DAY 1: THURSDAY
BALTRA AIRPORT & HIGHLANDS OF SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Fly from the Ecuadorian mainland to the islands on an early morning 90-minute flight. As you prepare to land in Baltra, look out the window. The landscape below will seem otherworldly – you’ll truly be landing in a place like no other. The Galapagos Islands are completely unique and you’re about to see why. Your bilingual naturalist guide will greet you at the airport and meet you after customs. During lunch your guide will introduce you to the islands, specifically the flora and fauna that you will encounter.
After your pick-up from the airport, you’ll be transferred to Santa Cruz where you’ll explore the upper region, “parte alta” of the island, which is a moisture-rich area with fertile volcanic soils. You’ll learn about the vegetation and animal life of this zone, often strikingly different than that found at lower elevations. Darwin’s finches, Yellow warblers, and Bright Red Vermillion flycatchers will fly in and out of the moss-covered trees. From this high vantage point you’ll be treated to beautiful views of the surrounding archipelago.
In the late afternoon you’ll return to town. For those who wish to check out the nightlife, this is your chance; the boat will be docked in port most of the night. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 2 : FRIDAY
FLOREANA ISLAND – POST OFFICE BAY, MIRADOR DE LA BARONESA, PUNTA CORMORAN, & DEVIL´S CROWN
AM: POST OFFICE BAY (FLOREANA ISLAND)
Wet landing at the historical Post Office Bay to learn about the human side of the islands, the early inhabitants and the story of the first barrel. But before that a panga ride will take you to nearby islets to observe sea lions, rays, sea turtles, boobies and possibly the Galapagos penguin.
PM: PUNTA CORMORANT (FLOREANA ISLAND)
After Lunch, disembark at Point Cormorant (wet landing) for an easy walk to see the Flamingos that inhabit a brackish water lagoon, and other birds like ducks, stilts,
sandpipers, etc. For those who like water activities there is great snorkeling opportunity at Devil's Crown and eroded islet offshore Punta Cormorant.
DAY 3 :SATURDAY
ESPAÑOLA ISLAND – PUNTA SUAREZ, BAHIA GARDNER, ISLOTE GARDNER, & ISLOTE OSBORN
AM: ESPAÑOLA (HOOD) ISLAND — PUNTA SUAREZ
Punta Suarez is one of the most outstanding wildlife areas of the archipelago, with a long list of species found along its cliffs and sand or pebble beaches.The most emblematic one is the Galapagos Albatross that nests here from April to December, but apart from this huge bird this island is also the home of the naïve Hood mockingbirds, Galapagos doves and Galapagos hawks. Several types of reptiles, including the brilliantly colored marine iguana and the oversized lava lizard, are unique to this island. When heavy swells are running, Punta Suarez is also the site of a spectacular blow hole, with thundering spray shooting 30 yards in to the air .
PM: ESPAÑOLA (HOOD) ISLAND — GARDNER BAY
Gardner Bay is on the eastern shore and has a magnificent beach. This white sandy beach is perfect spot for a colony of sea lions, and is also a major nesting site for
sea turtles. Around the small islets nearby, snorkelers will find lots of fish and sometimes sea turtles and sharks.
DAY 4: SUNDAY
SAN CRISTOBAL – LEON DORMIDO, CENTRO DE INTERPRETACION & AIRPORT
AM: LOBOS ISLAND (SAN CRISTÓBAL)
It takes around one hour by boat from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno to get to Lobos Island. This is a peaceful small area separated by a channel from San Cristobal Island and it is a great place for snorkeling. After a dry landing and a short walk sea lions, marine iguanas and blue footed boobies can be seen in different spot of the island. End of the cruise, passengers take the return flight at the indicated time.
