Ocean Spray 5-Day Northern Galapagos Itinerary

Northern route · 5-day / 4-night

Embark Baltra → Disembark Baltra · Itinerary B

Islands: Bartolomé, Genovesa, Santiago, North Seymour, Santa Cruz, Mosquera

Route Map

Ocean Spray 5-Day Northern Galapagos Itinerary Highlights

Ocean Spray’s 5-day Northern Galapagos itinerary focuses on volcanic landscapes and major seabird colonies across Bartolomé, Genovesa, Santiago, North Seymour, Santa Cruz and Mosquera. This round trip from Baltra combines guided shore walks, panga rides and snorkeling, with a highlands visit to see giant tortoises in the wild.

Travelers should expect early starts, wet and dry landings, and wildlife observation at a respectful distance. The exact order and timing of visits may change with Galapagos National Park regulations, sea conditions and the captain’s operating schedule.

For travelers comparing Galapagos cruise routes, this 5-day option is best suited to birdwatching, active snorkeling and a smaller luxury catamaran experience. Review cabin availability and departure dates on the Ocean Spray cruise page before choosing this Northern itinerary.

Genovesa, the “Bird Island” — red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies and great frigatebirds at arm’s length
Climb Bartolomé for the iconic Pinnacle Rock panorama
Snorkel with sea lions, white-tipped reef sharks and Galápagos penguins
North Seymour’s blue-footed booby courtship and frigatebird colonies
Giant tortoises in the green highlands of Santa Cruz

Day by Day

Bartolomé

Climb the wooden stairway to Bartolomé’s summit for panoramic views over Pinnacle Rock and the surrounding volcanic coastline, followed by snorkeling from the beach in search of penguins, rays and sea turtles.

Explore Bartolomé Bay by panga, observing lava formations and coastal wildlife from the water while the naturalist guide explains how this young volcanic landscape continues to evolve.

🐾 Galápagos penguins, sea lions, rays, sea turtles

Genovesa

Walk the sandy trail at Darwin Bay through one of Galapagos’ most important seabird colonies, with close observation of nesting red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies and swallow-tailed gulls.

Climb Prince Philip’s Steps at El Barranco and follow the elevated trail across Genovesa, looking for frigatebirds, storm petrels and other species that make this remote island exceptional.

🐾 Red-footed & Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls

Santiago

Snorkel in the sheltered waters of Buccaneer Cove beneath Santiago’s dramatic cliffs, where sea lions, reef fish, rays and occasionally sea turtles use the rocky coastline.

Follow the Puerto Egas coastal trail across black lava and tidal pools, watching for marine iguanas, Galapagos fur seals, shorebirds and the island’s changing intertidal habitats.

🐾 Marine iguanas, fur seals, Galápagos hawk

North Seymour & Santa Cruz Highlands

Walk North Seymour’s loop trail among blue-footed boobies, land iguanas and frigatebirds, with the naturalist guide interpreting courtship, nesting behavior and the island’s dry-zone ecosystem.

Travel into the green Santa Cruz highlands to visit lava tubes and search for giant tortoises roaming freely among native vegetation and working farms.

🐾 Frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, land & giant tortoises

Mosquera Islet

Take a final guided walk on Mosquera’s sandy islet, a compact visitor site known for its sea lion colony, Sally Lightfoot crabs and open coastal scenery.

Return to the vessel and transfer to Baltra Airport for departure, with timing coordinated around the cruise schedule and the recommended check-in time for your onward flight.

🐾 Sea lions, shorebirds, Sally Lightfoot crabs

Keep Planning Your Galapagos Cruise

Use this Galapagos cruise itinerary as a route guide, then compare the vessel’s available departures, cabin categories and current prices. Routes can change with Galapagos National Park regulations, weather and the ship’s operating schedule. Explore other Galapagos cruise ships and itineraries, or ask our local team to match the right route, boat and travel dates.

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