Through the cradle of the Galápagos archipelago

Day 1: Embarkation on Baltra Island & Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island

Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed at the airport and transferred to the MS Endemic, where you will board and check into your cabin.

In the afternoon, your first excursion takes you to Dragon Hill in the northwest of Santa Cruz. As you walk into the interior of the island, you will encounter the impressive land iguanas – reptiles that were on the brink of extinction just a few decades ago, making them all the more moving to see.

Dragon Hill also features a flamingo lagoon, where you can observe pink flamingos , pintails, flycatchers, and warblers. After a short climb, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view from the hill. Before returning to the catamaran, the clear coastal waters invite you to go snorkeling.

Activities: Hiking, snorkeling

Day 3: Española Island – Gardner Bay & Punta Suarez

Today you will explore Española, the southernmost island of the Galápagos archipelago. Here you will find an impressive variety of endemic species, from the curious Española mockingbird to masked and blue-footed boobies. The spectacular cliffs offer breathtaking views of the sea.

The morning begins at Gardner Bay with its idyllic sandy beach, which is perfect for swimming. While snorkeling around the small offshore islets, you will encounter colorful schools of fish and, with a little luck, sea turtles or sharks. The playful sea lions, who enjoy swimming alongside you, are particularly charming.

Alternatively, you can visit Osborn and Gardner Islands, which are among the best snorkeling spots in the region.

Activities: snorkeling, dinghy excursion, kayaking, short hike (1 km)

After lunch, visit Punta Suárez, one of the most outstanding wildlife areas in the archipelago. Along the cliffs and on the sandy and pebble beaches, you will discover blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and lava lizards, among other species.

Activities: Hiking (3 km)

Day 5: South Plaza Island, Baltra Island, and Bartholomew Island

In the morning, South Plaza Island awaits you with its unique vegetation of Sesuvium plants and Opuntia cacti scattered across the landscape. Here you will experience some of the best wildlife viewing in the Galápagos: land iguanas doze comfortably in the shade of the cacti, waiting for a juicy prickly pear to fall to the ground.

After a brief stop on Baltra Island, where new passengers board, you will reach Bartolomé Island after lunch. A climb rewards you with a spectacular panoramic view of Sullivan Bay and the famous Pinnacle Rock. A fascinating underwater world awaits you off the beaches below the striking rock – and with a little luck, you will be accompanied by penguins while snorkeling.

Activities: Dinghy trip, snorkeling, and hiking (1.2 miles)

Day 7: Santiago Island & North Seymour Island

In the morning, after breakfast, you will visit Chinese Hat, a small islet off the south coast of Santiago that rises only about 52 meters above sea level. Although the island is not far from Santa Cruz, it is still a real insider tip.

Activities: hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, dinghy excursion

In the afternoon, you will explore North Seymour, a flat island north of Baltra that was formed by the uplifting of submarine lava formations. Covered in low scrub, the island is home to the largest colony of magnificent frigatebirds in the Galápagos. Numerous blue-footed boobies also live here. With a little luck, you may even see their elaborate courtship dance.

Activities: hiking, snorkeling, dinghy excursion