Galapagos Islands Cruise

*Please note that the following information is meant to provide a general overview of your tour. The specifics of your trip will be contained in a pre-trip letter you will receive prior to your confirmed departure.

Important Trip Details:

MEETING PLACE:  San Cristobal Airport
ARRIVAL TIME: Before Lunch
TRIP LENGTH: 8 days
AGE LIMIT: 10 years
BOAT TYPE: The Elite Catameran 
 

Galapagos Islands Cruise Itinerary A

Day 1 - Saturday:

Fly into San Cristobal Airport where you will be met by one of our reps and transferred to the Elite. After lunch onboard, we’ll spend the afternoon exploring El Junco Lagoon, a spectacular crater lake in the highlands of San Cristobal. A rocky trail fringed by lush vegetation leads to the crater rim, from where there are sweeping views across the island. If you’re lucky, you may even see frigate birds diving for food in the surrounding waters. 

• Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 - Sunday:

After breakfast, we’ll visit a small island named in honor of Lord Hugh Seymour, who served as a senior officer in the British Royal Navy. A short walk through native vegetation allows you to view a diversity of birds, including swallow-tailed gulls, blue-footed boobies, and frigate birds. If you’re lucky, you may even see male frigates inflating their bright red chest pouches to attract females. 

In the afternoon, we will head to Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island, which is famed for its thriving population of Galapagos land iguanas. As we walk along the rocky coastline and through the forest of Palo Santo trees, keep your eyes peeled for these unique creatures. The adjacent coral reef attracts a diversity of colorful fish, making it a great spot for snorkeling. 

• Accommodations: Elite Catamaran
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - Monday:

Today begins with an exploration of Las Tintoreras, a chain of islets strung off Isabela Island. They are renowned for their dark lava formations, which are best explored by dinghy, kayak, or paddleboard. Under the water’s surface, you can often see turtles, penguins, and sea lions playing, as well as friendly Galapagos sharks. 

Afterward, we’ll visit one of the most active volcanoes in the archipelago, the Sierra Negra, which boasts the second-largest caldera in the world. Our hike takes us through forests of guava trees while offering magnificent panoramas of the island’s other volcanoes. 

Our destination this afternoon is the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center, which is home to two different species of Galapagos giant tortoises. As you stroll through the native gardens, learn about the important role the center is playing in the conservation of the archipelago’s wildlife. We’ll then continue to the lagoons, swamps, and mangrove-fringed wetlands on the outskirts of Puerto Villamil, which provide a habitat for migratory stilts and flamingos.

• Accommodations: Elite Catamaran
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Tuesday:

We’ll begin today on the west coast of Isabela Island at Moreno Point, which harbors green lagoons and mangrove forests amidst its seemingly barren lava terrain. It’s a wonderful place to see Galapagos penguins in their natural habitat, as well as blue herons and flamingos. There will be the option to take a dinghy ride along the rocky coastline or go snorkeling to observe green sea turtles and white-tip sharks. 

Spend the afternoon exploring Urbina Bay, which nestles at the base of the Alcedo Volcano. Following a major volcanic uplift event in 1954, a large area of coral reef emerged from the ocean. A walk along this newly formed shore offers a fascinating insight into the corals and marine life that were so recently hidden below the water’s surface. Along the way, you may spot land iguanas and giant tortoises, as well as flightless cormorants and Galapagos hawks. There will also be time for an optional snorkeling excursion. 

• Accommodations: Elite Catamaran
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Wednesday:

Start the day with a visit to the youngest island in the Galapagos, Fernandina, and, more specifically, Espinosa Point. It’s an area of exceptional natural beauty and a popular spot for snorkeling to see marine iguanas feeding underwater. On the surrounding rocks, it’s possible to spot sally lightfoot crabs and marine iguanas basking in the sunshine, as well as get up close to lava cacti. 

After lunch, we’ll continue to Vicente Roca Point, which is located on the northwest coast of Isabela Island. Its twin coves provide important nesting sites for a variety of bird species, including blue-footed and Nazca boobies, storm petrels, and brown noddy terns. The cooler waters in this area bring an abundance of food for large ocean mammals, such as whales, dolphins, and sea lions. 

• Accommodations: Elite Catamaran
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Thursday: 

This morning will be spent exploring Rabida Island, which is renowned for its dark red sand beach, dramatic cliffs, and cacti-studded volcanic hills. On a dinghy ride along its coastline, you may be able to spot blue-footed and Nazca boobies while mockingbirds, yellow warblers, and pelicans can be seen inland. Rabida is also the only site in the Galapagos where all nine Darwin’s finches are found. A boisterous colony of sea lions inhabit the beach while the underwater life includes rays and sharks. 

In the afternoon, we’ll continue to Bartolome Island, which lies within Sullivan Bay. A walking trail leads to the summit of the island, from where you can enjoy stunning views of Pinnacle Rock and its surrounding lava flows. One of the nearby beaches provides an important nesting site for green turtles, with spotted eagle rays and reef sharks often seen during snorkeling excursions. 

• Accommodations: Elite Catamaran
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Friday:

After breakfast, we’ll visit an iconic landmark of the Galapagos Islands, Kicker Rock, which was eroded from the cone of an extinct volcano. Aside from being a spectacular sight, it provides a habitat for blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and sea lions, which can be observed perched on the ledges as we circumnavigate the rock formation. 

Our next stop is Witch Hill on San Cristobal Island, which offers superb views of Kicker Rock. At the base of its eroded tuff cone is an idyllic white sandy beach and calm waters that are perfect for snorkeling. You can stroll along the beach and explore the inland trails to spot a variety of shore birds, finches, and mockingbirds. 

In the afternoon, we will embark on our longest hike of the trip to visit a giant tortoise reserve on San Cristobal Island. Here, you can watch these magnificent creatures ambling in their natural habitat, alongside other endemic species that include lava lizards and mockingbirds. There will also be another opportunity to go snorkeling and visit a sea turtle nesting site. 

• Accommodations: Elite Catamaran
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Saturday:

Begin your final day in the Galapagos Islands with a visit to the San Cristobal Interpretation Center, which offers an insight into the natural and human history of the islands. It’s also a great place to learn about the conservation work being conducted to ensure the future survival of the archipelago’s wildlife. Several trails lead from the center and offer magnificent views of the volcanic coastline below. 

It’s then time to head to San Cristobal Airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador. 

• Meals included: Breakfast
   

Galapagos Islands Cruise Itinerary B

Day 1 - Saturday:

Fly into San Cristobal Airport where you will be met by one of our reps and transferred to the Elite. After lunch onboard, we’ll spend the afternoon exploring the David Rodriguez Breeding Center where you can get up close to Galapagos giant tortoises of all ages. While wandering between its natural-inspired enclosures, learn about the vital work the center is doing to ensure the future survival of these creatures.

• Accommodations: Elite Catamaran
• Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 - Sunday: 

After breakfast, we’ll visit Suarez Point on Española Island to observe a large colony of Nazca and blue-footed boobies. A circular walking trail meanders past the nesting sites where mockingbirds and marine iguanas can also be seen. A highlight of visiting Española is watching waved albatross launching themselves off the cliffs and seeing water being shot 25 meters into the air from the island’s blowholes.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the pristine sands of Gardner Bay, which is renowned for its resident sea lions. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to go kayaking or paddle boarding, as well as observe the waved albatrosses that use the beach as a breeding ground. Snorkeling is also an option around Gardner and Osborn islets where you’ll find colorful corals, tropical fish, and playful young sea lions.

• Accommodations: Elite Catamaran
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - Monday:

Today begins with an excursion to Cormorant Point, which is notable for its two contrasting beaches. On one side is olive-green sand (resulting from a high concentration of olivine crystals) while the other is pure white as a result of pulverized coral. A highlight of any visit is observing the large population of Galapagos flamingos that feed in the saltwater pond. Stilts, white-cheeked pintails, and large-billed flycatchers can also be seen here.

Afterward, we will continue by dingy to Devil’s Crown to explore this submerged volcanic crater. It provides a habitat for a diversity of corals and marine species, making it one of the Galapagos Island’s top snorkeling spots.

Our destination this afternoon is Post Office Bay, named after the barrel left here by British whalers in the 18th century as a makeshift post office. The nearby beach offers excellent snorkeling and kayaking, as well as the opportunity to walk through a lava tube. A dinghy ride will take us to Baroness’ Lookout, which is named after an Australian woman who mysteriously disappeared while visiting the island in the 1930s. From the lookout, there are sweeping views across the surrounding coastline.

• Accommodations: Elite Catamaran
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Tuesday: 

We’ll begin today at Mosquera Islet, which lies between Baltra and North Seymour. Here, you are likely to encounter a large number of sea lions and a diversity of shorebirds, as well as colorful sally lightfoot crabs. Snorkelers can discover the surrounding coral reef, which is frequented by sharks, rays, and turtles.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the beautiful white sands of Bachas Beach, which is named after the rusted barge that was left here by the Americans during World War I. It’s now a popular sea turtle nesting site and these endearing creatures can be observed while snorkeling just offshore. Sally lightfoot and hermit crabs are also abundant on the rocky shores while pink flamingos feed in the adjacent lagoon.

• Accommodations: Elite Catamaran
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Wednesday:

Start the day with a visit to El Barranco (also known as Prince Philip’s Steps), a rocky stairway that passes by a colony of Nazca and red-footed boobies. Once we reach its lava plateau, we’ll continue walking through a Palo Santo forest and watch as storm petrels launch themselves into flight. At the base of the cliffs, a dinghy ride offers the chance to see Galapagos fur seals, which are one of the archipelago’s more elusive creatures.

After lunch, we’ll continue to Darwin Bay and go snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding in its protected waters. Hammerhead sharks, rays, and tropical reef fish all find a sanctuary here while the tidal lagoon and fringing mangrove forest provide a habitat for birdlife. In addition to Nazca and red-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls are often spotted. If you’re feeling energetic, you can follow the inland trail that leads to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking Darwin Bay.

• Accommodations: Elite Catamaran
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Thursday:

This morning will be spent exploring Espumilla Beach on the north coast of Santiago Island, which is perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. It is named after the meringue-like foam that can often be seen along its white sands and is a great spot to watch hawks and herons hunting for sally lightfoot crabs.

At Buccaneer Cove, you can learn about the sailors and whalers who once anchored here, as well as its importance as a sea turtle nesting site. A dinghy ride along the shore offers up-close views of the surrounding rock formations, which provide nesting ledges for boobies, pelicans, and gulls.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit Egas Port, a black sand beach that was once the site of a salt mine. Embark on a short walk past its tidal pools and volcanic grottos where fur seals can often be seen, alongside marine iguanas and sally lightfoot crabs. Snorkeling is also possible here and it’s a wonderful site for observing shorebirds.

• Accommodations: Elite Catamaran
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Friday:

After breakfast, we’ll visit Black Turtle Cove on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. It is notable for its mangrove forest comprising three different species, which together provide an important habitat for marine life. During a dinghy ride, you are likely to see spotted eagle and mustard rays, white-tipped reef sharks, and green sea turtles as they come to the surface for air. Black Turtle Cove also provides an important feeding ground for pelicons, herons, and egrets.

In the afternoon, we’ll head into the highlands of Santa Cruz to observe Galapagos giant tortoises in the wild, alongside Darwin’s finches. Then continue to the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the vital work being carried out to preserve the archipelago’s natural ecosystems. It’s also renowned for its giant tortoise breeding program and a great place for close-up photographs.

• Accommodations: Elite Catamaran
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Saturday:

Begin your final day in the Galapagos Islands with a dinghy ride to Lobos Island, which is named after the sea lions that reside here. Take the opportunity to snorkel with these inquisitive creatures (together with green sea turtles and rays) or follow the inland trail that leads to a blue-footed booby and frigatebird nesting site.

It’s then time to head to San Cristobal Airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.

• Meals Included: Breakfast

Galapagos Travel Arrangements

While in Quito, Guayaquil, or any other city on the Ecuadorian mainland, a local guide will assist with airport transfers, check-ins, and accompany you on any local excursions you’ve arranged. A gratuity of US$ 10 per person, per day is recommended.

We highly recommend to arrange international flights at least one day before and one day after your Galapagos cruise. Please ensure that the names on your cruise confirmation match exactly with those in your passport to avoid any fines on the day of your flight.

Galapagos Weather

The Galápagos has two main seasons: the cool and dry season that lasts from July through December and the hot and rainy season that goes from January through June. The weather remains relatively temperate throughout both seasons and so it’s always a good time to visit the Galapagos Islands.

The “peak season” for tourism is usually attributed as lasting from mid-December through mid-January and mid-June through September. However, since the Galápagos National Park Service has various travel restrictions, you will never have to deal with hordes of tourists and can instead enjoy the natural serenity of the islands in relative solitude.

When To Go?

Galapagos Dry Season

The dry season in Galápagos is known as the garúa season, and this is when temperatures begin to drop.

• As cold waters travel north from the Antarctica region, the climate becomes more subtropical than tropical.
• One of the most visible effects of the subtropical climate is the misty rain that coats the island peaks and turns the vegetation green. As garúa translates to “drizzle” in English, it’s a fitting name for the misty season.
• The garúa season attracts more marine mammals, fish, and birds despite the colder waters because the Humboldt Current brings up nutrient and plankton rich water.
• The drizzle largely effects the highlands while the lowlands continue to have an arid climate, and there’s plenty of wildlife to observe in both.
• The sea is swarming with fishes, and so it’s one of the best times to observe seabirds and Galápagos penguins who are enjoying the feast swimming below the surface.

Galapagos Rainy Season

The rainy season extends from January through June, and the water and weather is at its warmest during these months. Explore the shores of Galápagos during ideal tropical weather on our Galápagos Adventure.

• The tropical rain showers are at their heaviest January through March, but although the rainfall can be heavy the storms are generally short.
• The predominately sunny days paired with the warm waters coming down from Colombia and Panama make for great snorkeling weather.
• While the weather is at its clearest and the water at its smoothest from March to April, there are less fish to see in the warm waters; rather, more fish can be found later in the year.

Click Here to Access Our Helpful Weather and Wildlife Guide

Adventure Unbound Physical Requirements  

Here at  Adventure Unbound our first and foremost goal is for you to have an enjoyable and safe experience. While most of our trips are suitable for beginners, some of our trips are more active than others and it’s important that you understand the physical requirement of the trip you choose. 

All of our trips are active adventures that involve some level of physical exertion and possible exposure to the elements including but not limited to wind, rain, heat, sun, cold temperatures and cold water conditions. Adventure Unbound is able to accommodate people with physical limitations, disabilities and medical conditions; please speak with your Adventure Consultant if you think you will require any additional assistance while on the trip. We ask that you consult your doctor if you have health or medical conditions that could impact your ability to participate in an active and outdoor adventure. In general, all trip participants must be able to do the following:  

• Wear all protective and safety equipment that are required by Adventure Unbound and recommended/required by industry wide standards.
• Load and unload, on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion, the bus and/or van providing transportation for Adventure Unbound activities.
• Reach the water access points (put-in and take-out) on their own, or with the aid of a qualified companion.
• Enter and exit a raft, kayak and/or inflatable kayak on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion.
• Remain seated and balanced in a floating raft, canoe, kayak or inflatable kayak w/ the aid of adaptive equipment, if necessary.
• Float on their back when entering moving and still water. The participant must be capable of turning from face-down to face-up in the water with the aid of a Personal Floatation Device and must be able to hold their breath while under water.
• Remain calm and keep breathing under control in the event of a swim.
• Climb into the kayak, with the help of another person, should an involuntary swim happen at any point on the water.
• Make progress toward the shoreline or a boat by swimming in moving water and must be able to exit the water and ascend the shoreline once reached.
• Participate as an active paddler when instructed by the guide for the duration of trip. 
• Move about the campsite on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion on all trips that include overnight camping and/or lunch.

Physical Preparedness

Whether you are an avid sea kayaker, or it is your first time, you’ll enjoy these incredible trips, and share in our passion for adventure, commitment to conserving the environment, and relishing unique experiences. For those new to the sport, kayaking is easy to learn in the sheltered waters that we visit, and we provide all of the camping gear, kayaking equipment and guidance needed. In addition, we keep our groups small to allow you to not only travel intimately among nature, but to ensure you receive the necessary attention from our guides.

Packing Smart for Your Trip

Travel light! The less you pack, the happier you'll be. Dress is casual, and outdoor-friendly clothing is best. Pack essentials—including a change of clothes, rain gear, and TSA-approved travel-size toiletries—in your carry-on in case of delayed or lost luggage.

Below are packing recommendations and a checklist to help you prepare.

General Packing Tips

• Choose quick-dry fabrics. The hot, humid conditions at sea mean synthetic, moisture-wicking clothing is best. Cotton can stay damp.
• Carry essentials in your carry-on. Keep travel documents, money, medications, and other vital items with you.
• Leave valuables at home. If losing it would break your heart, don’t bring it.
• Lock your luggage securely. If you plan to use a lock, ensure it works properly.
• Hairdryers are available in all vessel suites.

Essential Gear

• Lightweight, breathable waterproof rain jacket with hood
• Warm fleece (for cooler nights on the boat and in Quito)
• Footwear:
  • Tennis shoes or lightweight hikers (for land excursions)
  • Water-resistant sport sandals (e.g., Tevas, Chacos) for wet landings—no flip-flops or bare feet due to sharp coral
  • Comfortable sandals for inside the yacht
• Small, water-resistant daypack (for camera gear and essentials during island walks)
• Sun hat with a secure strap (wind can blow it overboard)

Clothing

• Lightweight, comfortable pants
• Nylon, zip-off pants (for varying temperatures)
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Short-sleeved T-shirts (bring an extra for snorkeling if you sunburn easily)
• Shorts (fewer needed if bringing zip-offs)
• Swimsuits (for daily snorkeling)

Additional Gear

• Camera equipment
• Non-DEET insect repellent
• Sunglasses (UV filter, with a secure strap)
• Sunscreen & lip balm (must be reef-safe per Galápagos National Park regulations—avoid oxybenzone, octinoxate, etc.)
• Motion sickness medication (if needed)
• Small medical kit
• Prescription glasses/contact lenses
• Zip-lock bags (to protect electronics)
• Spanish/English dictionary
• Binoculars
• Extra SD cards (compatible with GoPro 4K)
• Earplugs (for light sleepers)
• Hand sanitizer/alcohol

Money Considerations

Bring cash or a credit card for:

• Souvenirs
• Extra drinks/bar tab
• Gratuities
• Personal spending
• Travel expenses before/after your trip (and extensions)

Adventure Unbound - Recommended Galapagos Reading List

Here are a number of books to consider
Our top two picks are

• The Reluctant Mr. Darwin: An Intimate Portrait of Charles Darwin and the Making of His Theory of Evolution (Great Discoveries) by David Quammen (Author) An engaging read that helps us understand the world at the time of Darwin and why he took so long to publish his theory of evolution
• Weiner, J. (1994). Beak of the finch: A story of evolution in our time. Vintage Books This chronicles the research done by two scientists who spent 20 years flushing out Darwin’s theory of evolution A compelling story that will surely help you appreciate the importance of the Galapagos Islands  

  ​​​​​​​

• Constant, P. (2007). Marine Life of the galápagos: A diver's guide to the fishes, whales, dolphins and marine invertebrates. Cordee
• Ferreiro, Larrie D. (2013). Measure of the Earth: The Enlightenment Expedition That Reshaped Our World. Basic Books A fun read filled with human drama and that expands our understanding of geography and how we understand our earth today
• Fitter, Julian, et al. (2016). Wildlife of Galápagos. Princeton University Press
• Grubb, K. G. (1930). Amazon and Andes. Mathuen & Co. Ltd. Written by a distant cousin of ROW Founder Peter Grubb, this is a light read of an adventure-focused missionary in the early 1900’s
• Harris, M. P. (1992). A field guide to the Birds of Galapagos. HarperCollins
• Hassaurek, F., & Gardiner, C. H. (1967). Four years among the Ecuadorians. Southern Illinois University Press
• Hickman, C. P. (1998). A field guide to sea stars and other echinoderms of galápagos. Sugar Spring Press
• Horwell, D., & Oxford, P. (2005). Galápagos wildlife: A visitor's guide. Bradt Travel Guides
• Hurtado, O. (1980). Political power in Ecuador. Routledge
• Jackson, M. H. (1993). Galapagos, a natural history. University of Calgary Press
• Kricher, J. C. (1999). A neotropical companion: An introduction to the animals, plants, and ecosystems of the New World Tropics. Princeton University Press
• McIntyre, L. (1988). The incredible Incas and their timeless land. Nactional Geographic Society
• Schofield, E. K. (1984). Plants of the Galápagos Islands: Field Guide and Travel Journal. Universe Books
• Treherne, J. E. (2011). The Galapagos Affair. Vintage Digital
• White, A., & Epler, B. (1986). Galapagos Guide
• Whymper, E. (1990). Travels amongst the Great Andes of the equator. Murray
• Wittmer, M., & Antonio, M. W. J. (2010). Floreana. Editorial Galápagos

Additional Galapagos Information

Galapagos Islands Weather Forecast - Check the local weather before you go. 

TripAdviser - Read reviews from past guests. 

Galapagos Unbound Website - Here you can find information on other Galapagos tours and mainland Ecuador extensions. 

Quito Tourism Guide - Learn more about the UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Please see our full Terms & Conditions HERE.