
Southeast Galápagos Cruise
5 Days Galápagos cruise on board the Seaman Journey
From USD 2,984
Southeast Galápagos Cruise
5 Days, Max. 16 passengers
14 Reviews
A 5-day Expedition Cruise
14 Reviews
The Trip Highlights
Scientific insights at C. Darwin Research Station
Gardner Bay: Pristine, white sand beaches
Giant Tortoises in the wild on Santa Cruz
Hammerheads at Champion Islet
Galapatours 'Plus' Experience
Extremely stable catamaran
Triple cabins possible
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 Seaman Journey! 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 ship: Seaman Journey
The Galápagos Seaman Journey is a superior class expedition catamaran. It's been recently refurbished and has been decorated throughout with natural woods and pastel colors to create a cozy, relaxed ambiance with a touch of luxury. Her twin hulls mean she is more stable in the water than the single hull yachts in her class, making her very suitable for those who may be prone to motion sickness.
Superior comfort Galápagos Seaman Journey has only 8 guest cabins, and a maximum occupancy of 16, giving you a more intimate Galápagos experience than larger cruise vessels. Her careful design means … Read more about Seaman Journey
Amenities
All meals
Transfers to and from ship
-15% for children ≤ 12
Wetsuits (can be rented)
Snorkel gear (free of charge)
100% CO2 carbon footprint offset
Air conditioning & private bathroom
Single travellers can share cabin
Water, Coffee, Tea & fresh juices
German guide possible
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.



No dates selected
Multiple Addons possibe
Optional Module Before First Day
Day 1
AM
San Cristóbal • Arrival at San Cristóbal 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.
San Cristobal is home to the official capital city of the Galápagos, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, and one of the archipelago's 2 airports. We don't know of any other airport where jet airliners land that is within walking distance of the town it serves, as is the case here on San Cristobal - you can stroll to the centre of town from the terminal in 15 minutes!
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 are already in San Cristóbal before the cruise and want to meet the group there, please let us know. This is no problem at all and the transfer from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and back couldn't be easier.
PM
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.
Day 2
AM
San Cristóbal • La Galapaguera: "David Rodriguez Breeding Center"

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.
PM
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 3
AM
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.
PM
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 4
AM
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 • Champion Islet

Champion Islet is considered one of the best snorkeling sites in the entire archipelago. This small island was originally named after a famous whaler, Andrew Champion, and in its beautiful waters you can see Galápagos Sea Lions, Green Turtles, Hammerheads, Rays, and many colorful reef fish.
Champion Islet isn't only for those who seek out marine life. On shore you can find Galápagos Penguins, Blue-Footed Boobies and Frigatebirds to name but a few. One very special resident is the Floreana Mockingbird. This species is extremely rare, with only an estimated 100 individuals left - of which only 30-40 of them are left on this island. It is unknown how much longer this fragile species can survive.
PM
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
AM
Santa Cruz • Twin Craters

Los Gemelos (or the Twin Craters) are not, in fact, craters - although no less impressive for it! These two large pits were actually caused by the collapse of empty magma chambers after a volcanic uprising. They are easy to access from the Puerto Ayora to Baltra road.
There is a lovely walking trail here that leads up to and then around the rim of both craters. The hike takes you through the wonderful Scalesia Forest, which is full of bird life. It's likely you will see Galápagos Doves, Darwin's Finches, the stunning Vermilion Flycatcher, as well as short-eared owls and many other species.
As you climb up to the rim of the craters you are rewarded with a breathtaking view over the Scalesia canopy, it's lush green a real contrast to the arid vegetation on much of the other Galápagos Islands you can visit.
Santa Cruz • Charles Darwin Research Station

The world famous Charles Darwin Research Center is just a 10 minute walk from downtown Puerto Ayora, and is the home of the non-profit Charles Darwin Foundation.
Inside, you'll find exhibits about the geography, geology and climate of the Galápagos, and the evolution of her unique species. There is also lots of information on the Foundation's current conservation and education programs.
As well as conducting it's own key research, the Charles Darwin Center also hosts international scientists, and supports the work of government agencies like the Galápagos National Park.
Next door is the site of the Galápagos' first giant tortoise breeding center, where pioneering work has been done since 1965 for the preservation of these species. Here you can see newly hatched babies, up to juveniles and full-grown adults ready to be released back into the wild.
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.
Baltra airport serves both Guayaquil or Quito, and we can arrange flights that fit best with your onward plans - particularly if you are continuing a South America tour. Speak to one of our travel experts as we are often able to beat even internet pricing on flights to and from Galápagos.
Note: If you plan to spend a few days in Galápagos after your cruise this is no problem at all. Just let us know and we will arrange for the logistics. The transfer from Baltra to Puerto Ayora, for example, is very easy.
Multiple Addons possibe
Optional Module After Last Day
Reviews
Mariana W.
Es war alles bestens organisiert Hallo Babett Vielen Dank, es hat alles wunderbar geklappt. Schon in Guayaquil händigte man uns die Papiere für Flug und Seaman aus und gleich am nächsten Morgen am Flughafen hat uns jemand bereits mit den Bordkarten erwartet. Die Crew der Seaman war ja bestens organisiert, mit Gepäck-Transport und Bus für die Passagiere. Die Kreuzfahrt hat uns super gefallen! Alles war bestens organisiert, die Crew sehr nett und hat uns sehr verwöhnt. Die Ausflüge waren für uns sehr spannend, ausgewogen, Schnorcheln und "Wandern", immer wieder etwas anders. Wir können die Kreuzfahrt jederzeit weiterempfehlen, auch die Kabinen waren genau in der richtigen Grösse, wir hätten die teureren, im oberen Stockwerk gar nicht gebraucht, da wir ja meistens auf Deck, bei einem Ausflug oder im Gemeinschaftsraum waren. An diese wunderbare Reise werden wir noch einige Zeit zurückdenken! Viele Grüsse Mariana W.
Elizabeth M
Galapagos Seaman Journey 8 day tour booked through Galapatours Trying to get details and prices for specific boats and tours for the Galapagos seemed somewhat confusing online. However once we found Galapatours they were very helpful. They provided information on a few different boats and explained differences between the classes of boats. They were very knowledgeable about what the boats offered and equipment provided. Plus the prices they charged for the tours seemed economical compared to some other prices I had seen. I would definitely recommend using Galapatours for booking a tour in the Galapagos. Source: TRipAdvisor
Plan the globe
Easy booking, great value for my Galapagos cruise I booked my Galapagos cruise through Galapatours. I had a great experience and would book through them again. The booking process was easy and quick. The agents and company were very responsive when I was trying to book. The agents were also knowledgeable about the different cruise options, itineraries, and animals you see on each. I did the 8 day Seaman cruise and highly recommend it. The boat was clean, beautiful, spacious, and updated. The staff was attentive and professional. The food was delicious with a great variety at every meal. The cruise went to a variety of islands and we saw a large amount of different animals and landscapes. The itinerary was exactly what we were looking for. I highly recommend this cruise and itinerary. There isn't anything I would change about the cruise and itinerary as our experience was terrific! Source: TripAdvisor
Bill Ellert
Excellent Tour and Excellent Service My husband and I toured 4 of the Galápagos Islands on Seaman Journey. The booking process was easy. I was impressed that when I accidentally overpaid, they contacted me immediately to disclose my error and reimbursed me without any problem. The tour itself was wonderful. The food was plentiful, perfectly prepared, and pleasantly diverse. The service was impeccable. I never figured out exactly when they snuck in to make beds and change towels but every day it seemed to be done before the sheets even had a chance to cool down. The tour guide was engaging, knowledgeable, and always watched out for our safety. I would highly recommend this tour without reservations. Source: Galapatours.com
Mrs. Jill Isabel P. & Family
Solid experience This cruise has been extremely good. It really has been better that we expected. Everybody had a great time onboard, from 4 years old until the 78 people. The boat always is clean, the food is succulent, the crew is very kind and attentive, the guide is excellent. Everything has been so good. This trip has been one of the better trips that I have had in my life. I´ll definitely talk to Journey Latin America, and recommend you