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Departs Tue, Oct 6, 2026 · operated by Samba Galapagos
The Samba’s BORN OF FIRE itinerary takes you on a slow circumnavigation of the more recent islands (Isabela, with a stop on Fernandina), where most of the land is covered with (geologically) recent lava flows. Waters here are richer nutrient wise (there is a deep current from the west that upwells here) and colder meaning relatively more marine life.
Region: Galápagos
After arrival on Baltra and the biosecurity checks, Samba sets sail for Mosquera, a narrow islet fringed by white sand and tide pools. Expect sea lions, coastal birds, and an introduction to the marine scape.
Gentle snorkeling and exploration around this quiet stretch. Tidepools harbor crabs, starfish, and juvenile marine life.
A green oasis of birdlife, Darwin Bay is cradled within the caldera of Genovesa. Walk among red-footed boobies, storm petrels, swallows, and frigates in a sheltered crater bay.
A steep trail cuts across ancient lava flows to nesting zones of red-footed boobies. Below, snorkeling reveals an underwater wall flush with life — rays, tropical fish, and occasional sharks.
Punta Mejía is one of the quieter, lesser-visited snorkeling spots in the archipelago. Expect healthy reefs, abundant tropical fish, and marine iguanas.
The site’s black-sand reef edges house lava grottoes and crevices. Snorkelers explore submerged lava tunnels while the shoreline reveals iguanas and birds.
This remote northern corner of Isabela features ruins of old radar stations and lava flows. Spot flightless cormorants and idling marine iguanas surveying the sea.
The coast here is defined by dramatic lava cliffs, nutrient-rich waters, and bold marine life. Snorkelers often spot turtles, rays, sea lions, and occasionally whales or dolphins.
The most remote and unspoiled visitor site in Galápagos. You’ll walk across fresh lava flows thick with black lava textures, side by side with colonies of Galápagos giant tortoises, marine iguanas, penguins, and flightless cormorants — a living window into evolutionary extremity.
Glide through mangrove channels teeming with fish, rays, and marine turtles. The calm waters and lush mangroves create one of Galápagos’ most serene moments.
Walk over hardened lava fields line with turquoise lagoons alive with marine activity. Snorkeling reveals reefs tucked into lava fingers and schools of tropical fish.
On your final morning you return to Santa Cruz to explore the highlands once more: polychromatic flora, finches flitting among scalesia trees, and tortoises roaming freely through the mist.
With memories of land and sea vivid in your mind, you depart Galápagos, bidding farewell to the wild pulse of the islands.
From $5,000
Originally $5,150,From $5,000Save 3%
The legendary 14 passenger Samba may be small in size, but it’s big in reputation (Google it). Pioneering the “Active Galapagos” approach to seeing the islands, a cruise on this ship will ensure you are exposed to the best of what the islands have to offer. Top quality naturalist guides have you up early to catch the sunrise as you kayak through the mangroves, or enjoying the last rays of sun on a remote beach at the end of the day, no opportunities go unexplored on the Samba.
$5,000per guest
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