Day 1
Baltra
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.
8 days aboard Samba
Born of Fire · Samba
Combined (multi-loop)Visits 5 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
From $5,000
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.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Gentle snorkeling and exploration around this quiet stretch. Tidepools harbor crabs, starfish, and juvenile marine life.
Day 2
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.
Day 2
Prince Philip’s Steps
Signature site — among the highest-scoring in the GalápagosA 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.
Day 3
Punta Mejía
Signature site — among the highest-scoring in the GalápagosPunta Mejía is one of the quieter, lesser-visited snorkeling spots in the archipelago. Expect healthy reefs, abundant tropical fish, and marine iguanas.
Day 3
The site’s black-sand reef edges house lava grottoes and crevices. Snorkelers explore submerged lava tunnels while the shoreline reveals iguanas and birds.
Day 4
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.
Day 4
Punta Vicente Roca
Signature site — among the highest-scoring in the GalápagosThe 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.
Day 5
Punta Espinoza
Signature site — among the highest-scoring in the GalápagosThe 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.
Day 6
Glide through mangrove channels teeming with fish, rays, and marine turtles. The calm waters and lush mangroves create one of Galápagos’ most serene moments.
Day 6
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.
Day 7
Hiking
Day 7
Champion Islet
Signature site — among the highest-scoring in the GalápagosZodiac ride
Day 8
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.
Day 8
Baltra
With memories of land and sea vivid in your mind, you depart Galápagos, bidding farewell to the wild pulse of the islands.
Full route
What the sites score
69/ 100 across this route’s sites
Best for snorkel qualityPricing
Each cabin class has its own per-route price — the “from” price above is the lowest. Availability and final pricing are confirmed per departure.
| Cabin class | Per-route price |
|---|---|
| Lower deck cabin (2)from | $5,000 |
| Standard cabinfrom | $5,000 |
| Upper deck cabin | $5,150 |
Lower deck cabin (2)from$5,000
Standard cabinfrom$5,000
Upper deck cabin$5,150
Departures
6 upcoming departures. Per-guest prices start at the amount shown.