At a Glance
Experience a 6-day luxury cruise focusing on the stunning southeast Galápagos Islands, from Santa Cruz to San Cristóbal, aboard the eco-friendly EcoGalaxy catamaran. Enjoy unparalleled comfort while exploring one of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems. This intimate itinerary is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, offering unforgettable views of the region's natural wonders while promoting environmental conservation and ensuring a positive impact on this unique paradise.
Your adventure through the Galápagos Islands, begins at Baltra, where a naturalist guide awaits. Spend your afternoon exploring Bachas, a stunning beach and vital sea turtle nesting ground, then dive into crystal-clear waters for snorkeling with vibrant fish, rays, and perhaps even a playful Galápagos penguin. Hike through the mesmerizing Pahoehoe lava fields of Sullivan Bay, spotting hardy plants and marine life along the shore. Discover the ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 5 nights' accommodation onboard the EcoGalaxy on a twin share basis
- Airport assistance on the cruise departure dates
- Transportation and fuel surcharge in the Marine reserve of Galapagos
- All visits, excursions & activities according to the itineraryTransportation Airport-Channel/ Channel-Airport (Lobitos Bus)
- Snorkeling gear (Mask, tube, and fins)
- Use of kayaks and paddle boards in authorized places
- All meals during the cruise including one snack after each activity (except last day)
- Bilingual naturalist guide (English-Spanish)
- Personalized crew serviceWelcome cocktail
- Unlimited purified water, coffee and tea
- Docks use and ferries
- Wetsuits
- Shampoo, hair conditioner, and soap for daily use
- Beach towels
- Cloth/Towel dryer
Itinerary
Activities: Hiking, Snorkel Arrive at Baltra Airport in the Galápagos Islands, where a naturalist guide will welcome you. Spend the afternoon at Bachas, named after WWII barge remnants half-buried in the white sand. This stunning area, a vital sea turtle nesting ground from November to May, features saltwater lagoons teeming with flamingos, herons, and other shorebirds. After exploring, dive into the inviting waters for snorkeling, where you can encounter vibrant fish, white-tipped reef sharks, and graceful rays. |
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This evening, set sail on a culinary adventure crafted by our talented chefs, showcasing Ecuador’s rich, exotic flavors alongside global delights. Indulge in world-class cuisine where the essence of the sea harmonizes with gourmet creations—from fresh seafood to succulent meats and indulgent desserts, each dish is designed to tantalize your taste buds. |
Activities: Hiking, Snorkel, Panga Ride This morning, embark on a hike through the breathtaking Pahoehoe lava fields of Sullivan Bay, where the seemingly barren landscape reveals life in the form of hardy pioneer plants, lava lizards, and small birds. Along the shore, watch for playful penguins, pelicans, and oystercatchers. Dive into the vibrant underwater world while snorkeling off a coral sand beach, where the sea teems with colorful fish, Galapagos penguins, reef sharks, turtles, and rays. Come afternoon, explore the iconic Bartolome Island, home to stunning views of Pinnacle Rock and a striking peach-sand beach. The hike to the summit rewards you with panoramic vistas of lunar-like landscapes, scattered volcanic cones, and the surrounding islands, including the beautiful Sullivan Bay below. You will have the opportunity to dive into one of the Galapagos' top snorkeling spots, where clear, calm waters await. Swim alongside curious Galapagos penguins and explore a vibrant underwater world filled with colorful fish, invertebrates, sea lions, turtles, rays, and reef sharks—an unforgettable experience that showcases the rich marine biodiversity of this unique paradise. |
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After your day of exploration, unwind in the sophisticated Living Room, the ideal retreat for enjoying the tranquil sea with your fellow cruisers ahead of sitting down to dinner. |
Activities: Hiking This morning, journey to the lush highlands of the Galapagos, either from Baltra or Puerto Ayora, where a bus ride takes you through scenic reserves to spot the majestic Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Witness these gentle giants, which can weigh over 600 pounds, as they graze and bask in freshwater ponds. The highlands also host a variety of rare bird species, including finches and flycatchers, and you may explore an ancient lava tunnel formed by volcanic activity. Come afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Station, a vital conservation hub dedicated to protecting the islands’ unique biodiversity. Discover ongoing projects aimed at preserving native species and eliminating invasive threats, with a highlight being the successful captive breeding of giant tortoises. Stroll through the beautiful native forest, home to giant cacti and endemic birds like Darwin finches and mockingbirds, immersing yourself in the efforts to safeguard this extraordinary environment. |
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Return to the EcoGalaxy and unwind in the Solarium, a serene haven of 360° views where you can sink into plush loungers before another delectable dining affair. |
Activities: Hiking, Snorkel, Panga Ride Start your adventure at Punta Cormorant, a lush coastal paradise on Floreana Island. Marvel at the vibrant lagoon home to American flamingoes, pintails, and shorebirds. Stroll along the pristine white sand beach, a crucial nesting site for green sea turtles, and spot rays and reef sharks in the crystal-clear waters. Keep an eye out for blue-footed boobies and endemic plants along the scenic trail. Dive into one of the archipelago’s top snorkeling spots, Devil’s Crown, where the currents attract a dazzling array of marine life, including snapper, parrotfish, reef sharks, sea turtles, and rays. Continue to historic Post Office Bay, once a refuge for whalers. Discover the intriguing story of the barrel used for messages for over 200 years, and participate in this unique tradition by sending postcards from the Galapagos. Enjoy a beautiful beach, explore a lava tunnel, and embark on a dinghy tour to see sea lions, turtles, shorebirds, and, with a bit of luck, the elusive Galapagos penguin. Venture on another snorkeling delight. Plunge into the crystal-clear waters right from the beach, where a vibrant underwater world awaits! Swim alongside majestic sea turtles, graceful rays, and a kaleidoscope of colorful fish. If luck is on your side, you might even spot the elusive Galapagos penguin playfully gliding through the waves, adding an unforgettable thrill to your snorkeling adventure! |
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Take in the excitement of the day and relax onboard by the bar before dinner. |
Activities: Hiking, Snorkel, Panga Ride, Paddle Board, Kayak This morning adventure awaits at Suarez Point. Embark on an unforgettable nature walk along a rocky trail teeming with wildlife in the Galapagos. From the moment you arrive, you'll be greeted by playful sea lions and marine iguanas, followed by vibrant colonies of sea birds, including Nazca and blue-footed boobies. At the trail’s end, marvel at the waved albatross, the islands' largest bird, known for its impressive flight and unique courtship rituals—this is the only place to see them up close! Come afternoon, relax on the stunning coral-sand beach of Gardner Bay, where the azure waters create a tropical paradise filled with basking sea lions. Stroll along the shore to discover the fascinating biology of local wildlife, including the Española mockingbird and Galapagos hawks. Dive into one of the top snorkeling spots, where you can swim alongside playful sea lions, reef sharks, rays, and an array of colorful fish, making for an exhilarating underwater adventure! |
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Back onboard, relax at the bar and soak in the vibrant atmosphere, mingling with fellow travelers as you savour your favorite drink, setting the perfect tone for another delightful dinner. |
Activities: Hiking This morning you’ll visit the Interpretation Center, nestled on the fringes of Puerto Baquerizo, unveiling the rich tapestry of human history in the Galapagos. Explore captivating exhibits that chronicle the journey from early Spanish explorers to iconic figures like Charles Darwin. Discover the challenges faced by the first settlers as they navigated the formidable landscapes of this unique archipelago, illuminating their struggles for survival in one of the world's most extraordinary environments. As your Galápagos adventure wraps up, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight. Treasure these unforgettable memories as you say farewell to this extraordinary ecological paradise. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation, |
Accommodation
More Info
-The departure point is Santa Cruz
-The finish point is San Cristobal
-Commercial flights provide convenient access to Santa Cruz. The closest airport to Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos is Seymour Airport (GPS) on Baltra Island. From Seymour Airport, travelers can reach Santa Cruz via a short bus and ferry ride, followed by a taxi or bus transfer to Puerto Ayora, the main town on Santa Cruz Island.
The Galapagos islands are noted as a year-round destination although have two season, dry season and wet season. From June to December the winds and current bring in the cooler waters and creates a misty atmosphere which is the period known as dry season. During this time, you can expect average temperatures of 25.7°C and water temperature of around 22.8 °C whilst in the warmer months of December to May, you will see the temperature raise to an average of 29°C whilst the water sits at an average of 25.5°C. During the warmer months, due to precipitation levels, you are more likely to experience rain.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. The tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.