Explore the eastern islands of the Galapagos aboard the luxurious &Beyond Galapagos Explorer.
Best of the Galapagos East
North Seymour, San Cristóbal, Española, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Bartolomé, Genovesa, Daphne Major
Join like-minded travellers on this island adventure
Expertly guided & hosted by skilled guides
Marvel at any array of endemic animal, marine & birdlife
Explore the history and settlement of the islands
Traverse multiple islands & unique regions
Breathtaking island views & picturesque landscapes
Your journey at a glance
An unparalleled 7-night set departure journey discovering the enchanting eastern islands of this magnificent archipelago.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the Galapagos Islands, where nature reigns supreme. Spot the blue-footed boobies of North Seymour, navigate the otherworldly volcanic landscapes of San Cristóbal, and marvel at the waved albatross courtship rituals on Española. Hike alongside land iguanas on Floreana, witness the giant tortoises of Santa Cruz, and snorkel amongst playful sea lions and penguins off the coast of Bartolomé. This island-hopping adventure will unveil the unique ecosystems and captivating wildlife that make the Galapagos a true treasure trove of biodiversity.
7 nights on board the &Beyond Galapagos Explorer
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A taste of what to expect
Day 1: Arrival
North Seymour
AFTERNOON: Upon arrival at Seymour Airport on Baltra Island, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to the Galapagos Explorer.
Begin your adventure traversing North Seymour on foot. The flat, sandy trail along the coast offers wonderful wildlife and bird viewing opportunities. This is the only island with two species of frigatebirds and the best place to watch the male’s bizarre mating display. While walking around, keep an eye on the colourful land iguanas, lava lizards, and marine iguanas that are known to walk between your legs.
Day 2
San Cristóbal
MORNING: Pitt Point: An uneven, uphill hike leads you to a cluster of eroded volcanoes sparsely populated by unique vegetation. On your walk, look out for the San Cristóbal mockingbird and lava lizard, both endemic to this area. Pitt Point is also the only breeding site for all three booby species – the blue-footed, red-footed and Nazca booby. Those who prefer not to hike can enjoy incredible birdwatching aboard a panga boat. Weather permitting, there is also the opportunity to swim and snorkel with various tropical fish and sea lion.
AFTERNOON: Kicker Rock: This iconic rock rises 152 m (500 ft) from the ocean, formed from the remnants of a vertical tuff cone eroded by the sea. Sailing around the natural monument showcases the islet’s dramatic cliffs and low bushes which make for ideal nesting sites for frigatebirds, Nazca boobies and tropicbirds. A picture-perfect moment you’ll remember for years to come.
Lobos Island: A small flat islet located 10 km (6.2 mi) northeast of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, a panga boat ride along the coastline offers ample opportunity to observe nesting blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, pelicans and large colonies of sea lion. Weather permitting, it’s also possible to swim and snorkel with the curious sea lions. An experience not easily forgotten; sea lions are often spotted during the summer months (from December to May) when they take to the water to escape the heat. While these playful creatures may swim very close, it’s best not to try to touch them.
Day 3
Española
MORNING: Gardner Bay: Bask in the sunshine on pristine sandy white beaches observing large bird colonies, sea lion and Española lava lizards or discover the vibrant underwater world swimming with sea turtles, pufferfish, and Galapagos grunts. This is one of the rare beaches in the Galapagos where guests do not need to be accompanied by a guide at all times.
Gardner Bay also offers exceptional kayaking, where, weather permitting, you can spot sea birds soaring amidst the cliffs and sea turtles swimming on the ocean’s surface.
AFTERNOON: Suarez Point: This rocky land offers one of the most beautiful walks in the Galapagos, with plenty of close-up opportunities to encounter the island’s diverse wildlife. Cross paths with marine iguanas, sea lions and swallow-tailed gulls and carefully walk through the albatrosses’ nesting colonies. Española is the sole breeding site for the entire world population of waved albatross, numbering around 12,000 pairs. This species has attained a critical endangered status, prompting ongoing vigilance through regular population monitoring.
Weather permitting, keep an eye out for the large blowhole which is known to spray 15 – 23 m (50 – 75 ft) of ocean water into the air depending on the surf intensity.
Day 4
Floreana
MORNING: Cormorant Point: Located between two volcanic giants lies one of the largest lagoons in the Galapagos, a haven for the American flamingo. With only 350 known pairs left in the Galapagos, this is the one of the best places to see these vibrant creatures, also known as the pinkest flamingo on earth. In addition, the island hosts a high percentage of endemic plant species. Its two distinct beaches, the Green Beach (due to the olivine crystals in the sand) and Flour Sand Beach (which is made up of fine sandy white coral), make for an interesting sight as well. Flour Sand Beach is also a known breeding site for green sea turtles (from December to May). Other inhabitants to look for are Floreana lava lizards, finches and flycatchers.
Champion Island: Here lives one of the most endangered species in the Galapagos, the Floreana mockingbird which can only be seen on a panga boat ride. This is also one of the most beautiful snorkelling sites in the islands, with crystal-clear water visibility boasting large schools of Salemas, king angelfish, yellow tailed surgeonfish, Galapagos grunts, whitetip sharks, eagle rays and stingrays.
AFTERNOON: Post Office Bay: In the 18th century, whalers passing through the islands placed a wooden barrel on Floreana Island to use as an unofficial mailbox by mariners. Known as Post Office Bay today, the tradition continues as travellers leave addressed postcards in the barrel and sort through left mail to deliver at home. Once you have delivered your post card, enjoy a stroll along the pristine shoreline before taking a dip in the ocean. This is also a fantastic area to kayak owing to the sheltered bay and large number of wildlife that can be seen along the coastline.
Day 5
Santa Cruz
MORNING: The Highlands: After a 30-minute bus ride, you’ll arrive at El Chato, a private ecological reserve, to see giant tortoises roaming freely. Next, stroll through the Highland’s lush forests, where numerous bird species, including various finch varieties, can be spotted. If there’s enough time, you’ll explore ‘Los Gemelos’ (Twin Craters), two collapsed calderas surrounded by a distinctive scalesia forest – a highlight of the highlands.
AFTERNOON: Charles Darwin Research Station: See conservation in action at the research station, an active breeding site for giant tortoises. It’s thanks to these noble efforts that this species has escaped extinction. Strolling through the park not only showcases the various tortoises, including the saddleback tortoise, but also the land iguanas that are bred and nurtured at the centre. After this, use your free time to explore the town, experiencing the local culture firsthand. This is also the perfect opportunity to relax on board the Galapagos Explorer, enjoying the hot tub and al fresco sundeck.
Day 6
Santa Cruz | Bartolomé
MORNING: Dragon Hill: This rocky, low-lying hill, aptly named after the iguanas, is home to an impressive population of Galapagos land iguana. These miniature dragons roam around the sun-scorched, boulder-strewn island, enjoying the fruits and flowers of their favourite food, the prickly pear. A walking trail guides you through the beautiful endemic vegetation, including palo santo tree, letter leaf tree and Galapagos cotton. Along the way, keep an eye out for finches, yellow warblers and flycatchers.
AFTERNOON: Pinnacle Rock: Exactly 375 steps lead you to the summit of an extinct volcano, boasting some of the best views in the Galapagos. Definitely worth all the hard work! Afterwards, take a panga boat ride along the coast in search of the Galapagos penguin, which exclusively breeds on this island. Pinnacle Rock beach is also ideal for snorkelling where you can swim with parrotfish, Sergeant majors, starfish, stingrays, whitetip sharks and, if you’re lucky, even the Galapagos penguin.
Day 7
Genovesa
Today you will explore the only northern island of the archipelago open to guests – also one of the most beautiful islands in the Galapagos.
MORNING: Darwin Bay: The 14 km2 island of Genovesa is the tip of a submerged shield volcano that rises 76 m (249 ft) above sea level. Its central crater is filled with salt water while ocean erosion over time created the Darwin Bay on its southern slope. Here you’ll find 70,000 pairs of nesting red-footed boobies – the largest colony on earth. Along the walking trail, look out for swallow-tailed gulls, the only nocturnal gull species in the world, and be careful not to step on their eggs. Other notable fauna and flora include sea lions, the yellow-crowned night heron, and the lava morning glory plant. Darwin Bay is also the only place to catch a glimpse of the sharp-beaked ground finch.
Weather permitting, this is also an excellent spot to explore the ocean. Dive below the surface to see schools of tropical fish, fur seals or hammerhead sharks; kayak along the cliffs to watch birds nesting or ride along glassy waters in a panga boat to observe lava herons, brown pelicans and red-billed tropicbirds.
AFTERNOON: Prince Philip’s Steps: While Genovesa doesn’t have too many land animals, it’s a paradise for sea birds. A steep but short climb leads you onto a flat, dried lava field where you can spot colonies of red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, great frigatebirds and wedge-rumped storm petrels that nest under the rocks. This is also your best chance to spot the shy, short-eared owl – a truly wonderful sighting.
Day 8: Departure
Daphne Major
MORNING: Today is your last day exploring the Galapagos Islands. Your final sail takes you around Daphne Major, an extinct volcanic tuff cone. Nazca boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, and blue-footed boobies can be found nesting here. Daphne Major is also the primary site of Peter and Rosemary Grant’s iconic 40-year study of evolution in Darwin’s finches that demonstrates evolution occurring over short periods of time. Nearly all of the finches on the island are banded for observation.
Thereafter, it is time to wave a fond farewell to the Galapagos Explorer as you head to Seymour Airport on Baltra Island for your flight onward.
Stay here on this journey
Rates
What's included
- Accommodation
- Three meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers and tea and coffee
- The exclusive use of one pair of SWAROVSKI OPTIK binoculars per room to share, for the duration of your stay
- Guides' Journal with regional information and wildlife illustrations
- Area map with Star Birds checklist
- Daily excursions
- VIP Lounge at Seymour Airport
- Road transfers to and from Seymour Airport
- Internet (via Starlink)
- Limited laundry
- Activities included: All excursions including panga boat rides, hikes, island visits, beach walks, visit to Charles Darwin Research Station, kayaking and snorkelling (snorkelling gear included: short wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins)
What's not included
- Administration fee
- Champagne, cognac, fine wines, premium brand spirits and cigars
- Signature shop purchases
- Flights to and from the Galapagos
- Migratory Card (per entry)
- Park Fees (per stay)
- Items of personal nature
- Gratuities
- Visas (visit our partner, Sherpa, for reliable and convenient access to all visa-related requirements, supporting information, and costs)
- Travel insurance (visit our partner, Global Rescue, for more information)
Conditions
- A single traveller supplement and child rates will be quoted on request
- Fares for internal / regional flights as quoted are subject to change and will be re-quoted at the time of booking request
- The rates quoted are subject to change without warning if there are any increases in bed levies, park fees, fuel, ROE, sales tax or VAT, third-party services, or any other circumstances beyond our control
- Children aged 12 years and older are welcome (7 years and older welcome on charters)
- Park Fees are subject to change
- All flights from Ecuador to Galapagos to be booked with &Beyond
- The route is subject to change at the discretion of the Galapagos park authorities
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) is not permitted
- &Beyond Trading Terms apply
Why visit the Galapagos Islands?
Discover the archipelago of volcanic islands, renowned for their spectacular endemic species, made famous by Charles Darwin and which contributed to his theory of evolution.
Discover the Galapagos Islands
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