There are two luxury cruise options and four options of 8-day itineraries. The option chosen will depend on previous reservation and availability.
Below are the itineraries:
Itinerary A - Camila Cruise
Saturday - Day 1
AM: Arrival at San Cristobal Airport with transfer to M/T Camila
Welcome to the Galapagos Islands aboard M/T Camila. You will be welcomed by our guide and crew who will show you your accommodations. Afterwards, the guide and the cruise manager will brief you on all the safety and emergency protocols, different areas of the vessel and the normal routine of the itinerary.
PM: Santiago Island - Sullivan Bay
Southeast of Santiago Island, Sullivan Bay shows an interesting lava field with a geologically young flow from 1897 onwards. As the rocks are black and formed of lava, it can get quite hot. Appropriate shoes are needed for this visit in order to protect your feet.
Activities: Hiking, swimming and snorkeling.
Difficulty: Moderate
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, various coastal birds, light-footed crabs.
What to bring: Robust walking shoes and canes to help on uneven ground.
Sunday - Day 2
AM: Isabela Island - Point Vicente Roca
Isabela Island is the largest of all Galapagos islands. It is best known as the island in the shape of a sea horse. While on the panga, keep an eye on the magnificent sunfish spring!
Activities: Scuba diving with oxygen cylinder and panga tour
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, blue-footed boobies, various coastal birds, sunfish molasses, sea turtles, Galapagos penguins, Nazca boobies, light-footed crabs sally.
What to bring: Waterproof camera bag or any electronic equipment brought to panga.
PM: Fernandina Island - Ponta Espinosa
Between the Bolivar Channel that divides the Isabela and Fernandina Islands is Ponta Espinosa. The highlight of this visit is the nesting colony of the flightless Cormoran, which with time lost its ability to fly due to distinct evolutions, helping it to swim better and faster. The incredible remains of solid magma are also seen here, but look where you are going since there are many marine iguanas walking around the island.
Activities: Walking
Difficulty: Moderate
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, various coastal birds, light-footed crabs, flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, seals and marine iguanas.
What to bring: Robust walking sticks and shoes.
Monday - Day 3
AM: Isabela - Tagus Cove
If you like historical remains, then you will like to find what was left behind by pirates and sailors in the 1800s. This place was one of their favorite stops while traveling the seas. The walk here will provide incredible views of the inlet and the other side of the mangrove forest, where the last 35 pairs of Mangrove finches thrive.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling and panga tour
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, various coastal birds, cormorants, Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas, lightfoot crabs, mango trees.
What to bring: Hiking sticks and sturdy walking shoes, the camera is a must!
PM: Isabela Island - Urbina Bay
The Bay of Urbina already existed millions of years ago at the bottom of the ocean. Volcanic movements caused it to rise and is now occupied by sea lions, land iguanas and flightless cormorants. It is a great place to enjoy some free time on the beach or take a walk.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling and panga tour
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, various coastal birds, flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, sea turtles, land iguanas, Galapagos falcon, light-footed crabs, Galapagos turtle.
Tuesday - Day 4
AM: Isabela Island - Elizabeth Bay
On the east coast of Isabela Island is Elizabeth Bay, with many islets. These parts are visited by panga and on the rocky shores can be seen Galapagos penguins. There is a great abundance of marine life that can be seen in the clear waters.
Activities: Panga tour
Difficulty: Easy
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, frigate birds, sea turtles, various coastal birds, cormorants, marine iguanas, pelicans, light-footed crabs, tropical fish and marine life such as galápagos sharks.
PM: Isabela Island - Ponta Moreno
Moreno Point`s beautiful rocky coastline offers a multitude of birds to be seen. It`s a real treat for bird-watchers. The main attraction is the coastal lagoons where white-tipped sharks can be seen and the panoramic views of the Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes are not to be missed.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling and panga tour
Difficulty: Moderate:
Possible Wildlife: Sea lions, large blue herons, coastal birds, cormorants, marine iguanas, light-footed crabs, sea turtles, land iguanas, Galapagos falcon, Galapagos turtle.
Wednesday - Day 5
AM: Santa Cruz Island - Charles Darwin Station
The Charles Darwin Research Station is one of the most important places for visitors to Galapagos Island. It is a research facility that has an extensive collection of carefully preserved Galapagos plant life specimens and also acts as a biological research station and active reproduction center operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation.
Activities: Visit to the research station
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Possible wildlife: Galapagos turtles in captivity and various stages of turtles.
PM: Santa Cruz Island - Highlands
The plateaus are located in the northern part of Santa Cruz and can reach elevations of up to 1500 meters. This area is full of hills, ferns, volcanoes and wildlife. A great contrast with the molten lava beaches and the rocky areas of other islands already seen. It is home to giant turtles, mockingbirds, finches and many other species.
Thursday - Day 6
AM: Santa Fe Island
Santa Fe is home to the endemic Iguana Santa Fe. The island was created by a volcanic elevation that now houses a forest of Opuntia and Palo Santo trees. It is a picturesque island with two different trails, one that leads to a panoramic viewpoint and the other that leads to a small beach.
Activities: Trekking
Difficulty: Moderate
Possible wildlife: land iguanas from Santa Fe, frigates, light-footed crabs, sea lions, finches, several coastal birds.
What to bring: Sturdy walking shoes and canes.
PM: South Plazas Island
This small island with steep cliffs was formed by rising lava. It is home to one of the largest colonies of sea lions, as well as colorful land iguanas. The most characteristic plant of the island is the Sesuvio which turns bright red during the dry season, creating a contrast on the island. The surprising colors of the turquoise waters against the black lava create a setting for incredible photo opportunities.
Activities: Walking
Difficulty: Moderate
Possible wildlife: frigate birds, light-footed crabs, sea lions, land iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, various coastal birds and seabirds.
What to bring: Robust walking shoes and canes.
Friday - Day 7
AM: Floreana - Post Office Bay
Ask the Cruise Manager for one of our complimentary postcards to write a message and address it to home. Leave it in the barrel previously used by pirates and sailors. While you are there, see if there are any postcards you can take home to send to help people who have already left their messages!
Activities: Mail barrel, relaxing on the beach, swimming or snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy
Possible wildlife: frigate birds, sea lions, sea turtles, various coastal birds and sea birds, marine life.
What to bring: Bring your swimsuit and don`t forget your postcards.
PM: Florean - Crown of the Devil / Cormorant Point
Just off Florida Island is a fantastic snorkeling spot known as the Devil`s Crown. Several species of tropical fish can be seen, even galapagos sharks or white-tipped sharks. Sea lions can be seen hunting fish or playing among the shoals. Cormorant point on Florida Island is a great place to see flamingos living in salt water lagoons. Walking along the trail after the lagoon leads to a hidden beach great for walking on the soft sand. Be careful with your feet if you walk in the water, the stingrays love to stay here too.
Activities: Snorkeling and hiking
Difficulty: Snorkeling - Moderate to difficult / Walking - easy
Possible wildlife: frigate birds, sea lions, sea turtles, galapagos sharks, white-tipped sharks, tropical fish, various coastal birds and seabirds, marine life.
What to bring: If you have an underwater camera, the Devil`s Crown is one of the best places for snorkeling photography.
Saturday - Day 8
AM: San Cristobal Island - Interpretation Center / Galapaguera
In the interpretation center you will find a lot of information about the natural and geological history of the Galapagos Islands. It was opened in 1998 to help strengthen efforts to protect wildlife and the natural environment through population and tourism control.
Activities: Interactive exhibitions
Transfer to the airport
After this final visit, you will be transferred to the airport and your cruise will come to an end.
Itinerary B - Camila Cruise
Saturday - Day 1
AM: Arrival at San Cristobal Airport with transfer to M/T Camila
Welcome to the Galapagos Islands aboard M/T Camila. You will be welcomed by our guide and crew who will show you your accommodations. Afterwards, the guide and the cruise manager will brief you on all the safety and emergency protocols, different areas of the vessel and the normal routine of the itinerary.
PM: San Cristobal - Lobos Island/Kicker Rock
The Island of the Wolves has the correct name of the many sea lions that reside here resting and playing along the rocky coasts. It is also home to many birds such as pelicans, frigate birds and their nests, yellow warblers and much more. Inside the small channel the waters are very clear, making it easy to find sea turtles, sea lions, rays and maybe even white-tipped sharks.
The tipped rock is one of the most extraordinary places in the Galapagos Islands, made of two eroded volcanic cones that rise over the sea about 104 meters in the middle of the open waters. It is one of the best places in the Galapagos to see an incredible underwater life.
Activities: Short walks, swimming and snorkeling.
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, coastal birds, light-footed crabs, frigate birds, Galapagos sharks, schools of tropical fish, rays.
Sunday - Day 2
AM: San Cristobal - Pitt Point
When you arrive at Pitt Point, it will appear that we have landed on an alien planet. We will be able to see the many different developments over time of how volcanic activity formed this island. A walk to the top contemplates incredible views of the surrounding waters. Beware of blue-footed boobies nests on the ground and keep an eye on red-footed boobies nests in the trees when you reach the top of the island.
Activities: Hiking and kayaking.
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, various coastal birds, light-footed crabs, Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, red-footed boobies.
What to bring: Robust walking shoes and canes to help on uneven ground.
PM: San Cristobal - Witches Hill
Navigating with a panga, the guide and crew will show you incredible rock formations formed by the passage of time and the erosion of the sea. You will finally reach a beautiful white sand beach to spend time swimming or sunbathing. Swim with the sea lions or walk along the beach.
Activities: Panga walk, swim and snorkel.
Difficulty: Moderate
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, several coastal birds, light-footed crabs.
What to bring: Bathing suits and/or sandals or shoes for both land and water.
Monday - Day 3
AM: Española - Suarez Point
This is the only nesting site in Galapagos where the Wavy Albatross nests. They come back only once a year to find the same companion, year after year. They spend the rest of the year at sea. Besides these incredible birds, the Galapagos Falcons can also be seen.
Activities: Walking
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, marine iguanas, Galapagos falcon, wavy albatross, red-billed tropical birds, coastal birds, light-footed crabs.
What to bring: Robust walking shoes and canes to help on uneven ground.
PM: Española - Gardner Bay / Osborn Islet
Gardner Bay is a great place to see sea lions lurking on the beach while mockingbirds approach to see if they can steal water or crumbs. In time, the mockingbird received water and food from tourists which makes them not afraid to walk or land too close to people. It is very important not to feed or touch the animals. This can disturb their normal behavior and threaten their future.
Activities: Walking and swimming.
Difficulty: Easy
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, various coastal birds, mockingbirds, rays, sea turtles.
What to bring: Swimming clothes and shoes to get in and out of the water.
Tuesday - Day 4
AM: Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach
Bachas beach has beautiful green and blue waters that contrast along the black lava coast. In the air, several coastal birds fly in search of food. On the coast it is possible to explore the sand dunes and find a saltwater lagoon with pink flamingos.
Activities: Walking and swimming.
Difficulty: Easy
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, various coastal birds, mockingbirds, sea turtles, flamingos.
PM: Bartolome Island
This island is well known for its incredible remnants of volcano cones and distinct terrains such as the Pinnacle Rock. A walk will take you to the top of a lookout to see the entire Sullivan Bay. Maybe you can see lava lizards and several sea birds.
Activities: Walk on the sidewalk, snorkeling.
Difficulty: Easy
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, various coastal birds, lava lizards, frigate birds.
Wednesday - Day 5
AM: Rabida Island
This island is quite different from the others, because it has a very distinct and red gravel beach due to the amount of iron. Scuba diving can be done with spectacular views of tropical fish. Visitors like to walk along the beach and also visit the black lagoon with pink flamingos.
Activities: Walking on the beach, swimming and snorkeling.
Difficulty: Easy
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, coastal birds, pelicans, manta rays, sea turtles, pink flamingos, lava lizards, Galapagos doves, blue-footed boobie.
PM: Santiago Island - Port of Egass
This place is also known as James Bay, home to Galapagos falcons and lava lizards. The trails lead to a coastline with wonderful tidal pools full of fauna. Hairy" seals, different from common sea lions, can also be seen here.
Activities: Walking on the beach, swimming and snorkeling.
Difficulty: Easy
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, coastal birds, pelicans, rays, sea turtles, seals, marine iguanas, lava lizards, Galapagos doves, blue-footed boobie.
Thursday - Day 6
AM: Genovesa - Darwin Bay
A white sand coral beach leads to a walking trail through mangroves filled with different species of land birds and other famous species such as blue-footed boobie, red-footed boobie and swallow-tailed seagulls. At the end of the walk there are tide pools where you can find sea lions swimming playing and finally a spectacular view of a cliff.
Activities: Walking and/or snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, various coastal birds, red-footed boobie, blue-footed boobie, marine iguanas, lava lizards.
PM: Genovesa - El Barranco
El Barranco is also known as the Steps of Prince Philip. It is an extraordinary place in the flattest area of the island, in Darwin Bay. Be prepared to climb through a rocky crevice and then enjoy the trail for spectacular views. This is one of the few places for visitors where the three species of owl can be seen, as well as the short-eared owl.
Activities: Walk
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, all three species of mammals, short-eared owls, marine iguanas, Galapagos doves, storm petrels, finches, frigates.
Friday - Day 7
AM: Mosquera Islet
Mosquera Islet is a coral reef located between the islands of Baltra and North Seymour. It is the result of a volcanic uprising that made the islet only 160 meters in diameter in its narrowest width. It has one of the largest populations of sea lions and is home to many coastal birds. Occasionally, orcas can be seen hunting outside the shoreline.
Activities: Panga`s Walk
Difficulty: Easy
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, various coastal birds and seabirds, frigate birds, orcas.
PM: Santa Cruz: Highlands
The plateaus are located in the northern part of Santa Cruz and can reach elevations of up to 1500 meters. This area is full of hills, ferns, volcanoes and wildlife. A great contrast with the hardened lava beaches and the rocky areas of other islands already seen. It is home to giant turtles, mockingbirds, finches and many other species.
Activities: Walking
Difficulty: Moderate
Possible wildlife: Galapagos turtles, finches, mockingbirds, lava lizards, pintail ducks, other coastal birds.
Saturday - Day 8
AM: Northern Seymour
Explore the rocky coast of northern Seymour past colonies of blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigates. The island was formed by submarine lava expelled from the bottom of the ocean, carrying with it layers of sediment raised by tectonic activity. The island is characterized mainly by arid vegetation.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling, panga tour
Difficulty: Moderate
Possible wildlife: marine iguanas, frigate birds, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, finches, land iguanas.
Transfer to the airport
After this final visit, you will be transferred to the airport and your cruise will come to an end.
Itinerary A - Ocean Spray Cruise
Saturday - Day 1
AM: Arrival at San Cristobal Airport with transfer to M/T Ocean Spray
Welcome to the Galapagos Islands aboard M/T Camila. You will be welcomed by our guide and crew who will show you your accommodations. Afterwards, the guide and the cruise manager will brief you on all the safety and emergency protocols, different areas of the vessel and the normal routine of the itinerary.
PM: Chinese Hat
This place offers a view of Galapagos wildlife and well-preserved remains of volcanic rocks that cannot be found in such condition anywhere else. The name of the island is derived from the resemblance of an Asian type of hat. Here you can see American Ostercatchers and Galapagos penguins swimming along the shores.
Activities: Hiking, snorkeling
Difficulty: Moderate
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, coastal birds, white-cheeked ducks, penguins, Galapagos falcons, tropical fish, light-footed crabs.
Sunday - Day 2
AM: Isabela Island - Point Vicente Roca
Isabela Island is the largest of all Galapagos islands. It is best known as the island in the shape of a sea horse. While on the panga, keep an eye on the magnificent sunfish spring!
Activities: Scuba diving with oxygen cylinder and panga tour
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, blue-footed boobies, various coastal birds, sunfish molasses, sea turtles, Galapagos penguins, Nazca boobies, light-footed crabs sally.
What to bring: Waterproof camera bag or any electronic equipment brought to panga.
PM: Fernandina Island - Ponta Espinosa
Between the Bolivar Channel that divides the Isabela and Fernandina Islands is Ponta Espinosa. The highlight of this visit is the nesting colony of the flightless Cormoran, which with time lost its ability to fly due to distinct evolutions, helping it to swim better and faster. The incredible remains of solid magma are also seen here, but look where you are going since there are many marine iguanas walking around the island.
Activities: Walking
Difficulty: Moderate
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, various coastal birds, light-footed crabs, flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, seals and marine iguanas.
What to bring: Robust walking sticks and shoes.
Monday - Day 3
AM: Isabela - Tagus Cove
If you like historical remains, then you will like to find what was left behind by pirates and sailors in the 1800s. This place was one of their favorite stops while traveling the seas. The walk here will provide incredible views of the inlet and the other side of the mangrove forest, where the last 35 pairs of Mangrove finches thrive.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling and panga tour
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, various coastal birds, cormorants, Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas, lightfoot crabs, mango trees.
What to bring: Hiking sticks and sturdy walking shoes, the camera is a must!
PM: Isabela Island - Urbina Bay
The Bay of Urbina already existed millions of years ago at the bottom of the ocean. Volcanic movements caused it to rise and is now occupied by sea lions, land iguanas and flightless cormorants. It is a great place to enjoy some free time on the beach or take a walk.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling and panga tour
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, various coastal birds, flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, sea turtles, land iguanas, Galapagos falcon, light-footed crabs, Galapagos turtle.
Tuesday - Day 4
AM: Isabela Island - Elizabeth Bay
On the east coast of Isabela Island is Elizabeth Bay, with many islets. These parts are visited by panga and on the rocky shores can be seen Galapagos penguins. There is a great abundance of marine life that can be seen in the clear waters.
Activities: Panga tour
Difficulty: Easy
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, frigate birds, sea turtles, various coastal birds, cormorants, marine iguanas, pelicans, light-footed crabs, tropical fish and marine life such as galápagos sharks.
PM: Isabela Island - Ponta Moreno
Moreno Point`s beautiful rocky coastline offers a multitude of birds to be seen. It`s a real treat for bird-watchers. The main attraction is the coastal lagoons where white-tipped sharks can be seen and the panoramic views of the Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul volcanoes are not to be missed.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling and panga tour
Difficulty: Moderate:
Possible Wildlife: Sea lions, large blue herons, coastal birds, cormorants, marine iguanas, light-footed crabs, sea turtles, land iguanas, Galapagos falcon, Galapagos turtle.
Wednesday - Day 5
AM: Santa Cruz Island - Charles Darwin Station
The Charles Darwin Research Station is one of the most important places for visitors to Galapagos Island. It is a research facility that has an extensive collection of carefully preserved Galapagos plant life specimens and also acts as a biological research station and active reproduction center operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation.
Activities: Visit to the research station
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Possible wildlife: Galapagos turtles in captivity and various stages of turtles.
PM: Santa Cruz Island - Highlands
The plateaus are located in the northern part of Santa Cruz and can reach elevations of up to 1500 meters. This area is full of hills, ferns, volcanoes and wildlife. A great contrast with the molten lava beaches and the rocky areas of other islands already seen. It is home to giant turtles, mockingbirds, finches and many other species.
Thursday - Day 6
AM: Santa Fe Island
Santa Fe is home to the endemic Iguana Santa Fe. The island was created by a volcanic elevation that now houses a forest of Opuntia and Palo Santo trees. It is a picturesque island with two different trails, one that leads to a panoramic viewpoint and the other that leads to a small beach.
Activities: Trekking
Difficulty: Moderate
Possible wildlife: land iguanas from Santa Fe, frigates, light-footed crabs, sea lions, finches, several coastal birds.
What to bring: Sturdy walking shoes and canes.
PM: South Plazas Island
This small island with steep cliffs was formed by rising lava. It is home to one of the largest colonies of sea lions, as well as colorful land iguanas. The most characteristic plant of the island is the Sesuvio which turns bright red during the dry season, creating a contrast on the island. The surprising colors of the turquoise waters against the black lava create a setting for incredible photo opportunities.
Activities: Walking
Difficulty: Moderate
Possible wildlife: frigate birds, light-footed crabs, sea lions, land iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, various coastal birds and seabirds.
What to bring: Robust walking shoes and canes.
Friday - Day 7
AM: Española - Suarez Point
This is the only nesting site in Galapagos where the Wavy Albatross nests. They come back only once a year to find the same companion, year after year. They spend the rest of the year at sea. Besides these incredible birds, the Galapagos Falcons can also be seen.
Activities: Walking
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, marine iguanas, Galapagos falcon, wavy albatross, red-billed tropical birds, coastal birds, light-footed crabs.
What to bring: Robust walking shoes and canes to help on uneven ground.
PM: Española - Gardner Bay / Osborn Islet
Gardner Bay is a great place to see sea lions lurking on the beach while mockingbirds approach to see if they can steal water or crumbs. In time, the mockingbird received water and food from tourists which makes them not afraid to walk or land too close to people. It is very important not to feed or touch the animals. This can disturb their normal behavior and threaten their future.
Activities: Walking and swimming.
Difficulty: Easy
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, various coastal birds, mockingbirds, rays, sea turtles.
What to bring: Swimming clothes and shoes to get in and out of the water.
Saturday - Day 8
AM: San Cristobal Island - Interpretation Center / Galapaguera
In the interpretation center you will find a lot of information about the natural and geological history of the Galapagos Islands. It was opened in 1998 to help strengthen efforts to protect wildlife and the natural environment through population and tourism control. Today it is home to the capital of the Galapagos and is home to many government offices as well as part of the Ecuadorian Navy. Giant turtles are raised in the Galapagos and roam in a semi-natural habitat created by the center.
Activities: Interactive exhibitions
Possible wildlife: Giant turtles in various stages of their lives.
Transfer to the airport
After this final visit, you will be transferred to the airport and your cruise will come to an end.
Itinerary B - Ocean Spray Cruise
Saturday - Day 1
AM: Arrival at San Cristobal Airport with transfer to M/T Ocean Spray
Welcome to the Galapagos Islands aboard M/T Camila. You will be welcomed by our guide and crew who will show you your accommodations. Afterwards, the guide and the cruise manager will brief you on all the safety and emergency protocols, different areas of the vessel and the normal routine of the itinerary.
PM: San Cristobal - Lobos Island/Kicker Rock
The Island of the Wolves has the correct name of the many sea lions that reside here resting and playing along the rocky coasts. It is also home to many birds such as pelicans, frigate birds and their nests, yellow warblers and much more. Inside the small channel the waters are very clear, making it easy to find sea turtles, sea lions, rays and maybe even white-tipped sharks.
The tipped rock is one of the most extraordinary places in the Galapagos Islands, made of two eroded volcanic cones that rise over the sea about 104 meters in the middle of the open waters. It is one of the best places in the Galapagos to see an incredible underwater life.
Activities: Short walks, swimming and snorkeling.
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, coastal birds, light-footed crabs, frigate birds, Galapagos sharks, schools of tropical fish, rays.
Sunday - Day 2
AM: San Cristobal - Pitt Point
When you arrive at Pitt Point, it will appear that we have landed on an alien planet. We will be able to see the many different developments over time of how volcanic activity formed this island. A walk to the top contemplates incredible views of the surrounding waters. Beware of blue-footed boobies nests on the ground and keep an eye on red-footed boobies nests in the trees when you reach the top of the island.
Activities: Hiking and kayaking.
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, various coastal birds, light-footed crabs, Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, red-footed boobies.
What to bring: Robust walking shoes and canes to help on uneven ground.
PM: San Cristobal - Witches Hill
Navigating with a panga, the guide and crew will show you incredible rock formations formed by the passage of time and the erosion of the sea. You will finally reach a beautiful white sand beach to spend time swimming or sunbathing. Swim with the sea lions or walk along the beach.
Activities: Panga walk, swim and snorkel.
Difficulty: Moderate:
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, several coastal birds, light-footed crabs.
What to bring: Bathing suits and/or sandals or shoes for both land and water.
Monday - Day 3
AM: Floreana - Post Office Bay
Ask the Cruise Manager for one of our complimentary postcards to write a message and address it to home. Leave it in the barrel previously used by pirates and sailors. While you are there, see if there are any postcards you can take home to send to help people who have already left their messages!
Activities: Mail barrel, relaxing on the beach, swimming or snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy
Possible wildlife: frigate birds, sea lions, sea turtles, various coastal birds and sea birds, marine life.
What to bring: Bring your swimsuit and don`t forget your postcards.
PM: Florean - Ponto Cormorante / Devil`s Crown
Cormorant is an interesting place for visitors. Two beaches can be visited here, right after the first beach there is a saltwater lagoon with flamingos. One of the beaches looks green because of the olive crystals, and the other one is properly called Praia da Farinha because of the powdered white sand, made of fine and pulverized corals. Watch your feet if you walk in the water, the rays also love to stay here.
The Devil`s Crown boasts one of the best snorkeling opportunities. Below the surface are incredible volcanic structures that have submerged over time. Hundreds of colorful fish species can be seen along the reef, along with sharks, rays, sea turtles, sea lions and rays. It is a beautiful underwater spectacle that cannot be missed.
Activities: Diving with oxygen cylinder and hiking
Difficulty: Snorkeling - Moderate to difficult / Walking - easy
Possible wildlife: frigate birds, sea lions, sea turtles, galapagos sharks, white-tipped sharks, tropical fish, various coastal birds and seabirds, varied marine life.
What to bring: If you have an underwater camera, the Devil`s Crown is one of the best places to bring it during snorkeling.
Tuesday - Day 4
AM: Santa Cruz - Black Turtle Cove
Black Turtle Cove is located on the north side of Santa Cruz Island. This shallow inlet is surrounded by mangroves and provides natural protection for a variety of marine life, attracting the vulnerable juveniles of many species. Below the water surface, you can see both black and white-tipped coral reef sharks, sea turtles, golden cow-nose rays and spotted eagle rays. Blue-footed pelicans and oobies hunt here, diving gracefully into the water.
Activities: Panga tour
Difficulty: Easy
Possible wildlife: White-tipped sharks, rays, sea turtles, sea lions and several coastal birds.
PM: Bartolomeu - Pinnacle Rock
The Pinnacle Rock is a volcanic cone formed by magma expelled by an underwater volcano. The sea cooled the hot lava and the contact caused an explosion, the pieces formed together this huge rock with many layers of basalt. The huge rock also has a beach where a small population of green sea turtles nests during the breeding season. Galapagos penguins gather here and swimming can offer beautiful views of colorful shoals of fish and curious sea lions.
Activities: Walk, snorkel and panga tour
Difficulty: Moderate
Possible wildlife: Galapagos penguins, lightfoot crabs, sea lions, rays, sea turtles, sharks, tropical fish, coastal birds.
Wednesday - Day 5
AM: Genovesa - Darwin Bay
A white sand coral beach leads to a walking trail through mangroves filled with different species of land birds and other famous species such as blue-footed boobie, red-footed boobie and swallow-tailed seagulls. At the end of the walk there are tide pools where you can find sea lions swimming playing and finally a spectacular view of a cliff.
Activities: Walking and/or snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, various coastal birds, red-footed boobie, blue-footed boobie, marine iguanas, lava lizards.
PM: Genovesa - El Barranco
El Barranco is also known as the Steps of Prince Philip. It is an extraordinary place in the flattest area of the island, in Darwin Bay. Be prepared to climb through a rocky crevice and then enjoy the trail for spectacular views. This is one of the few places for visitors where the three species of owl can be seen, as well as the short-eared owl.
Activities: Walk
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, all three species of mammals, short-eared owls, marine iguanas, Galapagos doves, storm petrels, finches, frigates.
Thursday - Day 6
AM: Santiago - Praia de Espumilla / Buccaneer Cove
As the second island discovered by Charles Darwin, it was originally named King James of England. Buccaneer Cove is an excellent opportunity for snorkeling and was once a refuge for passing sailors and pirates. The underwater formations provide an amazing home for the many species of tropical fish that can be found here.
Activities: Snorkeling and swimming, short walk on the beach
Difficulty: Easy
Possible wildlife: marine iguanas, sea lions, coastal birds, tropical fish, rays, sea turtles, light-footed crabs.
PM: Santiago Island - Port of Egas
This place is also known as James Bay, home to Galapagos falcons and lava lizards. The trails lead to a coastline with wonderful tidal pools full of fauna. Hairy" seals, different from common sea lions, can also be seen here.
Activities: Walking on the beach, swimming and snorkeling.
Difficulty: Easy
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, coastal birds, pelicans, rays, sea turtles, seals, marine iguanas, lava lizards, Galapagos doves, blue-footed boobie.
Friday - Day 7
AM: Northern Seymour
Explore the rocky coast of northern Seymour past colonies of blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigates. The island was formed by submarine lava expelled from the bottom of the ocean, carrying with it layers of sediment raised by tectonic activity. The island is characterized mainly by arid vegetation.
Activities: Walking, snorkeling, panga tour
Difficulty: Moderate
Possible wildlife: marine iguanas, frigate birds, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, finches, land iguanas.
PM: Santa Cruz: Highlands
The plateaus are located in the northern part of Santa Cruz and can reach elevations of up to 1500 meters. This area is full of hills, ferns, volcanoes and wildlife. A great contrast with the hardened lava beaches and the rocky areas of other islands already seen. It is home to giant turtles, mockingbirds, finches and many other species.
Activities: Walk
Difficulty: Moderate
Possible wildlife: Galapagos turtles, finches, mockingbirds, lava lizards, pintail ducks, other coastal birds.
Saturday - Day 8
AM: Mosquera Islet
Mosquera Islet is a coral reef located between the islands of Baltra and North Seymour. It is the result of a volcanic uprising that made the islet only 160 meters in diameter in its narrowest width. It has one of the largest populations of sea lions and is home to many coastal birds. Occasionally, orcas can be seen hunting outside the shoreline.
Activities: Panga`s Walk
Difficulty: Easy
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, various coastal birds and seabirds, frigate birds, orcas.
Transfer to the airport
After this final visit, you will be transferred to the airport and your cruise will come to an end.