Tauck
Cruising the Galapagos Islands
Cruising the Galapagos Islands
Join us on a Galápagos cruise that is enriching and informative, adventurous and in-depth. Throughout the archipelago, your Galápagos cruise takes you past breathtaking scenery and a plethora of exotic animals unique to only this part of the world
Enjoy a six-night Galápagos cruise aboard one of the finest expeditionary-style yachts in the archipelago, Isabela II – with no more than 40 Tauck guests – and experience amazing wildlife viewing and an opportunity to get up-close to creatures such as blue-footed boobies, sea lions, iguanas and penguins. Our Galápagos cruise itinerary is flexible, allowing the ship to access many remote islands, choosing beaches that are full of wildlife for shore excursions with our expert naturalists. Landings are made in a panga, a Zodiac-style raft. Dry landings mean stepping from the panga onto rocks or a dock – with the helpful hand of a Tauck naturalist; wet landings require stepping into knee-deep water from the panga, then wading ashore onto a sandy beach.
| Day 1 |
Guayaquil, Ecuador, is a vibrant port city and a frequent starting point for cruises to the Galapagos Islands. Stroll along the Malecón 2000 boardwalk for stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, explore the botanical gardens of Parque Historico Guayaquil, or enjoy the colorful streets and shops of popular Las Peñas neighborhood. |
| Day 2 |
If you go to the Galapagos Islands, chances are you will fly into Baltra, the archipelago's primary airport. Also known as South Seymour, Baltra acts as an Ecuadorian military base. The airport was originally created by the U.S. military during World War II to serve as a base to protect the Panama Canal. |
| Day 3 |
Geologically, San Cristobal Island is one of the oldest islands in the Galápagos archipelago. It is home to the only source of fresh water in the islands, a small lake called Laguna El Junco. The lake hosts a large population of birdlife, as does the rest of the island. Other animal inhabitants include sea lions, tortoises, marine iguanas, dolphins, lobsters and more. One of San Cristobal Island's most popular visitor sites is Cerro Brujo, with its expansive white sand beach and a lagoon that locals once used as a salt mine but now offers excellent snorkeling opportunities. Another must-see is Kicker Rock, a fascinating rock formation that looks like a boot from one angle (hence its English name) and like a sleeping lion from another (thus its Spanish name, Roca León Dormido). |
| Day 4 |
Española Island lies in the southeastern part of the Galápagos archipelago. Highlights of this tropical paradise include Punta Suarez, a popular scenic point for bird watching, and the beaches of Bahía Gardner on the island's north coast. |
| Day 5 |
Located off the coast of Ecuador, Floreana Island is one of the Galápagos Islands and a popular stop for gazing at a variety of wildlife, including Galápagos tortoises and flamingoes. Post Office Bay is home to the island chain's first post office site, originally established by visiting whalers in the 18th century. Though one of the smallest islands in the Galápagos, Floreana is well worth the trip! |
| Day 6 |
Isabella Island is the largest of the Galapagos islands, on the western end of the archipelago. Shaped like a seahorse when viewed from above, Isabella is home to more wild tortoises than any other island, as well as a wide variety of other animal, bird and marine life.
On Isabella's west coast lies Tagus Cove, a natural protected harbor where centuries ago whalers safely spent the night and left their ships' signatures painted on the rocks. Near Elizabeth Bay, Moreno Point is a birdwatcher's delight. Further inland, visitors will find six volcanoes, five of which are still active and two that sit directly on the Equator. At the base of Alcedo Volcano is Urbina Bay, a perfect spot for snorkeling and home to the biggest land iguanas in the Galapagos. To the north, located at the "mouth" of the island, is Punta Vicente Roca. Although it's a marine-only site (meaning it can only be accessed via dinghy or SCUBA diving), the formation nonetheless draws plenty of visitors eager to see its spectacular sea life - penguins, seahorses, sea turtles, sunfish, and more. |
| Day 7 |
Isla Santa Cruz, or Santa Cruz Island, is one of the Galápagos Islands, located off the coast of Ecuador. This tropical and volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean is the typical starting place for excursions throughout the Galápagos Islands and is famous for its spectacular biodiversity, especially the iconic Galápagos tortoises. Highlights of Santa Cruz Island include the Charles Darwin Research Station, the town of Puerto Ayora, Carrion Point lagoon, and Tortuga Bay. |
| Day 8 |
Guayaquil, Ecuador, is a vibrant port city and a frequent starting point for cruises to the Galapagos Islands. Stroll along the Malecón 2000 boardwalk for stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, explore the botanical gardens of Parque Historico Guayaquil, or enjoy the colorful streets and shops of popular Las Peñas neighborhood. |
| Day 9 |
|
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
12/11/25 - 12/19/25 |
Starting At $9,190 |
Get A Quote |
Offer subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.
