Day 1: Saturday
Santa Cruz Island
After arriving at Baltra airport, we will be greeted by our naturalist guide to then cross the Itabaca Channel and reach Santa Cruz Island for our first visit in the Archipelago: The Highlands. Here, we will have lunch at a local ranch while looking for the famous giant tortoises, which are in constant migration from the highlands to the coast. After lunch, we will head to Puerto Ayora for our second visit, the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center. In the breeding center, 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.

Afterward, we will head back to Puerto Ayora, where we will have some time to explore the town and shops by ourselves (this is the only change of shopping during on this itinerary) before boarding the M/Y Passion at around 5:00 p.m.

Once on board, the crew and captain will welcome us, have a short security drill and enjoy dinner and the briefing for the next day´s activities.

Day 2: Sunday
– AM – Punta Cormorant & Devil’s Crown
Wet landing onto the olivine beaches of Punta Cormorant, where we will be seeking Greater Flamingos on the brackish lagoon on our way to another special beach with the finest sand you’ll set foot on, a sea turtle nesting ground where sharks and rays also visit regularly. We end the outing with a short panga to snorkel in the Devil’s Crown, an old volcanic crater and a key snorkeling site.

– PM – Black Beach & Asilo de la Paz
In the afternoon we will visit Black Beach on Floreana Island to learn more about the intriguing human history of the island and its first inhabitants. We will ride up into the highlands of the island to visit a freshwater source known as the Asilo de La Paz and caves that initially served as hideouts for pirates and the birthplace of the first person to be born in Galapagos. One of the many mysteries on Floreana involves the infamous Baroness Eloise Wagner von Bousquet and her two lovers who inexplicably began to disappear after settling on the island. Following this visit, we will head back to the Passion for dinner and a short briefing on the next day.

Day 3: Monday
– AM – Post Office Bay
In the morning we will visit Post Office Bay with a wet landing. During the 18th century, Galapagos was a strategical stop for whalers and pirates during their long voyages. As these trips could last many months and sometimes years, a group of whalers decided to create an unofficial post system with a wooden barrel. Ships that were bound to return would stop in the bay and pick up the post with their same destination. This tradition has continued to this day, so make sure you are equipped with your letter or note to leave in the barrel for another visitor to deliver for you.

– PM – Navigation
In the afternoon after we’ve had lunch and rested a bit, we will have the best opportunity for a not‐so‐ common, yet exciting activity in the archipelago: a full afternoon navigation for dolphin and whale watching. The channel between Isabela and Fernandina is a popular whale watching site as the whales use this same route when migrating due to the strong currents. This is an area where even orcas may be seen. The impressive landscapes of Isabela and the Cerro Azul volcano add to the experience.

Day 4: Tuesday
Moreno Point & Urbina Bay
We arrive at Isabela, the largest island in the  Galapagos. After breakfast, we step ashore at Punta  Moreno (dry landing) onto a superb pahoehoe lava flow surrounded by giant shield volcanoes, some of which are still active! From here we will do a short hike to a lagoon where flamingos are usually present.

We disembark at Urbina Bay (wet landing) 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.

Day 5: Wednesday
Tagus Cove & Espiosa Point
Dry landing near Tagus Cove, historic pirate hideaway where names of countless ships are recorded for posterity on the cliff face. Hike through beautiful  Galapagos landscapes to Darwin Lake, a salt‐water crater lagoon surrounded by tuff stone.

We cross Bolivar Channel to Fernandina Island, one of the world’s most unspoilt sites, and disembark (dry landing) at Punta Espinosa.

Strolling along the shoreline, we will be on the lookout for flightless cormorants, Galapagos sea lions,  Galapagos penguins and hawks, sooty‐colored marine iguanas and bright red‐orange Sally Lightfoot crabs.

Day 6: Thursday
Egas Port & Bucanners Cove
At Puerto Egas (wet landing) we disembark on a dark sand volcanic beach with an interesting history of human settlement. Sleepy Galapagos fur seals lounge under arches of lava carved by the ocean and occasionally dip into the crystalline pools, also known as “grottos”. Walk along the shore and observe the abundant marine life.

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’.

We head to central Santiago to disembark at Espumilla  (wet landing), 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 amazing Galapagos flycatcher and Darwin finches.

Day 7: Friday
– AM – Bachas Beach
This morning we will visit Las Bachas Beach. Located on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island, this quiet little beach is the perfect spot to unwind. It got its name during World War II when the American army abandoned its barges. Two of those barges found their way to the shore of the Galápagos. The locals couldn’t quite wrap their heads around the word “barge” and called them “bacha” instead. This pristine white-sand beach is known for its incredible wildlife. Home to flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and countless birds, this is a nature lover’s paradise.
– PM – North Seymour
We disembark on North Seymour Island directly onto this small, uplifted island. We will walk through a large bird nesting colony of the two different species of frigate birds, blue‐footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls. Depending on the season we will be able to watch the spectacular mating rituals being displayed.

Day 8: Saturday

Day 1: Saturday
Santa Cruz Island
After arriving at Baltra airport, we will be greeted by our naturalist guide to then board the M/Y WildAid´sPassion and have lunch. After lunch, we will navigate a short distance to Black Turtle Cove, a large mangrove lagoon on the north coast of Santa Cruz Island. Pelicans and herons roost on the branches, while marine dwellers such as green sea turtles or golden rays may cruise right next to the panga as it makes its way through the mangroves.

Day 2: Sunday
– AM – Darwin Bay
We travel to GenovesaIsland and reach Darwin Bay (wet landing), a unique site with a beautiful beach, lined with red mangroves and soft‐haired prickly pear cacti where red‐footed boobies and great frigatebirdsperch tamely.

– PM – El Barranco
At El Barranco(dry landing), we climb the edge of a cliff where frigatebirds, masked boobies, and red-footed boobies nest. The trail will take us to the inner part of the island, populated by holy stick trees and cacti. We will be seeking out the impressive red‐billed tropicbird amidst Galapagos storm petrels and the endemic short-ear owl.

Day 3: Monday

Day 4: Tuesday
– AM – Bartolome
We will have a dry landing on Bartolome, followed by a mild climb up a set of wooden steps to reach the summit of a spatter cone for a breathtaking panorama of the island’s iconic Pinnacle Rock and views of neighboring Santiago, and other central islands in the distance. Afterward, we will visit the white sand beach used as a nesting site by sea turtles, followed by snorkeling in the waters of Bartolome Island, where it is not unusual to spot Galapagos penguins.
– PM – Dragon Hill
In the afternoon, we navigate a short distance to Cerro Dragon on Santa Cruz’s northwestern shore with a dry landing to visit a saltwater lagoon, home to greater flamingos, black‐necked stilts, and white‐cheeked pintails. Further inland we will find a fantastic land iguana nesting site.

Day 5: Wednesday
– AM – Santa Cruz Island
We will spend this day visiting Santa Cruz Island´s most famous highlights. We will have a dry landing at the dock of Puerto Ayora to then board our transportation and head to the island’s highlands. This area, in contrast to the coastal region, has lush vegetation and forest due to the humidity in the higher regions.

We will visit one of the ranches of the area where it is 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 since they roam free and change locations.

This is also a good place to see the ground finch of the Island, which populates these forests where is also possible to see the vermilion flycatcher or the yellow warbler.

– PM – Fausto LlerenaTortoise Breeding Center
We will return to the yacht for lunch and to freshen up to then head back to Puerto Ayora for our second visit of the day, the Fausto LlerenaTortoise 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.

Day 6: Thursday
– AM – Plaza Sur
Dry landing on one of the oldest docks of the archipelago on colorful Plaza Sur, home to vibrant green prickly pears, deep red Sesuvium, and coppery‐orange land iguanas. Impressive seaward cliffs make the perfect perching spot for a variety of coastal birds. This is also a great place to observe the adult and pup sea lions swimming along the shores.

– PM – Santa Fe Island
After a wet landing on Santa Fe, we will be encountered bya white beach where sea lions are usually resting. We will be looking for the endemic species of land iguana, larger and yellower than land iguanas on other islands. The largest prickly pear cacti in the Galapagos are also found here.

Day 7: Friday
– AM – Gardner Bay
We will spend the morning in the fantastic Gardner Bay (wet landing) of Española Island; an outstanding beach with sea lions, marine iguanas, and the intrepid Española mockingbird. 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.

– PM – Punta Suarez
In the afternoon we will head to Punta Suarez, one of the most popular landing sites in Galapagos.

The highlights include: sea lions near the landing place, sometimes to be seen body‐surfing in the large breakers, large marine iguanas, with red‐colored males in the breeding season, oystercatchers, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, Galapagos hawks, Galapagos doves, swallow‐tailed gulls, red-billed tropicbirds, and three species endemic to Española: the waved albatross (present only from April to December), the Española mockingbird, and the Española lava lizard. The trail ends in “El Soplador” a blowhole that sprays water some 25 m (75 feet) into the air.

Day 8: Saturday
Twins Craters & Departure
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 in fact not craters, but magma domes that have collapsed, leaving two deep and wide holes located to the side of the road that leads to Puerto Ayora from the other side of the island.

After this visit, we will make our way to the Baltra airport for the flight to mainland Ecuador.

Day 1: Saturday
Santa Cruz Island
After arriving at Baltra airport, we will be greeted by our naturalist guide to then board the M/Y Passion and have lunch. After lunch, we will navigate a short distance to Black Turtle Cove, a large mangrove lagoon on the north coast of Santa Cruz Island. Pelicans and herons roost on the branches, while marine dwellers such as green sea turtles or golden rays may cruise right next to the panga as it makes its way through the mangroves.

Day 2: Sunday
– AM – Darwin Bay
We travel to GenovesaIsland and reach Darwin Bay (wet landing), a unique site with a beautiful beach, lined with red mangroves and soft‐haired prickly pear cacti where red‐footed boobies and great frigatebirdsperch tamely.

– PM – El Barranco
At El Barranco (dry landing), we climb the edge of a cliff where frigatebirds, masked boobies, and red-footed boobies nest. The trail will take us to the inner part of the island, populated by holy stick trees and cacti. We will be seeking out the impressive red‐billed tropicbird amidst Galapagos storm petrels and the endemic short-ear owl.

Day 3: Monday

Day 4: Tuesday
– AM – Bartolome
We will have a dry landing on Bartolome, followed by a mild climb up a set of wooden steps to reach the summit of a spatter cone for a breathtaking panorama of the island’s iconic Pinnacle Rock and views of neighboring Santiago, and other central islands in the distance. Afterward, we will visit the white sand beach used as a nesting site by sea turtles, followed by snorkeling in the waters of Bartolome Island, where it is not unusual to spot Galapagos penguins.
– PM – Dragon Hill
In the afternoon, we navigate a short distance to Cerro Dragon on Santa Cruz’s northwestern shore with a dry landing to visit a saltwater lagoon, home to greater flamingos, black‐necked stilts, and white‐cheeked pintails. Further inland we will find a fantastic land iguana nesting site.

Day 5: Wednesday
– AM – Santa Cruz Island
This is our last day in the islands. After breakfast, we will disembark in Puerto Ayora and board our transport to reach Santa Cruz Highlands. We will visit one of the ranches of the area where it is possible to see giant tortoises in their natural hábitat.

After this visit, we will make our way to the Baltra airport for the flight to mainland Ecuador.

Day 1: Wednesday
Santa Cruz Island
After arriving at Baltra airport, we will be greeted by our personnel to then cross the itabaca channel and reach Santa Cruz Island for our first visit in the Archipelago: the Highlands. This is also a good place to see the ground finch of the Island, which populates these forests where is also possible to see the vermilion flycatcher or the yellow warbler.

We will return to the yacht for lunch and to freshen up 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.

Afterwards we will head back to Puerto Ayora, where we will have some time to explore the town and shops by ourselves (this is the only change of shopping during on this itinerary) before boarding the M/Y Passion 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.

Day 2: Thursday
– AM – Plaza Sur
Dry landing on one of the oldest docks of the archipelago on colorful Plaza Sur, home to vibrant green prickly pears, deep red Sesuvium, and coppery‐orange land iguanas. Impressive seaward cliffs make the perfect perching spot for a variety of coastal birds. This is also a great place to observe the adult and pup sea lions swimming along the shores.

– PM – Santa Fe Island
After a wet landing on Santa Fe, we will be encountered bya white beach where sea lions are usually resting. We will be looking for the endemic species of land iguana, larger and yellower than land iguanas on other islands. The largest prickly pear cacti in the Galapagos are also found here.

Day 3: Friday
– AM – Gardner Bay
We will spend the morning in the fantastic Gardner Bay (wet landing) of Española Island; an outstanding beach with sea lions, marine iguanas, and the intrepid Española mockingbird. 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.

– PM – Punta Suarez
In the afternoon we will head to Punta Suarez, one of the most popular landing sites in Galapagos.

The highlights include: sea lions near the landing place, sometimes to be seen body‐surfing in the large breakers, large marine iguanas, with red‐colored males in the breeding season, oystercatchers, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, Galapagos hawks, Galapagos doves, swallow‐tailed gulls, red-billed tropicbirds, and three species endemic to Española: the waved albatross (present only from April to December), the Española mockingbird, and the Española lava lizard. The trail ends in “El Soplador” a blowhole that sprays water some 25 m (75 feet) into the air.

Day 4: Saturday
Twins Craters & Departure
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 in fact not craters, but magma domes that have collapsed, leaving two deep and wide holes located to the side of the road that leads to Puerto Ayora from the other side of the island.

After this visit, we will make our way to the Baltra airport for the flight to mainland Ecuador.