DAY 1 (Monday): Arrive in Galápagos, Santa Cruz Highlands

You will fly this morning from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra (2½ hours flight). Upon arrival in the Galapagos, you are picked up at the airport by our naturalist guides and taken on a 10-minute bus drive to the pier to board the Legend. You will drop off your luggage before embarking on your first Galápagos visit.

Santa Cruz Highlands: Dry landing. In the mountains of Galapagos is possible to admire different kinds of birds, such as tree and ground finches, vermillion flycatchers, paint-billed crakes, yellow warblers, and cattle egrets (usually standing on the tortoises’ shell). The journey to the reserve offers great opportunities to see the contrasts that the island offers in reference to the variety of ecosystems. The road goes from the coast through the agricultural zone and straight up to the dense humid forests. Often, Galapagos Giant Tortoises are also seen on the way, wandering through pastures in the paddocks. This spot is a bird watchers’ haven since almost every land bird present on the island lives or migrates here. (Lunch, Dinner)

NOTE: If you are on an 8 day Legend cruise, combining Itinerary D + A, you will not go to the Santa Cruz highlands, and you already visited here on Itinerary D. Instead, you will go to Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz Island. Here is your afternoon itinerary:

Black Turtle Cove: On the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, accessible only by sea, four species of mangrove crowd and form an internal lagoon, turtles visit the calm waters, peaking their heads above the surface while fish, rays circle below. White-tipped reef sharks can be seen beneath the boat, plus sea birds, including pelicans, herons and egrets. This cove has been declared as a “turtle sanctuary”. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

DAY 2 (Tuesday): Genovesa Island: El Barranco & Darwin Bay

El Barranco (Prince Phillip’s Steps): Be marveled at the variety of sea life that uses the crevices of the lava cliffs for shelter. Red-billed Tropicbirds fly overhead, switching between their nests and the bay, and a small colony of fur seals may be found near the landing site. You will be dropped off at a steep stairway that begins on rocks at the foot of a path that leads through a seabird colony full of Nazca and Red-footed Boobies. At the plateau, the trail continues inland allowing you to see more nesting booby colonies in the thin Palo Santo forest. Near the end of the trail, over a rocky lava plain, Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrels can be observed flying in all directions. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a Short-eared Owl.

Darwin Bay: Disembark onto a small sand and coral beach. A short trail heads west along a tidal lagoon and then up a rocky hill that leads to a point overlooking the cliffs and Darwin Bay. Along the trail near the tidal lagoon, visitors will see pairs of Swallow-tailed Gulls, Lava Gulls, Yellow-crowned and Lava Herons. The trail continues through Palo Santo trees, Opuntia cacti, and Saltbushes inhabited by Great Frigate birds and Red-footed Boobies. This is one of the few places in the islands where visitors are guaranteed to see Red-footed Boobies. It is estimated that more than 200,000 Red-footed Boobies live in the trees and bushes of Genovesa. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 3 (Wednesday): Santa Cruz (Dragon Hill) & Santa Fe Island

Ballena Bay (aka Whale Bay) is a beautiful green sand cove at the base of Dragon Hill on the west coast of Santa Cruz Island. The beach contains a large amount of olivine crystals of volcanic origin. The crystals were formed when the magma was still underground. The content is magnesium, iron and silica. A small population of tortoises from Pinzón Island lived at the site, but were probably taken by whalers or previous inhabitants. Opportunity to see marine iguanas and sea birds followed by snorkeling. After your naturalist walk, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel with your guide.

Wet landing. Santa Fe shows white sand beaches surrounded by sea lion colonies; through the island path, an endemic cactus forest is passed, home the Santa Fe land iguanas (the largest in the islands). This island is the habitat for a number of species, including the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snakes, rice rats (one of the few endemic Galapagos rodents), a variety of finches and one of the four mockingbird species of the archipelago. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 4 (Thursday): Mosquera Islet & Depart Galápagos

Wet Landing, Mosquera Islet is located between North Seymour and Baltra Island. This flat, sandy island has a large colony of sea lions. It is also an excellent site to observe shorebirds such as herons and lava gulls. There is no trail on the islet, the visitor can enjoy the open area. Most of the islet is covered with sand and barren lava rock. Very little sesuvium portulacastrum plants grow on the sand. After the visit you will go straight to the airport for return flight to Guayaquil or Quito. (Breakfast)

DAY 1 (Thursday): Arrive in the Galápagos & Bachas Beach (Santa Cruz)

You will fly this morning from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra (2 ½ hours flight). Upon arrival in the Galápagos, you are picked up at the airport by our naturalist guides and taken on a 10-minute bus r drive to the pier to board the Legend.

Bachus Beach: Wet landing. On the north side of Santa Cruz; behind the beach lies two small flamingo ponds were iguanas sunbathe, see coastal birds, Darwin finches, mockingbirds, and gulls, as well as interesting native vegetation like red and black mangrove, salt bushes. This beach is one of the main sea turtles nesting sites in the Galapagos. A turtle can lay eggs 3 or 4 times per season with an average of 70 eggs each time. At this paradisiacal site, we will also find the remains of barges that sank a long time ago, when the United States Navy operated a base during World War II on Baltra Island. Local people modified the word barges to “Bachas”. (Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 2 (Friday): Egas Port (Santiago) and Rabida Island

Wet landing. Egas Port is a black volcanic sand beach, visited by Darwin in 1835. The first section of the trail is formed of volcanic ash (eroded tuff) and the other half is an uneven terrain of volcanic basaltic rock. The unique, truly striking layered terrain of Santiago shore is home to a variety of animals including the bizarre yellow-crowned night heron and marine wildlife including lobster, starfish and marine iguanas grazing on algae beds alongside Sally light-foot crabs. It is easy to see colonies of endemic fur seals swimming in cool water volcanic rock pools.

In the afternoon you will do another wet landing, this time on Rabida Island, where dark red sand beaches dominate the incredible volcanic landscape. Nesting Brown Pelicans are found from July through September and nine species of the famous Darwin’s finches can be seen. We will also take a dinghy ride along cliffs to observe nesting seabirds, and snorkel off the coast, where marine life is particularly active. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 3 (Saturday): Urbina Bay & Tagus Cove (Isabela)

You begin today with an early walk at Urbina Bay, bdginning with a wet landing on a black sand volcanic beach. Depending on the season, we may find giant tortoises, land iguanas and the unusual, endemic,  Flightless Cormorant. After your nature walk we will snorkel, giving you yet another chance to swim with sea turtles, sea lions and countless tropical fish. Urbina Bay features a wide variety of plant life that changes depending on the season. We can observe the beautiful colors of plants that attract different insects, birds and reptiles. We will explore the uplifted coral reef that resulted from volcanic activity in 1954, with a spectacular view of Alcedo Volcano.

After lunch we return to Isabela Island with a dry landing at Tagus Cove, where you will learn about the eruption of the five volcanoes that form Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos. The trail leads to Darwin’s salt-water crater lake and excellent views of lava fields and volcanic formations. You will return by the same path for a dinghy ride along a shoreline full of marine wildlife, where you will admire a variety of seabirds, such as Blue-footed Booby, Brown Noddy, terns, Flightless Cormorant and depending on the season, a large number of Galapagos Penguins which are only 35 cm. tall; the only penguin species in the world to extend its range into the northern hemisphere along the equator. They are monogamous and lay their eggs in small cracks of lava, on the lower parts of the island near the shoreline not reached by the ocean waves. The population of penguins on the islands is about 2,000 individuals, most of which live on this western portion of Isabela; others are scattered further south on the island. You will have an opportunity to snorkel in deep water. Graffiti here is believed to have been left by19th-century pirates is a curious reminder of an intriguing past. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 4 (Sunday): Espinoza Point (Fernandina) & Vicente Roca Point (Isabela)

Espinosa Point is the only spot that you visit on Fernandina, and from it you can see the island of Isabela across the Bolívar Channel, an area that boasts some of the highest diversity of endemic sea fauna in the Galapagos. The largest, most primitive-looking race of marine iguanas are found mingling with sea lions and Sally Lightfoot Crabs; a wonderful opportunity to encounter Flightless Cormorants at their nesting sites, Galapagos Penguins and the “King” of predators on the Islands, the Galapagos Hawk. “Pa-hoe-hoe” and “AA” lava formations cover the majority of the terrain. Vegetation is thus scarce inland, but you encounter Brachycereus cacti and extensive mangrove beds lining the shores. Here you will also go snorkeling with your guide.

In the afternoon we will visit Vicente Roca Point where there is great deep-water snorkeling. We take a dinghy ride along the coast to observe a great diversity of sea and coastal birds, including Nazca and blue-footed boobies, noddies, brown pelicans, penguins, and flightless cormorants. The upwelling of coldwater currents here in the Bolivar Channel makes this one of the richest marine havens on Earth and gives rise to an abundance of marine life. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 5 (Monday): Highlands of Santa Cruz and Depart Galapagos

Depart the boat at the docks in Puerto Ayora for 45-minute bus ride to the Santa Cruz highlands, where we will find a natural reserve with giant tortoises. These enormous and slow-moving reptiles are responsible for the island’s name and therefore approaching them in their humid and forested abode is always an inspiring adventure. They can weigh between 250 and 300 kg and can live up to 150-200 years.

[Or, if you are on a longer cruise with the Legend (8+ days), you can opt to go to Pit Craters. The Pit Craters, geologically speaking, were not directly formed by volcanic action. They were created as a result of the collapse or sinking of surface materials into cracks or manholes. It’s a great place to spot vermilion fly catchers as we walk inside an endemic Scalesia forest. Great opportunity to observe giant tortoises.]

After the visit passengers will be transferred to Baltra airport for return flight to Guayaquil or Quito. (Breakfast)

DAY 1 (Monday): Arrive in Galápagos (Baltra). Bartolome Island

You will fly this morning from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra (2 ½ hours flight). Upon arrival in the Galápagos, you are picked up at the airport by our naturalist guides and taken on a 10-minute bus drive to the pier to board the Legend. You will drop off your luggage before embarking on your first Galápagos visit.

In the afternoon, you visit Bartolome Island. Dry or wet landing. We discover a fascinating landscape formed by different volcanic parasitic cones —lava bombs, spatter, cinder cones — that resembles the moon. Going up to the summit there will be an impressive views of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone Pinnacle Rock. We also encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and blue-footed boobies.

Beach time is a great opportunity to do snorkeling and see the famous Galapagos Penguins, sea turtles and White-tipped Reef Sharks among a great variety of colorful fish. For many visitors, this may turn out to be the best snorkeling experience. Crystal clear water is the perfect spot to appreciate the incredible marine life it has to offer.

Due to its geographical location, the lack of vegetation is immediately noticeable however, there are pioneer plants including the endemic Tiquilia nesiotica and Chamaesyce (known as sand mat or spurge in English), lava cactus, and Scalesia bushes. (Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 2 (Tuesday): South Plaza Island & North Seymour Island

On South Plaza, the walk begins with an impressive cactus forest surrounded by land and marine iguanas; as you reach its highest point, be on the look out for tropicbirds and a bachelor sea lion colony. Here, there is a large colony of the smaller sized land iguanas. The population is approximately 300 individuals. They feed on all kinds of vegetation, but during the dry season survive on the fruits and flowers of Opuntia cacti. Due to their proximity with marine iguanas, where you will encounter the one and only Galápagos hybrid iguana.

North Seymour: This landmass was formed by a series of underwater volcanic eruptions, which deposited layers of lava on the ocean floor. An approximately two-hour walk amidst large nesting colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent and great frigate birds, and swallow-tailed gulls for an in depth encounter with sea bird breeding cycles and sea lions. You will also encounter land iguanas, and on a lucky day, you might even come across the endemic Galapagos Snake. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 3 (Wednesday): Punta Pitt & Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal Island)

Punta Pitt in San Cristóbal is probably one of the few places on the islands where the three booby species can be seen together: Nazca, Blue-footed, Red-footed, as well as two species of frigatebirds, Magnificent and Great, and a sea lion colony; it’s also a great place for a dinghy ride and snorkeling, with a large diversity of sea birds.

Cerro Brujo is an eroding tuff cone that at several locations is composed of AA lava formations, and a beautiful white sand beach, great for snorkeling and sunbathing. You visit a lagoon where migratory bird species can be seen: Black-necked Stilts, Ruddy Turnstones, Whimbrels, other sandpiper species and White-cheeked Pintails. Cerro Brujo offers beautiful views of Kicker Rock, the southern part of San Cristobal and the adjacent coast. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

DAY 4 (Thursday): Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve (San Cristobal Island) & Depart Galapagos

This morning, you will visit the Cerro Cristobal Tortoise Reserve on San Cristobal Island. Here, you learn about the National Park’s conservation programs and see the giant tortoises wandering freely throughout the reserve. After this visit and walk, you will go straight to the airport for return flight to Guayaquil or Quito. (Breakfast)

DAY 1 (Thursday): Arrive in Galápagos, San Cristobal island: Interpretation Center & Tijeretas Hill

You will fly this morning from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra (2½-hours flight). Upon arrival in the Galápagos, you are picked up at the airport by our naturalist guides and taken on a 10-minute bus drive to the pier to board the M/Y Corals. You will drop off your luggage before embarking on your first Galápagos visit.

Here you first visit Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, capital of the Galápagos Islands. You visit the Interpretation Center, an excellent place to learn about Natural History in the Galápagos. The Museum of Natural History displays information on the volcanic origins of the islands, their remoteness from the continent, ocean currents, climate, the arrival of the different species and their colonization, among other points of interest. The human history is also showcased, chronologically narrating the most significant events related to the discovery and colonization of the islands. You’ll also visit Tijeretas Hill which involves a high intensity walk through beautiful landscapes ending with a magnificent view nearby a large frigatebird colony. (Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 2 (Friday): Espanola Island: Gardner Bay, Osborn Islet, & Suarez Point

Here you begin on a beautiful white coral sand beach guarded by a colony of sea lions. There are no trails, so you stay along the shore where you can spot Galapagos Hawk, American Oystercatcher, Galápagos Dove, Hood Mockingbird, Yellow Warbler, lava lizards, marine iguanas, and three species of Darwin’s finches: a subspecies (Geospiza fuliginosa) of the Large Cactus Finch, which is similar to the large ground finch, the Small Ground Finch (Geospiza fuliginosa) and the Warbler Finch (Certhidea Olivacea) which is another endemic subspecies. Swimming and snorkeling offers a great variety of Galápagos marine animals: King Angelfish, Creole Fish, Damsel Fish, parrot fish, manta rays, and White-tipped Reef Sharks.

Since Espanola is an island of geological interest, we explore volcanic formations and a riveting wildlife: large sea lion colonies and seabirds including Española mockingbird, Nazca boobies and the spectacular red billed tropic bird. You will also encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and the colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs. A somewhat lengthy hike will bring you among Nazca and Blue-footed Boobies, right up to nesting grounds that sometimes overlap the trail. Other birding favorites include Galapagos Dove, Galapagos Hawk, Swallow-tailed gulls and the world’s largest colony of Waved Albatross, an unequivocal highlight during mating season (May-December). Admire the island’s dramatic backdrop, featuring the famous Soplador, a seaward blowhole that shoots water up to 75 feet in the air. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 3 (Saturday): Floreana Island: Post Office Bay, Cormorant Point, Devil’s Crown, & Champion Bay

Wet landing. Located on the north side of Floreana, the bay was named because in 1793 Captain James Colnett installed a wooden barrel which served as an informal post office for sailors passing through, who would take letters with them back to their destinations. Today, visitors continue the tradition by placing unstamped postcards inside the barrel, hoping that some other traveler, going to the letter destination, will take it back for free. The chances are that the letter posted can take a long time to arrive at its destination. However, there have been cases where it has arrived before the sender.

We may also encounter Darwin’s finches, Yellow Warbler and Lava Lizards. Great snorkeling opportunities with Green Pacific Sea Turtles. As well, the island is best known for its endemic vegetation: Scalesia villosa, Lecocarpus Pinnatifidus, and the Galapagos Milkwort. Snorkelers can practice on the main beach among playful sea lions.

Wet landing, on an olivine green, sanded beach. We hike from the black mangrove beds to a brackish lagoon, which usually holds one of the largest flamingo populations in the Galapagos. This island features some endemic plants such as Scalesia villosa, white and black mangrove, and holy stick. The trail continues to a beautiful white sandy beach, one of the most important nesting sites of Green Pacific Sea Turtles. It is important to avoid walking in the water due to the Sting Rays that may be hiding in the sand, which can be dangerous if accidentally stepped on. From the beach, one can spot sea turtles, blue-footed boobies plunging into the water, and small reef sharks floating along the shoreline in the search for food.

This coral-sand beach marks the end of our trail, and we head back to the olivine beach we landed on, to swim or snorkel amongst sea turtles, reef fish, sea lions and, on a good day, white-tipped reef sharks. A small colony of penguins resides on Floreana and can sometimes be observed as well. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 4 (Sunday): Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Research Center, Ballena Bay, & Eden Islet

At the Charles Darwin Research Station we learn about the Galapagos giant tortoise breeding program which takes place as part of our efforts to preserve the fragile Galapagos environment, and see where the famous Lonesome George (the last surviving specimen of his species) lived for decades. Admire a prickly-pear cactus forest and variety Darwin’s finches and other land birds. The Darwin Station also works providing environmental education to the communities, schools, and tourists visiting the Galapagos Islands. You will also have some free time to visit the town and shop for souvenirs.

Ballena Bay / Eden Islet (Santa Cruz): Wet landing. The perfect spot to enjoy our water activities of snorkeling, kayaking or the glass-bottom boat. Expect to see lots of fish species including king angelfish, surgeonfish, parrotfish, damsels, rays and sharks. From the land portion of the visit there will be sea lions and basking marine iguanas with herons and turtles in the mangrove areas. We might even discover some antique ceramic relics left behind by previous settlements.

Eden Islet is off the western coast of Santa Cruz. It offers opportunities to see Nazca and blue-footed boobies, reef sharks, and banks of endemic bream fish, either from the panga or while snorkeling. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 5 (Monday): Santa Cruz Island: Carrion Point & Depart Galápagos

This is a rocky cliff offers the great opportunity to explore more the various marine biodiversity of the islands. Do snorkeling among a variety of colorful fish, stingrays, and if lucky, there could be the chance to see the magnificent White tipped shark. After the visit, you will go straight to the airport for return flight to Guayaquil or Quito. (Breakfast)