Eco Galaxy

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AM: Today you begin your experience at San Cristobal Airport. Here you will be received and transferred to the cruise port. A small ride will follow as we welcome you onboard the EcoGalaxy Catamaran. This will be followed by a welcome drink and your first delicious lunch on board.

PM: At Lobos Island this afternoon we enjoy a panga ride, swimming, and snorkeling. Here, we can walk, swim and snorkel among the seals, frigate birds, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and the small endemic Galapagos snake. We will return on board for dinner.

AM: We begin the day with breakfast before our first excursion at Santa Fe. Activities on this day include hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. At 24 km2 and 60m above sea level, this central island is a unique place to visit. It has an incredible bay with turquoise water, protected by a natural barrier of rocks. You will see colonies of seals while hawks fly overhead. This island is home to one of two species of land iguanas found in the Galapagos. Their main food source is the leaves and fruit of the large cacti found here. Crabs, nocturnal herons, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, and land doves are frequently seen here too. The bay is an excellent place to swim and snorkel - marine tortoises, rays, sea lions, and tropical fish are an amazing attraction! Snacks and refreshing beverages are waiting for you aboard the ship. Lunch will be served afterward.

PM: South Plazas: two small islands created by the uplifting of the land. The land iguanas are smaller here, nesting during the warm season. The hike runs along an extraordinary cliff where seabirds nest. There are approximately 1,000 sea lions located on the south side of Plazas Island.

AM: We begin the day with breakfast before our first excursion at North Seymour. Seymour was formed by the lifting of volcanic marine lava and many marine fossils dating back to the Pleistocene period are found on this island. In 1932, Captain Alan Hancock and his crew took 72 malnourished land iguanas from Baltra Island to North Seymour Island so that the iguanas could live in better conditions. In 1934, colonists verified that the iguanas were in good condition. The vegetation of North Seymour is bushy and is host to nesting Real Frigate birds of the Galapagos. Return to EcoGalaxy. Lunch will be served on board.

PM: This afternoon we visit Mosquera Islet, located between Baltra Island and North Seymour. Here, we find the largest sea lion colony; it is also possible to observe several species of birds. Dinner will be served after our return to the EcoGalaxy, for the evening voyage.

AM: We begin the day with breakfast before our first excursion. At Darwin Bay, we enjoy short walks, photography, swimming, and snorkeling. Genovesa is a small island in the northern region of the Galapagos. Our landing in Darwin Bay will be wet. Near the beach is a mangrove swamp where we will find a colony of frigate birds, marine iguanas, red-footed boobies and masked boobies, the great terrestrial finch, seagulls, herons, and cactus finches. Following the land visit, our passengers can enjoy a swim in the bay. Snacks and refreshments are available before lunch on board.

PM: This afternoon we take a walk at Barranco - also known as Prince Phillip's Steps. During our journey, we will observe tropical birds, petrels, common frigate birds, red-foot boobies, masked boobies, doves, and finches. Dinner will be served back on board the ship.

AM: We begin the day with breakfast before our final excursion. At the Santa Cruz Highlands, we go trekking and will find giant tortoises in their natural habitat; this is a natural spectacle. For this visit, we recommend the use of athletic shoes, long pants, a raincoat, a hat, and sunblock.

After your morning excursion, you will disembark from the EcoGalaxy, and be transferred to Santa Cruz airport to catch your departure flight.

AM: Today you begin your experience at Baltra Airport. Here you will be received and transferred to the cruise port. A small ride will follow as we welcome you onboard the EcoGalaxy Catamaran. You will be welcomed on board with a beverage and lunch waiting for you.

PM: Charles Darwin Station is located in the main port on Santa Cruz Island. We will take a private bus to the entrance of the breeding center where we will see tortoises and land iguanas in captivity. This center is the main breeding site on the islands. Animals that were in danger of extinction on various islands are maintained here in captivity. Thanks to the dedicated work of several institutions, some species are being saved. This is where Lonesome George lived, the famous last survivor of the species of giant tortoise found on Pinta Island.

AM: We begin the day with breakfast before our first excursion at Tintoreras. Located in the bay of Puerto Villamil, this small island, surrounded by calm, turquoise waters, has an easy trail with stunning landscapes and fauna. Along the trail, we will see large numbers of marine iguanas basking in the sun, lava lizards, herons, gulls, and sea lions. In the coves, it is easy to find sea turtles, rays, and even penguins. Among the many inlets and channels along the coast, we sometimes see white-tipped reef sharks. Following the excursion, we will return to the boat for lunch and sail to our next destination.

PM: After lunch, we will disembark at Moreno Point, which is located near Elizabeth Bay on the west coast of Isabela Island. The plethora of birds seen during a dinghy ride along the striking rocky shores or a hike along a path through lava rocks leading to tide pools and mangroves, create a birdwatcher’s delight. Green sea turtles and white-tip sharks can be spotted in the pools. Afterward, dinner will be served on board.

AM: We begin the day with breakfast before our first excursion. Located along the west coast of Isabela, Elizabeth Point is a marine visitor site and is one of the island’s biggest breeding sites for penguins. We will also pay a visit to Red Mangrove Cove. Brown pelicans, flightless cormorants, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, and sea lions are often seen here. Lunch will be served on board afterward.

PM: Urbina Bay is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano, between Elizabeth Bay and Tagus Cove. The trail length this afternoon is around 3.20 km; during this walk, we will observe land iguanas, hawks, and tortoises. It is also possible to see red and blue lobsters. Dinner will be served back on board the ship. 

AM: We begin the day with breakfast before our first excursion on Fernandina Island. Fernandina is the third largest island in the Galapagos and has only one visiting site - Espinoza Point. Famous for the large colonies of marine iguanas and the home of the flightless cormorant, the Galapagos penguin, snakes, and more. From Espinoza Point, we can admire the beauty of Fernandina Island and its volcano, which last erupted in May of 2005. Fernandina is the only island that doesn’t have mammals, and the open areas are very fragile. January to June is the nesting period of the marine iguana, and so we take great care while walking here. Lunch on board will follow our morning excursion.

PM: Vicente Roca Point on Isabela is a large bay with spectacular sea life, made up of two separate coves. Keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, and the fascinating mola-mola (sunfish). Dinner will be served back on board.

AM: We begin the day with breakfast before our first excursion at Egas Port, where we find a beautiful black sand beach. To the south of the beach is Pan de Azucar Volcano, whose volcanic deposits have contributed to the formation of the black sand beach. The crater of this volcano contains a saltwater lake that dries up during hot weather. Between 1928 and 1930, explorations to develop a salt mine were carried out, but it was decided that a mine was not feasible. The workers’ use of endemic woods also damaged the environment and the development was scrapped. Descent down into the salt mine is not allowed. Lunch will be served before our afternoon activities. 

PM: The visitor site, located on the east coast of Rabida Island, consists of a red sand beach, a coastal lagoon behind the beach, and a loop trail approximately 1.1 km in length. The red color of the rocks and sand on the beach is due to the interaction of the very porous volcanic material with environmental factors. Rain, saltwater, and the sea breeze act as oxidizing agents creating a red color. The scenery, arid zone vegetation, and the presence of native and endemic species add to the beauty of this island. Dinner will be served back on board.

AM: After breakfast, our first visit is to Black Turtle Cove, which is situated in the northern region of Santa Cruz. This bay is surrounded by mangroves and is accessible only by dinghy. The shallow cove is a safe refuge for marine life. Black-tip reef sharks, marine turtles, and a variety of rays are often spotted here.

After your morning excursion, you will disembark from the EcoGalaxy, and be transferred to Santa Cruz airport to catch your departure flight.

AM: Today you begin your experience at Baltra Airport. Here you will be received and transferred to the cruise port. A small ride will follow as we welcome you onboard the EcoGalaxy Catamaran. You will receive a welcome drink as you arrive onboard, followed by your first delicious lunch with us on the EcoGalaxy (lunch arrangements may vary depending on the available time)

PM: Bachas Beach is located in the northern part of Santa Cruz Island. The site was named during World War II when the American army left two barges on the beach. The early colonists couldn’t pronounce barges correctly, so they called the area “Bachas”.

AM: We begin the day with breakfast before our first excursion. Sullivan Bay: wet landing and hiking. All roads and the island are composed of lava flows that are still virtually without erosion, covering an extensive area, including lava pahoehoe or cords, hornitos, and mollugo, which grows in the lava. Snacks and refreshing beverages await you before lunch is served.

PM: Bartolome Island activities on this island include walking, swimming, snorkeling, and photography. We will follow a path to the top where we can observe pioneering plants. Following the wet landing at the beach, we will take a path through mangrove swamps and dune vegetation, to the south beach. At the north beach, guests can enjoy swimming and snorkeling. From the top of Bartolome, we will be able to see the islands of Santiago, Rabida, and Isabela. We will see penguins in the Rock Pinnacle. Dinner will be served back on board.

AM: We begin the day with breakfast before our first excursion. Our first visit is to the Highlands of Santa Cruz, where we go trekking and see the giant tortoises in their natural habitat; this is a natural spectacle. For this visit, we recommend using athletic shoes, long pants, a raincoat, hat, and sunblock. Lunch is served after we return on board. 

PM: Charles Darwin Station is located in the main port on Santa Cruz Island. We will take a private bus to the entrance of the breeding center where we will see tortoises and land iguanas in captivity. This center is the main breeding site on the islands. Animals that were in danger of extinction on various islands are maintained here in captivity. Thanks to the dedicated work of several institutions, some species are being saved. This is where Lonesome George lived, the famous last survivor of the species of giant tortoise found on Pinta Island. Dinner will be served when we return on board.

AM: We begin the day with breakfast before our first excursion. Punta Cormorant: wet landing, snorkeling, and short trek. This point is located on western Floreana Island, and it is famous for its dark green beach (due to a large number of olivine crystals). You can see many marine invertebrates here, as well as sea lions, sea iguanas, frigate birds, and pelicans. 

At Devil’s Crown, the activities here include a panga ride and optional swimming. Enjoy a panga ride around a small island, a satellite islet of Floreana Island. Here, we will find a group of rocks that resemble a crown due to the constant erosion caused by the sea. It is one of the better places to snorkel (shallow diving) in and around the crown. Excellent visibility allows guests to admire a great variety of fish and sea animals. We follow our morning with lunch back on board.

PM: Post Office Bay activities include a short walk, swimming, snorkeling, and an explanation of the mail system. Post Office Bay is located on the north side of Floreana Island. Captain James Colnett installed an empty barrel to be used as a post office for the whaling fleets that stopped at the Galapagos Islands. You can leave postcards to your friends and relatives here and/or pick up mail to deliver. Back at the ship, delicious snacks and beverages await before dinner.

AM: We begin the day with breakfast before our first excursion at Suarez Point. Activities include walking and sight-seeing; we recommend athletic shoes, a hat or cap, and sunscreen. There is no color more amazing and outstanding in this tropical desert island than that of the blue-footed boobies. These birds have an impressive form of “greeting,” and it is a real thrill to see their mating dance. The blue-footed booby can be seen on several islands, as nesting grounds and food are located along with several coastal locations.

The albatross, an aristocratic bird weighing up to four kilograms, can be observed here. This is one of the largest birds of the islands, with approximately 12,000 couples nesting on Espanola Island and a smaller number nesting on Silver Island, near mainland Ecuador. This species is considered endemic to this island. During our walk, we will observe these fantastic birds while taking in the beautiful landscapes offered by this island. It is important to note that albatrosses will not be seen between January and March (non-breeding season). We will also see colonies of marine iguanas, masked boobies, finches, mockingbirds, and seagulls endemic to the islands. Our walk will be along lava rock, where we will be able to see lava tubes and red mangroves. Delicious snacks and fresh beverages are waiting for you on the ship before lunch is served.

PM: This afternoon we visit Gardner Bay for a short walk, swimming, snorkeling, and observation of a seal colony. The sea lion is one of the animals that receive a lot of attention from visitors in the Galapagos. They are curious and playful, loving, and lazy! We are going to find many of them relaxing on the beach enjoying the sun in Gardner Bay. In addition to observing these fascinating animals, we will be able to swim with sea lions, sea turtles, a diversity of tropical fish, marine iguanas, etc. while snorkeling. We will return to the ship and sail to Gardner and Osborn Islets. Dinner will be served back on board the EcoGalaxy.

AM: After breakfast, our first visit is to the Interpretation Center of San Cristobal. This modern and sophisticated architectural space was designed for the natural interpretation of the Galapagos. You will learn about the volcanic formation of the islands, the evolution of species, the history of human settlement, and complex systems and management models.

After your morning excursion, you will disembark from the EcoGalaxy, and be transferred to San Cristobal airport to catch your departure flight.