Tribute Yacht

AM: Arrival at Baltra Airport and transfer in. You must pay your Galapagos National Park entrance fee (unless it was pre-paid) and your luggage will be inspected. A guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbour. Here you will climb aboard the yacht Solaris. After greeting the crew and the captain, your cabins will be assigned to you and then you will enjoy your first lunch aboard.

PM: Santa Cruz offers excellent opportunities for viewing wild Galapagos giant tortoises, roaming through pastures in the agricultural zone and in the transition zone of adjacent El Chato Tortoise Reserve.

AM: Galapagos sea lions are true beach lovers and Mosquera offers beautiful white coral sand beaches, which contrast with the blue water and thus attract numerous sea lions. During a beach walk, you can observe numerous species of waders and sanderlings. Between the rocks, the red clip crabs wait to play hide and seek while you try to get the perfect photo. If you are lucky, you may even encounter yellow-crowned night-herons or even a red-footed booby.

PM: Popular South Plaza is not to be missed! This bizarre ‘Jurassic islet’ is the best place to see the emblematic ‘Galapagos dragons’, which crawl across it.

AM: This morning you will have a wet landing on this peninsula that is covered with aromatic palo santo forest. The sand at the beach is green, because it contains a high percentage of glassy olivine crystals that have been blown out by the surrounding tuff cones. Crossing to the other side of the peninsula, there is a ‘flour sand’ beach that originated from coral pulverized by Parrotfish. From the shore you could spot schools of stingrays who love burying themselves in the sandy bottom. During the first months of the year, Pacific green turtles come ashore to bury their eggs. Return on board.

PM: While you were having lunch we navigated to Post Office Bay. This mailing station has been intermittently in use since the eighteenth century, when the Galapagos was a resupplying port for Pacific pirates. You can join their tradition and send greeting cards to your beloved ones worldwide using the historical barrel (it works). Nearby, the beach is normally visited by sea lions, pacific green turtles, golden rays and even penguins. Next, you may climb the miniature basaltic cone of Baroness Lookout and take in the paradisiacal coastal views. This viewpoint was the favourite spot of one of Floreana’s first modern-era colonists, the eccentric self-proclaimed Baroness and ‘Empress of Galapagos’ Eloisa von Wagner Bosquet, who even built her house a few metres behind. She and one of her lovers were the first in a series of mysterious disappearances and deaths occurring in this island during the 1930s.

AM: This island is one of the greatest in the world for birdwatchers. Different kinds of finches, frigates, blue-footed boobies and Nazca boobies can be found, as well as the endemic Española mockingbird, Albatross, and Galapagos hawk. Watch your step, because each Albatross' couple lay an egg on the floor and make it roll over to improve hatching success. The juveniles attend the cliffs of the island to learn to fly by jumping into the abysm. And the chicks are organized in nurseries where they will safely remain while the adults are away at sea. Another highlight during this visit is “El Soplador”, a 25 m water geiser produced by ocean waves crashing with great pressure with cracks in the island’s cliff, spouting up through a lava tunnel. This site offers a fantastic background for a meditative experience or a memorable photo.

PM: We will keep exploring Española island, the oldest in the archipelago, estimated at over 4 million years old, located in the extreme southeast of the archipelago. On the north-eastern coast of this island, Gardner Bay offers a wonderful place to refresh in the turquoise sea and to snorkel side by side with eagle rays, golden rays, barracudas, batfish, turtles, sea lions, and white tipped sharks.

AM: Today, for your last excursion, you will disembark to San Cristobal island. There you will visit an Interpretation Center, where photos, historic documents and maquettes will help you get a glimpse of the seriousness and complexity of preserving the unique ecosystems of Galapagos. After this visit, you will disembark and get transferred to San Cristobal airport. There you will catch your flight.

AM: Upon arrival at San Cristobal, you will pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands, as well as to pay the park entrance fee of $100 (unless it has been prepaid). A guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbour, where you will board the Tribute cruise. You will be assigned to your cabins, and lunch will be served shortly after.

PM: Lobos Islet harbours a colony of Galapagos sea lions. As in other colonies in the archipelago, you can approach nurturing females within a few metres. During breeding season this colony is also visited by territorial males, defending and mating their harem. There are two other emblematic species breeding here: male blue-footed boobies and great frigate birds who try to impress the females (and tourists) with clumsy dances, heaving their feet or blowing up their balloon-sized scarlet pouches.

AM: During you excursion at Santa Fe island, you will get surprised at how close to you some curious sea lions waddle. Likewise approachable for a close-up are Galapagos hawks that usually perch at their outlooks, ready to snatch away a baby marine iguana or lava lizard. We start next a cactus forest trail, that gives a close-up view on how these surrealistic, house-high giant opuntia prickly pears have grown out larger than on any other island and tell a fascinating evolutional story. At the calm, turquoise Barrington Bay, you can swim in close company with Galapagos sea lions, fluorescent blue chin parrot fishes, yellowtail surgeon fishes, whiptail stingrays, Pacific green turtles, white tip reef sharks, and more.

PM: You will disembark the cruise in the afternoon, to explore Black Turtle Cove from the dinghy. This place is a living illustration of how mangroves alter the marine environment to create a rich and unique habitat. Three mangrove species crowd the area from the shore out into the lagoon, which reaches almost a mile inland. As we drift through quiet waters in the zodiac, you are likely to see spotted eagle rays, which swim in a diamond formation. White-tipped reef sharks slip beneath the boat and Pacific green turtles come to the surface for air.

AM: As one of the outer islands and most exclusive places on the Galapagos, Genovesa is well worth last night’s longer navigation. This compact site in the heart of its flooded crater shows the extremely varied coastal ecosystems of the Galapagos in miniature; nearly too much for a single day. Whimbrels and wandering tattlers forage actively along the surf, next to resting Galapagos sea lions. Impressive frigatebirds and red-footed boobies nest in the mangroves, where you can also see vocalists such as the yellow warbler, Darwin’s finches and the Galapagos mockingbird. Uniquely, two subpopulations of the same species of large cactus finch differ in their singing

PM: Not only because of its historical English name (Tower) Genovesa has a royal touch. Follow in the footsteps of Prince Philip – Galapagos lover for many years – and visit this favourite birding spot with the largest breeding colonies of red-footed and Nazca boobies, and look for the remarkable short-eared owl that hunts on foot!

AM: Approaching Chinese Hat from the north, you will understand thereason of its name. You arrive just in time to witness how this young barren islet is being colonised by pioneer species sprouting from holes in the lava. The presence of Galapagos sea lions, countless marine iguanas, eagles and mockingbirds contribute to soil fertilisation Snorkelling here is highly recommended, as it’s home of a colony of Galapagos Penguins, critically endangered because of the effects of climate change. While you’re swimming, they might approach curiously to your mask, alongside sea lions and elusive Pacific green turtles.

PM: This afternoon you have a ‘wet landing’ on the extraordinary red beach of Rabida island. Oxidised iron particles have given its rocks and san an intense rusty colour. Contiguous to the beach is a shallow gree lagoon, an oasis on this otherwise arid island, which attracts all kind of aquatic birds, like pintails and sometimes American flamingos. Between the evergreen foliage of the surrounding mangrove bushes, many species of songbirds hide and breed. One of the most outstanding attractions is the major breeding colony of brown pelicans, the only ones in the world that plunge-dive. On return you will be picked up by the inflatable dinghies, to get ready for snorkelling.

AM: The dinghies will bring you to the touristic pier of Puerto Ayora, in Santa Cruz island, from where you will be brought to the Charles Darwin Research Station. This institution was named after the British naturalist who developed his Theory of Evolution after visiting these islands in 1835, and works on the conservation and restoration of the Galapagos ecosystems, as well as for the sustainable development of its communities. There is an interpretation centre about the National Park and its Marin Reserve. The most memorable part of your visit will probably be the successful breeding centre and the enclosures with Galapagos giant tortoises. After this visit, you will disembark the Tribute, and be transferred to Baltra airport.

AM: Arrival at Baltra Airport and transfer in. You must pay your Galapagos National Park entrance fee (unless it was pre-paid) and your luggage will be inspected. A guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbour. Here you will climb aboard the yacht Tribute. After greeting the crew and the captain, your cabins will be assigned to you and then you will enjoy your first lunch aboard.

PM: Santa Cruz offers excellent opportunities for viewing wild Galapagos giant tortoises, roaming through pastures in the agricultural zone and in the transition zone of adjacent El Chato Tortoise Reserve.

AM: While you were sleeping, we navigated to the western island of Isabela, the largest of the archipelago, and one of its youngest, at 1 million years old. Your first visit here will be to the offshore islet of Tintoreras, remarkable for its breeding colony of large marine iguanas (each member measures up to 1.5 m/5 ft!). Snorkelling opportunities are excellent, as the site features a unique tidal channel with clear, turquoise waters, allowing you to swim alongside playful sea lions, marine turtles, marine iguanas, sting rays, and white tip sharks. Also, you have one of the best chances to see the only tropical penguin in the world. Afterwards, you will enjoy a tour to the Sierra Negra volcano. Bring a backpack with hiking & water shoes, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen and a light rain jacket. Sierra Negra is the only major volcano on Isabela which crater regions are currently open to tourism. Its impressive caldera of 10 km wide is the largest of the Galapagos Islands. The route followed is approximately 16 km long, and will reward you with dramatic geological and ecological contrasts. You will start today’s tour to Sierra Negra boarding a local chiva-ride (open truck with wooden benches) leading from Puerto Villamil to the National Park Entrance. After crossing a barren lava flow with cacti and passing a flamingo lagoon, the main road leads through Isabela's surprisingly lush agricultural highlands. While gaining altitude, no less than five vegetation zones will be passed. A trail along the rim of Sierra Negra Volcano leads to a viewpoint where you can try to grasp the incomprehensive dimensions of its caldera (clear weather unpredictable, but thanks to prevailing winds fog usually tend to dissolve on approach). Songbirds will accompany you along the way, harmonizing the steaming volcanic landscapes.

PM: You will disembark the cruise in the afternoon, to explore Black Turtle Cove from the dinghy. This place is a living illustration of how mangroves alter the marine environment to create a rich and unique habitat. Three mangrove species crowd the area from the shore out into the lagoon, which reaches almost a mile inland. As we drift through quiet waters in the zodiac, you are likely to see spotted eagle rays, which swim in a diamond formation. White-tipped reef sharks slip beneath the boat and Pacific green turtles come to the surface for air.

AM: During the night we navigated to the northwest coast of Isabela, where the Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes are found. In between these two, we will disembark at Punta Moreno, where a trail that runs along a solidified black lava flow will lead us to a complex of tidal lagoons. In their waters, we might see sharks and marine turtles. Several species of birds will also be visible, including flamingos, which are found around the lakes and mangroves. This is a favorite excursion as it combines the opportunity to see coastal species with a hike through stunning landscapes.

PM: Later, you will visit Espinoza Point,which is Fernandina’s only terrestrial visitors site, and one of the few locations where you will find some bizarre animal species, products of natural selection. The figurehead is the emblematic flightless cormorant that lives exclusively in the remote west of Galapagos, and could be considered as the ‘holy grail of evolution’. This bird lost its ability to fly, but instead became an agile marine hunter. You will also love the almost unworldly views with the dominating cone of Volcán La Cumbre as a spectacular backdrop. The narrow headland that you walk along is the end of a lava tongue that reached the coast and solidified upon contact with the water.

AM: This morning’s visit starts with a dinghy ride along the island’s cliffs. This will provide you a good chance to spot the endemic Galapagos penguin, the only one of its species to live in the tropics. From the landing dock, it’s a 30-minute hike along the trail to the top of the cliff, from where you can observe the iconic Darwin Lake (pictured). Look carefully at all the graffiti on the surrounding rocks, they were written by pirates, whalers and buccaneers in past centuries. Back at the coast, you could pick a kayak to explore these paradisiacal coastal environment.

PM: Whilst having lunch we navigated across the Bolivar Channel for a final visit to Isabela island. While entering a dark cave below a spectacular arch, roaring echoes of the waves will accompany you. Just around the corner, the collapsed amphitheatre of the Ecuador volcano offers an impressive view. The calmer waters of the coves are well-protected against the ocean swell and are a fairly cold, but a great place for snorkelling amongst various species of shark, penguins, puffer fish and even seahorses!

AM: The beautiful volcanic islet of Bartolomé is among the youngest of the islands and, on a geological scale, was just recently born out of the fire. Although it looks deserted at first sight, Bartholomew offers some of the wildest landscapes and best panoramas of the entire archipelago. To enjoy the postcard view of the idyllic “Pinnacle Bay” you will have to climb the stairs to the viewpoint on top of the island (114 m/375 ft).

Enter a dramatic world of threatening (though extinguished) nearby spatter cones, craters, and lightweight lava droplets that have been spewed out by fiery fountains. The summit trail is also ideal for witnessing how scanty pioneer vegetation, such as lava cactus, struggles to take root in the bare virgin lava fields.

PM: The arrival in Sullivan Bay is like a moon landing. The desolate, sprawling fields seem to be out of this planet, therefore this island is very popular among photographers and geologists. The last eruption here occurred in 1897, and covered the bay with Pahoehoe lava flows, which are characterized by smooth, gently undulating, or broadly hummocky surfaces. The beach nearby has clear, shallow waters that invite to snorkel, and if you venture to deeper waters, generous marine life can be found (like some Galapagos penguins on the rocks!). Moreover, Pacific green turtles, whitetip reef sharks (careless about humans), Galapagos sea lions, and rays are likely to make an appearance.

AM: Dragon Hill hosts two key-species that are not too commonly distributed throughout the islands: Galapagos land iguanas and American flamingos. You will climb a hill with giant opuntia cacti where these animals feed and breed. This is a very photogenic spot as well, with breathtaking panoramas over the bay and towards an intriguing steep volcanic spout of red lava that overlooks the area. Dragon Hill has become popular because of its picturesque saline lagoons behind the beach, which contain minerals, algae and shrimp that attract abundance of seabirds.

PM: Seymour is an uplifted (as opposed to volcanic) island and therefore is generally flat and strewn with boulders. There are good nesting sites here for a large population of magnificent frigate birds. Blue-footed boobies perform their courtship dance in the more open areas and swallow-tailed gulls perch on the cliff edges. Despite the tremendous surf that can pound the outer shore, sea lions haul out onto the beach and can be found bodysurfing.

AM: Your last visit is to Bachas. Two conjunct beaches, with soft white sand that makes it a favourite nesting site for sea turtles. There is a small brackish water lagoon behind the first beach, where occasionally it is possible to observe flamingos and other coastal birds, such as black-necked stilts and whimbrels. The second beach is longer, and it has two old barges that were abandoned during the Second World War, when the USA used this Island as a strategic point to protect the Panama Channel. Now you will be transferred from Baltra to the dock in Puerto Ayora.