DAY 1: Arrive in the Galapagos & Santa Cruz Island: Dragon Hill

You will fly from mainland Ecuador (either Quito or Guayaquil) to the Galapagos in the morning. Flights are not included in the cruise price, but will be added as an additional expense and arranged through the cruise operators.

Cerro Dragon: After lunch our first visit is to Dragon Hill which is located in the northwestern area of Santa Cruz Island. It consists of a 1,600 m long trail running through 3 different environments.

In 1975, it was one of the only places on Santa Cruz Island where healthy land iguanas (Conolophus Subcristatus) could be found. That same year, the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Foundation initiated a program to conserve land iguanas.

In the lagoons found here, there are shrimp (Artemia salina), the food of the flamingos. At certain times of the year, the shrimp are more abundant and the flamingo population increases.

Activities: hiking, snorkeling.

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

DAY 2: Santiago Island: Buccaneer Cove, Playa Espumilla, & Puerto Egas

Espumilla Beach & Buccaneer Cove: The main attractions include Palo Santo Wood, the beach, and the stunning landscape; the beach is a very important site for tortoises because they use this place for nesting.

Once time, the pigs were the main predatory of tortoise’s eggs; pigs were eradicated with the creation of Isabela Project. Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, panga ride, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking.

Puerto Egas: Here we find a beautiful black sand beach; to the south of the beach is the Pan de Azucar Volcano, whose volcanic deposits have contributed to the formation of the black sand beach.

The crater of this volcano contains a saltwater lake that dries up during hot weather. Between 1928 and 1930, explorations to develop a salt mine were carried out, but it was decided that a mine was not feasible.

The workers’ use of endemic woods also damaged the environment and the development was scrapped. Descent to the salt mine is not allowed.

Activities: Hiking, snorkeling.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Isabela Island: Vicenta Roca Point & Fernandina Island: Espinoza Point

Vicente Roca Point is comprised of two separate coves, this site is a large bay with spectacular sea life. Keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating Mola-mola (sunfish).

Activities: Snorkeling, Panga ride.

Espinoza Point: Fernandina is the third biggest island in the Galapagos and has only one visiting site: Espinoza Point, famous for the large colonies of marine iguanas and the home of the flightless cormorant, the Galapagos penguin, snakes, and more.

From Espinoza Point, we can admire the beauty of Fernandina Island and its volcano which last erupted in May of 2005. Fernandina is the only island that doesn’t have mammals and the open areas are extremely fragile. From January to June, the nesting period of the marine iguana, we take great care when walking.

Activities: Hiking, Snorkeling.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: Isabela Island: Urbina Bay & Tagus Cove

Urbina Bay: this place is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano between Elizabeth Bay and Tagus Cove. Wet landing. Trail length is around 3.20 Km; during this walk, we can observe land iguanas, hawks, and tortoises. It is also possible to see red and blue lobsters.

Activities: Hiking, snorkeling.

Tagus Cove: It is located to the west of Darwin Volcano on Isabela Island. While walking, we will find several inscriptions (names of pirates) dating back to the 1800’s.

From here, we can see Darwin Lake, a salt water lake with a depth of approximately 9 m. It contains no fish. It is very common to see a variety of bird species.

Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, panga ride, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: Isabela Island: Moreno Point & Elizabeth Bay

Moreno Point: We will disembark at Moreno Point which is located near Elizabeth Bay on the west coast of Isabela Island.

The plethora of birds seen during a dinghy ride along the striking rocky shores or a hike along a path through lava rock leading to tide pools and mangroves, create a birdwatcher’s delight. In the tide pools, green sea turtles or white-tip sharks can be spotted.

Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, panga ride.

Elizabeth Bay: After lunch, this is one of the island’s breeding sites for penguins. Located on the west coast of Isabela, Elizabeth Point is a marine visitor site. Visit Red Mangrove Cove: Brown pelicans, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays and sea lions are often seen.

Activities: Panga ride

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: Santa Cruz: Charles Darwin Research Center & Giant Tortoises

Charles Darwin Research Station: After breakfast, we will visit Charles Darwin Station which is located in the main port on Santa Cruz Island; we will take a private bus to the entrance of the breeding center where we will see tortoises and land iguanas in captivity.

This center is the main breeding site on the islands. Animals that were in danger of extinction on the various islands are maintained in captivity. Thanks to the dedicated work of several institutions, some species are being saved. Here lived Lonesome George, the famous last survivor of the giant tortoise species found on Pinta Island.

Activities: Hiking.

Highlands & Giant Tortoises: Los Humedales is one of the Isabela Hidden Gems. “Humedales” translates to Wet Lands and this area is characterized by sandy beaches, rocky shores, and mangroves, which have an extremely important role in the Galapagos as they provide a nursery for young marine animals as well as a nesting site for birds.

Following the various paths, you will find a fabulous destination for bird lovers, pink flamingos and migratory birds including black- bellied and semipalmated plovers, whimbrel, osprey, greater and lesser yellowlegs, wilson’s phalarope, short-billed dowitcher, common tern, blue-winged teal, to name a few. You can also observe young giant tortoises from the Isabela Breeding Center.

Activities: Hiking. 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7: Santa Cruz Island: Twin Craters & Depart Galapagos

The Twin Craters: Also known as “Los Gemelos”, are located on the way to the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island. You will find them on both sides of the road leading from Puerto Ayora to Baltra.

In fact, they are not real craters, they were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. You will have a wonderful view of the local flora, like Scalesia plants. On this site it is also possible to observe the endemic short-ear owl.

Depart Galapagos: Transfer to the airport. Your guide will help you check in, and you will fly to mainland Ecuador (either Quito or Guayaquil). Flights are not included in the cruise price, but will be added as an additional expense and arranged through the cruise operators.

Meals included: Breakfast

** This itinerary is subject to change without notice; due to seasonal changes, weather conditions or Galapagos National Park regulations. **

DAY 1: Arrive in the Galapagos & Santa Cruz Island: Highlands

You will fly from mainland Ecuador (either Quito or Guayaquil) to the Galapagos in the morning. Flights are not included in the cruise price, but will be added as an additional expense and arranged through the cruise operators.

Highlands: After your arrival and lunch on board, we will visit the interesting HIGHLANDS OF SANTA CRUZ, where we will hike and encounter giant tortoises in their natural habitat, a natural wonder. For this visit we recommend to use sport shoes, long pants, raincoat, hat and sun block.

Activities: Hiking

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

DAY 2: Floreana Island: Cormorant Point & Post Office Bay

Cormorant Point: This point is located at west of Floreana Island and it is famous for its dark green beach (due to the great quantity of olivine crystals). You can see many marine invertebrates, as well as sea lions, sea iguanas, the frigates and pelicans.

Activities: Snorkeling, Small hike

Devils Crown: Enjoy a panga ride around a small island, a satellite islet of Floreana Island. Here, we will find a group of rocks that resemble a Crown due to the constant erosion caused by the sea. It is one of the better places to snorkel (shallow diving) in the interior and around the crown. Excellent visibility allows guests to admire a great variety of fish and sea animals.

Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, optional swimming, panga ride.

Post Office Bay: Mail Bay is located on the north side of Floreana Island. Captain James Colnett installed an empty barrel to be used as a post office for the whaling fleets that stopped at the Galapagos Islands.

You can leave postcards to your friends and relatives here and/or pick up mail to deliver. Back at the ship, Delicious snacks and beverages are waiting for you.

Activities: short walk, swimming, snorkeling, explanation of the mail system

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Española Island: Suarez Point & Gardner Bay

Suarez Point: There is no color more amazing and outstanding in this tropical desert island, than that of the blue-foot boobies. These birds have an impressive form of “greeting” and it is a real thrill to see their mating dance.

The blue-footed booby can be seen on several of the islands as nesting grounds and feed are located in several coastal locations. The albatross, an aristocratic bird weighing up to four kilograms, can be observed here. One of the largest birds of the islands, approximately 12,000 couples nest on Espanola Island and a smaller number nest on Silver Island, near mainland Ecuador.

This species is considered endemic to this island; during our walk, we will observe these fantastic birds while taking in the beautiful landscapes offered by this island. It is important to note that albatrosses will not be seen between January and March (non-breeding) season.

We will also see colonies of marine iguanas, zayapas, masked boobies, finches, Espanola cucuves, and seagulls unique to the islands. Our walk will be on lava rock where we will be able to see lava tubes. Red mangroves are found here. Delicious snacks and fresh beverages are waiting for you on the ship.

Activities: Walking, sight-seeing. We recommend sports shoes, hat or cap, and sunscreen.

Gardner Bay: The sea lion is one of the animals in Galapagos which gets the total attention of the visitors in the Galapagos: they are curious and playful, but at times aggressive; they are nice and loving, but also lazy.

In Gardner Bay, we are going to find many of them relaxing on the beach enjoying the sun. In addition to observing these fascinating animals, while snorkeling, we will be able to swim with sea lions, sea turtles, a diversity of tropical fish, marine iguanas, etc.

Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, panga ride, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: San Cristobal Island: Interpretation Center & Lobos Island

Interpretation Center: This center is location in the main port. After breakfast, our first visit is to the Interpretation Center of San Cristobal. This modern and sophisticated architectural space was designed for the natural interpretation of the Galapagos.

You will learn about the volcanic formation of the islands, the evolution of the species, the history of human settlement, and complex systems and management models.

Activities: Hiking.

Lobos Island: Here, we can walk, swim and snorkel among the seals, frigates, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and the small endemic Galapagos snake. Here, we can swim and snorkeling in the same place it.

Activities: Hiking, snorkeling, panga ride.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: Bachas Beach & Depart Galapagos

Bachas Beach: This beautiful sandy white-coral beach is located in the north of Santa Cruz Island; the beach is one km long. The site was named during WWII (World War II) when the American army left two barges on the beach.

The early colonists couldn’t pronounce barges correctly, so they called the area “Bachas”. It is considered as one of the nesting sites for sea turtles. We can also observe, flamingos, seabirds and white-cheeked pintail ducks.

Activities: Hiking, snorkeling.

Depart Galapagos: Transfer to the airport. Your guide will help you check in, and you will fly to mainland Ecuador (either Quito or Guayaquil). Flights are not included in the cruise price, but will be added as an additional expense and arranged through the cruise operators.

Meals included: Breakfast

** This itinerary is subject to change without notice; due to seasonal changes, weather conditions or Galapagos National Park regulations. **

DAY 1: Arrive in the Galapagos & South Plazas Island

You will fly from mainland Ecuador (either Quito or Guayaquil) to the Galapagos in the morning. Flights are not included in the cruise price, but will be added as an additional expense and arranged through the cruise operators.

South Plazas: After your arrival and lunch on board, we will visit Plazas, two small islands, created by an uplifting of the land. The land iguanas are smaller here; they nest during the warm season.

The hike goes along an extraordinary cliff where sea birds nest. There are approximately 1000 sea lions (Zalophus Wollebaeki) located on the south side of the Plazas.

Activities: Hiking.

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

DAY 2: Santa Cruz Island: Black Turtle Cove & Highlands

Black Turtle Cove: Our first visit is to Black Turtle Cove which is situated in the northern region of Santa Cruz. This bay is surrounded by mangroves and is accessible only by dinghy only. The shallow cove is a safe refuge for marine life. Black-tip reef sharks, marine turtles, and a variety of rays are often spotted here.

Activities: Panga ride.

Highlands: Here we have a trekking and we will find the giant tortoises in their natural habitat, this is a natural spectacle. For this visit, we recommend good walking shoes, long pants, a raincoat, a hat, and sunblock.

Activities: Hiking

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Genovesa Island: Darwin Bay & Barranco

Darwin Bay: Genovesa is a small island in the north of the Galapagos. Our unloading in Darwin Bay will be wet.

Near the beach is a mangrove swamp where we will find a colony of frigates, marine iguanas, red-footed boobies and mask boobies, the great terrestrial finch, seagulls, herons, and cactus finch. Following the land visit, our passengers can enjoy a swim in the bay. Snacks and refreshments are available.

Activities: Hiking, swimming, snorkeling, panga ride, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking.

Barranco: Also known as Prince Phillip’s stairs. Here, we will go for a walk on the Barranco path. On our journey we will observe tropical birds, petrels, common frigate, red-foot boobies, mask boobies, doves, and finches.

Activities: Hiking

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay & Bartolome Island

Sullivan Bay: Virtually uneroded lava flows cover an extensive area of this island. Lava pahoehoe (basaltic lava that has a smooth, billowy, undulating or ropy surface), hornitos, and mollugo (a lava colonizer) can be seen. Snacks and refreshing beverages await you on board the ship.

Activities: Hiking

Bartolome:  We will follow a path to the top (114m) where we can see pioneering plants such as tiquilia, chamaesyce, and scalesia. The island has been formed by cones, lava pipes where lava once flowed.

Following the wet landing at the beach, we will follow a path through mangrove swamps and sand dune vegetation, to the south beach. At the north beach, guests can enjoy swimming and snorkeling.

From the top of Bartolome, we will be able to see the islands of Santiago, Rabida, and Isabela. We will see penguins in the Rock Pinnacle.

Activities: walking, swimming, snorkeling, and photography.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: North Seymour Island & Depart Galapagos

North Seymour: Seymour was formed by the lifting of volcanic marine lava. Marine fossils dating back to the Pleistocene period were found on this island.

In 1932, Captain Alan Hancock and his crew took 72 malnourished land iguanas from Baltra Island to North Seymour Island so that the iguanas could live in better conditions. In 1934, colonists verified that the iguanas were in good condition.

The vegetation of North Seymour is bushy and is host to nesting Real Frigates of the Galapagos.

Activities: Hiking

Depart Galapagos: Transfer to the airport. Your guide will help you check in, and you will fly to mainland Ecuador (either Quito or Guayaquil). Flights are not included in the cruise price, but will be added as an additional expense and arranged through the cruise operators.

Meals included: Breakfast

** This itinerary is subject to change without notice; due to seasonal changes, weather conditions or Galapagos National Park regulations. **