Galapagos Family Vacation Cruise

Please note that this is an optional full-day activity. Please check our conditions for pricing. 

Cacao: the magical ingredient that captivates the world just as it did many thousands of years ago, back when it was served only to the highest dignitaries in ancient American tribes during sacred rituals. The road to Hacienda La Danesa takes us through Ecuador’s fertile tropical coast as well as its rice, banana, and coffee fields that go on for miles. The social project at the Hacienda celebrates local culture, allowing guests to learn about local inhabitants’ history, discover the process they use to obtain the best cacao powder in the world, and provide you with a taste of their excellent cuisine.

At the end of the tour you’ll be taken back to your hotel. Overnight in Guayaquil.

On this morning, you’ll be transferred  to Guayaquil’s airport to board your flight to the Galapagos Islands!

Please note that the following Western Galapagos Islands Itinerary aboard the Santa Cruz II is one of the many options you can choose for your Galapagos adventure. Ask our Destination Experts about our fleet and available itineraries.

Baltra Island

You’ll arrive at Baltra’s airport and transfer to the dock, where you’ll board the Santa Cruz II. Following an onboard introductory briefing, we partake in an emergency boat drill. Afterward, receive your cabin assignment and enjoy lunch.

Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz Island)

The first stop along our journey is Cerro Dragon. The fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill) on Santa Cruz’ north shore feature a brackish-water lagoon frequented by American flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers beautiful views of the bay.

Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island)

This destination offers us the chance to observe the enigmatic flightless cormorant! Weather permitting, snorkeling alongside the cliffs offers a chance to see rich marine life.

Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)

In the afternoon, explore the archipelago’s youngest island, Fernandina. The complete absence of introduced animals is one of its biggest draws. Species such as iguanas, sea lions, Sally lightfoot crabs, hawks, penguins and flightless cormorants can be found here.

Puerto Ayora & the Charles Darwin Research Station

In the morning, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, which consists of a giant tortoise Breeding Center and prickly-pear cactus forest, home to many land birds. Following this visit, you’ll take a private transport to the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island where you’ll stop off at a restaurant and enjoy lunch in an entirely different ecosystem.

Highlands

Several options are discussed with your Expedition Leader in advance of the afternoon’s activities. Afterward, guests will return to Puerto Ayora and hop aboard the Santa Cruz II

Baroness Tower + Post Office Bay

After breakfast, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful views from the lookout at Baroness Cove. Following this activity, you’ll disembark at Post Office Bay and visit the historic Post Office Barrell, which has served as a correspondence center in the archipelago for over two centuries!

Champion Islet + Cormorant Point

After lunch, you’re invited to snorkel or ride along on the glass-bottom boat to explore the wonders of Champion Islet. This extinct shield volcano is considered one of the best snorkeling spots in all of the archipelago. From here, we’ll head over to Cormorant Point and a wet landing on an olivine-crystal beach for a leisurely walk that includes a brackish-water lagoon where American flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers, and other birds tend to gather.

Baltra Island 

You will disembark at Baltra Island and take your transfer to the airport to catch your flight back to the city of Guayaquil.

Guayaquil

Once in Guayaquil, you’ll take your transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Guayaquil.

At the designated time, you will be picked up from your hotel to take your transfer to the airport. Safe travels!