Day 1: Friday
– AM – San Cristobal Island
Upon arrival at San Cristobal Airport, travelers pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands, as well as to pay the park entrance fee of $100 (unless it has been prepaid). A guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbor.

PM – Colorado Hill (San Cristobal)
Cerro Colorado Tortoises Protection and Growing Centre is located
approximately 40 minutes by bus to the southeast of the island. This
centre was built to improve the status of the population of the island
tortoises. It includes a large corral, a visitor centre, a breeding centre
and an interpretive trail. Along this trail, it is possible to see different
species of native and endemic plants as well as birds including the
San Cristobal mockingbird, yellow warblers, many species of finches
and the Galapagos flycatcher.

Day 2: Saturday
– AM – Española Island -Gardner Bay 
Located on the north-eastern coast of Hood, Gardner Bay provides an excellent beach for relaxing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and the opportunity to observe sea lions. Here we can also observe sharks in the crystal clear ocean waters.

– PM – Española Island – Punta Suarez 
This rocky land spot sustains one of the most impressive and varied colonies of sea birds in the Galapagos. Along its southern shore, high cliffs rise up from the sea affording the visitor spectacular views of soaring birds and of the blow whole where water spouts up to 50-75 feet into the air according to the intensity of the surf.

Day 3: Sunday
– AM – Floreana Island – Punta Cormorant, Champion Islet 
This site offers probably the best Flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos; it is also one of the largest in the islands. It’s situated between two tuff lava cones that give the area a special atmosphere. There are various species of shorebirds to observe besides flamingos; the most frequent are common stilts, white-checked pintail ducks and other migratory birds. It is very interesting to see the two distinct beaches: “The Green Beach” (due to its high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand) and the “Flour Sand Beach” which is made up of coral. After our visit of Cormorant Point we will continue with our yacht to the nearby islet known as Corona del Diablo (Devil’s Crown), where we can enjoy some great snorkeling.

– PM – Floreana Island – Post Office Bay
Historically, Post Office Bay is the location of a wooden barrel that was placed in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. Since this time it has been used by mariners and tourists as a post office. The idea is to carry letters or postcards to their destination by hand. Apart from being the Post Office Barrel, this site was the landing area for some of the first colonists. We will continue to the north of the island and ascend to an elevated slope to enjoy a beautiful view from the Baroness Lookout. It is said that Baroness Eloisa von Wagner loved this place and spent several hours watching the horizon. Within walking distance (30 m) are the ruins of what is known as her House. From this lookout, the landscape covers the coastline from the Enderby islet to Post Office Bay, as well as Cerro Pajas, the pool of flamingos and wide forest of Palo Santo.

Day 4: Monday
– AM – Santiago Island – Sullivan Bay 
Santiago, also called James, or San Salvador Island, is located in the west central part of the Galapagos archipelago. It is the fourth largest island in the archipelago (following Isabela, Fernandina and Santa Cruz). Along with some of the large western volcanoes of Isabela and Fernandina, Santiago is also volcanically active, with many young flows and cones to be seen, particularly along the south, west, and east coasts. These may even be seen from the summit of Darwin Volcano and from space. A number of historic eruptions have been reported over the last 2 centuries. Santiago actually consists of two coalesced volcanoes: a typical shield volcano on the northwest end and a low, linear fissure volcano at the southeast end.

– PM – Bartolome Island
Bartolome Island is situated across Sullivan Bay. It has an altitude of 114 meters, from where we can observe one of the most beautiful sceneries of the Galapagos Islands such as: Volcanic cones, lunar-like craters, lava fields, and the famous Toba formed pinnacle eroded by the sea. There is very little vegetation on this island.

It has two breathtaking beaches where marine turtles exist and at the base of the pinnacle, as well as a very small colony of Galapagos penguins.

Day 5: Tuesday
– AM – Santa Cruz Island – Black Turtle Cove 
This little cove is located at the northern side of Santa Cruz Island, this is a red mangrove lagoon very calm and quiet which makes it an ideal place as nursery for many sharks and rays. Its crystal waters permits to observe large groups of white-tip reef, black tipped reef and hammer heads sharks, schools of golden rays and spotted eagle rays.  There are no landing sites so the visit is done by zodiac. Sea turtles are frequently seen and sometimes they are seen mating in the mangrove-lined waters. Pelicans and Herons are also seen in this area.

After this visit you will return to the yacht to take your luggage, and be transferred back to Baltra Airport where you will take your flight to Quito or Guayaquil.

Day 1: Tuesday
– AM – Baltra Island 
Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you will first pass through an airport inspection point where your TCT (Transit Control Card) will be checked and stamped (please keep this carefully with your passport as you will need to show it again when you leave Galapagos). Here you will also pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee of USD 100 (unless it has been prepaid). To ensure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands, your luggage will be inspected as well. At the arrival hall a naturalist guide will meet you and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbor at Baltra. By dinghy you will be taken to the yacht.

– PM – Santa Cruz Island – Las Bachas
These two small beaches are found to the West of Black Turtle Cove.  Their sand is made of decomposed coral, which makes it white and soft, making it a favorite nesting site for sea turtles.  Behind one of the beaches there is a small brackish water lagoon, where occasionally it is possible to observe flamingos and other coastal birds, such as black-necked stilts and whimbrels.  The other beach is longer, but it has two old barges that were abandoned during the Second World War, when the USA used Baltra Island as a strategically point to protect the Panama Channel.

Day 2: Wednesday
– AM – Isabela Island – Tintoreras
A delightful place reached by a nice zodiac ride. “Tintoreras” are small islands in front of Puerto Villamil coast. There is Heron lava on the lookout on mangrove branch and Galapagos penguins and sea lions often pop out on shore. White-tipped reef sharks are fairly common in the archipelago. Their name in Spanish is “tintorera”, thus the name of this site as they are always found here resting in the shallow waters.

– PM – Isabela Island – Wetlands, Wall of tears
This afternoon the wetlands close to Puerto Villamil village will be visited. There are a few lagoons, swamps and mangroves, primarily known for their migrant bird populations. One of the most attractive species to be seen is the flamingo.

You will also visit the Arnaldo Tupiza breeding center, where giant tortoises are reared in captivity on Isabela, to better protect the main sub specie of this island.

The Wall of Tears also known as ‘Muro de las Lagrimas’ is another point of interest; the wall was constructed of clocks of lava rock between 1946 and 1959, when Isabela was a penal colony.

Day 3: Thursday
– AM – Isabela Island – Punta Moreno
Punta Moreno is located on the north coast of Isabela Island between the volcano Sierra Negra and the Cerro Azul volcano. The trail runs along a lava flow Pahohoe (solidified lava in the form of an accordion) into a complex of coastal lagoons. Its main attractions are several species of birds which can be found around the lakes and mangroves.

– PM – Punta Mangle, Tagus Cove 
At Tagus Cove, a tour along the cliffs in a zodiac will give the visitors a good chance to see the Galapagos penguin, the flightless cormorant and other sea birds. From the landing dock it is about a 30 minute hike along the trail up to the top of the cliff from where you can view Darwin Lake, an uplifted ultrasaline lake saltier than the sea. You can also see several volcanoes from this location. Look carefully at the graffiti on the surrounding cliffs of the cove. It has been written by pirates, whalers and buccaneers in past centuries.

Day 4: Friday
– AM – Pernandina Island – Punta Espinosa 
Fernandina is the third largest island in the archipelago and the site Punta Espinosa is located at the northeastern tip of the island. Just across Tagus Cove, is a visitor’s site where various unique species of Galapagos can be seen. Marine iguanas conglomerate in larger groups than in any other island. They bask around in the sand, swim near the shore and sometimes block the way at the landing dock. Among the unique species found here, is the Flightless Comorant. A bird that, due to the lack of predators, evolved differently; it’s wings, tails and feet progressively adapted for swimming. To see these birds, is to witness evolution happening right in front of you. You can observe the flightless cormorants and penguins very closely.

– PM – Isabela Island – Punta Vicente Roca 
At the north-western tip of Isabela Island lies the visitor site Punta Vicente Roca. During a panga ride we will observe impressive geological formations including a large cave and volcanic tuft cones. The cliffs are home to a variety of nesting birds, including Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies, gulls, storm petrels, and Brown Noddy Terns. The calmer waters within the cave are a popular area for sea turtles. Above all, Punta Vicente Roca is an excellent snorkeling area due to the nutrient-rich waters of the Humboldt Current. There is good possibility to spot sea lions, penguins, sea turtles and other marine life.

Day 5: Saturday
– AM – Santiago Island – Espumilla Beach, Bucaneer Cove 
Espumilla beach is located at the northern coast of Santiago Island in James Bay. During the last presence of the “El Niño phenomenon”, one of the two lagoons of this site underwent a process of sedimentation, thus causing the disappearance of a representative colony of flamingos. The main attraction is the palo santo forest. The beach is an important site for nesting marine turtles. At the nearby Buccaneers Cove we have a great snorkeling opportunity.

– PM – Santiago Island – Puerto Egas 
Its black beach is located at the west side of the island and is its main attraction. Volcanic tuff deposits have favored the formation of this special black sand beach. This site is called Puerto Egas, because there was an attempt of the company of Hector Egas to start the exploitation of salt. It failed, because the price of salt in the continent was very low and did not justify its exploitation in Galapagos. Thus the project was abandoned.

Day 6: Sunday
– AM – Rabida Island
Rábida Island is unique because of the red color of the rocks and sand. The volcanic material in this island is very porous and external factors as rain, salt water and sea breeze have acted as an oxidizing agent.

A short walk along a trail lead us to a coastal lagoon behind the beach, which permits the observation of land birds, such as finches, doves, yellow warblers and mocking birds. At the lagoon there is a colony of flamingos. The beach is often full with sea lions, and there are good snorkeling opportunities.

– PM – Chinese Hat
This is a small islet (1 sq km) located just off the southeastern tip of Santiago Island. It is a recent volcanic cone, shaped like a Chinese hat when seen from north side. On the west side lava formations may be observed, formed under the sea and raised upward, this is why coral heads are found on the lava. This is an excellent visit for interpretation of geological features such as lava tubes and lava flows. The landscape is covered by sea lions colonies, marine iguanas and Galapagos penguins.

Day 7: Monday
– AM – Santa Cruz Island – Charles Darwin Station 
Although the great majority of Galapagos visitors come here to observe and appreciate natural wonders, it is also interesting to learn how the protection and conservation of the islands are carried out.  One of the main attractions are the National Park information center, the Van Straelen Exhibition Hall, the Breeding and Rearing Center for young tortoises, and adult Galapagos tortoises in captivity.

Transfer to Baltra airport for your flight back to Guayaquil or Quito.

Day 1: Monday
– AM – Baltra Island 
Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you will first pass through an airport inspection point where your TCT (Transit Control Card) will be checked and stamped (please keep this carefully with your passport as you will need to show it again when you leave Galapagos). Here you will also pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee of USD 100 (unless it has been prepaid). To ensure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands, your luggage will be inspected as well. At the arrival hall a naturalist guide will meet you and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbor at Baltra. By dinghy you will be taken to the yacht.

PM – Santa Cruz highlands
The native scalesia forest of El Chato Tortoise Reserve is the best
place to search for Galapagos giant tortoises in their most authentic
setting! Despite the interesting breeding centres – where you are
guaranteed to find tortoises in their corrals – there is nothing better
than to observe them in their wild environment. Though it can be
quite moist and muddy, your visit may turn into an adventurous
quest when they have left their favourite pond silently.
The Twin Craters are found on either side of the road leading to
Puerto Ayora. These impressive formations are not volcanic craters
and were formed by magma domes, which hardened on the outside
while the lava continued flowing inside, leaving huge and empty
magma chambers that eventually collapsed, leaving two large
holes. The craters lie within a lush scalesia cloud forest, a
high-altitude plant species that are endemic to the Galapagos. This
area is also home to the carpenter finch, which uses tools to search
for food. There may also be opportunities to see the vermillion
flycatcher, a small red-breasted bird.

Day 2: Tuesday
AM – North Seymour
Seymour is an uplifted (as opposed to volcanic) island and therefore
is generally flat and strewn with boulders. There are good nesting
sites here for a large population of magnificent frigate birds.
Blue-footed boobies perform their courtship dance in the more open
areas and swallow-tailed gulls perch on the cliff edges. Despite the
tremendous surf that can pound the outer shore, sea lions haul out
onto the beach and can be found bodysurfing.
PM – Mosquera
Galapagos sea lions are true beach lovers and Mosquera offers
beautiful white coral sand beaches, which contrast with the blue
water and thus attract numerous sea lions. During a beach walk, you
can observe numerous species of waders and sanderlings. Between
the rocks, the red clip crabs wait to play hide and seek while you try
to get the perfect photo. If you are lucky, you may even encounter
yellow-crowned night-herons or even a red-footed booby.

Day 3: Wednesday
AM – Darwin Bay (Genovesa)
Inside the submerged caldera of Genovesa lies Darwin Bay, with a
diameter of more than 1.5 km/1 mi and it is almost 200 m/650 ft deep.
The small area will surprise you repeatedly, walking along a coral
sand beach, crossing barren lava formations and creeks, passing
tidal pools, shrubs and further ahead following the top of some cliffs.
With these peaceful surroundings, every single species has occupied
its ecological niche without disturbing others. Whimbrels and
wandering tattlers forage actively along the surf, next to resting
Galapagos sea lions. Impressive frigatebirds and red-footed
boobies nest in the mangroves, where you can also see vocalists
such as the yellow warbler, Darwin’s finches and the Galapagos
mockingbird. Uniquely, two subpopulations of the same species of
large cactus finch differ in their singing.
PM – Prince Phillip’s Steps (Genovesa)
Before landing, you will take a dinghy ride along the eastern arm of
the caldera. As you approach, the soaring 25 m/80 ft high walls
become overwhelming. Sometimes, a Galapagos fur seal is resting
or a seabird is nesting on one of the ledges at the base. You will then
have to hike and overcome the steep stairs from the landing dock to
a bush of palo santo shrubs on top. Red-footed boobies gratefully
use these scarce nesting places; so that they don’t have to nest on
the rocky ground. Upon arriving at the edge of the rim, the bushes
open up and you can enjoy panoramic views, a strong sea breeze
and the amazing flying skills of countless seabirds. Following the
exposed rim, you will first pass the Nazca boobies and finally reach
the extensive storm petrel nesting places, where, if you’re lucky, you
can spot the well-camouflaged short-eared owl hunting for food!

Day 4: Thursday
AM – South Plaza
You will enjoy an unforgettable guided walk on South Plaza, the best
place to encounter endemic Galapagos land iguanas, patient and
photogenic models. You can also look out for some of the unique
hybrids between the male marine iguana and female land iguana.
Arriving at the upper rim, about 20m/75ft downwards impressively
droning waves splash against the foot of soaring cliffs. Clouds of
petrels, storm petrels, shearwaters and brown noddies make
spectacular flights and sometimes look like they’re walking on the
waves. Take your binoculars and don’t miss the red-billed tropicbird
with its graceful long tail and spectacular mating fights. These cliffs
are also a nesting place for the endemic swallow-tailed gull.
PM – Santa Fe
Located in the southeastern part of the Galapagos, this island was
formed from an uplift instead of a volcanic origin, which is why it is
mostly flat. Some theories assure this could be the oldest island in
the archipelago. Santa Fe is the home of several endemic species
like the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, Galapagos mockingbird,
rice rats and one of the two species of land iguanas of the islands.
After disembarking in the beautiful and clear waters, you will be in
contact with one of the many sea lion colonies. Along the trail, many
salt bushes can be seen as well as giant prickly pear cactus;
gigantism is a characteristic of oceanic islands.
Although there is little vegetation on this island, it has two breathtaking
beaches, where sea turtles live. At the foot of the mountain you can
also discover a small colony of Galapagos penguins.

Day 5: Friday
AM – Witch Hill (San Cristobal)
Witch Hill is the remains of a tuff cone and one of the first sites
visited by Charles Darwin. It has an impressive landscape, where it
is often possible to see coastal and migratory birds, including
pelicans, blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls; as well
as sea lions and marine iguanas. At times, the lagoon is completely
dry and deposits of salt can be found at the bottom. The people of
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno used to use the lagoon as a salt mine.
After that, it is time to say goodbye to the Galapagos! It has been a
pleasure accompanying you on this unique trip and we hope to see
you again very soon. Assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew
members, the dinghy will bring you and your luggage to San Cristobal
airport. In case you have booked your trip for a longer stay with us, we
would be welcoming any potential new fellow passengers to the
yacht, and continue our trip to the next visiting site!
– Transfer to San Cristobal Airport