Itinerary C

Endemic Galapagos Luxury Cruise

Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights

Size: Max 16 Passengers

Sunday AM:

Baltra Island Airport.

Sunday PM: 

Dragon Hill, Santa Cruz Island

Visit Dragon Hill will take place, which is located in the north-western part of Santa Cruz island. Here you will have the opportunity to walk into the island and view the land iguana. Be among these magnificent reptiles, that just a few decades ago were on the brink of extinction. Moreover, at Dragon Hill you will see a flamingos’ lagoon, pintail ducks and other endemic birds including flycatchers and warblers. After a short trek, amazing view awaits us up the hill. Offshore snorkeling before returning to the yacht.

Monday AM:

Kicker Rock, off San Cristobal Island

Witch Hill, San Cristobal Island

In the morning, the first spot to be visited is Kicker Rock, an impressive geological formation due to erosion. This is a nesting place of sea birds and a nice spot to take pictures while the vessels circumnavigate around the rock. 

The next attraction to see is Witch Hill, a tuff cone hill located south west from San Cristobal. This name comes from the Spanish name of the bird known in English as Vermilion Flycatcher.

A zodiac ride will take passengers into amazing rock formations along the island shore. A white sand beach and crystal – clear waters are part of this enchanted location. Fantastic opportunity for snorkeling.

Monday PM:

lobos Island, off San Cristobal Island

In the afternoon, you will be taken to Lobos Island, where a small population of blue – footed boobies, frigates, marine iguanas, and great frigate birds nesting can be observed. Snorkeling with sea lions in this calm bay is also part of the excursion.

Tuesday AM:

Osborn and Gardner Islets, off Española Island
Gardner Bay, Española Island

Gardner Bay is a pristine white sandy beach (one of the longest in the Galapagos), that is home to colonies of sea lions and inquisitive mockingbirds. It is also one of the world’s most important breeding sites for the waved albatross. A short dinghy ride will take you to the Osborn and Gardner Islets, which are superb locations for snorkeling with young sea lions and a greater variety of tropical fish and corals.

Tuesday PM:

Suarez Point, Española Island

Suarez Point is an area with an outstanding variety of wildlife. The walking trail will take you past nesting sites of Nazca and blue-footed boobies, whilst Galapagos doves, mockingbirds and finches can be seen foraging nearby. You will also pass a geyser which can spray water up to 25m into the air; a spectacular feat of nature. Finally, when you reach the top of the breaktaking cliffs, you can enjoy watching waved albatrosses launching themselves out across the ocean.

Wednesday AM:

Santa Fe Island

This island was formed as a result of a volcanic uplift millions of years ago and is inhabited by the endemic yellow-green Santa Fe iguana, Galapagos snake and rice rat. There are two main trails on the island, one that leads to a beach through a forest of tall Opuntia (prickly pear) trees; another that takes you into the highlands and culminates in a stunning cliff top viewpoint where Galapagos hawks can be sighted. It is also possible to snorkel along the shoreline with the highly entertaining sea lions.

Wednesday PM:

Breeding Center, Santa Cruz Island

The Darwin research centre is instrumental in carrying out important scientific research into the preservation of the archipelago’s ecosystems and initiating a significant breeding programme in 1970 for giant tortoises. As well as accessing a wealth of information about the flora and fauna found across the islands, you will have the chance to see tortoises at all stages of their development. Having been reared in captivity, they are very accustomed to humans, so don’t miss out on getting a photo with one of these remarkable animals.

As part of your day, we will head towards the Highlands of Santa Cruz to admire the famous giant tortoises in the wild. It is impressive to see these endemic animals that give the name to the archipelago, Galapagos. Birdwatching is also one of the activities in the highlands, since this area is home of finches and other Galapagos birds. Finally we walk into lava caves to see the enormous lava flows that formed the islands before continuing back to the M/C Endemic.

Thursday AM: 

South Plaza Island

One of two small islets, South Plaza island houses a rich diversity of wildlife and vegetation. After passing a large colony of sea lions and ascending the slopes, you may catch a glimpse of swallow-tailed gulls, Nazca boobies, red-billed tropic birds, frigates or the rare lava gull. The ground is carpeted in Sesuvium, which transforms from bright red in the dry season to a vibrant green in the wet season, and land iguanas crowd around towering prickly pear cacti, waiting patiently for their juicy fruits to fall.

Departure from Baltra Island Airport