Galapagos Cruise

Arrive at Baltra Airport and transfer to the Itabaca Channel to take a ferry across to Santa Cruz Island. Go on a 30-minute bus ride to the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Arrive at the famous Tortoise Reserve and witness the impressive migrations these giant reptiles must endure every year for feeding and reproduction. Santa Cruz hosts one of the largest tortoise populations in Galápagos. The enclosure is framed with lush vegetation and many unique land birds can be seen, such as the rare woodpecker finch, one of the world´s few tool-using species. Lunch at a local restaurant, and then continue to Puerto Ayora.

In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the ‘rearing in captivity’ program for the giant tortoises. Here, guests witness the efforts and results of all the field work done in the name of science. An impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds can be also seen. Then, a stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora allows guests to get a feel for local Galapagueño life while browsing the many handicraft and souvenir shops before embarking on Yacht Isabela II. Enjoy a welcome cocktail, dinner and hear the expedition plan for next day.

Wet landing at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has been serving as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries. Learn about the human side of the islands, its early inhabitants and the adventures of pirates and whalers. Go on a Panga ride along the maze of channels on the north shore of Floreana and see the Sea Lion colonies, marine turtles in shallow waters, rays and occasionally penguins. Wet Landing at Baroness Cove to go on a short walk up to the observation tower to enjoy breath taking views of Floreana and its nearby islets. Snorkeling and/or kayaking is possible. Back on board for lunch.

Disembark at Cormorant Point (wet landing) at an olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk that includes a brackish water lagoon where bird species like greater flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers, and others may be observed. This outing also includes a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night to nest (from December to May). The afternoon visit includes a short navigation to Champion Islet near Floreana. Enjoy fantastic snorkeling with the option of a glass-bottom boat excursion. Evening briefing and dinner.

Arrive at Punta Suárez (dry landing) for an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including waved albatrosses (April - December), Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tail gulls, as well as a view of the Galápagos famous “blow-hole.” Among its land birds, the Hood island mockingbird, and three species of Darwin’s finches are common highlights. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas. Back on board for lunch.

In the afternoon, disembark (wet landing) at a white coral beach for a short walk to observe the sea lions, mockingbirds, finches or enjoy the beach. Experience great snorkeling in this area or a ride aboard the glass-bottom boat. Nightly briefing and dinner.

Arrive this morning (wet landing) on the northeastern side of the San Cristóbal Island. Pitt Point is an eroded tuff cone; the trail that ascends from the beach provides spectacular views of the shoreline. This is the only site in the Galápagos where the three species of boobies can be found together, as well as the two frigate species, plus a colony of bachelor sea lions along the beach. After the walk, if conditions are favorable, there is a chance to swim from the beach. Lunch on board.

A dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers takes guests to Cerro Brujo's white coraline beach (wet landing). The beach is a large expanse, great for walking, with rewarding views of seabirds like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds, and more shore birds. Highlights ashore include the Chatham (San Cristóbal) mockingbird, Chatham lava lizard; both species are endemic to this island, and seen nowhere else in the Galápagos. These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835, as San Cristóbal was the first island where he set foot in the Galápagos. Evening cocktail, briefing and dinner.

After breakfast, depart to the port and airport for the flight back to the mainland.