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4-Day Galápagos Cruise: Santa Fe, South Plaza, and Seymour Island—Home to Unique Wildlife and Volcanic Landscapes

Main characteristics
Type of boat: motor catamaran
Number of cabins: 8
Maximum capacity: 16 travelers
Crew members: 9

Cabins

Double Cabin
Capacity: 2 Beds maximum
Charming and comfortable, the cabins measure approximately 10 m². They are equipped with two large windows overlooking the ocean, providing plenty of natural light and a constant view of the sea. Four cabins have twin beds, two are flexible twin/double, and two have double beds — ideal for couples.
Each cabin features a private bathroom (hot water shower and toilet), air conditioning, storage spaces (closet, bedside table), towels, and uses... see+ biodegradable products. The whole offers privacy, comfort, and direct connection with the marine environment, while maintaining the standards of an upper mid-range catamaran. 
NB: The photos, information and visuals presented are not contractually binding. The indicated itinerary and program may be modified without prior notice, depending on the weather conditions or for technical reasons (decision of the captain). Sailing times may vary depending on sea and weather conditions.

Sailing itineraries

San Cristóbal
Upon arrival at the San Cristobal airport, you will pass through a point to prevent the... see+ introduction of non-native plants or animals onto the islands. You will also need to pay the park entrance fee (200 USD, unless already paid). A guide will greet you, help you retrieve your luggage, and accompany you by bus to the port.

In the afternoon, head to the interpretation center, located just on the outskirts of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital, which offers a perfect introduction to this unique archipelago. Its engaging exhibition is very comprehensive and provides a clear overview, helping you discover what makes this archipelago so special. Information panels (in English and Spanish), photos, documents, models, and realistic dioramas tell various stories related to the islands’ history and conservation in different ways. A short but often hot trail, which is uphill and includes steps, leads from the Interpretation Center to the top of Frigatebird Hill. Four panoramic viewpoints offer a bird’s-eye view of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, as well as the bays on either side of the headland. On a clear day, you can even spot the Kicker Rock sculpture in the open sea! These wooded peaks are among the few places where magnificent frigates form a mixed breeding colony. One viewpoint, where another statue of Charles Darwin stands, serves as a reminder that the HMS Beagle once anchored in the exotic bay below. 
Included activities: Visit to the Interpretation Center of San Cristóbal Island, see+
Accommodation: Night on board
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
San Cristóbal Santa Fe South Plaza
Located in the southeastern part of the Galápagos, this island was formed by tectonic uplift... see+ rather than volcanic activity, which explains its largely flat terrain. Some theories suggest that it may be the oldest island in the archipelago. Santa Fe is home to several endemic species, such as the Galápagos hawk, the Galápagos snake, the Galápagos mockingbird, rice field rats, and one of the two species of land iguanas found on the islands. After disembarking in these magnificent, crystal-clear waters, you’ll encounter one of the many sea lion colonies. Along the trail, you can see numerous glasswort bushes as well as giant prickly pear cacti; gigantism is, in fact, a characteristic of oceanic islands.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to South Plaza, located east of Santa Cruz Island and part of an archipelago known as the “Islas Plazas.” Despite its small size, it is home to some of the most interesting and remarkable species in the Galápagos. The land iguanas of the Plazas are smaller than their cousins on the other islands. There are several hybrid iguanas on the island, resulting from the crossbreeding of a marine iguana and a land iguana. They are unique and instantly recognizable by their black-gray coloration, with the crest of a land iguana but the face and tail of a marine iguana. The large iguana population is due to the presence of prickly pear cacti, their favorite food. Fork-tailed gulls can be seen nesting in the steep cliffs, along with other seabirds such as Audubon’s puffins, red-billed tropicbirds, frigatebirds, and brown pelicans. 
Included activities: Visit to South Plaza, Swimming and snorkeling, see+
Accommodation: Night on board
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
South Plaza North Seymour Island Sombrero Chino
Seymour is an uplift island (as opposed to a volcanic island); it is therefore generally flat and... see+ dotted with rocks. It offers good nesting sites for a large population of magnificent frigatebirds. Blue-footed boobies perform their courtship dance in the most open areas, and fork-tailed gulls perch along the cliffs. Despite the impressive waves that can crash against the outer coastline, sea lions hoist themselves onto the beach, where they can be seen riding the waves.

Sombrero Chino is a 52 m / 170 ft high volcanic cone, forming another islet in the open sea, just off the rocky coast of Santiago, where a small colony of Galápagos penguins has settled. As you approach Sombrero Chino from the north, you’ll understand the meaning of its name. It’s an ideal place to learn more about volcanoes, lava bombs, and lava tubes. You’ll arrive just in time to observe how this arid islet is being colonized by pioneer species that have begun to grow! The magnificent white coral-sand beaches and the cavities carved into the eroding lava fields are filling with lava sand, allowing plants to take root. Galápagos sea lions and countless marine iguanas help fertilize the soil, creating favorable conditions for new species such as the saltbush and the sesuvium carpet. 
Included activities: Kayaking, A Walk in Sombrero Chino, see+
Accommodation: Night on board
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Sombrero Chino Santa Cruz
The natural Scalesia forest in the El Chato Turtle Reserve is the ideal place to observe Galápagos... see+ giant tortoises in their most authentic habitat! Although the breeding centers are interesting—and you’re guaranteed to find tortoises in their enclosures—nothing beats the pleasure of observing them in their natural habitat. Even though the terrain can be quite wet and muddy, your visit might just turn into a real adventure once they silently emerge from their favorite pond. The twin craters are located on either side of the road leading to Puerto Ayora. These impressive formations aren’t actually volcanic craters; they were formed by magma domes that solidified on the outside while lava continued to flow inside, leaving huge empty magma chambers that eventually collapsed, creating two large holes. The craters are nestled in the heart of a lush cloud forest of Scalesia, a high-altitude plant species endemic to the Galápagos. This region is also home to the carpenter finch, which uses tools to forage for food. You may also have the chance to spot the vermilion flycatcher, a small bird with a rust-colored breast. Afterward, accompanied by the naturalist guide and some crew members, you’ll be taken to the airport for your flight to Quito or Guayaquil. It has been a pleasure to accompany you on this unique journey, and we hope to see you again very soon! 
Included activities: Tortoise Breeding Centre, see+
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Included

The price includes
Qualified guide during excursions
Water sports on board: snorkeling equipment and sea kayak
Unlimited water, tea and coffee on board
Tips
Airport / yacht / airport transfers (only guaranteed if passengers arrive at the scheduled meeting point, date, and time)
The activities included in the program
Meals included in the program
The price does not include
Round-trip flight to the Galapagos Islands from mainland Ecuador, starting at : 470 $ / person
Alcoholic beverages
All non-alcoholic beverages, except those mentioned
Wetsuit rental : 50 € / person
Meals not included in the program
Travel insurance - Compulsory
Entry to the Galapagos Islands National Park - Compulsory : 200$ / person
Transit Control Card fee - Compulsory : 20$ / person
Filovent cancellation insurance see+
Filovent comprehensive insurance see+
Further information
The yellow fever vaccination certificate must have been administered at least 10 days prior to arrival in Ecuador if you have spent more than 10 days in Peru, Colombia, Bolivia or Brazil during the previous 10 days
Optional services
Flights not included in the program are available on request

Activities

Visit to the Interpretation Center of San Cristóbal Island
Included
Visit to South Plaza
Included
Swimming and snorkeling
Included
Walk on the beaches of Santa Fe
Included
Kayaking
Included
A Walk in Sombrero Chino
Included
Hike on North Seymour Island
Included
Tortoise Breeding Centre
Included

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