DAY 1: SATURDAY
Arrive at Baltra airport / Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz (Indefatigable): The largest of the central islands, Santa Cruz is home to many tourist visitor sights and the largest human settlement, Puerto Ayora.
AM: HIGHLANDS OF SANTA CRUZ
Galapagos giant tortoises can be seen in the wild in the highlands of Santa Cruz.
PM: CHARLES DARWIN STATION
Visit the Charles Darwin Station research facility and National Park Information center. The Charles Darwin Station has a giant tortoise and land iguana breeding program and interpretation center.
DAY 2: SUNDAY
FLOREANA ISLAND
FLOREANA (CHARLES) ISLAND IS BEST KNOWN FOR ITS COLORFUL HISTORY OF BUCCANEERS, WHALERS, CONVICTS, AND EARLY COLONISTS.
AM: PUNTA CORMORANT
Punta Cormorant has two contrasting beaches and a large inland lagoon where pink flamingoes can be seen.
PM: DEVILS CROWN
This is a snorkeling site located just off Punta Cormorant. The site is a completely submerged volcano that has eroded to create the appearance of a jagged crown.
Asilo de la Paz: In the highlands of Floreana Island we will find a freshwater spring where historically was a hideout for the pirates, and whalers.
DAY 3: MONDAY
FLOREANA ISLAND
AM:POST OFFICE BAY
This is one of the few sites visited for its human history. Visit the wooden mail barrel where letters are dropped off and picked up and see the remains of the Norwegian fishing village.
PM: DAY TIME NAVIGATION
This is an excellent time to keep an eye out for whales and dolphins. Furthermore, enjoy the landscape of Isabela Island.
DAY 4: TUESDAY
ISABELA ISLAND
AM: ISABELA ISLAND (ALBEMARLE)
The largest of the Galapagos Islands formed by five active volcanoes fused together. Wolf Volcano is the highest point in the entire Galapagos at 1707m.
PM:PUNTA MORENO
Located in the central southwestern coast of Isabela Island. The site has spectacular views of volcanoes Alcedo, Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul. Some highlights include impressive lava flows, desolate and pristine landscape, varied and unusual arid zone vegetation.
PM: URBINA BAY
Located at the central-west coast of Isabela Island at the foothills of Alcedo and Darwin volcanoes. Highlights include the colorful land iguanas, Galapagos Giant tortoises and the coral uplifting from 1954.
DAY 5: WEDNESDAY
ISABELA ISLAND / FERNANDINA ISLAND
Isabela Island (Albemarle)
AM: TAGUS COVE
A natural harbor where centuries ago whalers and pirates left their ship’s names painted or carved on the rocks. A walk uphill to Darwin’s Crater salt-water lake will provide an excellent view.
Fernandina Island (Narborough):
Fernandina is the youngest volcanic island and is still active.
PM: PUNTA ESPINOZA
A place famous for its large colonies of marine iguanas and as the habitat of unique species like the flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguin, Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, among others.
DAY 6: THURSDAY
SANTIAGO ISLAND
Santiago Island (James): This Island is located between Isabela and Santa Cruz Islands. This Island offers a wide variety of seabirds, marine iguanas and fur seals.
AM: PUERTO EGAS
A walk along the rocky coastline that will show you a view of some of Galapagos’ best tide pools. Some highlights include Sugar loaf volcano, fur seals, oystercatchers, marine iguana colony, and an old salt mine.
PM: ESPUMILLA BEACH
This site has a beautiful contrast between the golden beach and the green mangroves. It is also a great site to see flamingos, pintail ducks, green sea turtle nests and the Galapagos Hawk. It is also a good site to go for a cool off swim or a snorkel.
Buccaneers Cove: This site was Charles Darwin’s home for 9 days. As well as a resting site for many whalers and pirates. With this rich history Buccaneers Cove is a must see. Enjoy a panga ride or snorkel looking for Galapagos Fur Seals, Brown Noody, Pelicans, and Swallow-tailed Gulls
DAY 7: FRIDAY
SANTIAGO ISLAND / NORTH SEYMOUR
SANTIAGO ISLAND
AM: SULLIVAN BAY
This site is of great geological interest. Highlights: 100-hundred-year-old lava flow field, pahoehoe formations, lava bubbles
North Seymour Island: This flat piece of land originated after an uplifting event thousands of years ago. Small but packed with many animals.
PM: NORTH SEYMOUR
The island is home to endemic Palo Santo trees, colonies of blue-footed boobies, swallow tailed gulls, the magnificent frigate birds, and sealions.
DAY 8: SATURDAY
MOSQUERA ISLAND / BALTRA ISLAND FOR RETURN FLIGHT TO QUITO
Mosquera Island: This small beach island is located in the channel between North Seymour Island and Baltra Island.
AM: This white sand beach is home to a healthy sealion colony.
Baltra Island