Enchanted Galapagos Northern and Southern Islands Cruise

AM: Journey to the Galapagos

Today marks the beginning of your flight to the Galapagos Islands. As per the regulations set by the Galapagos Government, a migration control card fee of 20 USD is required.

Upon arrival in Santa Cruz, passengers undergo an airport inspection to prevent the introduction of foreign plants or animals to the archipelago. At this inspection point, entrance fees to the Galapagos National Park must be paid, with rates standing at $200 for foreign passengers and $100 for children under 12 years old, effective from September 2024.

Subsequently, your guide will meet you and assist with transferring your luggage to the bus. Passengers will then reach the Catamaran Seaman Journey via a motorized boat known as a Panga.

PM: Exploration of Bartolome Island

Bartolome Island, located across Sullivan Bay, stands at an altitude of 114 meters, providing a vantage point for one of the most picturesque landscapes in the Galapagos Islands. The scenery includes volcanic cones, lunar-like craters, lava fields, and the renowned Toba-formed pinnacle, sculpted by the sea. Despite minimal vegetation, the island boasts two stunning beaches harboring marine turtles, and at the base of the pinnacle, a small colony of Galapagos penguins can be observed.

AM: Mosquera Islet Exploration

Nestled between North Seymour and Baltra, Mosquera Islet stands out as one of the smallest islands in the Galápagos, characterized by its volcanic origin and flat terrain resulting from geological uplift.

The islet's most captivating feature lies in the striking contrast of colors. A pristine beach of white sand is framed by transparent turquoise waters, lush green vegetation, and jet-black lava rocks. The visual spectacle is enhanced during the golden hours of early morning or sunset, making Mosquera an ideal location for landscape photography.

PM: North Seymour Island Adventure

North Seymour Island, a raised island rather than volcanic, boasts a generally flat landscape filled with rocks. The island provides excellent nesting sites for a thriving population of magnificent frigatebirds. Witness the enchanting courtship dance of blue-footed boobies in more open areas, while swallow-tailed gulls gracefully perch on the cliff edges.

Despite the powerful surf along the outer shore, sea lions can be spotted hauling out onto the beach and even indulging in body-surfing activities. The unique blend of wildlife and coastal scenery makes North Seymour a must-visit destination in the Galápagos.

AM: Exploring El Barranco - The Cliff

The enchanting visitor site of El Barranco is situated in the southern part of Darwin Bay on Genovesa Island. The trail, spanning 1.5 km on volcanic rock, offers a fascinating two-hour journey through the youngest geological area of the island.

The cliff, located to the south, is formed of delicate lava prone to natural erosion, creating an ideal nesting ground for Storm Petrels. Witness two species of petrels nesting in the cavities and holes within the lava, while being vigilant for their main predator, the short-eared owl. The red-footed booby, unique to the outer islands like Punta Pitt, Gardner (Floreana), Wolf, Darwin, and Genovesa, finds its nesting grounds here. The masked booby also graces this island. During "panga rides" along the cliffs, observe fur sea lions and various seabird species.

PM: Discovering Darwin Bay

Darwin Bay emerged when the island's crater collapsed below sea level, resulting in a beautiful white coral sandy beach for a wet landing. A haven for birdwatchers, the bay allows for the observation of a plethora of species, including red-footed boobies, masked boobies, wandering tattlers, lava gulls, whimbrels, yellow-crowned and black-crowned lava herons, and yellow warblers.

As visitors progress along the trail, a gradual ascent to the cliff's edge unveils Red-Foots nesting in the Mangrove trees below. Birdwatching enthusiasts will delight in sightings of sharp-beaked finches, large cactus and ground finches, Galapagos doves, and swallow-tailed gulls. The trail concludes at the cliff's edge, offering an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the island and the diverse birdlife inhabiting its vibrant ecosystem.

AM: Exploration of South Plazas Island

Situated to the east of Santa Cruz Island, South Plazas forms part of the Islas Plazas and, despite its modest size, hosts some of the most captivating and unique species in the Galapagos. Notably, the Plazas land iguanas found here are smaller than their counterparts on other islands.

The island features several hybrid iguanas resulting from the crossbreeding of a male marine iguana and a female land iguana. Distinguished by their black/gray coloration, these hybrids sport the crest of a land iguana along with the face and tail of a marine iguana. The abundant population of iguanas can be attributed to the presence of their favorite food, tunas. Along the rugged cliffs, observe swallow-tailed gulls nesting alongside seabirds such as Audubon shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds, and brown pelicans.

PM: Santa Fe Island Discovery

Nestled in the southeastern part of the Galapagos, Santa Fe Island boasts a unique flat terrain resulting from uplift rather than volcanic origins. Some theories propose it to be the oldest island in the Archipelago. The island is a haven for endemic species, including the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, Galapagos mockingbird, rice rats, and one of the two species of land iguanas in the islands.

Upon disembarking in the clear waters, encounter one of the numerous sea lion colonies. The trail introduces salt bushes and towering giant prickly pear cacti, showcasing gigantism, a characteristic of oceanic islands. Santa Fe provides excellent opportunities for snorkeling with playful sea lions and vibrant tropical fish in its pristine waters.

AM: Visit to the David Rodriguez Land Tortoise Breeding Centre

Established in 2002 under the name Jacinto Gordillo, the Tortoise Breeding Centre was initiated by the Galapagos National Park Service for the captive breeding and care of tortoises. In 2016, it was renamed the David Rodriguez Tortoise Breeding Centre in honor of David Rodriguez's 39 years of dedicated service as a park ranger.

Situated in the southeast of San Cristobal, approximately 22.5 km from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, this breeding center is accessible by land. The 40-minute bus journey leads to the vicinity of Cerro Colorado. The primary goal of the David Rodriguez Tortoise Breeding Centre is to enhance the population status of the giant tortoises, specifically Chelonoides chathamensis of San Cristóbal Island. The facility aims to provide an environment closely resembling their natural habitat, thereby contributing to the conservation efforts and promoting the sustainable tourism development of San Cristóbal.

Gianni Arismendy Environmental Interpretation Centre

In the afternoon, explore the Gianni Arismendy Environmental Interpretation Centre, characterized by lush gardens and breathtaking ocean views. This center serves as a repository of knowledge on the geological and human history of the islands, conservation efforts, and natural history. As the oldest Natural History museum in the Galapagos Islands, it is dedicated to preserving the archipelago. Witnessing their research and conservation initiatives is not only informative but also truly inspiring and motivational.

AM: Exploration of Punta Pitt

Punta Pitt, situated at the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island, boasts a 90-meter beach and natural vantage points overlooking a weathered volcanic tuff hill. A 1,400-meter trail, named Oliviana, guides visitors from the beach to the summit, revealing diverse lava formations.

The hill, shaped by relentless winds, showcases awe-inspiring and otherworldly landscapes reminiscent of scenes from a science fiction film. Oliviana beach, adorned with an exquisite olive-yellow hue and bright crystals from lava and shell erosion, serves as a sunbathing spot for sea lions. Here, the spectacle unfolds as frigate birds, pelicans, herons, and seagulls soar overhead.

Pitt Islet stands out as a unique location where all three booby species (blue-footed, red-footed, and masked) and both frigate bird species coexist.

PM: Adventure on Lobos Island

Isla Lobos, a small and level islet, earns its name from the sea lions that playfully inhabit its beaches, their brown fur contrasting against the white sand. Accessible by a 20-minute boat ride (10 kilometers) from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island, it holds tourist diving status with two piers for underwater exploration accompanied by sea lions.

The protected channel surrounding the islet provides an exceptional snorkeling experience. A scenic 850-meter trail connects the piers, offering a one-hour walk to observe saltwater-tolerant coastal vegetation. The island derives its name from two sea lion species residing there—the California sea lions and the fur seals with dual fur layers, originating from Antarctica.

AM: Leisure at Gardner Bay

Nestled on the northeastern coast of Hood Island, Gardner Bay presents an idyllic setting for relaxation, swimming, and kayaking, complemented by the chance to observe the charismatic sea lions (Zalophus wollebaki). The crystal-clear waters offer glimpses of sharks, adding an exciting element to the coastal experience.

Within this serene location, three species of Darwin finches can be spotted:

• A subspecies of the large-billed cactus finch (Geospiza fuliginosa), resembling the terrestrial finch with a sizable bill.
• The small-beaked ground finch (Geospiza fuliginosa).
• The singing finch (Certhidea Olivacea), an endemic subspecies.

Both resident and migratory birds grace this area, providing ample opportunities for birdwatching.

PM: Discovering Suarez Point

Suarez Point stands as a prime location for observing blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, and Nazca boobies. Situated along the oceanfront, it offers a captivating view of large waved albatrosses utilizing the cliffs as launchpads. The main attraction is the magnificent blowhole, sending water soaring to impressive heights of 50 to 75 meters. This spectacle not only provides a visual treat but also offers excellent opportunities for captivating photography.

AM: Exploration of Cormorant Point & Champion Islet

Cormorant Point stands out as a remarkable site, boasting arguably the finest flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos and ranking among the largest across the islands. Nestled between two tuff lava cones, the area exudes a unique atmosphere. In addition to observing flamingos, visitors can delight in the presence of various shorebirds, including common stilts, white-cheeked pintail ducks, and migratory bird species. The site's distinct beaches, namely "The Green Beach" (characterized by a high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand) and the "Flour Sand Beach" made up of coral, add to the fascinating landscape.

Following the intriguing walk, the journey proceeds to Champion Islet, an ideal spot for snorkeling and exploring underwater wildlife. Sea turtles, sea lions, and a variety of fish abound, thanks to the vibrant coral reef nearby.

PM: Visit to Post Office Bay

Historically significant, Post Office Bay is home to a wooden barrel placed by the crew of an 18th-century whaling ship. Since then, mariners and tourists have utilized it as a post office, carrying letters or postcards to their destinations by hand. Additionally, this area served as the landing site for some of the first colonists. The afternoon at Post Office Bay offers a leisurely opportunity for visitors to appreciate the beach and the natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands.

AM: Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre Experience

Situated within the Galapagos National Park, along Charles Darwin Avenue, and a mere 1 km from the Gus Angermeyer Tourist Pier, the Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre is a key attraction forming part of the Charles Darwin Foundation's network of visitor sites. A 40-minute walk from the pier leads visitors to this captivating center.

The journey commences at the information booth of the Galapagos National Park Service (SPNG). Following a trail that passes through the Van Straelen Interpretation Centre, visitors arrive at the breeding centre. Here, an elevated circular wooden path unfolds, providing panoramic views of Lonesome George and the tortoises native to Española Island. The path concludes at the tortoise exhibition corral, offering a comprehensive and educational experience for all visitors.

Following your visit, arrangements will be made to transfer you to Baltra airport in order for you to catch your flight back to the mainland on time.