Itinerary B | Galapagos Travel Advisor

Day 1: San Cristobal Airport & Galapaguera

Arrival in San Cristobal Airport and Transfer to the boat

Galapaguera

La Galapaguera is one of the Galapagos National Park's tortoise breeding centers and has been built to help improve the population of the giant tortoises, Geochelone Chatamensis, in an environment similar to their natural.

Day 2: Genovesa Island: Darwin Bay & El Barranco

Darwin Bay

This white sand coral beach heads a half mile trail (0.75km) that winds through mangroves filled with land birds. Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls can be spotted here. Further down the path are tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully. At the end is a spectacular view from a cliff.

El Barranco

In the afternoon we will visit El Barranco

Day 3: Santa Cruz Island: Bachas Beach & Dragon Hill

Bachas Beach

Located on the north shore of Santa Cruz, Las Bachas is a swimming beach. One of the few remnants of the U.S. World War II presence in the Galapagos, a floating pier, can be seen here. You may see flamingos, Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black necked stilts, and whimbrels. Sea turtles also nest off the beach.

Dragon Hill

Dragon Hill is one of the few visitor sites directly related to a conservation program of the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galapagos National Park. The visitor site was opened in 1993 to provide an additional chance for observing land iguanas. The landing site at the rocky shore is a wonderful place for snorkeling.

Day 4: Isabela Island: VIcente Roca Point & Urbina Bay

Vicente Roca Point

Located on the northwestern coast of the island and comprised of two separate coves, this site is a large bay with spectacular sea life. Seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange yet fascinating mola-mola (sunfish) may be spotted here. This bay is great for diving and snorkeling.

Urbina Bay

Urbina Bay is located at the base of Alcedo Volcano on the west coast, between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay. This area experienced a major uplift in 1954, causing the land to rise over 16 feet. The coast expanded half a mile out, leaving marine life stranded on the new shore. This area is also a great place for snorkeling.

Day 5: Fernandina Island: Espinosa Point & Isabela Island: Tagus Cove

Fernandina Island: Espinosa Point

No foreign species have ever invaded Fernandina Island, and therefore it is one of the world's most pristine island ecosystems. The volcano “La Cumbre” dominates the landspace with lava fields reaching the ocean. The island's highlight features the flightless cormorant nesting site. This area provides a great opportunity to see the Galapagos hawk.

Isabela Island: Tagus Cove

Located across from Fernandina Island, near the Bolivar Channel dividing the two islands. This spot has been frequented by ships since the 1800s, using the area as an anchorage site. Trails winding by Lake Darwin up to a ridge display wonderful views. Punta Tortuga, just north of Tagus Cove, is another lovely beach surrounded by mangroves.

Day 6: Rabida Island & Santa Cruz Island: Black Turtle Cove

Rabida Island

Rabida Island (Jervis) is one of the most colorful and volcanically varied islands in the archipelago and a great snorkeling site. Its famous red sandy beach and stunning lookouts provide wonderful landscapes. The island is a birdwatcher's delight. Some of the rarest species are in abundance, such as nine varieties of finches, large-billed flycatchers, Galapagos hawks and brown pelicans.

Santa Cruz Island: Black Turtle Cove

Situated in the northern part of Santa Cruz. This inlet is surrounded by mangroves and is only accessible by dinghy. The shallow cove is a safe haven for young marine life. Black-tip and white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, and a variety of rays are often spotted here.

Day 7: Santa Cruz Highlands & Fausto Llerena Breeding Center

Highlands

Reached by bus from Puerto Ayora, the highlands of Santa Cruz are a deep green, contrasting beautifully with much of the dry, lower islands. The dominant vegetation in the highlands is the Scalesia trees, creating the lush green color. The lava tubes, over half a mile long, are underground and walking through them is a unique, surreal experience.

Fausto Llerena Breeding Center

The Fausto Llerena Tortoise Center, a long-term program run jointly by the Galapagos National Park Directorate and the Charles Darwin Foundation, began in 1965 to save the giant tortoise population on Pinzón.At the Tortoise Center, visitors can observe a variety of tortoises, including hatchlings, juveniles, and full-grown individuals.

Day 8: Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center & Airport San Cristobal

Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center

The Gianni Arismendy Interpretation Center was opened in 1998 as a phase of the project Interpretation and Environment Education Project. Visitors enjoy expositions on natural history, human history, and conservation.

Transfer to San Cristobal Airport