Galápagos Islands: Genovesa and Española · Nov 2026
Galápagos Island Dreams: Discover Natural Paradises
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Galápagos island worlds from and to San Cristóbal
West of mainland Ecuador in the Pacific lies the Galápagos archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage site of volcanic origin whose wildlife evolved in isolation from the mainland. The Silver Origin, carrying just 100 guests, is the only Silversea ship dedicated to these waters year-round, with its own naturalist team and a Zodiac fleet for daily landings. The seven-night round trip from San Cristóbal links the northern and southern islands into a dense wildlife programme of booby colonies, penguins and marine iguanas. Butler service in every suite and door-to-door inclusions from Silver Suite upward complete the all-inclusive experience.
Route highlights
- San Cristóbal and Kicker Rock: embarkation harbour with a sea-lion colony at the pier; the eroded tuff cone of Kicker Rock is a snorkelling site for hammerheads and Galápagos sharks.
- Genovesa and Great Darwin Bay: a collapsed crater in the north, home to red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies and frigatebirds in spectacular density.
- Seymour Norte and Sullivan Bay: breeding colonies of blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds; Sullivan Bay's young pahoehoe lava field on Santiago resembles a black desert.
- Fernandina and Moreno Point: the youngest volcanic island with large marine-iguana colonies; Moreno Point's lava pools on Isabela host flamingos and herons.
- Santa Cruz and the Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre: the research centre near Puerto Ayora rears giant tortoises of the endangered subspecies.
- Gardner Bay and Punta Suarez: a white-sand beach on Española with a sea-lion colony; Punta Suarez is the breeding site of waved albatrosses and features the famous blowhole.
- Cerro Brujo: a bright coral-sand beach on San Cristóbal with clear water, the final stop before the return.
The Route
San Cristóbal
7 nights
San Cristóbal
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SAT · 07 Nov 2026San Cristóbal · EmbarkationDeparture 16:15
San Cristóbal is the oldest inhabited island in the Galápagos and home to the capital Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. First encounters with the Galápagos ecosystem: curious sea lions on the jetties, blue-footed boobies and giant tortoises in the national park.
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SAT · 07 Nov 2026Kicker RockArrival 17:00
Kicker Rock (León Dormido) is a split volcanic cone rising from the sea near San Cristóbal. Hammerhead sharks, sea lions, Galápagos turtles and rays swim through the channel between the rocks - a diver's paradise.
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SUN · 08 Nov 2026Prince Philip's Steps (Genovesa)
Prince Philip's Steps on Genovesa are a lava-rock stairway leading to a plateau that astonishes: tens of thousands of storm petrels, short-eared owls and red-footed boobies nest here. The owls hunt the petrels by day, animal behaviour that can scarcely be observed anywhere else in the world.
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SUN · 08 Nov 2026Darwin Bay (Genovesa)
Darwin Bay is a collapsed caldera the ship can sail straight into. The beach is dotted with red frigatebirds, red-footed boobies and Nazca boobies - all without any fear of humans. Snorkelling brings encounters with hammerhead sharks.
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MON · 09 Nov 2026North Seymour
North Seymour is one of the most species-rich small islands in the Galápagos. Blue-footed boobies perform their characteristic courtship dance right beside the walking trail, while frigatebirds with inflated red throat pouches sit on the bushes - all at arm's length.
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MON · 09 Nov 2026Sullivan Bay (Santiago)
Sullivan Bay on Santiago shows recently solidified pahoehoe lava - a smooth, wave-like surface like a frozen sea. Marine iguanas, sea lions and Galápagos penguins populate the shores of this dramatic volcanic landscape.
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TUE · 10 Nov 2026Bolívar Canal
The Bolívar Channel separates the Galápagos islands of Isabela and Fernandina. The cold, upwelling Cromwell Current makes this strait one of the archipelago's richest waters, frequented by whales, dolphins, Galápagos penguins and flightless cormorants.
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TUE · 10 Nov 2026Punta Mangle (Fernandina)
Punta Mangle lies on Fernandina's east coast and offers calm mangrove channels where flightless cormorants and Galápagos penguins can be seen on the water. The clear waters allow for excellent snorkelling.
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TUE · 10 Nov 2026Punta Moreno (Isabela)
Punta Moreno features solidified lava fields with flamingos in crater lakes and marine iguanas in the lava fissures. The contrast between the black lava field and the emerald green water of the crater lakes is unique.
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WED · 11 Nov 2026Santa Cruz Highlands
The Santa Cruz Highlands are home to the El Chato tortoise reserve and free-ranging giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The lava tunnels - underground caves formed by lava flow - can be explored on foot. In the rainy season the highlands stay lush and green.
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WED · 11 Nov 2026Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz)
The Fausto Llerena Breeding Center (formerly the Charles Darwin Research Center) in Puerto Ayora is the world's most important breeding station for Galápagos giant tortoises. Many subspecies were saved from extinction here; the famous "Lonesome George" (last Pinta tortoise) lived here until his death in 2012.
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THU · 12 Nov 2026Gardner Bay (Española)
Gardner Bay on Española hosts one of the largest sea lion colonies in the Galápagos and is a nesting ground for the waved albatross. Snorkelling in the turquoise water brings encounters with playful sea lions.
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THU · 12 Nov 2026Punta Suárez (Española)
Punta Suarez on Española hosts the world's largest colony of waved albatross and endemic Hispaniola marine iguanas. The "Blowhole" - a hole in the lava cliffs that shoots water metres into the air - is a spectacular natural spectacle.
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FRI · 13 Nov 2026Isla Lobos (San Cristóbal)
San Cristóbal is the oldest inhabited island in the Galápagos and home to the capital Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. First encounters with the Galápagos ecosystem: curious sea lions on the jetties, blue-footed boobies and giant tortoises in the national park.
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FRI · 13 Nov 2026Cerro Brujo (San Cristóbal)
Cerro Brujo is a white sand beach on San Cristóbal with sea lion colonies, snorkelling and turquoise water. The hiking trail up the hill offers panoramic views across the north-east of the archipelago.
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SAT · 14 Nov 2026San Cristóbal · DisembarkationArrival 06:30
Climate & best time to sail
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 31 | 31 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
| Sea °C | 25 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 200 | 250 | 270 | 180 | 60 | 20 | 10 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 80 |
| Season | wet | wet | wet | wet | dry | dry | dry | dry | dry | dry | dry | wet |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Pacific coast / Galápagos (Guayaquil)
Silver Origin
Silver Origin was designed specifically for the Galápagos Islands: 50 suites, 100 guests (Galápagos National Park limit), certified naturalist guides. Every detail is oriented towards a single goal: the Galápagos experience at the highest possible level.
The Ship
Cabins
Cabin details and photos are available on request. We will provide you with current availability, categories and pricing with your personal enquiry.
Deck plan · Silver Origin
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Veranda Suite | € 10.700 | Available | Enquire |
| Superior Veranda Suite | € 11.000 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Veranda Suite | € 11.500 | Available | Enquire |
| Medallion Suite | € 15.850 | Available | Enquire |
| Silver Suite | € 19.150 | Available | Enquire |
| Royal Suite | € 23.300 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Suite | € 28.150 | Available | Enquire |
| Owners Suite | € 32.450 | Available | Enquire |
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Luxurious suite with ocean view or veranda, every category with personal butler service
- Full board in all onboard restaurants (main restaurant, speciality restaurants, casual dining) at no extra charge
- 24-hour room service and an individually stocked minibar in the suite
- Premium beverages on board: selected wines, champagne, international spirits, cocktails, beer, soft drinks, speciality coffees, tea and water
- Gratuities for the entire crew are included in the fare
- Unlimited Wi-Fi on board for all guests
- Use of pool, gym, sauna, steam bath and classes (yoga, stretching)
- Evening programme: live music, shows, themed lectures and onboard events
Not included
- Personal expenses on board (boutique, hairdresser, photos)
- Spa and wellness treatments, massages and personal trainer
- Laundry and pressing service (partly included in higher suite categories)
- Premium restaurants with a reservation or cover charge (e.g. La Dame, Kaiseki/Seishin, Silver Note on repeat visits)
- Selected fine spirits, rare wines and vintage champagnes beyond the standard premium package
- Shore excursions or private tours, unless explicitly stated in your booking confirmation.
- Medical care on board, doctor consultations and medication
- Travel insurance (cancellation, international health cover)
- Visa fees, entry taxes and biometric registration in the destination
- Airport taxes and security fees when arriving under your own arrangements
- Travel to the home airport outside the Door-to-Door radius
- Flight upgrades to Premium Economy or Business Class (bookable for a surcharge on the Door-to-Door fare)
- Personal telephone calls and satellite calls from the suite
Further options
Additionally included depending on the fare booked:
- Shore excursions: on classic cruises at least one excursion per port depending on the fare; on expedition voyages all Zodiac outings and guided landings
- On expedition voyages additionally: lectures by the expedition team experts, a parka to keep and rubber boots on loan
- Economy-class flights from and to your home airport on Door-to-Door and many All-Inclusive fares (business upgrade for a surcharge)
- Airport transfers between airport and ship on the Door-to-Door and All-Inclusive Plus fares
- On Door-to-Door and selected expedition voyages: a hotel night before and after the cruise
- On Door-to-Door (home airport within about 80 km): private chauffeur service from your door to the airport and back
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 7 nights from EUR 10.530 p.p. With Silversea, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Silver Origin?
A maximum of 100 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
The best time to sail this route is May to December (dry season).
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
