Tuesday:

SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

AM

Depart from Guayaquil to Galápagos (1½ hours of flight time).

• BALTRA ISLAND: This island was a strategic point during the Second World War.  It is the main airport for the Galapagos Islands where tourists and colonists arrive and depart.  At the Arrival at Baltra Airport, our naturalist English speaking guide will assists you. Transfer to the yacht.  Welcome and briefing.

PM

• HACIENDA PRIMICIAS: After lunch,  visit to Hacienda Primicias to see the giant tortoises in their natural habitat.  The tortoises are easy to spot, lumbering around eating grass and leaves and wallowing. Some highland birds, like cattle egrets, mockingbirds, finches or flycatchers can be seen here. After the hike return to the yacht. Dinner and briefing for next day.

Wednesday:

ISABELA ISLAND

AM

• 

  BOWDITCH POINT: Step onto a pristine white-sand beach where volcanic landscapes meet crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a relaxing walk along the coast and take in one of the most vibrant marine environments in the Galápagos.

  While snorkeling, you may observe reef fish such as parrotfish, salemas, surgeonfish, and angelfish, along with corals and submerged lava formations. With some luck, you might also spot sea turtles, rays, and even reef sharks in the distance.

  Lunch on board.

PM

• 

  CHINESE HAT: Wet landing onto a striking volcanic islet. Enjoy a short and easy 30-minute walk across lava rock formations, where you may see lava cactus, Galápagos sesuvium, and traces of ancient lava flows and tunnels.

  Wildlife may include marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and occasionally Galápagos penguins along the shore.

  Time for snorkeling in clear waters, where you may encounter sea lions, rays, and colorful fish.

  Return on board for dinner and your guide’s briefing.
  

Thursday:

SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

AM

• RABIDA: After breakfast disembark (wet landing) in one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago as well as a great snorkeling site. We will start on Rabida's famous maroon sandy beach and after an easy hike (1 km aprox) will arrive to a stunning lookout to enjoy the amazing landscapes.
  
  The island is a birdwatcher's delight. Some of the rarest species are in abundance, such as nine varieties of finches, Large-billed Flycatchers, Galapagos Hawks and Brown Pelicans.  Lunch on board.

PM

• CERRO DRAGON: After lunch,  dry landing at a dock, the walk takes you to a hypersalinic (saltier than the ocean) lagoon behind the beach, often frequented by flamingos, common stilts, pintail ducks and other species of birds.   There is a short walk to the hill, which rewards with a great view of the bay and a nesting site of land iguanas. Many of the Iguanas that nest here have been repatriated by the Charles Darwin Research Station.  Dinner and briefing for next day.

Friday:

SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

AM

• BLACK TURTLE COVE: After breakfast a dinghy (panga) visit to Black Turtle Bay (Caleta Tortuga Negra).  This is very close to Baltra.   It is very special due to its lovely beach with sea lions and its clear, calm water. Black (Pacific Green) Turtles and many different types of birds can be seen feeding here as you are paddled around the beautiful lagoons hidden in the mangroves. After this visit transfer to Baltra Airport by bus for your return flight to Guayaquil/Quito

 This is the end of the trip.