Itinerary D

Endemic Galapagos Luxury Cruise

Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights

Size: Max 16 Passengers

Thursday AM: 

Arrival to Baltra Island Airport

Thursday PM:

Bartholomew Island

At this site you will be able to savor the best view of Pinnacle Rock, a jagged spear like formation that has become an iconic feature of the Galapagos.  A series of steps leads you past a variety of coloured lava rocks to the summit of the now extinct volcano, where you will be rewarded with a picture perfect panorama. The island’s sandy cove is also a good area for snorkeling, with possible sightings of penguins, reef sharks and rays.

Friday AM:

Cormorant Point,
Devil’s Crown, Floreana Island

Cormorant Point features two distinctly beautiful beaches, one tinted a glistening green by a high content of olivine crystals; the other pure white and aptly referred to as ‘flour beach’.  The saltwater lagoon here is frequented by one of the largest populations of flamingos in the Galapagos as well as common stilts and white-cheeked pintails. Devil’s Crown is a stunning jagged volcanic crater, which has become mostly submerged beneath the water. It boasts a plethora of marine life making it an enthralling site for diving and snorkeling.

Friday PM:

Post Office Bay,
The Baroness’ Viewpoint, Floreana Island

Post Office Bay provides a fascinating insight into the human history of the island as you will discover the postal system developed by British whalers in the 18th century and can take part in the tradition that has continued to this day. The Baroness’ Viewpoint is named after an Australian baroness, who visited the island in the 1930’s and sparked a number of speculations about her mysterious disappearance. This vantage point is ideal for surveying the surrounding mangroves and other points of interest from above.

Saturday AM:

Chinese Hat, off Santiago Island

This small island off the coast of Santiago Island is a result of erupted lava, and the remaining cone curiously resembles the shape of a Chinese hat.  The short trail around the cove will guide you through a sea lion colony and provide opportunities to see eagles, oystercatchers and lava lizards. Furthermore, the channel of aquamarine water that runs between Santiago Island is very appealing to those who wish to enjoy some snorkeling, where you may be joined by sharks, rays and even a rare Galapagos penguin.

Saturday PM:

North Seymour Island

This island was formed by the uplifting of lava from underneath the ocean resulting in a relatively flat landscape. As well as land iguanas, sea lions and turtles along the coast, inland you will see colonies of blue-footed boobies who you may be lucky enough to catch performing their delightful courtship dance. Most notably though, the island is the largest nesting site for magnificent frigate birds, the male variety of which possess distinctive red gular pouches that they inflate during the mating season.

Sunday AM:

Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz Island

After breakfast, enjoy the visit to Black Turtle Cove, which is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz. It is a living illustration of how mangroves alter the marine environment to create a rich and unique habitat. Three mangrove species crowd the area from the shore out into the lagoon, which reaches almost a mile inland. As you drift through quiet waters in the zodiac, you are likely to see spotted eagle rays and diamond shaped mustard rays, which swim in a diamond formation. White – tipped reef sharks slip beneath the boat and Pacific green sea turtles come to the surface for air and to mate. Waterfowl, including pelicans, herons and egret, all feed in the cove. This is a peaceful place that will make you feel calm.

Sunday: PM:

Departure from Baltra Island Airport