STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ECTSNP4
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Finish: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
SHIP: Natural Paradise
Ecuador, Galapagos Islands
Selected Saturdays
All meals, water, tea & coffee while board your Galapagos cruise
Group transfers in the Galapagos to & from your vessel
Cabin on board ship
Daily excursions, panga rides, shore landings and expert briefings while onboard
This wonderful introduction to the Galapagos archipelago sees you cruising between the islands of Santa Cruz, Genovesa and Santiago, where you will be greeted by spectacular volcanic scenery and an incredible array of wildlife. Encounter the majestic giant Galapagos tortoises in the highlands of Santa Cruz, see tidal pools filled with sea lions, snorkel with turtles and rays and learn the history of Bachas Beach and Buccaneer Cove, as you look out for frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, Galapagos hawks and Darwin’s finches.
The Natural Paradise Experience
The aptly named ship, Natural Paradise, truly compliments the unique landscapes of the Galapagos. With over 1000km of coastline, the Galapagos offers a spectacular array of wildlife encounters by foot, by sea and from the comfort of the ship. These action-packed express tours throughout the Galapagos Islands are best experienced with the intimacy of a small group, expert naturalist guide and attentive crew found onboard the Natural Paradise.
One of the most modern cruises in Galapagos’ waters, Natural Paradise catamaran provides combination of luxury holiday and intimate feeling due to its limited capacity. Modern interior and spacious cabins with balconies will take care of your on-board comfort whereas sundecks give you the opportunity to admire spectacular sunrises, sunsets and overall natural beauty of the Galapagos. To help you discover the archipelago’s underwater world, snorkelling gear, underwater camera and wetsuit are provided for your use.
Natural Paradise also offers an 8-day cruise.
* Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and government regulations.
Morning flight from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra, Galapagos Islands.
You will arrive at Baltra Island in the morning. After passing through immigration and baggage claim, you will be met by a Natural Paradise staff member and transferred to the yacht. You will be shown to your cabin where you will have some time to settle in before lunch and a welcome briefing.
In the afternoon you will head to the highlands. Accessible by bus from Puerto Ayora, the highlands of Santa Cruz are a deep green which contrast beautifully with the dry, lower part of the islands. The predominant vegetation in the highlands are Scalesia trees which create a lush green forest. The lava tunnels, over half a mile long, are underground and walking through them is a unique, surreal experience.
Then, you will visit Fausto Llerena Breeding Center in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, where giant tortoises are bred in captivity; this is home to tortoises ranging from 3-inches (new hatchlings) to 4-feet long when adults. Subspecies of the giant tortoises interact with one another, and many of the older tortoises are accustomed to humans stretching out their heads for a photo opportunity.
The babies are kept until they are about four years-old and are strong enough to survive on their own.
In the morning, you will visit El Barranco which is also known as Prince Phillip’s Steps. It is a steep, rocky path that leads up a high cliff rock face. A marvelous view can be appreciated from here. This site is also home to Palo Santo vegetation as well as red-footed boobies, short-eared owls, Galápagos storm petrels, and Galapagos doves.
In the afternoon, you will visit the white-sand coral beach of Darwin Bay which includes a half mile trail (0,75km) that winds through mangroves filled with land birds. Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls, which can easily be spotted here. Further down the path we’ll find tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully. At the end is a spectacular view of a Cliff.
The morning visit is to Espumilla Beach where marine iguanas lounge and the Sally Lightfoot crabs attract the hunting herons performing the dance of predator and prey right before your eyes. Snorkeling is highly recommended as you could come face to face with an octopus, moray eel, shark and a variety of other species of tropical fish.
In the afternoon, you will go to Egas Port, also known as James Bay, on Santiago Island which is home to the curious Galapagos hawks and quick-footed Galapagos lava lizards. The trail leads to the coastline with gorgeous tide pools and grottos full of fauna. Here the Galapagos furseals bathe in the sun. This is also a great snorkeling site.
Morning’s visit is to Bachas Beach, which is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz which is a beach for swimming. One of the few remnants of the U.S. World War II presence in the Galapagos, a floating pier, can be seen here. You may see flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black-necked stilts, and whimbrels. Sea turtles also nest on the beach.
After this final visit, you will be transferred to the Baltra airport in time for your flight back to the
mainland.
Undertake this exceptional voyage on board the Natural Paradise, a luxury yacht designed to make your sailing experience through Galapagos as comfortable as possible.
Experience some of the best snorkelling in all of South America, if not the world, in some of the most pristine and turquoise waters.
Encounter the unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands including flightless cormorants, flamigos, marine iguanas, turtles, Galapagos penguins, Galapagos tortoise and an incredibly large umber of coloured bird and fish species.
Natural Paradise is an intimate, customized vessel transporting 16 passengers through the glorious Galapagos Islands on eight-, five- and four-day excursions. After a day of exploring the Galapagos' unique environment, relax with a cocktail from the bar in the main deck sitting area, or up on the spacious sundeck which has chaise lounges and a Jacuzzi, as well as an al fresco dining area. If you have one of the four upper deck double cabins, you will have a private balcony from where to watch the moonlight slither across the waves. Other double cabins are on the main and lower decks, while a suite is on the main deck. All accommodations have comfortable beds, air-conditioning, private bathrooms with hot water, and plenty of space for your belongings. Natural Paradise's 10 crew members are attentive to their guests' needs. An official, bilingual naturalist guide will lead you on your exploration of these Enchanted Isles.
Ice Class:
Length: 111 feet / 34 meters
Breadth: 26 feet / 8 metersMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 14 knots
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:16
View Ship Details
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.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Galapagos 4 Day Cruise | Natural Paradise from USD 3,245 | ||
Selected Saturdays |
All entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.
* Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and government regulations.
All meals and excursions
Transfers in the islands
Bilingual National Park Guide
Use of snorkellin equipment/wetsuit
Use of underwater camera
Free Airport Assistance*
Hotel night in Quito or Guayaquil (the day before the cruise)*
2 Free transfers to Galapagos Flights*
*Applies only when purchasing roundtrip Galapagos/mainland airfare from this supplier
Roundtrip airfare to/from Galapagos
Alcoholic drinks
Galapagos National Park Entrance fee (US$200 per person from Aug 2024 - Subject to change)
Galapagos Transit Control Card (USD$20 per person - Subject to change)
Travel/Medical insurance
Gratuities
Personal Expenses
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.