Luxury Galapagos Cruise 6 Days – Bartolomeu and Genovesa | Exclusive Tour

About this tour

DAY 1 – Welcome to Baltra and the pristine calm of Black Turtle Cove

Your journey to a world frozen in time begins with your arrival at Baltra Airport. After a warm welcome from your expert naturalist guide and boarding your luxury yacht, we`ll set course for the north coast of Santa Cruz Island. In the afternoon, we`ll board a panga to explore the mystical Black Turtle Cove . As we turn off the engine and paddle through intricate red mangrove forests, the serenity of the crystal-clear water reveals a protected marine sanctuary: sea turtles gliding gently beneath the boat, peaceful whitetip reef sharks resting on the bottom, eagle rays swimming in formation, and great egrets keeping watch from the branches.

DAY 2 – The red contrast of Rábida and the coral magic of Sombrero Chino

Dawn finds us on Rábida Island , world-renowned for the intense red color of its volcanic beaches and cliffs, rich in iron oxide. Upon disembarking, you`ll be greeted by an active colony of sea lions. A gentle trail leads to a coastal lagoon where vibrant pink flamingos filter their food, while boobies and Galapagos hawks soar overhead. In the afternoon, we`ll sail to Chinese Hat , a small islet with a perfectly shaped volcanic cone. Here, we`ll disembark on a coral sand beach inhabited by marine iguanas and playful sea lions. Put on your snorkel gear: these turquoise, protected waters are one of the best places to swim alongside the agile Galapagos penguin and observe lava boulders teeming with marine life.

DAY 3 – The wild spectacle of North Seymour and the green sanctuary of Santa Cruz  

We wake up on North Seymour , an islet teeming with wildlife unafraid of human presence. Walking along its rocky trail, you`ll witness life in its purest form: frigatebirds with their enormous, fiery red throat pouches in full courtship, blue-footed boobies performing their renowned dances on the lava, and land iguanas seeking the shade of the cacti. In the afternoon, we`ll return to Santa Cruz to ascend to the Highlands . The landscape changes dramatically to lush, humid forests where the legendary giant Galapagos tortoises roam freely. You`ll walk among these imposing prehistoric reptiles and explore the fascinating underground lava tunnels formed by ancient eruptions of the archipelago.

DAY 4 – Sullivan Bay`s Living Geology and Bartholomew`s Iconic Postcard  

Today you will witness the geological youth of the Earth. The morning begins in Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, where we will disembark on a stunning Pahoehoe lava field (ropy lava) formed in the second half of the 19th century. Walking across these undulating formations while observing small, adapted plants and shorebirds is like stepping onto the surface of another planet. In the afternoon, we will board the legendary Bartolomé Island . After ascending its wooden walkway to the volcanic summit, you will be rewarded with the most famous and photographed panoramic view in the Galápagos: the majestic Pinnacle Rock overlooking twin bays of turquoise water. We will end the day with a snorkeling session at the base of the monolith, surrounded by tropical fish, rays, and penguins.

DAY 5 – Genovesa: The paradisiacal kingdom of birds

We venture into the far north to disembark at the fascinating submerged caldera of Genovesa Island, known worldwide as "Bird Island." We`ll begin the day at El Barranco (Prince Philip`s Pass), ascending a stone path to a volcanic plateau teeming with life. Here, thousands of red-footed boobies nest in the branches of palo santo trees, while masked boobies and frigatebirds ride the cliff-top winds. In the afternoon, we`ll disembark at the enchanting coral beach of Darwin Bay . We`ll walk among night herons and seabirds nesting at ground level, ending with an unforgettable snorkeling or kayaking session along the volcanic cliffs populated by marine iguanas and sea lions.

DAY 6 – History at the Interpretation Centre and farewell in San Cristóbal  

On our final morning, we`ll disembark on San Cristóbal Island to visit the renowned Interpretation Center . Through its interactive exhibits and nature-filled trails, you`ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the human, geological, and conservation context of the Galápagos, from the passage of the first navigators and pirates to the transformative visit of Charles Darwin. With a complete and profound perspective of this pristine paradise, we`ll transfer you to San Cristóbal Airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador, thus concluding a luxurious and immersive journey through the enchanted islands.