Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal Island)
Arrival by plane to San Cristobal Island and transfer to the Santa Cruz, anchored at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital of the Galapagos Islands. Cabin assignment, introductory talk, boat drill and lunch.
Punta Pitt (San Cristobal Island)
In the afternoon, Punta Pitt, on the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island awaits! An eroded tuff cone whose trail provides spectacular views of the shoreline, this is the only site in the Galapagos where the three species of boobies can be found together. We can enjoy a panga ride along the coast and some time for snorkelling or swimming.
Santa Cruz II Expedition Deck Explorer Twin -Double (17)
Included: Arrival transfer with English speaking guide, room, lunch, dinner, bedroom.
Santa Fe Island
After breakfast, we take the panga over to this idyllic sandy-white beach populated by many sea lions. The endemic land iguana, unique to this island, may be spotted during the morning walk amid the giant prickly pear cactus. Snorkelling and swimming from the panga rounds off our rewarding experience, or if guests prefer, the glass-bottom boat provides an incredible view for non-snorkelers.
South Plaza Island
Following lunch and a rest, we disembark in this channel, whose turquoise waters contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline. Beyond, a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus. Yellow-grey land iguanas sit beneath these, waiting patiently for prickly-pears to drop. Along the coastline one finds sea lion colonies, while frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls and shearwaters glide.
Included: Bedroom and breakfast, English speaking guide, lunch, dinner.
Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island)
In the morning, we disembark (dry landing) for our visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station's giant tortoise Breeding Centre within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest home to many land birds. This station is the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park’s administration. Following our visit, we board our transport to enjoy lunch in the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island, a completely different ecosystem.
Santa Cruz Island
We have several options available for the midday and afternoon (hiking, mountain biking or kayaking in Tortuga Bay), which can be discussed in advance with your Expedition Leader. At the end of the afternoon's activities, we return to Puerto Ayora and embark on the Santa Cruz II.
Included: Bedroom and breakfast, English speaking guide, lunch, dinner.
Punta Suarez (Española Island)
An exciting walk awaits at this site, where we enjoy its unique sea bird colonies, including Galapagos albatross (April - December), Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, and swallow-tail gulls as well as a view of the Galapagos’ famous "blow-hole". Also, look out for red-green-black marine iguanas. Back on board for lunch.
Gardner Bay (Española Island)
In the afternoon, the picture-postcard white coral beach of Gardner Bay provides a beautiful setting for observing sea lions, mockingbirds, finches as we relax. We can expect great snorkelling in this area.
Included: Bedroom and breakfast, English speaking guide, lunch, dinner.
Baltra Island
On our last day, we disembark at Baltra Island and transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the continent.
Included: Breakfast buffet, English speaking guide, departure transfer with English speaking guide
