Treasure of Galapagos Itinerary

Itinerary A

Day 1: Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you will pass through an airport inspection point to ensure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands, as well as to pay the park entrance fee (unless it has been prepaid). A guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbour. On your first excursion, you will disembark at the Itabaca Channel and be driven to the highlands of Santa Cruz, where you will visit an area populated by Galapagos giant tortoises. After sharing the company of these modern-day dinosaurs in their natural habitat, you will return on board for dinner, entertainment, and relaxation.

Day 2: In the morning we will hike and snorkel around Sullivan Bay, Santiago. This island is volcanically active, with many young flows and cones to be seen. A number of large eruptions have been reported over the last two centuries. In the afternoon, we will head to Bartolome Island, which lies across from Sullivan Bay. It has an altitude of 114 metres, from where we can observe one of the most beautiful sceneries of the Galapagos Islands. There is very little vegetation on this island, but it has two breathtaking beaches where marine turtles exist and at the base of the pinnacle, as well as a very small colony of Galapagos penguins.

Day 3: Hike the circular path around North Seymour  in search of magnificent frigate birds, blue-footed boobies performing their courtship dance and swallow-tailed gulls perched on the cliff edges. Despite the tremendous surf that can pound the outer shore, sea lions haul out onto the beach and can be found bodysurfing. This afternoon's excursion will be on the South Plaza Islet. While landing there, a barking Galapagos sea lion bull may block the jetty for a loud welcome to his beach and rookery. Overall, this islet breathes a unique Jurassic ambiance, with its psychedelic reddish flora and giant Opuntia cacti covering the landscape and providing food and shelter for thousands of endemic marine and Barrington iguanas. During this visit, you will also have the opportunity to swim over a reef of boulders that attracts an amazing variety of marine life, such as sea turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, and sea lions. 

Day 4: The wind-sculpted cliffs of Pitt Point were the first sight of land when Charles Darwin arrived in the Galapagos aboard the HMS Beagle on September 15, 1835. Today you will disembark to that very same small green sand beach, where you will first be greeted by a group of barking sea lions. Behind this dreamy beach, crossing some thorny bushes, begins a trail that will take you to the top of the cliff through a ravine. While you ascend, marvel at the landscapes of this geological wonder, where it’s possible to find three species of boobies breeding and playing: blue-footed, red-footed and Nazca. Two species of frigate birds can be found as well. Do not miss the chance to snorkel or kayak around these far-away, dreamlike shores. 

In the afternoon, we will head to Witch Hill to view a coral sand beach that opens into a tranquil bay. Snorkelling here leads to a rich habitat for marine iguanas, stingrays, whitetip sharks, eagle rays, turtles, morays, garden eels, and many kinds of reef fishes. Behind the sand dunes of the beach, there is a dry dark lava flow with salty ponds, which serve as a refreshment spot for iguanas, as well as a strategic place to observe coastal and migratory birds, including pelicans, blue-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls. 

Day 5: The Galapagos National Park Visitor Centre lies close to the port town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and forms the engaging end to your cruise. The centre explains a series of natural circumstances such as the volcanic origins of the islands, their remoteness from the continent, its ocean currents, its special climate, the arrival of different species, and their establishment, among others. Afterwards, you will be assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew members to the airport shuttle. Your guide will accompany you to the check-in counters in the departure hall.

Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics and local regulations.