ITINERARIES Santa Cruz II
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS EASTERN
ISLANDS Saturday to Wednesday
DAY 1 SAT QUITO-GALAPAGOS
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal Island)
Arrival by plane to San Cristobal Island and transfer to
the Santa Cruz, anchored at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the
provincial capital of the Galapagos Islands. Cabin
assignment, introductory talk, boat drill and lunch.
Punta Pitt (San Cristobal Island)
In the afternoon, Punta Pitt, on the eastern tip of San
Cristobal Island awaits! An eroded tuff cone whose trail
provides spectacular views of the shoreline, this is the
only site in the Galapagos where the three species of
boobies can be found together. We can enjoy a panga ride
along the coast and some time for snorkelling or
swimming.
DAY 2 SUN. GALAPAGOS
Santa Fe Island
After breakfast, we take the panga over to this idyllic
sandy-white beach populated by many sea lions. The
endemic land iguana, unique to this island, may be
spotted during the morning walk amid the giant prickly
pear cactus. Snorkelling and swimming from the panga
rounds off our rewarding experience, or if guests
prefer, the glass-bottom boat provides an incredible
view for non-snorkelers.
South Plaza Island
Following lunch and a rest, we disembark in this
channel, whose turquoise waters contrast brilliantly
with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline.
Beyond, a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves
as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green
prickly-pear cactus. Yellow-grey land iguanas sit
beneath these, waiting patiently for prickly-pears to
drop. Along the coastline one finds sea lion colonies,
while frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls and shearwaters
glide. (B,L,D)
DAY 3 MON. GALAPAGOS
Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station
(Santa Cruz Island)
In the morning, we disembark (dry landing) for our visit
to the Charles Darwin Research Station's giant tortoise
Breeding Centre within an impressive giant prickly-pear
cactus forest home to many land birds. This station is
the headquarters of scientific investigation,
conservation and the National Park’s administration.
Following our visit, we board our transport to enjoy
lunch in the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island, a
completely different ecosystem.
Santa Cruz Island
We have several options available for the midday and
afternoon (hiking, mountain biking or kayaking in
Tortuga Bay), which can be discussed in advance with
your Expedition Leader. At the end of the afternoon's
activities, we return to Puerto Ayora and embark on the
Santa Cruz II. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 TUE GALAPAGOS
Punta Suarez (Española Island)
An exciting walk awaits at this site, where we enjoy its
unique sea bird colonies, including waved albatrosses
(April - December), Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies,
and swallow-tail gulls as well as a view of the
Galapagos’ famous "blow-hole". Also, look out for
red-green-black marine iguanas. Back on board for lunch.
Gardner Bay (Española Island)
In the afternoon, the picture-postcard white coral beach
of Gardner Bay provides a beautiful setting for
observing sea lions, mockingbirds, finches as we relax.
We can expect great snorkelling in this area. (B,L,D)
DAY 5 WED GALAPAGOS-QUITO- BALTRA ISLAND
After breakfast, departure to the port and airport to
take the flight back to the mainland. (B)
5 DAYS /4 NIGHTS
NORTHERN ISLANDS -Monday to Friday
DAY 1 MON. QUITO-GALAPAGOS (Northern
Island Itinerary)
Transfer to the airport for flight to Galapagos.Morning
arrival to Baltra Island, immediate transfer to the dock
to board the new M/V SantaCruz II. Welcome introductory
briefing and lunch.
Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island)
After WWII, US military barges were beached andabandoned
here. Locals referred to the beach asthe barges beach, a
name that morphed to “bachas”. Today it is an important
nesting areafor the east Pacific green sea turtle.
Locatedon the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, it is
aglorious white beach, with several brackishlagoons only
a few steps away from the sea.These lagoons are the
feeding grounds of variouswading birds, from stilts to
flamingos. Briefingand dinner. (B,L,D)
DAY 2 TUE. GALAPAGOS
Espumilla Beach (James Island)
After breakfast, a wet landing on the
largecoffee-coloured sand beach, just north of theprized
fresh water supply that once attractedpirates and
whalers. Galápagos Islands visitorswho today come to
Espumilla Beach arrive insearch of birds rather than
water. A short walkinland takes guests through a
mangrove forest.Sea Turtles also visit these mangroves
to nest.Beyond the mangroves lies a brackish lagoonwhere
flocks of pink flamingos and white cheekedpintails can
be seen. Lunch on board.
PuertoEgas (James Island)
Wet landing for a mid-length walk. Most ofthe landscape
is tuff-stone layers and lavaflows. This is a great
opportunity to see landand marine birds. At low tide,
marineiguanas graze upon the algae beds and there is
acolony of fur-sea lions. Opportunity forsnorkelling and
swimming from the beach afterthe walk, or a ride on the
glass-bottom boat.Briefing and dinner. (B,L,D)
DAY 3 WED. GALAPAGOS
Rábida Island (Jervis) Disembark at Rábida Island (wet
landing) on ared-coloured beach, due to the unusually
highcontent of iron in the volcanic material.
Agratifying stroll along the beach of this smallisland
(1.9 sq. mi.) allows the observation of alarge colony of
sea lions, marine iguanas,mockingbirds, yellow warblers
and severalspecies of Darwin’s finches. Very close to
thebeach, hidden behind a strip of green saltbush,is a
salt pond where at times greater flamingosmigrate. This
is a great place to snorkel fromthe beach, both for
beginners as well as forexperienced snorkelers, due to
the uniquecombination of underwater species and
submarinelandscapes. During navigation to our
nextisland, dolphins are often spotted. Lunch onboard.
Bartolomé Island Disembark at Bartolomé Island (dry
landing) fora hike to the summit. A great way to start
theday! This is a steep climb aided by a woodenstaircase
with handrails; the view from the topis worth the
effort. Dinghy ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock,
thentime to enjoy the beach (wet landing) and
somesnorkelling, possibly with Galápagos penguins,or
else a ride in the glass-bottom boat forgreat views of
the underwater world. Briefing and dinner. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 THU. GALAPAGOS
Prince Philip's Steps (Tower/Genovesa Island) The
morning starts with a very interesting pangaride along
the cliffs and then disembark (drylanding) on rocks for
a steep climb (90 feet) upsome stairs. Once at the top
of the stairs, theland is flat, allowing for a
stimulating walk ofabout a mile to the other side of
this smallisland, observing large colonies of
maskedboobies, frigate birds and storm petrels. Thosenot
wishing to disembark can enjoy a longerpanga ride along
the cliffs (depending onweather conditions). Lunch on
board.
Darwin Bay (Tower/Genovesa Island) In the afternoon, a
wet landing for an easystroll observing thousands of
birds, mainlyfrigate birds, red footed and masked
boobies,gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds.Optional
walk over sharp lava and uneven terrainfor dramatic
views, or else return to the beachto enjoy swimming and
snorkelling at thisbeautiful natural harbour. The more
adventurouscan snorkel along the cliffs. Briefing
anddinner. (B,L,D)
Day 5 FRI. GALAPAGOS-QUITO-or Guayaquil
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal (Chatham)Island)
After breakfast, departure to the port andairport to
take the flight back to the mainland.(B)
5 Days / 4 Nights
Western Galapagos Itinerary, Thursday to Monday
Day 1: Thursday
Baltra Island
We arrive by plane at Baltra Island and transfer to the
dock to board the Santa Cruz II where we receive our
welcome introductory briefing, boat drill and lunch.
Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz Island)
The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts the fascinating
landscapes of Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill). The first part
of our walk passes a brackish-water lagoon frequented by
shorebirds, ducks and American flamingos, while further
inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and
the western islands of the archipelago, as well as the
chance of observing land iguanas.
Day 2: Friday
Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island)
After breakfast, we explore the coast by panga, while
our naturalist guide explains the dramatic geology of
the area, a nesting place for several Galapagos
highlights: flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins,
fur seals, boobies, etc. Depending on weather
conditions, we can snorkel along the cliffs of this area
rich in marine life, seasonally-visited by green sea
turtles and oceanic sun fish (Mola Mola)
Punta Espinoza (Isabela Island)
The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the youngest
island of the archipelago, Fernandina, which, having no
introduced mammals, boasts a very unique environment
with a very high density of marine iguanas, who share
their space with sea lions, Sally light-foot crabs,
hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorants.
Day 3: Saturday
Puerto Ayora & Charles Darwin Research Station
In the morning, we disembark (dry landing followed by a
brief bus ride) for our visit to the Charles Darwin
Research Station’s giant tortoise Breeding Centre within
an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest, home to
many land birds. These are the headquarters of
scientific investigation, conservation and the National
Park administration. Following our visit, we board our
transport to enjoy lunch in the cooler highlands of
Santa Cruz Island, a completely different ecosystem.
Santa Cruz Island
We have several options available for the afternoon,
which can be discussed in advance with your Expedition
Leader. Options include beach walks, kayaks, walks along
the tortoise reserve, etc. At the end of the afternoon’s
activities, we return to Puerto Ayora and embark on the
Santa Cruz II.
Day 4: Sunday
Baroness Tower & Post Office Bay (Floreana Island)
After breakfast, panga ride along the maze of channels
on Floreana’s north shore can be enjoyed. We follow this
visit by continuing to Baroness Cove with its
breathtaking views of Floreana. We land at Post Office
Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a
post office in the archipelago for over two centuries
and where postcards are traditionally left for guests
from other vessels to hand-deliver to their
destinations. Snorkeling off the beach. We then head
back on board for lunch.
Champion Islet & Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island)
Following lunch and a siesta, we take the pangas and
glass-bottom boat to explore the underwater wonders
around Champion Islet, an extinct shield volcano,
regarded as one of the best snorkelling spots in the
archipelago. From there, it’s on to Punta Cormorant,
beginning with a wet landing on the olivine-crystal
beach for an easy walk that includes a brackish-water
lagoon where bird species such as American flamingos,
pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers, and
others gather. We continue our walk over to a white-sand
beach, where sea turtles emerge from the sea at night to
nest (from December to May).
Day 5: Monday
Baltra Island
We disembark at Baltra Island in order to transfer to
the airport to take the flight back to the mainland.
7 days / 6 nights
Eastern Galapagos Itinerary, Friday to Thursday
Day 1: Friday
Baltra Island
We land at Baltra Island by plane in the morning and
transfer to the dock to board the Santa Cruz II, where
we receive a welcome introductory briefing, boat drill
and lunch
Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island)
This beautiful visitor site is located on the north
shore of Santa Cruz Island, a glorious white beach with
a couple of brackish lagoons only a few steps away from
the sea. These lagoons are the feeding grounds of
various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos. You may
enjoy swimming and or snorkeling at this beach too.
Welcome cocktail, expedition plan for Tuesday and
dinner.
Day 2: Saturday
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal Island)
After breakfast, we disembark (dry landing) at Puerto
Baquerizo Moreno, the island’s capital, and drive 40
minutes to the island’s southern shore. At Cerro
Colorado, we visit the breeding centre for highly
endangered giant tortoises in the midst of a fantastic
deciduous forest, home to dozens of bird species,
including the San Cristobal mockingbird, and the San
Cristobal lava lizard, both island endemics.
Punta Pitt (San Cristobal Island)
In the afternoon, we disembark (wet landing) on the
eastern tip of the island at Punta Pitt, an eroded tuff
cone, whose trail provides spectacular views of the
shoreline. This is the only site in the Galapagos where
the three species of boobies can be found together. We
can walk or enjoy a panga ride along the coast.
Opportunity for snorkelling, swimming and kayaking.
Day 3: Sunday
Santa Fe Island
After breakfast, we take the dinghy over to this idyllic
sandy-white beach populated by many sea lions (wet
landing). The endemic land iguana, unique to this
island, may be spotted during the morning walk amid the
giant prickly pear cactus. Snorkeling and swimming from
the panga rounds off our rewarding experience, or if
guests prefer, the glass bottom boat is available for
non-snorkelers.
South Plaza Island
Following lunch and a rest, we disembark (dry landing)
in this channel, whose turquoise waters contrast
brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the
shoreline. Beyond, a carpet of scarlet sesuvium
succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of
luminescent green prickly-pear cactus. Yellow-grey land
iguanas sit beneath these, waiting patiently for pears
to drop. Along the coastline one finds sea lion
colonies, while frigates, swallow-tailed gulls and
shearwaters glide, playing with the thermals.
Day 4: Monday
Puerto Ayora & Charles Darwin Research Station
In the morning, we disembark (dry landing) for our visit
to the Charles Darwin Research Station’s giant tortoise
Breeding Centre within an impressive giant prickly-pear
cactus forest home to many land birds. These are the
headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation
and the National Park administration. Following our
visit, we board our transport to enjoy lunch in the
cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island, a completely
different ecosystem.
Santa Cruz Island
We have several options available for the afternoon,
which can be discussed in advance with your Expedition
Leader. At the end of the afternoon’s activities, we
return to Puerto Ayora and embark on the Santa Cruz II.
Day 5: Tuesday
Punta Suarez (Española Island)
(Dry landing) – An exciting walk awaits at this site,
where we enjoy its unique sea bird colonies, including
albatross (April-December), Nazca boobies, blue-footed
boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls as well as a view of
the Galapagos’ famous “blow-hole”. Also, look out for
red-green-black marine iguanas. Back on board for lunch.
Gardner Bay & Osborn Islet (Española Island)
(Wet landing) In the afternoon, the picture-postcard
white coral beach of Gardner Bay and the nearby islet of
Osborn provides a beautiful setting for observing sea
lions, mockingbirds, and finches as we relax. We can
expect great snorkelling in this area. Opportunity for
swimming and kayaking as well.
Day 6: Wednesday
Eden Islet
After breakfast, a panga ride takes us to Eden Islet, a
small islet located off the coast of Santa Cruz, where
we can observe blue-footed boobies diving into the
water, reef sharks and frigates. There’s a chance to
snorkel and, if weather condition permits, ride in the
glass-bottom boat and kayak.
North Seymour Island
North Seymour was lifted from the ocean floor by a
volcanic event, and its origins as a seabed give the
island its low, flat profile. A tiny forest of
silver-grey Palo Santo trees stands just above the
landing (dry landing), usually without leaves, waiting
for the rains to burst into bloom. This is a great
introductory site to the islands and their wildlife,
full of bird colonies of blue-footed boobies, two
species of frigate birds, swallow-tailed gulls, as well
as sea lions and marine iguanas.
Day 7: Thursday
Baltra Airport
On our last day, we disembark at Baltra Island and
transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the
continent.
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