrast beautifully with the dry, lower part of the islands. The predominant vegetation in the highlands are Scalesia trees which create a lush green forest. The lava tunnels, over half a mile long, are underground and walking through them is a unique, surreal experience. At this place you’ll have lunch.


Afterwards: Baltra Airport Departure

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 1 night hotel accommodation in Quito or Guayaquil, pre-cruise*
  • Included Copy 20 Cabin on board with ensuite
  • Included Copy 31 Cabin upgrades available
  • Included Copy 31 Interconnected & triple cabins available
Food
  • Included Copy 20 All meals throughout cruise
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 Included visits and excursions, as specified in the itinerary.
  • Included Copy 20 Bilingual national park guide
  • Included Copy 20 Free use of snorkeling equipment (mask, fins)
  • Included Copy 20 Use of Kayaks, Walking sticks, Wetsuits & Underwater cameras
  • Included Copy 20 Transfers airport/yacht/airport in Galapagos
  • Included Copy 7 Galapagos Islands National Park Entrance Fee & TCT USD$220 (Subject to change)
  • Included Copy 7 International flights, Visas, Medical insurance, Tips, Alcoholic drinks and other personal expenses.
Transportation
Galapagos Sea Star

Galapagos Sea Star

16 Passengers

Activities

  • Included Meet the legendary residents of the Galápagos: the Giant Tortoises at Dragon Hill
  • Included Opportunities to see and snorkel along with sea turtles, seals and Galápagos penguins.
  • Included A chance to spot Frigatebirds, Nazca, Red-footed boobies and other bird species in Genovesa Island.
  • Included Capture land iguanas sunbathing on the rocks up-close in Dragon Hill.
  • Included Explore the Island's beauty by kayak, dinghy ride, or guided shore walk.
  • Included Visit Bartolomé Island and be amazed by its stunning variety of volcanic formations.
Tap here for dates & prices
Duration

5 days

Price from

$4,845 USD

Per person, twin share

Galapagos suite

Departs Select Sundays