Enchanted Galapagos Southern and Central Islands Cruise

AM: Journey to the Galapagos

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

Upon reaching San Cristobal, passengers will undergo an airport inspection to ensure the exclusion of foreign plants or animals in the archipelago. Additionally, at this inspection point, visitors must make payments for entry to the Galapagos National Park, with the fees set at $200 for foreign passengers and $100 for children under 12 years old as of September 2024.

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

PM: 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, you will be conveyed to Baltra airport in time to catch your flight back to the mainland.