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It is home to over 24,000 residents, as well as the famous Darwin Research Station and Galápagos National Park Headquarters. We walk to the research station from the docks, past plenty of tempting shops. The station, established in 1961, includes a captive breeding facility for several varieties of Giant Tortoise and exhibits on various projects and conservation. Larger trees and shrubs surround the tortoise pens, attracting several species of Darwin’s finches. When you wake up this morning, your yacht will be one of the dozens of boats anchored in the lively harbor of Academy Bay. You’ll disembark at Puerto Ayora, SANTA CRUZ Island, the social heart of the Galapagos, with a population of 24,000 residents.
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Like so many of the islands in the Galápagos, San Cristóbal is formed by dormant volcanoes. It lies to the east of the archipelago and is one of the oldest islands in the group. Approximately 8,000 people live on the island, making their living from tourism, fishing, in government offices, or off the rich volcanic soils with some limited farming in the highlands. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on the southwestern tip of the island is the capital city of the Galapagos Islands. A statue of Charles Darwin graces the harbor, marking one of the first places he likely stepped ashore in the 1830s. In general, the weather during your stay should be warm to hot and we want you to be comfortable.
Experience Highlights
Bring crisp, unsoiled U.S. dollars in good condition in SMALL denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20) for purchases and tipping. Bring large U.S. bills ($50 or $100) that will give you the better rate when choosing to exchange to local currency. On the ship, laundry service may be available [for a reasonable charge] from a crew member on the ship who goes on Santa Cruz Island. For items you choose to hand-launder, consider quick-dry fabrics that will dry faster in high humidity. When you arrive at your arrival airport, look for Airport Shuttle or call the hotel for the shuttle. We have your arrival time and will reconfirm with your guide.
Travel Guide
One of the most efficient and enjoyable ways to explore the Galapagos Islands is on a live-aboard cruise ship. Select from the following options to find the best cruise ships & yachts for your Galapagos Island vacation cruise. Your Galápagos adventure is effectively one continuous wildlife watching experience!
As we explore on our Galápagos cruises, we ensure we do nothing that might disturb the wildlife and ecosystems and leave as small a footprint as possible. Explore the remarkable wildlife and ecosystems of the Galápagos Islands in small groups aboard expedition boats, guided by our Expedition Team. The most famous local dish is the ceviche, made with freshly-caught lobster, octopus, squid, or shrimp. You can charge your phone on-board, however, electricity in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands requires US plugs so you may need to take an adapter. Additionally, mobile phone coverage is almost non-existent whilst travelling around the islands. You may find that you only have some limited service when you are closer to the bigger islands.
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The names of all 3 yachts, Origin, Theory & Evolve, inspired by Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution and Origin of Species. Your skilled driver will navigate through the wave-sculpted caves and bring you up close to the tuff walls covered in colorful Sally light-foot crabs. Don’t miss the opportunity to snorkel (2), with penguins diving playfully in the water or grooming themselves on rock formations. Look for sea turtles poking their heads above water before swimming gracefully beneath the surface.
Many smartphones, tablets, or laptops come with one of these apps pre-installed or you can download for free. If bringing a laptop or tablet, get a good dustcover to protect it at all times. We advise you carry a mix of different types of payments, such as cash, an ATM card, and a credit card or two.
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Using boats, kayaks, snorkels and your own legs, you’ll get close – but not too close – to the Galápagos Islands wildlife you know from TV nature documentaries. Prices typically exclude the cost of flights to the islands (around $500) and the National Park entrance fee (currently $100, soon to be $200 starting 1 Aug 2024). Most cruises are all-inclusive with the exception of alcoholic beverages and tips. To help reduce the cost, keep apprised of last minute Galapagos Islands cruise deals or consider a private Galapagos cruise charter which often prove more cost effective if traveling in a group. Browse our best-selling Galápagos vacations below and begin an unforgettable journey tailored uniquely to you.
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Snorkeling excursions and hiking lava rock trails will challenge and thrill you. Views of breeching whales and ocean-side cliffs will make an imprint in your memory. In the afternoon, you’ll disembark at Urbina Bay on ISABELA and see surprising evidence of volcanic activity. Four miles of the coastal seabed are exposed due to a dramatic uplift during a volcanic eruption in 1954, and some of the remaining coral skeletons still stand several feet high. A diverse collection of animal species awaits; Galapagos land iguanas, marine iguanas, Darwin’s finches, brown pelicans, flightless cormorants, and the occasional giant Galapagos tortoise. When you’re finished exploring, you’ll return to the vessel for your nightly briefing and dinner.
The lava fields of Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island will inevitably remind visitors of the surface of the moon. As brilliant red Sally Lightfoot crabs scuttle along the black volcanic shores, learn about the formation of the islands through geological forces from your guides. The lava flows here are just over 125 years old, dating back to 1897. The lava took on a rope-like appearance and geologists have adopted a Hawaiian word, pahoehoe, as the technical name for this kind of volcanic rock.
This small island is considered the geographic center of the Galapagos because its volcanic rocks are the most diversified in the archipelago. A short trail will lead you to a saltwater lagoon occupied by Greater Flamingos. Along the way, look for marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers, and Darwin’s finches. Over a dozen species of finches live on the islands and observing them contributed to Charles Darwin’s ideas that formed the basis for his theory of evolution. If you choose to snorkel this morning (2), you may see a colony of sea lions or rays.
You may choose to explore the shoreline of the secluded cove by kayak or paddleboard. The wildlife is abundant, with Galapagos penguins, boobies, pelicans, and other seabirds. Tonight, as we sail toward the geographic center of the archipelago, we’ll cross the equator for the third and final time. You’ll have comfortable accommodation on the boat each night as you cruise around the islands of the Galapagos.
The snorkeling here is well-known for schools of colorful creole wrasses and parrot fish. After lunch, you’ll get to see some of the human histories of the Galapagos when you go ashore on Tagus Cove. This was a favorite anchorage for pirates and whalers for centuries, and sections of the rocky cliffs are covered in graffiti from as far back as the 1800s. Hike at a faster pace to a saltwater lagoon and scenic overview, and take in the ocean, lava fields, and volcanic formations.
If you suffer from seasickness you may want to reconsider travelling during this period. One of the best things about the region is that it’s a great place to visit all year round, with one of the most temperate climates on the planet. If you’re seeking the warmth, temperatures average around 86°F from January to May, but you’ll encounter some humidity and the occasional downpour. The cooler dry season from June to December sees temperatures closer to the 79°F mark, but this is also when sea mammals and birdlife tend to be easiest to spot.
Be the first to hear about our latest offers, exciting itineraries and inspirational articles. If you are travelling with a larger bag you do have the option of leaving it behind at the start hotel on Day 1and borrowing one of our kit bags, which hold about 12kg. This service is provided by the hotel, and although we haven’t had issues with theft in the past, we highly recommend that you don’t leave any valuables behind. Although each cabin has space to store bags, space is always restricted on a boat, so we suggest that you take a backpack or soft-sided duffle bag with you. Larger fixed suitcases are usually too big to store in the cupboard space.
Browse through our list of liveaboard diving cruises and let us help you plan your personalized Galapagos adventure now. Let our experts help you choose a cruise and boat that best fits the needs of your travel adventure. Discover the Galapagos Islands, one of the world's most famous and pristine natural laboratories, through excursions lead by expert Naturalist Guides appointed by the Galapagos National Park. They're eager to share a wealth of knowledge about the many historical and natural highlights of the Galapagos archipelago. Wi-Fi is not available on the boat at all whilst in the Galapagos Islands. There is limited access on the bigger islands of Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and Isabela and there may also be the occasional internet cafe for you to use if there is time.
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