Tribute 5days A Galapagos Cruise 2025

AM: Arrival in the Galapagos – Baltra Airport & Welcome Aboard
Your Galapagos journey begins as you arrive on Baltra Island, where you're warmly greeted by the Oniric team. You’ll be escorted to a private lounge to complete entry formalities, setting the tone for a seamless start. A naturalist guide will then accompany you to the harbor, where the elegant Galapagos Tribute awaits. You'll meet the captain and crew, settle into your refined suite, and enjoy a gourmet lunch on board—marking the beginning of your extraordinary, nature-filled voyage.

PM: Santa Cruz Highlands
In the afternoon, you’ll venture into the lush highlands of Santa Cruz Island—one of the best places to witness giant Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat. You’ll walk among these ancient reptiles as they roam freely through misty pastures and forested transition zones in the El Chato Reserve. As you explore this verdant volcanic landscape, keep your eyes open for vibrant birdlife like the vermilion flycatcher or the elusive Galapagos rail.

AM: Mosquera Islet
This morning, you’ll arrive at Mosquera Islet, nestled between Baltra and North Seymour. Here, you’ll step into a serene paradise of white coral sand and shimmering turquoise waters. As you stroll along the shore, you’ll see sea lions lounging peacefully, while coastal birds and vibrant red Sally Lightfoot crabs animate the shoreline. Choose to take a tranquil walk or join a guided snorkeling session in the calm channel nearby—perfect for spotting reef fish, rays, and even white-tipped reef sharks in this idyllic Galapagos setting.

PM: South Plaza Island
In the afternoon, you’ll explore the otherworldly terrain of South Plaza Island, where dramatic landscapes and rare wildlife await. You’ll walk through colorful sesuvium groundcover and past towering prickly pear cacti as you discover one of the archipelago’s largest colonies of land iguanas—often called “Galapagos dragons.” Watch them bask in the sun while swallow-tailed gulls and red-billed tropicbirds glide along the cliffs above. It’s a scene that feels suspended in prehistoric time.

AM: Cormorant Point & Champion Islet (Floreana)
This morning, you’ll awaken just off the coast of Floreana—an island steeped in natural wonder and historic mystery. After a wet landing at Punta Cormorant, you’ll step onto a unique green-sand beach, its shimmering hue created by olivine crystals. A short walk across the island brings you to a striking white coral beach, where, in season, Pacific green sea turtles come ashore to nest.

Just offshore, you’ll snorkel around Champion Islet—one of the Galapagos' top underwater sites. As you glide through clear waters, you may encounter playful sea lions, schools of tropical fish, and perhaps even a rare Galapagos sea horse. Above water, keep watch for the elusive Floreana mockingbird, which still clings to survival here.

PM: Post Office Bay & Baroness Lookout
After lunch, your journey continues to Post Office Bay, where you’ll take part in a centuries-old mariner’s tradition. Here, 18th-century whalers left letters in a wooden barrel for passing ships to carry home—and now it’s your turn to drop off a postcard or pick one up for delivery.

Later, dive into the calm, wildlife-rich waters to snorkel with penguins, rays, and marine turtles. Or, opt for a peaceful kayak along the shoreline, paddling past mangroves and rocky outcrops as you scan for marine life and coastal birds.

To end the afternoon, you’ll hike up to Baroness Lookout, a basalt hill offering panoramic views of Floreana’s coastline. As you take in the scenery, you’ll hear stories of Eloisa von Wagner Bosquet—the self-styled “Baroness” whose mysterious past adds a legendary twist to this already magical place.

AM: Punta Suarez (Española Island)
This morning, you’ll step ashore on Española Island, one of the most wildlife-rich places in the Galapagos. As you explore Punta Suarez, you’ll find yourself surrounded by an astonishing variety of birdlife. You’ll walk among colonies of blue-footed and Nazca boobies, watch bold Española mockingbirds dart across the trail, and—if you’re visiting during nesting season—witness the awe-inspiring courtship rituals of waved albatrosses. Galapagos hawks may soar overhead as you follow the rugged path.

The trail winds past jagged lava formations to El Soplador, a natural blowhole where seawater erupts dramatically through the rocks, sending plumes skyward against the crashing Pacific—an unforgettable sight.

PM: Gardner Bay (Española Island)
In the afternoon, you’ll arrive at the pristine shores of Gardner Bay. Sink your feet into powdery white sand or simply relax as sea lions lounge nearby and frolic in the gentle surf.

Offshore, you’ll dive into some of the clearest waters in the archipelago. Snorkel among eagle rays, parrotfish, sea turtles, and reef sharks gliding gracefully through coral-covered rocks. Or choose to kayak along the coast, sharing the water with playful sea lions and gliding past seabirds and colorful marine life. It’s an afternoon of pure Galapagos magic.

AM: Interpretation Center & Frigatebird Hill (San Cristobal)
You’ll conclude your Galapagos journey on San Cristobal Island, the archipelago’s political capital. Your morning begins with a visit to the Interpretation Center, where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the islands’ human history, conservation efforts, and the delicate balance between nature and development—brought to life through engaging exhibits and immersive storytelling.

If time permits, you may also hike up to Frigatebird Hill for sweeping views of the bay and a last chance to spot these iconic seabirds in flight.

After your visit, you’ll be transferred to the San Cristobal Airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador—carrying home incredible memories of your unforgettable voyage aboard the Galapagos Tribute.