
Southeast Galápagos Cruise
6 Days Galápagos cruise on board the Petrel
From USD 5,949
A 6-day Expedition Cruise
6 Reviews
The Trip Highlights
Incredible snorkeling at Devil's Crown
Scientific insights at C. Darwin Research Station
Gardner Bay: Pristine, white sand beaches
Playful Sea Lions in South Plaza
Galapatours 'Plus' Experience
Unrivalled space and decor
Kayaks available
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 Petrel! 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. 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: Petrel
- THE luxury motor catamaran in Galápagos - newest in the Galápagos fleet, superb stability;
- 2 suites available for the ultimate in comfort;
- Sun deck with jacuzzi;
- Kayaks available.
Newest in the Fleet One of the newest vessels cruising in the Galápagos, the Motor Catamaran Petrel redefines luxury. Her modern design brings you state-of-the-art equipment and offers greater stability than traditional vessels, whilst providing you with levels of comfort and opulence not previously seen. Petrel will take you to wonderful settings smoothly, quietly and in grand style, her twin-hull des … Read more about Petrel
Amenities
Transfers to and from ship
Private Balcony
Snorkel gear (free of charge)
100% CO2 carbon footprint offset
Scuba outing possible
Kayaks on board
All meals
Air conditioning & private bathroom
Water, Coffee, Tea & fresh juices
Triple cabins
Wetsuits
English guide
-25% for children < 12
Sundeck with jacuzzi
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
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
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.
Day 2
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 3
AM
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.
PM
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.
Day 4
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 5
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 • 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.
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 6
AM
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
Chris
Great! The crew - Gustavo Barba, our Galapagos National Park Naturalist, was fantastic! He made the trip fun and interesting for a wide range of ages - from my sixteen year olds to retirees on the trip. He had a great attitude, encyclopedic knowledge and seemed to know the best spots for everything from locating mating blue footed boobies to swimming with sharks, turtles and sea lions. Our Cruise Director, Jose, was warm and friendly, and loved to share his Ecuador with all of the guests. Captain Pedro Rocafuente and his crew were remarkable, in part because they maintained the boat in an immaculate condition, seemingly all at night when we were sleeping or when we were out on the multiple excursions each day. I am already missing Chef Carlos' wonderful cooking, which highlighted many Ecuadorean dishes, and despite a very active six days, I feel I gained weight. It may be expensive, but I feel I will likely only do a trip to the Galapagos once or twice in my life and this more than lived up to our expectations. A wonderful experience made possible by the fantastic crew, naturalist and facilities available on the Petrel.
Derek S.
Großartiges Schiff Die Kabinen sind sehr geräumig, alle mit eigenem Balkon. Das Essen wird in Buffet-form präsentiert und schmeckte immer fantastisch. Das Schiff wurde exzellent besetzt von Marvin und seinem Team, alle waren sehr professionell und hatten Ahnung,von dem was sie taten. Die Reiseführer Harry und Morris waren absolut spitze. Falls jemand darüber nachdenkt auf die Petrel zu gehen, kann ich das demjenigen nur empfehlen! Für etwas mehr Geld bekommt man eine großartige Leistung und viele Tagesaktivitäten geboten. Am Abend kann den Luxus an Bord genießen und den Sonnenuntergang vom eigenen Balkon aus mitverfolgen. Quelle: https://goo.gl/QHrZDL
Annie
Wonderful Time In A Wonderful Place We were very pleased with the boat, crew and fellow passengers. Morris was a very knowledgable guide and accomplished photographer/underwater videographer, as well as friendly and excellent english spoken. Carlos did a great job bartending and serving meals and spoke english well also. Almost all of the crew we had contact with could communicate at least somewhat in english and were very friendly/helpful. We had a great mix of people aboard (22 to 60's) from various countries/locations. Food was plentiful and varied. Our favorite were the two barbecue lunches on the top deck including the last lunch of grilled fish, octopus, lobster and prawns plus baked potatoes, salad, etc. After each excursion there was generally fresh juice and a snack waiting as well, such as chicken wings, empanadas, fried yucca with honey, etc. We did Itinerary A which went to many locations on Isabela island, Santa Cruz, South Plaza, North Seymour, Santa Fe and San Cristobal. Saw a wide variety of animals including blue footed boobies, sea lions, many types of iguanas, penguins, dolphins, rays, etc. Snorkeling 4 or 5 times was our favorite. Snorkeled with penguins, sea lions (santa fe had whole colony swimming with us), rays, sharks, dolphins, turtles. Galapatours also helped us with some information beforehand (what to bring, cultural differences etc), which made the trip completely perfect. I highly recommend the Petrel cruise!
Don
Best Trip Ever Linda and I have returned from our trip. This was our best trip ever. The crew were all great; helpful, cheerful and informative. Eduardo was the director and very special. The guide, Harry, was terrific. And the ship was top-notch. We'd like to thank you for all your help. Also, thanks to galapatours. Everything went very smoothly for the whole time. Best Regards, Don
cpanczner
Eine wundervolle Erfahrung Meine Frau, unsere Zwillinge und ich buchten eine sechs-Tages Kreuzfahrt in den Süden. Es war eine fantastische Erfahrung - wandern, schnorcheln und Kayak Touren, es war alles dabei. Ich werde nie wieder vergessen, wie wir mit Seelöwen um die Wette schwammen und die Schildkröten im Wasser beim verspeisen von Algen beobachteten. Es mag zwar teuer sein aber die Galapagos Inseln besucht man nur ein oder zwei Mal im Leben. Eine tolle Zeit, die uns die Besatzung, der Guide und die Extras an Bord der Petrel erst ermöglichten. Quelle: https://goo.gl/a7GLSR