7-Night: Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, Santa Cruz & North Seymour - Eminence Catamaran - Galapagos Cruise

You will reach Baltra Airport where local representatives will greet you to start your transfer toward M/C Eminence in the Galapagos Islands. The expedition team will provide you with an orientation about the program after you board the ship before you start your journey at Santa Cruz Island by visiting the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center which exists inside the Charles Darwin Research Station. The conservation facility protects different groups of Galapagos giant tortoises while running breeding programs which work to repopulate their species in natural habitats. Visitors can explore the educational pathways at the center to study tortoises throughout their life cycle starting from protected enclosure breeding until they become fully grown. Naturalist guides share information about these reptiles because they play an essential role in their environment while scientists continue their work to protect the Galapagos wildlife species which exist only in this region.

Research the environmental diversity of Isabela Island through your journey across the Tintoreras islets. The small volcanic structures stand above transparent shallow waters which allow visitors to spot reef sharks and sea turtles and marine iguanas and sea lions and various tropical fish species. You can snorkel through the active marine environment of this area but you must assess the current situation before moving to Sierra Negra Volcano. The trail leads you through various plant communities until you reach observation points which show the massive volcanic depression that represents one of the biggest calderas in the Galapagos. The extensive terrain reveals how powerful natural forces created the current form of Isabela. The next stop leads you to Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center which functions as a vital conservation area that protects native giant tortoises. People can watch tortoises at various life stages during their time in managed environments which teach about breeding practices and conservation work and animal release operations.

The day starts at Moreno Point which displays one of the most impressive volcanic formations on Isabela Island. The paths direct you to walk across vast black lava stretches which stem from recent volcanic eruptions until you reach hidden water bodies that exist within rocky landscapes. The inland pools function as essential environments which support flamingos and shorebirds and marine iguanas and various other coastal organisms. The location stands out because its dark volcanic rocks contrast with green plant life and shallow water bodies which makes it perfect for photographers and nature lovers. The experience continues with an exploration of Elizabeth Bay through a tranquil dinghy excursion which takes you through protected mangrove waterways. The water remains peaceful as Galapagos penguins and flightless cormorants and sea turtles and rays and sea lions swim across it. The quietness of the area allows visitors to experience the protected marine ecosystem which Isabela Island has developed into its most successful one.

Visit Fernandina Island, one of the youngest and most pristine islands in the Galapagos Archipelago. At Espinoza Point, walk across raw volcanic terrain inhabited by enormous colonies of marine iguanas. These distinctive reptiles gather along the dark shoreline, often surrounded by sea lions and flightless cormorants. The lack of introduced species has helped preserve Fernandina’s ecosystems, providing a rare glimpse of nature with minimal human impact. In the afternoon, continue to Vicente Roca Point on the northwestern coast of Isabela Island. Towering cliffs and partially submerged volcanic formations create a spectacular setting for marine exploration. Snorkel in deep, nutrient-rich waters where sea turtles, rays, penguins, colorful fish, and other marine species may appear against the dramatic underwater landscape.

Begin the day at Egas Port on Santiago Island, where a guided coastal walk follows rugged lava formations, tidal pools, and wave-carved shorelines. Observe marine iguanas, shorebirds, sea lions, and small marine creatures living within the intertidal zone. One of the area’s most distinctive features is a shaded grotto where Galapagos fur seals may rest among narrow lava crevices. Later, travel to Buccaneer Cove, a dramatic site surrounded by tall cliffs, sea caves, and unusual rock formations associated with the island’s pirate and whaling history. Explore the coast by kayak or dinghy before continuing to Espumilla Beach. This peaceful sandy shoreline is surrounded by mangroves and serves as an important seasonal nesting area for green sea turtles.

Explore Bartolome Island, one of the most photographed destinations in the Galapagos. Climb the wooden stairway that crosses the island’s volcanic landscape and leads to a panoramic summit. From the viewpoint, admire Pinnacle Rock, surrounding bays, lava formations, and nearby islands. The route also reveals volcanic cones and pioneer plants growing in a dry, exposed environment. After descending, enjoy time near the beach and, when conditions permit, snorkel in clear water inhabited by tropical fish, sea turtles, and Galapagos penguins. Later, continue to Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island. Walk across an expansive lava field formed by a relatively recent eruption and examine its remarkable rope-like textures, cracks, and hardened flows. Small pioneer plants emerging from the lava demonstrate the gradual process of ecological renewal.

The day starts at Chinese Hat which stands out as a volcanic islet that appears near Santiago Island's southeastern shoreline. The location becomes unforgettable because of its towering volcanic peak which stands above turquoise waters while lava flows create unique patterns for explorers to discover. The shoreline path lets you watch sea lions and marine iguanas and shorebirds while you see how volcanic activity created the landscape through erosion. Snorkeling allows people to meet reef fish and rays and sea turtles and playful sea lions during their underwater exploration. In the afternoon, visit Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island. The trail leads you through dry forest areas and cactus fields and lagoon habitats which sometimes attract flamingos and other bird species. The region has become famous because conservationists brought back Galapagos land iguanas which now live in their original home successfully.

The expedition concludes with a morning visit to North Seymour Island which stands as the primary seabird nesting site within the Galapagos Islands. The rocky path leads through dry land which serves as home to frigatebirds and boobies and gulls and iguanas and sea lions. Male frigatebirds show their vibrant red throat pouches during their courtship season while blue-footed boobies perform their signature courtship dance. The open landscape of the island provides perfect conditions for wildlife viewing through photography while photographers maintain proper distance from nesting birds. The excursion will take you back to the ship which will then move you to Baltra Airport for your departure flight to mainland Ecuador.