Grand Ocean Spray Galapagos Cruise: 8 Days Itinerary B

Grand Ocean Spray Galapagos Luxury Cruise - 7 Nights, Itinerary B (Saturday to Saturday)

Download PDF

Overview

This 7-night Itinerary B sails Saturday to Saturday aboard the M/C Grand Ocean Spray and visits San Cristobal, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Bartolome, Genovesa, Santiago, North Seymour and Mosquera. Fares start at US$10,745 per person in a double cabin, with departures listed below through 2027. Best value in the fleet for balcony suites, with a spa and whirlpool on a brand-new hull.

The M/C Grand Ocean Spray is a 16-guest catamaran launched in October 2026 as the successor to the well-known Ocean Spray. All eight Golden Suites are identical in size and layout, each with a private balcony, panoramic shower and walk-in closet, and they are split evenly between the main and upper decks so nobody draws a lesser cabin.

The main deck holds the dining room, a fully stocked bar, a snack station and four lounging areas; the upper deck adds a covered open-air terrace, a panoramic spa and a sun terrace; the sky deck has al-fresco dining, a cocktail bar and a premium whirlpool. Solar panels and a CO2-neutral design carry over from the fleet's newer builds.

Every landing is led by licensed Galapagos National Park naturalist guides in groups of eight or fewer. Snorkelling gear, wetsuits, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are included in the fare.

Islands you will visit

San Cristobal
Floreana
Santa Cruz
Bartolome
Genovesa
Santiago
North Seymour
Mosquera

Itinerary

DAY 1

SAN CRISTOBAL

Day 1 - Saturday: San Cristobal Airport arrival / San Cristobal - Lobos Island/Kicker Rock

Morning: San Cristobal Airport arrival
the M/C Grand Ocean Spray.
Afternoon: San Cristobal - Lobos Island/Kicker Rock
Lobos Island is aptly named after the many sea lions that reside here resting and playing along the rocky shores. It is also home to many different birds like pelicans, frigate birds and their nests, yellow warblers and more. Within the small channel the w aters are very clear, making it easy to find sea turtles, sea lions, stingrays and perhaps even white-tipped sharks.
Activities: Short waking, snorkeling, dinghy ride
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Landing: Dry landing
Possible Wildlife: Sea lions, various shorebirds, sally lightfoot crabs, frigate birds, Galapagos sharks, schools of tropical fish, stingrays. Kicker rock is one of the most extraordinary sites in the Galapagos Islands, made of two eroded volcanic cones that tower over the sea at about 104 meters in the middle of the open water. It is a nesting place of sea birds and a nice spot to take pictures while the vessels circumnavigate around the rock.
Activities: Circumnavigation
Type of landing: No landing
Difficulty: ------
Meals on board: lunch, dinner

DAY 2

SAN CRISTOBAL

Day 2 - Sunday: San Cristobal - Pitt Point / San Cristobal - Witch Hill

Morning: San Cristobal - Pitt Point
When arriving at Pitt Point, it will feel as if you've landed on an extraterrestrial planet. You can see the many different developments over time of how volcanic activity formed this island. A walk to the top beholds amazing views of the surrounding wat ers. Watch out for blue -footed boobies nests on the ground and keep an eye out for the red-footed boobies nesting in the trees once you reach the top of the island.
Activities: Waking, snorkeling, kayaking, dinghy ride
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Landing: Wet landing
Possible Wildlife: Sea lions, various shorebirds, sally lightfoot crabs, Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, red-footed boobies.
Afternoon: San Cristobal - Witch Hill
Witch hill has awesome crevices and eroding rocks along the shoreline where you will first pass in dinghy. Afterwards be prepared to visit a powdery white sand beach with teal and turquoise waters.
Activities: Waking, snorkeling, kayaking, dinghy ride
Difficulty: Easy
Landing: Wet landing
Possible Wildlife: sea lions, various shore birds, finches, mockingbirds, tropical fish, and different crabs from the Sally lightfoot.
Meals on board: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 3

FLOREANA ISLAND

Day 3 - Monday: Floreana - Post Office Bay / Floreana - Cormorant Point / Devil's Crown

Morning: Floreana - Post Office Bay
Ask the Cruise Manager for one of our complimentary postcards to write a message and address it home. Leave it in the barrel used before by pirates and sailors. While your there, see if there are any other postcards you can take home with you to send for fellow travelers who have already left their messages!
Activities: Waking, snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy
Landing: Wet landing
Possible Wildlife: frigatebirds, sea lions, sea turtles, various shorebirds and seabirds, marine life.
Afternoon: Floreana - Cormorant Point / Devil's Crown
Cormorant is an interesting visitor site. Two beaches can be visited here, just beyond the first beach is a saltwater lagoon with flamingos. One of the beaches look green because of the olivine crystals, and the other is appropriately called Flour Beach be cause of the powdery white sand, made from fine, pulverized coral. Watch your feet if wading in the water, stingrays love to hang out here as well. Devil's Crown boasts one of the finest snorkeling opportunities. Below the surface are amazing volcanic structures that have submerged over time. Hundreds of colorful fish species can be seen along the reef, along with sharks, rays, sea turtles, sea lions, and rays. It's a beautiful underwater spectacle that cannot be missed.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling, dinghy ride
Difficulty: Snorkeling - Moderate to difficult / Walking - easy
Landing: Wet landing
Possible Wildlife: frigatebirds, sea lions, sea turtles, Galapagos sharks, white -tipped sharks, tropical fish, various shorebirds and seabirds, varied marine life.
Meals on board: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 4

SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

Day 4 - Tuesday: Santa Cruz - Black Turtle Cove / Bartholomew - Pinnacle Rock

Morning: Santa Cruz - Black Turtle Cove
Black Turtle Cove is located on the north side of Santa Cruz Island. This shallow inlet is surrounded by mangroves and provides a natural protection for a variety of marine life, attracting the vulnerable juveniles of many species. Below the surface of the water, you can see both black- tip and white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, golden cow-nose rays, and spotted eagle rays. Pelicans and blue-footed boobies hunt here, diving gracefully into the water.
Activities: Dinghy ride
Difficulty: Easy
Landing: No Landing
Possible Wildlife: White-tipped sharks, rays, sea turtles, sea lions and various shorebirds.
Afternoon: Bartholomew - Pinnacle Rock
Pinnacle Rock is a volcanic cone formed by magma expelled by an underwater volcano. The sea cooled the hot lava and as it exploded from contact, the pieces formed together this huge rock of many, many layers of basalt. The huge rock also has a beach where a small population of green sea turtles will nest during breeding season. Galapagos penguins gather here and swimming can offer beautiful sights of colorful schools of fish and curious sea lions.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling, dinghy ride
Difficulty: Moderate
Landing: Wet Landing
Possible Wildlife: Galapagos penguins, sally lightfoot crabs, sea lions, rays, sea turtles, sharks, various tropical fish, various shore birds.
Meals on board: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 5

GENOVESA ISLAND

Day 5 - Wednesday: Genovesa - Darwin Bay / Genovesa - El Barranco

Morning: Genovesa - Darwin Bay
Darwin Bay used to be a shield volcano, now you can see where one of the sides of its caldera collapsed after hundreds of years of erosion. It is known for the wide variety of birds that can be seen. Over 20,000 red-footed boobies are estimated to call this island home within the trees and bushes of Genovesa Island.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling, kayaking, dinghy ride
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Landing: Wet Landing
Possible Wildlife: Red-footed boobies, blue-footed boobies, nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, finches, various shorebirds, rays, tropical fish species, marine iguanas, sea lions.
Afternoon: Genovesa - El Barranco
In English, this visitor site is also known as Prince Phillip's Steps. It leads to a rocky path up a cliff that rewards guests with a remarkable view. It is also home to a Palo Santo forest that is home to the nesting red-footed boobies and other shorebirds.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling, kayaking, dinghy ride
Difficulty: Moderate
Landing: Dry Landing
Possible Wildlife: Red-footed boobies, storm petrels, Galapagos doves, short -eared owls, sea turtles, rays, sharks, sea lions, marine iguanas.
Meals on board: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 6

SANTIAGO ISLAND

Day 6 - Thursday: Santiago - Espumilla Beach / Buccaneer Cove / Santiago - Egas Port

Morning: Santiago - Espumilla Beach / Buccaneer Cove
As the second Island Charles Darwin discovered, it was originally named after King James of England. Buccaneer Cove is an excellent opportunity for snorkeling and was once a refuge for passing sailors and pirates. The underwater formations provide an ama zing home for the many different tropical species of fish that can be found here.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling, kayaking, dinghy ride
Difficulty: Easy
Landing: Wet Landing
Possible Wildlife: Marine iguanas, sea lions, various shorebirds, tropical fish species, rays, sea turtles, sally lightfoot crabs.
Afternoon: Santiago - Egas Port
Egas port is also known as James Bay, home to quick-footed Galapagos lava lizards. There are grottos and tide pools housing all kinds of different marine species. This is also one of the best snorkeling sites in the Galapagos.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Landing: Wet Landing
Possible Wildlife: Fur sea lions, Galapagos hawks, oyster -catchers, marine iguanas, finches, sharks, sea turtles, tropical fish.
Meals on board: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 7

NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND

Day 7 - Friday: North Seymour Island / Santa Cruz - Highlands / Charles Darwin Research

Morning: North Seymour Island
The island was named after English nobleman Lord Hugh Seymour. Formed by uplifted submarine lava, the island is home to a huge colony of about 2,500 land iguanas and large populations of sea lions, blue-footed boobies, common noddies, and frigatebirds. Along the coast, it is possible to see land and marine iguanas and the biggest colony of Magnificent Frigatebirds.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling, dinghy ride
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Landing: Dry Landing
Possible Wildlife: Land and marine iguanas, frigate birds, blue -footed boobies, common noddies, sea lions.
Afternoon: Santa Cruz - Highlands / Charles Darwin Research
On the highlands of Santa Cruz, you'll have the opportunity to see the famous giant tortoises in the wild. So renowned are these endemic animals that they gave the archipelago its name. Birdwatching is also one of the activities do to in the Santa Cruz hig hlands, since this area is home of finches and other Galapagos birds. After the visit to the highlands, we continue to the famous Charles Darwin Research Station that provides guests with a unique opportunity to find out about the vital work that is being carried out to preserve the archipelago's ecosystems. The Research Center is also home to a significant breeding program for Galapagos tortoises, whose numbers have been in decline since the 1970's. These captivating reptiles are very accustomed to humans, so be sure to bring your camera for some close-ups.
Activities: Walking
Difficulty: Moderate
Landing: Dry Landing
Possible Wildlife: Wild Galapagos Tortoises, various shorebirds, lava lizards.
Meals on board: breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 8

MOSQUERA ISLAND

Day 8 - Saturday: Mosquera Islet

Morning: Mosquera Islet
This visitor site is located between the islands of Baltra and North Seymour. It is a reef of rocks and coral (the result of an uprising) and a great white sand beach. Its narrowest width reaches about 160 meters and has an estimated length of 600 meters. In most of the perimeter there is a base of lava rocks, as evidence of the lava uprising, except in the southwest side where the
landing occurs. This island has one of the largest populations of sea lions. You can also observe several species of shorebirds. There have been occasional reports at this site of Orcas (Orcinus orca) feeding on sea lions.
Activities: Short walk, snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy
Landing: Wet Landing
Possible Wildlife: Sea lions, various shore birds, frigate birds, sally lightfoot crabs.
Depart from Baltra airport. After this last visit, transfer to Baltra airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador. Assistance and farewell at the airport.
Meals on board: breakfast

Book This Tour

Grand Ocean Spray Galapagos Luxury Cruise - 7 Nights, Itinerary B (Saturday to Saturday)

Choose Departure and Occupancy

✦ Prices per person

Date

Golden Suite

2026 Departures

Sat

5Dec

2026

Golden Suite

Per person

US$ 10,745.00

Golden Suite

2027 Departures

Sat

14Aug

2027

Golden Suite

Per person

US$ 11,290.00

Golden Suite

Sat

11Sep

2027

Golden Suite

Per person

US$ 11,290.00

Golden Suite

Sat

9Oct

2027

Golden Suite

Per person

US$ 11,290.00

Golden Suite

Sat

6Nov

2027

Golden Suite

Per person

US$ 11,290.00

Golden Suite

Terms & Conditions

**Payment Policy*:**

At the time of booking a deposit of 20% of the total tour price
The remaining balance is due a minimum of 65 calendar days prior to departure date

To issue final confirmation Palace tours requires 60 days prior to departure (or at time of reservation for last minute bookings) the following information for all passengers:

Complete passenger names
Passport numbers (& passport copy in case of children)
Nationality
Date of birth
Marital Status
Dietary or medical restrictions

Failure to provide the above information on time may result in delays and possibly passengers missing the tour completely. Palace tours will not accept responsibility or provide refunds if the above information is not provided in its entirety and on time.

Cancellation Policy*

All cancellations must be done in writing. If a cancellation is received more than 125 days prior to tour departure date a Cancellation fee of 10% of the total price will be retained as cancellation fee.

If a cancellation is received between 124 days and 65 days prior to tour departure date, 20% of the total price will be forfeited.

In the case of a cancellation received less than 65 days prior to the boat departure the full amount will be retained.

*Specific Payment and Cancellation/Reschedule policies for Christmas and New Years´ Eve cruise dates

Inclusions & Exclusions

Rates Include:

Transfers airport/yacht/airport in Galapagos
Airport reception and assistance
Double or single accommodation
Guided expeditions according to the itinerary
Top bilingual National Park guide (English / Spanish)
Cruise Service Officer
Activity daily briefing
All meals and snacks
Soft drinks and juices
Captain’s welcome and farewell cocktail
Use of sea kayaks and paddle-boards
Expedition Gear

Not Included:

Round trip to Galapagos
Galapagos National Park Entrance fee ($100 - subject to change)
Transit Control Card ($20 - subject to change)
Alcoholic beverages
Gratuities for guide and crew
Travel and health insurance
Micro SD Card Mask and snorkel (personal use)

Frequently Asked Questions & Tips

1 When is the best time to visit Galapagos?

Galapagos is a place that can be visited at any time. There are two season, and the warmest is between December and May. It is the time of year when the sky is always clear, and the sun shines strongly. If you love to dive in amazing places, the best time to visit Galapagos is from June to November. During this season the weather is a little cooler, but it gives you the chance to enjoy the best from Galapagos' famous marine reserve.

2 What should we bring?

Since the islands are situated very near the Equator, we recommend that you bring lightweight clothing and of course, don't forget your swimsuits, sun lotion, and good footwear.

3 How long is the flight from Ecuador to the Galapagos?

It depends from where you depart. Flights to the Galapagos leave from Quito and Guayaquil. It takes about half an hour to get from Quito to Guayaquil and roughly one and a half hours from Guayaquil to the islands.

4 Are there any immunizations required/recommended?

For the Galapagos Islands there are no required or recommended immunizations. If you, however, intend to spend more time in Ecuador, especially in the jungle, immunization is highly recommended. As this changes from time to time please check with your local health office (or the Institute for Tropical Diseases) a few weeks in advance of your trip.

5 Are single or triple suites available?

Most of our cruises will assign double cabins to all passengers unless you want to pay the single supplement if traveling alone. Triple cabins can also be arranged on request, depending on availability and the vessel you choose.

6 What is the time zone of the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos Islands are 6 hours behind GMT (equivalent to USA Central Standard Time)

7 Does the equatorial line cross the Galapagos Islands?

The equatorial line does pass through the Galapagos, just north of Isla Santiago. Please refer to our Itinerary page to see which itinerary passes through the equatorial line.

8 What are marine currents like the Galapagos?

The Galapagos Islands waters have the Humboldt Current's influence that brings cold waters especially during the mist rainy season (cool weather) from July to December. The warm season is during the months of January to June. The southeast trade winds become weaker and the water from the Panama Basin remains warm. During this season there is more of a tropical climate with some occasional rains. "El Niño" current may cause a much greater flow of warm waters, making the surface warmer and rainfall increase.

9 What is the water temperature in the Islands?

Average water temperatures in Galapagos:
January - June: 70°F - 80°F (20°C - 26°C)
July - December: 65°F - 75°F (18°C- 23°C)

10 Can you snorkel in the Galapagos?

Snorkeling equipment is available on-board and is an activity on all of our Galapagos Cruises. All water sports convey a certain risk. Passengers participating in these activities do so under their own responsibility.

*Restrictions and fees might apply, please contact us for more information.

11 Special Diets:

Passengers with special dietary needs are asked to request the latest menu offered and in such cases that stated menu does not meet their needs to clearly convey their specific dietary needs. It is the responsibility of passengers with specific dietary needs to addressed additional requirements at least 30 days prior to the start of the cruise. Those general and specific needs not clearly conveyed cannot be met. Every reasonable effort will be made to cater to such requests within reason, subject to availability of products in Ecuador retains the right to refuse to cater such special needs.

12 Which islands does the Grand Ocean Spray Itinerary B visit?

The 7-night Itinerary B visits San Cristobal, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Bartolome, Genovesa, Santiago, North Seymour and Mosquera, sailing Saturday to Saturday. See the day-by-day tab for the landing sites and activities on each day.

13 What is included in the M/C Grand Ocean Spray fare?

Accommodation in your suite, all meals and snacks on board, soft drinks, guided excursions with licensed National Park naturalists, snorkelling equipment and wetsuits, kayaks and paddle boards, Galapagos airport transfers and a welcome and farewell cocktail. Flights to the islands, the Galapagos National Park fee and transit card, alcoholic drinks and gratuities are extra.

14 Are the Grand Ocean Spray rates shown the current published rates?

Yes. The dates and per-person double-occupancy fares on this page are refreshed from the vessel's live inventory. Seasonal promotions on individual departures are applied when you enquire, so ask us for the best current fare on your preferred date.

Media Gallery

M/C Grand Ocean Spray - Cruise

M/C Grand Ocean Spray - Golden Galapagos

M/C Grand Ocean Spray - Cruise

M/C Grand Ocean Spray - Exterior Render

M/C Grand Ocean Spray - Golden Suite Balcony

M/C Grand Ocean Spray - Golden Suite Twin

M/C Grand Ocean Spray - Double Suite Golden

M/C Grand Ocean Spray - Sky Deck Whirlpool

M/C Grand Ocean Spray - Dining Sky Deck

M/C Grand Ocean Spray - Dining Room

M/C Grand Ocean Spray - Living Room

M/C Grand Ocean Spray - Spa

M/C Grand Ocean Spray - Golden Lounge

Check Availability & Request a Quote

From $10,745 per person (double occupancy, USD) — live dates and rates are in the Book This Tour section above.

🛡️ Official U.S. Representative — Renfe Luxury Trains🏷️ Florida Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST41461💳 Secure card payments — chargeback protection⭐ 40+ years of luxury rail expertise

Check availability & request a quote

A rail specialist replies within 1 business day — no obligation.

💬 WhatsApp +1-786-408-0610 📞 US & Canada (toll-free): 1-800-724-5120 🌐 International / direct: +1-609-580-1372 ✉️ travel@palacetours.com