Galapagos Cruise

Arrive at Baltra Island this morning. Continue to Sombrero Chino for snorkeling and exploring by foot. Less than a quarter of a square kilometer in size, the tiny island of Sombrero Chino, resembling a Chinese hat, sits just off the southeastern tip of Santiago Island. Wander the crescent-shaped white sandy beach and soak up the serene landscape.

Located east of Santa Cruz Island, Santa Fe Island may well be the oldest island in the Galapagos and has one of the most beautiful and sheltered bays in the archipelago as well as some of the best snorkeling. The shore is usually covered in sea lion, and you may also see many land iguanas.

South Plaza was formed by uplifted lava and is covered by Opuntia cacti growing over patches of Sesusvium. Here, land iguanas, sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropic birds, and others can be seen.

Genovesa is one of the most fantastic islands because of its animals, its landscape, its remoteness and its unspoiled nature. At Prince Philip’s Steps, climb to a plateau that is part of the stretch of land that surrounds Darwin Bay on its eastern side. Here, observe Masked boobies, Red-Footed boobies, and thousands of storm petrels. Snorkeling can be done at the beach or alongside the cliffs.

Darwin Bay Beach is filled with frigate birds and their bustling activity. Along the trail are pairs of Swallow-tailed Gulls, the only nocturnal gulls in the world and Red-footed Boobies, with their contrasting red feet and blue bills.

Fernandina is the youngest and westernmost island in the Galapagos. Punta Espinosa is a narrow stretch of land where some of the most unique Galapagos species can be seen. Here, you will likely see penguins, Sally Lightfoot crabs, herons, sandpipers, and very large groups of Marine iguanas. This is one of the few places where you can watch iguanas feed underwater.

In the afternoon, visit Urbina Bay, which is very interesting in that it is a perfect example of the geological activity of the islands. In 1954 over 3 miles of the marine reef at the edge of the shore were uplifted by 13 feet.

Isabela, the largest island in the archipelago, is composed of six shield volcanoes that have merged into a single land mass. At Tagus Cove, the nature trail offers spectacular views of Darwin Lake, and at the highest point, it is possible to observe the different vegetation zones, Darwin and Wolf Volcanoes, and Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants and pelicans.

Located at the ‘mouth’ of the head of the sea horse, which forms the northern part of the islands, is Punta Vicente Roca. Here, the remnants of an ancient volcano form two turquoise coves with a bay well protected from the ocean swells. The spot is a popular anchorage from which to take panga rides along the cliff or explore a partially sunken cave at the water’s edge. Keep an eye out for masked and blue-footed boobies and flightless cormorants.

This morning, visit Playa Espumilla or Caleta Bucanero on Santiago Island. Go on walks inland for views of mangroves, a lagoon and sights of flamingos, or snorkel in this beautiful area. James Bay on the northwestern side of Santiago offers adventures to sites like the black beach of Puerto Egas and extraordinary wildlife sightings.

Santa Cruz is the second largest island in the Galapagos, and the small town of Puerto Ayora is the economic center of the archipelago. Six different zones of vegetation can be seen here. The Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park offices are based on the island. Scientists, park rangers and park managers make huge efforts to preserve and protect the Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Station is also a tortoise breeding and rearing center, where tortoises of different subspecies are prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats.

The lush greenery of the Santa Cruz Highlands is a definite contrast with the arid scenery of the smaller, lower islands. A point of interest is the famed lava tunnels and the Twin Craters.

This morning, visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, which explains the natural history of the Galápagos, with a great emphasis on human history and conservation. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the mainland.