Grand Queen Beatriz Itinerary B - 4 days
ITINERARY B - 4 DAYS
SUNDAY
AM: San Cristobal: Arrival and Transfer to the boat
PM: San Cristobal: Interpretation Center (HK/SN)
MONDAY
AM: Bartolome (HK/SN)
PM: Sullivan Bay (HK/SN)
TUESDAY
AM: Santiago: Espumilla Beach (SN/HK)
PM: Santiago: Buccaneer Cove - Egas Port (HK/SN)
WEDNESDAY
AM: Santa Cruz: Charles Darwin Research Station (HK)
Baltra: Transfer to the Airport
HK: HIKE / SN: SNORKEL / PR: PANGA RIDE / KY: KAYAK /
PB: PADDLE BOARD
DAY 1: SUNDAY
AM: SAN CRISTOBAL: ARRIVAL AND TRANSFER TO THE BOAT
Welcome to the Galapagos!
When you arrive, you'll be met by the National Park Guide and transferred to your boat, the M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz – a first-class boat with all of the creature comforts you’ll need.
PM: SAN CRISTOBAL COLORADO HILL INTERPRETATION CENTER
This afternoon you'll travel into the interior of Isla San Cristobal to visit the highlands site of Galapaguera of Cerro Colorado (Red Hill) where the national park has established a breeding program and information centre for native tortoises. Here, you'll be able to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat and learn all about their origin, evolution and their threatened future.
Included Activities
● San Cristobal Highlands
Meals Included
● Lunch
● Dinner
DAY 2: MONDAY
AM: BARTOLOME
Arrive at Bartolome – one of the most spectacular volcanic landscapes in the Galapagos, full of parasitic cones, lava flows and home to Galapagos penguins and lava lizards.
Bartolome is a relatively new island in the archipelago and traces of its volcanic past can be seen everywhere, as seen by the amazing lunar-like landscape. The Pinnacle Rock is one of the most photographed sites in the Galapagos – a rock structure protruding from the earth like a tooth, providing a focal point for two nearby bays.
PM: SULLIVAN BAY
Head to nearby Isla Santiago, where you can hike to the top of a once-active volcano (360 wooden steps) and enjoy superb views across to Sullivan Bay. If you’re in luck, you might catch a glance of the Galapagos Hawk. You also have the opportunity to go snorkelling with plenty of tropical fish, starfish, white-tipped reef sharks, rays and (hopefully) penguins.
On Santiago's eastern coast sits James Island. Here, take a walk on Pahoe-Hoe lava, from an eruption that occurred in 1897, and witness the regrowth of unique plant species since the last eruption. Look out for marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, sea lions, finches, turtles, sharks and penguins. On a walk, your guide will explain the interesting geological history of the islands.
Included Activities
● Isla Bartolome
● Sullivan Bay
Meals Included
● Breakfast
● Lunch
● Dinner
DAY 3: TUESDAY
AM: SANTIAGO: ESPUMILLA BEACH
Start the morning at Espumilla Beach, on the northern coast of Santiago in James Bay one of the most idyllic locations in the Galapagos. With large waves, it's often a favourite among beach lovers, and is also an important nesting site for marine turtles.
Look around and see Galapagos hawks, ghost crabs, blue-footed boobies (often plunging for fish) and brown pelicans up close. Espumilla is also well known for its forest of palo santo trees and some extraordinary lava formations.
PM: SANTIAGO: BUCANEER COVE - EGAS PORT
You'll also visit Caleta Bucanero (Buccaneer Cove), a natural monument of rocks caused by sea erosion. This cove was used by pirates to careen their ships. It is a place of local legends and stories, including where Charles Darwin camped for nine days while making his study of the islands and their wildlife. If conditions are favourable, you can enjoy some further snorkelling.
The next stop is Puerto Egas, a black sand beach located on the west side of James Bay and northwest of Santiago. South of the beach is Sugarloaf Volcano, which has deposits of volcanic tuff. This site is named Puerto Egas, after Hector Egas who last attempted to mine salt here. On the walk along the beach, you’ll encounter hundreds of marine iguanas and Galapagos sea lions. You will also see amazing tidal pools formed from ancient lava flow and home to sponges, snails, hermit crabs, barnacles and fish. Snorkelling with the seals always offers the possibility of thrilling encounters.
Included Activities
● Espumilla Beach and Buccaneer’s Cove
● Puerto Egas
Meals Included
● Breakfast
● Lunch
● Dinner
DAY 4: WEDNESDAY
AM: SANTA CRUZ: CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION BALTRA TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT
Today you'll visit Isla Santa Cruz, the second largest island in the Galapagos. The small town of Puerto Ayora is the economic centre of the archipelago, and home to the Charles Darwin Research Station. As well as undertaking vital conservation work, the station also makes for interesting exploration and offers the best opportunities for close encounters with giant tortoises. You'll also see baby tortoises and land iguanas.
Included Activities
● Charles Darwin Research Station
Meals Included
● Breakfast
