Cruise port Prince Phillip’s Steps (Genovesa, Galapagos)
Info for port Prince Phillip’s Steps (Genovesa, Galapagos) on 27 Feb 2028
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.
