NOTE: The “West Itinerary” starts right after you arrive to the islands. If possible, please wear clothes comfortable enough for a visit to the Tortoise Breeding Center: comfortable walking shoes, a hat for sun protection, accessible SPF, shorts or pants.
DAY 1 (Saturday): Arrive Baltra Airport & Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center

Early in the morning you will catch your flight from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos. Arriving to the airport, you must first pay the National Park entrance fee of U.S. $100 per person before collecting your luggage.  We will be greeted by an Angermeyer Cruises representative and then board a bus that will take us to Puerto Ayora for the first visit on the islands: the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center. Here, we will see tortoises from different islands. The animals are found in large semi natural pens for their protection, but also to ensure an easy view for the tourists. The pens are divided according to four different stages: eggs, neonates, juveniles (held here until they are mature enough to be “repatriated”), and adults.

Afterwards we will head back to Puerto Ayora, where we will have some time to explore the town and shops by ourselves before boarding the S/S Mary Anne at around 5:00 p.m.
Once on board, we will be welcomed by the crew and captain, have a short security drill and enjoy dinner and the briefing for the next day ́s activities. (Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 2 (Sunday): Floreana Island: Punta Cormorant, Devil’s Crown Snorkeling & Post Office Bay

This morning you have a wet landing on the “Green Beach” of Punta Cormorant. Depending on the light conditions, the sand shines green because of the high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand. On an easy walk you come to a big salt-water lagoon with flamingoes, white-cheeked pintail ducks, black-necked stilts and, depending of the season, more migratory shore birds. After another short walk you come to the “White Flour Sand Beach,” made of white corals. It’s a famous nesting beach for marine turtles; making sure not to disturb their nesting sites, you may be lucky enough to see the remains of tiny turtle egg shells lying on the beach. Often you can see a lot of stingrays in the shallow water.

After the walk, you travel a short way to Devil’s Crown, the remains of a volcano now sunken into the ocean and whose sharp rocks make the shape of a black crown. This is one of the most famous snorkeling places in Galapagos, but it is only suitable for experienced snorkelers. Here, you are likely to snorkel alongside sharks, eels, turtles, sea lions, and an assortment of dazzling fish.

Before lunch, you make a short visit to the famous barrel in Post Office Bay. This “post office” is simply a barrel and was first used in 1793 by the whalers. They used it to receive and send letters home and to have contact within them; this tradition continues with the visitors who come to the Galapagos today. A nearby beach is also lovely for wandering, swimming, or snorkeling on your own. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 3 (Monday): Floreana Island: Black Beach & Whale/Dolphin Watching

This morning we will visit Floreana Island´s black beach, to learn about the intriguing human history of the island and it´s first inhabitants. Floreana was the first islands in the Archipelago to be inhabited, since it has one of the very few fresh water sources. We will visit this fresh water source known as “Asilo de La Paz”, as well as the caves that served as hideouts for pirates and where the first “Galapegueño” was born, according to Floreana stories, which involve the infamous Baroness Eloise Wagner von Bousquet and her lovers, which mysteriously began to disappear after settling in the island.

After our visit, we will have the best opportunity for a not so usual but well beloved activity in the Archipelago, a full afternoon navigation to look for Whales and Dolphins. The waters of the Galapagos form the second largest marine reserve in the World, and this marine reserve have a very rich wildlife. The biggest representatives of the underwater Fauna are the different species of Whales and dolphins found here. We will navigate form Floreana to Isabela Island while looking for these fascinating creatures, which tend to show themselves in this area. This afternoon is completed by the impressive landscapes of Isabella and the Cerro Azul volcano. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 4 (Tuesday): Isabela Island: Punta Moreno & Urbina Bay

You now begin your exploration of some of the most far-flung and wildlife-rich sites within the Galapagos archipelago. The western Islands of Isabela and Fernandina are usually the top highlight of any cruise due to the large populations of iconic Galapagos animals and their unusual relationships with their environs. You make several stops on Isabela because it is such a massive Island with incredible diversity at each stop along the way due to lava flows which isolated many animals.

Early in the morning you hike on the rough lava field of Punta Moreno. Here you can see all three species of Galapagos cactus: candelabra cactus, prickly pear cactus and lava cactus. Hopefully, in the middle of the lava field amidst some brackish water pools, you will find flamingoes, common gallinules, white-cheeked pintail ducks and paint-billed crakes. Afterwards on a dinghy ride, you can see flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins and huge marine iguanas.

Later in the day, you will travel to Urbina Bay onto a black sand beach, nesting site for green sea turtles. We take a brief hike inland in search of land iguanas and giant tortoises (seasonal) that migrate to and from the highlands. At the beach, we will admire the remains of a geological uplift exposing coral heads and marine fossils and if the sea conditions and time are on our side, we will also snorkel in these waters. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 5 (Wednesday): Isabela Island: Tagus Cove & Fernandina Island: Punta Espinosa

You disembark at Urbina Bay (wet landing) onto a black sand beach, nesting site for Green sea turtle. You take a brief hike inland in search of land iguanas and giant tortoises (seasonal) that migrate to and from the highlands. Colorful land iguanas, tortoises, and rare Flightless Cormorant also reside here. From the beach, you will admire the remains of a geological uplift exposing coral heads and marine fossils; and if the sea conditions and time are on our side, you will also snorkel in these waters.

The hike at Fernandina may feel like the most remote and scenic excursion during your entire cruise. Fernandina’s stark black landscape is juxtaposed by neighboring Isabela’s lush volcanoes and the turquoise ocean in between. But this visit is about much more than scenery since you have the opportunity to see an abundance of marine iguanas, Sally light-foot crabs, flightless cormorants, sharks, and sea turtles. It’s common here to snorkel in a bevy of sea turtles feasting on sea grass alongside swimming marine iguanas and penguins on the hunt for fish. Fernandina is probably the most pristine of all the Islands in the Galapagos and an extremely worthwhile visit. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 6 (Thursday): Santiago Island: Puerto Egas & Bucaneer Cove & Espumilla Beach

Puerto Egas, aka James Bay, is home to the fascinating Galapagos hawk as well as Galapagos oyster catchers and Galapagos lava lizards. You will walk to the coastline where you observe tidal pools and an abundance of Galapagos sea lions. Here the Galapagos fur sea lions bathe in the sun. While snorkeling, you swim alongside reef sharks, turtles, and rays.

At Buccaneer Cove we will take a panga ride around the beautiful coastline. This place got its name due to the fact that used to be a refuge for British Buccaneers during the time they would anchor here to collect supplies and clean their ships among other activities. The cove is very scenic with views of the cliffs and a dark beach. Do not forget to look for two unusual rock formations known as ‘the monk’ and ‘elephant rock’.

After three days exploring the fabulous western islands, we head to central Santiago to disembark at Espumilla, onto a golden ‐ colored sand green sea turtle nesting site. A forest trail will take us through some of the largest specimens of Palo Santo on the islands to observe yellow warblers, the unbelievably tame Galapagos flycatcher and the ever ‐ intriguing Darwin finches. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 7 (Friday): Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay & North Seymour Island

We head across to Sullivan Bay in Santiago to walk over a recent lava flow, including very fresh pahoehoe lava formations, lava bubbles containing crystallized minerals and pioneer plants. Along the shoreline, we may find Galapagos penguins and herons going after small fish.

We disembark on North Seymour, a small uplifted island, where we will walk right up to bird nesting colonies of the two species of frigate birds, blue ‐ footed boobies
and swallow ‐ tailed gulls, and experience, depending on season, spectacular mating ritual displays. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 8 (Saturday): Mosquera Island; Depart Galapagos

Your Galapagos experience ends with a fantastic visit to Mosquera, which is a small islet located between Baltra Island and North Seymour measuring about 160 meters across and 600 meters long. It is home to one of the largest sea lion colonies and is also a haven for shorebirds. Orcas occasionally come to the islet to feed on the sea lions.

After this visit, you will be dropped off at the Baltra airport. Your guide will explain the check-in process and you will board your flight back to mainland Ecuador (either Guayaquil or Quito). (Breakfast)

Early in the morning you will catch your flight from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos. Arriving to the airport, you must first pay the National Park entrance fee of U.S. $100 per person before collecting your luggage. Leaving the arrival hall, the National Park Guide of the Mary Anne will be waiting for you and accompany the whole group to board the Mary Anne. Have lunch.

After lunch, we navigate a short distance to Black Turtle Cove, a large mangrove lagoon on the remote, north coast of Santa Cruz Island. Pelicans and herons roost on the branches, while marine dwellers such as Green sea turtle or Golden ray may cruise right next to the panga as it makes its way through the mangroves. (Lunch, Dinner)

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

Genovesa Island is known for its outstanding birdlife, even if you’re not a bird enthusiast, you will likely be delighted by the large colonies of red-footed boobies, masked boobies, frigate birds, and storm petrels. Also, since the Island is only visited by cruises, it’s usually fairly uncrowded. Darwin Bay was created by the collapse of a huge, underwater crater — this also explains the horseshoe shape of Genovesa Island. You first land on a white coral beach where you will immediately spot several birds on land and soaring overhead. Great frigate birds display their inflated, bright red neck pouches to attract passing females; Nazca and blue-footed boobies tend to their nests on the ground below; and mockingbirds sprint across the sand. Nearby tidal pools in the volcanic rock are places for wandering tattlers, lava gulls, whimbrels and turnstones to hunt for seafood. On this walk, you’re also likely to see the sharp-beaked finch, large cactus finches, large ground finches, Galapagos doves and swallow-tailed gulls. At the end the trail you reach a cliff’s edge where you can enjoy an amazing view of the Island and ocean beyond. After this walk, you can enjoy swimming or snorkeling in the natural harbor.

In the afternoon, you visit Prince Philip’s Steps, the only other visitor site on Genovesa. The visit begins with a view of the rocky shore where many birds nest and raise their young. On the trail here one may observe red-billed tropicbirds, nesting boobies and a colony of storm petrels. Genovesa Island offers a chance to also spot the Galapagos short-eared owl and the Galapagos fur seal as well as several species of finches, herons, and petrels (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 3 (Monday): Bartolome Island & Chinese Hat

Bartolome Island contains one of the most photographed vistas in the archipelago. This island is quite young and quite volcanic; therefore, it’s relatively unpopulated with only a small handful of die-hard plant and animal species have survived long enough to call this lava-land home. The land-visit here is more about the amazing view of the pinnacle standing straight out of the sea, the volcanic formations of the Islands and getting in an invigorating hike. After the short hike up the wooden stairs, you’ll return to the nearby beach for some fun snorkeling. Here at Bartolome, you’ll have a very good chance of snorkeling alongside the unique Galapagos penguin. The colony of penguins here seems to love flying through the water as snorkelers swim in the calm bay.

Less than a quarter of one square kilometer in size, this island gets its name from being shaped like a Chinese hat. The hat shape is best appreciated from the north side. Lava formations can be seen on the western side of the island, formed under the sea and raised upward and for this reason it is possible to observe coral heads on the lava. Be amazed by the landscapes covered by sea lions colonies, marine iguanas and Galapagos penguins. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 4 (Tuesday) Rabida Island & Santa Cruz: Cerro Dragon

Early today, you will visit La Rabida, another small but fascinating Island. The first thing you’ll notice on La Rabida is its unique red cliffs and beaches. While walking on this Island, you’re likely to spot sea lions, pelicans, Galapagos hawks, Darwin finches, marine iguanas, flamingos and blue-footed boobies. You will also have time to go for a snorkel in the waters just off La Rabida, where you have a good chance of swimming with sea lions and tropical fish.

After lunch you’ll navigate for a couple of hours to Cerro Dragon, where you’ll make a dry landing on lava rocks. Cerro Dragon is a small bay on the west coast of Santa Cruz and got its name from the many land iguanas that live in the area. Land iguanas are endemic to the Galapagos Islands where they have found good mating and nesting areas. Here, you also visit a saltwater lagoon, home to Greater Flamingos, Black-necked Stilts, and White-cheeked Pintails. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 5 (Wednesday): Santa Cruz Island: Highlands & Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center

We will spend this day visiting Santa Cruz Island´s most famous highlights. We will have a dry landing in the dock of Puerto Ayora to then board our transportation and head to the Islands highlands. These are, in contrast to the coastal region, lush in vegetation and forest, due to the humidity that gathers in the higher regions. We will visit one of the ranches of the area, where it´s possible to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. As these animals migrate from the coastal area to the highlands and back, the chosen ranch will depend on the presence of the tortoises, as they roam free and change their locations. This is also a good place to see the Galapagos hawk and barn owl of this island and the surrounding forests are filled with birds such as the vermilion flycatcher or the yellow warbler

We will enjoy lunch at the ranch to then head back to Puerto Ayora for our second visit of the day, the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center. Here, we will see tortoises from different islands. The animals are found in large semi ‐ natural pens for their protection, but also to ensure an easy view for the visitors. The pens are divided according to four different stages: eggs, neonates, juveniles (held here until they are mature enough to be “repatriated”), and adults. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 6 (Thursday): South Plazas Island & Santa Fe Island

South Plazas has one of the largest populations of land iguanas in the archipelago. Here, you observe vibrant green prickly pears, deep red Sesuvium and coppery-orange land iguanas; the scene becomes quite colorful as the iguanas feed the prickly pear cactus. You may be lucky enough to spot iguanas that are a cross between the marine and land varieties. Along the sea cliffs frigate birds, shearwaters, brown pelicans and masked boobies may be seen. At the nearby beach, you can snorkel in the calm water where turtles, sharks and other fish are found. This is also a great place to observe the adult and pup sea lions swimming along the shores.

Santa Fe has one of the most beautiful coves of all the visitor sites in the region, a turquoise lagoon protected by a peninsula of rocks and small islands that extends from the shore. The Santa Fe species of iguana are a brighter yellow color and have uncommonly large spikes on their spine. The opuntia cactus, a favorite food of the land iguana, grows unusually tall here, up to 33 feet high and are the largest of their kind in Galapagos. Manta rays and sea turtles may be seen against the sandy bottom of Santa Fe’s beautiful anchorage. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 7 (Friday): Española Island: Gardner Bay & Punta Suarez

Española Island (or Hood Island) is a true highlight in the Galapagos, both above and below the water. Due to its very remote location, there are a large number of endemic species that evolved independently from the rest of the archipelago. Gardner Bay is a spectacular, long, white-sand beach where one can swim with sea lions and wander at your own pace. Your guide will lead you while snorkeling, pointing out wildlife like green sea turtles, manta rays, white-tipped reef sharks, and tropical fish.

You will visit Punta Suarez. This site offers quite a display of wildlife: marine iguanas with copper red patches, swallow-tailed gulls, the endemic long-billed mocking bird, finches, masked and blue-footed boobies, oystercatchers, sea lions, and lava lizards. This is the only island where the Waved albatross is to be seen during their breeding season. From April through December, the fascinating Waved albatrosses are found on the Island performing mating rituals, nesting, and raising their young.

Close to Española there is a good spot for snorkeling called Gardner Islet. While snorkeling, there is a good chance playful sea lions will join you. Get ready for more snorkeling at Osborn islet, a great place to observe great quantities of marine life. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 8 (Saturday): Santa Cruz Island: Twin Craters & Depart Baltra Airport

This is our last day in the islands. After breakfast we will disembark in Puerto Ayora to take our transport to the Baltra airport, making a short stop to visit the Twin Craters. The
Gemelos (twins) are two deep craters located to the side of the road that leads to Puerto Ayora from the other side of the island. These huge holes were probably created in a
volcanic explosion or by magma chambers underneath the island ́s surface. This is also a good place to see the Galapagos hawk and barn owl of this island and the surrounding
forests are filled of birds such as the vermilion flycatcher or the yellow warbler. Something worth mentioning is the contrast of the vegetation of the highlands with the arid coastal
zones.

After this visit, you are transferred to the Baltra Airport where you will catch your flight back to mainland Ecuador. (Breakfast)