DAY 1: Santa Cruz Island and Charles Darwin Research Station
After checking in to your spacious private cabin aboard your
charter yacht visit Santa Cruz Island, a breeding center for the
giant tortoise and land iguanas. The research center offers an
excellent opportunity to better understand and appreciate these
giant ancient creatures.
DAY 2: Española Island, Suarez Point and Garner Bay
Española Island is known as one of the oldest islands in the
Archipelago, with an estimated age of 3.3 million years. The
Galapagos albatrosses and marine iguana are just two of the species
considered endemic to this island. In addition to unique wildlife,
located on a cliff is the amazing blowhole named El Soplador,
capable of shooting water 20 to 25 feet high, depending on the
intensity of the waves. Garner Bay features a wide open beach
located on the north coast of Española Island, home to a large
colony of sea lions and a great photo opportunity to catch these
endearing animals at play.
Also called Barrington Island, is located in the central part of
the Galapagos archipelago. The ascending trail takes visitors to
the peak of a cliff where the Santa Fe species of land iguana can
be seen. After a long hike, there is nothing better than a swim in
the calm waters of the bay or snorkeling in the company of sea
lions at the base of the rocks. South Plaza Island is off the east
end of Santa Cruz Island. Here about 1,000 sea lions and land
iguanas are everywhere. South Plaza Island features a breathtaking
perimeter trail through that is easy to follow.
DAY 4: North Seymour, Bartolome Island, Pinnacle Rock
Located north of Baltra is a two-mile trail through low level bush
that hosts the largest nesting colony of Great Frigate birds in
Galapagos. Blue footed boobies nest along the trail and land
iguanas can be viewed in their natural environment. This is also an
excellent spot for snorkeling.
Probably the most emblematic visiting sites in The Galapagos are
Bartolome Island and Pinnacle Rock due to the dazzling natural
beauty and spectacular landscape. Majestic sea turtles and
Galapagos penguins favor this location as a nesting site. Visitors
can climb all the way to the highest point on the island by means
of a wooden stairway that culminates in a breathtaking view. Here
too, snorkeling in the bay is an awesome experience.
On the northeastern tip of Fernandina Island a narrow ledge of lava
and sand dramatically stretches from the base of the volcano into
the sea. Punta Espinoza is famous for its large colonies of marine
iguanas. The teaming shoreline is also home to hawks, Galapagos
snakes, and many other species. For botany enthusiasts, this is an
ideal place to observe the lava cactus (Brachycerus nesioticus)
overtaking the lava rocks.
Urbina Bay is located at the eastern base of the Alcedo volcano.
The yacht will make a wet landing and guests will disembark to hike
a fascinating trail that runs through sand substrates, pumice rock,
lava, coral and exotic formations of vegetation including brightly
colored cactus.
Located on Isabela Island`s west shore, the marine life found here
is extremely interesting. The site is considered one of the best
places to observe Galapagos penguins perched on rocky coastal
formations. A small mangrove-lined canal emerges into a hidden cove
where sea turtles, rays, sea lions, and small sharks are
abundant.
Punta Moreno is located on the sensational north coast of Isabela
Island with a panoramic view of three volcanoes, Sierra Negra and
Cerro Azul on Isabela Island and La Cumbre on Fernandina Island is
truly spectacular. There are many species that use the lagoons as a
nursery site that often makes viewing especially charming.
DAY 7: Post Office Bay, Cormorant Point & Devils Crown
This historic site recalls the days of the buccaneers, whalers, and
the first human settlement in the Galapagos. Legend has it that in
the 18th century a whaling boat captain placed a barrel for mail
drop off and and delivery. Spelunkers will be interested in the
cave reached via a lava tunnel.
Cormorant Point is located on the north Coast of Floreana Island. A
trail leads up to a viewing site overlooking a lagoon that is home
to a large colony of flamingos. Continue back down along the path
to a white sand beach that is a nesting area for sea turtles and
attracts many rays and sea turtles visible just offshore. Devils
Crown is renowned for the plentiful varieties of marine life.
Located off the coast of Floreana Island, this hollow crater offers
amazing snorkeling around and inside the inner part of the
crater.
The final day guests must bid farewell to their new friends,
splendid yacht and attentive crew. For those guests who have
extended their charter vacation with a land segment, the 40 minute
drive to the highlands of Santa Cruz from Puerto Ayora offers an
opportunity to view astonishing transitions in vegetation according
to altitude. Guests may visit a private ranch where tortoises bask
in this natural environment of peaceful, small lagoons. Or simply
take a short stroll from the town center to capture final photos of
iguanas, birds, crabs, whitetip reef sharks and gigantic turtles.