Luxury expedition cruise specialist, Silversea Expeditions, has recently launched the first of two new seven-night Galapagos itineraries. The 100-guest, all-suite Silver Galapagos will operate the alternate itineraries which are approved by the Galapagos National Park Service, both departing on Saturdays.
Departing from Baltra for the first time this week, the new North Central itinerary showcases the best of the Galapagos Islands en route to San Cristóbal. In addition to a newly added circumnavigation of Isla Daphne Grande (Daphne Major), the voyage explores Bahia Darwin and El Barranco in Genovesa; Galapaguera Cerro Colorado and Punta Pitt in San Cristóbal; Bahía Gardner (Gardner Bay) and Punta Suarez in Española; El Edén, Fausto Llerena Breeding Center and Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz; as well as Bahía Sullivan, Seymour Norte, Rábida, and Plazas Sur. Highlights of the voyage include climbing Prince Philip’s Steps to see a thriving sea bird colony, hiking up the sides of an extinct volcano, and admiring the antics of Red-footed and Blue-footed Boobies.
The new Western itinerary from San Cristóbal to Baltra is enhanced by new points of interest such as Cerro Dragón and Playa Las Bachas in Santa Cruz and a circumnavigation of Roca León Dormido (Kicker Rock). The voyage will also visit Punta Vicente Roca, Caleta Tagus and Bahía Elizabeth in Isabela; Post Office Bay, Islote Champion and Punta Cormorant in Floreana; Los Gemelos, Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre and Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz; Bartolomé, Playa Espumilla, and Punta Espinoza. Highlights of the voyage include spotting land iguanas and penguins along rocky shores, swimming with green sea turtles, sea lions and manta rays, and hiking through fragrant forests of palo santo “incense” trees.
“The Galapagos Islands are undoubtedly a bucket-list destination for nature-lovers, and our new itineraries showcase the impressive flora and fauna unique to the region,” said Conrad Combrink, Silversea’s vice president of expedition planning & strategic development. “For the first time, Silver Galapagos will circumnavigate iconic Kicker Rock and Daphne Major, both spectacular settings for spotting an array of exotic birds. Another new destination, Las Bachas Beach, is one of the main nesting sites for sea turtles on Santa Cruz Island.”
Silver Galapagos expedition cruises offer adventurous travelers a unique opportunity to discover a wild, pristine paradise that has long been regarded as a natural laboratory of evolution. During complimentary expeditions ashore guided by an experienced Expedition Team (certified by the Galapagos National Park Service), Silversea’s guests can experience up-close encounters with an abundance of wildlife including sun-basking land iguanas, giant tortoises, blue-and red-footed boobies, colorful marine iguanas, sea lions, penguins and Darwin’s famous finches.
On Silver Galapagos, guests enjoy the hallmarks of the all-inclusive Silversea experience, including enrichment lectures by a highly qualified Expedition Team, fine dining options, complimentary wines and spirits in suite and throughout the ship, butler service in every suite, and much more.
For a complete list of Silver Galapagos itineraries, details, and fares, visit Silversea.com/ships/silver-galapagos.
