Itinerary F

Endemic Galapagos Luxury Cruise

Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights

Size: Max 16 Passengers

Tuesday AM:

Arrival to Baltra Island Airport.

Tuesday PM:

Sullivan Bay, Santiago Island

As a result of a relatively recent volcanic eruption, Sullivan Bay is covered in unusual black rope like formations of cooled lava with small openings known as ‘hornitos’ (literally meaning ‘little ovens’), caused by the release of pressure built up under the surface. Despite the seemingly hostile environment, you will still find many Sally Lightfoot crabs and marine iguanas, and can top of your visit with a swim or snorkel with sea lions and penguins.

Wednesday AM:

Sierra Negra, Isabela Island

As the largest and one of the youngest islands, Isabela Island is still fairly volcanically active. The Sierra Negra is one of the six volcanoes that form the island, and it boasts the second largest caldera in the world, spanning an impressive 9 x 10 km. As you hike or horse ride up to and around the caldera, observe how the landscape changes seamlessly from barren lava fields to forests full of guava trees and revel in the breaktaking views across the island and the neighbouring volcanoes.

Wednesday PM:

Wetlands,
The Wall of tears,
Breeding Center, Isabela Island

Located just outside Puerto Villamil, the wetlands, comprising of lagoons, swamps and mangroves, are a paradise for migratory birds such as stilts and flamingos.  Next, a visit to the intriguing historical site known as The Wall of Tears built by prisoners between 1945-1959, sheds light on the island’s human history.  Finally, a visit to the Breeding Centre provides a rare opportunity to see giant tortoises at all stages of development and find out about the invaluable work that is being carried out to preserve and protect this incredible species.

Thursday AM:

Elizabeth Bay, Isabela Island

This is an exclusive area teeming with wildlife, that is only accessible by dinghy. It is surrounded by a number of islets, where blue-footed boobies and penguins can be sighted on the rocks, and the bay itself features an unusually high and colourful mangrove forest. The cool, calm waters attract schools of fish, and make it a popular place for turtles, rays, sea lions and even sharks to gather, giving rise to a thrilling location for snorkeling and swimming.

Thursday PM:

Urbina Bay, Isabela Island

Located at the foot of the Alcedo and Darwin volcanoes, the Urbina Bay is a product of a major volcanic uplift that occurred in 1954. As a result, the shore is strewn with corals and remains of marine life. However, in a relatively short space of time, endemic plant species and wildlife have already started to thrive. It will certainly be hard to miss the impressive giant land iguanas (the largest in the Galapagos), but also keep an eye out for Galapagos hawks, giant tortoises and the Darwin’s cotton plant.

Friday AM:

Tagus Cove, Isabela Island

Known to have been a popular anchorage site since the 1800s, here you will be able to see where the names of ships have been carved into the rocks, providing an intriguing historical record. A scenic trail will lead you around Darwin Lake, and if you choose to continue up to the top of the hill you will be rewarded with a majestic view back over the crystal clear waters of the lagoon; an unmissable photo opportunity.

Friday PM:

Espinoza Point, Fernandina Island

This untouched area of natural beauty is home to a booming population of iguanas and is known as a key nesting site for flightless cormorants.  The combination of beautiful beaches and mangroves contrasted with the stark black lava flows create a memorable landscape. This is also one of the best locations to see the remarkably resilient lava cactus. To top it off, you will find several good diving spots where you can be entertained by the fearless and playful sea lions and penguins.

Saturday AM:

Espumilla Beach, Santiago Island

The name Espumilla,  literally meaning ‘meringue’, refers to the dream-like trail of foam left by the waves that lap this picturesque white sand beach. Here you will encounter an abundance of the brightly coloured Sally Lightfoot crabs, which attract predatory birds such as hawks, herons and pelicans. This peaceful setting on the northern coast of Santiago island provides an unmissable opportunity for snorkeling and swimming amongst a raft of marine life, including species of octopi, eels and sharks.

Saturday PM:

Buccaneer Cove, Santiago Island
Rabida Island

Buccaneer Cove was frequented over the centuries by pirates, buccaneers and whalers. Now, it is an important nesting site for turtles, and is also popular with sea lions and sting-rays. Intriguing formations in the rocks, caused by erosion, can also be observed. The arid Rabida island is characterized by steep volcanic hills and a red sand beach. The surrounding salt brush is home to nesting pelicans, and common stilts and flamingos can be seen feeding at the lagoon. Inland, keen bird watchers can also observe mockingbirds, yellow warblers and Darwin finches.

Sunday AM:

Mosquera Islet

In the morning, visit to Mosquera, a small islet found between Baltra & North Seymour Islands. Lava gulls, sea lions, Sally light foot crabs inhabit this sand bank with an extension of over 600 meters. It also hosts the largest populations of sea lions and orca whales that can be seen occasionally depending on the season you visit the islet.

Sunday PM:

Departure from Baltra Island Airport