Tuesday - 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: 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 2
AM: Genovesa - Darwin Bay
Darwin Bay used to be a shield volcano, now you can see where one side of its caldera collapsed after hundreds of years of erosion. It is known for the great variety of birds that can be seen. It is estimated that more than 20,000 red-footed boobies live inside the trees and bushes of Genovesa Island.
Activities: Hiking, panga walk, snorkeling
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Possible wildlife: Red-footed boobies, blue-footed boobies, Nazca tits, swallow-tailed gulls, finches, various coastal birds, rays, tropical fish species, marine iguanas, sea lions.
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. It is also home to a forest of Palo Santo that houses the nests of Red-footed boobies and other birds.
Activities: Walking, panga tour, snorkeling
Difficulty: Moderate
Possible wildlife: Red-footed boobies, storm petrels, Galapagos doves, short-eared owls, sea turtles, stingrays, sharks, sea lions, marine iguanas.
Thursday - Day 3
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 - Port of Egas
The port of Egas is also known as James Bay, home to Galapagos` fast-footed lava lizards. There are caves and tidal pools that shelter all kinds of marine species. This is also one of the best places for snorkeling on the Galapagos Islands.
Activities: Snorkeling, walking
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Possible wildlife: Sea lions, Galapagos falcons, oyster fishermen, marine iguanas, finch fish, sharks, sea turtles, tropical fish.
Friday - Day 4
AM: North Seymour Island
The island was named after the English nobleman Lord Hugh Seymour. Formed by underwater lava, the island is home to a huge colony of about 2,500 land iguanas and large populations of sea lions, blue-footed boobies, common noddies and frigates. Along the coast, it is possible to see land and sea iguanas and the largest colony of Magnificent Frigate birds.
Activities: Scuba diving with oxygen cylinder, panga tour, walk
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Possible wildlife: land and sea iguanas, frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, common noddies, sea lions.
PM: Santa Cruz - Highlands
The Santa Cruz Highlands is a very interesting place due to the rich fauna, hills, ferns, volcanoes and lava tubes present. The exploration of the lava tubes is a surreal and unique experience. Here you can see all the different agricultural areas that are present in the Galapagos Islands in one place. The variety of birds makes it an unforgettable visit for bird watchers.
Activities: Hiking
Difficulty: Moderate
Possible wildlife: Galapagos wild turtles, several lizard birds, lava lizards.
Saturday - Day 5
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: Short 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.