Itinerary C - 6 Days
Itinerary C 6 Days
MONDAY
AM: Baltra Airport: Arrival and Transfer to the boat
PM: Seymour: North Seymour (HK)
TUESDAY
AM:Bartolome:Bartolome (HK/SN/PR)
PM:Santiago: Sullivan Bay (HK/SN)
WEDNESDAY
AM:Genovesa:Darwin Bay (HK/SN/PR/PB/KY)
PM:Genovesa: El Barranco (HK/SN/PR/PB/KY)
THURSDAY
AM:Plazas: South Plazas (HK/SN)
PM:Santa Fe (HK/SN/PR/PB/KY)
FRIDAY
AM:San Cristobal: Interpretation Center (HK)
PM:San Cristobal:Lobos Island (HK/SN/PR)
SATURDAY
AM:San Cristobal: Highlands (HK)
San Cristobal: Transfer to the Airport
HK: HIKE / SN: SNORKEL / PR: PANGA RIDE / KY: KAYAK /
PB: PADDLE BOARD
DAY 1 : MONDAY
SEYMOUR
AM: BALTRA AIRPORT ARRIVAL AND TRANSFER TO THE A BOAT
Departure to the
Galapagos Islands, arrive at Baltra airport, where a National Park-certified
naturalist guide will warmly welcome you to this biodiversity-rich paradise.
Your exciting journey in the footsteps of Darwin is about to start!
PM – NORTH SEYMOUR
Your journey continues with a morning visit to North Seymour Island, a
spectacular showcase of the Galapagos Islands' diverse wildlife. This
relatively flat island is home to a thriving population of blue-footed boobies
and frigate birds. The trail winds its way through a forest of low, bushy
vegetation, where you'll have the opportunity to witness the fascinating
courtship dance of the blue-footed boobies. The island's coastline also allows
one to observe sea lions and marine iguanas basking in the sun. The large
frigate bird colonies are a sight, especially when the males inflate their
bright red throat pouches to attract mates. Birdwatching Experience: Encounter the majestic frigate birds and
charming blue-footed boobies in their natural habitat. This is an ideal spot
for birdwatching and photography.
Activities
Dry landing, hiking
you can see
Blue-footed
boobies, frigate birds, sea lions, marine iguanas.
DAY 2: TUESDAY
BARTOLOME / SANTIAGO
AM:
BARTOLOME
Bartolome Island is one of the most iconic
places in the Galapagos, renowned for its accessible penguin population and the
beautiful Pinnacle Rock. The beach nearby the rock is painted with
peach-colored sand, adding to the surreal beauty of the landscape. A hike to
the island's summit will offer you panoramic views of lunar-like landscapes
dotted with volcanic cones, numerous islands, Sullivan Bay, and, of course, the
towering Pinnacle Rock.
Snorkeling Experience: Following the hike,
you have the option to swim or snorkel from the beach. This location boasts a
well-deserved reputation as one of the best snorkeling spots in the Galapagos,
with its clear, calm water and diverse underwater life. This includes penguins,
which are surprisingly easy to spot, along with many colorful fish, invertebrates,
playful sea lions, turtles, rays, and reef sharks. Highlights: Galapagos penguins,
volcanic landscapes, Pinnacle rock, blue-footed boobies, herons, sea lions, and
sharks.
PM: SULLIVAN
BAY
Walking through Sullivan Bay offers an
extraordinary journey into the volcanic origins of the Galapagos Islands. Your
hike will take you across a perfectly preserved Pahoehoe lava flow, providing
endless opportunities to observe the delicate textures of this rare type of
lava. While the landscape may appear barren and lifeless at first, a closer
look reveals resilient pioneer plants, scurrying lava lizards, and small birds.
Along the shore, penguins, pelicans, and oystercatchers add a touch of life to
the stark environment.
Snorkeling Experience: Following the hike,
you can swim or snorkel from a coral sand beach or the dinghies. The underwater
world here starkly contrasts the sparse land, teeming with schools of fish,
Galapagos penguins, reef sharks, turtles, and rays. Highlights: Pahoehoe lava,
Galapagos penguins, oystercatchers, Galapagos hawks.
Activities
Dry landing, hiking / you can swim or snorkel
you can see
fish, Galapagos penguins, reef sharks, turtles, and rays.
Pahoehoe lava, Galapagos penguins, oystercatchers, Galapagos hawks.
DAY 3: WEDNESDAY
GENOVESA
AM: DARWIN
BAY
Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island is a birder's dream come true. When you
set foot on the beach, you will be amazed by the spectacle of hundreds of
boobies, gulls, and frigatebirds soaring above, nesting in the bushes, or
roosting on the sandy terrain. This immersive wildlife trail hosts sea lions
and marine iguanas by the sea, and inland you'll encounter night herons, lava
and swallow-tailed gulls, Darwin finches, Galapagos doves, mockingbirds, and
more. Snorkeling Experience: Darwin Bay offers a variety of snorkeling locations, from deep waters along the
bay's cliffs to shallow waters near the beach. Regardless of where you choose,
a colorful variety of fish awaits your visit, with a high chance of spotting
sharks, rays, and sea lions.
Highlights: Nesting great
frigatebirds, red-footed & Nazca boobies, Galapagos sea lions, lava &
swallow-tailed gulls, yellow-crown night herons, Genovesa ground finch,
Genovesa cactus finch, Galapagos mockingbirds.
PM: EL
BARRANCO
Located in the southern part of Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island, El
Barranco is blessed with cliffs facing the sea made from very fragile,
fractured lava. This creates an ideal nesting environment for storm petrels, attracting
a significant population of short-eared owls. The trail is dotted with
red-footed and Nazca boobies. At the same time, the base of the cliffs provides
restful, shaded areas for Galapagos fur seals and numerous seabirds. Snorkeling Experience: Snorkeling alongside these cliffs is an exhilarating experience, teeming with
diverse fish and providing great chances to see sharks, rays, and playful sea
lions. Highlights: Nesting great
frigatebirds, red-footed & Nazca boobies, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos
fur seals, lava & swallow-tailed gulls, yellow-crown night herons, Genovesa
ground finch, Genovesa cactus finch, Galapagos mockingbirds.
Activities
Wet landing and hiking
you can see
Nesting great frigatebirds, red-footed &
Nazca boobies, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos fur seals, lava &
swallow-tailed gulls, yellow-crown night herons, Genovesa ground finch,
Genovesa cactus finch, Galapagos mockingbirds.
DAY 4: THURSDAY
PLAZAS / SANTA FE
AM: SOUTH PLAZAS ISLAND
Begin your day with a visit to South Plazas Island, one of the smaller
yet vibrant islands in the Galapagos. This island is renowned for its
extraordinary flora, including towering cacti and the striking Sesuvium plant,
which changes from green to bright red during the dry season. South Plazas is
also home to a large colony of land iguanas, which are often seen lounging
under the cacti or wandering around. The steep cliffs on the southern part of
the island provide a haven for various seabirds, including swallow-tailed gulls
and red-billed tropicbirds. Sea lions frequent the coastline and offers an
excellent opportunity to observe their playful antics in the water.
Highlights: Land
iguanas, Sesuvium plants, cacti, sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed
tropicbirds.
PM: SANTA FE ISLAND
In the afternoon, set off to explore Santa Fe Island, known for its
picturesque bay and turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The
island hosts a healthy population of the larger species of land iguanas unique
to Santa Fe. Watch for these magnificent creatures as you walk through the
giant prickly pear cactus forest. The island's calm, clear waters are ideal for
spotting an array of marine life, including sea turtles, rays, and colorful
schools of fish. Santa Fe also offers a chance to see the Galapagos hawk and
various endemic finches.
This day offers a blend of terrestrial and marine exploration,
showcasing the diverse landscapes and wildlife the Galapagos Islands are famous
for. Highlights: Santa Fe land iguanas, prickly pear cactus,
sea turtles, Galapagos hawk, snorkeling opportunities.
Activities
Dry landing, hiking / Wet landing, hiking, snorkeling
you can see
Land iguanas, Sesuvium plants, cacti, sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropicbirds.
Santa Fe land iguanas, prickly pear cactus, sea turtles, Galapagos hawk
DAY 5: FRIDAY
SAN CRISTOBAL
AM:
INTERPRETATION CENTER - A JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY
Situated on the outskirts of Puerto Baquerizo, the Interpretation Center
serves as a rich repository of the history of human presence in the Galapagos
Islands. Its exhibitions chronicle the stories of early Spanish explorers up to
the present day, highlighting prominent visitors such as Charles Darwin. The
displays at this center illustrate the challenges and perils faced by the first
settlers as they endeavored to survive in the rugged Galapagos environment. .
PM: LOBOS ISLAND
Venture to Lobos Island, a tranquil islet secluded from San Cristobal by
a slim channel. This nature's cradle, amidst a serene bay, is the playground
for sea lion pups frolicking in tidal pools. The island might be modest but
bursts with life, particularly with "lobos marinos" or sea lions. As
you step ashore, welcoming committees of sea lions would greet you, only to be
outraged by the male frigatebirds inland, presenting their inflamed red
balloons amidst the verdant foliage. Stay vigilant for the blue-footed boobies
nesting on the trails, ready to treat you to a display of their whimsical
courtship dance.
Snorkeling Experience: Dive into an underwater ballet at
this renowned snorkeling spot, sheltered by the calm waves. Playful sea lions
would eagerly display their acrobatic prowess. In contrast, sea turtles and
rays find solace resting on the sandy seabed, giving you a glimpse into the
harmonious marine life that thrives beneath the surface. Highlights: Galapagos sea lions, marine Iguanas, magnificent & great
frigatebirds, blue-footed Boobies, and San Cristobal Lava Lizards.
Activities
Dry landing, hiking / Wet landing, hiking, snorkeling
you can see
Galapagos sea lions, marine Iguanas, magnificent & great frigatebirds, blue-footed Boobies, and San Cristobal Lava Lizards.
DAY 6: SATURDAY
SAN CRISTOBAL
AM:
SAN
CRISTOBAL HIGHLANDS
Your day begins with a journey to the highlands of San Cristobal Island,
offering a different perspective of the Galapagos' unique ecosystem. This lush
and verdant area contrasts sharply with the coastal zones. The highlands are
home to a variety of bird species, giant tortoises in their natural habitat,
and a rich array of plant life, including endemic trees and ferns. You'll have
the opportunity to walk along paths that meander through this lush landscape,
offering a chance to observe the giant tortoises up close and personal. The
highlands also provide panoramic views of the island, showcasing its diverse
topography.
Highlights: Giant
tortoises, endemic bird species, panoramic views, lush vegetation.
After your morning exploration, it's time to say goodbye to the
Galapagos Islands and transfer back to the Ecuador mainland. Reflect on the
incredible experiences and the unique wildlife and landscapes you've
encountered during your journey. The transfer to the airport is an opportunity
to take in the last views of this enchanting archipelago.
This concludes your unforgettable exploration of the Galapagos Islands,
a journey filled with natural wonders and wildlife encounters that will leave a
lasting impression and a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of our
planet's ecosystems. .
