Itinerary C


The entire eastern side is the Galapagos archipelago, including visits to Genovesa (North), Espanola and Bartolome(Central). This itinerary is full of highlights and incredible wildlife observation opportunities. The M/V Eden, a superior tourist yacht, can accommodate 16 guests. It takes 7 nights/8 days and starts in Baltra, ending in San Cristobal Island.
Day 1: Baltra Island & Santa Cruz Island: Bachas Beach

Fly early to the Galapagos Islands. To see Sally Lightfoot crabs and flamingos at Bachas Beach, you can also spot sea lions.

Santa Cruz Island: Bachas Beach

Bachas Beach is a popular spot for nesting sea turtles. The sand here is made from decomposed coral. Sally Lightfoot crabs are abundant on the lava rocks at the water's edge. These crabs will eat whatever they can reach! You can see many wildlife species, such as flamingos and hermit crabs.

Day 2: Genovesa Island: Darwin Bay & El Barranco

Admire the diversity of birds that can be found along the trails in Darwin Bay. Visit El Barranco in afternoon to view the various types of boobies including the red-footed.

Darwin Bay

This sunken caldera is a great spot for snorkeling. You will see large schools of tropical fish near the vertical walls. If you are lucky, you may even spot a manta Ray or hammerhead.
Walking along the coral sands and bustling seabirds of Darwin Bay, you will find yourself surrounded by them. Follow the trail to see nesting frigatebirds and gulls. You will want to capture some photos of your feathered friends so bring your camera.

El Barranco

For amazing wildlife viewing opportunities, visit "El Barranco", aka Prince Phillip's Steps, located at the southern tip. To see a colony of seabirds, including red-footed and masked boobies, hike up the steps.

 

Day 3: Bartolome Island & Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay

Bartolome is a place where you can take a guided tour and see the dramatic volcanic features of the island. Continue on to Santiago Island's Sullivan Bay to see the massive lava formations that contrast with the white-coral sand beach.

Bartolome Island

To get a better view of the islands' volcanic origins, hike to Bartolome's summit. Enjoy a spectacular panoramic view. It's one the most beautiful islands. You can also see other Galapagos Islands off to the left and Pinnacle Rock, Pinnacle Rock's iconic towering landmark.

Pinnacle Rock is one of the most famous volcanic rock formations in the islands. You can snorkel and swim around it. Bartolome, which is home to Galapagos penguins and friendly sea lions and sea turtles as well as a wide variety of fish, is a great place to discover the natural wonders in the Galapagos.

Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay

To see the striking and captivating giant lava formations, visit Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island. Due to the island's harsh environment and new lava flow, very few plants have survived. Take a stroll along the lava formations to reach a white-coral sandy beach where you will find abundant Sally Lightfoot crabs as well as sea lions.

Day 4: Santa Cruz Island: Black Turtle Cove & Cerro Dragon

You can search for marine life at Black Turtle Cove using a panga. After that, you can spot a variety birdlife at Cerro dragon.

Black Turtle Cove

Panga is a great way to explore mangroves and find marine wildlife in both salty and fresh waters. This tranquil ecosystem is home to manta Rays and sea turtles. You can also see whitetip reef sharks gliding past.

Cerro Dragon

For prime birdwatching, visit Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill). A short walk will take you to the hypersalinic lagoon, which is saltier than the ocean. It is home to pink flamingos and common stilts as well as pintail ducks and other bird species. Scalesia tree forest: This is an endemic area with only 400 Scalesia trees.

Day 5: Santa Cruz Island: Charles Darwin Station & Highlands

To see the giant Galapagos tortoises, disembark at Puerto Ayora. Visit the highlands in the afternoon to see giant tortoises living in their natural habitat.

Charles Darwin Research Station

Fausto Llerena's Breeding Center is a great place for watching many tortoises in captivity. The Galapagos tortoise has been saved from certain death. A corral houses the adult tortoises and a nursery takes care of the young ones until they reach three years old.
The Charles Darwin Research Station is also located in this area. This scientific organization was established in 1964 and works to conserve the Galapagos ecosystem through the conservation efforts by scientists, researchers, volunteers, and other individuals. The offices are not open for visitors but the station serves as a study area for international scientists and provides environmental education for the community.

Highlands

Santa Cruz's highlands are the perfect place to see the Galapagos giant tortoise. The area is home to many underground lava tunnels. Follow the volcanic tubes, and look out for (mainly) nocturnal barn Owls that often roost in these areas.

Day 6: Floreana Island: Post Office Bay Visit & Punta Cormorant

Enjoy guided walks in Floreana Island's Post Office Bay. After, snorkel at Corona del Diablo.

Post Office Bay Visit

Learn about the unique history of Post Office Bay by visiting Post Office Bay. A barrel was placed here by English whaling vessels in the late 18th century to serve as a postal office. Tourists use the box mainly to drop off unstamped letters and carry them to distant destinations. You can continue the tradition by leaving a note and taking one to deliver. Make sure it reaches the right place!

Punta Cormorant

Punta Cormorant is the only landing spot on Floreana Island. Here you will find two amazing beaches. One with green sand coloured by olivine, and one with white sand particles called 'Flour Beach. You can spend the afternoon watching flamingos, and other shorebirds, feeding in the lagoon. Seek out marine iguanas and penguins near the water's edge.

Devil's Crown

You can snorkel at the "Devil's Crown", an ancient underwater volcano cone located north of Punta Cormorant. You will find large schools of reef sharks, tropical fish, and sea turtles among the coral reef. You should be able to swim well, as the currents can get intense.

Day 7: Española Island: Punta Suarez & Bahía Gardner

Spend the day on Espanola island, one of the oldest archipelago islands. Visit Punta
Suarez is known for its incredible bird colonies and home of the waved albatross.
Between April and December After lunch, you can visit Gardner Bay's white sandy beach and go snorkelling.

Punta Suarez

Punta Suarez is one of the most wildlife-rich landing spots in the Galapagos. Surround yourself with young surfers sea lions upon your arrival. You will find many species nesting seabirds along the trail. If you are lucky, the waving albatross may also be found. For great views of the ocean and to see seabirds gliding in wind, follow the path up to the cliff.

Gardner Bay

You can visit Gardner Bay's beautiful white sandy beach. It is home to sea lions as well as sea birds. You must visit the stunning turquoise waters and amazing sea life. You can spot young sea lions as well as large schools of huge tropical fish such as yellow-tailed surgeonfish and king angelfish.

For a breathtaking snorkeling experience, head to Tortuga rock and Gardner Bay. Look out for playful sea lions as well as large schools of tropical fish such as yellowtailed surgeonfish and king angelfish. You will see white-tipped reef sharks resting on the bottom.

Day 8: San Cristobal Island: Interpretation Center & Transfer out

Before you fly back to Quito, learn more about the history and culture of the Islands at San Cristobal Interpretation Center.

Discover the history of Galapagos Islands, from their volcanic beginnings to the present day conservation efforts. The Human History exhibit explains the discovery and colonization of the Galapagos Islands. It also reveals the fascinating natural history and diversity of flora, fauna and flora that makes the Galapagos so special.

Included

  • All programed visits as per itinerary with specialized naturalist bilingual guide.
  • Accommodation in twin/double cabin with private facilities (surcharge for suite).
  • All meals on board, drinking purified water, coffee and tea.
  • Snorkeling equipment (fins, mask & snorkel) & sea-kayaks.
  • Transfers within the islands on cruise dates as per itinerary.
  • Personalized 24/7 assistance during tour.

Not Included

  • Airfare to/from Galapagos from/to Mainland Ecuador (to be added).
  • Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee US$100 per person (in cash only upon arrival).
  • Galapagos Migration Card US$20 in cash per person (at Mainland’s Airport).
  • Alcoholic/soft drinks, personal expenses, extras, and tips.
  • All sizes wet-suits for rent on board (in cash).
  • Travel, medical & cancelation Insurance and any services on Mainland.
  • Other services not specified in the program.

Highlights

  • Exciting bird watching opportunities in Española where you can find three different species of Darwin’s Finches and the magnificent waved Albatrosses.
  • Have a snorkeling adventure with curious and playful sea-lions.
  • Send a unique postcard commemorating your trip to your friends and family at home from Post Office Bay.
  • Spot red footed boobies and nesting masked boobies on the trail to el Barranco on Genovesa island
  • Soak in the amazing views from the top of Bartolome isle