Red-footed boobies
Genovesa hosts a large colony nesting in trees.
ITINERARIES · NORTHERN
Seabird islands and lava fields.
Genovesa’s bird colonies, the view from Bartolomé and Santiago’s lava flows make the north a favorite with birders and photographers.
northern Galapagos cruise — Reference image only.
01 / VISITOR SITES
Visitor sites this route can include
Each boat holds its own permit, so the exact mix varies. These are the sites most often seen on this route.
| Island | Site | What you do | Look for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genovesa | Darwin Bay | Beach and trail | Red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, gulls |
| Genovesa | Prince Philip’s Steps (El Barranco) | Cliff-top trail | Nazca boobies, storm petrels, short-eared owls |
| Bartolomé | Summit trail | Boardwalk climb | Pinnacle Rock view, lava landscapes |
| Bartolomé | Beach | Snorkel | Galapagos penguins (sometimes), reef fish |
| Santiago | Sullivan Bay | Walk on lava flow | Pahoehoe lava formations |
| Santiago | Puerto Egas | Shore walk | Fur seals in grottos, marine iguanas |
| North Seymour | Visitor trail | Dry landing walk | Frigatebird and blue-footed booby nesting |
| Rábida | Red beach | Beach and snorkel | Sea lions, red sand |
02 / WILDLIFE
Wildlife highlights
Frigatebirds
Males inflate red throat pouches on North Seymour and Genovesa.
Swallow-tailed gulls
The world’s only nocturnal gull, common on Genovesa.
Fur seals
Shade-loving, seen in Puerto Egas grottos.
Penguins
Sometimes near Bartolomé.
Owls
Short-eared owls hunt by day on Genovesa.
03 / SAMPLE DAYS
What a few days can look like
An illustrative outline, not a fixed program. Your boat’s permit sets the real order.
Day 1 North Seymour
Fly into Baltra and walk among frigatebird nests.
Day 2 Genovesa
Darwin Bay and Prince Philip’s Steps after an overnight crossing.
Day 3 Bartolomé and Santiago
Sunrise climb to the Pinnacle Rock viewpoint, then Sullivan Bay lava.
Day 4 Rábida
Red beach, then back to Baltra.
04 / WHO IT SUITS
Is this the right route for you?
- Birders and photographers.
- Travelers who want iconic landscapes like Pinnacle Rock.
- People comfortable with one overnight open-sea crossing.
Related reading: Genovesa Island guide · First-time itinerary
05 / FAQ
Northern Galapagos Cruise Itinerary: questions
Is Genovesa included on every northern cruise?
No. It needs a long crossing, so only some itineraries include it.
What is Genovesa known for?
Its seabird colonies, especially red-footed boobies.
Is the northern route rough?
The crossing to Genovesa can be bumpy. Seasickness tips help.
Can I see penguins in the north?
Sometimes near Bartolomé; for reliable sightings choose the western route.
Which boats go north on my dates?
Email hola@galapagosislands.cruises and we check.
PICK YOUR ROUTE
Ask which boats run this route on your dates.
Email hola@galapagosislands.cruises with your dates. We tell you which boats run this route, and when another route would suit you better.
Galapagos is unlike anywhere else on Earth: wildlife that does not run from you, islands still shaped by volcanoes, and a park that limits every visit. Tell us how you like to travel and we will match you with the right boat.