Letty

AM: The beginning of the cruise is full of activities and picturesque places. First, visit the island's interpretation centre. The Galapagos National Park Visitor Centre in San Cristóbal, opened in 1998, provides a comprehensive history of the archipelago, its ecosystems, vegetation, and animals. It has two interpretive panels describing the natural and cultural history of the archipelago. It also has a small auditorium, meeting rooms, and video equipment for community events.

PM: Later on, you will go to the "Galapaguera". This is an artificial turtle breeding program and a tourist information center, created by the National Park in 2003. Visitors can see giant tortoises in a natural setting, and learn about them.

AM: After an enjoyable start to the day and breakfast, we head to Punta Pitt, a bachelor colony of sea lions on the eastern edge of San Cristóbal, it is the only place in the Galapagos where all three species nest, Swallow-tailed gulls and storm petrels, two frigate bird species, are also present. The view of sea lions from the top of the cliff is spectacular, as is the outline of the island's sparse, wind scoured peaks. The walk around the site provides a closer look at the resilient plants that survive in this volcanic wasteland.

From Punta Pitt, we continue to Cerro Brujo, where swimming and snorkeling are common activities on Cerro Brujo's coral-sand beach, Charles Darwin and Captain Fitzroy, both visited a tuff cone's remains. The scenery is spectacular with sea lions, marine iguanas, and migratory birds. The lagoon can be completely dry at time sand the bottom can contain salt deposits.

PM: After lunch, we will head to Kicker Rock, This coral-sand beach is about ten minutes from the airport, Sea lions sleep on the sand and rocks along this beach, Birdssuch as yellow warblers, frigatebirds, and various finches can be seen alongside the sea lions.

AM: The day begins with an excellent start and after breakfast, we head to Gardner Bay, with a large stretch of white sand beach, three species of Darwin's finches, and Española mockingbirds. Gardner Bay is one of the most scenic beaches in the Galapagos, the only species of the carnivorous mockingbird is the Española mockingbird, which feeds on insects, turtle hatchlings, sea lion placentas, and newborn boobies. Green turtles can be seen gliding through the water or pulling themselves onto the beach. Visitors swim or snorkel along the rocks in the shallow sea.

PM: In the afternoon we will head to Punta Suárez, a famous site in the Galapagos. Here, animals such as sea lions, marine iguanas, Española lava lizards, Galapagos hawks, Española mockingbirds, three species of Darwin's finches, and Galapagos pigeons can be seen. The breeding colony of the Waved Albatross is the show piece of the site, producing a single egg each year and sharing the responsibility of incubating it. In January, the entire colony leaves Española to fish for three months before returning to the island.

AM: The north of Floreana Island is a basalt tuff formation between Post Office Bay and Punta Cormorant. It is an impressive viewpoint and a historical attraction. Ideal for mangrove interpretation and sightings of golden eagle rays, sea turtles, sea lions, mullets, and possibly Galapagos penguins. The Baronesses' Lookout is named after Baroness Eloisa VonWagner, she lived on Floreana Island and appreciated this place, using it as a strategic point to observe ships approaching the island. Then, we journey to Post Office Bay to learn about human history in the Galapagos: Whalers left addressed letters in a wooden barrel they placed in the bay in 1793. Today, guests are welcome to leave postcards and browse the collection. There is a lava tube that visitors can enter by climbing a ladder from the Post Office Barrel.

PM: It is a popular tourist destination, and has two beaches: a green sandy one with olivine crystals and a white sandy one with small broken corals. The main attraction is the Flamingo Lagoon, here tourists can see Galapagos flamingos wading in brackish water, green turtles and rays can be found at Flour Beach, and Floreana is famous for its strange disappearances in the 1930s, Floreana can only be reached by boat from Santa Cruz Island.

AM: North Seymour Island: was formed by submarine lava flows and is currently home to around 2,500 land iguanas, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, common noddies, and frigate birds. After this final visit, transfer to the Baltra airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.

AM: Arrive in the Galápagos Islands, at Baltra Airport.

PM: In the afternoon, we will go to Bartolomé. This uninhabited island lies in Sullivan Bay, east of Santiago Island. The island is home to Pinnacle Rock, a volcanic cone that is the result of lava release from an underwater volcano. Bartolomé visitors may recognize the island and Pinnacle Rock from the 2003 blockbuster film Master and Commander. Today, tourists can choose between two locations: one that requires a trek to an excellent viewpoint, and another on the beach, where they can enjoy snorkeling and swimming. Birdwatchers will want to look out for Galapagos Penguins, Herons, and Galapagos Hawks.

AM: Genovesa is renowned as the 'Bird Island'. The star of the day is Darwin Bay, which is a tiny sand and coral beach. Visitors can see red-footed boobies, two plumage variants of the bird, and other bird species such as frigate birds, Nazca boobies, red flocks, white-billed tropicbirds, finches, and mockingbirds. However, visitors should also look out for Galapagos penguins and herons.

PM: After lunch, we head to El Barranco (Prince Philip's Steps), named after Prince Philip, who visited the island in1965 and 1981. Through the cracks in the lava cliffs, visitors can see marine life. The walk continues in land, passing more boobie nesting colonies in the Palo Santo forest. At the end, visitors can gaze out over a rocky lava plain with wedge-rumped storm petrels and short-eared owls.

AM: After breakfast, we are off to Santa Cruz's east coast, where the two tiny crescent-shaped islands of North Plazas and South Plazas lie. South Plaza is home to a wide variety of species and is known for its spectacular flora. Conservation issues include the decline of the cactus population, which is a vital food source for land iguanas. The long-term goal is to regenerate the cactus forest while maintaining a healthy land iguana population.

PM: In the afternoon, visit Santa Fe, a small island in the Galapagos archipelago that has no fresh water and has never had a human presence. It is home to many goats, which drink seawater. With two snorkeling sites in the landing bay and another in the next bay, it is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving.

AM: Morning visit to El Chato, offering visitors the opportunity to observe giant tortoises, owls, Darwin's finches, and lava tunnels (approximately 400 meters of formed lava have left a film tunnel nearby). Then we'll enjoy Los Gemelos (Twin Craters): These two large pit craters on the road between Puerto Ayora and Baltra were formed by the collapse of bare magma chambers. Both craters are accessible by stopping at the side of the road and exploring them by walking around their edges. A circular trail leads to the larger crater through the picturesque Scalesia forest. This is a great place to see land birds such as the Galapagos Dove, Vermilion Flycatcher, Short-eared Owl, and many finch species.

PM: Afternoon visit to Charles Darwin Research Center. This national park site, just north east of Puerto Ayora, houses over 200 scientists and volunteers involved in research and conservation efforts, the most well-known of which involves giant tortoise captive breeding programs. Through the arid zone vegetation, you can observe Galápagos giant tortoises in their enclosures. A nursery with incubators is also available (the baby tortoises are repatriated to their home islands once they reach 1.5kg or about four years old).

AM: We start the day at Borrero Bay, where Green turtles can be seen; this is a white coral beach. Yellow warblers and Darwin's finches are attracted to palo santo, leather leaf and salt-tolerant plants here. The elevation of the extinct volcano reveals many vegetation zones, from littoral to arid, humid, and dry pampas. It is a stunning landscape that can be enjoyed while swimming in the azure waters of the bay or strolling along the beach. After this final visit, you will be transferred to the Baltra airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.

AM: After passing immigration, visitors are taken by bus to the Itabaca Canal pier or the cruise ships docked in Aeolian Bay. Baltra Airport started redevelopment in 2007 to offer more eateries, stores, and a better visitor area, Due to its dry climate, Palo Santo trees, prickly pear cactus, and salt bushes make up Baltra's vegetation. Lunch will be served on board.

PM: Wet landing on a small black-colored sand beach where sometimes it could be difficult to disembark because of the waves on the beach, Rabida Island is a small but striking island located in the Galapagos archipelago, off Ecuador's coast in South America, the island is known for its unique red-colored sand and rocks, which are the result of the high iron content in the volcanic material that makes up the island, Rabida is also home to several unique species, including Galapagos penguins, sea lions, and a variety of bird species such as blue-footed boobies and pelicans. Visitors to the island can participate in various activities, such as hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking. These activities are to explore the island's natural beauty and observe its diverse wildlife. In 1954 the entire bay was uplifted 5 meters in one night by tectonic forces and the animals that lived there, such as coral reefs, sea urchins, lobsters, and other invertebrates were killed by the sudden uplift, which was so fast that it even affected animals that could have walked back to the sea. This upwelling was a block 6 kilometers long by 1 kilometer wide so that at the end of the long trail you can see large heads of white and brain coral that before 1954 formed an interesting reef in the waters of the site.

AM: In the morning, you will go to Caleta Bucanero, this is a picturesque bay located on Isabela Island, in the Galapagos archipelago. The bay is known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, including sea turtles, rays, and colorful tropical fish. Visitors can enjoy activities such as snorkeling and kayaking while taking in the beautiful scenery.

PM: In the afternoon, Puerto Egas and Espumilla are the most popular places to have fun and end the day. These sites are located on Santiago Island, which is known for its unique volcanic landscapes, marine iguanas, and fur seals. Espumilla is a beautiful beach with turquoise waters, home to a variety of bird species such as the Galapagos mockingbird and the Darwin finch, Visitors can hike, snorkel, and swim to explore the islands' natural beauty and observe their diverse wildlife.

AM: In the morning, you will enjoy Punta Espinoza, which is a narrow ledge of lava and sand extending from the volcano's base to the sea, Captain Benjamin Morrell recorded a Fernandina eruption in the 1820s, which led to thePoint. It is famous for its large colonies of marine iguanas and unique species, such as the flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguin, Galapagos hawk, and Galapagos snake, Lava cactus (Brachycerus semiotics) grows on young lava and survives on little water. 

After, visit Isabela, a large island in the Galapagos archipelago, home to fishing, farming, and tourism residents. It has an exceptional vegetation zone, high elevations of the Wolf and Cerro Azul volcanoes, and rich fauna, Conservation challenges include the eradication of introduced species, the continued presence of cats and rats, and the survival of the mangrove finch,Fishing controversies have been reduced or eliminated, but sustainability in marine ecosystems where fishing is permitted is still a work in progress.

PM: A walk among land iguanas, an impressive coral reef rises above the surface of Urbina Bay, which is west of Isabela Island, This is the result of a shallow sea bottom uplift in 1954, Depending on the season, Urbina Bay is home to a variety of plant life, the colorful plants attract many insects because of their beautiful color, A short trek inland offers the opportunity to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat while feeding, moreover, land iguanas nest in the middle of the trail, where their yellowish skin can be observed closeup. A variety of flycatchers, Darwin's finches, and mocking birds can be seen on the Galapagos Islands, both on the ground and in the trees.

AM: On Isabela Island's western shore, sits Elizabeth Bay, a lovely and isolated bay, a wide diversity of marine life, such as sea turtles, rays, and fish species, may be found in the area. Visitors may take a boat excursion to explore the mangrove woods in the bay and see the distinctive flora and animals of the region. Elizabeth Bay is a must-visit location for nature enthusiasts and those looking for a quiet retreat in the Galapagos because of its tranquil and peaceful ambiance.

PM: In the afternoon, visit Punta Moreno, a distinctive tourist destination, the area is well-known for its craggy volcanic scenery and varied biodiversity, including flamingos, sea turtles, and many bird species. Hikers can explore the distinctive lava formations in the area and enjoy the captivating natural beauty of this far-off island, Punta Moreno is a well-liked resort for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers in the Galapagos due to its spectacular scenery and numerous wildlife.

AM: During high tide, blue sharks (white-tip sharks) cruise along the channel or rest peacefully on the seabed rocks of a saltwater crevice that is a favorite resting place, hundreds of marine iguanas’ nest nearby this crevice, several sea lion colonies live on the white mangrove beach. There is no better place to admire the Galapagos fauna than here.

PM: After visiting Puerto Villamil, we are heading to Tortoise breeding center, We start the tour through the corrals enjoying these unique animals in the world, where we will learn about the history of this Centre and the history of the turtles, we also have an information room with more interesting facts, We can return by a 30-minute walk where we will find many endemic plants and birds such as flamingos, patios, and gallinules that live in salt ponds, this walk takes approximately 2 hours.

AM: Due to its closeness to the Baltra airport to the north, Santa Cruz serves as the primary tourism hub for the Galapagos. The interior and high heights of a Galapagos Island can only be observed on one island, the longest paved road in the Galapagos is on Santa Cruz; it spans the entire island from north to south and connects Puerto Ayora, the island's largest city, situated in Academy Bay on the southern coast, with the airport ferry at Itabaca Canal on the island's north coast, The GalapagosNational Park Directorate (GNPD) has managed the archipelago since1964, with CDRS working on conservation, restoration, and sustainable development projects, In this renowned national park site, just northeast of Puerto Ayora, over 200 scientists and volunteers are involved in research and conservation efforts, the most well-known of which involves giant tortoise captive breeding programs, Through the arid zone vegetation, you can observe Galápagos giant tortoises in their enclosures, A nursery with incubators is also available (the baby tortoises are repatriated to their home islands once they reach 1,5kg or about four years old),

PM: From Puerto Ayora's main street, Tortuga Bay can be reached in about an hour, Land birds may be spotted along the trail, which travels through arid areas, Once reaching the coast, there are two beaches; only strong swimmers should join the long beach open to the ocean due to its powerful undercurrents, Tortuga Bay's second beach lies to the north,The water is calm there.

AM: San Cristóbal is the fifth-largest and eastern most island of the Galapagos, home to the oldest permanent settlement, and where Darwin first stepped ashore in 1835, Manuel Cobos and José Monroy formed the Orchillera Company, a penal colony; sugar cane plantations were established; and a fishing company flourished from 1952 to 1960, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is the capital of the Galapagos province.

PM: From San Cristóbal, it takes a boat one hour to reach this islet, although it has been designated for the colony of sea lions that occasionally inhabit the area, it is a seasonal nesting spot for blue-footed boobies. There are occasionally fur seals as well, there have also been several Frigatebirds nests there. The islet is a wonderful location for snorkeling and offers a serene, picturesque environment. After this final visit, you will be transferred to the Baltra airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.

AM: At the beginning of this itinerary, full of activities and picturesque places, we will go to the island's interpretation centre, the Galapagos National Park Visitor Centre in San Cristóbal, opened in 1998, provides a comprehensive history of the archipelago, its ecosystems, vegetation, and animals, It has two interpretive panels describing the natural and cultural history of the archipelago, It also has a small auditorium, meeting rooms, and video equipment for community events.

PM: In the afternoon, we will visit the "Galapaguera“ this is an artificial turtle breeding program and a tourist information center, created by the National Park in 2003, where visitors can see giant tortoises in a natural setting. They can also learn about how they came to be, evolved and were threatened by other creatures. 

AM: After an enjoyable start to the day and breakfast, we head to Punta Pitt, a bachelor colony of sea lions on the eastern edge of San Cristóbal, it is the only place in the Galapagos where all three species nest, Swallow-tailed gulls and storm petrels, two frigate bird species, are also present. The view of sea lions from the top of the cliff is spectacular, as is the outline of the island's sparse, wind scoured peaks. The walk around the site provides a closer look at the resilient plants that survive in this volcanic wasteland.

From Punta Pitt, we continue to Cerro Brujo, where swimming and snorkeling are common activities on Cerro Brujo's coral-sand beach, Charles Darwin and Captain Fitzroy both visited a tuff cone's remains, The scenery is spectacular with sea lions, marine iguanas, and migratory birds, The lagoon can be completely dry at times and the bottom can contain salt deposits.

PM: After lunch, we will head to Kicker Rock, This coral-sand beach is about ten minutes from the airport, Sea lions sleep on the sand and rocks along this beach, Birds such as yellow warblers, frigate birds, and various finches can be seen alongside the sea lions.

AM: We begin the day with an excellent start and after breakfast, we head to Gardner Bay, With a large stretch of white sand beach,three species of Darwin's finches, and Española mockingbirds,Gardner Bay is one of the most scenic beaches in the Galapagos,The only species of the carnivorous mockingbird is the Española mockingbird, which feeds on insects, turtle hatchlings, sea lionplacentas, and newborn boobies, Green turtles can be seen gliding through the water or pulling themselves onto the beach, Visitorsswim or snorkel along the rocks in the shallow sea.

PM: In the afternoon we will head to Punta Suárez, a famous site in the Galapagos, Here, animals such as sea lions, marine iguanas, Española lava lizards,Galapagos hawks, Española mockingbirds, three species of Darwin's finches, and Galapagos pigeons can be seen. The breeding colony of the Waved Albatross is the showpiece of the site, producing a single egg each year and sharing theresponsibility of incubating it, In January, the entire colony leaves Española to fish for three months before returning to the island.

AM: The north of Floreana Island is a basalt tuff formation between Post Office Bay and Punta Cormorant, it is an impressive view point and a historical attraction, ideal for mangrove interpretation and possibly sightings of golden eagle rays, sea turtles, sea lions, mullets, and maybe Galapagos Penguins.

The Baroness' Lookout point is named after Baroness Eloisa von Wagner, she lived on Floreana Island and appreciated this place, and used it as strategic point to observe ships approaching the island.

Later on, visit the Post Office Bay, to learn about the human history in the Galapagos. Whalers left addressed letters in a wooden barrel they placed in the bay in 1793, Today, guests are welcome to leave postcards and browse the collection, In 1926 Norwegians tried unsuccessfully to colonize the area, There is a lava tube that visitors can enter by climbing a ladder from the Post Office Barrel.

PM: It is a popular tourist destination, and has two beaches¦ a green sandy one with olivine crystals and a white sandy one with small broken corals, The main attraction is the Flamingo Lagoon. Here tourists can see Galapagos flamingos wading in brackish water, Green turtles and rays can be found at Flour Beach, and Floreana is famous for its strange disappearances in the 1930s, Floreana can only be reached by boat from Santa Cruz Island.

AM: North Seymour Island¦ was formed by submarine lava flow sand is currently home to around 2,500 land iguanas, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, common noddies, and frigate birds, The Hancock expeditions relocated them in the early 1930s,

The aim was to create better conditions for their survival. There are no land iguanas at North Seymour, but there are large numbers of blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, common noddies, and frigate birds.

PM: This uninhabited island lies in Sullivan Bay, east of Santiago Island, The island is home to Pinnacle Rock, a volcanic cone that is the result of lava release from an under water volcano, Bartolomé visitors may recognize the island andPinnacle Rock from the 2003 blockbuster film Master andCommander, Today, tourists can choose between two locations¦ one that requires a trek to an excellent view point, and another on the beach, where they can enjoy snorkeling and swimming, Birdwatchers will want to look out forGalapagos Penguins, Herons, and Galapagos Hawks.

AM: The star of the day is Darwin Bay, It is a tiny sand and coral beach that can be reached by walking, Visitors can see red-footed boobies, two plumage variants of the bird, and other bird species such as frigate birds, Nazca birds, orange flocks, white-billed tropicbirds, finches, and mockingbirds, Genovesa is well known for its bird species, including frigate birds, Nazca, red flocks, white-billed tropicbirds, finches, and mockingbirds, Visitors should look out for Galapagos penguins and herons.

PM: After lunch, we head to El Barranco (Prince Philip's Steps)¦ The Galapagos visitor attraction, Prince Philip's Steps, is named after Prince Philip, who visited the island in1965 and 1981, Through the cracks in the lava cliffs, visitors can see marine life, The walk continues inland, passing more boobie nesting colonies in the PaloSanto forest, At the end, visitors can gaze out over arocky lava plain with wedge-rumped storm petrels and short-eared owls.

AM: Off Santa Cruz's east coast, they consist of twotiny crescent-shaped islands¦ the North Plaza andthe South Plaza, South Plaza is home to a widevariety of species and is known for its spectacularflora, Conservation issues include the decline of thecactus population, which is a vital food source forland iguanas, The long-term goal is to regenerate thecactus forest while maintaining a healthy landiguana population.

PM: Santa Fe¦ Santa Fe is a small island in the Galapagos archipelago that has no fresh water and has never had a human presence, It is home to many goats, which drink seawater, With two snorkeling sites in the landing bay and another in the next bay, it is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving.

AM: It is located in Santa Rosa, 21,7kilometers from Gus Angermeyer, It offers visitors the opportunity to observe giant tortoises, owls, Darwin'sfinches, and lava tunnels, Approximately 400 meters of formed lava have left a film tunnel nearby. Then we'll enjoy Los Gemelos (Twin Craters): These two large pit craters on the road between Puerto Ayora and Baltra were formed by the collapse of bare magma chambers, Both craters are accessible by stopping at the side of the road and exploring them by walking around their edges, A circular trail leads to the larger crater through the picturesque Scalesia forest, This is a great place to see land birds such as the Galapagos Dove, Vermilion Flycatcher, Short-eared Owl, and many finch species.

PM: In this renowned national park site, just northeast of Puerto Ayora, over 200 scientists and volunteers are involved in research and conservation efforts, the most well-known of which involves giant tortoise captive breeding programs, Through the arid zone vegetation, you can observe Galápagos giant tortoises in their enclosures, A nursery with incubators is also available (the baby tortoises are repatriated to their home islands once they reach 1,5kg or about four years old)

AM: Even though this is our last day, we're excited to have fun! We start the day at Borrero Bay¦ Green turtles visit Borrero Bay, a white coral beach, Yellow warblers and Darwin's finches are attracted to palo santo, leather leaf and salt-tolerant plants here, The elevation of the extinct volcano reveals many vegetation zones, from littoral to arid, humid, and dry pampas It is a stunning landscape that can be enjoyed while swimming in the azure waters of the bay or strolling along the beach.

After this visit, transfer to the Baltra airport in time for your flight back to the mainland.