Family Cruise in the Galapagos Islands

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS | BALTRA & THE HIGHLANDS

AM: BALTRA AIRPORT

You will arrive at Baltra Airport, one of the main gateways to the Galápagos Islands archipelago.

Upon arrival, you will be met by your expert naturalist guide from the Galápagos National Park, who will assist you throughout the beginning of your experience on the islands.

PM: UPPER HIGHLANDS

From Baltra or Puerto Ayora, a ground transfer will take you to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz, where the landscape changes completely to rainforests, native vegetation, and green hills.

In this exceptional natural setting, you’ll have the opportunity to observe Galápagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat, grazing freely or resting in freshwater pools. These iconic animals can weigh over 300 kg and are one of the archipelago’s most important symbols.

The experience continues with the observation of a wide variety of endemic birds, including Darwin’s finches (tree, woodpecker, and vegetarian), flycatchers, and various aquatic species that are rarely seen in coastal areas.

Depending on the itinerary, you’ll also have the chance to explore an impressive lava tube—a geological formation created by ancient volcanic eruptions that reveals the natural history of the islands’ origins.

Highlights: Galápagos giant tortoises, Darwin’s finches, barn owls, white-cheeked ducks, Galápagos flycatchers, and lava tunnels. An experience that combines wildlife, volcanic geology, and nature in its purest form in one of the most extraordinary destinations on the planet.

FLOREANA ISLAND | PUNTA CORMORÁN & CORREOS BAY

AM: PUNTA DEL CORMORÁN / CORONA DEL DIABLO

At the northern tip of Floreana Island lies Punta Cormorán, a natural setting of exceptional beauty where nature reveals itself in its purest and most elegant form. The visit begins with a coastal lagoon of soft hues, home to American flamingos and shorebirds that move in perfect harmony within a quiet and secluded setting. Along the white-sand beach—one of the archipelago’s most pristine areas—you can spot green sea turtles, stingrays, and reef sharks in crystal-clear waters.

In this privileged setting, blue-footed boobies have begun nesting near the trail, offering an intimate and unique experience for observing wildlife in its natural habitat. The endemic vegetation complements the landscape with a wild and authentic aesthetic.

Snorkeling: You’ll go snorkeling at Corona del Diablo, a small, heavily eroded volcano off the coast of Floreana Island. This is considered by many to be one of the best snorkeling sites in the entire archipelago, as plankton currently flows through the crown in a funnel-like pattern, attracting large schools of snapper, parrotfish, creole fish, angelfish, reef sharks, sea turtles, rays, and a phenomenal abundance of marine life.

Highlights: American flamingo, blue-footed booby, frigatebirds, tropical birds, Galápagos shearwaters, sea lions, sea turtle nesting site, finches, shorebirds, coral sand beach.

PM: CORREOS BAY

On the historic island of Floreana, you’ll arrive at Correos Bay, a place steeped in maritime history and natural charm.

This iconic spot was used for centuries by whalers and sailors who anchored here to restock supplies and drop off mail in the traditional mail barrel—a practice that remains alive today as part of the Galápagos’ spirit of adventure. Today, the bay offers a serene setting with a small beach of soft sand and calm waters, ideal for light walks, panga excursions, and moments of complete relaxation. In the surrounding area, you can spot sea lions, sea turtles, tropical fish, and, with a little luck, Galápagos penguins.

Snorkeling: You can snorkel right from the beach, where you’ll see many sea turtles, stingrays, a wide variety of fish, and—if you’re very lucky—Galápagos penguins.

AM: PUNTO SUAREZ

On the remote island of Isla Española lies Punta Suárez, one of the most exclusive and spectacular trails in the archipelago, where nature is at its finest.

From the moment you disembark, the surroundings amaze with their abundant wildlife: sea lions resting on volcanic rocks, vividly colored marine iguanas, and colonies of seabirds that dominate the landscape. Along the trail, you’ll spot Nazca boobies and blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and bifurcated-tailed gulls in full flight over the cliffs.

The highlight is the Galápagos albatross colony (April through January), one of the most exclusive experiences of the trip. This species, endemic to Española, offers a unique spectacle of courtship and takeoffs on air currents over the open ocean.

Highlights: Sea lions, Galápagos albatrosses, Galápagos hawks, Española mockingbirds, Darwin’s finches, marine iguanas, Nazca and blue-footed boobies, red-billed tropical birds, fork-tailed gulls, herons, lava lizards, and egrets.

AM: GARDNER BAY

Gardner Bay is one of the most elegant and photogenic beaches in the entire archipelago. Its white coral sand and turquoise waters create a perfect contrast with the relaxed presence of sea lions resting on the shore.

During a walk along the beach, you can observe the island’s endemic wildlife up close, including marine iguanas and birds such as the Española mockingbird. The atmosphere is serene, ideal for total relaxation in an unspoiled natural setting.

Snorkeling: Gardner Bay offers several magnificent spots for snorkeling. It’s a fantastic place to swim with sea lions, reef sharks, rays, and many species of fish, including angelfish, parrotfish, damselfish, surgeonfish, and many others.

Highlights: Coral sand beach, sea lions, Galápagos hawks, Española mockingbirds, Darwin’s finches, marine iguanas.

AM: INTERPRETIVE CENTER / SLEEPING LION

On San Cristóbal Island, the day will begin with a visit to the San Cristóbal Interpretive Center, a modern facility that explores the natural and human history of the archipelago, from the first explorers to current conservation efforts.

Highlights: Endemic plants, human history exhibit

Next, enjoy a scenic boat ride to Kicker Rock, an imposing volcanic formation that rises from the ocean like a natural fortress. Its vertical cliffs are home to seabirds and offer one of the most breathtaking views of the Pacific, perfect for photography and observation from the boat.

PM: WOLF ISLAND

Isla del Lobos is a small islet separated from San Cristóbal by a narrow channel, forming a sheltered bay where sea lion pups play in the tide pools. Despite its small size, the island is surprisingly teeming with wildlife, especially “sea lions.” Groups of sea lions will welcome you at the landing site, but as you walk a few steps further, male frigatebirds displaying their inflated red sacs will perch in the bushes and trees. A small colony of blue-footed boobies, which often nest right on the trail, will give you the chance to observe their famous courtship dance.

Snorkeling: This is an ideal spot for snorkeling, as the waters are usually calm and sea lions often play with snorkelers to show off their swimming skills. Sea turtles and rays are often seen resting on the sandy seabed.

Highlights: Galápagos sea lions, marine iguanas, magnificent and great frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, San Cristóbal lava lizards.

AM: BACHAS

At Bachas Beach, you’ll discover one of the most elegant and peaceful beaches in northern Santa Cruz, known for its white sand and turquoise waters.

The name “Bachas” comes from the remains of old American barges from World War II, traces of which can still be partially seen when the tide permits, adding a unique historical touch to the landscape.

From November through May, this enclave becomes an important nesting site for sea turtles, offering an exceptional natural experience in a virtually untouched environment. The nearby lagoons are often home to flamingos and waterfowl, which complete a scene of great beauty.

Highlights: American flamingos, white-cheeked storm petrels, sandpipers, lava gulls, and blue-footed boobies.