Galapagos Cruise - Mary Anne

The Galapagos Islands are considered one of the most spectacular and pristine National Parks in the world. Visitors delight in the abundant, unusual, and surprisingly approachable wildlife--from Galapagos giant tortoises to playful sea lions to the fascinating Blue-footed Boobies.

This trip may be booked as a package, as seen below, or cruise only starting on Day 3 and ending on Day 10.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Quito

Deluxe Hotel or Premium Upgrade Hotel
Arrive in Quito, Ecuador and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Quito.

Day 2: Quito

Deluxe Hotel or Premium Upgrade Hotel
Today is at your leisure. A variety of day tours are available for purchase. Overnight in Quito.

Day 3: Baltra Island / Embark / South Plaza Island - Cruise Only Starts

Depart Quito or Guayaquil this morning for your flight to Baltra. Upon arrival, you are transferred to the Mary Anne. Then travel to South Plaza Island, one of the smallest islands in the Galapagos. Famous for its extraordinary flora, explore the island's wildlife among the Opuntia cacti and vegetation that changes color according to the season of the year. Colonies of sea lions reign here, along with the yellow land iguana and a multitude of tropic birds.

Day 4: Española Island

This morning, explore Gardner Bay on Española Island where you snorkel and take a panga ride. This afternoon, visit Punta Suárez and look for large colonies of blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, albatrosses, and swallow-tailed gulls.

Day 5: Santa Cruz Island

Venture to the El Chato area in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Here you may observe giant tortoises or find short-eared owls, Galapagos rails, yellow warblers, white-cheeked pintails, and the bright red male vermilion flycatcher. In the afternoon, stop in Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Center, where scientists, park rangers and park managers work to preserve and protect the Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Station is also home to a tortoise breeding and rearing center.

Day 6: North Seymour Island / Sombrero Chino Island

Visit North Seymour Island where you observe sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and magnificent frigate birds. Later, visit the volcano island of Sombrero Chino, whose name (Chinese Hat) reflects its shape. This small island has little vegetation, but is instead covered in lava rock and tubes and is home to marine iguanas, lava lizards, and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Lucky visitors will be able to see Galapagos penguins!

Day 7: Isabela Island

Punta Tortuga Negra, on the west coast of Isabela Island at the base of Volcan Darwin, is a black sand beach surrounded by mangroves. Here you may spot mangrove finches found only on Isabela and Fernandina Islands. Later this morning, snorkel at Tagus Cove, once a favorite anchorage for whalers and pirates. Here you have a chance to see Galapagos penguins. This afternoon, travel Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island. Expect to see large colonies of marine iguanas, flightless cormorants nesting, penguins, and baby sea lions.

Day 8: Santiago Island / Rabida Island

Visit Puerto Egas on Santiago Island and take a coastal walk exploring the variety of marine tidal life or swim and snorkel. Later, disembark at Rabida Island, a small island with a great variety of rock and lava types. Hidden behind a strip of green saltbush, close to the beach, is a salt pond where Greater Flamingos can be seen. From June to November, a large colony of pelicans nests nearby. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach due to the unique combination of underwater species and submarine landscapes.

Day 9: Santiago Island / Bartolome Island

This morning explore Sullivan Bay on the east coast of Santiago. Last erupting only 100 years ago, the Sullivan Bay lava field is an array of different patterns and textures. The Hawaiians call this type of lava pahoehoe, or ropy lava because of its resemblance to rope. This afternoon, visit Bartholome and hike to get a panoramic viewpoint of Pinnacle Rock. Later, you may swim and snorkel along its shores.

Day 10: Baltra Island / Disembark / Quito - Cruise Only Ends

Deluxe Hotel or Premium Upgrade Hotel
Disembark at Baltra Island and transfer by bus to the airport for your flight back to the mainland. This afternoon is at your leisure. Overnight in Quito.

Day 11: Quito / Home

This morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.