3-Night: San Cristobal, Española, Floreana & Santa Cruz - Eminence Catamaran - Galapagos Cruise

When you arrive at San Cristobal Airport the local team members will help you reach M/C Eminence through their transfer service. The vessel requires guests to join their suite before they can participate in the initial safety training and expedition overview. The first day of exploration at San Cristobal Island starts with Kicker Rock which presents as a towering volcanic structure that rises above the Pacific Ocean. The water channels narrow while their deep waters host a wide range of marine species. Depending on sea conditions, snorkeling lets visitors view sea turtles together with reef sharks and rays and tropical fish schools. The journey then continues to Lobos Island, where a scenic walk provides opportunities to observe sea lions, marine iguanas, nesting birds, and distinctive coastal vegetation.

Spend the entire day exploring Española Island which stands as the oldest island in the archipelago while scientists study its rich biodiversity. The morning begins at Suarez Point, where a rugged trail leads across dramatic lava formations and through important seabird breeding areas. The path reveals various animal species which include blue-footed boobies and Nazca boobies and marine iguanas and Española mockingbirds and waved albatrosses during their breeding season. The trail leads to a strong natural blowhole which shoots ocean water into the air above the rocky shoreline. In the afternoon, visit Gardner Bay and neighboring Osborn Islet. The beach of Gardner Bay stretches across a large area of brilliant white sand which serves as a common resting place for Galapagos sea lions. The nearby waters provide excellent snorkeling opportunities with sea turtles, rays, colorful fish, and playful sea lions.

Begin your exploration of Floreana Island by visiting Baroness Viewpoint to experience its stunning landscapes along with its historical significance. Visitors who reach this viewpoint can see the entire coastline while they listen to stories about the first settlers and strange occurrences and interesting people who lived on the island. The mail delivery system which started with whalers during the 18th century operates at Post Office Bay through its historic tradition. Guests may place an unstamped postcard inside the wooden barrel or select one to deliver personally after returning home. The exploration continues to Cormorant Point which features an olivine beach with green hues and a nearby lagoon where flamingos feed. The day ends at Champion Islet which serves as a famous snorkeling spot where visitors can spot sea lions and rays and reef sharks and big groups of tropical fish below the water surface.

Spend the last morning exploring Santa Cruz Island's green highlands which show a strong difference between their lush vegetation and dry coastal areas of the archipelago. The search for Galapagos giant tortoises continues as I follow their paths through their natural habitat which includes forested areas and grassy fields and wide-open spaces. The natural habitat supports these animals to feed on plants while they move through the landscape at their own pace and they find rest spots near shallow water bodies and muddy grounds. The highlands offer one of the best opportunities to observe this iconic species in the wild and appreciate its importance to the islands’ ecosystems. The tour will reach its end when staff members help you reach the airport for your flight to Ecuador's mainland which marks the conclusion of your cruise experience.