- Meet the flightless cormorant at Espinoza Point
- Snorkel with sea turtles, cormorants and lots of fish at Moreno Point
- Witness the unparalleled biodiversity that inspired Charles Darwin
- Hike the highlands of Santa Cruz to a Galapagos tortoise sanctuary
- South Plaza is known for its spectacular landscapes
- Santa Fe is home to two species endemic to the island
- Meet the fearless Galápagos mockingbirds at Gardner Bay
Day 1:
AM – Boarding
Upon arrival, reception and assistance at the airport, transfer from Baltra Airport to the M/C Ocean Spray.
PM – Chinese Hat
This site offers rare, up close viewing of Galapagos wildlife and well-preserved remnants of fragile volcanic rock that can’t be found in such a unique condition anywhere else. The island is named after the similarity of an Asian type of hat. Here you can see American Oystercatchers and Galapagos Penguins swimming along the shores.
Day 2:
AM – Vicente Roca Point (Isabela)
Vicente Roca Point has outstanding geological formations and is a great place to see various bird species. Because this visitor site is located on the western area of the island, the Cromwell Current provides cold water that carries many nutrients for both land and aquatic species, offering the chance to see amazing feeding frenzies.
PM – Espinosa Point (Fernandina)
As one of the most pristine islands in the archipelago, Fernandina has never had a foreign species invade. It is also the most active island and farthest west. Espinosa point is the only visitor site on the entire island. Here you can see marine iguanas, Galapagos hawks and enjoy a hike and/or snorkelling activity at one of the most natural, unspoiled sites in the entire world.
Day 3:
AM – Tagus Cove (Isabela)
If you like historic remnants, then you will enjoy finding what was left behind by pirates and sailors in the 1800s. This site was one of their preferred pit stops while travelling the seas. The hike here will provide incredible views of the cove and on the other side the mangrove forest where the last 35 pairs of Mangrove finches thrive.
PM – Urbina Bay (Isabela)
Millions of years ago, Urbina Bay was once laying on the ocean floor. Volcanic uplifts caused it to rise and now it is occupied by sea lions, land iguanas and flightless cormorants. It is a great place to enjoy some free time on the beach or the guide may suggest a hike.
Day 4:
AM – Elizabeth Bay (Isabela)
This visitor site is visited by panga only as the park authorities have no authorised landing in order to protect the island. While in the panga you can appreciate a large abundance of marine life that can be seen in the clear waters. It is great for snorkelling.
PM – Moreno Point (Isabela)
The beautiful rocky shores of Moreno Point offer a plethora of birds to be seen. It is truly a birder's delight. The main attractions are the coast lagoons where white tipped sharks can be seen and the panoramic views of Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes cannot be missed.
Day 5:
AM – Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz)
The Charles Darwin Research Station is one of the Galapagos Island’s most important sites for visitors. It is a research facility that has an extensive collection of Galapagos plant life specimens carefully preserved and also acts as a biological research station and active breeding center operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation. Their biggest conservation efforts are to one day eliminate all invasive and non-native plants and animals destroying endemic species within the islands.
PM – Highlands, Santa Cruz
The highlands are located in the northern part of Santa Cruz and can reach elevations up to 1500 metres. This area is rich with hills, ferns, volcanoes and wildlife. A great contrast to the molten lava hardened beaches and rocky areas of other islands already seen. It is home to giant tortoises, mockingbirds, finches and many other species.
Day 6:
AM – South Plaza Island
South Plaza is one of the smallest islands with a visitor site, but is home to an incredible amount of diverse flora and fauna. It has a large population of Sesuvium plants like the prickly pear cactus tree that is an important source of food for the land iguana. Just a few years ago mice were finally eradicated from the island, helping the population of land iguanas grow healthily once more. The amazing colours of the turquoise waters against the black lava create a setting for amazing photography opportunities.
PM – Santa Fe Island
Santa Fe is home to the endemic Santa Fe iguana. The island was created by a volcanic uplift that now hosts a forest of Opuntia and Palo Santo trees. It is a picturesque island with two different trails, one leading to a scenic viewpoint and the other leading to a small beach. Giant tortoises were once native here but went extinct after pirates and sailors took them aboard as a source of food.
Day 7:
AM – Suarez Point (Española)
This is a phenomenal site where you will get to see many of Española Island’s endemic species. The trail will pass by the only Waved Albatross breeding site in all of Galapagos. If you are lucky you might see a young albatross take off for its first flight for up to five years at sea. Older birds stay at sea for months at a time, only coming back to breed. They have the same mate for life and will meet each other each year, only here to reproduce. Other species that can be seen are marine iguanas that stay brightly coloured year round, Galapagos doves, Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropic birds, and Darwin finches.
PM – Gardner Bay / Osborn Islet (Española)
This white sandy beach is home to a large colony of sea lions and incredibly blue and turquoise waters. Three different finches can be seen, as well as the Española mockingbird. Over time, the mockingbird must have been offered water or food from tourists and now they have no fear of walking on your things or landing very close to you. It is so important not to feed or touch the animals. It can disrupt their normal behaviours and threaten their future.
Day 8:
AM – Interpretation Center (San Cristobal)
The Interpretation Center has been open to the public since 1998, offering extensive knowledge about the history of Galapagos. San Cristobal is also the island where Charles Darwin first landed on. It is now home to the capital of Galapagos and houses many government offices, as well as part of the Ecuadorian Navy.
PM – Depart from San Cristobal airport.
After this last visit, transfer to San Cristobal airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.
Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics and local regulations.
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