Galapagos liveaboard boat tour to the north and center archipelago


Are you looking to see some of the most beautiful natural sites the Archipelago offers? This is the trip for you. Discover the beauty of the Northern and Central Islands, starting in San Cristobal and ending at Santa Cruz. Enjoy quality service aboard your boat, and enjoy the comfortable cabins as you sail around the Enchanted Islands.
Day 1: San Cristobal Island: Kicker Rock

Fly to San Cristobal Island's Capital of Galapagos. Enjoy a tasty lunch aboard with the crew, meet the friendly crew, and settle into your cabin.

Kicker Rock

This striking rock formation, located just a few hours from San Cristobal's western shore, is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in the Galapagos. The rocks rise vertically hundreds of feet from the sea, separated by a narrow channel. You will be able to see amazing marine life such as sea turtles, tropical fish, and even sharks. You will be greeted by hundreds of seabirds on this rock formation.

Day 2: North Seymour Island & South Plaza Island

North Seymour Island

Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate birds are abundant on North Seymour Island. The island was formed by a series of submarine lava containing layers of sediment that were uplifted by tectonic activity. The island is characterized by its arid vegetation zone; you will enjoy dinghy ride and hiking on this beautiful island.

South Plaza Island

This small island with steep cliffs was formed by rising lava and is now covered by Opuntia cacti. It is also home to one of the largest sea lion colonies as well as colorful yellow and red land iguanas. During the rainy season its color is a greenish to yellowish tone and in the dry season (end of June through January) a bright red.
Day 3: Rabida Island & Bartolome Island

Rabida Island

Rabida Island (Jervis), one of the most beautiful and volcanically diverse islands in the archipelago, is a great snorkeling spot. The island is home to a beautiful maroon sandy beach with stunning views of breathtaking landscapes. It is home to nine species of Galapagos Hawks, nine types of finches, brown pelicans and large-billed flycatchers.

Bartolome Island

The island is home to the Pinnacle Rock. It is an extinct volcano that has a variety red, orange and black volcanic formations. The summit is reached via a series of steps known as Prince Philip's Steps. It boasts one of the most spectacular views in the world. This beach is ideal for snorkeling, and you may be able to spot the Galapagos penguin.

Day 4: Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay & Santa Cruz Island: Dragon Hill

Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay

On the southeast side of Santiago, you will find Sullivan Bay. Because of the lava flows, this area is very interesting. The lava flows have created small volcanoes that rise to the top of the mountain.

Santa Cruz Island: Dragon Hill

Dragon Hill, located in northern Santa Cruz Island, is a visitors' spot that consists of a 1,600m long trail that passes through three environments. It is very rugged. It's great for snorkeling at high tide. This is where you will find the typical intertidal and dry zones of vegetation.

Day 5: Santa Cruz Island: Highlands & Twin Craters

Highlands

The highlands of Santa Cruz can be reached by bus from Puerto Ayora. They are richly green and contrast well with the lower islands. Scalesia trees are the dominant vegetation in these highlands, creating a lush green forest. Walking through the underground lava tunnels that run over half a mile is an amazing, surreal experience. Here you can have lunch.

Twin Craters

Los Gemelos or the Twin Craters are located on opposite sides of the road from Puerto Ayora and Baltra. These formations are not real craters. They were formed by the collapse of material in fissures or underground chambers. It is stunning.

Day 6: Genovesa Island: El Barranco & Darwin Bay

El Barranco

El Barranco, also known as Prince Phillip's Steps, is steep and rocky. It leads to a high cliff-face, from which you can enjoy breathtaking views.

Darwin Bay

The white sand coral beach is the beginning of a half-mile trail that winds through mangroves full of land birds such as swallow-tailed and Nazca boobies. Further along the path, you will find tidal swimming pools where sea-lions playfully. The cliff at the end offers spectacular views. It is possible to spot hammerhead sharks while snorkeling.

Day 7: Santiago Island: Espumilla Beach, Buccaneer Cove & Egas Port

Espumilla Beach

This is a popular spot for Sally Lightfoot and marine iguanas. These crabs are attracted by hunting herons who perform the dance of prey and predator. The site is home to a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, moray eels and octopi. Buccaneer cove is another highlight of the island.

Buccaneer Cove

It is a testimony to the fact Santiago Island was once home to British buccaneers. The protected bay was used by the pirates to repair and stockpile tortoise meat, among other things. It is a stunning sight to see the steep cliffs where hundreds of seabirds perch on the red sand beach.

Egas Port

The site is also known as James Bay. It is home to the magnificent Galapagos Hawks and the sneaky Galapagos Lava Lizards. You will find beautiful tide pools and grottos filled with fauna along the trail. The Galapagos fur sea-lions can be seen basking in the sun. You can also snorkel here and have fun with playful sea-lions.

Day 8: Santa Cruz Island & Baltra Island: Bachas Beach & Transfer out

Las Bachas, a swimming beach is located on Santa Cruz's north shore. You can see a floating pier here, one of the few vestiges of U.S. World War II in the Galapagos. There are flamingos and Sally Lightfoot crabs as well as hermit crabs, black necked Stilts, and whimbrels. You may also see sea turtles nesting on the beach.

Continue on to Baltra Airport for your return flight to the Mainland.


Highlights

  • Enjoy the best Ecuadorian and International cuisine on board your 5 stars yacht
  • North Seymour Island, a paradise for birding: Frigate birds, blue footed boobies, sea lions and more
  • A marvelous site to see endemic land iguanas on their natural habitat, South Plaza
  • In the North, magic Genovesa to see Red-footed Boobies, Galapagos Hawks, snorkel and more
  • An ancient refugee for British vessels full of interesting history and tales, Buccaneer Cove
  • The perfect complement to your journey: snorkeling on the best sites in the Marine Reserve
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