Galápagos Islands: Genovesa and Española
The Galápagos Natural Wonders Expedition
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Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
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 · 29 Aug 2026San Cristóbal · EmbarkationDeparture 16:30
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 · 29 Aug 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 · 30 Aug 2026Prince Philips 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 · 30 Aug 2026Darwin Bay, GenovesaArrival 12:00
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 · 31 Aug 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 · 31 Aug 2026Sullivan Bay (Santiago)Arrival 12:00
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 · 01 Sep 2026Bolivar Canal Cruising
The Bolívar Channel between Isabela and Fernandina is one of the most biodiverse stretches of sea in the Galápagos. During the passage, whales, dolphin pods, Galápagos penguins and seabirds can be observed - one of the Pacific's most striking ship transits.
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TUE · 01 Sep 2026Punta Mangle, FernandinaArrival 12:00
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 · 01 Sep 2026Punta Moreno, IsabelaArrival 15:00
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 · 02 Sep 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 · 02 Sep 2026Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz)Arrival 12:00
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 · 03 Sep 2026Gardner Bay, Española
Gardner Bay on Española hosts one of the largest sea lion colonies in the Galápagos - hundreds of animals lie relaxed on the sandy beach and swim with snorkellers. Waved albatrosses nest on Española from April to December.
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THU · 03 Sep 2026Punta Suarez, EspañolaArrival 12:00
Punta Suarez on Española is the best place in the Galápagos for waved albatrosses - the only tropical albatross species in the world. Marine iguanas with their red, green and orange scales are also endemic here.
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FRI · 04 Sep 2026Isla Lobos, San Cristóbal
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FRI · 04 Sep 2026Cerro Brujo, San CristóbalArrival 12:00
Cerro Brujo (Witch's Hill) is a white sand beach on the north coast of San Cristóbal with turquoise water and a sea lion colony. The name comes from the white lava cliffs which, in certain light, look as though inhabited by witches.
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SAT · 05 Sep 2026San Cristóbal · DisembarkationArrival 06:30
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 | € 9.990 | Available | Enquire |
| Superior Veranda Suite | € 10.800 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Veranda Suite | € 11.160 | Available | Enquire |
| Medallion Suite | € 15.930 | Available | Enquire |
| Silver Suite | € 17.550 | Available | Enquire |
| Royal Suite | € 24.120 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Suite | € 29.250 | Available | Enquire |
| Owners Suite | € 35.370 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Suite with butler service
- Complimentary WiFi throughout the ship
- Gourmet cuisine 24 hours a day
- Free-seating dining with À-la-carte menus
- 24-hour room service (complimentary)
- Premium beverages: champagne, fine wines, spirits, beers, water and soft drinks
- Personalised minibar, replenished daily
- Gratuities for all staff included
- All entertainment (shows, lectures, performances)
- Wellness facilities (fitness centre, sauna, steam bath in Otium Spa)
Not included
- Specialty restaurant La Dame (may have nominal charge)
- Flights and transfers (unless on All-Inclusive Plus fare)
- Additional paid activities and premium extras
Further options
Additionally included depending on voyage type (Classic / Expedition) and fare (Door-to-Door / All-Inclusive Plus):
- Shore excursions: at least one per port on Classic fares; all Zodiac cruises and guided landings on Expedition voyages
- Expedition extras: expert lectures, a parka to keep and rubber boots on loan
- Economy-class flights from and to your home airport (Door-to-Door and many All-Inclusive fares)
- Airport transfers between airport and ship (Door-to-Door and All-Inclusive Plus fares)
- Hotel night before and after the voyage (Door-to-Door and selected expeditions)
- Private chauffeur service from your door to the airport (Door-to-Door, within about 80 km)
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 9.100 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.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
