Natural Paradise Itinerary A - 4 days

DAY 1: SATURDAY
AM: BALTRA ARRIVAL AND TRANSFER TO THE BOAT
Los Gemelos (Twin Craters)iguana marina puerto egas
Los Gemelos, or the Twin Craters, are located opposite each other on both sides of the road leading from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. The name is only figurative; not real craters, these formations were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. The view is breathtaking.

PM: CHARLES DARWIN STATION / FAUSTO LLERENA BREEDING CENTER
The Charles Darwin Research Station is home to turtles ranging from 3 inches (new hatchlings) to 4 feet long. Subspecies of turtles interact with one another and many of the older turtles are accustomed to humans stretchingturtle breeding center out their heads for a photo opportunity. The babies are kept until they are about four years old and strong enough to survive on their own.

DAY 2: SUNDAY
AM: GENOVESA: EL BARRANCO
Also known as Prince Phillip's Steps, El Barranco’s steep, rocky paths lead up to a high cliff face. A marvelous view can be appreciated from here. This site is also home to palo santored footed booby galapagos vegetation as well as red-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls, Galapagos swallows, and Galapagos doves.
Highlights: Red-footed boobies, short-eared lava owls, storm petrels, Galapagos doves
Possible Activities: Hiking (0.9 miles/2 km)
Type of Landing: Dry, difficult landing
Difficulty: Moderate

PM: GENOVESA: DARWIN BAY
This white sand coral beach heads a half-mile trail (0.75km) that winds through mangroves filled with land birds. Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls can be spotted here. Further down the path are tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully. At the end is a spectacular view of a cliff.
Highlights: Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, mangroves, coral pebbles beach, snorkeling: rays, colorful reef fish, and hammerhead sharks
Possible Activities: Hiking (0.9 miles/1.5 km), snorkeling, kayaking & dinghy ride
Type of Landing: Wet landing.
Difficulty: Easy/moderate

DAY 3: MONDAY
AM: SANTIAGO: ESPUMILLA BEACH / BUCCANEER COVE
Espumilla Beach is a popular place for marine iguanas and Sally Lightfoot crabs. The crabs attract the hunting herons dancing predators and prey. With an abundance of marine life including octopi, moray eels, and sharks, snorkeling is highly recommended.
Highlights: Snorkeling
Possible Activities: Snorkeling and swimming
Type of Landing: Wet landing
Difficulty: Easy
Buccaneer Cove is a testament to the fact that Santiago Island was once a refuge for British buccaneers. These pirates would anchor in the protected bay to make repairs and stock up on tortoise meat among other things. The cliffs, where hundreds of seabirds perch in front of the dark red sand beach, are magnificent sites.
Highlights: Sea birds, historical site, snorkeling, rock formations
Possible Activities: Short walk along the beach (less than 0.6 miles/1 km)
Type of Landing: Wet landing
Difficulty: Easyaudubon shearwaters santa cruz galapagos

PM: SANTIAGO: EGAS PORT
Also known as James Bay, Egas Port is home to the curious Galapagos hawks and quick-footed Galapagos lava lizards. The trail leads to a coastline with gorgeous tide pools and grottos full of fauna. Here the Galapagos fur sea lions bathe in the sun. This is also a great snorkeling site.
Highlights: Fur sea lions, Galapagos sea lions, tidal pools and “grottos”, Galapagos hawk, oystercatchers, marine iguanas, finches;
snorkeling: reef sharks, turtles, rays, nice underwater formations.
Possible Activities: Snorkeling, hiking (1.2 miles/2 km)
Type of Landing: Wet landing
Difficulty: Easy/moderate

DAY 4: TUESDAY
AM: SANTA CRUZ: BACHAS BEACH
Located on the north shore of Santa Cruz, Las Bachas is a swimming beach. One of the few remnants of the U.S. World War II presence in the Galapagos, a floating pier, can be seen here. You may see flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black-necked stilts, and whimbrels. Sea turtles also nest off the beach.
Highlights: World War II remnants
Animals: Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black-necked stilts, whimbrels, sea turtles
Type of Landing: Wet
Difficulty: Easy

TRANSFER TO BALTRA AIRPORT
Please note:
Itineraries are unlikely to change significantly but are subject to change. Weather, wildlife breeding, safety concerns, instructions from the Galapagos National Park, specific abilities and interests of passengers as well as operational matters may cause your guide or captain to change the time or nature of visits. Your guide and captain will always endeavor to select the best itinerary within these limits.