Galaxy Itinerary C - 6 Days
ITINERARY C - 6 DAYS
MONDAY
AM: Baltra Arrival and Transfer to the boat
PM: North Seymour (HK)
TUESDAY
AM: Bartolome (HK/SN/PR)
PM: Santiago: Sullivan Bay (HK/SN/PR)
WEDNESDAY
AM: Genovesa: Darwin Bay (HK/SN/PR/PB/KY)
PM: Genovesa: El Barranco (HK/SN/PR/PB/KY)
THURSDAY
AM: South Plazas (HK/PR)
PM: Santa Fe Island (HK/PR)
FRIDAY
AM: San Cristobal: Interpretation Center (HK)
PM: San Cristobal: Lobos Island (HK/SN/PR)
SATURDAY
AM: San Cristobal: Kicker Rock (PR)
San Cristobal Transfer to the Airport
HK: HIKE / SN: SNORKEL / PR: PANGA RIDE / KY: KAYAK /
PB: PADDLE BOARD
DAY 1: MONDAY
AM: BALTRA ARRIVAL AND TRANSFER TO THE A BOAT
Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the Galapagos Islands, starting with your arrival at Baltra airport. Our expert naturalist guide from the National Park will eagerly await your arrival to introduce you to the wonders ahead.
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 bluefooted 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 Galapagos sea lions, and great frigatebirds, Land and marine iguanas, Darwin finches
DAY 2: TUESDAY
AM:
BARTOLOME
Bartolome is one of the most iconic islands in Galapagos, renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscape and the famous Pinnacle Rock. Nestled beside a peach-colored sand beach, this island is one of the few places where you can spot penguins without traveling to remote Isabela and Fernandina. The hike to the summit offers breathtaking views of a lunar-like terrain dotted with volcanic cones, with stunning panoramas of Sullivan Bay and Pinnacle Rock. From the top, the vast beauty of the archipelago unfolds before you, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
Snorkel Experience: Enjoy an unforgettable snorkeling experience in Bartolome, one of Galapagos’ top spots. Swim in calm, clear waters alongside penguins, colorful fish, sea turtles, sea lions, rays, and reef sharks in a thriving marine ecosystem.
Highlights: Volcanic landscapes, Pinnacle rock, Herons, Bluefooted boobies, Galapagos penguins
PM: SANTIAGO: SULLIVAN
BAY
Walking through Sullivan Bay is a fascinating journey into the volcanic origins of the Galapagos Islands. The trail crosses a vast Pahoehoe lava flow, showcasing unique textures that reveal the story of past eruptions. While the terrain may seem desolate at first, a closer look unveils pioneer plants, scurrying lava lizards, and small birds adapted to this extreme environment. Along the shore, the stark landscape is brightened by the presence of penguins, pelicans, and oystercatchers, adding a vibrant contrast to the stunning volcanic scenery.
Snorkel Experience: After the hike, unwind with a swim or snorkeling session from a coral-sand beach or a dinghy. The contrast with the barren land is striking—schools of fish, Galapagos penguins, reef sharks, sea turtles, and rays thrive in this vibrant marine ecosystem.
Highlights: Lava tubes, Galapagos penguins, Oystercatchers, Galapagos hawks
DAY 3: WEDNESDAY
AM: GENOVESA: DARWIN
BAY
Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island is a breathtaking sight for birdwatchers. As you step onto the beach, you’ll be amazed by the presence of hundreds of boobies, gulls, and frigatebirds soaring, nesting in bushes, or resting on the sand. Along the shore, sea lions and marine iguanas blend into the scenery, while inland you may spot night herons, swallow-tailed gulls, Darwin finches, Galapagos doves, and mockingbirds. This immersive experience brings you face-to-face with a thriving ecosystem.
Snorkel Experience: Darwin Bay offers incredible snorkeling spots, from deep waters along the cliffs to shallow areas near the beach. No matter where you dive, a vibrant underwater world awaits, filled with colorful fish and high chances of spotting sharks, rays, and playful sea lions Highlights: Nesting great frigatebirds, Red-footed and Nazca boobies, Galapagos sea lions, Yellowcrowned night herons, Genovesa ground finch, Genovesa cactus finch, Galapagos mockingbirds
PM: GENOVESA: EL
BARRANCO
Located in the southern part of Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island, El Barranco is a wildlife sanctuary.
Its fragile lava cliffs provide shelter for storm petrels and a remarkable population of short-eared owls. Along the trail, red-footed and Nazca boobies nest on the volcanic rock. At the base of the cliffs, Galapagos fur seals rest in shaded areas, while seabirds soar above this breathtaking landscape, making El Barranco an unforgettable destination for nature lovers.
Snorkel Experience: Snorkel into the waters of El Barranco and explore a vibrant underwater world.
Swim among colorful fish and spot sharks, rays, and playful sea lions in their natural habitat.
Highlights: Nesting great frigatebirds, Galapagos sea lions, Genovesa ground finch, Genovesa cactus finch, Galapagos mockingbirds, Galapagos fur seals
DAY 4: THURDAY
AM: SOUTH PLAZAS ISLAND
Start your day at South Plazas Island, one of the smallest yet most vibrant in the archipelago. The landscape bursts with color, featuring towering Opuntia cacti and a carpet of *Sesuvium* that turns bright red in the dry season. A large colony of land iguanas can be seen basking under the cacti or wandering around. The island’s steep southern cliffs shelter swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropicbirds, and boobies. Along the coastline, sea lions splash and play in the waves, offering a fantastic wildlife spectacle.
PM: SANTA FE ISLAND
Lead in the day with the stark beauty of Santa Fe, where the towering figures of giant Prickly-pear cacti strikingly contrast the rugged landscape of lava rocks. Tucked within one of the Galapagos most breathtaking bays, Santa Fe's turquoise waters, and white-sand beaches form an inviting residence for a sizable colony of sea lions you'll find lounging about. As you venture inland, remember to look down to spot the endemic Santa Fe land iguanas, but also glance upward to catch sight of the Galapagos hawks perched atop cacti, keeping a keen eye out for prey. You'll likely encounter Darwin finches, Galapagos doves, mockingbirds, and lively lava lizards along the trail.
Snorkel Experience: After your exploratory hike, the sheltered bay offers you a choice paddle through serene waters on a kayak or plunge beneath the surface to snorkel with playful sea lion pups and reef sharks. Also, keep an eye out for graceful sea turtles, gliding rays, and the swirling colors of tropical fish, including large schools of Surgeonfish and Parrotfish.
Highlights: Stunning Views, Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos hawks, Galapagos doves, Santa Fe land iguanas, Reef sharks
DAY 5: FRIDAY
AM: SAN CRISTOBAL: INTERPRETATION CENTER / HIGHLANDS
Your day begins with a journey to the highlands of San Cristobal Island, offering a different perspectiveof the Galapagos’; unique ecosystem. This lush and verdant area contrasts sharply with the coastalzones. The highlands are home to a variety of bird species, giant tortoises in their natural habitat, anda rich array of plant life, including endemic trees and ferns. You’ll have the opportunity to walk alongpaths that meander through this lush landscape, offering a chance to observe the giant tortoises upclose and personal. The highlands also provide panoramic views of the island, showcasing its diversetopography
PM: SAN CRISTOBAL: 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 in size, but it 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.
Snorkel 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 Stunning Views, Galapagos sea lions, Magnificent and great frigatebirds, San Cristobal Lava Lizards
DAY 6: SATURDAY
AM: SAN CRISTOBAL: KICKER ROCK
In the afternoon, embark on an unforgettable panga (dinghy) ride around Kicker Rock, also known as León Dormido, off the coast of San Cristobal Island. This impressive rock formation, rising dramatically 500 feet above the ocean, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Galapagos. The natural erosion of this ancient volcanic tuff cone has created a channel between two towering rock walls, providing a haven for various marine life. This peaceful and scenic panga ride around Kicker Rock provides a relaxing yet awe-inspiring conclusion to your day, allowing you to appreciate the natural wonders and rich biodiversity of the Galapagos from the sea.
Panga Experience: Navigate the waters around Kicker Rock, arveling at the sheer size and beauty of the formation. The ride offers a unique perspective of the rock, with opportunities to observe seabirds such as frigate birds, boobies, and occasionally, pelicans nesting or resting on its cliffs. Keep an eye out for marine life in the surrounding waters, including sea turtles, rays, and even sharks that frequent the area.
Highlights: Boobies, Pelicans, Frigatebirds
PM: AIRPORT TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT
After exploring the breathtaking biodiversity and unique landscapes of the Galapagos, it’s time to return to mainland Ecuador. You’ll be transferred to the airport, bringing this unforgettable journey to a close. Every encounter with giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and volcanic landscapes will remain etched in your memory. Galapagos is not just a destination—it’s a transformative experience that will stay with you forever. Wishing you a wonderful journey back!
