South America: Galapagos Southern Loop Cruise - 2024
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Xpedition itineraries include Southern and Northern Loop sailings around the Galapagos Islands. Visit the black-sand beaches of Egas Point, spot blue-footed boobies on San Cristobal, hike on hardened black lava on Santiago Island and mingle with flamingos and sea turtles at Las Bachas. No matter which Celebrity Xpedition itinerary you choose, you'll be amazed by the unique flora and fauna you'll encounter along the way.
Executive Member Benefit
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Digital Costco Shop Card
Member Exclusive: Digital Costco Shop Card with every Celebrity Cruises sailing†
Sailing Itinerary
Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.
Overview
Baltra, also referred to as South Seymour Island, is one of the smaller islands of the Galapagos, with an area of roughly 8 square miles. The island lies in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, about 600 miles west of Ecuador. The significance of Baltra rests in the fact that it is the main entry point into the Galapagos Islands. The main airport of the archipelago is located on Baltra (a second smaller one is in San Cristobal). Before Volcanic faulting occurred, Baltra was part of Santa Cruz, making it the newest of the islands. Due to its small size, there are no visitor accommodations in Baltra. Though the island is dry and the vegetation desolate, a large number of birds-frigatebirds and boobies- can be seen at the harbor. Land iguanas, marine iguanas and marine turtles can also be observed. After your arrival at Baltra, take the time to visit Bachas Beach, where you will be introduced to the wonders of the Galapagos. Also, don’t miss the chance to take a panga ride through Black Turtle Cove and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding mangroves.
Overview
North Seymour Island, also referred to as Seymour, is a small island to the North of Baltra. This island was formed years ago as a result of the uplift of a submarine lava formation. Because of the circumstances under which the island took shape, North Seymour consists of mostly flat, low lying terrain. The vegetation on North Seymour, like many of the other lava formed islands of the Subtropic, is mainly low and bushy. North Seymour’s signature feature is its enormous colony of Darwin’s magnificent frigate birds. In fact the population of frigates is larger here than anywhere else in the Galapagos chain. The frigates can be found nesting mostly on the southwest side of the island due to the prime nesting conditions. Many other birds can be encountered on North Seymour such as the Blue Footed Boobies, Swallow-tailed Gulls, pelicans, and Red-billed Tropic birds. Visitors to the island might also catch a glimpse of the amazing Galapagos snake. North Seymour’s coast is a bit more tumultuous than that of some of the other islands in the Galapagos. Despite this fact, many playful sea lions can be found sprawled on the beach along with marine iguanas, one of the most controversial of the Galapagos’ amazing creatures.
Overview
This enchanted Subtropical island is comprised of two small islets that are uplifted from the coast of Santa Cruz Island. Despite its slightly smaller size, the unique vegetation and location of Plazas island creates a setting in which the fauna and flora of the Galapagos can truly be experienced to its fullest. Some of the most intriguing species of the archipelago can be found on these amazing islets. One of the most common creatures to be seen on Plazas is the land iguana. This magnificent creature can most often be found lying in the cool shade of a cactus. The rugged cliffs of Plazas Island create a prime habitat for swallow-tailed gulls, along with many other species of tropical birds. The coast of this island is protected by a distinct rocky seashore. This protection has allowed a colony of lively sea lions to establish their home here on Plazas. The island’s main attractions are its sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls, yellow-tailed mullets, Audubon’s shearwaters, red-billed tropic birds, frigate birds, land iguanas, and brown pelicans.
Overview
Santa Fe is a small island located towards the east of the archipelago, between the larger islands of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal. The total land area is 24 kilometers squared, with an elevation of approximately 259 meters. The visitor site is a wet landing located in Barrington Bay on the northeastern side of the island. Large numbers of sea lions are found on the beaches in the bay, and visitors may find themselves navigating around sleeping cows and pups in order to get to the two trails leading from the beach. Here they will have the opportunity to see the endemic Santa Fe land iguana (Conolophus palidus), yellower and with more definite spines on its back than the other species found in Galapagos (Conolophus subcristatus). Santa Fe also has giant Opuntia cactus forest, endemic rice rats, the Galapagos hawk and a walk to a cliff top from which there are beautiful views over the bay.
Overview
Located to the northwest side of San Cristobal Island. The main attraction of Pitt Point is that it is the only place in the Galapagos where you can find three species of booby birds nesting in the same zone. In addition, the beautiful scenery from the top of the pathway is important, with the view of the bay toward one side and the cliffs on the other.
Overview
The capital of Galapagos, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, is located on San Cristobal Island. The administration offices, one airport linking to the mainland and a major Ecuadorian Navy facility are located here. Founded by the colonist General Villamil in the mid-nineteenth century, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno was named after Alfredo Baquerizo Moreno, the first Ecuadorian president to visit the islands, in 1916. Despite being the capital of the Galapagos, it's a sleepy town, virtually lifeless in the heat of the early afternoon, only coming alive fully when the sun sets over the bay. It may not get as many visitors as Puerto Ayora, but there is a burgeoning industry here: along the waterfront, a glut of travel agents, cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops all show a town keen to cut itself a larger slice of the tourist pie. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is a bit short of things to do, but there's enough on the island to keep visitors busy for a few days. Just outside the port, the Centro de Interpretación has great displays of the archipelago's human and natural history. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno has also become the focus of the Galapagos growing reputation among South Americans as a surfing hotspot, and the waves are best at the beginning of the warm-wet season, when the water is warm enough not to need a wet suit. Tongo Reef , west of town, is one of the better places to go for this.
Overview
Located on Floreana Island, Post Office Bay, where 18th century whalers used a barrel as an unofficial mail drop, can be visited today. The idea behind the barrel was that British whalers or passer-bys to the island would pick up the letters and hand-deliver them in England. Letters and postcards without stamps can still be dropped in the barrel in this present day; however don’t expect a speedy delivery.
Overview
Punta Cormorant boasts of a larger lagoon with flamingos and other water birds. A trail leads to a sandy beach where turtles, rays and seabirds can be seen. Off the coast is Devil's Crown, a half submerged volcanic crater. This is a great snorkeling site with starfish, sea urchins and tropical fish in the shallow center and larger fish like sharks and rays around the outside of the rocks.
Overview
An extremely interesting area for its prolific mangrove Eco-system and for its marine life of many different forms. It is a spectacular place for snorkeling and dinghy rides. The species more commonly seen are penguins, flightless comorants, herons and Blue footed boobies.
Overview
Located on the west side of Isabela Island, Punta Moreno means "dark point," taking its name from the very dark, new rocks formed by the lava flow from a fairly recent volcano eruption. Punta Moreno has very interesting new lava flows and pioneer plants, which are directly living on the raw rocks. There are small oases with green lakes, where you can sometime see flamingos, flightless cormorants, penguins, marine iguanas and pelicans.
Overview
The largest settlement area, offering the most services in the Galapagos, Puerto Ayora is a port town situated along Academy Bay on Isla Santa Cruz. Most yachts offering cruises of the Galapagos hail from Puerto Ayora. Also home to the National Park Services and the Charles Darwin Research Station, it is the hub of tourism in the islands. Puerto Ayora is far from the bustling cities on the mainland. The bay is full of sailboats, sea birds fill the air and marine iguanas line the shore. Though a thriving center of commerce people enjoy a laid back island attitude. Most travelers to the Galapagos will include a visit to Puerto Ayora during their trip. Most cruises include a visit to the Darwin Station and arrange free time to explore the town and shop for souvenirs. This may be the only opportunity to souvenir shop in the islands. Stores carry everything from t-shirts to jewelry, post cards, books, beach ware and ceramic items. The grocery store offers the opportunity to stock up on any forgotten items, snacks, beverages, or other items you might desire on board. If you are in need of additional money, the Banco del Pacifico offers cash advances on Master Card. They also offer a Cirrus ATM machine, though it does not always work. Puerto Ayora offers options for visitors who prefer to sleep ashore or extend their stay in the islands. There are a variety of tours available allowing visitors to design their own Galapagos experience including day-trips to a number of the islands, dive trips, kayaking, highland tours, hiking, mountain biking and horseback rides.
Overview
Gardner Bay, located on the eastern side of Espanola(Hood) Island, has a long and beautiful white sand beach with a large sea lion colony. Rocks off the coast offer great snorkeling with reef sharks and many other tropic fish. White-tipped sharks, puffer fish, and colorful tropical fish fill the waters around Gardner Bay. It's simply beautiful.
Overview
Located on Espanola(Hood) Island, Punta Suarez has a trail leading through masked and blue-footed boobies colonies to a blow hole, where sea water is forced some 20m up into the air. Also the most colorful marine iguanas and lava lizards in the isles, sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls, Hood mockingbirds, Darwin finches and Galapagos doves and hawks can be seen. But the main attraction are the waved albatrosses, which are on the island from March to December.
Overview
Baltra, also referred to as South Seymour Island, is one of the smaller islands of the Galapagos, with an area of roughly 8 square miles. The island lies in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, about 600 miles west of Ecuador. The significance of Baltra rests in the fact that it is the main entry point into the Galapagos Islands. The main airport of the archipelago is located on Baltra (a second smaller one is in San Cristobal). Before Volcanic faulting occurred, Baltra was part of Santa Cruz, making it the newest of the islands. Due to its small size, there are no visitor accommodations in Baltra. Though the island is dry and the vegetation desolate, a large number of birds-frigatebirds and boobies- can be seen at the harbor. Land iguanas, marine iguanas and marine turtles can also be observed. After your arrival at Baltra, take the time to visit Bachas Beach, where you will be introduced to the wonders of the Galapagos. Also, don’t miss the chance to take a panga ride through Black Turtle Cove and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding mangroves.
Onboard the Celebrity Xpedition
Celebrity Xpedition
Year Built: 2001
Year Refurbished: 2009
Double Occupancy Capacity: 92
Cruise aboard Celebrity Xpedition® and you'll experience a sense of intimacy that can only be achieved aboard a smaller ship. Embrace the timelessness of the Galapagos Islands - a land that time has seemingly forgotten.
Activities & Services (included in cruise)
Whirlpool
- Card Room
- Beauty Salon
- Sauna/Steam Room
- Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
- Bars/Lounges
- Library
- Business Center
- Concierge Desk
- Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques
- Infirmary/Medical Center
- Safe Deposit Boxes
Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)
Spa
- Full-Service Spa
Darwin's
Main Dining
Darwin's Restaurant: Located on the Marina Deck, Darwin's Restaurant is where you'll discover culinary wonders that are sure to dazzle the palate as well as please the eye. Crisp white linen, fine crystal and exemplary service make dining amongst the islands as special and memorable as the islands themselves.
Blue Finch Bar
Casual Dining
Beagle Grill: Named after the ship that first brought young Mr. Darwin to these rugged shores, the Beagle Grill is where you can enjoy casual fare in an equally casual, relaxed setting. The Beagle Grill offers a delightful view that ensures your meal will not only be delectable, but memorable as well.
Discovery Lounge: The Discovery Lounge offers an ideal venue to familiarize yourself with the wonders of the Galapagos. Get prepped on the creatures you'll encounter with our naturalist-led nightly lectures or simply relax over a drink at the picturesque bar.
Enjoy a view of the sea with spacious staterooms that feature a sofa and a flat screen TV.
Category: XP
Each ocean view stateroom on board Celebrity includes the following world-class amenities that all contribute to your modern experience.
- Plush 100% cotton bathrobes and towels
- Four pillows in every stateroom
- Premium custom blended bath products
- Celebrity shopping bag
- Expansive view of the ocean
- Celebrity's eXhale®bedding featuring the Cashmere Mattress
- King-sized mattress (bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed)
- Some staterooms may have a trundle bed
- Plentiful storage space in your bathroom and wardrobe
- Interactive television system
- Individual safe
- Dual-voltage 110/220V AC
- Mini-fridge*
- Hair dryer
- Twice daily housekeeping service
- Our signature friendly personalized service with a guest ratio of nearly 2:1
- Laundry service*
- Complimentary beach towel service
- Fresh ice delivered to stateroom upon request
- Complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a variety of restaurants
- 24-hour service**
Category: Y
This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.
Suites feature a private balcony, complimentary sparkling wine, use of snorkel equipment and wetsuits, and much more.
Category: XJ
Amenities
- Champagne / sparkling wine set-up
- Stock mini-bar with favorite soft drinks and beers
- Locally sourced turndown chocolates
- Locally sourced and organic bath amenities
- Premium bathrobes
- Premium linens, terry, slipper
- Pillow menu offering
- Complimentary premium backpack
- Sunglasses and reading glasses for use while onboard
- Marine binoculars
- Complimentary rain ponchos
- Open Deck Amenities: Sunscreen, aloe vera cooling gel, and lip balm
- Double bed (cannot be separated or moved)
- Spacious bedroom with private veranda
- Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with veranda
- Sitting area with convertible full-size sofa bed
- Personal Suite Attendant
- Unpacking assistance
- In-suite room service
- Full in-suite dinner service
- Complimentary laundry service twice per cruise*
- Delivery of afternoon in-suite daily delectable
- Makeup and turndown services
Category: XS
Amenities
- Champagne / sparkling wine set-up
- Stock mini-bar with favorite soft drinks and beers
- Locally sourced turndown chocolates
- Locally sourced and organic bath amenities
- Premium bathrobes
- Premium linens, terry, slipper
- Pillow menu offering
- Complimentary backpack
- Sunglasses and reading glasses for use while onboard
- Marine binoculars
- Complimentary rain ponchos
- Open Deck Amenities: Sunscreen, aloe vera cooling gel, and lip balm
- Complimentary laundry service twice per cruise*
- Spacious bedroom with private veranda
- Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with veranda
- Sitting area with convertible full-size sofa bed (except 602)
- Personal Suite Attendant
- Unpacking assistance
- In-suite room service
- Full in-suite dinner service
- Complimentary laundry service twice per cruise*
- Delivery of afternoon in-suite daily delectable
- Makeup and turndown services
Category: PS
Amenities
- Robes with optional personalization
- Complimentary premium refillable water bottle
- Daily delivery in-suite delectable
- Customized mini-bar offering
- Champagne / sparkling wine upon arrival
- Complimentary backpack
- Complimentary rain poncho
- Stationery
- Use of high-end marine binoculars
- Ecuadorian chocolates
- Use of sunglasses and readings glasses
- Local high-end, eco-friendly, organic bath amenities cooling gel, lip balm, sunscreen
- Largest, most luxurious suite in the Galápagos Islands
- Outward-facing spacious spa tub and shower
- King-sized bed
- Additional half bathroom
- Wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows
- Spa tub with floor-to-ceiling window
- Separate shower
- Spacious private veranda
- Full Suite automation
- In suite filtered water refilling station
- Premium linens and pillow menu
- Extensive offering of live and on demand TV programming and movies
- Personal Suite Attendant
- Laundry service twice per sailing*
- 24-hour in suite room service
- Full in-suite dinner service
- Laundry service twice per sailing
- Makeup and turndown services
Category: XR
Amenities
- Robes with optional personalization
- Complimentary premium refillable water bottle
- Daily delivery in-suite delectable
- Customized mini-bar offering
- Champagne / sparkling wine upon arrival
- Complimentary backpack
- Complimentary rain poncho
- Stationery
- Use of high-end marine binoculars
- Ecuadorian chocolates
- Use of sunglasses and readings glasses
- Local high-end, eco-friendly, organic bath amenities cooling gel, lip balm, sunscreen
- Outward-facing spacious spa tub and shower
- King-sized bed
- Spa tub with floor-to-ceiling window
- Separate shower
- Spacious private veranda
- Full Suite automation
- In-suite filtered water refilling station
- Premium linens and pillow menu
- Extensive offering of live and on demand TV programming and movies
- Personal Suite Attendant
- Laundry service twice per sailing*
- 24-hour in suite room service
- Full in-suite dinner service
- Laundry service twice per sailing
- Makeup and turndown services
Category: W
This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.
Symbol | Description |
---|---|
Quadruple occupancy | |
Convertible sofa bed | |
Triple occupancy | |
Upper berth |
- Ship Name: Celebrity Xpedition
- Year Built: 2001
- Year Refurbished: 2009
- Year Entered Present Fleet: 2004
- Ship Class: Expedition Series
- Maximum Capacity: 98
- Number of Passenger Decks: 4
- Number of Crew: 64
- Officers' Nationality: Ecuadorean
- Ocean-View without Balcony: 38
- Tonnage (GRT): 2,842
- Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 92
- Country of Registry: Ecuador
- Total Staterooms: 46
- Suites with Balcony: 8
- Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International
Available Dates & Prices
Terms & Conditions
*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.
†One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your cruise. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.
Ship's registry: Ecuador
Digital Costco Shop Card
This booking includes a Digital Costco Shop Card which will arrive by email one to two weeks after you return from your vacation. The Digital Costco Shop Card is a convenient payment option in our warehouses and on Costco.com.