AM: Baltra Airport
Morning flight from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra, Galapagos Islands. You will arrive at Baltra Island in the morning. After passing through immigration and baggage claim, you will be met by Alya staff member and transferred to the yacht. You will be shown to your cabin where you will have some time to settle in before lunch and a welcome briefing.
PM: Twin Craters – Highlands
In the afternoon, you will visit the Twin Craters located opposite to each other on both sides of the road leading from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. The name is only gurative; not real craters, these formations were created by the collapse of surface material in underground ssures and chambers. The view is breathtaking.
Afterwards your excursion takes you to the green highlands of Santa Cruz for a visit to El Chato reserve. The area is divided in two: Caseta and Chato. The trail begins at Santa Rosa (13.7 miles / 22 km) from Puerto Ayora, with the Caseta route being the most challenging. The reserve allows visitors to observe giant tortoises in the wild during the dry season and is also a good place to spot short- eared owls, Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, Galapagos rails and paint-billed crakes.
Included: Transfer arrival, English speaking guide, excursion, lunch, dinner, accommodation
AM: Moreno Point
In the morning you will visit Moreno Point located southwest of Elizabeth Bay. Here a dry landing onto what was once owing
lava is possible. The lava has left craters in its wake which formed crystal tide pools. By looking into the pools, you can peer into another world as the marine life drifts by your window. In the brackish pools of this area, you may see pink amingos, white- cheeked pintails, and common gallinules. If you look carefully into the pools, you may see white-tip reef sharks and some sea turtles.
PM: Elizabeth Bay
Elizabeth Bay is located on the east coast of Isabela Island. The bay contains many islets, which can be visited by dinghy.
Penguins and blue-footed boobies can be spotted on the rocky islets. With an abundance of marine life and clear water, the area is perfect for snorkeling and viewing schools of colorful fish, sea lions, and perhaps even sharks.
Included: Breakfast, excursion with English speaking assistance, lunch, dinner, accommodation
AM: Urbina Bay
In the afternoon, you will go to Urbina Bay which is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano on the west coast between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay. This area experienced a major uplift in 1954 causing the land to rise over 16 feet. The coast expanded half a mile out leaving marine life stranded on the new shore. This area is also a great place for snorkeling.
PM: Espinoza Point
In the afternoon, crossing the Bolivar Channel that divides Isabela and Fernandina Islands, you will land at Espinosa Point, and after walking past a colony of marine iguanas and a group of sea lions, reach the island’s highlight: the fightless cormorant nesting site. This area provides a great opportunity to see the Galapagos hawk.
Included: Breakfast, excursion with English speaking assistance, lunch, dinner, accommodation
AM: Tagus Cove
In the morning, you will visit Tagus Cove on Isabela Island which is located across from Fernandina Island, near the Bolivar Channel dividing the two islands. This spot has been frequented by ships since the 1800s, using the area as an anchorage site. Trails winding by Lake Darwin up to a ridge display wonderful views. Punta Tortuga, just north of Tagus Cove, is another lovely beach surrounded by mangroves.
PM: Vicente Roca Point
In the afternoon, visit is at Vicente Roca Point. Comprised of two separate coves, this site is a large bay with spectacular sea life. Keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating Mola mola (or sun fish).
Included: Breakfast, excursion with English speaking assistance, lunch, dinner, accommodation
AM: Espumilla Beach
In the morning, visit is to Espumilla Beach where marine iguanas lounge and the Sally Lightfoot crabs attract the hunting herons performing the dance of predator and prey right before your eyes. Snorkeling is highly recommended as you could and yourself face to face with an octopus, moray eel, shark and a variety of other species of tropical fish.
PM: Egas port
In the afternoon, you will go to Egas Port, also known as James Bay, on Santiago Island which is home to the curious Galapagos
hawks and quick-footed Galapagos lava lizards. The trail leads to the coastline with gorgeous tide pools and grottos full of fauna. Here the Galapagos fur sea lions bathe in the sun. This is also a great snorkeling site.
Included: Breakfast, excursion with English speaking assistance, lunch, dinner, accommodation
AM: Rabida Island
In the morning, you will visit Rabida Island (or Jervis) which is one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands in the
archipelago as well as a great snorkeling site. You will start on Rabida’s famous maroon sandy beach, and after an easy hike, you will arrive at a stunning lookout to enjoy the amazing landscapes. The island is a birdwatcher’s delight. Some of the rarest
species are in abundance such as nine varieties of finches, large-billed flycatchers, Galapagos hawks, and brown pelicans
PM: Chinese hat
In the afternoon, you will visit Chinese Hat Islet. This small islet is located near the southeast coast of Santiago Island. Its name comes from the distinct shape of the islet’s summit. This small islet is a great location to view many geological formations such as lava tubes and lava flows. Some of the lava ows were formed underwater and subsequently raised above sea level. The presence of coral heads on the lava ow indicates this phenomenon.
Included: Breakfast, excursion with English speaking assistance, lunch, dinner, accommodation
AM: Bachas beach
The morning visit, Bachas Beach, is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz which is a swimming beach. One of the few remnants of the U.S. World War II presence in the Galapagos, a floating pier, can be seen here. You may see flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black-necked stilts, and whimbrels. Sea turtles also nest on the beach.
PM: South Plaza Island
In the afternoon, you will head to South Plaza Island. This small island with steep cliffs was formed by rising lava and is now covered by Opuntia cacti. It is also home to one of the largest sea lion colonies as well as colorful yellow and red land iguanas. The most characteristic plant is the Sesuvium. During the rainy season its color is a greenish to yellowish tone and in the dry season (end of June through January) a bright red.
Included: Breakfast, excursion with English speaking assistance, lunch, dinner, accommodation
AM: Interpretation Center
In the morning, you will visit the Interpretation Center. This site is part of an environment project. The tour of this center will explore the natural history of the islands including human interaction and conservation efforts. The Museum of Natural History explains the volcanic origin of the archipelago, ocean currents, climate, and the arrival of endemic species. The Human History exhibit chronologically describes significant events such as discovery and colonization of the islands.
PM: San Cristobal airport
After this final visit, you will be transferred to the San Cristobal airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.
Included: Breakfast, transfer to airport with English speaking assistance
