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Galapagos Cruise West & Central Islands | Seaman Journey

7 Days
From AUD 8,371

Trip Code: ECSJ7C

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Finish: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

SHIP: Seaman Journey

DestinationDestination

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

DestinationDeparture Date

Selected Fridays

MealsMeals

All meals, water, tea & coffee while onboard your Galapagos cruise

TransportTransport

Group transfers in the Galapagos to & from your vessel 

TransportAccommodation

Cabin on board a Catamaran Yacht



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Included SightseeingIncluded Sightseeing

Daily excursions, panga rides, shore landings and expert briefings while onboard

 

* Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and government regulati

OVERVIEW

M/C Galapagos Seaman Journey is a first class catamaran offering superior comfort, size, style, and stability. The Galapagos Seaman Journey makes it possible to enjoy several cruises in the Galapagos with different itineraries that include amazing land tours on most of the Galapagos Islands. During these Galapagos Cruises, guests encounter many endemic species like Galapagos Giant Tortoises, Penguins, Land and Marine Iguanas, Frigate Birds, Blue Footed Boobies, and much more!

Please note that the below itinerary is a guide and that itineraries vary depending on departure date. Your sales consultant will provide you with more details on the different itinerary options available and applicable departure dates.

The Seaman Journey Experience

M/C Galapagos Seaman Journey is an expeditionary first class catamaran that began sailing the Galapagos Islands in January 2008.  Superior comfort, size, style, and stability are what you can expect when choosing this catamaran to fulfill your Galapagos adventures wants and needs. This vessel, with a maximum capacity of 16 passengers, provides in each of its corners, areas for rest and recreation for everyone. For the adults who might want to relax and kick back, we offer a great bar and lounge area where they are served by our bartender whilst you relax and watch the Galapagos go by. Make landings on sites that offer beautiful scenery and the ability to get up close and personal with the archipelago,  accompanied by the knowledgeable staff members found on board who will offer you intel and insight into this magnificent part of the world. The M/C Galapagos Seaman Journey, another jewel from the well known Galapagos Journey Fleet, the perfect combination of adventure, comfort, service and excellence that offers four, five, eight, eleven, twelve and fifteen day itineraries. 

GREEN POINTS!

• The Seaman is single use plastic free • Reusable water-bottles are offered to all guests • Naturalist guides offer educational environmental lectures to all guests. • All guest leave with a deep love and respect for nature.

The Seaman also offers a 5 day cruise, 7 day cruise, 9 day cruise, 11 day cruise and 15 day cruises.

 

* Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and government regulations.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Pricing is subject to change and availability at the time of booking. Contact us for more information.

ITINERARY

Arrival & Santa Cruz Island

Today marks the beginning of your journey to the Galapagos Islands. Please note that due to regulations set by the Galapagos Government, a fee of 20 USD must be paid for the migration control card.

Upon arrival in Santa Cruz, passengers are required to pass through an airport inspection point to ensure compliance with regulations prohibiting the introduction of foreign plants or animals to the archipelago. Additionally, at this inspection point, passengers must pay the entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park. As of August 2024, foreign passengers pay $200, while children under 12 years old pay $100.

Our guide will be there to greet you and assist with carrying your luggage to the bus that transports tourists to the ferries crossing the Itabaca Channel. Subsequently, you'll board another bus for the first visit to Ranch Manzanillo. For this activity, it's essential to wear comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, a waterproof jacket, sunblock lotion, and carry a camera and repellent. The visit to Ranch Manzanillo includes a picnic lunch and a short walk before boarding the Motor Catamaran. It's crucial to adhere to these instructions for the smooth execution of the itinerary. Please note that passengers' luggage will be directly transferred to the Seaman Journey yacht.

Santa Cruz offers excellent opportunities for observing wild Galapagos Tortoises. Tracking tortoises is just one of the exciting activities awaiting you in the highlands, where you can also explore lava tubes, sinkholes, and craters. After this visit, you'll proceed to embark on the M/C Seaman Journey.

Moreno Point & Mangle Point

Today's excursion takes you to Moreno Point on Isabela Island. Punta Moreno sits on the north coast of Isabela Island, nestled between the Sierra Negra volcano and Cerro Azul volcano.

The trail winds along a Pahoehoe lava flow, characterized by its corrugated or accordion-like appearance, leading to a network of coastal lagoons. These lagoons and surrounding mangroves provide habitat for various bird species.

Later in the day, you'll venture to Fernandina Island's Mangle Point. Situated off the eastern coast of Fernandina, Mangle Point offers exceptional snorkeling opportunities and the chance to glide through a grove of mangrove trees in a panga or zodiac. A hike of approximately 1/2 mile is also possible. While exploring, keep your eyes peeled for sightings of sea lions, tortoises, pelicans, rays, and numerous bird species that inhabit the area.

Urbina Bay & Tagus Cove

This morning, you'll embark on an exploration of Isabela Island, starting with Urbina Bay. Nestled at the base of Alcedo Volcano on the island's west coast, Urbina Bay lies between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay. In 1954, a significant uplift occurred, raising the land over 16 feet and extending the coast half a mile out, leaving marine life stranded on the new shore. This area also offers excellent snorkeling opportunities. Urbina Bay features a trail beginning with a wet landing. The approximately 3200m path consists of sand, pumice, lava, coral, and vegetation, providing glimpses of iguana burrows. It's an ideal spot to spot red and blue lobsters!

Darwin's finches can be observed in Urbina Bay, but its main attraction is the land iguanas, which are larger than those found in other locations like South Plaza Island and Galapagos. Wild tortoises are also occasionally spotted, even out of season, roaming the island's terrain. Abundant vegetation, including chamomile and Rosewood, can be observed, with the beautiful flowers of Darwin's cotton, endemic to the Galapagos Islands, standing out.

In the afternoon, your exploration continues on Isabela Island with Tagus Cove. Situated west of Darwin Volcano, Tagus Cove holds a rich history as a favored spot for pirates and whalers. It was they who initiated the tradition of inscribing boat names. At the trail's beginning, a small cave displays inscriptions dating back to the 1800s.

The name Tagus Cove originated from a British warship that passed through the islands in 1814 in search of Galapagos Tortoises for sustenance. Due to past eruptions, the area's substrate is composed of various-sized volcanic rocks, including spherical-shaped lapilli or petrified rain, which are common in the landscape.

Espinoza Point & Vicente Roca Point

Today's journey takes you to Fernandina Island, specifically Espinoza Point. Renowned for its extensive colonies of marine iguanas, Espinoza Point is also home to unique species such as the flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguin, Galapagos hawk, and Galapagos snake.

Later in the day, you'll venture to Vicente Roca Point, one of the most breathtaking spots in the enchanting Galapagos Islands. Characterized by high cliffs and formations of tuffstone, ash, and lava, Punta Vicente Roca exudes a majestic aura. Situated on the northwestern coast of the island, it consists of two distinct islets. This expansive bay teems with spectacular marine life.

Here, you'll have the opportunity to spot seahorses, sea turtles, and the intriguing Mola-mola or sunfish. Punta Vicente Roca is an ideal location for Panga Rides and Snorkeling, offering encounters with penguins, blue-footed boobies, terns, boobies, and sea lions. Additionally, snorkeling enthusiasts can observe sea turtles, stingrays, and pufferfishes in the pristine waters of the bay.

Espumilla Beach & Puerto Egas

This morning, your destination is Espumilla Beach on Santiago Island. Situated along the northern coast in James Bay, Espumilla Beach witnessed changes during the last El Niño phenomenon, causing sedimentation in one of its lagoons and leading to the disappearance of a significant flamingo colony. However, the main attractions remain intact: the palo santo forest and the nesting grounds of baby turtles.

In the afternoon, you'll head to Puerto Egas, also on Santiago Island. This site features a striking black beach on the island's west side, formed by volcanic tuff deposits. Puerto Egas earned its name from a failed attempt to exploit salt, as the low market price made it economically unviable to extract salt in the Galapagos. Consequently, the project was abandoned, leaving behind remnants of infrastructure.

Rabida Island & Chinese Hat

Today, you'll head to Rabida Island, renowned for its distinctive red-colored rocks and sand. The volcanic material on this island is highly porous, and environmental elements such as rain, salty water, and sea breeze have contributed to its oxidization, giving it its unique hue.

A brief walk along a trail leads you to a coastal lagoon nestled behind the beach, providing opportunities to observe land birds like finches, doves, yellow warblers, and mockingbirds. The lagoon is also home to a colony of flamingos.

Later in the day, you'll visit the Chinese Hat, or Sombrero Chino. This small islet sits just off the southeastern tip of Santiago Island. It's a recent volcanic cone, resembling a Chinese hat when viewed from the north. On its western side, lava formations, originally formed under the sea and subsequently elevated, are adorned with coral heads.

This excursion offers an excellent opportunity to interpret geological features such as lava tubes and flows. The landscape is teeming with colonies of sea lions, marine iguanas, and Galapagos penguins, adding to the richness of the experience.

Santa Cruz Island: Black Turtle Cove & Departure

On this final day, your destination is Black Turtle Cove, situated on the north coast of Santa Cruz Island, just west of Baltra. Embarking on a dinghy ride to Black Turtle Cove offers a serene glimpse into one of the Galapagos' tranquil hideaways.

As you enter the cove, the boat's engines are silenced, allowing for a peaceful exploration of the mangrove-enshrouded inlet. Within these calm waters, sea turtles gracefully feed and mate, while three species of sharks—black-tip, white-tip, and Galapagos—can be spotted.

After the visit, you'll be transferred to the Baltra airport in time for your return flight to the mainland.

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Seaman Journey

Seaman Journey

M/C Galapagos Seaman Journey is an expeditionary first class catamaran that began sailing the Galapagos Islands in January 2008.  She is an expeditionary catamaran offering superior comfort, size, style, and stability.

This vessel, with a maximum capacity of 16 passengers, provides in each of its corners, areas for rest and recreation for everyone. For the adults who might want to relax and kick back, we offer a great bar and lounge area where they are served by our bartender who will be happy to attend to all their needs and desires whilst you relax.

The M/C Galapagos Seaman Journey, another jewel from the well known Galapagos Journey Fleet, the perfect combination of adventure, comfort, service and excellence! Please note that on board spending money is cash only. 

Ice Class: Length: 90 feet (27.6 meters)
Breadth: 36.08 feet (11 meters)Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed:
Electricity: 110v and 220v AC/DC Passenger
Capacity:
16

View Ship Details

Accommodation

We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.

Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Superior

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Deluxe

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.

Pricing per person & date

Galapagos Cruise West & Central Islands | Seaman Journey from AUD 8,371
Selected Fridays

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Important Information

  • All entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.

    Please note kayak activities are subject to weather conditions. 

    Prices are based on per person, twin share* (unless otherwise stated) 

    Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time

     

    * Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and government regulations.

  • INCLUSIONS 

    Accommodation 
    All meals
    Water coffee and tea
    All excursions 
    English-Speaking Naturalist guide
    Snorkelling equipment
    Kayak equipment

     

    EXCLUSIONS 

    Return airfares from mainland Ecuador 
    Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee (US$200 per person from Aug 2024 - Subject to change) 
    Galapagos Transit Control Card (US$20 per person - Subject to change)
    Wet suit rental 
    Soft drink & alcoholic drinks 
    Personal expenses
    Gratuities for crew/guides 

  • 2 (light adventure)
  • A single supplement surcharge applies and is subject to availability. Please contact us for more information.

  • Seasonality, fuel surcharges, currency fluctuations and availability at time of booking.