
Center, San Cristobal & Genovesa
4 Days Galápagos cruise on board the Solaris
Price: Upon request
Center, San Cristobal & Genovesa
4 Days, Max. 16 passengers
8 Reviews
A 4-day Expedition Cruise
8 Reviews
The Trip Highlights
Snorkel with Hammerheads at Darwin Bay
A bird lover's paradise: Hiking on Genovesa
Playful Sea Lions in South Plaza
Mosquera: A snow-white beach, full of sea lions
Galapatours 'Plus' Experience
Great routes, great guides!
Single cabins with no supplement
English-speaking guide for all activities
Lectures in the evening
Get to know the highlights of Galápagos with this Naturalist cruise on board the beautiful Solaris! On this Expedition Cruise, you will discover the incredible wildlife of the Galápagos Islands: On Genovesa, breathtaking dinghy rides, stunning views and close encounters with the most iconic birds of the Archipelago await you. Blue-footed Boobies, Red-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies and many more species can be seen here. On San Cristóbal, you will be able to snorkel in crystal clear waters, relax with sea lions on pristine white sand beaches and learn more about the evolution of giant tortoises. Your visit to Santa Fe will involve a beautiful short hike, during which you can observe Galápagos Hawks, Darwin's Finches, Galápagos Mockingbirds. and Galápagos Sea Lions. A walk across South Plaza is one of the best visitor experiences in the Galápagos thanks to the large number of species living in such a small area.
Your ship: Solaris
The Solaris provides you with the unique opportunity to enjoy one of the first journeys onboard a brand new, state-of-the-art, First Class Galápagos cruise yacht. Having completed her luxurious fit-out and sea trials, Solaris had her maiden cruises in March 2019. She's the first yacht in the fleet to tailor her accommodation towards couples, families, and solo travellers.
- Brand new ship, maiden voyage in March 2019
- 5 single cabins - no supplement for solo Galápagos travel!
- Triple occupancy available - family friendly
- Stunning first-class interiors
New beginnings The launch of … Read more about Solaris
Amenities
All meals
Transfers to and from ship
Snorkel gear (free of charge)
Single cabin without supplement
100% CO2 carbon footprint offset
Kayaks on board
Air conditioning & private bathroom
Single travellers can share cabin
Water, Coffee, Tea & fresh juices
-20% for children ≤ 12
Triple cabins
English guide
Food & Drinks
The food on our Galapágos Cruises is among the very best you will find in South America. Most of the on-board chefs are internationally trained and have prior experience working in the best hotels and restaurants in Ecuador and indeed around the world.
You can expect a first-class selection of food, including a good variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, locally sourced poultry and fish/seafood, rice and pasta dishes. Most boats will always include some typical Ecuadorian dishes on the menu during your cruise. If you have specific dietary requirements then these can usually be accommodated by the chef providing you have given advance notice. Please make sure you tell us about any allergies or dietary requirements you have at the time you book with us. If you leave it until you arrive at the dockside, then it may well be impossible to accommodate your needs.
Most boats serve a range of options at meal times in a relaxed buffet-style. At the first class and luxury end of the market, some boats have more formal dining where you will be served at your seat. However the atmosphere is always relaxed on board our cruises, and never stuffy or formal.



Multiple Addons possibe
Optional Module Before First Day
Day 1
AM
Baltra • Arrival at Baltra airport+transfer to ship

Welcome to Galápagos! Once your flight has landed and you went through the immigration process, you'll be met in the Arrivals lounge by our English-speaking guide who will take you to your transfer vehicle for the short journey to your waiting ship.
Baltra Island, where your arrival airport is, was used as an important Air Force base in the Second World War. This is the primary airport for the Galápagos Islands and you'll be rubbing shoulders with fellow tourists, international naturalists and conservationists, researchers and academics, and Galápagos residents alike. The airport has been built as a "green" airport, and as well as using recycled materials in its construction, it's special design keeps the buildings relatively cool without the need for any air conditioning.
Once on board your ship, you will be introduced to the crew and given a welcome briefing as well as an important safety drill. After this you'll be shown to your cabin. While you're served a well-deserved and delicious lunch, the captain will cast off and your adventure truly starts.
Note: If you plan to spend a few days prior to the cruise in Puerto Ayora and want to do the cruise later this is no problem at all. The transfer from Puerto Ayora to Baltra is very easy.
PM
Baltra • Mosquera Islet

Mosquera Islet, like may similar islets in the Galápagos, was formed by a volcanic uprising. Over the centuries it also attracted corals, and along with the rocks that form the islet this helped to capture the sand from the currents that flow between Baltra Island and North Seymour Island.
Mosquera is home to one of the largest populations of Galápagos Sea Lions on the archipelago, and you will be able to watch their playful antics and admire their sense of relaxation as they sunbathe on the beach.
There have been occasional sightings of Orca (Killer Whales) in the waters off Mosquera Island, probably attracted by the large number of Galápagos Sea Lions on which they prey.
Day 2
AM
Genovesa • Darwin Bay

Darwin Bay is a must-visit site for birdwatchers. Starting with a landing on a beautiful white coral beach you are able to follow an easy half-mile trail that will take you through bird-filled mangroves. Species that can be seen on this part of the trail include Nazca Boobies, Galápagos red-footed Boobies, and Swallow-Tailed gulls.
As the path continues you will find tidal pools - favourite spots for Galápagos Sea Lions to lazily swim and play. At the path's end you will come to the top of a cliff which will reward you with a spectacular view.
PM
Genovesa • Prince Philip's Steps

Named after Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, who visited the Galápagos Islands twice, the Prince Philip's Steps pier uses natural rock formations to allow you to land and admire the variety of seabirds that inhabit Genovesa. With careful steps on the wet and slippery lower rocks, you begin your hike near a small colony of Galápagos sea bears before reaching the beautiful vantage point further up with views of the lava plains.
The birdlife will surround you from all sides and you will enjoy the sight and sounds of many wonderful species, including blue-footed boobies, red-footed boobies and Nazca boobies, but also small Galápagos owls and Galápagos pigeons.
Day 3
AM
South Plaza • A walk on South Plaza

Whilst her twin, North Plaza, is closed to visitors, South Plaza is one of the best visitor sites in the Galápagos thanks to the large number of species present on her small area.
The Plazas were formed as the result of a geological uplift, and because this was uneven they both have cliffs on their south sides and low lying shores on their northern coasts.
The most noticeable (and noisiest) of South Plaza's residents are her Galápagos Sea Lions, who have a large colony here. Less obvious are her land iguanas (the smallest in the islands), many marine iguanas and large numbers and varieties of seabirds.
Inland is a mix of scrubby vegetation and giant opuntia cactus forest, providing food for the iguanas. As you follow the circular hiking trail you will come to the summit of the cliffs here where you'll be among countless nesting seabirds.
PM
Santa Fe • A walk on Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a small, flat island right in the center of the Galápagos archipelago, and is thought to be one of the oldest volcanoes here. Dating of the rocks below the water estimates they were formed almost 4 million years ago.
Santa Fe had its own breed of Giant Tortoise that became extinct at some point in the 1800s due to being hunted for meat. There are two species that are unique to the island still present here - the Santa Fe Land Iguana, and the Santa Fe Rice Rat.
There is one visitor site on Santa Fe, and you will have a panga ride to a wet landing on the beach at Barrington Bay on the island's north coast. From here there are two hiking trails. One is a short loop close to the beach that takes you into an Opuntia forest filled with these massive cactus. This is the best opportunity to see the Santa Fe land iguanas and also other species such as Galápagos Hawks.
The second trail is a tougher proposition as it climbs quite steeply to the top of a cliff from where you will enjoy stunning views over the island's unspoilt interior.
Back on the beach you can join the Galápagos Sea Lions who often play in the waves and you can enjoy some wonderful snorkeling in the clear blue-green waters here.
Day 4
AM
San Cristóbal • Kicker Rock

Kicker Rock (or Leon Dormido, "sleeping lion", locally) is an iconic feature of Galápagos geology, and is one of the most popular photograph opportunities in the archipelago.
Kicker Rock is the remains of a volcanic "tuff cone". Tuff cones are formed when hot magma meets cold seawater, and the resulting explosion forms the rocky structure seen today. Over countless years erosion has caused a split, opening a narrow channel that small boats can sail completely through, and offering an amazing view as you sail around this 490ft tall monolith!
As you navigate around the rock you will see Galápagos Blue-Footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies, and Frigatebirds as they launch themselves from their roosts in the cliffs high above.
Marine life here is plentiful, and you may spot hammerhead sharks, green turtles and a whole variety of tropical fish, particularly if your boat includes a snorkeling stop here as some do.
San Cristóbal • Transfer to San Cristóbal airport

It's sadly time to make the very short trip to the airport for your flight back to the Ecuador mainland. Your Galapatours guide, who will have been with you throughout your adventure, will accompany you back to the departures area, giving you one final chance to tap into their excellent local knowledge and unrivalled experience.
Note: If want to spend some time in Galápagos after your cruise, please let us know. This is no problem at all and the transfer from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno to the airport and back couldn't be easier.
Multiple Addons possibe
Optional Module After Last Day
Reviews
Peter D from Cambridge
Fantastic Trip Hi, we are back home after a great adventure in the Galapagos and Peru. Not sure how to add pictures but the ship is very nice and the CAD pictures are accurate. As this is our first time to the Galapagos I really cant compare with the other yachts /Itineraries. but here is our Overview.. The ship is very well outfitted It can accommodate way more people then the 16 permitted and thus the rooms are quite spacious.Our room had a double and single bed and the bathroom had a shower and twin sinks. Lots of social areas including dining for 16, a lounge area, a smoking area and the whole top floor is a sun deck with some shade(non smoking). There are 2 tables under the shade that can accommodate about 12 people or more. There are 16 loungers that can be moved into sun or shade. There are also some clothes lines along the perimeter that were very well used. All in all a great comfortable ship. The food was very well prepared and varied throughout the trip. There was even a ceviche class. 3 meals per day and no one went hungry. they also accommodate for dietary needs. The drinks. they have a full bar. beer $4-5 wine $6-10 Cocktails from $6-12. My only complaint was that the menu reads that the prices included all taxes but we still were charged a 10% service charge over and above the listed prices. A number of people argued but there was no flexibility here so just be aware of this cost. Also know you have tips for the guide and the staff. Itinerary... We did the 8-day western itinerary that goes around Isabella Island. It was fantastic and full of activities from the day we boarded to the day we departed. We snorkeled 1-2 times every day and Hiked 1-2 times every day except the last day which was a hike at 6:30 am as we had a plane to catch. We did it all but some people elected to skip some activities. Not much free time but there was still some time to relax on the sundeck on a few days . The Guide... This is the luck of the draw as the guides do move around. We had Pedro who has been a guide for 13 years. He was excellent. Overall... a 5 star experience. Source: TripAdvisor
Postdiver
Amazing 8 day cruise We had an amazing time onboard the Solaris on the B tour around the islands. The boat is lovely as are the crew who can't do enough for you. You are busy all day long with shore visits and snorkeling. The food and snacks are plentiful and the chef is happy to help if you don't like what's being served. The only problem with this boat is it does rock n roll a lot when navigating at night from island to island. I can't thank Thomas Richmond enough for all his help when we were looking for this trip of a lifetime and his help and advice after we booked. Source: TripAdvisor
GlobetrottingTeacher
Excellent service for a magnificent tour Thomas Richmond at Galapatours was very helpful and insightful when I was comparing cruises for my Galapagos trip. He was able to find me a spot on a new cruise ship that did not uncharge for single cabins (which is the exception, rather than the rule). I appreciated his professionalism and diligence, and loved my 8 days on the Solaris. Source: TripAdvisor
laxjunkies, Calgary
Amazing cruise journey Just finished our cruise on the Solaris, and it was fantastic. The Solaris had professional photographers on our cruise so they should have some great pictures on their website soon. The interior cad photos are accurate. There is a fantastic sun deck. This ship can hold over 20 but they are limited to 16. Suites are big and spacious. Food was great. Changed up the meals throughout the trip. Our guide was very knowledgeable. Very glad we stayed with our reservation. Just on our wat to Peru. Will try to give a better trip report shortly. You will not go wrong with booking this yacht. Source: TripAdvisor
Daylon & Janet S. / USA
This was a great cruise Crew and guide extremely knowledgeable and courteous. Captain even started up engines and followed Orca's so we could see them. It was really extraordinary. Everything was above and beyond expectations. Source: Andean Travel Company