Small Ship Cruises in Darwin Bay

Galapagos adventure cruises to Darwin Bay offer a little something for everyone! A white sand coral beach located on Genovesa Island, Darwin Bay offers some fantastic snorkeling with abundant wildlife to be seen in the waters. You will usually take a zodiac to make a wet landing at Darwin Bay. Also great for bird-watching with sightings of Red footed boobies.

Top things to do and see at Darwin Bay

Adventure cruises to Darwin Bay will include the chance to spot sea lions swimming playfully in tidal pools. Snorkeling at Darwin Bay will provide swimmers with sightings of sea lions, a short trip by zodiac will allow you to get in the water and see many species in their natural environment. If you’re luck you may even catch a glimpse of a hammerhead shark! The waters can be a little choppy and cool so you might want to think about hiring a wetsuit.

Hiking explore the island and the nearby Prince Philip steps getting to see wildlife up close. Follow Darwin’s trail on Genovesa Island to find a variety of local residents. Your naturalist guide can help you identify the wildlife and even explain more about the indigenous species.

Try Kayaking or Paddleboarding in the waters of Darwin Bay. A great way to explore the area and a lot of fun whilst enjoying the Galapagos waters.

Top Tips for visiting Darwin Bay

  • Be sure to bring your camera on your Darwin Bay cruise, so not to miss the chance of some great pictures. Even better if you have a waterproof camera for snorkeling you can snap some great subjects.
  • The area features excellent hiking, so bring a good pair of walking shoes.
  • If you hope to swim or snorkel at Darwin Bay, be sure to pack your bathing suit, towel and snorkeling gear.
  • Make sure you apply plenty of sunblock, it’s easy to forget how strong the sun can be when enjoying the water. A hat is also recommended.

Best time to cruise to Darwin Bay

Though certain Darwin Bay wildlife encounters can be enjoyed throughout the year, visitors to Genovesa Island may want to plan ahead. Red-footed boobies and masked boobies nest year round near Darwin Bay, but some times of the year are better to see other wildlife and enjoy adventure activities.

For example, Darwin Bay (Genovesa Island) in January to March offers the best underwater visibility and highest water temperatures, making it the ideal time to snorkel and possibly scuba dive.

Darwin Bay in March to May is frigatebird mating season, the best time to see the huge birds’ thrilling mating rituals.

Darwin Bay in July to November brings more nutrient-rich waters and, in turn, more active and abundant marine life, making it the perfect time to see wildlife by snorkeling or scuba diving.

Where do Darwin Bay cruises depart from?

Typically, small ship cruises to Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island depart from one of three points: from Baltra, from Puerto Ayora or from San Cristobal Island

If your Galapagos cruise departs from San Cristobal Island, your flight will likely arrive at San Cristobal airport, not far from the port town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Adventure cruises to Darwin Bay leaving from Baltra or Puerto Ayora are serviced by the Baltra Airport on Isla Baltra (nr Santa Cruz). The airport is just an hour from Puerto Ayora using public transit or transfer.

Both airports are reached via flights from mainland Ecuador, specifically from Quito or Guayaquil.

Please contact our reservations team to book your next adventure cruise to Darwin Bay, Galapagos Islands.


Darwin Bay Reviews

  • 9.1 Superb
  • 7 Verified Reviews
  • 8.0 Very good
  • Hassan A
  • United States United States

Nice coral beach with a great view of the bay. Saw the gulls and the red footed boobies

Cruising Darwin Bay in January on the Natural Paradise

  • 8.4 Very good
  • Adrienne C
  • United States United States

Black lava walk was too long and boring after a while. Snorkeling was great.

Cruising Darwin Bay in December on the Archipel I

  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • Walter R
  • Germany Germany

I enjoyed it 100%. Very good place for bird photography

Cruising Darwin Bay in October on the Endemic

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Kathy L
  • Canada Canada

The amount of birds is mesmerizing. The best place to see plenty of red footed boobies.

Cruising Darwin Bay in October on the Alya

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Jonathan H
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

Lovely beach for a sunrise walk

Cruising Darwin Bay in June on the Natural Paradise

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • IVONNE P
  • Mexico Mexico

The fragatas and sea lions were amazing

Cruising Darwin Bay in June on the Natural Paradise