Itinerary D

Departure from Quito/Guayaquil to San Cristobal (approximately 2 1/2 hours). Our naturalist guides pick up passengers at the airport and take them to the pier to board M/Y Coral I/M/Y Coral II.

Interpretation Center

Dry landing at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (capital of the Galapagos Islands). The Interpretation Center is a great place for passengers to learn about islands' past in The Museum of Natural History. It displays information about volcanic origins of islands, climate and the arrival of different species. It also displays the human history, chronologically describing the most important events in the discovery and colonization of the islands.

Tijeretas Hill

Tijeretas Hill is a strenuous walk that takes you through beautiful scenery and offers a spectacular view of the frigate bird nesting colony from the top.

Cerro Brujo

Wet landing. Cerro Brujo is an eroding tuff cone that at several locations is composed of AA lava formations and a beautiful white sandy beach, great for snorkeling and sunbathing. There is a lagoon visit where migratory bird species can be seen: Black-necked Stilts, Ruddy Turnstones, Whimbrels, other sandpiper species and White-cheeked Pintails. Cerro Brujo offers beautiful views of Kicker Rock, the southern part of San Cristobal and the vadjacent coast.

Pitt Point

Wet landing followed by a high-intensity hike on rocky terrain. The trail includes a 90 meters long, olivine beach and a path that climbs to the top of a volcanic tuff, through several magnificent viewpoints. This is probably the only site where the three booby species of the Galapagos can be seen together, as well as, two species of frigate birds and a sea lion colony. It is also excellent for dinghy rides and snorkeling, where a good range of sea birds can be observed.

Suarez Point

It is an island of geological importance, as it is one of the oldest islands in Galapagos. Because it is isolated from other islands, it exhibits a high degree of endemism. Suares Point is a popular spot in the Galapagos because of its wide variety of wildlife. It is possible to see volcanic formations as well as large colonies of sealions and seabirds such the Espanola mockingbird and Nazca boobies. The unique marine iguanas are a turquoise color with reddish areas during breeding season. The hike is quite long and takes you to the nesting grounds, which sometimes cross the trail. The Galapagos dove and Galapagos Hawk are other birdwatchers' favorites. Also, there is the possibility of seeing swallow-tailed Gulls and the largest waved albatross colony in the world, which is a highlight during the mating season (April to December). Admire the dramatic island backdrop featuring the "Soplador," which is a seaward blowhole that shoots water up 23 m. (75 feet) into the air.

Garnder Bay

Gardner Bay is a gorgeous white coral sandy beach that is guarded by sea lions. We stay close to the shore, where we can see the Galapagos Hawks, American Oystercatchers and Galapagos Ground Doves. Also, we can spot the Hood mockingbirds and Yellow Warblers. You can snorkel and swim with a wide variety of marine life in the Galapagos: Creole fish and king angelfish as well as manta and rays and white-tipped reef sharks.

Cormorant Point

Wet landing on Cormorant Point's olivine-green, sanded shore. The brackish lagoon is home to one of the most abundant flamingo colonies in the Galapagos. We hike through the mangroves to reach the brackish lagoon. Scalesia Villosa, white mangrove and holy stick are some of the endemic plants found on this island. You will reach a beautiful, white sandy beach that is one of the most important nesting areas for Green Pacific Sea Turtles. Avoid walking in the sea because of the Sting Rays hiding in the sand. They can be very dangerous if you step on them. You can see sea turtles and blue-footed bobies diving into the ocean, as well as small reef sharks soaring along the shoreline looking for food.
The end of our trail is marked by coral-sand beaches. We return to the olivine beach where we landed to swim or snorkel with sea turtles, reef fish and white-tipped reef sharks on good days. Floreana is home to a small colony penguins that can be viewed occasionally.

Post Ofiice Bay

The Post Office Bay is located on the north side Floreana. It was named after Captain James Colnett, who installed a wooden barrel that served as an informal postal office for sailors passing through. They would bring letters back with them to their destinations. Visitors continue this tradition today by placing unstamped postcards in the barrel and hoping that another traveler will return it for free. It is possible that the letter may take some time to reach its destination. There have been instances when the letter has reached its destination before it was sent.

You may also see Yellow Warbler, Darwin's finches and Lava Lizards. There are great snorkeling opportunities with Green Pacific Sea Turtles. The island is also known for its endemic vegetation, including Scalesia Villosa, Lecocarpus pinnatifidus and the Galapagos Milkwort. You can snorkel on the main beach with playful sea lions.

Dry landing. Galapagos' mountains offer a variety of bird species, including tree and ground finches, vermillion flycatchers and yellow warblers. Cattle egrets can also be seen (usually perched on the tortoises shell). You can see the diversity of ecosystems on the island from the road to the reserve. It is a great way to experience it all. From the coast, the road winds through the agricultural zone to reach dense and humid forests. You may also see Galapagos Giant Tortoises wandering in the paddocks and often seen along the road. This is an ideal spot for birdwatchers, as almost all land birds on the island live or migrate here.

Passengers will be taken to the airport to catch their return flight to Guayaquil, or Quito, after the visit.