Galápagos Islands: Genovesa and Española
Galápagos Explorer: Island Paradise Adventure
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Galápagos Islands from/to San Cristóbal
West of mainland Ecuador in the Pacific lies the Galápagos archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage site of volcanic origin and the setting for Darwin's evolutionary observations. The Silver Origin, carrying just 100 guests, is the only Silversea ship dedicated exclusively to these waters, with its own naturalist team and a Zodiac fleet for daily landings from San Cristóbal. The seven-night round trip combines volcanic landscapes, endemic wildlife and snorkelling bays into a densely guided nature experience. Butler service in every suite and door-to-door inclusions from Silver Suite upward complete the all-inclusive experience.
Route highlights
- San Cristóbal: embarkation harbour with a sea-lion colony at the pier and an interpretation centre on island formation.
- Endemic wildlife: marine iguanas, Galápagos penguins, giant tortoises, blue- and red-footed boobies, and waved albatrosses depending on the season.
- Volcanic islands: lava fields, tuff cones and crater bays attest to the geologically young age of the archipelago.
- Snorkelling and Zodiac programme: daily excursions to cliff walls and mangroves, accompanied by the naturalist team on board.
- Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz: research and breeding station for giant tortoises of the endangered subspecies.
- Island visits: landings on Isabela, Fernandina, Floreana or Española depending on the itinerary and season.
- Premium logistics: a single 100-guest ship rather than daily hotel changes, with short transfers to every landing.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
San Cristóbal, Galápagos
7 nights
Cerro Brujo, San Cristóbal
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SAT · 08 May 2027San Cristóbal · Embarkation
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 · 08 May 2027Kicker Rock
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 · 09 May 2027Prince 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 · 09 May 2027Darwin 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 · 10 May 2027North 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 · 10 May 2027Sullivan 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 · 11 May 2027Bolivar 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 · 11 May 2027Punta 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 · 11 May 2027Punta 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 · 12 May 2027Santa 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 · 12 May 2027Fausto 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 · 13 May 2027Gardner 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 · 13 May 2027Punta 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 · 14 May 2027Isla 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 · 14 May 2027Cerro 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 · 15 May 2027San Cristóbal · Disembarkation
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 | € 13.707 | Available | Enquire |
| Superior Veranda Suite | € 14.526 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Veranda Suite | € 14.643 | Available | Enquire |
| Medallion Suite | € 19.584 | Available | Enquire |
| Silver Suite | € 24.696 | Available | Enquire |
| Royal Suite | € 30.600 | Available | Enquire |
| Grand Suite | € 37.647 | Available | Enquire |
| Owners Suite | € 41.040 | 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 11.790 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.
