
Central & Southern Galápagos
6 Days Galápagos cruise on board the Ocean Spray
Length
6 Days
Ship category
Luxury
Ship type
Motor Catamaran
Capacity
16 Passengers
Central & Southern Galápagos
14 Reviews
Trip highlights
Incredible snorkeling at Devil's Crown
Gardner Bay: Pristine, white sand beaches
Giant Tortoises in the wild on Santa Cruz
A tropical murder mystery on Floreana
The Galapatours experience
Huge cabins + balconies
Superb social areas
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 Ocean Spray! On this Expedition Cruise, you will discover the incredible wildlife of the Galápagos Islands: On Española, the oldest and arguably the greenest of the Galápagos Islands, incredible hikes await. You will get to see many endemic species, including the Española Mocking Bird, the Española Lava Lizard, and, hopefully, the famous Waved Albatross. During our visit to Floreana, you will have the opportunity for some great dinghy rides, extensive snorkeling, and learning more about the fascinating human history of the Galápagos. 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. During your time on Santa Cruz, you will have the chance to observe the famous Galápagos Giant Tortoises in the wild and learn more about the preservation and scientific study of these amazing animals. 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.
Your ship: Ocean Spray



The Ocean Spray is one of the most impressive vessels you can board for your Galápagos cruising adventure. Built in 2011, this mega-catamaran is one of the fastest, most stable boats in the region and will whisk you from island to island with speed and great style. The friendly crew attends to your every need with warmth and dedication, and they make sure you have the right balance of unforgettable excursions and shameless relaxation.
This may be a wonderful new boat, but it boasts some of the most experienced crew in the islands. Captain Pedro has over 45 years experience, with hotel manager … Read more about Ocean Spray
Cabins
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Amenities
Wetsuits
All meals
Scuba outing possible
Kayaks on board
Single cabin without supplement
English guides
-25% for children < 12
Transfers to and from ship
Sundeck with jacuzzi
Private Balcony
Snorkel gear (free of charge)
Air conditioning & private bathroom
Water, Coffee, Tea & fresh juices
Triple cabins
Travel for good: Your Each booking contributes to Ventura’s Conservation Project.
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.
Map
Itinerary
Your itinerary below may vary, depending on the weather, wildlife breeding, and local conditions.
Pre-trip add-ons



Day 1
AM
Arrival at Baltra airport+transfer to ship
Baltra • Arrival at Baltra airport+transfer to ship

Welcome to Galápagos! After your flight lands, and you have completed the immigration process, our English-speaking guide will meet you in the Arrivals lounge if you booked your flight tickets with us for the same cruise dates. The guide will then escort you to your transfer vehicle for a short journey to your waiting ship.
If you did not book your flight tickets with us, your voucher will specify the meeting point & time. Please note that the transfer to the meeting point is not included.
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.
Day 2
AM
Suarez Point
Española • Suarez Point

Suarez Point is on the western tip of Espanola and is one of the most wildlife-packed of all the visitor sites in the Galápagos. After a wet landing on a beach that's frequented by Galápagos Sea Lions you can enjoy a 2 mile hike along a trail that will take you up around the cliffs.
The range of wildlife on show here is simply stunning. This is a great place to view the remarkable Galápagos Blue-Footed Booby as well as their cousins the Nazca Booby. You can also see the rare Waved Albatross at Suarez Point, where they use the cliff tops to launch themselves into the air over the ocean.
Another famous natural feature here is the blowhole. This geological formation funnels the incoming waves into a chamber where it gets compressed and then the air and seawater are forced out at great speed, making a spectacular plume of water shoot high into the air.
Day 2
PM
Gardner Bay
Española • Gardner Bay

Gardner Bay is a wonderfully sheltered area on the eastern shore of Espanola Island. It boasts one of the best beaches in the Galápagos, with superb white sand. There is nowhere better on the archipelago to simply sit back, relax, and take in the marvels of the wildlife around you.
The beach here is home to a large colony of Galápagos Sea Lions, who seem to love sunbathing on the beach as much as we humans do! As well as the fun-loving Sea Lions you can also find Galápagos Mockingbirds here. These birds are full of curiosity, and have been known to come and investigate bootlaces, camera straps and other equipment!
The wonderful Galápagos Green Sea Turtle can also often be seen in the shallows here, and along with a large variety of colorful reef fish, this makes Gardner Bay a great place to swim and snorkel.
Day 3
AM
Interpretation Center Gianny Arismendi & La Galapaguera / Cerro Colorado
San Cristóbal • Interpretation Center Gianny Arismendi

The Gianny Arismendi Galápagos Interpretation center in San Cristóbal, Galápagos, aims to provide a complete history of the Galápagos and give visitors a more holistic understanding of these islands' unique habitats and wildlife.
There are also interesting exhibits covering the Galápagos' human history, and the conservation efforts in place to preserve the archipelago, and undo some of damage human occupation has brought.
For those who are interested in the geology of the archipelago there is a complete exhibit on the volcanic birth of the Galápagos and how this impacted on the habitats present here.
Your Galapatours expert guide will be able to answer any further questions raised by your visit to the Center and can help you to link what you will learn here to what you will see as your Galápagos journey continues.
Where does the name Gianny Arismendi come from? The Directorate of the Galápagos National Park recognized park ranger Gianni Arismendi Guerrero, one of the park rangers of San Cristóbal, for his 27 years of work dedicated to environmental education.
San Cristóbal • La Galapaguera / Cerro Colorado

Also known as Cerro Colorado, this is one of the newer visitor sites in Galápagos and was opened in 2003. Previously accessible only from the coast via a long hike, it's now possible to travel by road from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where the trip takes about an hour.
This breeding station has an informative visitor center that allows you to learn about the origins and evolution of the Galápagos Giant Tortoises, and about the steps being taken to preserve the species from threats such as habitat destruction and introduced species.
In the center you will see baby hatchlings and young tortoises. After they reach 4 months old they are taken out to be released into the natural habitat in the area. There is a short hiking trail where you may be able to spot giant tortoises in the wild.
Day 3
PM
Kicker Rock & Lobos Island
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.
San Cristóbal • Lobos Island

Lobos Island is named after the colony of Galápagos Sea Lions that live here, but they aren't the only native Galápagos species that calls this narrow island home. You can see Galápagos Fur Seals basking here, and there is a nesting colony of Blue-Footed Boobies that come to Lobos each year to raise their chicks.
There are one or two short hiking trails that lead into the center of the island, and this is always a peaceful place to visit. Galapatours visitors tell us it's one of their favorite visitor sites to just sit and soak up the Galápagos atmosphere.
Back on the beach, the swimming and snorkeling is wonderful, and thanks to the island's position close to the main shore of San Cristobal, the channel between them is sheltered and the turquoise water is crystal clear. This is a Galapatours favorite spot, so speak to one of our Galápagos specialists if you want help choosing an itinerary that includes a visit to this special place.
Day 4
AM
Pitt Point
San Cristóbal • Pitt Point

Pitt Point, or Punta Pitt, is at the far eastern edge of San Cristobal. Following a wet landing directly onto the beach you'll be welcomed by the friendly and noisy barking of the local colony of Galápagos Sea Lions! This is actually a bachelor colony of males who haven't held a breeding territory, and they can sometimes be the worse for wear if they have been fighting on one of the breeding beaches elsewhere.
After the noise of the beach, a quieter path takes us up the cliffs to a breeding site used by all 3 resident species of booby - the Blue-Footed, Red-Footed and Nazca Boobies. Nowhere else in the Galápagos do all three species nest side-by-side like this.
As well as this unique booby colony you can also see Galápagos Frigatebirds and petrels. In addition to the wonderful bird life, the view down to the beach and across the island from this high vantage point make the climb worth it.
The hiking trail lets you get a close look at the Saltbush and other tough shrubs that manage to survive in this sometimes eerie volcanic landscape. Your Galapatours guide will be able to explain in detail how hardy plants such as these colonise the lava fields all over the Galápagos.
Day 4
PM
Witch Hill
San Cristóbal • Witch Hill

The brilliant white coral sand beach at Witch Hill ("Brujo Hill") is, in our opinion, one of the very best in the Galápagos. The hill itself is the remains of a volcanic "tuff cone" - one made up of compacted volcanic ash and debris. This was one of the first sites where Charles Darwin made landfall on his famous journey here on HMS Beagle.
This is a wonderful place to see many Galápagos species, both in the sea and on the land and in the air. Among the creatures you are likely to see on a visit to Brujo Hill are Galápagos Sea Lions, marine iguanas, pelicans, and Galápagos Blue-Footed Boobies. It's possible to walk right along the beach at a leisurely pace, taking in everything around you.
We really recommend you snorkel here, and if you do you'll be rewarded with likely sightings of Galápagos rays, green sea turtles, sponge coral and a wide range of beautiful fish. If you aren't a swimmer, then a panga ride will still let you see plenty of wildlife thanks to the crystal clear waters off this stunning beach.
Day 5
AM
Post Office Bay
Floreana • Post Office Bay

Floreana, like several of the Galápagos Islands, has a history of whaling. During voyages of many months, whaling ships would call here to replenish stocks of food and water, and the sailors were often keen to send news to loved ones that they were still safe. A tradition grew up here where sailors would leave a letter addressed home, hopeful that a ship heading back to port would pick it up and deliver it for them. This tradition of leaving letters and cards, and picking up others addressed to your home port meant that the location of this letter drop became known as "Post Office Bay".
Decades later, the unofficial Floreana post office is still very active - why not leave a card of your own, or see if you could take one back to your home town for someone else?! As well as this charming tradition, Post Office Bay boasts a pleasant beach, and there is a short hiking trail down to a cave, which is actually a lava tube that runs down to the sea.
You will also have the opportunity to take a Panga through some of the nearby coves and mangroves from which you could see sharks, rays, and sea lions swimming around you.
Day 5
PM
Cormorant Point & Devil's Crown
Floreana • Cormorant Point

Cormorant Point is on the northern tip of Floreana, and you'll land on a beach that sits between two volcanic cones. The sand on one of the beaches here has a noticeably olive-green color. This is due to a much higher than usual concentration of olivine crystals in the sand. Another beach is made up mainly of coral sand and is almost a brilliant white in comparison.
This Galápagos site has a large lagoon which is favored by flamingos, their pink coloring contrasting with the green sand. There is some good snorkeling here, and you can often spot rays in the shallows. There is a one mile hike available that takes you to higher ground and provides great views over the lagoon, and to both beaches on either side of the Point.
Floreana • Devil's Crown

Once a volcanic crater, the Devil's Crown is now what remains of the eroded crater. The wind and waves have breached the east and west walls, leaving just the northern and southern crater edges showing above the water. Over thousands of years a coral reef has grown in the submerged center, creating one of the best snorkeling sites on the entire Galápagos.
Exposed to currents, snorkeling in the Devil's Crown isn't a sedentary experience, and the surges can be quite thrilling! The marine life you will see is unparalleled, with colorful reef fish, sharks, rays and more. If your itinerary includes a stop here, you really must get into the water as it's an experience not to be missed.
Day 6
AM
Black Turtle Cove & Transfer to Baltra airport
Santa Cruz • Black Turtle Cove

The only way into Black Turtle cove is by panga (motorised dinghy). This "secret" corner of the Galápagos feels like your own personal hideout, and once the panga motor is shut off you're surrounded only with the gentle sounds of nature as you drift through the mangroves.
Rich with wildlife, you'll often see Galápagos green turtles feeding, or even mating, in the calm water, as well as different shark species and Galápagos rays.
This is a very different visitor site, showing another side to the Galápagos away from the noise of surf on the beaches and barking sea lions.
Baltra • Transfer to Baltra airport

Your Galápagos adventure ends with the arrival of your ship back at Baltra Island. After what many guests describe as an emotional goodbye to your ship and its crew, you'll board the transfer vehicle that will take you on the short journey to the airport in plenty of time for your flight back to the mainland.
Note: If you want to spend some time in Galápagos after your cruise, please let us know. This is no problem at all and the transfer from Baltra to Puerto Ayora couldn't be easier.
Post-trip add-ons



Dates & Prices
When do you want to travel?
From
Until
Info
Availability
Price
17
Jul
2025
22
Jul
2025
- Summer promotion, Apply for 4 adult guests onwards
From
USD 5,571
USD 6,190
17
Jul
2025
22
Jul
2025
•
Summer promotion, Apply for 4 adult guests onwards
USD 5,571
USD 6,190
14
Aug
2025
19
Aug
2025
- Summer promotion, Apply for 4 adult guests onwards
From
USD 5,571
USD 6,190
14
Aug
2025
19
Aug
2025
•
Summer promotion, Apply for 4 adult guests onwards
USD 5,571
USD 6,190
11
Sep
2025
16
Sep
2025
- Fall special - Get one more night free
From
USD 5,190
USD 6,190
11
Sep
2025
16
Sep
2025
•
Fall special - Get one more night free
USD 5,190
USD 6,190
9
Oct
2025
14
Oct
2025
- Fall special - Get one more night free
From
USD 5,190
USD 6,190
9
Oct
2025
14
Oct
2025
•
Fall special - Get one more night free
USD 5,190
USD 6,190
6
Nov
2025
11
Nov
2025
- Fall special - Get one more night free
From
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USD 6,190
6
Nov
2025
11
Nov
2025
•
Fall special - Get one more night free
USD 5,190
USD 6,190
4
Dec
2025
9
Dec
2025
- Fall special - Get one more night free
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USD 5,190
USD 6,190
4
Dec
2025
9
Dec
2025
•
Fall special - Get one more night free
USD 5,190
USD 6,190
15
Jan
2026
20
Jan
2026
- Referential price - subject to change
From
USD 6,490
15
Jan
2026
20
Jan
2026
•
Referential price - subject to change
USD 6,490
12
Feb
2026
17
Feb
2026
- Referential price - subject to change
From
USD 6,490
12
Feb
2026
17
Feb
2026
•
Referential price - subject to change
USD 6,490
12
Mar
2026
17
Mar
2026
- Referential price - subject to change
From
USD 6,490
12
Mar
2026
17
Mar
2026
•
Referential price - subject to change
USD 6,490
9
Apr
2026
14
Apr
2026
- Referential price - subject to change
From
USD 6,490
9
Apr
2026
14
Apr
2026
•
Referential price - subject to change
USD 6,490
Preferred date unavailable? Contact us
Info
Single Cabin Supplement
When booking online, you can choose the option to "Upgrade to single occupancy". This will guarantee you the whole cabin to yourself, for an additional fee. If you don't select this option, then another traveler of the same sex might be placed into the same cabin with you.
What's included
All meals onboard (International and Ecuadorian Cuisine). Almost all dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice - please ask us about your needs.
Snorkeling sessions - whenever possible and allowed by the National Park.
Extensive Zodiac Rides to explore the shorelines and mangrove forests from close up.
All transport to and from the ship: Pick-up by your guide directly from the airport (if you arrive at the first day) and drop-off by your guide directly to the airport (if you leave on the last day).
English-speaking naturalist guides with you at all times during the excursions.
Briefings in the evening, during which your guide will explain what you can expect from your next day.
Lectures in the evenings about a variety of topics, including Geology, Marine Biology, Natural History, Human History, and more.
Entry costs to museums, research stations, breeding stations, etc.
Your booking contributes to our Conservation Project.
What's not included
Galápagos National Park Fee, payable in cash upon arrival at the airport in Galápagos (please see our FAQ)
INGALA Luggage Check Fee at the airport on the mainland: 20USD (please see our FAQ)
Alcoholic beverages onboard (please see our FAQ)
Bottled soft drinks onboard (Coke, Sprite etc.)
Tips & Gratuities for your Guide and Crew (please see our FAQ)
Travel Health Insurance
Reviews
FAQs
How and when can I pay for the trip?
After completing your booking, you will receive an invoice from your travel specialist by email. A deposit of 20% of the trip price is required to secure your booking. Payment can be made through bank transfer or by credit card through a secure payment link.
Full payment is expected 30 days before your trip. Payment can be made in installments.
Are their any customs restrictions for travel to Galapagos?
Under Ecuadorian law, if you are only temporarily visiting the Galápagos then you are exempted from the requirement to pay any customs charges on items that you are bringing in to the country. This includes new or used portable electronics such as cameras, laptops, music players, etc.
You MUST NOT bring any agricultural or plant materials or any unprocessed food products to the islands. To avoid problems at customs and bag check we suggest only traveling to Galápagos with pre-wrapped snack products such as chocolate bars, etc. Food is plentiful and freshly cooked on your Galapatours cruise, with a wide range of choice on offer to suit all tastes - you really don't need to bring anything with you!
Do I need a visa to go to Galápagos?
As the Galapagos Islands are part of Ecuador, and all flights to the Galapagos depart from mainland Ecuador, you will need to enter Ecuador first.
Entering Ecuador: Every traveler is responsible for checking the individual visa requirements for their nationality. We recommend using https://www.passportindex.org/ to find out if you need a visa for Ecuador. At the time of writing, U.S. citizens do not need to apply for a visa beforehand. Similarly, visitors from the UK, Germany, and most other European countries do not require a visa for the Galapagos Islands. Upon entering the country, you will be given a visa stamp that permits you to stay in Ecuador for up to 90 days. This also applies to many other countries, but please verify the current visa regulations yourself before booking any tickets. In any case, your passport must be valid for at least six more months from the date of entry into Ecuador. You will also need to show proof of onward or return travel out of Ecuador to customs and immigration officials upon arrival; this can be a return or onward airline ticket. If you do not meet these requirements, you may not be allowed to enter the country.
Entering Galapagos: To enter Galápagos, the first official requirement is a valid Ecuadorian tourist visa stamp in your passport - this should have been issued to you upon arrival to mainland Ecuador.
What are the entry requirements for Galápagos?
This is a multi-layered question, that we have tried to answer in various articles. Please click on the corresponding links to learn more about the different topics. To recap:
- Passport & Visa: Tourists visiting the Galapagos Islands must have a valid passport and, in most cases, can obtain a visa upon arrival in Ecuador. Click here to read more.
- Luggage Check: When leaving Ecuador's main land, tourists' luggage will be checked for restricted items by the Tourist Control and Certification (TCC) to ensure the preservation of the islands' unique environment and wildlife. This check costs 20USD and is done at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil, before checking in for your flight to Galapagos.
- Entrance Fee: A Galapagos National Park entrance fee must be paid upon arriving in Galapagos.
- Travel Insurance: A travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation and medical expenses. is highly recommended, and even obligatory on board of some ships.
- Vaccinations: At the following link you can find out more about vaccinations for a Galápagos trip.
What is the SICGAL baggage check and the Goods Declaration Form?
To protect the fragile ecosystems of the Galápagos, all travelers must complete two essential biosecurity procedures before their flight. First, travelers aged 18 and over are required to fill out the mandatory online Goods Declaration form up to 48 hours before departure. This declaration requires you to report any food, plants, seeds, camping equipment, or recent contact with animals. After submitting the form, you will receive a QR code via email, which must be presented to authorities upon arrival in the Galápagos.
Second, you must take your luggage to the SICGAL inspection counter at the airport in either Quito or Guayaquil. Here, officials will conduct a physical check of your bags to ensure no prohibited items are being brought to the islands.
To make sure you don't have any trouble here, please do not attempt to travel with any foods other than small quantities of pre-wrapped snack items like chocolate bars or similar, and certainly don't have any plants or plant materials in your bags. Once checked, you will receive an approval label to attach to your bags, and you can then make your way to your airline check in.


What is the entrance fee for Galápagos National Park?
The Galápagos National Park Entrance fee is levied on all visitors to the islands. For foreign visitors, the entry fee is 200 USD per person (100 USD for children under 12 years old). If you are a citizen of a country in South America you might pay less, check here for more information.
Important: This fee must be paid, in cash, at the airport of arrival. If you do not pay, you will not be allowed to leave the terminal - so please make sure you have the means to pay the Galápagos entrance fee! Therefore, the payment of this entrance fee is indispensable to take part in a Galapagos cruise.
The entrance fees collected will be allocated to various local entities to support sustainability and community development in the Galápagos Islands. The proceeds are split between several important institutions as follows:
- 40% to the Galápagos National Park
- 20% to Galápagos Municipalities
- 10% to the National Institute
- 10% to Galápagos Province Local Government
- 5% to the National Navy
- 5% to the Ministry of Environment
- 5% to Quarantine and Pest Control
- 5% to the Galápagos Marine Reserve
For more information about the entrance fee structure and the distribution of funds, please visit the official website of the Galápagos National Park Administration.

Central & Southern Galápagos
5.0
(14)
From
USD 5,190
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