South America: Galapagos Southern Loop Cruise - 2025

Celebrity Cruises

In the Galapagos, modern explorers come eye to eye with ancient tortoises, comical birds and other amazing beasts — plus landscapes as fantastical as the animals — for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. For seven glorious days, you'll follow in the footsteps of Darwin, viewing this realm through the eyes of certified naturalists, in small groups of travelers who share your interests.

Included Extras

Executive Member Benefit

  • Executive Members receive an annual 2% Reward, up to $1,000, on qualified Costco Travel purchases

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.

Day 1 Port of Call Baltra Island Departure 3:00pm

Overview

 
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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.

Day 1 Port of Call Mosquera Islet Arrival 4:00pm Departure 6:00pm

Overview

 
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Located between the islands of Baltra and North Seymour, this reef of rocks and coral is only 160 meters across at its narrowest width. This island has one of the largest populations of sea lions and is home to many shorebirds. There have been occasional reports at this site of orcas feeding on sea lions.

Day 2 Port of Call Cerro Dragon Arrival 7:00am Departure 11:30am

Overview

 
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The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill). Known by its flamingo lagoon that gives a colorful touch to the scene. The trail leads to a small hill where land iguanas live and nest. This area is accessible only by sea due to the fact that it is covered in extensive mangroves.

Day 2 Port of Call Rabida Island Arrival 2:30pm Departure 6:00pm

Overview

 
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Located just south of Santiago Island, Rabida, also known as Jervis Island, is a small island just over 2 km in width and 400 meters above sea level at its highest point. It is one of the most volcanically varied islands in the Galapagos. This small island geologically consists of eroded hills and lava emitted from spatter cones that have resulted in the island's striking colors. The reddish beach and steep volcanic slopes give this island a distinctive look. Rabida is home to a variety of exotic animals. Marine Iguanas, ancestors of the controversial land iguanas, are a common site on the beaches of Rabida. Noisy Sea Lions are often seen resting in the shade of the caves nearby. The saltwater lagoon of Rabida is the feeding place for Flamingos, Bahama pintail ducks and Common Stilts; and the nesting site for Brown Pelicans. This island may be the only place where visitors have the opportunity to observe brown pelicans nesting up close. When on the island, visitors can take a short trail inland in search of Galapagos wildlife. Finches, doves, yellow warblers and mockingbirds are just a few of bird species one can expect to encounter while exploring Rabida. Vegetation on the island consists mainly of opuntia cactus, palo santo trees and scrubby bushes. Once finished with land exploration, visitors to Rabida can indulge in the beauty of the surrounding waters. The marooned beach offers grand swimming and snorkeling opportunities with an almost guaranteed chance to witness sharks and manta rays in the sparkling waters.

Day 3 Port of Call Las Tintoreras Islet Arrival 8:00am Departure 11:30am

Overview

Las Tintoreras Islet is an islet to the south of the bay of Puerto Villamil in the island of Isabela, that forms part of the archipelago and national park of the Galapagos Islands, including administratively in the Province Of Galapagos.

Day 3 Port of Call Puerto Villamil Arrival 3:00pm Departure 6:00pm

Overview

 
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Puerto Villamil is a small port village located on the southeastern edge of Isla Isabela in the Galapagos Islands. Of the 2,200 people who live on Isabela, the majority live in Puerto Villamil.

Day 4 Port of Call Post Office Bay Arrival 8:00am Departure 11:30am

Overview

 
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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.

Day 4 Port of Call Punta Cormorant Arrival 3:00pm Departure 6:00pm

Overview

 
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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.

Day 5 Port of Call Cerro Brujo Arrival 8:00am Departure 11:00am

Overview

 
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A common visitor site on the west side of San Cristóbal is Cerro Brujo (Wizard Hill), a white-sand beach (accessible by wet landing) that is the home to Sally Lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas, and sea lions. If tourists can see here in the wet season, tide pools formed by filled crevices in rocks aligning the shore harbor interesting inter-tidal creatures (even the occasional octopus).

Day 5 Port of Call Leon Dormido/Kicker Rock Arrival 2:45pm Departure 3:45pm

Overview

 
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A magnificent rock in the middle of the sea, rising 500 feet from the ocean, this giant uplifted rock has a shape of a sleeping lion. It has a split with towering walls on either side, forming a narrow channel trough which small vessels can navigate. This beautiful rocky islet located off the west coast of San Cristobal, is a nesting place of different species of seabird. It is a satellite island of the San Cristobal Island, which is one hour and a half of navigation away from Puerto Baquerizo. It is the rest of an antique volcanic cone of ash type laves. Professional swimming uner water and snorkel can done, since hundreds of Cecile organisms on the walls which get down to 100 meters under the sea level.

Day 5 Port of Call Lobos Island Arrival 4:30pm Departure 6:30pm

Overview

 
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Isla Lobos is a small island, one hour by boat from Baquerizo Moreno with colonies of blue-footed boobies and sea lions. Isla Lobos means Sea-Lion Island, and the name is certainly appropriate because they frolic, leap and make a racket here. It is also a nesting place for blue-footed boobies and a good place for snorkeling.

Day 6 Port of Call Puerto Ayora Arrival 8:00am Departure 6:00pm

Overview

 
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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.

Day 7 Port of Call Punta Suarez Arrival 8:00am Departure 11:00am

Overview

 
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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.

Day 7 Port of Call Gardner Bay Arrival 2:30pm Departure 6:00pm

Overview

 
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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.

Day 8 Port of Call Daphne Islands Arrival 6:00am Departure 7:00am

Overview

 
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One of the central islands, Daphne lays north of Santa Cruz and west of Baltra. There are actually two islands Daphne Major and Daphne Minor. Daphne Major is the younger of the two and the one that is visited. Though its location is easily in reach for most cruises, it is a select few that are able to visit this special place. The national park service restricts visitors allowed to visit Daphne. Visits are only allowed under special written permit by the National Park. Many boats do cruise by close enough to view the many birds and sea lions that live on Daphne. It is also a popular dive site for local dive operators from Santa Cruz.

Day 8 Port of Call Baltra Island Arrival 8:00am

Overview

 
select to open Baltra Island pictures - Opens a dialog

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 Xploration

Cruise FPO 6 select to open Celebrity Xploration pictures - Opens a dialog

Costco Member Reviews

Aboard Celebrity Xploration®, you'll experience the Galapagos on a vacation like no other. Sixteen guests will be indulged with seamlessly intuitive service and every creature comfort possible. This intimate ship is perfect for family get-togethers, getaways with friends, and small groups who want to explore together.

Onboard Activities

Activities & Services (included in cruise)

Sun Deck

  • Card Room
  • Educational Programs
  • Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
  • Bars/Lounges
  • Dry Cleaning/ Laundry Service
  • Safe Deposit Boxes

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

 


    Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the cruise line without notice. Staterooms designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

    Dining

    Dining Room

    Main Dining

    Dining Room: The Xploration Dining Room 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.

    Al Fresco

    Casual Dining

    Al Fresco: Open during the day and night. Al Fresco is a great place to recount the day's activities and relax with friends. In addition, lunch, and on special occasions dinner, is served here.


    Times, costs and other specifics are outside the control of Costco Travel. All information is at the sole discretion of the cruise line and is subject to change without notice. Dining time and table size preferences are submitted to the cruise line on a first-come, first-served request basis and are confirmed aboard ship. Questions, concerns and/or special needs regarding dining arrangements must be addressed with the maitre d' hotel aboard ship. Every effort is made to accommodate travelers' preferences; however, Costco Travel cannot guarantee dining arrangements. In specialty restaurants, space is limited and reservations are recommended. A cover charge and dress code may apply.

    Staterooms

    Enjoy a view of the sea with spacious staterooms that feature a sofa and a flat screen TV.

    Elite Ocean View (Category: XE)

    Category: XE
    Luxury lives here. Enjoy two convertible beds and exceptional ocean views.

    Guarantee - Oceanview (Category: Y)

    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.

    Staterooms feature a spacious balcony.

    Junior Suite with Veranda (Category: XJ)

    Category: XJ
    Soak in sunsets on the equator from your private veranda in these elevated accommodations.

    Deck Plan

    Cruise Ship
    Sun Deck
    Key to Symbols
    SymbolDescription

    Ship Facts

    Celebrity Xploration ship image
    • Ship Name: Celebrity Xploration
    • Year Built: 2007
    • Year Refurbished: 2016
    • Year Entered Present Fleet: 2017
    • Ship Class: Expedition Series
    • Maximum Capacity: 16
    • Number of Passenger Decks: 3
    • Number of Crew: 10
    • Ocean-View without Balcony: 4
    • Tonnage (GRT): 3,195
    • Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 16
    • Country of Registry: Ecuador
    • Total Staterooms: 8
    Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the hotel, resort or cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the provider without notice. Hotels, resorts, ships or accommodations designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

    Available Dates & Prices

    Departure Date

    Inside Stateroom

    Ocean View Stateroom

    Balcony Stateroom

    Suite Stateroom

    01/18/2025

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    02/01/2025

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    03/01/2025

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    03/15/2025

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    03/29/2025

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    04/12/2025

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    04/26/2025

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    05/10/2025

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    05/24/2025

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    06/07/2025

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    06/21/2025

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    07/05/2025

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    07/19/2025

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    08/02/2025

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    08/16/2025

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    08/30/2025

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    09/13/2025

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    09/27/2025

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    10/11/2025

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    10/25/2025

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    11/08/2025

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    11/22/2025

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    12/06/2025

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    12/20/2025

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    Departure Date - 01/18/2025

    Inside Stateroom

    N/A

    Ocean View Stateroom

    $5,907

    Balcony Stateroom

    N/A

    Suite Stateroom

    $7,347

    Departure Date - 02/01/2025

    Inside Stateroom

    N/A

    Ocean View Stateroom

    N/A

    Balcony Stateroom

    N/A

    Suite Stateroom

    $7,443

    Departure Date - 03/01/2025

    Inside Stateroom

    N/A

    Ocean View Stateroom

    $6,407

    Balcony Stateroom

    N/A

    Suite Stateroom

    $7,443

    Departure Date - 03/15/2025

    Inside Stateroom

    N/A

    Ocean View Stateroom

    $6,907

    Balcony Stateroom

    N/A

    Suite Stateroom

    $7,443

    Departure Date - 03/29/2025

    Inside Stateroom

    N/A

    Ocean View Stateroom

    $6,403

    Balcony Stateroom

    N/A

    Suite Stateroom

    $7,939

    Departure Date - 04/12/2025

    Inside Stateroom

    N/A

    Ocean View Stateroom

    $5,907

    Balcony Stateroom

    N/A

    Suite Stateroom

    $7,443

    Departure Date - 04/26/2025

    Inside Stateroom

    N/A

    Ocean View Stateroom

    $5,907

    Balcony Stateroom

    N/A

    Suite Stateroom

    $6,943

    Departure Date - 05/10/2025

    Inside Stateroom

    N/A

    Ocean View Stateroom

    $6,211

    Balcony Stateroom

    N/A

    Suite Stateroom

    $7,343

    Departure Date - 05/24/2025

    Inside Stateroom

    N/A

    Ocean View Stateroom

    $6,307

    Balcony Stateroom

    N/A

    Suite Stateroom

    $7,439

    Departure Date - 06/07/2025

    Inside Stateroom

    N/A

    Ocean View Stateroom

    N/A

    Balcony Stateroom

    N/A

    Suite Stateroom

    $6,847

    Departure Date - 06/21/2025

    Inside Stateroom

    N/A

    Ocean View Stateroom

    $6,211

    Balcony Stateroom

    N/A

    Suite Stateroom

    $7,247

    Departure Date - 07/05/2025

    Inside Stateroom

    N/A

    Ocean View Stateroom

    $5,811

    Balcony Stateroom

    N/A

    Suite Stateroom

    $6,847

    Departure Date - 07/19/2025

    Inside Stateroom

    N/A

    Ocean View Stateroom

    $5,811

    Balcony Stateroom

    N/A

    Suite Stateroom

    $7,347

    Departure Date - 08/02/2025

    Inside Stateroom

    N/A

    Ocean View Stateroom

    $5,715

    Balcony Stateroom

    N/A

    Suite Stateroom

    $6,751

    Departure Date - 08/16/2025

    Inside Stateroom

    N/A

    Ocean View Stateroom

    $5,715

    Balcony Stateroom

    N/A

    Suite Stateroom

    $7,155

    Departure Date - 08/30/2025

    Inside Stateroom

    N/A

    Ocean View Stateroom

    $5,311

    Balcony Stateroom

    N/A

    Suite Stateroom

    $6,751

    Departure Date - 09/13/2025

    Inside Stateroom

    N/A

    Ocean View Stateroom

    $5,619

    Balcony Stateroom

    N/A

    Suite Stateroom

    N/A

    Departure Date - 09/27/2025

    Inside Stateroom

    N/A

    Ocean View Stateroom

    $5,471

    Balcony Stateroom

    N/A

    Suite Stateroom

    $7,055

    Departure Date - 10/11/2025

    Inside Stateroom

    N/A

    Ocean View Stateroom

    $5,731

    Balcony Stateroom

    N/A

    Suite Stateroom

    N/A

    Departure Date - 10/25/2025

    Inside Stateroom

    N/A

    Ocean View Stateroom

    $5,975

    Balcony Stateroom

    N/A

    Suite Stateroom

    $6,655

    Departure Date - 11/08/2025

    Inside Stateroom

    N/A

    Ocean View Stateroom

    $5,907

    Balcony Stateroom

    N/A

    Suite Stateroom

    $7,347

    Departure Date - 11/22/2025

    Inside Stateroom

    N/A

    Ocean View Stateroom

    $5,711

    Balcony Stateroom

    N/A

    Suite Stateroom

    $7,343

    Departure Date - 12/06/2025

    Inside Stateroom

    N/A

    Ocean View Stateroom

    $5,619

    Balcony Stateroom

    N/A

    Suite Stateroom

    $6,655

    Departure Date - 12/20/2025

    Inside Stateroom

    N/A

    Ocean View Stateroom

    $5,443

    Balcony Stateroom

    N/A

    Suite Stateroom

    $6,883

    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

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      Package ID: CELXPLSAM20250104