Our tip
Take an underwater camera - the marine life in the Galapagos is spectacular, with sea turtles, penguins, manta rays and more lurking beneath the surface.
From San Cristóbal Island to San Cristóbal Island
Wondrous Wildlife of the Galápagos Islands
From San Cristóbal Island to San Cristóbal Island
Wondrous Wildlife of the Galápagos Islands
Voyage Itinerary
Before you board
Two nights in Quito
Fly to Quito where you will be met and transferred to your group hotel for a two-night stay. Following your time here, transfer to the airport for your charter flight to San Cristóbal where you will board Silver Origin and begin your Galápagos expedition.
19 September
Ecuador: San Cristóbal Island
San Cristóbal is the most easterly of the Galapagos islands, home to the provincial capital and second largest human settlement in the archipelago, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The fantastic wildlife includes fur seals, boobies and the endangered Chatham frigatebird.
19 September
Ecuador: Roca León Dormido
The iconic twin lava towers of Kicker Rock sit just off the coast of San Cristóbal, and if you’re lucky with the weather you’ll be treated to a spectacular sunset here. The island is known as Roca León Dormido in Spanish, as the rocks resemble a sleeping lion when viewed from the south.
20 September
Ecuador: Bartolomé Island
The summit of Bartolomé Island offers outstanding views of some of the Galapagos archipelago’s most spectacular volcanic scenery, including the much-photographed Pinnacle Rock. The island is also home to penguins, sea lions and turtles, with some great snorkelling spots just offshore.
20 September
Ecuador: Santiago Island
21 September
Ecuador: Punta Vicente Roca
Punta Vicente Roca is one of the best snorkelling locations off the coast of Isabela, and the waters at the base of the cliffs teem with life, including sea turtles, sea lions and Galapagos penguins. There are also caves where you can see birds including brown noddies and flightless cormorants.
21 September
Ecuador: Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island)
Punta Espinoza is home to the largest colony of marine iguanas in the Galapagos, and you will see them draped across the black lava rocks sunning themselves during the day. Other species on Fernandina Island include Sally Lightfoot crabs, sea lions and the rare flightless cormorant.
22 September
Ecuador: Caleta Tagus
Caleta Tagus is a sheltered cove on the western shore of Isabela, a safe harbour for many sailors over the years, and a great spot for snorkelling and kayaking. You can also take a hike up a path lined with palo santo trees for spectacular views of Isabela’s volcanic landscape.
22 September
Ecuador: Bahia Elizabeth
Bahia Elizabeth, on the west coast of Isabela, is an incredible wildlife spot. As your zodiac cruises amongst the islets studding the bay you can expect to see blue-footed boobies, flightless cormorants and Galapagos penguins, while the mangroves beyond are home to sea turtles, rays, pelicans and even sharks.
23 September
Ecuador: Post Office Bay (Floreana)
Flamingos, cormorants and sea turtles can all be found around Floreana, and the island also has an interesting human history. This is the site of the famous Galapagos ‘post office’, a barrel where sailors would place letters to be transported home by passing ships.
23 September
Ecuador: Isla Champion
23 September
Ecuador: Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island)
The name is slightly misleading, as you won't find any cormorants here! Instead you'll discover a wonderful white sand beach where turtles and stingrays swim in the shallows, and a brackish lagoon where vivid pink American flamingos nest.
24 September
Ecuador: Los Gemelos
Los Gemelos, the ‘twins’, are two huge sinkholes up in the lush highlands of Santa Cruz island. Birds including Darwin finches and mockingbirds can be spotted amongst the foliage, and the nearby Rancho El Manzanillo is the best place on the island to see giant tortoises in the wild.
24 September
Ecuador: Puerto Ayora
Puerto Ayora is the largest town in the Galapagos, on the south coast of Santa Cruz island. From here you can visit the lush highlands where giant tortoises roam free, and you can learn more about tortoise conservation at the Charles Darwin Research Station.
25 September
Ecuador: Cerro Dragón (Santa Cruz)
The aptly named Cerro Dragón, or ‘Dragon Hill’, is known for its population of land iguanas. These creatures were very nearly wiped out by feral dogs in the 1970s, but the conservation efforts of the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galapagos National Park have been very successful in protecting the iguanas and growing their numbers.
25 September
Ecuador: Isla Guy Fawkes
26 September
Arriving in San Cristóbal Island
San Cristóbal is the most easterly of the Galapagos islands, home to the provincial capital and second largest human settlement in the archipelago, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The fantastic wildlife includes fur seals, boobies and the endangered Chatham frigatebird.
The ship
Silver Origin
- Capacity:
- 100 Guests
- Crew:
- 90 Staff
- Style:
- This stylish sleek ship offers a warm Ecuadorian welcome and a stimulating programme on board. If you enjoy the finer things in life but have an adventurous spirit, you will find yourself in congenial company on board.
Silversea's stunning Silver Origin is the most luxurious ship in the Galapagos, purpose-built for this unique environment.
What we love
The intimate 100-guest Silver Origin gives you a supremely comfortable home from home, as you explore the varied islands of the Galapagos by zodiac and kayak. Learn more about the archipelago's flora and fauna at the Basecamp, with its amazing interactive wall, socialise over cocktails at the Explorer Lounge, and cosy up around the outdoor firepit after dinner.
inclusions
- All meals including room service
- All drinks including local wines and spirits
- Stimulating lecture programme with expert naturalists from the National Park
- All excursions and zodiac rides
- Snorkel equipment and kayaking
- WiFi
- Onboard gratuities
Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Mashpi Lodge
A stay at Mashpi Lodge, in the heart of Ecuador's stunning cloud forest, is a luxurious way to extend your trip to South America.
Lake Titicaca
How about pairing your Galapagos cruise with an overland adventure through Peru to Lake Titicaca, perhaps even crossing the border into starkly beautiful Bolivia.
How can we help?
Our frequently asked questions
From expedition tips to travel protection, here are some of our most-asked questions.
visit our faqs
Can you help with pre and post-cruise arrangements?
Absolutely. Expedition cruises often start and end in remote destinations, and we're able to arrange everything from flights and transfers to hotels and tours. If you're keen to make the most of your time away with bespoke arrangements, we can help with all your travel needs to make sure your trip is exceptional. What's more, we are members of ABTA and we offer full ATOL protection, not to mention a 24-hour emergency contact, to give you complete peace of mind.
Will I save by booking with Mundy Adventures?
You'll save money and time by booking with us rather than directly with the cruise line, as well as enjoying more flexibility in your travel arrangements. We have access to preferential rates and exclusive offers, and we offer expert advice on how to get the best value.
How much time is spent ashore?
Itineraries are planned to deliver an unforgettable experience of the destination, so days are filled with landings ashore via the ship's fleet of Zodiacs (sturdy rubber boats) or exploration along the coastline. It will vary depending on itinerary and operators, so it's best to contact us to discuss but rest assured an expedition cruise is focused on the time you spend off the ship.
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Why Mundy?
Who we are
Mundy Adventures is the intrepid little brother of Mundy Cruising Ltd., the UK's very first cruise specialist, and one of the leading companies in its field.
We specialise in travel by ship and have been doing so for over 50 years. By providing expert, personal service, insightful ideas and fascinating add-ons we aim to make your adventure holiday truly unique and special.
We're happy to do all of that over the phone. But if you prefer to chat face to face, why not visit us at our comfortable offices on London's High Holborn - we'd be delighted to see you.
