5 Day Singapore Travel Itinerary
January 22, 2025
Blog
7 Day Galapagos Cruise Itinerary
A 7 day Galápagos cruise allows you to experience the unique wildlife, volcanic landscapes, and pristine beaches of the islands without the hassle of changing accommodations daily. Cruises offer set itineraries with naturalist guides, meals, and activities included, making it a stress-free way to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Currency
US Dollar (USD).
Local Language
Spanish; English is widely spoken on tours and cruises
Visa Requirements
No visa needed for UK, USA, Canada, EU, Australia, and NZ citizens (up to 90 days).
Expense Level
$$$$ (Cruises are expensive but all-inclusive).
Plug Type
Type A and B; voltage 110V.
Safety
Very safe; follow environmental rules strictly to protect wildlife.
Vaccination
Routine vaccines. Yellow fever recommended if transiting through Ecuador’s Amazon.
Payment
Cash is essential on islands. Cards are accepted on cruises.
Nightlife
Best Months to Visit
December to May (warm, calm waters); June to November (cooler with abundant marine life).
Climate
Warm year-round but pack light layers for cool evenings and sun protection for the day.
Water Safety
Filtered or bottled water only.
Tipping
10% is expected for cruise crew and guides.
Cultural Etiquette
Emergency Numbers
Time Zone
Cruise Options
- Budget Cruise: Archipel I Catamaran – Comfortable 7 day galapagos cruise itinerary with excellent guides and small group sizes.
- Mid-Range Cruise: Galaxy Yacht – Well-rated, mid-range yacht with cozy cabins and great itineraries.
- Luxury Cruise: Origin by Ecoventura – High-end, eco-friendly yacht with gourmet food, spacious rooms, and top-notch service.
Summary of the Galápagos Cruise Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Baltra, visit Santa Cruz (Charles Darwin Research Station).
- Day 2: Española Island – Punta Suarez & Gardner Bay.
- Day 3: Floreana Island – Cormorant Point & Devil’s Crown.
- Day 4: Isabela Island – Sierra Negra Volcano & Tintoreras.
- Day 5: Fernandina Island – Punta Espinosa & Isabela (Tagus Cove).
- Day 6: Santiago Island – Puerto Egas & Rabida Island.
- Day 7: North Seymour Island & departure from Baltra.
Day 1: Arrival in Baltra & Santa Cruz Island
- Morning: Fly from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Island (Seymour Airport). Your cruise guide will meet you and transfer you to the ship.
- Afternoon: Visit Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island to learn about conservation programs and see giant tortoises in breeding centers.
- Evening: Settle into your cabin and enjoy the cruise’s welcome dinner onboard.
Activities:
- Charles Darwin Station visit – Free.
- Wildlife: Giant tortoises, land iguanas.
Day 2: Española Island (Punta Suarez & Gardner Bay)
- Morning: Explore Punta Suarez, famous for its stunning cliffs and diverse birdlife. Spot waved albatross (April–December), blue-footed boobies, and marine iguanas.
- Afternoon: Relax at Gardner Bay, a pristine white-sand beach perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Look for sea lions and reef sharks in the water.
Activities:
- Guided walk at Punta Suarez – Included.
- Snorkeling at Gardner Bay – Included.
- Wildlife: Waved albatross, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, reef sharks.
Day 3: Floreana Island (Cormorant Point & Devil’s Crown)
- Morning: Visit Cormorant Point, known for its green-tinted sand and flamingo-filled lagoon. Hike to a nearby white-sand beach, where sea turtles nest.
- Afternoon: Snorkel at Devil’s Crown, a volcanic crater teeming with marine life, including sea turtles, rays, reef sharks, and colorful fish.
Activities:
- Guided hike at Cormorant Point – Included.
- Snorkeling at Devil’s Crown – Included.
- Wildlife: Flamingos, sea turtles, rays, reef sharks, tropical fish.
Day 4: Isabela Island (Sierra Negra Volcano & Tintoreras)
- Morning: Hike to the Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the largest volcanic craters in the world. The panoramic views and volcanic landscapes are breathtaking.
- Afternoon: Visit Tintoreras, a small islet where you can spot white-tipped reef sharks, penguins, and marine iguanas. Snorkeling here offers encounters with sea lions and sea turtles.
Activities:
- Hike to Sierra Negra Volcano – Included.
- Snorkeling and wildlife viewing at Tintoreras – Included.
- Wildlife: White-tipped reef sharks, Galápagos penguins, marine iguanas, sea turtles.
Day 5: Fernandina Island (Punta Espinosa) & Isabela Island (Tagus Cove)
- Morning: Explore Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island, a pristine, volcanic landscape known for its dense colonies of marine iguanas and flightless cormorants.
- Afternoon: Cruise to Tagus Cove on Isabela Island, where you can kayak, snorkel, or hike for spectacular views of Darwin Lake and nearby volcanic formations.
Activities:
- Guided walk at Punta Espinosa – Included.
- Snorkeling/kayaking at Tagus Cove – Included.
- Wildlife: Marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, sea lions, Galápagos penguins.
Day 6: Santiago Island (Puerto Egas) & Rabida Island
- Morning: Visit Puerto Egas, a black-sand beach on Santiago Island, where you’ll encounter fur seals, sea lions, and tidal pools teeming with marine life.
- Afternoon: Explore the red-sand beaches of Rabida Island and snorkel in the clear waters, which are home to sea lions, tropical fish, and white-tipped reef sharks.
Activities:
- Wildlife walk at Puerto Egas – Included.
- Snorkeling at Rabida Island – Included.
- Wildlife: Fur seals, sea lions, white-tipped reef sharks, pelicans, and finches.
Day 7: North Seymour Island & Departure
- Morning: Stop at North Seymour Island, famous for its colonies of frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies. Take a guided hike to observe wildlife and admire the rugged landscapes.
- Afternoon: Return to Baltra Airport for your flight back to Quito or Guayaquil, concluding your unforgettable Galápagos adventure.
Activities:
- Guided hike on North Seymour Island – Included.
- Wildlife: Frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, land iguanas.
