5 day Galapagos Islands Cruise on board the Seaman Journey 2025

DAY 1 (AM): This day you will fly to the Galapagos Island. Once in Santa Cruz, you must go through an
airport inspection point to ensure that no foreign plants
or animals are being introduced to the archipelago. Your guide will meet you, and escort you to a motorized boat called Panga that will transfer you to the Seaman Journey Catamaran. Where your Galapagos Adventure begins.

DAY 1 (PM): On Bartolome Island, you'll be greeted with stunning views from an altitude of 114 meters, where you can take in the iconic volcanic cones, craters that resemble the moon, and expansive lava fields. The island is also home to the famous Pinnacle Rock, a dramatic formation sculpted by the sea. As you explore, you'll encounter two beautiful beaches where marine turtles reside, and if you're lucky, you may spot a small colony of Galapagos penguins at the base of the Pinnacle.

DAY 2 (AM): Between North Seymour and Baltra lies Mosquera Islet, one of the smallest islands in the Galápagos. Its volcanic origin has created a flat landscape without a visible crater. As you explore, you'll be captivated by the striking contrast of colors—pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, vibrant green vegetation, and dark black lava rocks. This is the perfect spot for landscape photography, especially during the golden hours of early morning or sunset.

DAY 2 (PM): On North Seymour, a raised island with a rocky, flat terrain, you'll find excellent nesting sites for magnificent frigatebirds. As you explore, you'll also witness the famous courtship dance of blue-footed boobies in the open areas, while swallow-tailed gulls rest along the cliff edges. Even with the strong surf crashing on the outer shore, sea lions can be seen lounging on the beach or playfully body-surfing in the waves.

DAY 3 (AM): At El Barranco, on Genovesa Island's southern Darwin Bay, you'll follow a 1.5 km trail over volcanic rock, which takes about two hours to complete. This geologically young area features cliffs of fragile lava, where natural erosion has created ideal nesting spots for Storm Petrels. You'll spot two species of petrels nesting in the lava's cavities and may even catch sight of their predator, the short-eared owl. The island is also home to red-footed boobies, found only in the outer islands of the archipelago, as well as masked boobies. As you ride along the cliffs in a "panga," you'll encounter fur sea lions and various seabird species.

DAY 3 (PM): This bay was formed when the island's crater collapsed below sea level, and you'll arrive with a wet landing on a stunning white coral beach. It's a birdwatcher's paradise, offering the chance to see species like red-footed and masked boobies, wandering tattlers, lava gulls, whimbrels, herons, and yellow warblers. As you continue along the trail, you'll gradually ascend to the cliff’s edge, where you'll spot red-footed boobies nesting in the mangroves below. Along the way, you may also see sharp-beaked finches, cactus and ground finches, Galapagos doves, and swallow-tailed gulls. At the trail’s end, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the island and its abundant birdlife.

DAY 4 (AM): Plazas Island, located east of Santa Cruz, is one of the two Islas Plazas and, despite its small size, is home to some of the Galapagos' most fascinating wildlife. You'll encounter land iguanas, which are smaller than those on other islands, as well as unique hybrid iguanas—crosses between male marine iguanas and female land iguanas. These hybrids are easily recognizable by their black and grey color, land iguana crests, and marine iguana-like faces and tails. The large iguana population thrives here due to the abundance of tunas, their favorite food. As you explore the island, you'll also see swallow-tailed gulls nesting in the rugged cliffs, along with seabirds such as Audubon shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds, and brown pelicans.

DAY 4 (PM): Santa Fe Island, located in the southeastern Galapagos, was formed by geological uplift, making it mostly flat and possibly the oldest island in the archipelago. As you explore, you'll encounter several endemic species, including the Galapagos hawk, snake, mockingbird, rice rats, and one of the two species of land iguanas. After disembarking in the island's beautiful, clear waters, you'll come across a sea lion colony. Along the trail, you'll see salt bushes and giant prickly pear cacti, a notable example of island gigantism. Snorkeling here offers the chance to swim alongside playful sea lions and tropical fish.

DAY 5 (AM): In 2002, the Galapagos National Park established the Tortoise Breeding Centre, originally named Jacinto Gordillo, to care for and breed tortoises in captivity. In 2016, it was renamed the David Rodriguez Tortoise Breeding Centre in honor of a park ranger with 39 years of service. Located southeast of San Cristobal, about 22.5 km from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the center is a 40-minute bus ride near Cerro Colorado. Here, you'll learn about efforts to improve the population of San Cristobal's giant tortoises, Chelonoides chathamensis, in conditions resembling their natural habitat. After your visit, you'll be transferred to the San Cristobal airport for your flight back to the mainland.

You will be transported to the airport in San Cristobal for your flight.