Galaxy Orion
An exclusive, completely renovated cruise will take you to the most breathtaking places and allow you to explore the hidden wonders of the Galápagos Islands. Experience a world-class adventure surrounded by giant tortoises, land iguanas, Darwin's finches, blue-footed boobies, Galápagos hawks and much more, all in one place.
Itinerary
Itinerary A | 4 Days 3 Nights
Day 1 – Wednesday
AM: EMBARKATION TO THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
Set sail on an unforgettable adventure to the Galápagos Islands. Arrive at San Cristobal Airport, where you’ll be greeted by an experienced naturalist guide, a custodian of this ecological treasure. Feel the excitement of anticipation as you begin your exploration of this remarkable World Heritage site.
PM: ISLA DE LOBOS
Venture to Isla de Lobos, an islet separated from San Cristobal by a narrow channel. This nature haven, in the middle of a serene bay, is a playground for sea lion pups frolicking in tidal pools. The island is teeming with life, particularly with "sea wolves" (sea lions). As you disembark, you’ll be greeted by welcoming committees of sea lions, while inland, male frigates show off their red pouches amidst the green foliage. Keep an eye out for blue-footed boobies nesting along the trails, ready to delight you with their whimsical courtship dance.
Trail: 0.6 km / 0.4 mi
Level: 3
Activities: Dry landing and hiking.
Day 2 – Thursday
AM: PUNTA SUAREZ
Enjoy the morning at Punta Suarez. This rocky trail showcases a natural gallery of the Galápagos, filled with a stunning variety of wildlife. Upon landing, you’ll be welcomed by sea lions and marine iguanas, your first hosts in this carnival of nature. As you progress, you’ll encounter a mosaic of seabird colonies, from striking Nazca boobies and blue-footed boobies to elegant gulls and tropicbirds. The highlight of this journey will bring you face-to-face with the waved albatross, the largest bird on the island (present from April to January). This majestic creature, exclusive to Española, will captivate you with its powerful flight and intricate courtship display.
Trail: 1.7 km / 1.1 mi
Level: 3
Activities: Dry landing and hiking.
PM: GARDNER BAY
In the afternoon, embark on an exciting adventure at Gardner Bay, an idyllic setting that invites you to stroll along the coast, immersing yourself in an enlightening experience as you delve into the biology of endemic wildlife, from the melodious Española mockingbird and unique marine iguanas to the majestic Galápagos hawks.
Trail: 0.8 km / 0.5 mi
Level: 1
Activities: Wet landing and hiking.
Day 3 – Friday
AM: POST OFFICE BAY
Start the day by stepping into history at Post Office Bay, located on the enigmatic island of Floreana. This site is steeped in stories from the late 1920s and 1930s involving German settlers, a baroness, unresolved mysteries, and captivating intrigue.
The bay was a historic anchorage point for whalers, who would travel to the highlands for fresh water and tortoises. A postal system, over two centuries old, was established around a barrel near the beach. This system endures today and offers a unique opportunity to send postcards from this remote part of the world. In addition to its rich history, Post Office Bay has natural attractions such as a picturesque beach, a lava tunnel, and maritime tours that may reveal sea lions, green sea turtles, shorebirds, small sharks, and, if lucky, Galápagos penguins.
Trail: 0.7 km / 0.4 mi
Level: 1
Activities: Wet landing and hiking.
PM: PUNTA CORMORANT
Head north to Punta Cormorant, renowned for its extensive coastal lagoon teeming with American flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, black-necked stilts, and other shorebirds. This natural paradise also boasts a pristine white sand beach, a crucial nesting site for green sea turtles and a newly established breeding ground for blue-footed boobies near the trail. Amid this vibrant wildlife, take the opportunity to admire the island's unique flora as well.
Trail: 1.6 km / 1 mi
Level: 1
Activities: Wet landing and hiking.
Day 4 – Saturday
AM: CHARLES DARWIN STATION
Begin your day with an insightful encounter at the Charles Darwin Station, a non-profit organization working hand in hand with the Galápagos National Park to safeguard the archipelago's unique biodiversity. This visit provides insights into the collaborative efforts of these institutions to protect native species and combat invasive ones that threaten the delicate balance of the Galápagos ecosystem. One of its flagship undertakings includes the captive breeding of giant tortoises, an integral part of the conservation strategy.
Amid this educational adventure, enjoy the setting of an outdoor native dry forest adorned with towering cacti and a rich variety of fascinating endemic flora. This is an ideal place to spot various endemic Darwin finches, lively flycatchers, and melodious mockingbirds.
