GALAPAGOS ISLANDS CRUISE ITINERARY
DAY 1: SAN CRISTOBAL, GALAPAGOS
Arrive in San Cristobal, the easternmost island of the Galapagos archipelago. After check-in and a brief orientation on the ship, take time to explore the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Discover its charm and visit the local Interpretation Center to learn about the islands’ history and wildlife. Enjoy your first meal on board and get ready for an exciting week ahead. In the afternoon, sail to Kicker Rock, an impressive volcanic formation rising from the ocean. Participate in snorkelling or diving excursions to observe diverse marine life, including sharks, rays, and turtles. Admire stunning cliffs and an array of seabirds, including blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds. Return to the ship for dinner and a restful night.
DAY 2: PRINCE PHILLIP’S STEPS, GENOVESA
Begin your day at Genovesa, one of the northernmost islands of the archipelago. The island is referred to as ‘Bird Island’ as the number of species of land and seabirds is quite extraordinary in Genovesa. There are two visitor sites, Prince Phillip’s steps give access to the flat plateau above the bay. The steps are seen to be as ‘natural’ as possible. The plateau above Prince Phillip’s Steps is home to a palo santo forest and an extensive lava field. In the afternoon, visit the famous Darwin bay where explorations along the shore can lead to seeing amazing animals such as marine iguanas and sea lions. By heading inland, visitors will encounter all types of species of seabirds nesting in the vegetation. There is fantastic snorkelling in the waters of Darwin Bay with opportunity to see large schools of reef fish and brightly coloured sea stars.
- There is two excursions that are available on Day Two: Hiking with the Silversea Expedition team and Snorkelling with the Silver Sea Expedition Team.
DAY 3: NORTH SEYMOUR, ECUADOR
Arrive at North Seymour in the morning, onto black lava rock. After a short climb, visitors will have opportunities to see animals such as sea lions and frigate birds. Land iguanas also live here in numbers, due to the island being a dry environment. At certain times of the year visitors are able to see Blue- Footed Boobies dance here in a ritualized mating dance that shows their vivid blue feet. The snorkelling here is known for sightings of creole wrasses and parrot fish. In the afternoon, visitors will travel to Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island where the lava fields remind visitors of the surface of the moon. There is sightings of the beautiful red Sally Lightfoot crabs that scuttle across the black volcanic shores. The lava flows here are more than a hundred years old and date back to 1897. The lava has took on a rope like appearance that has been called pahoehoe which comes from Hawaiian heritage.
- There is three excursions that that are available on Day 3: Zodiac Cruise , Hiking and Deep Water Snorkelling all with the Silversea Expedition Team.
DAY 4: BOLIVAR CANAL CRUISING
Enjoy a cruise along the Bolivar Canal in the morning. In the afternoon, explore the Punta Mangle in Fernandina, a picturesque cove surrounded by mangroves. A brilliant place for birdwatching as the bay is where land meets the sea, joining the two environments of seabirds and land birds all in one place. There is opportunities to see the nursey of many species of fish, sea turtles and and juvenile sharks. Snorkelling is very rewarding here as there is unique sightings of Marine Iguanas. Visitors will then travel to Punta Moreno, a vast an impressive black lava field. It is located on the south of Isabella island and lies between two soaring active volcanoes, which you have a panoramic view of in the distance. Hike over huge landscapes of corrugated lava which have been there for over a millennia. This is the habitat of the largest Marine Iguanas in the Galapagos and can be seen basking on the rocks.
- There is three excursions that are available on Day 4: Deep water Snorkelling, Hiking and a Zodiac Cruise all with The Silversea Expedition Team.
DAY 5:SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS AND FAUSTO LLERENA BREEDING CENTRE, PUERTO AYORA
Arrive at Santa Cruz Island and travel to the highlands. Explore the lush greenery and visit a giant tortoise reserve to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre in Puerto Ayora. Learn about conservation efforts and see baby tortoises. Enjoy some free time in town to shop for souvenirs or relax at a café before returning to the ship.
- There is two excursions available on Day Five: Hiking and Expedition activities with The Silversea Expedition Team.
DAY 6: GARDENER BAY, ESPANOLA
In the morning visitors will travel to Gardener Bay, a majestic environment of turquoise waters and golden sandy beaches. The sandy beach stretches about 1km long. Espanola is considered as one of the oldest islands in the Galapagos and thus developed species that are endemic. Along the coasts there is numbers of marine iguanas and hood mockingbirds. In the afternoon, visitors will sail to the oldest island in the Galapagos, Punta Suarez. Sheer cliffs provide stunning sightings of swallow tailed gulls, nazca boobies and blue footed boobies. The largest bird to nest in Galapagos, the waved Albatross can be seen during April to December.
- There is five excursions that are available on Day Six: Hiking, Kayaking, Snorkelling, Deep Water Snorkelling and Expedition Activities with The Silversea Expedition.
DAY 7: SAN CRISTOBAL, ISLA LOBOS AND CERRO BRUJO
In the morning, visitors will travel to San Cristobal and take in the island for themselves. Visit local markets and enjoy a stroll along the waterfront. In the afternoon, visitors will sail to Cerro Brujo, one the most beautiful white sandy beaches that the Galapagos has to offer. Behind the dunes you will find a coastal lagoon, which was used in the past by locals to extract salt!
- There is two excursions that are available on Day Seven: Hiking and Expedition Activities with The Silversea Expedition Team.
DAY 8: SAN CRISTOBAL, GALAPAGOS, ECUADOR AND RETURN FLIGHT
Your incredible journey comes to an end as you return to San Cristobal. After breakfast, disembark and take a final opportunity to explore the island, before your transfer to the airport for your return flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of your Galapagos adventure.
