Galaxy Stella 8 Days - Itinerary CA 2026

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, your naturalist guide and crew will welcome you and assist with your transfer to the Galaxy Stella.

After settling into your cabin and enjoying lunch onboard, your first excursion takes you to North Seymour Island, one of the best places in the Galápagos to observe wildlife up close. As you walk along the trail, you’ll encounter large colonies of blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds displaying their inflated red chests, and land iguanas resting beneath the vegetation.

This is a fantastic introduction to the incredible biodiversity of the islands.

Start your day at Santa Fe Island, known for its tranquil bay and striking landscapes filled with giant prickly pear cacti. Here, you’ll have the chance to see the endemic Santa Fe land iguana, found nowhere else in the world.

Snorkeling in the bay is often rewarded with sightings of sea lions, rays, and colorful reef fish in calm, clear waters.

In the afternoon, visit South Plaza Island, a small but incredibly rich island in terms of wildlife. The landscape is covered in vibrant red succulents (seasonal), creating a dramatic contrast with the turquoise ocean. You’ll spot land iguanas, sea lions, and nesting seabirds along the cliffs.

Today you’ll explore the remote and spectacular Genovesa Island, often called “Bird Island” due to its extraordinary seabird colonies.

At El Barranco (Prince Philip’s Steps), you’ll climb a natural staircase leading to a plateau where red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and storm petrels nest. This is one of the few places where you may also spot the elusive short-eared owl hunting among the rocks.

Later, visit Darwin Bay, a beautiful coral sand beach surrounded by cliffs. You can walk among dense bird colonies and enjoy snorkeling in calm waters, where sea lions and tropical fish are common companions.

This day is a highlight for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Return to Santa Cruz Island to explore its lush highlands, a completely different ecosystem compared to the coastal areas. Here, you’ll visit a reserve where giant tortoises roam freely in their natural habitat—an unforgettable experience.

In the afternoon, relax at Bachas Beach, a pristine stretch of white sand with crystal-clear waters. This site is perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and you may spot flamingos in nearby lagoons, as well as marine iguanas and seabirds along the shore.

Your day begins with a visit to the iconic Kicker Rock (León Dormido), one of the most impressive natural formations in the Galápagos. Rising dramatically from the ocean, this volcanic formation creates a channel that is perfect for snorkeling.

As you explore the crystal-clear waters, you may encounter sea turtles, rays, reef sharks, and large schools of fish moving through the currents. It’s one of the best snorkeling experiences in the archipelago and a true highlight of your journey.

Later, continue to Lobos Island, a peaceful islet known for its friendly sea lion colonies. During your visit, you’ll walk along coastal trails where blue-footed boobies nest and frigatebirds soar overhead. If conditions allow, you may also enjoy a relaxing snorkeling session, often accompanied by playful sea lions.

Today you’ll visit one of the most spectacular islands in the archipelago: Española Island.

Your morning excursion takes you to Suarez Point, known for its dramatic cliffs and incredible birdlife. Here, you may observe waved albatrosses (seasonal), Nazca boobies, and blue-footed boobies performing their courtship dances. The famous blowhole shoots water high into the air, adding to the dramatic scenery.

In the afternoon, relax at Gardner Bay, a stunning white-sand beach surrounded by turquoise waters. You can enjoy snorkeling with sea lions, spot colorful fish, or simply unwind on the beach alongside marine iguanas and resting sea lion colonies.

Your day begins at Cormorant Point, one of the most unique ecological sites in the Galápagos. Here you’ll walk along a green-hued beach rich in olivine crystals and visit a lagoon where flamingos are often seen feeding in the shallow waters.

Next, you’ll visit the famous Post Office Bay, a historic site dating back to the 18th century. Whalers once used a wooden barrel as an informal postal system—visitors today can continue the tradition by leaving postcards or delivering messages by hand.

Snorkeling opportunities in this area may reveal sea turtles, rays, and reef fish, adding even more variety to your experience.

On your final day, you’ll visit the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island. Here, you’ll learn about ongoing conservation efforts and see giant tortoises at different stages of development.

This visit offers valuable insight into the protection and preservation of the Galápagos ecosystem—an inspiring way to conclude your journey.

After the excursion, you’ll be transferred to Baltra Airport for your departure flight.