Port information & tips for Prince Phillip’s Steps (Genovesa, Galapagos)
Prince Philip’s Steps on Genovesa Island is a pristine natural paradise in the north of the Galapagos Archipelago and a fascinating destination for expedition cruises. The striking Darwin Bay shapes the backdrop of this volcanic island, which is also known as "Bird Island" thanks to its massive colonies of seabirds. Along the steep cliff edge, rare red-footed boobies, majestic magnificent frigatebirds, and the Galapagos short-eared owl can be observed in their natural environment. Ships anchor safely in the protected bay, while the shore excursion takes place directly at the El Barranco landing site via zodiac. As the island is completely uninhabited, the path from the landing site leads directly into the wild nature and the fragrant Palo Santo forest.
For a cruise that visits Prince Phillip’s Steps on Genovesa, getting to the starting point in the Galapagos Islands is the first step. Genovesa itself is an uninhabited island and a popular destination for excursions during a cruise, but it is not a direct port of call for international travelers. Embarkation for Galapagos cruises takes place from the main islands of the archipelago, which are reached by domestic flight from mainland Ecuador. Due to the long journey from the DACH region and potential flight delays, we recommend arriving at least one day before the start of your cruise.
Airplane
The journey to the Galapagos Islands begins with a long-haul flight to Ecuador. The primary international airports on the mainland are Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito and José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil. From there, you continue with a domestic flight to the Galapagos Islands. The two main airports in the archipelago are Seymour Airport (GPS) on Baltra Island, the most commonly used access point for Galapagos cruises, and San Cristóbal Airport (SCY) on San Cristóbal Island. There are no direct international flights to the Galapagos Islands. Flights from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland usually involve stopovers in North or South America.
Transfer & Shuttle
After landing at Baltra (GPS) or San Cristóbal (SCY), most cruise lines organize a transfer to the embarkation port. From Baltra Airport (GPS), the onward journey typically takes place in several steps: first, a short bus ride across Baltra Island (approx. 10 minutes, 5 USD), followed by an approximately 10-minute ferry crossing over the Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island (approx. 1-2 USD). From there, a taxi (approx. 45 minutes, 25 USD for up to four people) or a public bus (approx. 75 minutes, 5 USD) will take you to the largest town, Puerto Ayora. The total transfer time can be up to two hours. For passengers whose cruise starts from San Cristóbal Island, San Cristóbal Airport (SCY) is only a few minutes from the main town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and can be easily reached on foot or by a short taxi ride. Often, cruise line guides wait for guests directly at the airport and handle all the logistics to the ship.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long flight times from the DACH region and the need for a connecting flight to the Galapagos Islands, it is highly recommended to spend at least one night in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island) or Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal Island) before your cruise begins. This allows for a relaxed arrival and minimizes the risk of missing the ship due to flight delays. In both towns, there is a good selection of hotels for different budgets, providing an ideal starting point for your Galapagos adventure and allowing you to adjust to the local time.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
For a cruise that visits Prince Phillip’s Steps on Genovesa, getting to the starting point in the Galapagos Islands is the first step. Genovesa itself is an uninhabited island and a popular destination for excursions during a cruise, but it is not a direct port of call for international travelers. Embarkation for Galapagos cruises takes place from the main islands of the archipelago, which are reached by domestic flight from mainland Ecuador. Due to the long journey from the DACH region and potential flight delays, we recommend arriving at least one day before the start of your cruise.
Airplane
The journey to the Galapagos Islands begins with a long-haul flight to Ecuador. The primary international airports on the mainland are Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito and José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil. From there, you continue with a domestic flight to the Galapagos Islands. The two main airports in the archipelago are Seymour Airport (GPS) on Baltra Island, the most commonly used access point for Galapagos cruises, and San Cristóbal Airport (SCY) on San Cristóbal Island. There are no direct international flights to the Galapagos Islands. Flights from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland usually involve stopovers in North or South America.
Transfer & Shuttle
After landing at Baltra (GPS) or San Cristóbal (SCY), most cruise lines organize a transfer to the embarkation port. From Baltra Airport (GPS), the onward journey typically takes place in several steps: first, a short bus ride across Baltra Island (approx. 10 minutes, 5 USD), followed by an approximately 10-minute ferry crossing over the Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island (approx. 1-2 USD). From there, a taxi (approx. 45 minutes, 25 USD for up to four people) or a public bus (approx. 75 minutes, 5 USD) will take you to the largest town, Puerto Ayora. The total transfer time can be up to two hours. For passengers whose cruise starts from San Cristóbal Island, San Cristóbal Airport (SCY) is only a few minutes from the main town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and can be easily reached on foot or by a short taxi ride. Often, cruise line guides wait for guests directly at the airport and handle all the logistics to the ship.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long flight times from the DACH region and the need for a connecting flight to the Galapagos Islands, it is highly recommended to spend at least one night in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island) or Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal Island) before your cruise begins. This allows for a relaxed arrival and minimizes the risk of missing the ship due to flight delays. In both towns, there is a good selection of hotels for different budgets, providing an ideal starting point for your Galapagos adventure and allowing you to adjust to the local time.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Access to the famous Prince Phillip’s Steps on Genovesa Island is directly via the water and offers you a convenient entry into one of the most spectacular bird paradises of the Galapagos Islands.
Pangas (Dinghies)
The transfer from the cruise ship to the rocky landing site is carried out with stable dinghies and, thanks to the experienced crew, allows for a safe disembarkation directly at the foot of the eponymous stone staircase. These maneuverable boats function as the only means of transport between the ship and land and bring you directly to the untouched coastal sections.
On Foot
After the ascent via the steps carved into the volcanic rock, you explore the high plateau exclusively on foot and reach the impressive breeding colonies of Red-footed Boobies and Nazca Boobies on well-marked nature trails. The path leads you comfortably through the barren landscape while offering spectacular views of Darwin Bay below you.
Guided Panga Tours
In addition to the shore excursions, trips along the cliffs are often offered, providing you with a relaxed view of the nesting seabirds as well as the Galapagos fur seals playing in the water. These tours are ideal for observing the maritime wildlife and the fascinating lava formations of the island comfortably from the water.
To make the most of your stay on the fascinating Genovesa Island, we recommend a combination of climbing to the spectacular cliff edge and exploring the species-rich coastal zone directly at the landing point.
El Barranco
The striking ascent via the namesake stone steps leads directly to a wide plateau and, thanks to the elevated location, allows for spectacular observations of storm petrels as well as the native Galapagos Short-eared Owls.
Darwin Bay
This bright coral sand beach is ideal for relaxed walks amidst sea lion colonies and, thanks to the calm water, offers perfect conditions for snorkeling excursions to colorful reef fish and sea turtles.
Palo Santo Wald
The hike through the characteristic coastal forest offers insights into the world's largest colony of Red-footed Boobies and is also a wonderful place to experience the impressive Great Frigatebirds in their nesting sites from close range.
El Barranco Plateau
The fascinating El Barranco Plateau can be reached after a short panga ride and an ascent via the iconic Prince Phillip’s Steps, which lead you directly into one of the world's densest seabird colonies. This location is ideal for nature and photography enthusiasts, as you can observe rare red-footed boobies as well as the unique short-eared owls in a pristine setting of volcanic rock and Palo Santo forests. Thanks to its clifftop location, you will also enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over the vast Darwin Bay and the Pacific. It is best to plan your landing for the early morning hours to experience the animals during their most active phase, and return to your ship comfortably by dinghy in the late morning.
The return to the ship at this uninhabited outpost of the Galapagos Islands takes place exclusively via coordinated transfer with the ship's own tenders directly from the landing site. Since Genovesa Island has no urban infrastructure, close coordination with the expedition team ensures a smooth and punctual process.
Panga Shuttle (Tenders)
The ship's own inflatable boats, also known as pangas, pick you up at the foot of the steep rock stairs and bring you comfortably back to the anchor position in Darwin Bay. These transfers are strictly coordinated with your group's excursion times and, thanks to the experienced boat drivers, allow for a safe crossing to the cruise ship.
On Foot (Circular Trail)
The return path to the landing site leads via a clearly marked lava rock trail that reliably guides you back to the upper end of Prince Phillip’s Steps. Thanks to the clear routing and constant accompaniment by certified naturalist guides, you will reach the descent point at the cliff punctually and safely.
El Barranco Meeting Point
The plateau above the stairs serves as the central meeting point for the return journey, where the excursion groups gather before the joint descent. Here, the guides keep an eye on the schedule and coordinate the occupancy of the pangas so that the return journey to the ship takes place directly and in an orderly manner.
